Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2011 - Batch 1 - Day 24

Jun 21 2011 – Day 24

Journey – Taklakot to Kalapani – a distance of 53 kms out of which 30 kms by bus and 23 kms by trek – via Lipu lekh pass, Nabhidang

Today we got ready and boarded the bus. The distance between Taklakot and Lipu lekh pass is about 35 kms. But the bus service is available only for 30 kms. The rest of 5 kms we have to trek. The Chinese authorities arranged jeep, ponies for us. I took the jeep; but the jeep could not go beyond 2 kms due to heavy snow accumulation. Therefore, we had to trek the rest of the trail. It was nice experience walking on the snow. It is very chill and windy. The yatris in pony were worried a lot. Unlike in Indian side the ponyman is missing for each pony. One pony man will take care of 4 to 5 ponies. If the pony goes on its own way, the yatri has no option but to follow. Due to lack of visibility (could see only 3 to 5 meters ahead), some of the yatris fall down from the pony. Luckily nothing major injury reported. We had a very steep climb for about 300 meters, which we climbed up to reach Lipu Lekh pass with chanting of Om Namo Shivaya and Bharat Mata ki Jai.

At Lipu Lekh pass ITBP jawans were ready with all kind of rescue equipments for us. Some of yatris who felt breathlessness were provided oxygen mask. Our porters and pony men were ready to pick us up. It was really very nice moment to meet them again after 12 days gap.

At Lipu Lekh pass we met the 3^rd batch of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and wished them the very best. We exchanged greetings to each other.

After all the greetings and some photos taken, we continued our trek towards Kalapani. The trail was very bad and with snow covered in most of the places. We had to navigate very carefully. Luckily the porters were helpful in crossing the bad patch. ITBP jawans were also helping yatris to cross the bad patch of trail.

Once the snow covered trail is over (about 5 kms) the route was little flat and going downwards. We started moving really fast. At BPM hut, we were served Hot tea and coffee and chips by our ITBP jawans. It was very delicious. We continued our trek and reached Kalapani base camp.

In the night, we were served Barakhana – grand Dinner by ITBP team. We could not forget their sense of belonging and hospitality given to us. Jai ho ITBP jawans and their service towards KM Yatris.