Let's Create a Future for Seamless Experience of Traveling with a Jain Diet - Part 2

Greetings everyone,

Welcome back to the Part 2 of this Article Series! In this article, I will be discussing my experiences with Mountain Climbing Expeditions & Trekking while following a Jain Diet since 2016. Additionally, I will be sharing details about my upcoming trek, which will also mark the beginning of this awareness campaign. Join me as I take you through my adventures and the impact of my dietary choices on my expeditions.

You can read Part 1 of this Article Series here - https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/lets-create-future-seamless-experience-traveling-jain-shashank-shah-awqqf?trackingId=afpcRby7S22cZNiq6nU9kA%3D%3D&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base%3BGU2wplfHQJySrYv8uEQ3kw%3D%3D

Which Trek are You Attempting to Kickstart the Campaign?

The Warwan Valley Trek stands out as one of the most breathtaking adventures in India. None of the previous treks can compare to the sheer beauty & uniqueness of this particular journey. Moreover, no trek you embark on in the future will be able to rival the experience of exploring the Warwan Valley. What truly sets the Warwan Valley Trek apart is the mesmerizing crossover trail it offers. Starting amidst the Trans-Himalayan landscapes near Panikhar, one will traverse through a diverse terrain that includes oases, river deltas, colorful wildflower meadows, and awe-inspiring glaciers - all set against the backdrop of rugged mountains.

While the Warwan Valley Trek promises to be the most remarkable trekking experience, it is not for the faint-hearted. Covering nearly 20 kilometers each day, we will encounter challenging obstacles like glacier walks, moraines, and precarious overhangs above the rushing river that demand careful navigation.

To the best of my knowledge, the Warwan Valley Trek stands out as one of the most challenging treks to embark on in the Kashmir Valley. This particular trek demands a significant amount of prior experience with high-altitude trekking, along with exceptional endurance & stamina to cover a minimum of 13+ kilometers each day. My journey to tackle this trek is scheduled to begin on the 22nd of July, and I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to set foot on this inaugural adventure. Not only is this trek part of an awareness campaign, but it also presents a personal challenge for me to push beyond my comfort zone and reach new heights. For more than two months now, I have been diligently preparing myself for this upcoming trek, which promises to be a blend of breathtaking beauty & formidable challenges, and new friends.

My Journey So Far since 2016!

Upon revealing the location for the start of the awareness campaign, I will now recount the inception of my journey in 2016. Over the years, I have ventured to various locations with differing levels of difficulty, steadily laying the groundwork for my ultimate objective by conquering each of these challenging treks.

Let the list begin and also a short backstory or the experience for each of these expeditions & treks.

1. Har ki Doon Trek, Uttarakhand - May 2016

In the previous Article of this Series, I mentioned my commitment to following a Jain Diet in 2013. However, due to a lack of awareness in the trekking / adventure industry, I had to compromise and consume a Pure Vegetarian Diet during the treks & mountaineering courses I participated in from 2013 to 2015. Nevertheless, in 2016, the universe presented me with an opportunity to lead a trek to Har ki Doon (Uttarakhand) where Jain Food would be provided for those who preferred that diet. Without hesitation, I seized this opportunity to put myself to the test and begin sowing the seeds of my vision.

This trek follows the same path back-and-forth from the base camp, typically lasting for 6 days. Covering a total distance of around 36 kilometers one way, the stretch from the second campsite at Seema, to Har ki Doon spans about 14 kilometers; featuring significant elevation changes through different levels of difficulty in climbing. The scenery along this route is incredibly gratifying, immersing you so profoundly in the Valley that it seems like the edge of the world. Surprisingly, I found this trek to be quite effortless & comfortable, which significantly boosted my confidence to a whole new level. Now, I was eager to embark on an even more challenging adventure, ready to take a giant leap into the unknown.

