Category: Himalayas

Categories
Asia Himalayas Solo Women Travel Travel Tips

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp – Discovering the roof of the world.

Nepal and the Himalayas – just hearing these words may bring to mind pictures of awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks, colorful prayer flags flapping in the wind, the typical hustle and bustle of Asian streets… but there is so much more to it. The real adventure is something that you can experience, and the best way to discover a country is on foot. One of the best treks for first-timers in Nepal is the Annapurna Base Camp trek (4130 m), which is supposed to be beginner-friendly. Besides the trek itself, this route gives plenty of opportunities to discover nature, take photos and get to know the country and its beautiful people. For hassle-free planning, using a local agent is the best option – they can provide a knowledgeable guide and deal with paperwork, permits, and all the logistics.

Once arrived in Kathmandu, the next stop is Pokhara, which can be reached by private transport or bus – it’s a long ride, but also a good opportunity to watch the outer world through the window and get the first glimpse into the everyday life of the Himalaya nation. For a shorter trip, it is also possible to catch a flight from Kathmandu. Pokhara is still very “city-like”… but the spirit of the mountains is definitely in the air… and if the weather is clear, the Himalayas can be seen at the horizon, setting the mood for the upcoming adventure.

One of the possible starting points of the Trek to ABC is Nayapul. It’s a steep start with countless stone stairs leading the way to higher altitudes. The best strategy is to take many breaks and to remember: If it goes down, it will go up again for sure. With this in mind and good preparation with exercise before the trip, the challenge can be tackled with confidence.

The vegetation at the beginning of the trek is tropical and lush, the route takes trekkers over suspension bridges, through deep valleys, passing waterfalls… Groups of donkeys carrying supplies are a common sight…. Attention! They push through and can give people a harsh kick if they are too close. It’s best to stay away from the downhill side and wait on the mountainside until they pass. Along the way, restaurants or teahouses run by local families serve all kinds of yummy food – anything from pizza or Korean noodles to fried chocolate bars. But the traditional Dal Bhat with lentils, rice, curry, and vegetables is most recommended; it’s a good source of energy, not too heavy, and there is a reason why it is the most favorite dish amongst Nepali. Everyone’s recipe is slightly different, so it never gets boring. Momos (dumplings) are a must-try too, and of course, garlic soup, which can help prevent altitude sickness.

A nice place for a first overnight stay in Ghandruk where trekkers can end the day in company with fellow adventurers, try the local beer, and enjoy the view into the starry sky. Before continuing the trek on the next day, the charming Old Gurung Museum gives an interesting insight into traditional local life. The vegetation at this stage is still lush and green, but reaching higher altitudes, the peaks at the horizon will come closer, the sceneries get rougher and the temperatures drop. If the sky is clear on the next stop (for example Chomrong), an amazing view of Machapuchare (6.993 m) will await. The holy mountain is known as the “Seat of the Buddha of Infinite Light“. During the journey, people from all over the world will cross each other’s paths, and while everyone is having the same goal, it’s a beautiful opportunity to connect, share stories and make new friends. In higher altitudes, the number of guesthouses is limited, but there is always a place to sleep (in Deurali, for example) – and a guide can be very helpful to secure a spot.

The next stop before the big day is Machapuchare Base Camp – from there, Annapurna Base Camp is just a few hours away. Leaving early morning increases the chances of a clear view… The trail to Annapurna Base Camp is not too steep, but the thin air can take its toll, and even if there are no more stairs to climb at this final stage, it is important to not rush. Annapurna Base Camp has a lot of majestic mountain landscapes with 8000 m peaks. The scenery is breathtaking…. and will leave trekkers with memories that last for a lifetime.

To finish the trek with the last highlight, on the way down, trekkers can take a detour to the hot springs of Jhinu Danda. The warm water is bliss for tired muscles and a perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure before heading back to Pokhara.

Categories
Himalayas

Himalayan Peaks Named After Atal Bihari Vajpayee

The Himalayas are considered to be the favorite place of God and Goddesses and one thing that makes it beautiful is the peaks. These Himalayan peaks are actually bliss to the tired eyes that crave for beauty and for tired souls that crave for peace. There are a plethora of peaks that find shelter in the Himalayas. Out of these, there are four Himalayan peaks that are really very special for one reason that these derive their name from one of the most loved national leaders of India. Yes, you guessed it right, these are 4 peaks that derive their name from the name of the popular former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. These peaks are located near the Gangotri glacier. The following are the Himalayan Peaks named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Atal 1

The first peak named after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee is Atal 1. The peak is located 6,557m on the right flank of Gangotri glacier.

Atal 2

Atal 2 is another peak named after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The peak is located 6,566m on the right flank of Gangotri glacier.

Atal 3

The third peak named after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee is Atal 3. The peak is located6,160m on the right flank of Gangotri glacier.

Atal 4

Last but not least, Atal 4 is the fourth peak named after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The peak is located 6,100m   on the right flank of Gangotri glacier.

