Day-9 - 24.07.2011
Astore to Raikot
The day started with the worry of taking the memory card. As it got filled. Then I found a Net Club in Astore Bazar which have card reader. I put the pics on my flash as well as on the PC of that club. And then I request the group to take me to Raikot as they going on jeep towards the Naran.
We had breakfast at NangaParbat Viewpoint Hotel at KKH. Astore Road is good. It take 1-2 hour, Astore to KKH (Thalechi).
Then they dropped me at Raikot Bridge. Here I was of hope, that I will find some group. I wait there. But no group arrived. Jeep fare was 5000/-. In case I found no other group, I had to return back to Gilgit... as was not in mood of paying jeep fare solo.
Then a local was also going upwards. He said that He can pay Rs. 2000.. as he is going one way. I agreed to pay Rs. 3000/-.. The total 5000/-. But then the jeep driver come to me. He was very cunning person. He said that he will only bring me upwards, not return as I am giving only Rs. 3000/-.
I said him.. You may go... I am going to Gilgit and stand at Bridge for waiting for a transport.
Then two PW members Mr. Sufwan with his friend Mr. Shin arrived at Raikot from Pindi via NATCO. I approached them. They welcomed me. Sufwan recognized me that I am Pakwheeler. We 3 shared the fare. We give lift (free) to that local who was paying Rs. 2000/-, He was teacher in Chilas and was going for summer vacation to his village. Then the journey started. Jeep ride was not. Not as much scary as it was heard. Some of the portion of road is rebuilt as wider. Some of the turns have a safegaurd road rails (a brick support).
The jeep dropped us at newly constructed bridge. Jeep couldnot cross that. We crossed through the bridge. Jeep took one hour or so. And dropped us at Approx 6500' ASL. And started the trek. At this point of trek. It is hot trek barren uptill Tattu Jhail with no water.
It took us an hour to reach Tattu Village. There was a spring. I drink one liter water and laid down. After somewhile Sufwan and Shin forwarded. They did mistake that they from this point didn't carried the water. As people said there are springs in the way. But from this point upto two hours trek, there is no springs. Springs are on the later part (final part) of the trek. So always keep water....
I did some rest more, drink another liter (Approx as there is no glass). I put my rucksack with sleeping bag tent etc at this Tattu Jhail Fairypoint Hotel for Rs. 100/- per day. And put my day-pack on my shoulders.
I filled water bottle 1.5 liter and also keep with me.
It was a hot day. And soon again thirst appears. I put 3 tang sachets into the bottle and taking sips after some intervals.
Then I met the group. They were Haal-Bay-Haal as they have no water. Alas, i had also drank all water before meeting them..
Soon a spring arrives. They drank water. Now the trek was in Jungle and some shadow there.
Nanga Parbat started to give his looks on the way. I reached the Fairy Meadow first then Mr. Shin and then Mr. Sufwan.
Reached 6pm at Fairy Meadow. Welcome by Fazul ur Rehman Hotel owner. (5 hours sternous, hectic long, scary and dangerous trek) It is as double of Meeran Jani in term of elevation gain/hecticness. Fazal served us complementary green tea. which refreshed us.
It was cloudy over Nanga Parbat. But it started to get clear.
Stayed at Broadview Hotel at Fairy Meadow in cottage. Had Dinner. Food is costly approx 250/- per head per meal. and Breakfast Rs. 150/- per head. Cottage charges were Rs. 1200/- divided by three....
Did a little campfire.. (Means sitting around the fire) and slept at 10pm as were tired.