2. Mt. Hanuman Tibba, Himachal Pradesh - June 2017

The Har ki Doon trek truly boosted my confidence, making me realize the growing awareness and availability of Jain food options on treks and expeditions. To push my limits, I made the bold decision to climb Mt. Hanuman Tibba solely on a Jain Diet, a challenge that had never been attempted before. With the unwavering support of my Local Himachali friends and guides, I embarked on this unique journey. Discussing my ambitious plan with my close friend Naresh Rana from Kailash Rath Treks, I was thrilled when he readily agreed to lead & guide me along with his friend, on this extraordinary expedition. All of us committing to sticking to Jain food throughout the journey was a true game-changer, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure ahead.

Towering proudly at an impressive height of 5934 meters (19460 feet), Mt. Hanuman Tibba reigns as the tallest peak in the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas. This majestic peak presents formidable challenges to climbers, requiring unwavering mental fortitude and exceptional physical endurance to conquer its summit. Among the many obstacles that climbers face, one of the most daunting is ascending the treacherous gully of the Tentu Pass. With a near-vertical climbing gradient of almost 90 degrees, this passage is also notorious for rockfalls, making it a perilous journey. Every step must be taken with utmost caution, as rocks & boulders can come hurtling down the gully at any moment. However, successfully navigating the Tentu Pass serves as a significant milestone on the path to the summit of Mt. Hanuman Tibba. Overcoming this formidable challenge is a testament to the climber's skill & determination, marking a crucial step towards reaching the pinnacle of this awe-inspiring peak.

We successfully reached Camp 1 situated at an elevation of almost 5000 meters, completely surrounded by snow or by moraine when the snow melts. During this challenging expedition, we carried all our equipment, gear, tents, and food on our own, with each of our rucksacks weighing close to 30 kilograms. Crossing the Tentu Pass with such a heavy load and through difficult terrain was a truly remarkable accomplishment. However, we had to return to base camp the following day due to unfavorable weather conditions for the next 3 days, leaving us less than 24 hours away from reaching the summit of this majestic mountain. Although the mountain remains unclimbed for me to this day, this attempt itself was a significant achievement that many thought impossible on a Jain diet. I'll be back on this mountain some day soon in the future!

3. Mt. Stok Kangri, Ladakh - August 2018

Following my successful yet unfinished attempt at Mt. Hanuman Tibba, I was convinced that scaling mountains was achievable even on a strict Jain Diet. With this newfound confidence, I set my sights on a less technically challenging climb, choosing to conquer Mt. Stok Kangri near Leh in Ladakh, India - renowned as the highest trekking peak in the country. This time around, I opted for a unique approach by fundraising for a cause while ascending this majestic peak.

Mount Stok Kangri stands tall at an impressive altitude of 6153 meters (20180 feet) and offers a breathtaking view from Leh city. The trek commences from Stok village, a mere 15 kilometers away from Leh, leading adventurers through a challenging terrain of small boulders, varying levels of difficult ascents, and a well-marked trail that guides them all the way to the summit. During our trek, we encountered a sudden change in weather on the second day of our climb, as torrential rains swept across the valley near Leh, causing significant damage to several villages. This unexpected turn of events left our team feeling uncertain about our summit attempt, with the weather conditions fluctuating rapidly. Despite the challenging circumstances, we made a collective decision to push forward and continue our climb towards the summit, even in the face of adverse weather conditions. Determined to reach as high an altitude as possible, we decided to go for the summit push with an unwavering resolve, ready to conquer whatever challenges lay ahead on our journey.

Surprisingly, the valley stretching between the base camp and the summit was blanketed in fresh snow due to the recent rains, making our ascent significantly easier & quicker than the usual trek over treacherous rocks & boulders. After a grueling climb lasting nearly 7 hours, we found ourselves just a few meters shy of the summit. However, we made the tough decision to halt our progress, as the visibility was extremely poor and risking our lives on the perilous narrow summit ridge was not an option. The overwhelming joy that surged through my heart was indescribable, and I was unable to contain my emotions. This successful climb further solidified my unwavering belief in conquering mountains while adhering to a Jain diet, reinforcing my faith in the journey ahead.

