‘The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.’
At Granimals, we encounter individuals whose lives have been impacted by injuries on a daily basis. These individuals are actively seeking ways to break free from the confines of their homes and regain their ability to engage in a full range of activities. Our mission is to make people go back to their normal and eradicate pain from their lives. This blog is a story on one such exemplary encounter; it is a story of how a group of individuals with a history of poor knee health conquered one of the most challenging treks in India- The Swargarohini Satopanth Trek. Their story is a powerful reminder that determination and resilience can help us overcome even the most intimidating obstacles.
Thousands around the world choose to accept the mediocre lives they are forced to live due to their injuries. This story isn't about conquering a mountain; it's about a group of extraordinary individuals who chose to conquer their own limitations. When someone is diagnosed with an ACL tear, meniscus tear, or osteoarthritis, these diagnoses become more than just a medical term; they turn into shackles that threaten to confine their dreams and aspirations.
Sidharth Uniyal, the COO of Granimals, intimately understands the struggles of individuals suffering from ACL injuries because he has been in these people's shoes. As his Instagram profile, @badkneesguru, gained more followers, he envisioned a challenge that seemed both physically and mentally intimidating. After receiving an overwhelming response on his Instagram story, he handpicked individuals ready to stare at adversities in the face. Each participant, handpicked by Sidharth, carried a story etched in struggle; let’s take a look at them:
Jignesh Bharvaad
Jignesh, 38, from Gujarat, has been battling osteoarthritis, a condition prevalent in his family. His mother even underwent knee replacements. He joined Granimals, seeking relief from knee pain and a sense of heaviness in his knees. Despite never having trekked before, Jignesh expressed his eagerness to join Sidharth on this adventure. He was willing to face the challenging journey, showcasing his determination.
Jaydeep Gorasiya
Jaydeep belongs to Gujrat and has been associated with Granimals for six months. He suffers from osteoarthritis and a Meniscus tear. Initially, he was considering surgery, but Sidharth convinced him to follow a rehabilitation routine instead. He shared his background and how eager he was to go back to his normal life. Sidharth made him a promise six months back that after his sessions, he will definitely be able to do any activity he feels like doing. Over time, Jaydeep's knee improved, and this trek symbolised his return to a normal, active life.
Nikunj Dattani
An athlete at heart, injuries took a toll on Nikunj's physical and mental well-being. He has been associated with Granimals for ten weeks and has been making significant progress. His injuries left a deep impact on his mindset as he was struggling with frustration due to weight gain. When he saw Sidharth’s Instagram post, he immediately expressed his interest in joining the trek. With his physiotherapist's approval, Sidharth welcomed him on this transformative journey, marking a new chapter in his recovery.
Siddhant Verma
A young corporate professional from Delhi, Siddhant, suffered an ACL tear and joined Granimals for rehabilitation. Sidharth personally sponsored his trek, not wanting him to miss out on this life-changing experience.
Siddhant struggled to gain the motivation he had before suffering this injury. He felt the FOMO deeply whenever his peers made plans to play football over the weekend. This journey meant a lot to him.
Bikas Meena
Not just a participant, Bikas, Granimals' production head, is the man behind the camera. Overcoming Chondromalacia Patella Grade-2 and meniscus tear, Bikas was hired specially for this project because Sidharth wanted people who embody the ‘never-give-in’ mindset to accompany him on this trek. Initially, he was hesitant, but eventually came around and decided to give this trek a go.
Palak Rana
Palak, who suffered ACL tears in both of her legs also decided to go on this trek just 4.5 months post op. When she saw Sidharth’s story on Instagram, she reached out and expressed her willingness to join the group.
Rajyavardhan
Eighteen-year-old Rajyavardha, who suffered from meniscus tears in both of his legs, also decided to join the group. Although he didn’t join Granimals as a client due to financial setbacks, he simply watched the content we shared on our social media, and by doing that, he made significant improvements in his knees. Sidharth sponsored his trip, ensuring that his determination and progress were rewarded.
Imagine the excruciating pain, that popping sound that shatters a person’s athletic dreams. Your knee, which was once a source of your strength, is now fragile and is a constant source of agony. ACL injury isn’t just a physical obstacle; it also feels like an emotional punch in the gut. It almost feels like your own body has betrayed you. For the people who went on this trek, this trek wasn't simply a walk in the woods. It was a battlefield where they had to fight not only the arduous terrain but also the demons of self-doubt. Individuals with knee injuries face both physical and mental challenges. Physically, they have to endure pain and limited mobility, and mentally, they have to deal with frustration, low confidence and a constant fear of re-injury. This story isn’t about reaching the summit; it's about the journey to the summit. The amount of courage it must have taken for these individuals to embark on such a challenging journey is something that we may not be able to comprehend.
Nestled deep in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, the Swargarohini Satopanth Taal Trek, also known as the Satopanth Trek, offers an extraordinary adventure. Starting from the holy town of Badrinath and ending at the stunning Satopanth Lake, this trek ascends to an impressive height of 4,600 metres above sea level. The lake, with its unique triangular shape, is renowned for both its religious significance and breathtaking views of snow-clad mountains. According to Hindu mythology, the Trimurti- Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh meditated at the three corners of this lake. Furthermore, it is believed that the Pandavas took this very path from Mana village via Satopanth Lake to Mount Swargarohini on their journey to heaven.
