NAGTIBBA BASE CAMP, AINDI VILLAGE , ,,OFFBEA T ROUTE TO NAGTIBBA PEAK IN MUSSOORIE

 

        A  short weekend trek in mid october to nagtibba peak    was a continuation of my  journey to explore the adventures of  majestic himalayas of garhwal  . Nagtibba which is also called the 'serpents peak ' is the highest peak of the lesser himalayan region of garhwal located 57 kms from mussoorie in tehri garhwali .As the mythology goes, it was the abode of snake god , nagdevta hence the name nagtibba. For the locals , its also a divine place for worship of the serpent god seeking protection of their cattles.

                 

       Pantwari village is the most publicised base camp for this trek from where most of the tourists go. However , through a local trek operator Trekupindia.com , I went through the Aindi Village which is 68 kms from mussoorie and approximately 2 hours drive. Its a beautiful hamlet located in dhanaulti tehsil of tehri garhwal. Throughout the drive, you can catch the glimpses of thatched roofs of small huts with cowsheds scattered through the green patches of land  surrounded by mountains. Nagtibba base camp is located just adjoining the main road .The sight of  colourful tents shimmering in the backdrop of vast stretches of mountain slopes and lush green forests is a beginning  to the exciting adventure that waits ahead.

                                      View of Aindi village 

The nagtibba base camp offers simple and  comfortable  tented accomodations . There s a open dining area adjoining the kitchen offering homemade delicious food .It is not only a  camping site for trekkers but also an offbeat weekend getaway for those seeking escape into a day of solitude from the hustle bustle of  city life. The secluded and rustic charm of the location adds to the thrill of spending a night at the edge of the forests and mountains.As the evening dawned , we took a walk down the road alongwith our friendly camp companion, the owner's pet dog  who walked ahead of us clearing the herds of grazing cattle  crossing our paths .We came across village women carrying heavy tufts of grass and firewood  coming down the forest paths and few young village girls chatting near the water streams filling the containers . Its amazing  that  despite  the struggles of an arduous life of pahadi women  in remote villages of garhwal ,the beauty of their strength and perseverance never fades . 

                                    

As the nightfall, the dark sky above throws chilling shadows over  the mountains amidst the haunting silence and sparsely lit village huts  . Next morning we woke up to a heavily clouded sky dampening our mood and enthusiasm. Though the weathers in hills are always unpredictable and intermittent showers during the trek is normal but unfortunately it was the fateful day when the state meterological department had sounded the red alert. Inspite of that we decided to test our luck by continuing the trek.After a delicious breakfast of paranthas with local homemade chutney and a packed lunch, we started with the local guide. From the camp, its a few kilometers of drive to the starting point  which is a temple interestingly dedicated to a 'shikari'.The story goes that the hunter  protects the surrounding forests . The local inhabitants offer animal sacrifices in that temple.

 

The rain had already started by then but we were carrying raincoats , a necessity when going for treks in uttarakhand.The initial ascent is less steep and entire path goes through dense forests of oaks and rhodendrons.It is one of the less travelled routes hence no other trekker was there but its  safe. The trail is well carved with beautiful wild flowers blooming on the way. The nagtibba summit is approx 9915 ft and 16km total both ways. Unfortunately as we ascended the height, the weather drastically turned nasty into thunderbolts and heavy downpour..On midway we debated whether to continue or turn back.Finally, better sense prevailed and considering it a forewarning by the serpent god of an impending disaster , we decided to quit which later proved correct in view of the disaster that happened in nanital. 

Though , the trek to nagtibba peak could not be completed but the entire experience of driving to aindi village  and  camping  was memorable. However I have saved this in my bucket list of pending treks   .............humming as i go,😄😄   "My spirit soars where the air goes thin"