Experiencing Mount Bhadraj - Uttarakhand

Mount Bhadraj -  Dehradun – 29^th Sep 2017

It was Sep last week 2017. I was at our Dehradun learning center for facilitating a program. Pegasus Dehradun Centre is located near village Dibli at a driving distance of 45 min. from Dehradun & at the foothills of Mount Bhadraj. This was going to be my very first interaction with Bhadraj.

A beautiful temple is located right atop Mount Bhadraj dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra, brother of Lord Krishna. This temple offers a splendid view of the Doon Valley, Chakrata ranges and the Jaunsar Bawar area of Himalayas. Trekking distance from Pegasus camp to the temple is approximately 11 kms. Bhadraj is a local Dainty for the villages located on these ranges which spread right till Mussoorie.

While I was in camp, this peak which was peeping from behind the mountains next door had attracted my attention. I was lucky to get one zero day on 29^th Sep in between two programs. I asked our Camp manager ‘Capt. Karnel singh’…’sir ji, kal Bhadraj chadhna chahti hun. Aap ka kya sujhav hai?’ and I found him extremely happy. He said ‘kyu nai madam ji aap bilkul jaoge. Ek banda aap ke sath deta hun wo aap ko le jaega’. Now it was my turn of getting into dilemma. My co-faculty Samrat had threatened me (on a lighter side) that ‘if you fall sick & not able to facilitate next program, I will kill you.’  :(

But then it is all about YOLO. " Kal kisne dekha hai! "

So I decided to dedicate one day to this expedition. On 29^th Sep I was ready with my sleeves rolled up and socks pulled up. One of the Jr. faculties Rajesh (Hrrrrjeshh is how Karnel singh ji calls him) who is a resident of Dibli was all equipped with a sack full of juices, water bottle & Sooji ka halwa as prashad for Bhadraj. He was my guide for the day. We both started at about 7.30am. 

 We came to Rajesh’s village on the way. Small beautiful houses next to the paddy fields. In each house, the Corns garlands were hanging from the roofs. Rajesh told me that they will be used for making corn flour which is used as local staple food. We ascended towards the mountain ranges where from steep ascend started. 

It was not a normal trekking route but it was a cowboy’s route from where the cattle are taken for grazing. At many places it did not even have a walking track & we had to walk through the knee tall grass. The beauty of this route was that I could see a virgin flora & fauna of Himalayas. Tall trees of Deodar accompanied us for some time. At a particular height the tree line ended and all I could see was the carpet of flowers spread across the ridges. There were variety of flowers with beautiful colors. To make a full justice to the scenery, there were different species of Butterflies which flaunted beautiful shapes & colours. I also got to see so many types of flower bees which would buzz away as soon as I would walk across their territory. The air had a toxic fragrance good enough to make one forget the materialistic pleasures.

The climb was quite tough. Continuous steep gradient, extremely narrow tracks and rough terrain was creating a challenging climbing experience for me. While climbing the temple was completely shadowed by the progressively taller hills. And when I was least expecting, the temple suddenly appeared on the canvas of clear blue skies. Painted in white it appeared in front of me still far away in 2’O clock direction. 


Rajesh was a very smart person & the moment he would feel that I am tired, he would start telling me interesting tales of the temple & places around. I discovered its mythological relevance with the life of lord Bal Bhadra. On our way, we saw ‘Gujjar huts’ which are used as temporary shades by the shepherds to spend the nights while they are away from their villages in the mountains grazing the cattle. Rajesh showed me his family hut & invited me to spend 2-3 days there with his family when they all gather there around Rakshabandhan times for ‘Mela’.

I was also aware of the role of Bhadraj Hills in the early training days of Gentleman Cadets of Indian Military Academy (IMA). Since ages this mountain is being used for training the GCs through various night drills. Needless to say, my heart was filled with pride & joy.

The climate was changing in no time. Sometimes it would shine bright & within few minutes the clouds would eclipse the Sun to get cool breeze flowing in. Slowly I had moved above clouds. With the blow of wind, the clouds would climb from one side of the ridge & float to the other side like a sweep of white woollen shawl.

With all my baby steps & Rajesh’s motivational talks, I scaled Bhadraj (Altitude 7100ft / 2151mtrs) in 4 hours. 

