2. First Himalayan Base Camp - Kasol / Accidental Trekker Series

     PC :Malay Majee

With a group of 15 Boys and Girls who did not speak my language to a land where people did not speak my language either, I stepped into my first Himalayan base camp Kasol. 

Trekking all day, staying in tents, seeing snow, staying out of network coverage,being amidst nature for 11 days and many more first time experiences awaiting.I was supposed to be excited about all these as I entered the base camp that afternoon. But my inner voice sounded different:  " Why is my ear blocked? Why am I finding difficulty in breathing? I seem to have headache! Vomiting sensation ( Oh this is cos I haven't eaten anything since morning) .. Am I already old for trekking? ( my whole group is couple of years younger to me !) .. Never mind age is just a number. Once I eat something I will be fine .. NEVER GIVE UP ...." 

Just 15 minutes into the campsite, and all my concerns got addressed. Kasol is at an altitude of 5,184 ft above sea level . The altitude and air pressure is something we need to get acclimatized to. That's why we will start trekking only from Day 4. Headache ,ear pain, difficulty to breathe , vomiting sensation are nothing but normal. And Yes, Age is really just a number .For, there were trekkers from 12 to 80 years of age (I soon felt silly about myself, to have trivialized myself as a senior citizen). 

                      PC: https://www.duskydawn.com/

That evening , we went for a walk across the banks of the river Parvathi. I still continued feeling silly about how I underestimated my own self. I told to myself , "  In actuality , we are the youngest trekkers in the batch of 50 people with whom we are going to trek for the next 11 days.  Also I am fit , I have done enough cardio training and I will successfully finish the trek and never doubt on my abilities. As always NEVER GIVE UP ..." .

This marked the beginning of growing mentally strong. I was looking forward for many superficial first time experiences . But this is my actual take away. The mountains made me gain self confidence. They made me grow mentally strong. All my life I was backed by Parents , Teachers , Friends, Colleagues who told me that I am the Best. But for the first time , I sat back on the banks of a river, and reassured my own self. Tough I did not transform into a mentally strong ultra confident person overnight, the journey surely began on the banks of the river Parvathi.

As we walked back to the base camp from the river bank, my friends reminded me that there will be campfire tonight and I need to sing. We also started match fixing about how my friends shall shout "Once more .. Once more" after my song, to make me feel like a singing superstar. Half dreamy, half nervous , I began practicing Aalap of Raag Bageshree in my head ...

When I had difficulty in breathing itself, How did I manage to sing Raag Bageshree!?

Wait for my next Post

Your Sincere Accidental Trekker,

Charita Kallihal

PS: Visit my friend's Travel Website to Know about Kasol

https://www.duskydawn.com/trip-to-kasol/