Day 2 – Kafnu to Mulling: The First Real Test Begins
The alarm rang at 5:00 AM.
Unlike the previous two days of travelling, today was different. There were no trains, no road trips, and no vehicles waiting outside. From this point onwards, every kilometer would be covered on foot.
After getting ready, we enjoyed a warm breakfast while the first rays of sunlight slowly lit up the mountains surrounding Kafnu. The crisp Himalayan air, chirping birds, and the excitement among the trekkers created the perfect beginning to our first trekking day.
Before starting, our trek leaders conducted a warm-up session. Stretching, light jogging, and mobility exercises prepared our bodies for the long day ahead.
At around 9:00 AM, with our backpacks on our shoulders and trekking poles in hand, we finally began the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek.
Today we had to cover nearly 12 kilometers, climbing from Kafnu (2,350 m) to Mulling (3,250 m)—an altitude gain of almost 900 meters.
The trail wasted no time in testing us.
Within the first few kilometers, we encountered continuous uphill sections that demanded both stamina and patience. Every few minutes we paused to catch our breath, take a sip of water, and admire the magnificent scenery around us.
As we climbed higher, the landscape kept changing.
The roaring Bhaba River remained our constant companion, flowing beside the trail with incredible force. Dense pine and oak forests surrounded us, while colorful wildflowers brightened the path.
Although the climb was physically demanding, nature rewarded us with breathtaking views at every turn.
Around midday, we stopped for our packed lunch.
The meal was simple yet satisfying—vegetable pulao along with snacks packed by the trekking team. Like every trekking group, food became something everyone happily shared with each other. Chocolates, dry fruits, biscuits and energy bars kept passing from one backpack to another.
That is one of the beautiful things about trekking.
You may start as strangers, but you slowly become a family.
After lunch, the trail became comparatively comfortable with beautiful meadows opening up around us.
By approximately 2:30 PM, we finally reached Mulling Campsite.
Our horses, carrying all the camping equipment and supplies, had already reached the campsite. Seeing colorful tents pitched in the middle of lush green meadows instantly erased the fatigue of the entire day.
Soon after arriving, we were welcomed with hot soup followed by evening tea and crispy pakoras.
The campsite was absolutely stunning.
Green grass stretched endlessly in every direction.
Snow-covered peaks stood proudly in the distance.
The sound of the Bhaba River echoed across the valley.
For a few moments, nobody spoke.
Everyone simply sat quietly, absorbing the beauty around us.
A brief spell of rain arrived in the evening, making the weather even more magical. Fortunately, the clouds cleared before sunset, allowing us to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere one last time before darkness covered the valley.
After dinner, we gathered inside the dining tent, sharing stories, laughter and first impressions of the trek before retiring to our tents for the night.
Our Himalayan adventure had truly begun.
Day 3 – Mulling to Kara: Walking Deeper into the Mountains
The third morning started with another spectacular Himalayan sunrise.
Fresh mountain air, a hot cup of tea and the peaceful silence of the valley made waking up surprisingly easy.
Today's destination was Kara Campsite (3,700 m).
Compared to yesterday, today's trek was shorter—around 6 to 7 kilometers with an altitude gain of roughly 450 meters.
Although the elevation gain wasn't very high, the trail was much steeper.
The first major climb tested everyone's legs.
The initial 300 meters consisted of continuous uphill trekking, requiring slow and steady movement.
After that, the trail eased for a while before presenting another steep climb near Kara.
The beauty of today's trail made every difficult step worthwhile.
The forests gradually became thinner.
The meadows became wider.
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The feeling of being completely disconnected from civilization was becoming stronger with every passing hour.
Around 1:30 PM, we finally arrived at Kara Campsite.
The campsite looked like something straight out of a postcard.
Wide alpine meadows...
Crystal-clear streams...
Snow-covered mountains standing silently in the background...
For a while, the weather remained perfectly clear.
However, as often happens in the Himalayas, the weather changed without warning.
Around 3:00 PM, dark clouds rolled into the valley, followed by steady rainfall.
For nearly two hours we remained inside our tents, listening to raindrops falling on the fabric above us.
Surprisingly, nobody complained.
Watching rain in the Himalayas from inside a warm tent is an experience difficult to describe.
By evening, the clouds finally disappeared.
Taking advantage of the clear weather, we completed a short acclimatization walk of about 100–200 meters above the campsite before returning.
Several trekking companies, including Indiahikes and others, had also pitched their camps nearby, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the valley.
Tea, snacks, conversations and endless laughter completed another memorable day.
Day 4 – Acclimatization Day: Slowing Down to Climb Higher
Not every trekking day is about covering distance.
Some days are about preparing your body for what lies ahead.
Since we would soon cross 4,900 meters, today was kept exclusively for acclimatization.
The sun rises surprisingly early in these mountains.
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By around 5:00 AM, the entire valley was glowing under golden sunlight.
I walked towards the nearby river and spent some quiet time meditating.
The sound of flowing water...
The cool breeze...
The silence of the Himalayas...
It was one of the most peaceful moments of the entire journey.
After breakfast, our serious trekking routine unexpectedly transformed into a cricket match.
Yes—cricket at nearly 3,700 meters above sea level.
For almost an hour, everyone laughed, cheered and forgot about altitude, fatigue and upcoming challenges.
Around 10:00 AM, our trek leaders took us on an acclimatization hike.
We climbed approximately 300–350 meters above the campsite.
The purpose was simple—"Climb high, sleep low."
This helps the body adjust naturally to lower oxygen levels.
Some trekkers even climbed another 50–100 meters higher before all of us regrouped and returned to camp.
Lunch was served around 2:00 PM.
Soon after, rain once again arrived over Kara.
Instead of letting the weather spoil the day, everyone gathered inside the dining tent.
UNO cards appeared.
Playing cards followed.
Stories, jokes, friendly teasing and endless conversations filled the afternoon.
Sometimes, the best memories of a trek aren't made while walking.
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They're made while sitting together inside a tent, listening to rain outside.
By evening we enjoyed another hot dinner before turning in early.
Tomorrow would be one of the toughest yet most unforgettable days of the entire expedition—our journey to Pushtirang and the preparation for crossing the mighty Bhaba Pass.
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