The temple was under renovation & thus the idols were put up in a small temple just next to the main temple. Pujari ji was Rajesh’s cousin. He was a smart young man in blue kurta. He and Rajesh offered Naivedyam to the Gods. I am not an idol worshiper but still became a part of the Puja which was portraying deep faith of local people in Bal Bhadra. 

From the top we could see Mussoorie. At far distance we could see the glaciers of Kedarnath & other famous Himalayan peaks. They were reflecting bright sunlight glowing like gold. 

After consuming prashad sitting in the shade of trees, we started descending. The route downhill was so tricky that if Rajesh would not have been there, I would have surely lost my way. There were many ridges & each ridge would lead you to some or the other village. 

We reached downhill in 1 ½ hour. On the way, Rajesh took me to his home & introduced me to his big family. Very simple yet very loving people. They forced me to have food but after my humble denial his lovely wife brought a big glass of hot milk for me which was very refreshing. His old parents were very happy that I had visited their dainty. And I was still floating on the clouds & enjoying the flashes of flora & fauna of Bhadraj.

Today, all I need to do is close my eyes & transport myself to those times & everything comes alive.

Lingana Pinnacle-1000ft Climb & rappling experience

19th 20th Dec. 2014 - Lingana - 1000 ft rock climbing & Rappeling

Lingana, the name always attracted me for dual reason – 1000ft hard rock climb & rappelling down in a dead drop valley. This pinnacle is situated in Raigadh district right in front of Kille Raigadh. It was being used for keepings the captives serving lifer during the rule of Raja Shiv Chattrapati. The whole idea of Lingana Climb reminds you of the movie ‘Where Eagles dare’.

I was excited enough to jump in & book my seat in no time when ‘Explorers’ declared this event. We were a group of 8 people & I was again the only lady. We all were completely unknown to each other. We started from Explorer’s office sometimes in the afternoon in a TT. Soon as the rubber hit the road, the facilitator in me got into the introduction session & many common connects were discovered including the trekking experiences. We reached Village Mohori, a base village by evening. 

Golden sun was setting behind the peak of Lingana that was visible from the vast plateau covered with golden grass. A small hut kind of place was right in the middle of this pasture where we were put up for the night. The evening was spent in dim lights, playing cards, chatting, sitting around chullha and trying hand on ‘Bajra Bhakri’ with the local women. After having sumptuous countryside dinner with Pithla-Bhakri, Mirchi cha kharda, Papad etc. we hit the sack & tried to grab some sleep.

At 2am we got ready to march towards Lingana with our head lamps on. After a walk of half an hour in pitch dark jungle, we reached a narrow descend called ‘Nali chi vaat’. Descending down this gorge was a challenge in itself due to almost 70 degrees slope, lose soil, small boulders which would be fatal for the one descending ahead of you if it slips because of your foot thump, the need of holding the body weight towards hill side and to top it all, only 10% visibility due to torch lights. One had to be very careful & alert. Finally by the break of dawn we were at the foothills of Lingana.

Lingana- the name is derived very aptly from its resemblance to ‘Shiv ling’. Made of solid rocks, standing 1000ft erect, this wonder of nature nearly looks impossible. Only hope was the centre rope which had been laid by team Explorers & would pass through the D -hooks bolted at distances right till the top of this mighty hump. We started scaling the vertical limits almost immediately. Adrenaline was at its best when we were climbing on the bare chest of this absolute ruthless Maddie keeping a deep, merciless valley behind our back.

The climb was absolutely fantastic for those who enjoy the feel of life at each moment on the background of death. Continuous ascent of 80 – 90 degrees where the rocks are standing right touching your nose tip, you are using your fingertips & toes for taking the hold in the crevices before you push your body up either pulling the centre rope or using your triceps. Explorers had arranged for 2 tier safety,1. through the belay rope attached to the carabiner of my harness 2. A tape sling with carabiner for self- anchoring with the centre rope dangling next to me. This rope would also help me pull myself up during no-hold times. Anand & his team were extremely alert & constantly motivating us to go higher n higher. When we reached half way, we all halted in a small cave where we got some refreshment & little rest. 

From there the second stretch started. At one point while waiting for the belay rope to come down, I was sitting facing the valley. The stress of tough climb, the ambiguity of what is next challenge had got me into mental tiredness. I was cursing myself for leaving those comforts & safety in my life back there and coming here to take all this stress & stretch. Soon I was again back on track, chin up (literally) & moving upward in inches & feet.