I embarked on this journey in order to raise funds for the construction of the 250-bed Muti-speciality Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital & Research Centre in Dharampur, situated in Southern Gujarat. This ambitious initiative aims to cater to the underprivileged tribal communities in and around Dharampur, offering cutting-edge medical services that are a rarity in the country. The inauguration of this Hospital by the esteemed Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, in August 2022 marked a significant milestone. On that unforgettable day, a sense of pride & honour filled my heart as I realized that my contribution, no matter how small, played a role in supporting the well-being of the marginalized sections of society. And, I will continue to do so till the end of my life.

Read More Details about the Hospital here - https://loveandcare.srmd.org/portfolio/shrimad-rajchandra-hospital-and-research-centre/

You can still help me Raise Funds for this Campaign here - https://bit.ly/wsfhccd

4. Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh - June 2019

My group of close friends and I made the decision to embark on a trek to Hampta Pass, with the guidance of our trusted friend Naresh Rana from Kailash Rath Treks. However, we encountered a challenge when we realized that our group of 8 was not sufficient to meet the logistical & financial requirements for the trek. This prompted us to seek out additional members, leading us to persuade our cousins and friends-of-friends to join us in order to reach the desired count of 20 people for the trek, which would culminate in a road trip through the stunning Spiti Valley.

We found ourselves in a group of 19 individuals, some familiar faces and others strangers, all brimming with excitement and eager to forge new connections throughout our journey. Setting off on our trek with high spirits and a surge of adrenaline, our enthusiasm was dampened by a sudden shift in weather, resulting in a torrential downpour in the valley that caused many other trekking groups to turn back before reaching the Hampta Pass. Despite the adverse conditions, our guide made a courageous decision to press on, assuring us that the weather would soon improve. Encouraging us to continue towards campsite-2, we trudged through the heavy rain, soaked to the bone, until we finally reached our destination. After freshening up, the sun emerged from behind the clouds, casting a radiant glow that lifted our spirits and dispelled our worries in an instant. We started pepping up ourselves for the next day which was crossing over the Hampta Pass and entering the Spiti Valley.

The following day, we embarked on our journey early in the morning before sunrise. During the ascent, 9 of our friends had to turn back from campsite-2 due to exhaustion & breathing difficulties. After a strenuous climb lasting 5 hours through thick snow, the remaining group of 10 individuals successfully reached the summit of Hampta Pass, perched at an elevation of 14000 Feet. The breathtaking views of the verdant Kullu Valley with the rugged Spiti Valley mountains left us in awe. Overwhelmed with joy, we proceeded with our trek the next day towards the final campsite, only to discover that we wouldn't be able to explore the Spiti Valley as planned, as the roads were blocked by uncleared snow. Without hesitation, we quickly altered our itinerary and decided to venture into the Parvati & Tirthan Valleys for the next 4 days.

Embarking on this journey marked the beginning of a solid foundation being established, one that I now recognize as incredibly sturdy. It dawned on me that every future trek or expedition I embark on, regardless of its level of difficulty, is indeed achievable as long as I maintain the appropriate attitude & mindset towards achieving my ultimate goal.

5. Deoriyatal Trek, Uttarakhand - December 2020

In 2020, the course of human history was forever altered by the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought the world to a near standstill, particularly affecting the Travel & Tourism Industry. With my personal 'Minimum One Mountain Trip a Year' Policy in mind, I pondered on how to organize a journey to the Himalayas before the year concluded. The perfect opportunity arose when my family had to decide between a trip to Kerala or Uttarakhand, and I successfully persuaded them that Uttarakhand was the ideal destination to explore. Since my parents had never experienced the grandeur of the Himalayas before, I believed that this was the opportune moment to introduce them to the majestic mountains and make them fall in love with the breathtaking beauty of Uttarakhand.

The journey began with meticulous planning as we mapped out an 8-day family getaway to explore the wonders of the Garhwal Region in Uttarakhand during the chilly month of December, anticipating either snowfall or icy temperatures. Our itinerary included visits to Chopta-Tungnath, Auli, Khirsu, and Rishikesh, with exciting activities such as Skiing in Auli & River Rafting in Rishikesh on the agenda. With two days dedicated to Chopta, we embarked on the Deoriyatal Trek, a thrilling adventure just 20 kilometers away, with a clearly marked climbing route leading to the picturesque lake. The joy was immeasurable as my 7-year-old nephew and my parents, both 58 at the time, successfully completed the trek to the lake & back without any assistance, filling my heart with pride.

