Trekking in Indian Himalaya

Darjeeling: Famous Hill Station of India

2007-06-02T01:58:00.000-07:00

Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful hill stations of India. Greenery all around, water running across narrow valleys and clouds touch the land, this all you can see in Darjeeling. Toy Train of Darjeeling is world famous. Tourist can travel from siliguri to Darjeeling in this train.

Historical Background: Darjeeling was discovered by British officers Lord and Grant in 1829. In 1935 it became a sanitarium (Heath Resort) of British people.
Darjeeling was gifted to Britain by the king of Sikkim as token of friendship with governor general Lord Bantick.

Tourist Spots:

Tiger Hills: This is the highest point of Darjeeling. Tourists come here to see the sunrise specially.
Sanchal Lake: This beautiful lake is near Tiger Hills. So do not forget to be there.
Natural Museum: This is unique museum, known for collection of Himalayan and Bengali Fauna. This museum has collection of 4300 species. It was built in 1903.
Rope way: This is the first Rope way of India. Though rope way tourist can reach from North Point to Singla Bazaar. 45 Minutes of this rope way route is really exciting. To enjoy this thrilling adventure tourist will have to book ticket in advance.
Happy Tea Valley: This valley is famous for tea gardens. Where tea preparing process is done with modern machines. Tourist can see this process by getting permission of tea state officer.
Jaldapadra Sanctuary: Tourist should not forget to visit this sanctuary, as this sanctuary gives you glimpses of nature’s beauty. This sanctuary is famous for Rhino sours. Right time to visit this place is October to May.
Ghoop Gonpa : 8 km from Darjeeling , this gonpa has statue of Buddha. This gonpa has manuscripts which are written in pali.
Batasiya Loop: This place is 5 km from main city. At this place toy train takes unique turn. Most tourists come here to see this loop.
Zoo: This zoo is not ordinary one. In this zoo tourist can see the rarely found birds and animals. This is only zoo where tourist can see Siberian Tiger. Except that tourist can see Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Snow yak and Great bird.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: This is mountaineering training institute cum museum. In this training institute cum museum you can see collection of old and new equipments of mountaineering. Equipments which are used by Sherpa Tensing are also here and a telescope to see Himalayan hills, which was gifted to king of Nepal by the Hitler.

Except thes tourist spots you can visit Manbhakta, Observatory hills and Botanical gardern in Darjeeling.

How to reach:

By Air: Bagdogra is nearest airport. This is connected to Delhi, Kolkata and Guhati with major airlines.

By Rail: Newjalpaiguri is the nearest rail station.

By Road: Nearest bus station is Siliguri. There is good facility of taxi, bus and jeep from here to reach Darjeeling.

Where to stay: Here you can find cheap and costly hotels and guest houses. Except that government tourist lodge is available here.

Seven Seventies, Sangrila and Neelkamal are the main hotels.

Nainital - Lake City

2007-05-16T02:10:00.000-07:00

Full of natural beauty Nainital is one of the famous hill stations of India, known as Lake City. This hill station is part of kumaon region (Uttarakhand state). Himalayan hills covered with snow, shadow of trees and chirping of birds invites tourist to be here again and again.

Credit of discovering Nainital goes to British Officer P. Barren. He visited this place in 1841 and impressed by the natural beauty of Nainital. He built a house here which is known as pilgrim cottage.

Tourist Spots:

Naina Peak: One of the famous tourist spot of Nainital is Naina Peak which is 6 km. away from nainital. Tourist can reach here on foot or by riding horse. From Naina Peak tourist can view hill of Himalayas covered with snow and view of Nainital city.
Dorothi Steat: 4 km. from Nainital, this place is also known as Tiffin Top. Height of this place 2, 292 meter from sea level. At a height of 1951 meter this is another place which is known as Hanumangarhi, famous for beautiful sunset.
Nani Lake: Being at the center of city, this is the main attraction of Nainital. Upper corner of this lake is known as Mallital and lower corner of this lake is known as Tallital. Most tourists enjoy boating in this lake.

Except that there is another lake, known as Bhimtal, which is 22 km from Nainital. Green like a leaf this is present at the height of 4450 ft. from sea level. A restaurant is present at the center of this lake.

