The Path Through Gwaru
Introduction
Embarking on an expedition is not just about reaching a destination — it is a journey of resilience, courage, and discovery. The Path Through Gwaru by Mr. Rajib Biswas, parent of our student Priyan Biswas of Class VI B at Delhi Public School, Fulbari, is an inspiring first-hand account of a mountaineering adventure through the majestic Gwaru Pass in the Pir Panjal range of Himachal Pradesh.
This narrative beautifully captures the challenges, camaraderie, and triumphs of a team that dared to explore one of nature’s most formidable terrains — a story of endurance, teamwork, and the human spirit’s unwavering determination to conquer both mountain and self.
Article
After a full night and half a day sitting in a cramped position within the confines of an overnight bus, alighting at Manali was a welcome relief. It was also a much-needed respite from the sweltering heat of Delhi. Our spirits soared at the sight of towering deodar trees and snow-covered mountains. Full of enthusiasm and excitement, we gazed at the peaks, trying to find our way.
“We” — that is, my team and I — had come all the way from West Bengal to the beautiful hilly state of Himachal Pradesh to find a route through the elusive Gwaru Pass in the Pir Panjal range. We were ten in number: seven from Siliguri and three from Kolkata. Being the eldest and the least experienced among the group, I was in a state of nervous excitement. The pass was expected to lead us from the Jagatsukh Valley of Kullu District to the Malana Valley of Manikaran District. Months of planning and preparation were finally reaching their culmination.
Oblivious to the thousands of leisure-seeking tourists in Manali that June of 2018, we were silently preparing for the most ambitious trip of my life. Our preparation camp was set amid an apple orchard, where a few tents had been hastily erected. This was where our final equipment check began. We hired most of our mountaineering gear from Manali — tents, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, ice axes, snow boots, crampons, and gaiters. After several fittings and replacements, everyone got their near-perfect pair of boots. The last bits of provisions were gathered from the Manali market.
After spending a night in Manali, our expedition began on June 11. Five young Nepali boys joined us as porters and assistant cooks. Two Sumo vehicles took us to Jagatsukh village, a few kilometres away, where our two high-altitude guides — Premlal and Sanju — and our cook, Trilok, joined us. Our journey continued to the A.D. Hydel Project on the river Jagatsukh Nala, the farthest point reachable by vehicle. Soon after, our pony team arrived with four ponies and two handlers to carry our load up to the base camp at Seri.
At 11:30 a.m., we took our first steps toward our distant destination. The clouds greeted us with a sudden shower, but we pressed on undeterred. Crossing the Jagatsukh Nala by a narrow metal bridge, we climbed a steep rocky path through forested land.
“The path will continue entirely along the right bank of the river,” said our guide Sanju. “You just have to follow its ups and downs.”
The first steps are always the hardest — lungs burn, and legs protest. But once the rhythm sets in, the mountain welcomes you. “Steady” is the key, never haste.
Our first day’s trek to Chikka, though only four kilometres, was made difficult by rain and slippery rocks. We crossed a team of ponies returning from the mountains and carefully made way. Passing through lush green meadows and crossing a small wooden bridge over a stream, we arrived at the Nag Devta Temple, a revered spot marked by snake-like wavy patterns in the rock.
By the time we reached Chikka, we were drenched and chilled. As we waited for our ponies, we took shelter in a stone hut, lit a fire, and hung our wet clothes to dry. When the porters finally arrived, they brewed hot tea for us. Later, our leader Pinaki led a prayer at the Nag Devta shrine for the success of our expedition.
The ponies arrived just before sundown, having struggled to cross the bridge. We ended the day with a simple dinner of rice, dal, and vegetables before retreating to our sleeping bags.
The next morning, in high spirits, we began our 12 km trek from Chikka to Seri (3900 m), following the Jagatsukh Nala once again. Midway, at a beautiful meadow called Pandorupa, we stopped for lunch — aloo parathas with pickles — washed down with cold spring water.
By 2:30 p.m., we reached Seri, a vast green valley crisscrossed by icy streams and surrounded by towering cliffs. After crossing several freezing channels, we set up our base camp beside a stream. That night, we held a short team meeting inside a tent, followed by dinner and rest.
The next day brought a steep climb from Seri to Tenta (4125 m). The sight of cascading waterfalls flanking our route was mesmerizing. From Tenta, our first target, Mount Jagatsukh, was clearly visible. That afternoon, we held a small ceremony, worshipping our ice axes for success.
The summit attempt was planned for 1:00 a.m. on June 14. Five fittest members — Pankaj, Mithun, Debabrata, Subhasis, and Parameswar — along with the two guides, formed the summit team. The rest, including me, remained at camp. As the climbers’ headlamps flickered into the dark horizon, we watched like anxious guardians under the silent Himalayan sky.
At dawn, through the zoom lens of my DSLR, we spotted our teammates inching their way up the slope — tiny figures against the vast white. Hours passed in anxious anticipation. Finally, at 9:45 a.m., we saw three of them reach the summit. Joy and pride filled our hearts. Upon their return, we welcomed them with mountain flowers and warm embraces. Only Subhasis, accompanied by the two guides, had reached the peak — a remarkable feat.
After lunch, though reluctant to leave Tenta, we descended to Seri through heavy rain and slippery paths. Exhausted, we rested early.
The next morning marked the most crucial stage — crossing the Gwaru Pass. From Seri, we followed the northwestward trail along the Gwaru Nala, through fields of wildflowers that eventually gave way to endless snow. A cave provided temporary shelter as we waited out sleet and rain.
The following day, the ascent began. The entire landscape was buried under snow. We carefully moved forward, using ice axes and walking sticks to keep balance. The higher we climbed, the thinner the air became. When faced with a steep 65-degree gradient, our guide Premlal fixed ropes for safety. With sheer determination, we pulled ourselves up — one slow step at a time.
At 11:30 a.m., we reached the Gwaru Pass, our moment of triumph. Standing amidst mist and silence, we celebrated with sweets from Kolkata’s Kalighat Temple and offered prayers of gratitude.
But the descent was no less perilous. We cautiously made our way down through snow-covered rocks and eventually reached a green pasture where we camped for the night. From there, the Malana River and a distant hydel dam came into view. I managed to contact my family, and their relief was palpable even through the weak signal.
The final day’s descent tested us once more. Through soft soil, dense forest, and heavy rain, we trudged on. Exhaustion nearly overcame us, but finally, we reached the Malana Hydel Dam and, later, a small tea stall near Malana village. After several hours, we managed to hire a vehicle back to Manali, arriving at midnight.
Thus ended the chronicle of my first mountaineering expedition — a journey that taught me humility before nature, courage in adversity, and the unmatched joy of human achievement.
Conclusion
“The Path Through Gwaru” is not merely an account of an expedition — it is a heartfelt Mountaineering Travelogue that celebrates human perseverance, teamwork, and the quiet triumphs born from determination and faith. Mr. Biswas’s Himalayan Adventure Story through the challenging Gwaru Pass Trek in the Pir Panjal Range captures the true essence of courage and respect for nature’s grandeur.
His remarkable Himachal Pradesh Expedition reflects the spirit of discovery that defines Mountain Exploration in India, reminding us that the mountains are not conquered by strength alone, but by endurance, humility, and willpower.
At Delhi Public School, Fulbari, this inspiring journey stands as a shining example for students and parents alike — a testament to curiosity, preparation, and resilience. Such DPS Fulbari Adventures and Student and Parent Stories – DPS Fulbari continue to motivate young learners to dream fearlessly, explore responsibly, and create their own unforgettable Travel Experiences in the Himalayas.
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