Goech La Trek: Day 5

Day 5

Thursday 4 May 2017

Rest day at Dzongri

Theoretically it was a rest day as we were not moving our camp from Dzongri. Practically this meant enjoy the stay, roam around and get acclimatized!

Kanchenjunga as seen from Dzongri Top

As decided night before, we all got up at 3:30 am (early in the morning before sunrise) to see the sunrise. We had to go to Dzongri top for that which is ~1000 ft higher than our campsite. Typically this takes 45 mins to 1 hr to reach there. Sky was very clear and we could see our milky way prominently. Weather was pretty cool with slight breeze.

Atul, Advait, Mahesh & Vinit

We started at 3:45 am, were going slowly with the group. However gap started to widening after half way. Viraj was slow, and hence behind coming with other members. (Later we came to know that he went back due to omitting. Was that the sign of AMS?? Vinit and I got little tensed). We reached the top by 4:30 am and waited for the sun rays to first hit the mountain peaks and lit the surrounding. View of the golden peaks and surrounding scenario was absolutely fantastic. Everyone was speechless watching the mountains view. Entire valley was looking white due to snowfall last night. 

Black Kabur & Kabru peaks as backdrop !

Amit, Mahesh, Shital, Mohan, Atul, Advait & Vinit

Beautiful view of Kanchenjunga peak

(L2R): Rothang peak, Black Kabur, Kabru, Kabru Dome

Beautiful view from Dzongri Top. Click here.

With Samip, Viraj & Suhas

After breakfast, Atul and I went again on the Dzongri top (midway) to accompany Viraj, Suhas and Samip who skipped the morning adventure. I felt glad that I took the decision to go again because we spotted a pair of blood pheasant, Sikkim's state bird, on the way. At 9 am, we all went towards HMI campsite for excursion. Bright and sunny atmosphere helped us to enjoy the beautiful scenery to the fullest. Post lunch, we relaxed in our tents and spent time chitchatting.

Dzongri weather station

Mahesh, Vinit, Viraj & Atul

  

Video

The bright and hot weather suddenly changed in afternoon and we witnessed first snowfall of our trek. Initially we enjoyed the snowfall for some time. However with increase in its duration and intensity, our faces looked tensed. Everyone started worrying about tomorrows plan. Vinit and I were worried about sleeping in tents with such continued snowfall and then we decided to move and stay in the wooden hut for the night. It was literally a split second decision! Again, the decision turned right when we saw our tents collapsing with increase in snowfall.

Snowfall video

                           

   Momo Competition Time             

  

Tashi prepared special Momos for us along with soup

After the dinner and sutarfeni (sweets), we all went to our rooms for packing our bags and sleeping arrangements. Couples and ladies were in 1 room and rest of the boys in another room. MP, Babu and Prateek were assigned in the third room. (Next day morning, Prateek told us that he had a "sound" sleep !!😉😉)

Stats for the day:
Pulse:80. O2: 91. Breathing rate: 19 (This shows the body was well acclimatized with the height)

Garmin details:
Dzongri walk
#मम