As we began our descent towards the Pin Valley, the adventure took on a new excitement. The snow conditions were perfect for sliding, and I was eager to join in. The trek leader guided some of us ahead to mark the best spots for sliding. I followed with my bag strapped on my back and both bottles in hand, hoping to control my speed. The bottles weren’t as effective as I’d hoped, but the thrill was undeniable, and I was fully immersed in the experience.

After a bit of walking on snow, I prepared for the second slide, this time ditching the bottles and stashing them in my bag. I used my elbows to manage my speed, which worked fairly well and was quite enjoyable. With two more slides ahead, I adjusted my technique, using the heels of my feet to control my angle and speed. By the end, my pants were soaked and my bum numb. To add to the humor, I spotted a fellow trekker attempting to dry his pants with his backside facing the sun, which provided a good laugh for everyone. We took a short break, enjoying the lighthearted moment.

But then came the daunting part: a steep descent over boulders. The rocks were large and many were unstable, making it crucial to tread carefully to avoid falls or twisted ankles. After navigating this treacherous terrain and crossing another patch of snow where sliding wasn’t possible, we arrived beside a river. This was the last point where we could fill up on water before the long, barren stretch ahead of us—around 10 to 12 kilometers of desolate, vegetation-free land.

We continued walking on the boulders, feeling as if the trail was endless. We had to take a break of about an hour because the horses carrying the tents and other supplies for the campsite were stuck in snow. Once the delay was resolved, we resumed our trek on the dry, monotonous trails. It felt like crossing one mountain stretch only to face another identical one. At one point, the water we had carried ran out, and we still had a considerable distance to cover.

Finally, after a seemingly interminable walk, we reached the campsite around 4 PM. We had begun the descent at 8:30 AM, making for a long and exhausting day. Once we arrived, I quickly filled my bottle and gulped down an entire bottle of water. After stowing my bags and removing my shoes, I took a much-needed nap outside under the sun. It was a refreshing break. We set up our tents afterward, enjoyed some tea with snacks, and took the time to rest and recover.