Goech La Trek: Day 8

Day 8

Sunday 7 May 2017

Thansing (12900 ft) to Goech La view point 1 (15200 ft) 

                                         ..... and back to Thansing

Distance traveled: 15.6 kms

This day would be memorable for each and everyone. The efforts we put in practice and preparation would be paid off and we were eagerly waiting for it. Everyone responded the midnight wake up call, quickly freshened up (their minds only... It was too cold to make contact of water with face) and assembled in the dining area with their bags. Our kitchen staff was very prompt and were ready with our packed breakfast and hot water to refill our bottles. They even prepared the hot porridge, which we ate just to gain more energy.
We started at 12:30 am with first target in mind - reaching Lamuney campsite in 2 hours. Some portions of the trail, especially near all water streams, were very slippery due to conversion of snow into ice. With careful walk and head light assistance, all the team reached Lamuney (13500 ft) well in time. After a small break, we quickly marched to our next milestone of Samiti lake (14100 ft), which we crossed at 4:10 am. Now the time was running very fast with sunrise expected to be at 5 am. Here we got divided and the runners hastily moved towards view point. They had now a single aim, reach the view point to get first sight of the golden yellow peaks during sunrise. As soon as the team realized that they would be short by 10 minutes, they suddenly ran towards left on a small hill. The view from here was simply mind blowing.

First view of the golden peaks

L: Forked peak R: Mt. Kanchenjunga

After witnessing the beautiful sunrise, team marched to summit the view point 1. (Visiting view point 2 and further is banned due to presence of snow leopards). The pathway towards it was little dangerous, however enthusiasm overcame the fear and we reached the view point 1 (15200 ft). The temperature was definitely below zero, however everybody had mouth and eyes wide open in awe with the astonishing view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and surrounding mountains. (Click here for the video) 

Pug marks of snow leopard

With Nerba at View point 1

  

Everything else looked minuscule in front of these mountain range. We tried to store as much as possible in our mind and cameras and started returning back. Now crossing the slippery path looked like a herculean task. Our sherpa, Napula and Nerba, steered us smoothly. (I have a beautiful story to narrate. Whenever you meet me in person, do ask for it!!)

Returning back from View point

Samiti Lake at downside

Now the return path, which we literally ran in the morning seemed little tough due to snow. We came down to Samiti lake, had finished our breakfast and spent time capturing the mirror perfect reflection of the mountains in the steady water. Everyone was feeling not to go back to campsite and stay as much time as possible near the Samiti lake. However we heard the weather changes here so frequently and it was not a wise idea to stay longer. Hence unwanted though, we started our return path. Now reaching Lamuney and Thansing looked like a distant task as we started dragging ourselves. 

      Breakfast time at Samiti Lake

The beautiful reflections at Samiti Lake

After crossing Lamuney, Mohan and I thought to sit in the water and relax. Samip, Suhas, MP and Babu too joined us and we spent close to 30 mins in the chilled glacier water. We were fortunate today as weather was bright with sun shining over the head. We reached campsite post noon, relaxed and enjoyed our lunch. We hardly slept in the afternoon as our minds were still roaming in the mountains. 


 View of the valley & river

 

We celebrated teams success during dinner time. Now 2 days remaining of our trek, 2 days of long walk - from the most serene place to the civilized place. Tomorrows call was 6-7-7:30. Everyday whenever we went to bed, we slept thinking about the next day. Now the situation got reversed. We went to bed, however were thinking about the Mt. Kanchenjunga and other peaks only.

My stats for the day:
Pulse: 86.  O2: 92.  Breathing rate: 21

Garmin details:
Thansing to View Point 1

View Point 1 to Samiti Lake

Samiti Lake to Thansing
#मम