Facts about the Himalayan Peaks Named After Atal Bihari Vajpayee

It was the effort undertaken by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council and Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. This joint expedition of the two teams was named “Mission Atal.” It was flagged off by the Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat from Dehradun on 4th October. The team of these successful mountaineers also hoisted the flag of India on all the four peaks. The peaks find their location in the Sudarshan and Saifi peaks in Raktvan valley. The sole purpose of naming the peaks, Atal 1, Atal 2, Atal 3 and Atal 4 after the name of the former Prime Minister was to bestow honor on him and at the same time to admire his love for nature as well as the mountains. It was after the successful mountaineering expedition to a couple of virgin peaks by the two teams scaling the peaks in the Gangotri glacier, that the peaks were named after the former Prime Minister. Not many leaders are honored in such a special way. This gesture in itself is a clear demonstration of the respect that this incredible leader has gained.

All in all, Atal 1, Atal 2, Atal 3 and Atal 4 are the four Himalayan Peaks Named After Atal Bihari Vajpayee. These are the beautiful peaks that find the location in the Himalayas. The beauty of these peaks is beyond any definition. There are not many people who know about these peaks but this is true that these Himalayan peaks are very special.

Categories
Himalayas North India

A delightful day in Landour

Landour, the small town located at a distance of mere 5 kilometers from Mussoorie and yet a whole world apart has repeatedly attracted us to its mesmerizing mountains and architecture which leaves nostalgia for the British era as one rams its streets.

During our last trip to Landour, we had planned a day full of mostly lazying about in the mesmerizing beauty of this town together with its twin-town Mussoorie has earned the title of ‘Queen of Hills’. We had already visited its some of its most important landmarks such as Sister’s Bazaar, St. Paul’s Church, etc; the eating points such as Chaar Dukan, Lal Teeba Coffe Point – both highly recommended as well as nearby landmarks such as Dhanaultri and Sukanda Temple; even had a chance to shake hands with one and only Ruskin Bond.

Although we had just planned a lazy holiday, the beautiful memories lived in these places might have tempted us to visit those places again if only it was not for the hotel we hade chose to stay at this time. For we had chosen to stay in Rokeby Manor this time. This heritage home that was built as far back as 1840 is one of the best hotels we have come across in the Himalayas.

Though its architecture that reminds one of the times of British Raj has been kept in its old-style – much like most of the buildings in Landour, it avails all the facilities that you can expect from a most modern hotel – flat tv screens with cable, wi-fi access, in-room dining, 24×7 open front desk, etc. They even avail bikes and scooters for exploring Landour, not that we took them – preferring walking instead.

The rooms of Rokeby Manor are spacious, well ventilated and maintain the same British Raj style interiors. The staff really friendly, hospitable and well informed with all the details a tourist might be interested in. The food here is incredible – in fact, the best we have come across in Mussoorie and Landour region. They have a café here and though we had our breakfast within our rooms. The first thing we did just after checking in was getting a massage. Our bodies exhausted from long journey welcomed the soothing hands of therapists with all delights.

We spent the afternoon exploring the streets of Landour and enjoying the simple pleasure one can get out of walking in them instead of committing ourselves to visit the old tourist spots this time.

We were back in Manor as we had already planned our evenings. After spending some time gazing at enchanting ‘The Tea Garden’ of Manor, we moved to the next item – watching the mesmerizing the sunset of Landour in Jacuzzi hot bath provided by Rokeby Manor. It was an experience of inexplicable delights to be in a hot bath amid the cool hills of Landour and watch the sunset.

We returned from the trip fully relaxed by this holiday and also full of memories. J

Categories
Group Travel Himalayas Rejuvenate Spiritual Hubs

Diskit Monastery Travel Guide

One of the biggest tourist attractions of Ladakh is the Diskit Monastery of Nubra valley.  It has gained popularity because of the famous 106 ft tall Maitreya Buddha it is home to. The statute in gold and red faces Shak river. It was consecrated by none other than the Dalai Lama in the year 2010 as a symbol of the values – world peace, prevention of more wars between India and Pakistan and protection of Dikshit village.

 

About the Monastery

The milky white Dikshit Gompa is located on a high hill and you must hike up the hill to reach it. It has beautiful paintings and images. The cupola or dome that adorns the roof depicts the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery of Tibet. It also has a storehouse that preserves several Mongolian and Tibetian texts. At top of the monastery is Lachung temple with a large idol of Tsong Khapa, the founder of the Gelugpa Sect. It also has a school for Tibetian children run with the help of an NGO called the Tibetian Support Group.

Other Attractions of the region

Another important attraction of the region is that you will get a chance to see Bactrian double-humped camels, The valley has greener vegetation in the whole of Ladakh which has earned it the title of the ‘Orchard of Ladakh’. The river and Hunder village that is located at a distance of 8 kilometers offer stunning views.

How to reach Dikshit Monastery?

It is located at a distance of 116 kilometers from the town of Leh and is best visited on a two-day trip. You can reach it using a cab or personal vehicle. You can also board a bus from Leh to Nubra and get a local taxi there.

Leh airport is the nearest airport and is well connected including to Delhi.

Railway travel is not a very good option as the nearest major railway station is Jammu Tawi which is 812 kilometers from Leh. You will have to depend on the taxi service to reach from there to Leh, this journey in itself takes 3 days and stops at Srinagar and Kargil for the night stay.

Best time to visit Diskit

May to September months is the best time to visit. But if you are willing to face harsher conditions, you might want to visit it in time for Dosmoche which is celebrated in the month of January or February.

Where to stay?

There are many decent accommodation options in Nubra and Hunder villages – guest houses, hotels, etc.

What to eat?