Skiing on the slopes of Auli with my nephew was a delightful experience, offering us panoramic views of majestic peaks like Mt. Nanda Devi, Mt. Kamet, Mt. Hathi-Ghodi, Mt. Trishul and many others creating memories to last a lifetime. Throughout our journey, we indulged in delectable Jain cuisine prepared by the locals, adding a flavorful touch to our unforgettable family vacation.

6. Dhana Kunu Trek, Himachal Pradesh - April 2021

During the second phase of the lockdown, I decided to embark on a journey to Himachal Pradesh where the travel restrictions had been lifted, and the only requirement was to wear face masks for safety in public areas. My main goal was to explore the possibilties of skiing on the slopes near the Chandrakhani Pass, with Dhana Kunu being another pass nearby that shared the same summit ridge and was just a short trek of 30 to 45 minutes away. Interestingly, Dhana Kunu is situated above the hometown of my close friend Naresh Rana, Rumsu, who was also interested in starting skiing courses on these slopes. Together we decided to explore the possibilities of this new venture.

My memory is a bit fuzzy, but I believe it was during this particular journey that things took an unexpected turn. The bus I was supposed to take from Chandigarh to Manali ended up following a different route than what was initially planned, causing me to miss the pick-up point mentioned on their website. Left stranded, panic started to set in as I pondered how I would make it to Manali, especially since it was already midnight. With no other choice in sight, I mustered up the courage to approach another bus operator and ask for a lift. Thankfully, the driver agreed to take me along, but due to the bus being fully occupied, I had to settle for a small chair in the aisle for the entire night. Despite the discomfort, I stayed awake, marveling at the driver's expertise in maneuvering the massive Volvo bus through the winding roads of Himachal. It wasn't until 6 in the morning that I was finally offered a proper seat to rest for a brief moment. Exhausted, I managed to catch an hour of sleep before reaching Patlikuhal, where Naresh was scheduled to pick me up and transport me to Rumsu.

After enjoying a healthy breakfast and getting ready for the day, Naresh and I set off on our journey towards the slopes of Chandrakhani Pass. Four hours of trekking led us to an intermediate campsite where we had planned to spend the night. The following day, Naresh, his team members, and I made the decision to climb up to Dhana Kunu Pass before returning to Rumsu. Situated at an altitude of approximately 11800 Feet, the trek up was challenging, with steep terrain and snow to navigate. By noon, we had reached the summit, capturing stunning drone footages before making our way back down to Rumsu. The climb had been both physically and mentally demanding, leaving me feeling completely drained due to lack of sleep & the strenuous nature of the journey.

On this particular ascent, I managed to reach an elevation of 11,800 feet in less than 48 hours of leaving Mumbai, starting from sea level. Considering my last extended high-altitude trek was back in 2019, I was amazed at my ability to complete this trek without any recent physical preparation. The fact that I accomplished this 2-day climb, which involved ascending and descending almost 4,000 feet each way (a total of 8,000 feet), all while adhering to a Jain diet, felt like a significant personal achievement.

7. Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal - March 2022

This endeavour marks a significant milestone in my journey, as I finally had the chance to embark on this incredible trek after a long 9-year wait. My close friend Keval Kakka, a seasoned mountaineer who has conquered 6 x 8000 Meter Peaks, was leading the trek in March 2022 and had made arrangements for Jain Food throughout the trek's duration. I was overjoyed by this news and wasted no time in signing up for the trek, which I had been dreaming of since 2014. I eagerly anticipated completing this trek, as it would be my 7th mountain adventure on a Jain Diet, serving as a testament to overcoming challenges for others who may be hesitant.

