An 18 kilometres car ride away from Anini town is the Emuli Grasslands, sprawling as far as the eyes can see. Trudging on the bristly and luxuriant grassland with the sweltering high-altitude sun following your every step is soothed by breath-taking views of the Mishmi hills. Scrambling on the unruly track swiftly welcomes a transition of landscape from vast fields dotted by wildflowers to a moss-laden rainforest. Its dense foliage features ubiquitous wild mushrooms and varieties of flora known to local frequenters. Such wonderment leads to the first camp at Aniku top, where tents exude the true experience of wild lodging. The region is a hub of black flies known as Damdum. Slather layers of Dettol onto your skin to shield yourself from being bitten by them. Food cooked in firewood warms the souls of fatigued travellers. Water is only available at a distance of 30 minutes from the campsite and is arranged by the guides.
The next day is marked by traversing through misty wilderness of the woodlands, home to fascinating throngs of medicinal plants. Songs of birds and insects weave melodies that keep trekkers company till camp Emudu. The darling log cabin in the heart of the forest yields cosy comfort for repose and rejuvenation after the 5 hour-trek.
Swallowing unforgiving terrains characterised by innumerable ups and downs, travellers make way to the first lake of the series, the Kahmu-yu lake. Muddy paths and unpredictable weather conditions amplify the challenge of the climb and demand basic technical know-hows of trekking. The lake peeks from under layers of fog that attempts at keeping its serenity to itself.
Gentle folds across blue rolling hills show mercy on aching muscles after the tedious jaunt from the day before. Adjacent to Emuh-ya lake, camp 4 or the basecamp is soaked in tranquillity. Benevolent mountains promise safety on each side while burbling cascades cut through the thick silence of dusk. Sit next to a crystal-clear stream that trickles near the base camp to gaze at the bespangled night sky adorned with celestial galaxies.
An hour's hike from the base camp is the Koyombo Wuya lake, the third lake in the series, at an elevation of 13,500 feet above sea level. A constant breeze spews magic into the already fascinating ridge that doubles as a cradle for the lake. Moving upwards, the thick mane of foliage fades into patches of green on stretches of towering greys, a world apart from the prolific rainforests. At a height of 14,000 feet, the Dinu lake maps the highest altitude point of the trek. The teal alpine lake straddled the lap of a rocky mountain to spew views out of dreams.