The world’s highest cafe is on the road from Leh but we recommend you start with a full belly and carry some food in the store. Nubra has some decent food option especially Tibetian food. Carry reusable water bottles to keep yourself hydrated but avoid littering.

Other precautions

  1.    Please note that photography is not allowed inside prayer hall and museum. Make sure you are following all the other rules of the place
  2.    The journey might be a strain on your health particularly causing AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness and precautions must be taken in this regard. Consult your doctor to know if you are healthy enough for the journey.
  3.    Mobile connectivity is an issue. BSNL and Airtel work well. And thus take your precautions accordingly

Conclusion

A trip to Dikshit Valley is one of the must-dos if you are planning a trip to Ladakh. The placing is an amalgamation of natural beauty, architectural genius, religion, culture and the pursuit of world peace. We hope this article will help you in planning your trip well.

Categories
Adventure Group Travel Himalayas North India Relax Solo Women Travel

5 Must see destinations in North India

North India is one of the most gifted lands when it comes to natural beauty – whether it be in its beautiful Himalayas offering Panoramic views or historical cities like Delhi or Agra. Delhi, Agra, Kashmir, Mussoorie, Chandigarh, Jammu, Nainital, Ladakh, Dehra-dun, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Vrindavan, Rishikesh, Mohali, Amritsar, etc the list goes on and on. Today, we will bring you a list of 5 must-see destinations in North India.:

1.    Mussoorie

Aptly dubbed as the Queen of hills, Mussoorie is the first destination in our list of 5 must-see destinations in North India. It might as well be called the travel capital on North India for it is a favorite tourist spot for people of Delhi, Chandigarh, NOIDA, etc looking for a hills station getaway for a weekend. The Kempty falls of Mussoorie is a really fun picnic spot if you are traveling with family or friends. The spirituality important Jawalaji temple of great spiritual importance for Hindus is not much far. You can do your shopping at Mall road and the best of it all is that you can do all this and much more within two or three days and still be back home in time to find enough rest before you start on your next week.

How to reach Mussoorie?

Mussoorie is connected by roadway to Delhi via Saharanpur-Delhi road – a distance of only two hundred and ninety kilometers from Delhi. The nearest railway station and airport though both at Dehra-dun from where you will have to get a taxi or a bus to Mussoorie – a bus leaves for Mussoorie every hour or two.

2.    Chandigarh

Next, in our list of 5 must-see places in North India is Chandigarh. A union territory and a capital of two states, Chandigarh is one of the few planned cities of the country and one of the cleanest. Thus it is no surprise that it is one of the most favored destinations in Western India. The Rose Garden,  Sukhna Lake are some of the major tourist attraction but its strength lies in its markets (especially popular is the market in Sector-17). Being the educational capital of Punjab and Haryana, It has developed a very active nightlife too.

How to reach Chandigarh?

National Highway 1 connects Chandigarh to New Delhi. The green city is well connected by rail, road, and air with all major cities in the region.

3.    New Delhi

How can the capital of the country be left out of our list of 5 must-see places in North India? New Delhi has a rich history and thus have many historical landmarks – Qutub Minar, Lal Kila, India Gate, Jama Masjid to name just a few and there are several museums making it a great destination if you are interested in country’s rich history. In case you are out for fun and partying, its pubs and nightclubs ensure a rich a nightlife.  The street food here offers a great variety and is a tourist magnet in itself. And there are different markets selling almost everything on the planet and catering to consumers of different budgets.

How to reach Delhi?

Delhi’s international airport connects it to the rest of the world. It also has brilliant road and rail connectivity to the major cities of both North and South India

4.    Jaipur

It seems preposterous not to include at least one of the amazing array of tourist destinations of the Rajput state of Rajasthan in our list of 5 must-see places in North India. And the city to get this credit is Jaipur. Dubbed as the pink city, Jaipur deserves the honor. Its popularity is owed mostly to its forts and historical sites – Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jal Mahal,  Jaigarh Fort, City Palace, Nahargarh Fort to name only a few as well as to the friendly people who live here. One also gets a chance to enjoy the delicious street food and you can get photographed in traditional Rajasthani dresses. You can also buy locally handcrafted goods as souvenirs.

How to reach Jaipur?

In terms of convenience, nothing beats traveling by road – by bus. Sanganer airport that is only 12 kilometers away handles both local and international flights. However, we highly recommend trying a ride on Palace on Wheels at least once if you can.

5.    Agra

Any list of 5 must-see places in North India would be incomplete without a mention of Agra – the city that is home to one of the seven wonders of the world – Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory and love for his deceased and beloved wife Nur Jahan. It is a stunning wonder in marble which is said to be the result of the labor of over twenty thousand masons, jewelers, workers, artists, etc whose hands, so the local legend tells us, were ordered to be cut off Shah Jahan after the construction was complete. The city is thus a magnet for romantic and honeymoon tourism among both local and international tourists.

How to reach Agra?

Agra’s airport hs flights to and from New Delhi. By railways, it is connected with major cities throughout the country while by road it is well connected to the surrounding region including Delhi.

Conclusion

How did you like this list? What places will make it to your list of 5 must-see places in North India? Do write to us in comments below. 🙂

Categories
Adventure Himalayas Travel Trends

Is Climbing Mount Everest Worth it?

