Preparation / Pre-Planning
- SHOES: First preparation was buying shoes and using it for 1 month before the trek. Have seen people struggling with new shoes in the trek, because of size mismatch, damages, etc.I chose Quechua FORCLAZ 100, it is good.
- TRAVEL: Next was my journey plan, I read the trail plans and starting point in BIKAT portal. Mail Bikat help desk for connectivity from Delhi airport, they replied with bus/Jeep timing and Connectivity details. I booked the air & bus ticket to the assembly point.
- SHOPPING: I went through the packing list sent from Bikat. I prepared my own checklist form it. I started shopping a week before the trek, but as usual, I was shopping until before the trek starts. Been to the Decathlon, 4 times in that week.
- RACK SUCK PACK: Couple of days before the trek I got 50L rucksack from my friend. I went to couple back-bag packing blogs and youtube tutorials and packed my Rack suck. I crossed my checklist and packed the bag.
- FITNESS: Weekly I hit the gym for 3 or 4 days. To my regular strengthening exercise, I added running and cycling as well for couple weeks. I walked to the office, which adds another 5 km of walking. And I didn’t use lifts in the tech park for those two weeks.
Journey to the Mystery Lake.
DAY 1 - Reaching LOHAJUNG.
Everyone reached the guest house early in the evening.
Our trek lead, Praveen received us and shown our rooms in the guest house. We refreshed and been to the dining room for team and trek intro. Everyone introduced themselves and briefly described their trekking experience. We were 9 in number with different age group from 18 to 40 and beginner to intermediate trekkers.
Our trek lead, Praveen & our guide, Than Singh, briefed us the trek details, trail information, Do’s and Don’ts and back-packing tutorials. Then, we did a little last minute shopping, had our dinner and been early to bed for an early start.