MOUNT SARAMATI: EXPLORING THE UNKNOWN

by JOYDEEP PHUKAN (India)

A leap into the unknown India

MOUNT SARAMATI: EXPLORING THE UNKNOWN Every time the train would halt at the Dimapur Railway Station during my journeys, my soul would yearn for the distant hills that stood guard at the periphery of Dimapur, the largest city of Nagaland in India. Never did I ever imagine that I would eventually be climbing its highest mountain, the mighty Mount Saramati. Located at the India-Myanmar border, Mt. Saramati has an altitude of 3,826 m (12,553 ft) A 12-hour journey from Kohima to Pungro (Kiphire District), through the heart of the hills of Nagaland introduced us to its lush green terrace fields, jhum patches and maize cultivation. The five-hour journey from Pungro to Thanamir provided some exquisite views as well. The hills here, upright somewhat cylindrical, resembled those at the beaches in Krabi, Thailand. Thanamir is the base village of Mount Saramati. Known as the ‘apple village,’ it falls under the Khongsa Tehsil of Kiphire district in Nagaland. Back in the 1980s, the jawans of Assam Rifles gifted four apples to the then village head. He planted them in his backyard and later distributed grafts to the villagers. Apples are grown here on a large-scale now. To empower the apple farmers, an annual Apple Festival is organized by the government. The present village head - a Yimchunger, showcased the huge log drum played in emergencies and wars. The daunting trek of Saramati involved continuous ascend and descend of the hills. A rock wall of approximately 50 feet steep was the biggest challenge of all. To have climbed that with no ropes or climbing gear boosted our self-confidence. It took us apparently 12-hour to the base camp. Interestingly, I embarked on a solitary trek during the last 5 hours to the camp. Embracing the warmth of Mother Nature, I kissed the bark of a tree. With bottles empty and no sweets to keep my mouth wet, eating the purple coloured berries from the dark-edged rock surfaces saved me from dry mouth and other illnesses. Drinking the cold water of the stream after 10 hours of hiking was pure happiness. Uncertain whether I was following the right trail, it was purely instinct that helped me reach the base camp. Defying the tranquility and the darkness, the ascend for the summit began at three in the morning. The flora with strong roots worked as a trekking stick to support our steps in most of the edged slopes. The aroma of flowers welcomed us as we neared the peak. The happiness of being the first team and the youngest lad from Assam to summit the mountain felt empowering. Back in base camp, we ran out of food. An unrelenting night trek awaited us. Everyone hoped to descend that 50 feet rock before nightfall. Our feet ached; the soles felt as if they were being pricked by a needle. I still cherish the moment when after having climbed a hill, I saw the glittering stars and the chain of hills it illumined. It was my dream to view such night scenes. Rainfall by midnight aggravated our situation. We slipped and slid along the muddy trail. Our minds were baffled when we couldn’t recognize the cut marks of the tree that guided the trail. Exhausted, we eventually decided to camp in the forest. I distinctly remember that particular moment of tying a rope into a tree branch with drenched clothes to fix the plastic sheet thus to shun the rain. I literally felt like I was in a dream and the moment I woke up, I would be in Thanamir Village. An hour of sleep rejuvenated us. The jubilation of recognizing the bark I kissed cured my aching body. The expedition concluded successfully after we reached Thanamir at seven in the morning. To perceive the strength within, we ought to put us in circumstances that test our limits. The Mount Saramati trek transformed me to a more vibrant soul.