After a very successful KP trek, we
were all very eagerly looking forward to another trek. Jain took the initiative
when he proposed Ombattugudda in the first week of Dec, 2009. We did some
online research about the place and were pretty much convinced that the trek
would be more challenging than the KP trek. We gathered good deal of
information about it. The trek trail went through dense woods and covered nine
consecutive peaks (that’s why the name Ombattugudda- Nine humps in Kannada). We
also came to know about the trek being infamous for its tricky trails. There
are parts in the trek with no visible trails while others present too many
options to confuse people. No doubt, the success rate of the trek was low and
even experienced trekkers easily lost their way on this trek. That’s why it was
strongly recommended that we carry a survey map and a good GPS during the trek.
To add to my excitement, I came to know that the jungle was infested with elephants
and some people had encountered bears also. Apart from these, every blog had
their list of ‘Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’, which we very conveniently ignored then and
later regretted.
Finally, Sankalp Gulalti, Rajeev Pandey, Ankit Jain, Viraj, Siddharth and I were ready and decided to do this trek on 12-13 Dec, 2009. Mudit missed out due to his commitments at work while Sankalp chipped in at the last moment. Customarily, we shared responsibility for arranging essentials required for the trek. Viraj took responsibility for GPS while I procured the maps (Map No.48 P/9/NW and No.48 P/9/SW) from ‘Survey of India’ office. Jain took care of the ration (milk, ready-to-eats, Gud and Chana, Glucose, electrolyte powder etc.). Sankalp took responsibility for the tent, sleeping bags, rucksacks, and mattresses. There was a small problem however. Sankalp could get only one tent (suitable for four people). We also arranged a medical kit. I was in charge for getting the tickets done. Having experienced the KP bus ordeal, I decided to book the tickets in relatively more comfortable Rajahamsa Bus. Luckily, I got all six tickets in a single bus- one third row seat and the rest last row seats. I did not book the return tickets as I did not know at what place our trek would end.
Finally, Sankalp Gulalti, Rajeev Pandey, Ankit Jain, Viraj, Siddharth and I were ready and decided to do this trek on 12-13 Dec, 2009. Mudit missed out due to his commitments at work while Sankalp chipped in at the last moment. Customarily, we shared responsibility for arranging essentials required for the trek. Viraj took responsibility for GPS while I procured the maps (Map No.48 P/9/NW and No.48 P/9/SW) from ‘Survey of India’ office. Jain took care of the ration (milk, ready-to-eats, Gud and Chana, Glucose, electrolyte powder etc.). Sankalp took responsibility for the tent, sleeping bags, rucksacks, and mattresses. There was a small problem however. Sankalp could get only one tent (suitable for four people). We also arranged a medical kit. I was in charge for getting the tickets done. Having experienced the KP bus ordeal, I decided to book the tickets in relatively more comfortable Rajahamsa Bus. Luckily, I got all six tickets in a single bus- one third row seat and the rest last row seats. I did not book the return tickets as I did not know at what place our trek would end.
