Billing Department Adventure Club planned to visit Kashmir Valley during current four holidays of Aushra. It was 18 hours continuous car journey from Lahore to Kel in Kashmir via Murree, Muzafarbad and further 3 hours by jeep up to our camp site at Upper Domail.
Our camps and preparing dinner for the night, we haven’t had breakfast or lunch in last 18 hours.
Our plan was hike up to Lake, a 8 to 9 hours hike and climb of 4000 feet in 10 KM, spend night in camps there and return next day. In morning we were told that we cant have porters to carry camps and other equipment, so decided to give a try to reach lake and return same day which seems impossible by any standard.
As we started the hike, enthusiasm was at peak, full of energy. Everyone was seems walking fast, perhaps feel of early morning cool and pure air, scent of fresh green grass was casting magic.
Soon nature canvas changes and we finds ourselves walking on rock, boulders and sometime scenes changes in flash and we finds ourselves in lush green valleys.
With time we were gaining height also but it was gentle ascend and bearable on body and particularly legs and knees. An hour passed and we find ourselves in thick forest. There was no proper track, trees were not so lofty but more greener and full of leaves. This reduces light but nature smell was cool and pleasant. In fact we felt passing thru dark jungle, only sound of leaves breaking under boots, I was reminded of childhood stories of Sundarbans national park and jungle.
As jungle spell is broken, we find ourselves in narrow Gorge, it was beauty. Water was roaring down over the stones and water was sprinkling and bubbling into the air, at time you see a rainbow over fast flowing water. Is it Paradise?
There was still more surprises for us. Now we have to climb almost vertically for over 30 feet. Initially one shivers to see the height, angle and shape of rocks. In few seconds fear is gone and one is overwhelmed by the challenge ahead and you just took first step. Many of the time you are climbing with four-wheel-drive i.e. with both feet and hands on the rock, looking for grip and support. Dangerous but full of thrill and one are forced to feel enjoyment.
Now we walked thru a small valley but had to climb again and we were told, it last but some difficult part and we feel that will be also the best choice exercise our body movement. Wish so we had small rest, had juices, dry fruit, dates and biscuits to boost our energy power.
At around 1 PM we reached a vast valley, surrounded by lofty peaks and dotted with snow. We could easily count 5 waterfalls coming out of snow patches, high on these peaks. Sun shine was enjoyable and there was slight cool breeze. We were told that Chitta Katha Lake adventure is waiting for us on base of mountain in front of us but further needs around 3 to 4 hours tough hike. None of us was delighted to hear that, but still tried to give a try. A further 30 minutes walk over hard rocks, every one gives up, perhaps their DNA didn’t allow to retreat and they love challenges and thrill of mountains is in their blood.
When we returned back and shared pictures of lakes with our other follower, we felt sorry to miss the real beauty of nature hidden and an enjoyable adventure moments that is full of risk over the rugged mountains, where only bravest could dare to reach.
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