.ExternalClass .ecxhmmessage p { padding: 0px; }.ExternalClass body.ecxhmmessage { font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma; } After setting off from London on the 14 August, it took our group of 22, two and half days to arrive at Gangotri from Delhi.  The drive in the bus was was very long and bumpy.  The weather had been exceptionally bad over the previous week and there were several landslides in the region.  There is only one way to get from Haridwar, the last major town, to Gangotri and in two places houses fallen down by the landslides blocked the roads.  We were successfully able to transfer across the landslide areas to the other side and after some waiting for cars to take us to Gangotri.  
 
Due to the exceptional monsoon rains, the bridges on our planned trek were washed out and it was not possible for us to do this trek.  Our trek was also delayed by a few days.  The plan was changed and we decided to summit the Rudragaira peak (around 5,800m).  We set off on this trek 3 days later than planned.  As we started to climb, I soon realised that this was not going to be easy.  This was not a common trekking route and the terrain was extremely difficult.  The ridges and paths (where they existed) were narrow and at times I found myself standing on one foot, looking down at a cliff edge.  One slip down this, and you have had it! It was very scary.  The first trek was a good 7 hours - the sight of the first base camp was so pleasing- I was so glad that we had all arrived safely! All of us pondered how difficult the rest of it was going to be.  The weather was wet and cold.   Camping was fun! - especially the hole in the ground!!!  You also had to admire the porters and guides.
 
The surrounding sight throughout the trek was spectacular - The higher you climbed the better it got.
 
The second day's trek was just a day trek as weather was exceptionally bad -  trek and return to same camp.  This was helpful to acclimatise.  I had started to feel the effects of altitude (we were 3,600m high).  The third day was a hard trek to the main base camp around 4,200m.  The terrain changed quickly from deep vegetation surrounding us to more rocky terrain.  The fourth day involved a lot of mental preparation and a lot of physical strength - Oxygen levels were low, breathing was getting difficult and the steepness of climb was increasing.  We headed to the advanced based camp at 4,900m with the bare minimum equipment (ie a sleeping bag only). This was the serious bit.  At temperatures well below freezing, we slept in our trekking gear in the "warm" sleeping bags, with three of us squeezed in each two people tents.  Only 12 had reached this point from the group of 22.  
 
The next morning, 9 of the 12 who had made it to this point set off  to summit the peak.  We started at 4am after a quick breakfast of porridge.  The weather was dry but extremely freezing (probably -15C).  Our the aim was to reach the peak at a height of 5,800m, the summit of Rudragaira.  This was an extremely steep climb and we had to scramble over huge rocks - It was the hardest thing I have ever done.  Every few steps you stop, catch up on the breathing and think hard about which way you should climb.  The group had some how broken down - 3 of us were left slightly behind.  The snow blizzards started and very quickly it got worse.  At about 5,300m, I had to call it a day as it became very dangerous.  I was proud of this achievement.
 
Down hill was just as difficult as we had to tackle the same rocky terrain, but at least we got more and more oxygen.  You could really feel the air becoming thicker as you went down.  Reaching back down to the advanced base camp, I had a thumping headache - I nearly collapsed.  after a rest we headed straight back down to the next level.  I was alive again!
 
After arriving back at Gangotri, some of us got a chance to do part of the original trek.  The bridges were had been made - we reached the source of the Ganga at Gaumukh.  The massive glacier stood there in front of us with the Ganga rushing from underneath.  The water was ice cold, but we took the symbolic bath in it to wash away our impurities within.  This trek provided some of the most spectacular scenery.  The sight of the peaks of Shivling, Bhagirathi I, II, III, Hanuman, Sudrashan were amazing
 
I was also very fortunate to spend a few days at a orphaned/destitute children's hostel, Gopal Dhaam - one of the Sewa International Charity projects.  This was an eye opener and very humiliating experience for me.  The first day or so was difficult to adjust to, but after that I learned so much from the kids (aged between 5 and 17) who did everything at the hostel - their day began at 4:30am and finished at 10pm - they cooked, cleaned the hostel and washed their clothes in addition to doing their normal studies, learning music, yogasans, bhajans, and playing games.  I was really impressed by the unity and determination they all had.  Hindus, Muslims and Christians, the kids all operated like one big family.
  
I then spent a few days on my own exploring Delhi.
The Himalayas - what a wonderful place - I wish I was still there!
Thanks to those of you who sponsored me - the money will go to a good cause.

Rajen.