Kolsai Lake hike

 Early start to give us the best chance of reaching lake 2 though we gave ourselves a time limit of 4 hours one way . We would stop wherever we were at 4 hours , eat our picnic lunch and return .

We were the first ones at the first lake , it’s beautiful and so serene . Easy to spot the trout in the clear waters . We didn’t stop for long and started the hike . 

All the stars aligned and we had the best hike we have had . Kids in great moods , understanding of the fact that it would be tiring but to do their best . The scenery was gorgeous, the weather was just right and we were along a stream most of the way .

We made it in just over 3.5 hours to Lake 2 , singing songs at the hills to help keep everyone going . Jeevan and Savik making the song- there is hole in my bucket - really funny . I also heard in detail about Aanya’s favourite game Chickee so she didn’t notice the distance and kept moving . 

Having Hakim as a guide really helped as he made us take a few proper stops where we sat and rested before starting . At the end he told us he was very surprised and impressed by the kids , they were the youngest he has taken up and they were also one of the most fun .

Lake 2 was pretty but I think the sense of achievement was the best feeling . Kept trying to get the kids to rest for the walk back but they were so excited that they ran around and explored ! We saw a group of Italians where a man arrived later and was going the wrong way so all were screaming Fabio , Fabio . We were also shouting Fabio Fabio on our way down , laughing as we went .

We saw a snake on the way back which had Jeevan moving faster . The hardest bit was from Lake 1 to the car park. Did not anticipate the hill to feel so hard and Aanya got a piggyback for the last 50 meters. 

My Garmin showed 20.5km and nearly 800m total ascent . That is the longest hike the kids have done , no grumbling and really happy with themselves . So so proud of them .

Ice cream and lollies to celebrate . Early dinner and a  sauna for us , iPad time for the kids . 

Exhausted, exhilarated and ready for bed .