Finally, I was there, on the summit of Lingana. I was the second person to reach. All I did was laid down on the soil, looked at the stark open deep blue sky & offered my gratitude to the supreme. In next 2 min. I had slipped into deep sleep. After 20 min I woke up feeling much fresh & back in my elements. By then 4 others had reached the top. It was an amazing view from the top plateau which is not more than 100sq ft of flat space. Lovely morning Sunlight was warming the body, Kille Raigad was standing gracefully at some distance, Kille Torna showing up from far away distance near horizon & many known unknown mountains surrounding us in a protective manner. Thanks to the clear skies 

After good round of photo session, we rappelled downhill in 2 stages which hardly took any time. As I reached the foothills, I knelt down facing Lingana & bowed down with a great pleasure in my heart. He had been kind enough to let us negotiate with him & enjoy our pick of adventure safely. I promised him to come back again.

I have understood that I love that peculiar taste of fear in my mouth when it looks nearly  impossible. However the bug of adventure has bitten so badly  that after every certain period, the challenge keeps calling & pulling me to identify new fears & push my limits only to be left with  one feeling .......
Yes, I am alive.

I have also learnt that even if the group is unknown to each other, it still becomes very easy to connect & become one team  because everyone has same goal, same objective to achieve. I met new friends Amol, Prasad, Srikant, Kishor, Sachin and we continued being together on many treks then after.  

Experiencing Konkankada - Harishchandragad 1800ft rappeling

15^th March 2014 - Harishchandragad-Konkan Kada Rappeling 1800ft.

Indeed I am experiencing a feeling of deep satisfaction that one gets on living her own dream…the dream of rappelling down Konkan Kada some day... the highest rappelling track of Maharashtra (1800ft). 

In childhood I had been to Harishchandragad once for trekking. I had heard a lot about konkankada, its massive depth, its hugeness & had heard a famous tale of how one trekker had jumped to death by falling in love with this nature’s wonder. I badly wanted to see it that time but missed the opportunity as the weather had suddenly turned all foggy with very poor visibility. It stayed in my heart like an unfulfilled wish.

I was continuously on a look out for the rappelling event to happen at Konkankada & I got the opportunity through Adventure-aim. The event was planned on 15^th March 2014.

I packed my backpack on 14^th March 14 with the plan of going from Pune to Karjat by train where the other members of the team were assembling. I met Deepak our trek leader and other team who was equally excited for this experience. Train arrived and we mounted the train to kasara. I got introduced to few other team mates who were travelling from CST. As I had very much expected, I was the only lady among 17 other Men. 

We reached Kasara at 1.15am. We climbed the jeeps to go to Paachni village at the foothills of Harishchandragad. I was allotted the pillion seat as a part of chivalry. On the way at about 2am we stopped on Mumbai Nasik highway near a toll post for tea. I was damn hungry as had just hogged some stupid sandwich in Local train. I had few glucose biscuits with 2 cups of tea & we proceeded to Paachni. We reached Paachni at 5am, waited for some time to just settle down and started our climb after 15 min. It was a steep climb at some places else it was pretty pleasant, unlike other 4 routes of Harishchandragad. Now we all had started mixing with each other. So far we were walking in the light of torches as it was still dark. We reached a top at the break of first light and now we were able to see each others’ faces properly.We started our trek towards Konkan Kada at about 8am. En-route had tasty Poha for breakfast. Cool breeze, lush green surrounding, our walking route through a forest, chirping of birds, golden sunlight and serenity was making it a perfect day for the forthcoming experience. 

And here it was…. A beast … a wonder of nature… a marvel… such a lofty structure…uff!  I was completely spellbound looking at this dreaded beauty. A deep moon shaped rock cut which one cannot see by peeping down standing on its rim. One has to totally surrender himself, lie flat with face down to look down the top. I also got to see tremendous surface folds of Mother earth which are named as Sahyadri ranges spread till horizon. I suddenly felt a gush of emotions for my Sahyadri my love .. its massive ranges.. its solid rock structure.. the cuts.. the curves.. valleys & peaks. Everything attracts me so much. It just mesmerizes me like it does to any other sahyadri trekker. It is so reliable for trekkers due to the type of rock it is formed of and it lets them climb up n down its structures like a mother happily lets her child play on & off her own body. Someday I would like to draw an imaginary human figure of ‘Sahyadri’ stout persona with long black beard, well built body with broad chest, bulky biceps and heart shaped calves, well cut face with sharp nose and powerful glittering eyes sealed with a mysterious yet pleasant smile on face.  