The growing appetite for climbing the highest mountain of the world brings with it, tons of pros and cons. The ones who make the dream come true are the unsung heroes who attain the trophy of lifetime – eternal glory. To climb the Mt Everest is a mighty undertaking and not only does it take enough courage and confidence but also an intense amount of prolonged training.

In 1953, Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first explorers to reach the summit of Mount Everest and, encouraging the mountaineering community spirit of the time, they agreed not to reveal who actually set foot on the top first.

Tenzing’s legacy is that about 10,000 Sherpas are employed in Nepal’s mountaineering and hiking industry, earning wages well above the national average. They have solely devoted themselves to plan routes, prepare meals at the harshest of situations, and help their clients achieve the biggest dream of their bucket list. They also save the lives of numerous people, carrying them and assisting them during sickness and injuries.

However, as adventurous as it seems, climbing Mt Everest is nevertheless, not a bed of roses. According to estimates, 2019 has become one of the deadliest climbing seasons in history on the world’s highest mountain – with inexperienced adventurers, bottlenecks and climbing firm cutting corners.

Pros of climbing Mt Everest –

  1. Sense of Achievement: One of the mightiest benefits of Climbing Mt Everest that come with the completion of this expedition is the sense of achievement – an accomplishment of one of the biggest challenges. This totally gives an outright boost to your self-esteem and encourages you to try new adventures in life.
  2. Fitness increment: To climb Mt Everest, one needs a great intensity of patience, perseverance, and training. It takes months and years to prepare for the day, hence, you would need to have the excellent physical fitness to complete the expedition. This is like an add-on to your accomplishment as you will prefer to keep your fitness intact even after you go home.
  3. Life-Changing experience: If you succeed in this expedition of yours, your entire outlook of the world is bound to change. Climbing Mt Everest is one of the hardest things in the world and with its accomplishment, you will start to believe more in your capabilities and accept even harder challenges of life with a smile. So, if you love challenges and extremely open to prolonged hardcore training and preparation, this is for you.

Challenges of climbing Mt Everest-

  1. Intense traffic: Due to the overwhelming quest for Climbing Mt Everest, there have been ‘intense traffic’ of crowds lined up to reach the summit. Due to prolonged lining up amidst snow, people often fall victim to altitude sickness, frostbite and many more.
  2. Bad weather: Avalanches, frostbite, extreme weather, sudden falls and lack of oxygen have led to the huge number of deaths last year. However, this year, fatalities have been blamed on too huge crowds and inexperienced climbers. So, perfect preparation and training are highly necessary.
  3. Lack of support: The rise of “low-cost” domestic firms, that in some cases offer expeditions at less than $35,000, half the price of more established rivals, creates incentives for cost-cutting, climbers said. They offer inadequate food and stay options which can be harmful too.

The debate on climbing Mt Everest as an ‘adventurous experience’ is nevertheless divided into two groups – pro-climbers and anti-climbers. Not to mention, climbing Mt Everest has greater threats to life than anything else on this world and the cons are never-ending, but it is not impossible. If you are trained, confident, well-equipped and determined, you can achieve your lifetime accomplishment. Every single person to climb Everest will tell you that it has been the adventure of a lifetime, and one that they would uptake again gladly.

Categories
Group Travel Himalayas North India Travel Tips

5 reasons to start early and sleep early while in Ladakh

It is as Benjamin Franklin said, “Early to bed, early to rise; makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Well, normally, we would return with “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man an unhappy wife” but if you are traveling Ladhakh the Benjy advice is very important due to a number of factors. Here we bring you a list of 5 reasons to start early and sleep early while in Ladakh:

1. Beautiful Scenarios

For you don’t come this far to visit Ladhakh if you do not love its natural beauty. The breathtaking views nature has to offer are at their best in time for sunrise and sunsets. And so the first of 5 reasons to start early and sleep early while in Ladakh is to have time to go click-happy and ornament your Instagram account.

2. Avoiding delays

There are plenty of construction projects forever in motion in Ladhakh sometimes blocking roads for hours, in fact, there are many scheduled road closures. The later you start, the more chances of being stuck in a road closure. So next in our list of 5 reasons to start early and sleep early while in Ladakh is that it is your best option if you wish to avoid delays or waiting for long hours in traffic. You may as well stay in your urban city if that is what you were going to do. Right? Besides the fact that delays will eat into your precious time (a traveler can never have enough time), they are just annoying and mood killers.

3. Avoiding snow slides and landslides

Another reason in our list of 5 reasons to start early and sleep early while in Ladakh is that it is your best option if you wish to avoid snow slides and landslides. With an increase in temperature during the day, the snow starts melting causing problems on roads and even closing roads especially during the latter half of the day.

4. Avoiding shooting rocks

Yes you heard it, there is such a thing as shooting rocks and it is not a very pleasant thing.  The strong wind can carry stones at the speed of bullets which won’t be good for your cars’ glass windows. The later in the day, the more the speed of the wind. It is thus fourth in our list of 5 reasons to start early and sleep early while in Ladakh. Like with watersides, your car might have to suffer from shooting stars because of your laziness. Show mercy on the poor thing!

5. A contingency plan

With so many factors working against you, it is always good to have a contingency plan. For it is not a very good thing if you end up at nowhere place in Ladhakh in the middle of the night. The cold climate, if nothing else, would bug you. Thus the last of 5 reasons to start early and sleep early while in Ladakh is to make sure to reach your destination well in time before darkness.

