Mountain Maketh Man

Manal Bole
Mar 19, 2018
5 min read

They say "man can move mountains", I feel like its the other way around. Mountains can move man, and do, every single time, in a unique way. The connection between Mountain and Man has been a funny one. Man went from carving roads through mountains to establish civilizations, to now finding an escape in mountains in need for fresh air, away from the same civilizations that she/he gave rise to. This blog is the first part of my attempt to express my recent escape to this marvel which is Uttarakhand.

Muntanji: Mountain (in Maltese)

I learnt this word during my journey to Deoriatal and Choptha, from where I would witness the greatest of all; The Himalayan range.

Muntanji stuck with me through the trip. Muntanji reminded me of my grandparents in a way. If I had to personify mountains, they would be really old, wise, experienced individuals with a grand personality.

Muntanji reminded me of the respect that needed to be bestowed upon the mere peek of the grand-parents, and peak of the Himalayas.

Muntanji reminded me of the sheer wisdom they both have to impart with the countless stories they have gathered to narrate. You only must be willing to listen.

Muntanji reminded me of how patient one must be, how many struggles they must positively take in their stride to be the grand they are today.

Feeling: Humbled, Content, and Lost

Playlist Essentials: Yun hi chala chal rahi (Film: Swades) Phir Se Ud Chala (Film: Rockstar)

Take Me Home Country Roads – John Denver Seve - Tez Cadey

Taro- Alt J

The XX- Intro

I'm gonna be (500 Miles) - The Proclaimers

Walk on the Wild Side- Lou Reed

The Sound You Need (Youtube Channel)

Coldplay

Destination and How to get there: Deoriatal & Choptha (2 Nights, 3 Days)

From Delhi: Drive to Dehradun (6 hours), then take a bus to Ukhimath (7 hours), take a shared taxi to Sari Village (Base for Deoriatal trek) (45 minutes) From Kotdwara: Take a bus to Rudraprayag (7 hours), take a shared taxi to Ukhimath (2 hours), take a shared taxi to Sari Village (Base for Deoriatal trek) (45 minutes) The bus ticket costs approximately 150 to 300 ₹ depending on the boarding point

The shared taxi ranges from 50 to 150 ₹ depending on the boarding point

The Humble Abode & Guides:

Deoriatal: Mr. Umendra Negi, and his father Mr. Surendra Singh Negi are the ones responsible for me bragging about this destination. Their warm smiles, sweetened chai, unmatchable speed while trekking uphill, and soup surprises amidst the biting cold are only the beginning of their hospitality. They provide tents, sleeping bags and mattresses for camping as well.

You can get through to them at:

Mr. Surendra Singh Negi: 8958329376 Mr. Umendra Negi: +918958647802 and +919456534062

Choptha: Neelkanth Camps near Choptha is a decent lodge with well equipped Swiss tents on snow-covered mountains. www.euttaranchal.com was my go-to for this well planned itinerary. The detailed itinerary with the cost is as follows: Day 1: Arrive at Sari Village, trek to Deoriatal. Evening snacks and dinner. Camping in Deoriatal.

Day 2: Breakfast, trek down to Sari Village. Arrive in Chopta and enjoy the lunch. Trek to Tungnath and Chandrashilla. Evening snacks and Dinner.

Day 3: Breakfast and Departure. Cost Per Person: ₹ 3200/- Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast (all veg), Morning Tea, Evening Tea with Snacks, Camping Charges, Forest Fees, Guide Service. Exclusions: GST Extra (5%), Transportation, Any other personal Expense, Anything not mentioned in Inclusions.

Checklist: - Odomos - Torch - Trekking Shoes - A minimum of 4 layers of clothing - Gloves - Woolen Caps - Woolen Socks - Thermals - Scarf/Muffler

- An extra blanket (Trust me on this one)

- Camera (You don't want to miss out on capturing these memories)

- Hiking Stick

- Power Bank (Though there's barely any network) - Your Music

- A book to read

- A notepad and a pen to record your antics

- Toilet Paper - A bag to dispose your garbage - Some snacks for the journey

Do not miss: 1. The stars. Deoriatal in December at 7:30 pm is where you want to be if you ever thought you could reach the stars and grab them in your empty palms. This particular moment is when I felt a galaxy of emotions; grateful, insignificant, lucky, overjoyed, and content all at the same time.

2. The Pit-stops. While trekking your way up to Deoriatal, stop by at small shops that serve you cold lemonade, and sip patiently with the royal view of the snow-capped mountains.

3. Pooping in the wide-open forest. There's a sense of freedom and adventure that comes with this experience. You'll only know once you're walking towards the portable washroom in the middle of the night with a torch, praying that a leopard doesn't stop by to say hello.

4. The Sunrise & The Sunset. The lake at Deoriatal reflects the great Himalayas at sunrise and sunset. If you're expecting me to justify why you need to see this, reconsider this trip altogether.

5. Chatting with Mr. Surendra Singh Negi. The old man and your guide climbs uphill quicker than you can imagine. One of the oldest and most experienced guides in the vicinity, he is sure to entertain and inspire you with his one-of-a-kind trekking stories.

6. Walk up to Choptha. Care for a long walk? If you stay at Neelkanth Camps, a 7 km uphill walk to Choptha is beautiful beyond measure. On your way up, keep an eye out for red-backed foxes and other unique flora and fauna.

7. Trek up to Tungnath and Chandrashila. Located at a height of about 4000 mtrs. above sea-level, these peaks provide a breath-taking view of the Himalayas. One of the most challenging and enchanting trails, make sure you reach the base i.e. Choptha early morning by 10 AM to get back in time before the sun sets.

8. Bonfire. Admit it, camping is incomplete without a bonfire! More importantly, I think you'll need it to survive at (-5) degrees.

9. Reading with a view. If you get thrills from extreme adventure, do sit outside with some coffee and a book while internalizing the majestic view.

10. Make a snowman/ Start a snowball fight with strangers. The sheer joy derived from the sight of snow is only doubled once you feel the frost on your bare hands. Don't be shy to start a snowball fight with strangers, you might make some friends, or enemies.

Stuff your rucksack, wear your trekking boots and leave home to find yourself in another home!

"If you want to know what someone fears losing, watch what they capture":