So here I was, lying down on my tummy watching n absorbing the beauty of Konkan Kada. We clicked lots of snaps but its hugeness is beyond capturing on any canvas.

One by one we all got ready wearing our harnesses, mittens, safety headgear & courage up our sleeves.  I was on 4^th Number and was waiting for my turn. And here it was…I got ready with necessary ropes and carabiners and slowly came on the ridge to start my rappel. That was the time I felt proud of myself for making it possible to come and participate in spite of so many adversities, for maintaining the fitness level even after two kids & maddening routine. I thanked all those things and all those people who have made my life beautiful. I am a strong believer of YOLO theory which says You Only Live Ones (YOLO). So if it was a time for me to call it life, I was ready to face my death with all the lovely memories in my heart.

But I was sure I got lot many years to live coz I crossed this first patch very successfully. Till first few feet, I could rappel and soon I had an overhang where I had to leave my legs off the rock and hang on the rope while keeping descending continued. The mittens would get so hot due to friction with rope that I would feel as if my palms would burn. I could not see down as I did not want to feel de motivated by learning the depth of the phase. But I slowed down in between and kept watching the huge rock of konkan kada on my left. It was as if calling me spreading its huge arms. I could see that phase of the cliff which only Eagles can probably see. I slid down further and reached the base of first phase.

Now next was the biggest patch ever. The lead rope was tied up to pulley coz a person would take anything from 10 min to 15 min to rappel down this stage. We heard Ashok Vada sliding down the initial one yelling loudly "Darr ke aage jeet hai’. We all started laughing n said "Magar darr to aage hai..aaja tu bhi gang main shamil ho ja". As I started rappelling down, I found the feeding rope to be very tight. So I told the assistant to ask the below standing one on walkie talkie to loosen the belay rope a bit. Now I started rappelling down but the feeding rope was damn tight, mainly coz it was very long thus very heavy to pull and feed the carabiner. Half way down I noticed that the feeding rope hanging sideways and was sliding upward as I was descending downward. And these men standing below had tied the safety gears and harnesses of the already descended participants to this rope so as to send it to those standing on top. Moreover that rope had twisted with my belay rope below me. I then stopped and held the carabiner and the belay rope with one hand, bent down and unwound the twist. Then it became a bit lose. When I tried to see where I have reached, I could not see anyone but just the rope going down. I went down patiently. I was panting and was thirsty. At one point I actually found some toe space and leaned on the rock in front to rest for few seconds.
I drank good amount of water and halted for some time after reaching the base of 800ft. 

Now was last rappel of 300 ft. others had already gone down and Prashant was about to go. I was yet to gain my relaxation of arm muscles but the assistant asked me if I want to go as prashant still wanted some more time. So I thought let me go and complete it once for all. I went ahead and rappelled this last phase immediately. It was a good phase with quite a smooth rock surface at the end. And finally I had completed the rappelling of 1800ft. 

I had enjoyed every bit of it and probably I would have loved to go for another 1800 ft again. It was a dream come true… because I had measured my endurance, my fitness, my courage, my adventure bone & I was happy that it was the same at the age of 39 as it would be at 20… even after bearing two kids. I had competed with myself & I had succeeded.

Craziest experience - I left home at 7.30pm, arrived on Pimpri railway station and while taking the ticket I remembered that I was actually supposed to go to Kalyan and not Karjat. Oh God! I It was a big blunder that I had done. The train to Kasara was at 12.10 am from Kalyan and my local to lonavala was at 8.30pm which would reach lonavala at 9.30pm. How the hell were I going to reach Kalyan in available time. I was numb and shocked. I thought of all the consequences like what if I cancel the event, what if I don’t reach on time, what if I go back home and each of the options told me that you can not go back. I spoke to Deepak our team leader and he gave me few ideas to try n get out of the problem which had 50:50 success rate. Finally I decide to go ahead and check my luck. I boarded the local train and reached Lonavala. It was pretty late and the bogie was totally empty. But I did not have a single feeling of insecurity. 

On reaching lonavala I hurried to outside station and then understood that I had no other option than taking up a private taxy. The cab guy charged me 2200/- after negotiation but I just wanted to go there badly. So I told him to drive any which ways but help me reach Kalyan by 11.30pm. He drove the cab with the speed of 120 km/hr and we were there on given time. It all had worked.