Speaking to all the groups and guides from Indiahikes we learnt that reaching Roopkund without proper equipment was impossible. So instead of moving ahead and camping at Bhaguwasa and waiting/hoping for snow to be cleared next day, with our time window, was not feasible. So we decided to attempt to Roopkund, as much possible today. Our target was minimum to reach Kaluvinayak and assess the situation from there on.
We started at 6.30 today, considering the distance we intend to cover. The sky seemed clear as every morning and the meadows had a very thin crust of ice on them. Heavy breakfast and me and Bhagat were on the way. Soon we were at Bedni Kund which was semi-frozen, indicating what the night temperatures would have been!
From here a short steep climb takes us on the rather gentle path to Pathar Nachuni. Weather stayed good until then and clouds were just beginning to form. At 9 we were at Pathar Nachuni, chomping on Aloo Paranthas, roasted potatoes and boiled eggs. By now the clouds had gone dense and Trishul started to disappear.
With a sunken feeling, we knew the weather would turn bad and the incredible sight of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti from Kaluvinayak may not be possible! But we have no control on weather, Mountain Gods have. So we left it on them and began the steep, intimidating ascent to Kaluvinayak. In all honestly, thanks to the zig-zag path the climb is not very steep, but due to rapid height gain and lesser oxygen, it takes a toll on body, especially if you are not well acclimatized. Thankfully I was, well in control of my body. By 11.30 we were at Kaluvinayak rather disappointed to see the heavy cover of cloud and thick snow atop.
A quick breather, few biscuits and water, we decided to head as much as we can and return back if the weather doesn’t open up. And it dint! We walked upto Bhguwasa and beyond and the cloud cover got denser. All we could manage to peek was the ridge of Roopkund and Junar Gali.
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