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Originally Posted by deky OT:-Also the photos have made me realise yet again the hardships our Indian Army have to face in such diverse condtitions. So three cheers for them too. |
Absolutely, the way they guided me and ever open with answers when I approached them speaks volumes about their training and the disciplined way the conduct their life. I do have some good photos with them and of course of their trucks.
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Originally Posted by suman Spine chilling! I'm mesmerised |
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Originally Posted by Kandisa Sheer mesmerizing pics! A frozen waterfall.., |
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Originally Posted by rkbharat I am speechless |
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Originally Posted by PatienceWins Amazing!! |
Absolutely, and again lets think for a moment - its around 2 pm, afternoon, and we have a frozen waterfall, whats like at 2 am????
While going back from Gurudongmar saw this spectacle. A avalanche of snow, ice, and mud water going down the slopes, just broken from some barrier high above and rolling down at great speed - another amazing sight.
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Originally Posted by tsk1979 Could the headaches be due to cold/Exposure(Heater vs cold outside) rather than AMS? |
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Originally Posted by Sudipto-S-Team Most critical is the speed with which you gain altitude. |
Absolutely.
Spiti saw a max height of around 14.5K at Kunzum Pass and the most important it was a gradual climb from the Chitkul side. Moreover at Yumthang at 14k, none of the problems happened though over there we climbed around 6 k in 2 hrs. What I found out is that there is a whole lot of difference between 14k height and 18k height - after 15k every altitude rise counts.
If we draw an analogy like, it was like climbing from Manali [here Chungthang] to Khardungla[here Gurudongmar] in 4-5 hrs. Everyone gets hit by AMS, saw a couple of tourists real bad lying in the sumo backseats.
At 17-18k ft the body does not acclamatize and what made it worse was the very rapid ascent. The Chopta valley or Yumthang at 14k did not bring on the AMS. The AMS was brought on at Gurudongmar, we spent 2 hrs over there where normally the other few tourists that went was there for a max of 30-40 mts, just like they say in Khardung La - dont spend more than 30 mts. The AMS does not hit you like immediately, it brings on a nagging headache slowly and then rapidly. So the Chopta valley symptoms are actually that of what the body went through at Gurudongmar.
The outside temp afternoon time was around 3-4 C with high winds, but heater was not put on and was not needed, with all windows rolled up the Safari gave enough comfort plus we had the woolen sweaters and jacket on.
If it was night time surely the heater would have been needed, but then whatever be the vehicle, it will be punishment if someone gets stuck over there.