This area is peaceful and free from pollution. Tourist can enjoy boating here as well.

10 km from Bhimtal is small lake known as Khurpatal and 26 km away there is a deep lake known as Naukuchiyatal. This lake has nine corners as name suggests Naukuchiya means nine.

Group of seven lakes known as Saattal is also there.

Snow View: 2.5 km form Nainital there is place snow view. This place is famous for viewing hill of Himalayas. Tourist can reach here by rope way.

Time to Visit: April to June is the best time to visit here, but tourists visit here in winters as well.

Nearest Railway station: Kathgodam(35 km away)

Bus Facility: There is good bus facility from cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Haldwani.

Where to stay: Main Hotels are Man sarowar, Naini Street, Pratap Regency, Sharwani Hilltop, Alps etc.

Government Guest house is there with good facilities.

Kalandani Kahal Trek

2007-05-08T21:38:00.000-07:00

This high altitude trek route from Gangotri to Badrinath, via Kalandani Khal required some basic experience of mountaineering. During the trek one can enjoy the beautiful view of Himalayan peaks, ‘source of Ganges’; Gangotri glacier, meadow of Tapovan, natural lakes, sacred temple Gangotri and Badrinathji, wild life etc.

Area: Gangotri – Badrinath (Garhwal)
Best season: July and Auguest.

Deori tal – Chopta Trek

2007-05-04T22:05:00.000-07:00

Chopta:

Nestled between the majestic Himalayan peaks at an altitude of 2900 mts., Chopta is a land of vast open thick grasslands, most ideal for camping. The nights are especially beautiful with an unobstructed view of the star-studded skies in the absence of "lighting pollution .

Tunganth/Chandrashila:
Tungnath temple, which is one of the five temples of Lord Shiva known as the " Panch Kedar" and is situated at one of the highest altitude of 3680 mts in Garhwal. According to the legend Lord Shiva’s arms are supposed to have emerged here. The trek from Chopta to Tungnath is beautiful and for first one and half kms., we walk through Rhododendron and Silver Oaks’s dense forest. Suddenly the valley opens and one finds himself/herself above the tree line and the trail proceeds between green alpine meadows onwards to the Tungnath Temple. After "puja", one km of trek will take you to "Chandrashila" peak. and rewards to the ardent trekkers are the rare & panoramic view of innumerable and eternally snow covered peaks from an altitude of approximately 4000 mts. The trek from Tungnath to this magnificent spot takes one through alpine forest and rhododendron meadows.

Deorital:

Deoriatal, one of the most beautiful high altitude lakes which are sprinkled all over the Garhwal Himalayas. Deorital situated at an altitude 2800 mts and is an excellent spot for angling and birdwatching. It is most famous for reflection of surrounding snow covered peaks of Chaukhanaba & Kedarnath on its surface at dawn and early in the morning.

Area : --------------- Rudraprayag(Garhwal Hiamalays)
Best season: ---------------- April – June & September - December

Char Dham Yatra 2007

2007-04-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

The Chardham yatra is justed started. This yatra is combination of pilgrimage cum trekking.
The Chardham is undertaken from left to right... or west to east beginning with Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, in that order. This route follows the Hindu tradition of parikrama or clockwise circumambulation.

Yamunotri

Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River. It emerges from a frozen lake of ice and glaciers on the Kalinda Parvat Mountain at an altitude of 4421 metres, 1 km beyond the temple. There are several hot springs in front of the temple.

Hanumanchatti is the last road head to reach Yamunotri. From here, it is a 13 km trek up to Yamunotri which is located at an altitude of 3235 metres. The road to Yamunotri diverts from Rishikesh - Gangotri road at Dharasu. Alternatively pilgrims can reach the temple through the Mussorie and Barkot route.

Gangotri

Gangotri is located at an altitude of 3048 metres against the stunning backdrop of the Gharwal Himalayas. The source of the river is 18 km further north at Gaumukh. Gangotri is located at an distance of 99 kms. from Uttarkashi. The temple was constructed by the... Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century and is situated on the left bank of Bhagirathi River. The temple compound features a ghat where the devout dip in the freezing waters. Buses run right up to Gangotri.

