Gutherayan Peak Trek 

 

 

Prologue

It all started when Geetha, a software engineer and a yoga instructor in our township, created a trekking whatsapp group. I joined thinking it would be a great training opportunity for my Kailash - 2022. Few people also joined and none of them looked serious to me though they were enthusiastic. This aside, I read about an elephant watch tower near a water hole in Aiyur Reserve Forest where elephants frequent in summer. We (me, Kannan & Hari) took a car ride one Sunday morning. Though we didn't spot anything, we were mesmerized by the tranquility of this place. On our way we saw sign boards to Aiyur ecotourism park, wondering what it must be, we stopped over. Forest guard there, Govinda Raj, while conversing told us about an interesting trek to Gutherayan peak. He said he can arrange one if we have a group of 10. I thought it was destiny that has brought this my way. I googled to know more, surprisingly not much was there about the trek, only two lengthy blogs from hard core nature lovers. Immediately I knew this must be something nice and unexplored. I will have to do it.

Persuading another 9

 

That 9 includes my husband too. He out-rightly denied saying its impossible to do 12km trek that too on mountains. But inside my heart I knew if I can convince 8 others he will not let me down. I didn't push him. I dropped a message in the township trekking group. There was excitement but was not sure if they will signup. To my surprise every thing started to fall in place. First confirmation came from Geetha and her 12 year old son Karthik followed by Anjali and then Vandana. Now my mind was racing fast I called up Govinda Raj, he said that week(Apr 11th) there was already 5 member group trekking so now he asked me to bring only five or more. We already have the numbers but I knew very well if we have to do it, we need peer pressure. To add that element we need an experienced trekker. The person immediately came to my mind was Britto, Bangalorean and my college mate. I sent a message inviting him and family. He was very much interested. When we were talking on phone he mentioned about Raj Mohan another college mate living in Bangalore. It crossed my mind that Raj Mohan has done Kailash(high altitude) and Sathuragiri(difficult terrain). I sent him a message too asking if he was free that weekend to do the trek, he replied yes without any hesitation. Even my husband reluctantly said OK. Now the group was 11 including 4 kids of age 10,11,12,13. Luckily I ended up not have to persuade anybody 

The D-day 

 

My college friends came over to my place the night before as Bangalore had section 144 imposed due to Covid situation, no movement was allowed between 10pm-5am. We started the next day at 5 in the morning. We reached Aiyur Eco tourism park by 6.30. Our trek was to start from a nearby village, Kodakarai. We carried packed breakfast(Egg, bread and Jam) for our way. Kodakarai villagers had surprised look on their face to see such a large group of 18 (11 of us+another group of 5+2 forest guards). We had to maintain a single profile inside the village as the lanes were narrow. 

 

 

 

Soon habitation started to thin out and we were greeted by thorny, poking Lantanas brushing past us, on either sides of the lane. Lantanas are a type of toxic weed that grows rapidly and is a global menace for the flora. 

 

 

Slowly we were surrounded by vastness of the thick, dense forest, littered with dry leaves.

 

 

 

 Every body were in their own bliss, my mind too wanted to wander in that emptiness but my cranky 10 year old and the steep climb kept my mind occupied with worries. I know Hari was hungry, but it was impossible to slow down entire group just for him. I kept motivating him, he somehow pushed himself. 

 

 

We crossed a beautiful lake and little later we sat in an open place filled with rocks for breakfast. Sun god had some mercy on us in the morning. Had he been shining brightly I would have given up easily. Already I was feeling the heat of the trek, its not easy, not even average one as I imagined. The dry leaves were slippery and ascents were steep. As we climbed Geetha was helpful in diverting my mind, we kept talking and moved in slower pace. I knew this day is not about me and my camera. I have to be mindful of each step and watch over others falling behind. I gave my camera to my husband to reduce the weight. Poor guy he was already carrying Hari's bag, his bag and now my camera too. He didn't complain. I was proud of him that moment. Though he is emotionally lacking(I think all men are emotionally lacking) he has been silently watching over my back for all these years. 

 

 

Soon the thick forest started to disappear below us and rocky terrain started to appear. I knew we were somewhere closer to the peak. 

 

 

 

Somewhere in few places we had fallen back so behind that we

didn't know which way to head. We kept calling Parthiban, one of the forest guard who accompanied us, he came back all the way down to guide us without complaining. At last we could see the peak and there was this small temple. I felt some connect with it immediately. I prayed for the safe return for all of us. I wished I knew something about these gods. May be the tribals had a story behind this temple. 

 

 

We finally reached the peak, no words can describe the joy and relief that we sincerely thought the hardest part of the trek was over. I forgot the famous Everest movie quote " When you reach the summit, you are only halfway there" We spent around half an hour in the peak and started walking back.

 

 

 

Now this was the really challenging part of the trek with me wearing Nike running shoes, the grip wasn't that great. The dry leaves, the steep descent, scorching sun, parched throat(everybody ran out of water) was adding to the woes. I really slowed down, I was last in the group. I was even shamelessly butt sliding in few places to avoid fall. Parthiban was laughing seeing my circus show. He slowed down his pace and joined us. Adding to all this our guides took us in a different route while returning back which would have easily added another 2kms. 

 

At one point it looked as if it was never ending trek, even after seeing human habitation we were long way from our trek starting point. Sun was directly over our head and we were loosing our cool. Kids in the group couldn't tolerate anymore and started crying out in pain. Luckily for me Hari was complaining but not crying, he scurried ahead to end the pain. Even me, with hurting knees,  didn't stop, as my legs started to shiver when stopped. This time I had to leave behind few trek members and walk ahead. At last we saw the house with blue sheets where we had parked our cars. I checked My Track app in my phone, it showed 14.8kms. My god, I wouldn't have done this trek without friends. Even walking on a normal terrain such distance would have been tough for me. Much to our delight while returning back we spotted a lone elephant near the water hole. 

 

 

 There was absolute peace in my mind. Few asked when is our next trip. I didn't have a reply  but I know someday, someplace will pop up on its own. I will wait...