The
trek starts from Gangotri., where the Bhagirthi takes the huge leap at Surya Kund.
Swami
Sunderanandji is a yogi who has photographed Himalaya in all its glory. Stays
at his Ashram next to Surya Kund.
The
trek starts with walk along the Bhagirathi's left bank and then climbs up along
the Rudugairu gad on right bank.
After
long and steep climb the trail moves down to the river where we cross over to
left bank.
Climb
continues along the left bank through green jungle.
Finally
we reach the Nala camp and pitch our first camp. Stone fall poseses real
danger.
A 200
meters climb starts right from the nala camp.
We
reach a level ground and thereafter on crossing a nala coming from
our right a 300 meters climb awaits us. We have to be right up there.
Finally
we came up at the green patch, but looking for water came upto the present
camping place.
Camp II
was setup without further delay, but here also we did not get good water.
This
water was used for cooking and next day it was the first hurdle to be crossed.
Moving
on the ridge we moved towards Gangotri III now in view.
The
view opened up and the complete Gangotri group is in front of us.
So near
yet so far - Gangotri III.
The
Gangotri group.
This is
what the expeditions leave behind, hope better sense prevails.
Towards
our left the Jogin group comes in sight..
We
pitch our tents to establish our camp III in an open sand covered ground. We got
very muddy water. Camp should be established after moving for another hour
beside the glacier.
Sunrise
on Rudugaira peak, which had a fresh coat of snow during night.
Jogin
II as seen from our camp III.
Just
moved out of Camp III towards the pass.
First
view of the Auden's col .
It was
easy going till the stream running through the glacier ice.
You
stray from the path and crevasses are there to greet you with open arms.
Had to
camp at 5200 M between two huge crevasses, 200 meters below the pass.
We had
come from the gap where the ridge coming from top meets the small ridge at right
angle.
The
remaining 200 M took an hour to cover. Kept to the right as we moved up. Left is
full of huge crevasses.
The
rock pillar towards our right as we climbed to the top of the Auden's col.
The
scene on to our left. We have to move down into the gully next to this tower.
Khatling glacier as seen from the pass.
This is
the gully we had to climb down to reach the Khatling glacier. A huge crevasse
cuts the slope from the glacier.
Finally
we are on the Khatling glacier with half snow blind porters. It was baking hot
at 36 degree celsius on the glacier
