One of the nicest treks
around the Valley is the hike to the top of the Godavari up to Phulchowki
Mountain or vice versa. Phulchowki at about 9,050 ft (about 2, 800 meters)
above sea level is the highest peak in the Valley. Godavari is at about 4,500
ft (about 1, 400 meters) above sea level. So, the difference in altitude
between Phulchowki and Godavari is about 4,500 ft. We hope to see lots of birds
and some small wild animals on the way in the morning.
We will be taking the
traditional walking route. The route is a bit challenging. In some places it is
steep climb. When we take the traditional route we will be crossing the road at
several places so we can rest along the road if you are very tired. Also while
climbing up we will stop at several places from where we can watch the majestic
Himalayan mountain range spreading from the east to west of the northern part
of the country.
At 9,050 ft above sea
level some people may even get altitude sickness. Symptoms of an altitude
sickness are strong headache and even vomiting. In such a case you need
to climb down as soon as possible, as the only remedy for an altitude sickness
is to get to low altitude. Once you are at the lower altitude then the sickness
disappears immediately.
The hike from Godavari to Phulchowki or vice versa is a fascinating way to spend a day at a nominal cost to enjoy the local culture, mountain vistas, flora and fauna in short all the elements of a longer trek, with the convenience of being in the Valley.
The hike from Godavari to Phulchowki or vice versa is a fascinating way to spend a day at a nominal cost to enjoy the local culture, mountain vistas, flora and fauna in short all the elements of a longer trek, with the convenience of being in the Valley.
Hiking Story:
The participants left Kalanki at 7am. They had reached Godavari at 7:30am. They had to wait for another group on a jeep. They were buying some fruits and curds. They reached the spot at 8am. The group started the hike by walking along the road to Phulchowki.
While walking on the way, they wanted to experience some forest walk too. So they went inside the forest several times. Walking inside the forest was just amazing. They were expecting to meet some wild animals too. The participants made lots of noise while walking through the forest so that the wild animals would not attack them. There were 27 participants in all. The youngest was 10 years old.
Though walking through the forest was interesting, the group lost their way in the forest. They hiked up the hill and thought that they would reach the top easily but they were unable to hike up after hiking for some time. The hilltop was full of small bushes and the hill was also very very steep.
Since the steep was difficult and the group had limited time they had to return to the base soon. As the time clicked 2pm, the hike participants were asked to turn back and hike back towards the base.
The hike was exciting as the participants got to experience the up hill, down hill, bushes, climbers, wild flowers, types of trees etc. They were able to experience rock climbing in some parts too. The participants fell down and slipped their foot too. But thank God there were no any severe injuries. The participants had some scratches from the bushes and thorns in the forest.
The best part for all the participant was walking throughout the forest and sliding through the forest.
It was very exciting for them though they were not able to make to the top of Phulchowki. But all the participants were very happy to have the forest experience.
