Day 10: TREK TO SHIVASTHAL, GAURIKUNDA (5620 m) THEN ZUTULPHUK
Today is the toughest & longest journey of this trip. We have to trek almost 22 km through rugged highland to reach Zutulphuk. Literally, we have to pack up our gear and set off from hotel at 5 a.m. Chinese time. Initially, it is an uphill trek from Deraphuk but after walking for an hour or so, the trail turns into mild ascend. Half of the trail passes through an elevation of 4900 m./16,000 ft. or above, so there is no wonder if we get suffered from breathlessness or headache. Though, we should try to keep our pace slow & steady.
Please do not forget to carry water bottle, down jacket, raincoat and some dry fruits & chocolates with you. Everybody has different pace of walking. People might not be around when you them. So, you have to be self-dependent in basic things.
After making an up hill trek for about 4 hours or so, we will reach to a high pass where we will find Tibetan prayers flags fluttering. This is called ‘Dolma La pass’ (5800 m.). This is the highest point that we will be crossing over during this divine trip. After making a gentle descend from the pass, we will find our self near a tine glacial lake. This is ‘Gauri Kunda’.
From Gauri kunda, the trail leads us rapidly down through the area full of boulders and loose pebbles. Going down can be difficult and painful than coming up. If we have taken horse, we can’t even use it in this bit. After trekking down for another 1 & half hour or so from Gauri Kunda, we will eventually reach to the valley floor. From this point on, the trail is easy & flat. It is another 2 hours easy-walk to reach Zutulphuk from here.
– Overnight Norpel Guesthouse or Monastery guesthouse (Mud house) – dormitory.
– Deraphuk to Zutulphuk: 22 km | 9 hours,
– Elevation of Zutulphuk: 4820 m./15810 fts.