Conclusion

So this is all from our list of 5 reasons to start early and sleep early while in Ladakh. We hope this blog helps in planning your trip. In fact, some of these reasons hold good for traveling in rough mountain regions at high altitudes in particular and all kind of travels in general. If you are lazy or a night animal like us, it is easier said than done but we do hope this blog will give even the laziest among you reason to get up early. ☺

Categories
Adventure Himalayas

A Complete Guide to Everest Base Camp Trek

Thousands of people travel to Nepal every year for trekking to the base camp of the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest. Nepal is a worldwide famous spot for such adventure sports and hiking expeditions and as such, quite popular among adventure junkies. We are going to delve into this detailed guide for Everest base camp trek options, which is based on our latest adventure to the place.

The Everest Base Camp is known to be the most popular trekking destination, located amidst the peak of the highest mountain in the world. People come from all over the world to trek over here, every year and the usual trekker count reaches 40000.

After the successful expedition of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, the route became everyone’s dream. 

Guide to Everest Base Camp Trek

There are many sights of various peaks on the journey that you will encounter and these sites will mesmerize you. Apart from the main attraction – Mt. Everest (8848m), you will also see Mt Nuptse(7855m), Lobuche peak(6145m), Pokalde peak (5806m), Mt Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Lingterin (6679m), Mt. Amadablam (6856m), Mt. Pumori (7161m), Mt. Changaste (7550m), Mt. Kantega( 6685m), Mt.Kusum Khagaru (6367m), Mt. Twache peak (6367m), Mt. Cholaste (6335m), Mt.Kusum Khagaru (6367m), Mt.Kongde (6011m), Mt. Thamserku(6723m), Mt. Khumbila(5761m) , Honku south peak (6119m) , Island peak(6179m) and many more.

Located in Everest region, which is the second best trekking region in Nepal, this trek is filled with views of flora and fauna. The walk through this region among the beautiful green hills along with thick forests, glacier lakes, elegant rivers and graceful waterfalls is an incredible experience in itself.

This region also includes a UNESCO World Heritage site in its midst that is a home to several rare and endangered species. The Sagarmatha National park is open for viewing and you can come across some of its wildlife treasures on your way.

There is also a unique culture that thrives in this region of Everest. Known as the Sherpa community, most of the people living in this region have a culture and lifestyle resembling Tibetians. The open-mindedness and friendly approach of these people make them special.

All these details are for the sole purpose of informing you because it is better to have a clear idea about a place before visiting. This article will briefly explain all the details you need to know for having a wondrous journey to the Himalayas.

General Itinerary for Everest Base Camp

This includes the most common path undertaken which leads to the Everest Base camp. You can always customize the route but will have to willing to spend more time exploring the place. The usual itinerary is as below:

Day 1: From Kathmandu,  Fly to Lukla (2804 mt.), then Trek to Phakding (2610 mt.)

Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazar (3441 mt.)

Day 3: A break in Namche Bazar for Acclimatization

Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazar to Tengboche(3860 mt.)

Day 5: Begin Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410 mt.)

Day 6: A break at Dingboche for Acclimatization

Day 7: Start Trek again from Dingboche to Lobuche (4910 mt.)

Day 8: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5153 mt.) to EBC and back to Gorakshep

Day 9: Start hiking to Kala Patthar and then trek to Pheriche (4210 mt.)

Day 12: Start Trekking from Namche Bazar to Lukla

Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu

If you don’t wish to fly to Lukla, you can take an alternative route to go to Everest Base camp via Jiri.

Train your body for the Everest trek

Everest is not a child’s play and while you do not need to have an athlete’s body, it is still required that your body is fit enough to endure the terrain. If you wake up sore every morning, you will not be able to enjoy the long walks. Thus, it is better to train your body with some easy methods:

•    Four to six weeks before the trek, start doing regular exercises.

•    Follow the cardio exercise routine like swimming, cycling etc

•    While doing these exercises, try carrying a backpack.

•    Do push-ups, pull-ups squat to strengthen your muscles.

•    Do not over-exercise. The aim is to increase lung capacity and stamina.

What to pack for EBC Trek

The trek requires several types of equipment and you can choose according to your needs. Below is a list of all needed equipment:

Start from Trekking gears, you must have these:

•    Waterproof heavy-weight gloves.

•    Running shoes or sandals which would work as running shoes around camp.

•    Hiking boots and shoes and carry a spare set of laces

•    Wool or fleece trousers or pants

•    Down vest or jacket

•    Warm and thick woollen socks for hiking

•    Gaiters (optional)

Some other things you will need during the trek are:

•    Shorts

•    Underwear

•    Thermal Tops

•    Plastic bags

•    Sun hat or scarf

•    Waterproof shell jacket

•    T-shirts

•    Socks

•    Cotton trousers

•    Thermal gloves

•    Thermal Bottoms

•    Fleece jacket

•    UV protection sunglasses

•    Sleeping bag

•    A daypack (35-40 litres/2500-3000 cubic inches)

•    Water bottle

•    Toiletries

•    First aid kit

•    Waterproof shell trousers

•    Small wash towel

•    Camping mattress

Some things to should know about the equipment

•    It is not compulsory to buy all items on the list. Use your own judgment according to necessity.

•    The footwear you choose must be comfortable and durable. Make sure that the boots are lightweight trekking boots and the fabric should be good and waterproof. Blisters and shoe bites can often ruin the fun.

