Lightening, Nathia Gali

1 more image

Cloudbursts & thunderstorms are very common during summer. Most of time it remains fogy so becomes difficult to predict that when its gonna rain. And when it rains it comes with thunderstorm and lightening does strick!

Two years back it was sunny summer day and i started trekking towards Mukhspuri (9,400 feet) peak. When i crossed half of way, suddenly all area got covered with dark clouds and heavy rain started with thunderstorm. Because of higher altitude i was surrounded by these killer clouds. There are only three shades on the way and i was far away from them. There is no population living directly near the track.

I had umbrella which i opened but suddenly there were two blasts coz lightening stuck this tree on my right. This tree was only few steps far from me, it was a terrible experience and i was all alone. After two hours when rain stopped i decided to come back but all the track got very muddy and slippery. So my suggestions are:

(1) Trekk in group only
(2) Start it early morning when its sunny
(3) Keep umbrella and rain coat
(4) Stay away when it rains and weather get clear. Track would b muddy and very slippery