Kedarnath

For all Shaivities, the Kedarnath is the holiest. And of all the temples, the Kedarnath is the highest standing at an altitude of 3584 metres on the head of the Mandakini River. The temple is located against the dramatic backdrop of the twin snow covered peaks, Kedardome and Kedarnath. Legends have it that the present temple was built in 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya whose Samadhi is located behind the Kedarnath temple.

The last road head is Gauri Kund via Guptkashi and Soneprayag. Pilgrims will have to undertake a 14km trek from Gaurikund to reach Kedarnath.

Badrinath

The Badrinath temple is situated against the background of Neelkant peak at an altitude of 3133 metres. Badrinath falls on the last leg of chardham yatra. Guarded on either sides by the twin mountains Nar and Narayan, Badrinath is considered to be the holiest for all Vaishnavites and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Both at Kedarnath and Badrinath, there is a hot water spring. Legend has it that Adi Shankaracharya established the present temple.

The old village of Badrinath is just a short walk south... and has some splendid mountain architecture. Mana, an ancient Buddhist village is located 4kms beyond Badrinath. Devotees of Vishnu also visit the other four Panch Badri temples dotted around Joshimath.

Joshimath

It is the last important town and acts as a gateway to the dham of Badrinath. The yatra yatra buses are organized into convoys for the final 44 km stretch to Badrinath. Joshimath was established by the guru Shankara in the 8th century.

Nanda Devi trek

2007-04-20T01:42:00.000-07:00

Nanda Devi National park is situated in chamoli district of Uttaranchal. One can view spectacular panorama of peaks encircling the park ie. Trishul (7120 mts.), Dunagiri (7066 mts.), Nanada Devi (7817), Nanda Devi East (7430 mts.), Bethartoli ( 6352 mts.) etc.

In 1982 access to trekkers into the park was banned to protect its bio diversity. The Nanda Devi National Park which has been declared a word heritage site has been partially opened recently for restricted number of tourist.

Region ---------------Joshimath( Garhwal Himalayas)

Best season ----------May – June & September - October

Khatling - Sahastratal Trek:

2007-04-20T01:39:00.000-07:00

Khatling is a lateral glacier at the source of river Bhilangana with Sahastratal at the west and Masartal at the east. It is said that beautiful Bhil maiden tried to distract meditating Lord Shiva and having being spurned by the lord dissolved into liquid to become the river Bhilangana.

The Valley of Bhilangana offers panoramic view of Jogin group (6466 mts.), Kirti Stambh (6402 mts.) and Meru. It passes through thick forest, lush green meadows, Kunyali and crosses to passes above 5480 mts.

Region -------------Uttrakashi – Tehri - Rudraprayag
Best season ---------September

Hari Ki Doon Trek

2007-04-10T23:39:00.000-07:00

The hanging valley of God - Hari ki Doon is trekkers paradise in the least explored area of Garhwal. This valley is a treat for botanist, bird whatchers & explorer. At the back drop is glistening snow clad Swargarohani peak & it has forests of pine, deodar and other conifers bordering vast stretch of medow. Hari Ki Doon falls within the Govind Pashu Vihar. Drudhanaya, the Kaurava Prince is traditionally worshipped as main deity in the Fateh Parvat region. This region separated from Himanchl Pradesh by river Tons. Jaundhar glacier (4300 mts.) is also of great interest just about five kms. from Hari Ki Doon.

Best season ------April - November
Region ---------- Uttarakashi( Garhwal Himalayas)

Dodital - Yamnotri Trek

2007-04-06T00:41:00.000-07:00

Dodital is 32 kms. from Uttarakashi. The origin of this Tal (lake) is from the natural springs and the source of river Asi Ganga. The trek start from Agoda village is ascends gradually through thick forest and beautiful mountainous scenery . Dodital is 16 kms. from Agoda, situated at at an elevation 3307 mts. The lake is sparkling and crystal clear, surrounded by woods of Oak, pine, Deodar and rhododendron. The famous and rare Himalayan golden trout are found in abundance in the lake.

Best season ---------- April -june & Mid September - November.

