Do you have fire in your belly? Arunachal CM's challenge to trekkers

Tinsukia: The Eastern Himalayas, which turn in to ‘land of snow’ during winters, inspire dreams of remote hiking and trekking to snowy peaks, a rare opportunity for adventure seekers.

Appropriately then, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has thrown a challenge.

Khandu tweeted on Thursday night: If you have ‘Fire in your Belly’ & want to push your limits.. Experience the legendary Baileys Trail during the Winters in Arunachal Pradesh.

Come & Chase your Dreams..!! https://t.co/G3AufJ82ep“

The Bailey Trail is a magnificent trek that traces the historic route taken by Lt. Col. FM Bailey and Capt. HT Morshed, two British officers who were commissioned to survey the lands between Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet during 1911-12. The trek was initially an ancient trade route that connected Burma, India and Tibet.

His challenge came on the day a 26-member team successfully conducted the winter Baileys Trail Trekking expedition from Jung-Mago-Jethang-Kemmia La -Lap-Potak-Changla- Tungri-Chandar-Thembang, a 200-km stretch crossing over the Kemmia La at an altitude of 16,900 ft.

Earlier in the day, Khandu tweeted: Congratulations Team NIMAS for successfully conducting the 1st ever winter Baileys Trail Trekking Expedition from Jung-Mago-Jethang-Kemmia La -Lap-Potak-Changla- Tungri-Chandar-Thembang.

The 26-member team completed the 200-km stretch, crossing over the Kemmia La 16,900 ft altitude. https://t.co/YRknYOjzuP

The ‘Bailey Trail’ as it is known now, crosses through some pristine remote forests of the Eastern Himalayas, where pine, oak and rhododendrons grow aplenty. Throughout the trek, one has to cross high mountain passes, glacial rivers, crystal clear lakes, quaint villages of the Monpa Tribe, and all of these locations will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty.

In 1962, the Chinese army used this route to strike deep into Arunachal Pradesh. At 4,550 meters, Tse la Pass is the highest point of this trek.