13th July 2010 – We all woke up by 5.00 am. When we asked location of toilets to security personnel they indicated their finger towards river. Nature’s call had been left on nature responsibility. After getting fresh we saw the beauty of Sheshnag Lake and watched Sunrise over the spectacular snow capped mountains. It is an amazing lake situated at an altitude of about 3,650 m. Water was sky blue but cold and clean. It remains snow covered till the june. Sheshnag is the windiest place in the route. Sheshnag a mountain derived its name from seven peaks, resembling the heads of the mythical snake. There are myths of love and revenge associated with Sheshnag. The lake is the source of river lidder which is tributary of Jhelum. This lake is aquamarine and very still and looked like pristine. Mountain peaks were covered with beautiful cubs and reflects in the lake. It is said that Sheshnag has lifted earth on his shoulder.
When I was coming from river side Mrs. & Mr. Pyarelal Sharma met. They became very happy to meet me but repenting because they had missed our group. They were very much obliged with our team due to the best co-operation got from our members. They had to face many inconvenience after getting disconnected from our team. We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done for them. Our altitude determines our attitude.
Ganesh Top – We all became ready by 7.00 am and started our onward journey. A few yards ahead we found a Haryana based lungar where we took breakfast according to our choice. Shiva’s condition was not well but not so much bad. So we gave him light refreshment and medicine. After half an hour rest he felt slightly well and started journey.
The trek was steadily gaining height winding upto Mahagunush top (4,500 m/ 14, 700 ft) the highest point in the route. It was quite warm so we removed some layer of clothing. It is advisable in mountaineering that getting warm up a few layers of garments should be removed and getting cold should be put on more. The presence of security personnel was a moral boost up to yatries. We found 5-10 snow bridges in route. Though BRO’s labors were making steps but it had gone slippery due to Sun-shine. The route to Mahagunush is full of rivulets, waterfalls & spring. Two Shiv-Bhakts were going “Bhu-Pari” prostrating (Laying flat) at each stroke. Their devotion was beyond our imagination. We paid them respect and gave them sufficient dry fruits to take as breakfast. They became very happy though they seem from well-to-do family. We reached Mahagunush by 10.00 am.
Poshpatri – From Mahagunush, the route was almost downwards. We reached Poshpatri where a Lungar of very big size was serving good quality food. The lungar was organized by Delhi based society namely “Shree Shiv Sewak”. Again we were requested by volunteers of lungar to take some food and we could not deny.
Panchtarani – The route from Poshpatri to Panchtarani was slightly downwards. When we reached near Panchtarani, there was a flat river bed like a vast meadow. The camping ground was at the foot of the mount Bhairav where five streams converge. These five streams originated from lord Shiva’s dreadlocks (Jata).
We reached Panchtarani camp ground by 5.00 pm. Our all team members met except Ranjan. Ajit & Shushil told us that they were searching Ranjan for last two hours. They were regularly announcing for Ranjan at fifteen minutes intervals. Then myself and Daddy became worried. We searched him in medical camp also. It began drizzling with chilled water. We all got wet. After vigorous search & announcement for two hours, we became hopeless. My teammates advised me to book the tent and take rest otherwise we all would got wet and sick. We did so and prayed “Oh Bhole help us”. We discussed all possible circumstances and possibilities and reached on a conclusion that Ranjan, a fast trekker, had reached earlier and moved to holy cave. Till late night we were curious to hear announcement of Ranjan but in vein.
