It's snowing in Sandakphu! Yaayy!!

Read More:
1.) http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-12-16/kolkata/45254422_1_sandakphu-snowfall-ghoom
2.) http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/first-snowfall-in-darjeeling-113121400256_1.html

Pack your Bags...

All excited for the trek? Its time we pack our bags and get set ready for the trek!
Refer to this quick-list to ensure that you haven't forgotten essentials for the trek:

Things to Carry
Rucksack / Trekking Sack[ 50-60L]
Extra Plastic Bags
Newspapers

Slip into Trekwear:
7 Cotton T Shirts
2 or 3  Track Pants( at least one synthetic quick-dry kind)
2 or 3 Jeans or cotton pants
Inner Garments
Four pair of cotton socks
Scarf
Thin Towel

Kickin’ it your way:
Trekking shoes/ Sports shoes
Chappals
Four pairs of thick woollen socks

Its Chillin’ Out Der:
Woollen gloves
Woollen Jersey/ Sweater
Windcheater/ Sweatshirt
Monkey cap
Light Rain Coat/ Barsati

Pamper Your skin:
Lip Balm
Vaseline/ Moisturiser
Sunscreen
Soap
Toilet papers
Fresh Tissues / Napkins

Excuse me, Can I lend your...?
Personal Medicine
[ Vicks, Pain Balm, Band-Aid, etc.]
Needle and thread with spare Buttons

Putting On the feedbag:
Plate, Mug and Spoon
Packed Lunch Box
Water Bottle/ Water purifier

Don’t Forget:
Sun cap/ Sun Glasses
Thin Bedsheet
Pen and Note Book
Torch with extra batteries
Money

Medical Certificate

4 Photographs

YHAI Volunteer ID

Please-
No need to overburden yourself with food
After packing, weigh your bag. It should be on a lighter side (6-8kgs) Eliminate the extra things or carry a small bag which can be left at the basecamp
Carry travel/ small packs of essentials Eg. A small bottle of moisturiser rather than a big bottle

Wish you an amazing and fun-filled trek!

Extremes of Excitement

One evening, mom and I were discussing our trekking experiences over a coffee. She told me about the first trekking expedition to Sundakhphu-Darjeeling, the highest peak in West Bengal... and how they still made it a success on the sub-zero land.

I always wanted to go hiking on a far-land, along with my group of close-knot friends. And this feeling had got even stronger, especially after virtually experiencing the beautiful moments on several occasions- in movies, through mom and travel shows.

That evening after visiting Youth Hostel India’s website, I made it a point to enrol myself for at least one trekking expedition. Everyone loves winters and the soft snow. We were planning to go for a trek since several years, and after lot of discussion and persuading, Tanmay and I started spreading the word.

We broadcasted the message on WhatsApp, published it on several groups and eventually started discussing it among friends. Finally, after long talks and convincing sessions about how we all will never get time to visit such a beautiful place together, we enrolled for the trek in high spirits. We were a group of 10 mutual  friends and all of us had enrolled for 'National Himalayan Trekking Expedition 2013 Sundakphu-Gurdum' at the very last minute! I almost skipped a heartbeat when the website displayed only one seat and our friend registered, just in time!

After registering for YHAI membership and registration, we all were again worried about the train reservations. With anxiety of booking the tickets on time, Saurabh and I woke up at 7 am with our laptops ready to book the train tickets. Yet again, we did not get all seats in one bogie of Guwahati Express (LTT to New Jalpaiguri- 3AC).

Nevertheless, the excitement has reached its peak with the on-going shopping sessions and never-ending discussions about the chilling climate of Darjeeling. My adrenaline rush reaches its peak every morning, when Aditi updates our WhatsApp group name ( 12 days left...11 days to go...).

However, our train is scheduled on Friday, 27^th December at 8 05 am. We are expected to reach New Jalpaiguri on 29^th morning, which is our reporting day at YHAI Darjeeling base camp.

Will keep you posted on further updates! :)