Kafnu, Himachal Pradesh, 27 September, 0929 hours:

The Mountain Walker team of Chief Executive Abhishek Kaushal, Chief of Operations Ameen Shaikh and their seasoned guide, Prem Chand Negi, has just started off on the 5-day Bhabha Pin Valley trek, after seeking the blessings of the deity at the local temple in Kafnu. After the trek they will reach Mudh from where they are likely to venture further on a 4-day trek across the Khamerang Valley. The team is likely to be off-grid and off communications for the next week or 10 days.

Incidentally, the Big Tree in the picture is said to be hundreds of years old and it has a diameter of at least 10 feet!

The Temple at Kafnu; Photo: Ameen Shaikh

(Left to right): Abhishek Kaushal, Prem Chand Negi, and Ameen Shaikh at the Temple in Kafnu.

View of Kafnu village and the Bhabha Dam; Photo: Ameen Shaikh.

The Ancient Big Tree in Kafnu (one can see the sheer magnitude in contrast to the house at its feet); Photo: Ameen Shaikh.

Kafnu and the mountains beyond is a land of ancient trees; Photo: Ameen Shaikh.

View of Kafnu village; Photo: Ameen Shaikh

The Temple at Kafnu; Photo: Ameen Shaikh

The Temple at Kafnu; Photo: Ameen Shaikh