Meandering soul....: 4. YHAI Sarpass 2006

So we left Kullu for our Base Camp Kasol via Bhuntar. Later we came to know that Bhuntar had the highest domestic airport in India. The way to Bhuntar was very b’ful. We were told by the conductor to hold ourselves in the seats till Bhuntar and then he will let us ride on the top!!

So waiting to experience the Himalayas the way it should be.we reached Bhuntar, jumped out of the bus even before it stopped. We climbed quickly to save the seats With all the luggage and seven of us, there was not much space for anyone (we made that sure) so we were on our own

Our shana mulga along with Joshi even had the first experience of touching alcohol there in a small wine shop.

The journey was simply superb. Starting with a close race along the airstrip with a small JACKSON AIRLINES twin propeller. They won by the way but it was close . We were in awe of the terrain and its beauty. Mountains, Rivers, Old style bridges, Resorts, Cattle herds, lots and lots of sheeps. Later we found what we didnt signed for - dangerous curves, overhead power cables and trees.

Although everyone else was a litlle scared or was enjoying the beauty, Sunny was busy hanging banana skins all over the power cables of Bhuntar..(some may be stilll there :P)

The scene was just picturesque. A verticle cliff on one side and a dagerous looking valey on the other. Sitting on that edge was just fun.

Eesha was constantly reminding “ki yaar maine itna mast kaam aaj tak nhi kiya”, praths that if our mummys get hold of these pics – we are dead and Saurabh bhaiya was trying to perform unnecessory stunts and failing again and again.

Soon we were out of the city and started to climb. This part was really fantastic. Once or twice we had to cross a bus/jeep. The roads were single lane but somehow the drivers managed. Dont ask us how we were praying with our eyes closed.

We were told by our conductor bhaiya that the base camp is on way so he will stop right at the entry.. Soon a river started to flow alongside the road..We were just enjoying the view when the bus stopped and we saw a board – welcome to the National Himalayan Trekking Expedition..