Rupin Pass Trek - Part 2

Trek Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4

From this night onwards there was neither any electricity nor network. It was just us bantering in the dark while trying to sleep in an alien environment. Tiredness cocooned us into deep slumber in some time. Next day we were as fresh as ever and started with spring in our legs. I still remember this day as the most beautiful of the trek. First came the forests, then a ravine and finally a winding stairs to flatlands at the end of which was our camping ground.

The ravine on way to Saruwas Thatch

Saruwas Thatch was as pretty a camping ground as could be. There was a flowing river, high rise mountains and a lush meadow encircling our camp. To top it all, there were a series of waterfalls opposite our camps, visible as we opened our camp zip, falling into the flowing river. We danced. After lunch we rested before gathering for a mandatory evening catch-up where we would share our day’s experiences.

First break on way to Saruwas Thatch

At night the landscape became more surreal. Numerous stars sprouted in a clear night sky. For us city-dwellers this was equivalent of Northern Green Lights. In the middle of night some of us gathered for a collective peeing ritual and appreciated the above.

Second break along the river on way to Saruwas Thatch

Peeing is on top of my problems with high altitude trekking. As someone who suffers from AMS, I need to take Diamox which has a side effect of excess peeing. The problem is when you are covered in three layers sleeping inside a sleeping bag and the warmed in your legs has just triggered a soporific effect, your bladder gives up. Next time I am going to carry one of those peeing bottles that one can use while sleeping.

The beautiful campsite of Saruwas Thatch

Next morning we were welcomed by a clear sky and a sunny day. Today was a relatively easy day in terms of both length and altitude. Within an hour of our start we came on the same level with the river that was flowing so ferociously near our tent. Here it was meandering and calm. We had a push-up competition. Soon we were walking on ice. It was unbelievable that we were walking on ice at such low altitudes in the peak of summer.