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions, the rules had become slightly less stringent, resulting in a limited number of trekkers on the route. This allowed us to fully appreciate the unobstructed views of the natural surroundings in a peaceful setting. The trek itself was incredibly challenging, requiring us to navigate steep slopes & terrains, cover a minimum distance of 10 kilometers daily, and endure dry & extremely cold nights. The harsh conditions even caused the water in our bottles to freeze, making it a tough but ultimately rewarding experience.

In India, the concept of Jain Food is widely understood, but in Nepal, it was a different story altogether. The chefs & cooks there were unfamiliar with the concept, making it a bit of a challenge to explain and have them prepare Jain Food. However, despite the initial unfamiliarity, they were incredibly cooperative with our trekking group, and our guides were very accommodating of our dietary needs. Among our group of 7, only myself and another trekker preferred Jain Food, but our guides made sure that our meals were prepared separately and well in advance. Surprisingly, even though it was their first time preparing Jain dishes, the food turned out to be incredibly delicious, so much so that our fellow trekkers started opting for Jain Food over the regular vegetarian options whenever and wherever possible.

On the 13th of March, 2022, our team successfully arrived at the Everest Base Camp around noon, and everyone was in excellent health, filled with excitement & adrenaline after our incredible achievement. We celebrated our journey with great enthusiasm, and everyone was overwhelmed with indescribable emotions. Personally, I felt a deep sense of gratitude towards the Universe for granting me the opportunity to fulfill my dream journey, and I gained immeasurable confidence & positivity, knowing that no journey is beyond my reach. Typically, it takes 8 days to reach the EBC from Lukla, allowing for gradual acclimatization to the increasing altitude. However, the return journey is often unpredictable due to various factors. In our case, we had not predetermined the stopping points for the return journey, but planned to adjust based on the group's walking speed and energy levels.

As we made our way back from Gorakshep to Lukla, we made the decision to spend the night in Pangboche, Benkar near Tok-Tok and Lukla, covering a total distance of almost 65 kilometers in just 3 days. This meant that we had to trek at least 20 kilometers each day. Despite feeling tired and fatigued from the previous days, our group managed to maintain a good pace and complete the trek within the required time frame. And now, I'm excited to share the story of our entire trek.

Throughout the 11-day trek, I found myself enjoying just Daal-Bhaat for lunch and dinner most of the time, with breakfast consisting of tea or coffee, eggless bread toasts, and popcorn. However, the highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the Jain Margherita Pizza we were served at Tengboche, which was so delicious that we requested it for breakfast the next day for the entire group. Despite the limited Jain food options along the route, I managed to complete the trek without any health issues and even supported fellow trekkers who were suffering with severe knee pain.

8. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh - July 2023

Wow! This journey turned out to be the most thrilling adventure among all the road trips I've ever taken. My two cousins and I made a decision to leisurely explore the entirety of Spiti Valley, with a generous 15 days at our disposal to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of this awe-inspiring mountainous landscape. Our travel dates were set between 8th July - 22nd July, and we had meticulously crafted an itinerary detailing our departure time, distances between destinations, and the array of activities we hoped to experience along the way. However, fate had a different plan in store for us. We found ourselves amidst one of the most massive & devastating rainfalls that Himachal Pradesh had encountered in the last 70 years. Our well-thought-out itinerary was thrown into disarray right from the moment we attempted to land in Chandigarh early in the morning. Due to heavy rains and poor visibility, our initial landing was unsuccessful, leading to 45 minutes of maneuvering over Punjab before we could safely touch down. Undeterred, we swiftly secured our vehicle and embarked on our journey through the breathtaking Spiti Valley.

Over the next 72 hours, the rain was relentless, and reports of widespread landslides, road blockages, and washed-out highways were spread across social media & news channels. Power & internet outages were widespread, and tourists were either stranded or fleeing the state for safety. These reports were confirmed by our own experiences, as we encountered roadblocks and witnessed massive boulders tumbling into the rivers below. In light of these conditions, we made the decision to abandon our original travel plans and instead assess road and weather conditions the night before each day of travel.