•    You can buy a pair of gaiters for your legs.

•    It is better to dress in layers to be able to regulate body temperature according to will. Choose the outfit according to weather conditions.

•    The clothes must be lightweight too and specially designed for trekking.

•    A waterproof shell outerwear is a must.

•    Your body, head and hands should be kept as warm as possible.

Required Permits for Everest Base Camp

While the Everest region is not restricted and does not require any prior permit, if you will be entering the Sagarmatha National park, then you must pay a little amount of permit fees.

Health concerns

There are many risk concerns while trekking to such high altitude. Whether it is a minor or major injury caused by a careless step or a natural calamity, or a case of common cold and viral fever, there are many things that might go wrong.

Some of the most important issues that you must make yourself aware of before trekking to the Everest Base Camp are as follows:

Altitude Sickness

This is one of the most common sicknesses that happen when one ascends to higher altitudes. The symptoms appear within six to twenty-four hours. But it is not something to be taken casually because altitude sickness can be fatal and must be treated in time. One must stay alert for any symptoms.

Symptoms

The symptoms of altitude sickness are mentioned below:

•    Dizziness

•    Tiredness

•    Headaches

•    Nausea and Vomiting

•    Upset stomach

•    Loss of appetite

•    Shortness of breath

•    Difficulty sleeping

•    Feeling unsteady

•    Increased heart rate

An effective measure to recover from early AMS

In case you observe any of the above symptoms, follow the following guidelines immediately:

•    Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

•    Take medicines immediately

•    Stop climbing and do not climb for further 48 hours

•    Make sure you rest until you feel better

•    Try descending to a lower altitude if possible

•    Take external oxygen if necessary

•    Do not smoke

•    Do not exercise.

If despite all these, you do not see your condition improving within the next 48 hours, you will need to be immediately deported for medical support in the city.

Preventive Measures

Though there are no ways to make your body adapt to high altitude before the trek begins, there are some ways to avoid AMS which are:

•    Start ascending slowly and gradually till you reach higher

•    Drink plenty of water on the way to stay hydrated

•    Avoid drinking, smoking or any tranquilizing medicine.

•    Let your body rest properly.

•    Eat high-calorie food as your body needs it.

Sunburn issues

Higher altitudes cause sunburn more easily and therefore, it is essential to carry an abundant amount of effective sunscreen lotion. Something with a strong SPF like SPF 80 is suggested and make sure to apply it daily in adequate amounts.

The sun’s wrath doesn’t end there and you will have to protect your eyes from the sun rays as well. Carry good polarized sunglasses.

Insurance

Insurance is very important while going on such a trek and remember not to start a trek without it. In case you fall prey to Altitude sickness or any natural calamity, you might have to be deported in a helicopter and Insurance covers such costs, but you will have to purchase it beforehand. The easiest way is to reach out to any Travel agent and ask them regarding the purchase of Health insurance. They will guide you through the process or you can research it on your own if you want. But this is one of the important things you must not forget.

Trekking options

There are plenty of options for trekking to Everest Base Camp such as:

•    Porter/Guide Combo

•    Small Group Tour with Guide with Porter

•    Private Guide with no Porter

•    Private Guide with Porter

•    No Guide with Porter

•    No Guide and No Porter

Hiring a guide and a porter

Though it isn’t compulsory for you to travel with a guide, it is recommended. Guides have good knowledge and more experience about trekking. They usually make the trek easier by guiding through navigations, suggesting good places to stay at and eat, and they can also help with negotiating price at various places. In case of emergencies, a guide is quite helpful but before hiring one makes sure to check their license.

A porter is just someone to carry your baggage so you can enjoy your journey more comfortable. In current times, Guide-porters are also available so it just depends on what you want to choose for yourself. Guide-porters help cut down additional expenses as these are experienced porters who are close to becoming a certified guide.

Best season for trekking

If you are trekking to Everest Base Camp, the months of March to May (Spring) and September to December (Autumn) are considered the best. The weather during these months is pleasant and you can make the most out of the trekking experience by enjoying the walks and weather. The rainfall is also limited or there is none at all which removes additional hassle. In the month of May, the flowers will be blooming in the rhododendron forest. The clear skies also help in making sure you get the best view of the Himalayan ranges.

Enjoy your Everest Trek!

The Everest Base Camp Trek is every trekker’s dream. So we hope this Trek guide helped you out in your plans. Just the thought of standing at the highest peak fills us with such excitement. And though the journey sounds so difficult, in reality, it is just not so. There are just so many things to enjoy and savor along the way that one almost forgets the weariness and forgets to pay attention to the tiredness of the body. But if you follow the tips and tricks mentioned in the guide, you will have a complete and a pleasant trip which will be unforgettable. Drop us a note at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com for any Everest related query.

Categories
Culture Himalayas Itinerary North India

#ghoomophirosisters recommended itinerary for 8 days in Uttarakhand

Ours was an 8-day long trip exploring the region in Uttarakhand. We saw incredible views of the snow-capped Himalayas and mostly clear blue skies. Since there is a lot to be explored, we followed this itinerary instead of fumbling on our own through the days. Our journey began from Delhi via tempo traveler along with other fellow members and through the course of the next eight days, we were blown away by the beauty that Kumayon had to offer.