Region --------------- Garhwal Hiamalays

Mussoorie(Queen of Hills)- Famous Hill Station of India

2007-03-27T01:11:00.000-07:00

Mussoorie (Queen of hills), situated in Garhwal Himalaya of Uttrachal(now Uttrakhand) state at a altitude of 2,001 meters.it is 34 kms away from Dehradun Valley. Mussoorie is one of the famous tourist place of india.it gives view of Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges in the south and snow ranges to the north-east.

British military officer Caption young discovered it and made it his residence in 1820. Gradually it became famous hill station of india. Its name is derived from a shrub mansoor.which is also known as mansoori among the natives of the surrounding area.

Mussoorie is conveniently connected by road to Delhi and major cities.The closest Airport is Jollygrant and closest rail station is Dehradun. Taxis and buses are easily available for Mussoorie at regular intervals.

Best time to Visiting : Mid-March to June and September- October.

Tourist Spots:

Camel's Back Road: Famous for nature walk, view of sunset and hourse riding.

Gun Hill: Accessible by the cable car on the Mall road.it gives view of the Himalayan ranges namely Bunderpunch, Srikantha, Pithwara and Gangotri.

Kempty Fall: Famous waterfall and picnic spot 15kms away from Mussoorie on yamunotri road at an altitute of 4500ft.

Jharipani Fall: 8.5 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie- Jharipani Road. Visitors can go by bus or by car upto 7 kms to Jharipani from where the fall is 1.5 kms, on foot.

Bhatta Fall: 7 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. Access by car or bus upto Balta village from where the fall is 3kms by car or foot. An ideal spot for bathing anf picnics.

Nag Devta Temple: An ancient temple situated on Cart Mackenjie Road and is about 6 kms from Mussoorie. Vehicles can go right upto the spot. It Provies a charming view of Doon Valley as well as of Mussoorie.

Campany Garden: Company Garden is popular tourist destination. During season, the Company Garden has beautiful collection of flowers and plants.

Lal Tibba: Lal Tibba is another tourist spot of Mussoorie.

Dhanaulti: Famous for its deodar forests.Dhanaulti is about 24 kilometers from Mussoorie.

Panch Kedar Trek

2007-03-20T23:20:00.000-07:00

The Panch Kedar trek includes five shrines Kedarnath, Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath,Kalpeshwar, you can say its a pilgrimage trek.
These shrines are situated at the head of Mandakini River, The Linga is a natural rock that resembles the rump of a bull. Madmaheshwar, situated at the base of Chaukhamba Peak is at an altitude of 3500m. here the Linga is worshiped in the form of a nave. Tungnath , where the arm of shiva appeared is the highest temple in Garhwal and is situated at an altitude of 3810m. 500 meters above the temple of Tungnath is Chandrashila. View of the Himalayas is breathtaking from here.

Rudranath is where the face of shiva had appeared. Here there is a natural rock temple, in which the Shiva mukha is worshipped. To reach Rudranath one has to trek through alpine meadows and dense forests, crossing an altitude of more than 4000m. Kalpeshwar is situated in the beautiful valley of Urgam. There is a cave temple here, and Shiva is worshiped in his matted hair form.

Trekking Route: Rishikesh-Kedarnath-Madmaheshwar-Tungnath-Rudranath-Kalpeshwar

Season to Trek: Apr-Nov

Gangotri-Kedarnath Trek

2007-03-19T01:41:00.000-07:00

Gangotri is among the most beautiful of the Garhwal districts with, high above, a snowline that endures year round and below a carpet of forests, superb Himalayan views and all the joys of trekking through God's country.

This trek is along the old pilgrim route from Gangotri to Kedarnath. From Gangotri one has to come down to mala by motor. The actual trek starts from mala, after crossing the river Bhagirathi. The trek is on level upto Sauri-Ki-Gad and from here then trek to Belak is gradual. From Belak to Buda Kedar, it is downhill through dense forest full of birds and wild life. From Buda Kedar to panwali, it is an uphill trek through terraced fields and picturesque villages.The enchanting, view of the Garhwal Himalayas is very refreshing and compensates the afforts of regular ascend and descend. The 'Bugyals' (alpine meadows) on the trek are most beatiful, specially the Kush-Kalyan and the panwali Bugyasa.
Rest Houses and Dharamshalas are along the way. The trek should be well planned beforehand and services of a guide are advisable.