The Kinnaur and Spiti regions are typically known for their dry climate, making the summer months of June to August the ideal time to visit due to pleasant weather conditions & easy accessibility by road. However, this year was an exception as heavy rainfall hit these rain-shadow areas, causing devastation among the locals with homes washed away and crops destroyed, rendering them unsellable. Despite the challenges, we were able to make our way to Kalpa, a town situated at an altitude of around 3000 meters, which had become a safe haven amidst the chaos. The rains had subsided, road clearance efforts were underway, and the well-developed infrastructure of Kalpa meant there was minimal risk of landslides, providing a sense of security.

During our stay in Kalpa, we encountered a fellow traveler from Udupi who was in the same hotel as us and shared our interest in exploring the Spiti Valley. Unfortunately, due to the lack of state transport in many areas, he was left with no means of transportation. In a spontaneous gesture of camaraderie, we extended an invitation for him to join our group, which he gladly accepted. Instantly, a strong bond was formed between us, and the following day brought news that the road leading to Spiti Valley had been cleared of debris, allowing access up to the main town of Kaza, though not beyond. This development filled us with excitement as it meant we could visit all the significant locations in the region, with the exception of the renowned Chandrataal Lake. Despite this, we were grateful for the opportunity and set out for Spiti Valley without delay. Over the course of nearly a week, we embarked on an unforgettable journey through Spiti Valley, visiting key destinations such as Nako, Tabo, Dhankar, Kaza, Kibber, Hikkim, Langza, and Komik, among others. Each place left a lasting impression on us, and we cherished every moment of our exploration, grateful for the unexpected adventure that awaited us.

The state's road infrastructures suffered severe damage, causing major disruptions in the transportation of raw materials for food production. As a result, the availability of food options in the valley was extremely limited, forcing us to rely on simple dishes like Daal-Rice, Maggi, Paratha, Cucumber-Tomato Salad, to name a few. Despite the scarcity of food choices, we managed to explore Dhankar Lake, embarking on a challenging trek of approximately 4 kilometers from Dhankar Monastery. Additionally, we visited remarkable locations such as Hikkim (home to the Highest Operational Post Office), Komik (the Highest Inhabited Place), Chicham Bridge (Asia's Highest Suspension Bridge), and the Langza Buddha Statue. These extraordinary sites are all situated at elevations exceeding 4000 meters, posing potential challenges for visitors due to the reduced oxygen levels at such heights. Despite the difficulties, the experience of exploring these high-altitude destinations was truly unforgettable for me & I didn't suffer from any high-altitude sickness.

My Journey Published in Newspaper

Upon my return from the Dhana Kunu Pass trek, I had the opportunity to recount my entire mountain climbing odyssey from 2009 to 2021 in the Solo Travelling section of the Gujarati Newspaper Mid Day. The day the article was published, I was flooded with an outpouring of support on Social Media and received numerous phone calls from relatives, friends, and residents of Gujarat unknown to me. It was truly heartwarming to see such a positive response to my adventure.

Two years later, I had the chance to once again talk about my experiences with mountain climbing while following a Jain Food Diet. This time, however, the focus was on how young people can embark on a spiritual journey while still pursuing their personal & professional aspirations. I felt deeply moved to share my spiritual journey and how it has influenced my mountain climbing adventures, attributing the entire experience and the creation of the Awareness Campaign to the guidance of my Spiritually Enlightened Master. The article was well-received, serving as evidence that it is possible to harmonize one's spiritual and personal lives, and that spirituality is not something to be reserved for old age.

See You Again in Part 3 of this Series

I trust that my adventure thus far has been motivating and has carved out a little place in your hearts to back me in pursuing this monumental life objective that I am determined to bring to fruition. I also trust that all my expeditions or journeys have instilled in you the assurance & solid conviction that an intense activity like mountain climbing can be pursued by sticking to one of the most challenging diets to follow. Lastly, I believe that this entire journey will play a crucial role in motivating numerous individuals to dream big, set ambitious goals, and conquer them by pushing themselves to unlock the hidden potential within them.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my journey and the purpose I've committed to. I extend an invitation to all of you to join me in this endeavor, as we work together to raise awareness on a larger scale and pave the way for a future where traveling is convenient for those who adhere to a Jain diet.

(To be continued...)