Pindari Trek Day4

We woke up early and started off from Dwali around 6 am. Our goal was to reach Phurkhiya asap. The best view of Pindari generally fades by afternoon due to cloud obstruction. The path to Phurkhiya is almost completely uphill and through thick forest. But the path is well laid out and there is no chance of getting lost. We reached Phurkiya around 8:15 am covering a distance of 5 km.

We had breakfast and chai and started off to Pindari zero point. The distance from Phurkiya to Zero point is around 12 km. But suddenly there is no forest on the slopes. Its mostly bushes and shrubs. With the climate being dry, sunny and cold, these are the only plants that grow. Even as we walked in the naked hot sunshine, the chilly winds kept me from breaking a sweat. My mouth felt dry often and I ended up filling my water bottle from the waterfalls a number of time. Carrying a goggles/cooling glasses makes it much easier.

We reached Baba’s temple which is a short walk from Zero point. The long walk and dry, hot weather left us all tired. Baba served us some snacks and tea. Its almost amazing how the smallest of things make us happy in these place. Baba had served ajwain-ki-puri with some pickle. Surrounded by mountains and clouds, sipping tea, the taste the puri tasted even better.
Baba is one of those rare Himalayan entrepreneurs, who doesn’t have to sell soft-drugs to do well. He did not like photos or silly talk. To my surprise, he made it quite clear that the brats coming behind us were not as welcome at his place. He goaded us to get to Zero point when a few of us were giving up.

Finally three of us decided to walk the last mile, mostly uphill to zero point. The view was breathtaking. It lifted my spirits. The hill almost ends at Zero point in an avalanche all around you. From a distance you can see the ice wall of Pindari and stream originating from below it. Around me was a valley of dizzying heights.

After some snaps, we returned back to Baba’s hut and made some offering in the temple (since he himself would not accept money). Then commenced the long walk back to Dwali. In total we covered around 25 km and we were back in our tent around 4:30 pm.
It would have worthwhile to enjoy Zero point for a while longer. It was almost noon by the time we reached and most of the mountain tops were lost in the clouds. Reach Zero point before 9 am to enjoy the views fully. That will allow you some leisurely walks around Baba’s place.
Story about kufni and IAS guys.

(To read a Short Itinerary of the trip: click here)