The team of trekkers from La Martiniere for Girls

The Himalayas with beautifully forested mountains have always been a trekker’s paradise. The enchanting mountains, open valleys, lush green forests, majestic waterfalls and the rich flora and fauna welcome hikers, birdwatchers and environmentalists from all over the world.

On April 1, students from La Martiniere for Girls undertook a trekking expedition from Barsu to Duyara Bugyal to complete the gold and silver levels in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (DEAS).

With far-flung undulating meadows, bordered by conifers, Duyara Bugyal is the unofficial heaven for nature lovers. The term ‘Bugyal’ roughly translates to “a meadow of high altitude” found at a height of 10,000 to 12,000 feet. In April, this meadow is covered in snow and the participants had an opportunity to see many snow-capped peaks like Gangotri I, II and III, Rudragoira, Jaonli and Draupadi ka Danda.

The 12 participants started the trek from Barsu and reached Barnatal — a sacred lake situated at an altitude of 6,500 feet. The following day, they trekked through an ascending trail, leading to Duyara Bugyal, and reached the famed meadows.

The trail was of moderate gradient, winding through forests of ancient oak, cedar and birch trees. The participants also had an opportunity to observe diverse fauna — the swallow, the Oriental Turtle Dove, the common as well as the hill mynah, the barbet, the minivet and the grey hornbill to name a few.

The students also spotted a great Himalayan squirrel — one of the endangered species found in these forests.

T. Dasgupta, the award leader of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, saw the squirrel pilfering the eggs of a thrush (a common sight in the Himalayas) only to be attacked and chased away by the birds.

The trekkers endured temperatures of -4 degree Celsius at Duyara Bugyal and even got a chance to ski on the snow-covered slopes. The trek was completed successfully, thanks to the cooperation and encouragement of the principal, L. Mirza, the vice-principal, R. Sarkar, and the award leader as well as the teacher in charge of the YES Centre-IAYP (Youth Engaging Society, International Award for Young People).

Mrinalini Bose, Bulbul Rajagopal & Rohini Mitra, La Martiniere for Girls