Day 1

We were so excited to be at our destination that we all reached our starting point on time.  During the journey, we took tuck buying, tea, photo break to keep ourselves entertained. Our guide  Mr. Ramesh, who decided to make KMVN’s Kathgodam as our lunch our pitstop. The lunch was delicious. We had Bhat ki dal, which is a traditional preparation of Kumaon. There is nothing much to do at Kathgodam, it is the last railway station on the railway line. Beyond this, you need to hire a car to discover Kumaon.

We stopped at Bhimtal. The main attraction there had to be the vast lake which was quite beautiful. Since it is monsoon season the tourist were almost nil and that have given we a chance to just sit by the lake and relax.

Then our last stop was Nakuchiatal, the nine-cornered lake. We stayed at KMVN Parichay which was right near the lake and our room gave the perfect view of the lake and the mountains in a scenic landscape. A stroll near the lake during sunset had us finally realizing that this trip was going to be incredible.

Day 2

The next day took us firstly to Kainchidham which is located on the Nainital- Almora road. The temple had its own ethos and it was quite a peaceful place to be at. It is popular as the religious retreat for people of all faiths and we felt quite at ease around there. The next place we went to was Kakadighat where Swami Vivekananda got his inspiration. There is a Peepal tree under which he sat & meditate, before leaving for the Himalayas.

Then, we had our lunch at Khairna in a place called ‘Standard fast food and restaurant’ which had decent food. We stuck to our North-Indian routine since there was a lot of driving to look forward to, so we didn’t want to try something new and spoil our appetites. We drove through hilly areas to reach Ranikhet Golf course, stopped and wandered around for a while and then headed to Sitlakhet which is approximately 24 km away from Ranikhet via Kathpuria. We were welcomed at KMVN’s TRH at Sitlakhet. Today it was Harela festival, a local sowing festival. On this occasion we planted trees. The view from the terrace was amazing we could see the Almora city.

Day 3

We got up early in the morning to capture the sunrise and see the snow peaks. But our luck was bad as it was too cloudy to see anything. We decided to hike around Sitlakhet and were lucky to see peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Panchachuli etc. After breakfast, we headed towards Katarmal sun temple which was built by the Katyuri King Katarmalla. It is the second most popular sun temple in India after Konark and one look at the place tells you exactly why.

While we were heading towards Someshwar, we saw a lot of farmers doing paddy plantations as it was sowing season. Mr. Ramesh told us that like every one of us gets bored with their job & routine work they too get bored and too keep themselves entertained, the group sing local folk songs which sowing the paddy. It was such an amazing feeling to see women working hard in the fields

Throughout the rides, we looked out the window for sights of the region which never failed to amaze us. It was incredible how similar the cities looked in every place, but the remote areas always had their unique identity. The trip from Someshwar to Kausani was another 10 kilometers. The best part about traveling in Uttarakhand was the delicious local food which was a treat for our taste buds.

Day 4

This day was dedicated to doing sightseeing & discovering places near Kausani. Kausani is also known as Switzerland of India. We first headed to the Anasakti Ashram which is a religious site and Gandhiji stayed here in 1929. It had a small prayer room, a museum, and a beautiful setting.

Then, we also visited the Sumitra Nandan Pant Museum. The famous Hindi poet was born here. His house is converted into the museum which has manuscripts of his poems, & the glimpse of his lifestyle. There is a large collection of Hindi & English book as well. To comrade his birth anniversary, poetry sessions are organized there. If you have an artistic taste and want to revisit your school days, then it is a must visit the place.

The bus was now heading towards the Baijnath Temple which was 37km west of Kausani. It was a nice Lord Shiva Temple on the banks of Gomti River. The temples were built in 1150 AD by local kings. It is one of the four places in Shiva Heritage Circuit’ in Kumaon.

Before heading to our day’s final destination it was time to refuel ourselves, we had our lunch at Bageshwar at the KMVN TRH. Then we headed over to Chaukori and visited the picturesque Tea Plantation sites. Chaukori is another hill station and we stayed at KMVN Chaukori which gave the perfect view of the Himalayas right from our window. It is a quiet little relaxing place with great weather.

Day 5

Though we got up early to capture the sunrise, we another unlucky day the whole town was engulfed in clouds & fogs. But this view was quite mesmerizing. The flower plants in the TRH were in full bloom. Since the rest-house itself is in a secluded area, there was not much to do there except sit back and enjoy the scenery, so we headed over to Patal Bhuvneshwar which had the limestone caves that are popular among pilgrims. Legend has it that the cave enshrines Lord Shiva which accounted to their popularity. Patal Bhuvneshwar was not just one cave but a series of caves. We almost crawled down to 90 feet to reach sanctum. The guide followed us through the cave & explained the carvings which were quite interesting.

After that, we headed over to Gangolihat which is 14 km away from Patal Bhuvneshwar. Then we headed to Paanar Gaon to view the Saryu-Ramganga confluence which is popular mainly because of Lord Shiva and the holy rivers. Then we also went to Lohaghat which is perched on the banks of river Lohawati. For as far as our eyes could see, there was lush green scenery and oak forests. There were also many temples with a historical and mythological importance that we stopped to pray and get blessings.