The Valley Of Flowers

2007-03-15T02:14:00.000-07:00

The Valley Of Flowers lies main valley of Alaknanda and Laxman Gnga in the Garhwal Garhwal Himalayas in Chamoli district of Uttaranchal. River Pushpawati flows through this valley which has it's source in Tipra Glacier which extends upto Ghori Peak. The valley is spread over an area of 87.5 sq. kms. and is 3250 mts. to 6750 mts. above sea level.

The valley remains snow covered from November to May, but in the month of June, When snow melts, the valley bloomswith colors hidden in the petals of rare species of flowers and spreads as the carpet of flowers woven by mother nature.

Almost 300 species of wild flowers bloom here in natural way. The valley remains in bloom for three months while the floral composition keeping on changingevery few days. Apart from flowering plants, wild animal and birds enhance the beauty of this natural flowing valley . The Park is surrounded by Gauri Parbat (6590 mts.) and Rataban (6126 mts.) in the east, Kuntkhal (4430 mts.) in west, Saptsring (5030 mts.) in the south and Nilgiri Parbat (6479 mts.) in the north.

To conserve the nature’s benevolent gift and to maintain the natural balance of the valley – the valley was declared a National Park
in 1982.
Best season for Trekking :July & August

Basic Requirement for Trekking

2007-03-13T03:32:00.000-07:00

Essentials:
# Well fitting strong shoes with a couple of socks. The shoes should be sufficiently used before treks to avoid blisters.
# Personal medicines.
# Raincoat, taking into account the uncertainties of weather.
# Woolen jacket, woolen cap, woolen clothes, a pair of shirt, a pair of trousers, three pair of extra regular under wears, P-cap.
# Sunglasses, sunscreen, vaseline, cold cream, personal toiletries.
# Flash light/torch with extra batteries.
Optional:-
# Camera and film, bring extra film as it is expensive and not easily available at trekking routes.
# Umbrella.
# Repair kit with needle and thread, tape, glue, scissors etc.# Small supply of personal energy snacks.
# Reading material, playing cards, lightweight chess board or scrabble, etc.

Trekking In Uttaranchal

2007-03-08T02:18:00.000-08:00

Green Uttaranchal is the place where the dreams of the trekkers come true. Words fail to describe the awesome charm and enchanting beauty of this magical land. The splendor and the beauty of the land is to be seen and felt. Blessed with magnificent glaciers, sparkling and joyful rivers, gigantic and ecstatic Himalayan peaks, natural biospheres, valley of flowers, skiing slopes, wilderness and dense forests, This area offers treks suited to every kind of trekker, of whatever age.
Not only is trekking in Uttaranchal an adventure, it serves as a pilgrimage, too, as there is nowhere in this region where there is not a place of spiritual importance. This abode of Gods includes many shrines and places of pilgrimage. Char-dhamsthe four most sacred and revered Hindu temples: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are nestled in the Mighty Mountains. This is the land where Vedas and Shasta’s were composed and great Indian epic- “The Mahabharath” was written.

Kauri Pass Trek Garhwal Himalaya

2007-03-08T02:08:00.000-08:00

Popularly known as the Curzon Trail, this pass reaches an elevation of 4265m. It is a gem of a trek. The blinding vision of snow peaks makes all the effort worthwhile.
Shipman writes in his book Nanda Devi: Exploration and Ascent about crossing the Kuari pass. "The top of the pass was reached by 7 o'clock (am) of a clear, cold morning and we were privileged to see what must be one of the grandest mountain views in the world."
This is a moderate trek, which presents a most enchanting view of the eastern Himalaya (almost 270 degree). On the way, you also can admire villages, local culture, wilderness, wild life and mountains.
On a clear day one can see mountains like Nanda Devi (7816m), Dunagiri (7066m), Nilgiri Parvat (6474m), Ramadan (6166m), Hathi Parvat (6727m), Gori Parvat (6708m), Neelkanth (6596m), Kamet (7756m) and Mana Peak (7272m).