Trekking Adventure from Pune to Dehradun: A Journey of Ups and Downs
Introduction
Embarking on a trekking adventure can be thrilling, but the journey often begins with challenges. My recent trip from Pune to Dehradun for a much-anticipated trek was filled with twists and turns. While the trek itself was a dream, getting there was quite an experience in its own right.
The Journey Begins
As the clock ticked down to my departure date, I was eagerly counting every minute. I had decided to fly from Pune to Delhi, where I would catch a train to Dehradun to reach Sankri in Uttarakhand for a trek. I had carefully planned my itinerary, targeting an evening flight so I could arrive in Delhi just in time to catch my train.
However, I was apprehensive about my flight’s timing, as I had chosen a Vistara flight scheduled to depart at 8:20 pm, landing in Delhi at 10:30 pm. Unfortunately, shortly before my flight, I received a notification that it had been delayed by 15 minutes. This change made me uneasy since the timing left me with less margin to reach Hazrat Nizamuddin station.
Finding Alternatives
To mitigate the situation, I decided to book a second flight with GoAir that would arrive earlier. This option, costing me more, seemed like a wise choice. Yet, as fate would have it, GoAir later postponed their flight schedule, putting me in a perplexing position of holding two tickets for the same route and time. I found myself back at square one.
Despite the challenges, I focused on my goal—making it to the trek. On the day of travel, I reached Pune Airport on time but discovered that the GoAir flight was delayed, while my original Vistara flight was on time! As I prepared to board, I felt a mix of hope and anxiety.
Missed Connections
Flying out of Pune, I was filled with anticipation. However, as I landed in Delhi, I was met with the reality of missed connections. I quickly realized I had missed my train to Dehradun. Despite having a backup plan with a bus ride, I saw my efforts slipping away as I rushed through the airport.
At this point, I needed to evaluate my options. I learned about regular Volvo buses that operated from Kashmiri Gate to Dehradun. The timing seemed tight, especially since I arrived at 11:50 pm and the last bus left at midnight. My hopes hung on a thread.
The Night Cab Ride
Determined not to give up, I sought help from the airport police about getting to Dehradun. They suggested hiring a private taxi instead of expensive airport taxis. After checking with a registered taxi vendor, I arranged a ride. Safety was a concern, so I took precautions, like sharing my trip details with family.
After midnight, my cab ride began. The driver claimed it would take around four hours to reach my destination. As we drove through the night, I noticed the driver showing signs of fatigue, prompting me to insist on a short break.
Mid-Journey Irregularities
As we continued, we made a few stops for refueling, and to my surprise, we encountered a busy restaurant in Meerut, where people were enjoying dinner at the late hour. After a quick break, we hit the road again, finally navigating close to Dehradun as dawn approached.
As the sun began to rise, I reached Dehradun station just in time to catch my trekking group as they disembarked from their train. It felt like a miracle considering everything I had been through!
Setting Off on the Trek
After a brief regrouping at Dehradun, we loaded our gear into a tempo traveler and set off toward our first destination, Kotagaon. The sight of the mountains ahead filled me with excitement. Along the way, we stopped for breakfast, enjoying a delicious meal that fueled our anticipation for the trek ahead.
Challenges Along the Way
Our journey hit a bump when we encountered vehicle issues, forcing us to stop at a local mechanic. While waiting for repairs, we took the opportunity to explore the local market and relax by a nearby river. After some delay, our ride was back in action, and we continued our journey.
Unfortunately, we faced another setback when our tempo traveler broke down yet again! Stranded in the heat, we were worried as our plans appeared to falter.
Triumph Amidst Trials
After some tense moments, our driver managed to get the vehicle running again. We stopped for a rewarding lunch that rejuvenated our spirits. Eventually, we reached Sidri by 4 pm, where our stay was arranged at a charming hotel, Nature View Himalaya.
Later that evening, our guide informed us about our trek plans and introduced the support crew. Although rain was forecasted, we were eager and ready for the challenges ahead.
Trek Start: From Sidri to Kotagaon
The following morning, we prepared to start the trek. The weather cleared up a little, and the village of Sankari came alive with morning activities. Our trek started off well, as we left Sidri and began ascending towards Kotagaon.
The trail offered beautiful views, weaving through lush vegetation and farms. Each moment reinforced the excitement of adventure as we saw the vibrant landscape unfold around us.
Reaching Our Campsite
After hours of hiking, we finally spotted our campsite. It was a relief to find our tents already set up, allowing us to settle in early. Admiring the surroundings, we enjoyed tea and savory snacks while bonding with fellow trekkers.
As the day came to a close, I reflected on the journey thus far. Despite the travel setbacks, missed trains, and vehicle troubles, I was thrilled to be surrounded by stunning nature, gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime.
Conclusion
Traveling to participate in a trek can come with unexpected challenges, but this journey taught me valuable lessons in patience and resilience. I learned to embrace uncertainties and make the most of each moment, a mindset crucial for any trekker. With my team ready for the adventure, I looked forward to the days ahead as we faced the challenges of the mountains together, knowing that every step would lead to unforgettable memories and experiences.