Day 6

The next day consisted of us heading to Abbott Mount which was at a 7 km distance. The Abbott hill had an infamous bungalow on it called ABBEY which is believed to be a haunted place. Since no one goes there after dark, we visited the place in bright light of the day but the place still managed to give us the creeps, just by appearances and the ghost stories of mysterious instances associated with it. It was believed that the building that was donated to a hospital contained a Mukti Kothri where the patients died exactly as predicted by the Doctor. Though another theory is that the doctor himself killed the patients to prove his prediction and now the ghosts of those patients haunt the place. After the scary visit, we traveled to the Mayawati Ashram which is an Ashram dedicated to the study of Advaita Vedanta. Till date, no idols are worshipped here. Our next stop was the Vivekananda Ashram at Shyamlatal which is situated on the banks of the Shyamlatal lake. So, we also got to see the Shyamlatal Lake which is of dark color due to muddy substances present in the water, thus giving it the name of ‘Shyam’ synonymous with Lord Krishna of Hindu Mythology. Then we went to Tanakpur which is a buzzing town known mainly for its Devi Purnagiri temple. People usually breeze by this place while heading towards Kumaon hills or some other place, but we took our time exploring the region.

Day 7

The next day we crossed the borders. Just kidding, or perhaps not. Our 7th day morning took us to Brahmdev in the western Nepal area. The Brahmdev Temple is quite adored by tourists and one can easily guess why after being there. Then we visited the Nanaksagar reservoir which was a magnificent sight. The lake spread out in front of us in all its magnificence. For further spiritual satisfaction, we headed over to the Nanakmatta Gurudwara which was just nearby. We heard the sound of Gurbani and it relaxed us to the core and then we ate delicious langar (food) there. By this time, we were already feeling the end of the journey and felt nostalgic about all the days spent and the places we had seen.

Day 8

The next day was our return to Delhi and we spent the time scrolling through pictures on our phones, relishing all these memories we had created in just eight days. Uttarakhand is simply beautiful, and we were glad we took our time to see all the places.

There are many other itineraries for exploring Uttarakhand, but this is the most common one and that is for a reason. The reason is that it covers most of the places a tourist would come to Uttarakhand to see. So, make your plans and travel arrangements and go exploring this wonderful place. We did find the KMVN properties to be most comfortable for our stays, certainly had the best views, but you can pick according to your needs and travel packages.

Categories
Adventure Himalayas Treks

Valley of flowers, Bhyundra village, Ghangaria, Uttarakhand.

A long drive from Rishikesh to Govind Ghat marked the beginning of our journey towards Valley of flowers. Like its name suggests, this is supposed to be a heavenly trek with marvelous views and since the flowers bloom during monsoon, that is the best time to visit.

After reaching Govind Ghat, we started feeling good about our journey here. Unlike the rest of Rishikesh, Govindghat is scarcely populated and most of the people here are travelers. The weather was perfect and we had the view of the mountains as the real trek began. The trek is done in two parts and as we walked to Ghangaria, 13 long kilometres till we reached, we saw the nearby views and it gave us the strength to keep walking. The trek itself is moderate and not too difficult even for beginners. There are facilities for food and accommodation and a great view waited for us as we walked a little outside the business area. A couple hundred meters away from the market was an open lush green area. That showed a clear path that bifurcated to Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers. The path to Hemkund Sahib (for those who wish to cover both treks) would take another extra day to cover since it was 6 kilometers away.

We stayed the night before moving on to the Valley of flowers the next day. That trek was about 5 km long. Since there is only one road and no chances of getting lost, we avoided getting a guide.  Our trek to Valley of flowers started early in the morning so we reached there by 3:30 pm while also looking at the flowers on the way and clicking pictures. The ascending trek was a bit tiresome and we huffed and puffed till we finally reached the place. We went to a spot that was opposite the Valley of flowers and it had many flowers and a beautiful fall. Surrounded by such natural beauty, it felt incredible. The valley of flowers itself has many rare floral species and it is blessed by nature with such beauty and richness. We saw orchids, poppies, daisies and some other exotic flowers. Those views were better captured in a camera than described using words but one has to experience it first hand to understand the feeling.

The trek to valley of flowers was brimming with rare sights and the simple pleasure of greenery around and fresh air is what every trekker desires. The valley is enchanting and once you are there, you do not want to leave but we had to go back by six since no one is allowed in the valley past that time. The trek back was easy as we descended.

What you need to know before going on a trek to Valley of flowers is to be prepared. Since the valley is located at a high altitude, take medicine with you. This trek isn’t too hard and many families and even kids easily are up to the challenge. Mules are available to reach Ghangaria but we preferred walking. It is a point about preference. But if you are visiting the valley of flowers, be a responsible traveller. Do NOT throw away garbage around and pollute such a beautiful place that is still untouched by the hands of men.

Though Valley of flowers is a UNESCO heritage site and a national reserve, there aren’t many wild species that we came across, just a few bees on the flowers and a rodent here and there. What was special though, was the views and the colorful flowers.

Here’s an itinerary for our day to day trek

Day 1  Drive from Rishikesh to Govind Ghat. Night stay at Govind Ghat

Day 2 Govindghat to Ghangaria, walk those 13km or ride a mule. Stay at Ghangaria for the night and rest before moving on the next day.

Day 3 Ghangaria to Valley of flowers. 5 km long trek. And return before 6pm.

Day 4 Back to Govind Ghat. Unless you wish to go to Hemkund Saheb (we didn’t) in which case, it is a 6 km trek. And you can come back on the same day.

Day 5 Way back home.

Reach out to us at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com for any trek related queries

Exit mobile version