I recently had the opportunity to participate in a field school organized by CO-PREPARE, a collaborative Indo-German project focused on understanding natural hazards in the Himalayan region. The field visit took place from October 10 to October 16, 2024, with Ph.D. scholars from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, joining forces with master's students hailing from the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Geography, we spent seven days exploring the climate, hydrology, and surface processes of the Indian Himalayas. Here’s a brief account of this unforgettable trip.
Day 1: The Journey Begins
We kicked off our journey early in the morning, gathering at NC Nigam, IIT Roorkee, for breakfast. We were introduced to each other by the coordinator, Jurgen Maye, and then set off on our first leg of the journey. Our first stop was Goa Beach in Rishikesh, where Jurgen gave a talk on tectonic evolution. Although this topic was new to me, I found it fascinating. The open and engaging atmosphere encouraged me to share my thoughts, despite being a shy person. Later, we had a lovely lunch and continued our journey to Rudraprayag, where we visited the Sangam Point, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers merge to form the Ganga. This spiritual spot was a highlight for me. We wrapped up the day in Srinagar, where Dr.Ugur and Prof. Roopam Shukla gave an insightful talk on tourism.
Day 2: The Road to Badrinath
Excitement was high as we set off for Badrinath, a sacred site I had always wanted to visit. The journey was long—6 to 8 hours—but we passed the time enjoying German music introduced by Johann. Finally, we arrived in Badrinath in the evening. Despite the cold, the view was mesmerizing. I stayed with my roommates, Nell and Marlene, who were fun and easy to get along with. After a tiring day, we had a delicious meal, and the starry night sky helped us drift off to sleep.
Day 3: The Trek to Vasundhara Falls
The next morning, we set out for a trek to Vasundhara Falls, my very first trek! I was particularly excited because of the mythical connections to the place. The weather was sunny, so we took all the necessary precautions like sunscreen and water bottles. The trek was challenging but rewarding, with stunning views, including a glimpse of the Sathopanth Glacier. We also had talks by Prof. Surabh Vijay on glaciers and Dr. Wolfgang on fluvial geomorphology, which added to the learning experience.
Day 4: Exploring Hydro Power Plant and the Journey to Joshimat
Day four began with a visit to the Badrinath Hydro Power Project, where we discussed power generation and its impact. Afterward, we traveled to Joshimat, stopping along the way at Vishnuprayag to see the remnants of the Chamoli disaster from 2021. It was a somber reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural hazards. We reached Joshimat by evening and rested for the night.
Day 5: Learning in Dhauliganga Valley
After breakfast, we set out for Lata, where we worked in pairs on a terrain mapping assignment, marking important geomorphological features. It was a great exercise in field learning. Later, we visited a remote village and interacted with the locals to understand how they adapted to the challenging terrain and climate. We then explored the ruins of the Rishiganga Hydro Power Project before heading back to the hotel for the evening.
Day 6: Journey to Tehri
We left Joshimat early in the morning for Tehri, which was about a six-hour drive. By evening, we reached Tehri and settled into the hotel for the night.
Day 7: The Tehri Dam Visit
On the final day, we visited the Tehri Dam and the associated hydropower plant. After passing through a high-security check, we had the opportunity to explore the dam and learn about its significance. After a fulfilling visit, we headed back to IIT Roorkee, marking the end of an enriching field school experience.
Overall, this field school was a perfect blend of education, adventure, and cultural exchange. I not only gained valuable insights into the climate and hydrology of the Himalayas but also made lasting memories with people from different parts of the world. The experience was truly transformative, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this amazing journey.