The group agreed to gather at a common point in Chandigarh, marking the start of their journey to Rishikesh. Arriving in Rishikesh early in the morning, they decided to explore the yoga and meditation capital of India. They took the opportunity to practise stretching and strengthening exercises, preparing their bodies for the demanding climb ahead. While many were tempted by the thrill of rafting, they ultimately chose to conserve their energy for the trek to the summit.
After departing Rishikesh, the group continued their journey and arrived at Auli, situated at an altitude of 2,902 metres above sea level. Acclimatisation at this elevation is crucial to avoid acute mountain sickness (AMS), which can pose serious health risks. Some members of the group began to experience early symptoms of AMS, such as loss of appetite and headaches, underscoring the importance of adjusting to the altitude gradually.
On day 3, the group moved from Auli to Badrinath, a renowned pilgrimage site for Hindus worldwide, located at an altitude of 3,100 metres above sea level. The group felt the effects of the altitude difference and found it challenging to acclimate to the higher elevation and colder temperatures. Badrinath was the place from where their trek to the Satopanth Lake would begin.
Distance: 9 km
Duration: 4-5 hours
On the 4th day, the trek began. Before beginning the trek, Sidharth encouraged everyone to perform minor warm-up exercises to prepare their bodies for the rigorous walk that awaited them. After crossing the Mana village, the trail veered to the left, leading to the Vasundhara waterfall. The water that flows through the Vasundhara waterfall holds medicinal value, and as they crossed this waterfall and walked 3 km more, the group reached Lakshmi Van campsite.
So far, everyone has been managing well, and nobody has complained of any issues with their knees. They have made sure to perform minor stretching and strengthening exercises throughout the journey to keep their knee health in check.
One of the most staggering facts about this trek is that you will only find a few trees on this trail. Sure, at Lakshmi Van, you will find some 5-6 trees, but apart from that, the route is rugged and filled with gravel.
Distance: 5 km
Duration: 3-4 hours
Day 5 was one of the most challenging days as the weather conditions became extremely bad post-noon. It started to rain, and the temperature was freezing. To top it all, the porters decided to leave the group on their own and went back. Because of these unprecedented circumstances, the group decided to make a halt near the Sahastradhara waterfalls. This waterfall is a collective of around 100 small waterfalls, and Mt. Neelkant is also visible from this spot. The temperature dropped to around 5 degrees Celsius, so once the campsite was set, the group decided to rest, seeking shelter from the harsh weather.
Distance: 3 km
Duration: 4 hours
As the day began, the group enjoyed a scrumptious homemade breakfast before setting off for the Chakrateertha campsite. One of the most amazing facts about this trek is the diverse landscape. One day, you will be crossing a trail filled with rocky boulders, and the next day, you may be crossing scenic meadows. In about 3-4 hours, the group arrived at the Chakrateertha campsite. This campsite is a beautiful grassland adorned with numerous alpine flowers offering majestic mountain views.
Distance: 5 km
Duration: 4 hours
This is the moment everyone in the group was eagerly waiting for the final ascend to the Satopanth Lake. They began early in the morning. Harsh weather conditions were definitely a barrier, but as per the trek lead, this group reached the summit in just 2.5 hours, a remarkable feat he had never witnessed before. He congratulated the group on this extraordinary achievement.
The final stretch of the trek was the most challenging. The terrain became steeper and the air thinner. Every step required maximum effort and determination. When the group laid their eyes on the emerald waters of the Satopanth lake, tears of joy fled everyone’s eyes as it was a massive moment for them. Just a few months earlier, many struggled even to walk, yet here they were, standing triumphantly at an altitude of 4,600 metres (15,100 feet).
Most of the people who were part of this mixed bag of a group had never been on a trek. For them, reaching the summit required extensive mental and physical preparation. Seasoned trekkers know that mountain treks often lack basic amenities, such as decent washroom facilities. Nikunj, who was hesitant about the trek due to his inability to perform a deep squat, found motivation in Sidharth's famous mantra, "Ho Jaega”. He pushed through his doubts, knowing he had no other option, and he made up his mind. Recovery from an injury is a combination of both physical and mental determination. If you aim to reach new heights, you must first emerge from your setbacks. Nikunj and Jayesh were the first ones to reach the summit.
Talking about the journey, it is not that easy to just go on a moderate to difficult level trek just like that. You have to prepare yourself mentally as well. Throughout the journey, the group battled extreme conditions like- nose bleeds, breathing issues, tough weather, etc, but didn’t give in and reached the summit. Upon reaching the summit, emotions ran high. Tears, laughter, and hugs were shared as the group reflected on their journey and the obstacles they had overcome.
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."
This trek wasn’t about reaching the summit; it was about a group of warriors who decided to look at their adversities in the face. They stared down at their limitations and emerged as the victors by gaining confidence that would stay with them for a lifetime. Their inspiring journey is a reminder to us all that our past does not shape or dictate our future. So next time, when you face a challenge that seems intimidating, remember these individuals and the remarkable feat they have achieved. If they can do it, so can you.
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