Category: Himalayas

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Adventure Himalayas Inspiration Travel Trends

8-mountaineering-movies to get your heart pumping

No one just climbs a mountain with no preparation. Every mountaineering enthusiast prepares and explores all paths and researchers about mountaineers who have already made their names in history. Mountaineering is a risky hobby and through mountaineering movies, it is possible to see the sights of what a mountaineer goes through. These documentations provide instructions as well as inspiration to rookies who want to delve into mountaineering. Here’s a compilation of some incredible heart-pumping movies:

Vertical Limit

The vertical limit is a survival flick and provides you with a spectacle. It is a thrilling movie of a young climber who must climb K-2 for the purpose of rescuing his sister and her summit team. There are treachery and extraordinary effort involved and you will not be able to take your eyes off the screen.

Cliffhanger

This one is a tricky movie about a mountain ranger who sets off on a rescue mission but later finds out that the crash survivors were crooks who were using him to find their loot. The movie showcases great acting by Sylvester Stallone.

K2

This movie got great reviews and appreciation for its effects and filmography. The story is that of a rescue mission conducted on K2 which is world’s most difficult peak to climb. It is still a classic movie and a favorite among mountaineering enthusiasts.

 

Everest

Everest is a movie based on a true event whereby a group of mountaineers who take on the next to impossible task of climbing the mighty peak of Everest get trapped in a snow storm. The highest peak in the world is no joke and the dangers it entails is higher than any other mountain peak.

A lonely place to die

This is a movie set in Scottish Highlands and tells the story of five mountaineers who find themselves in the midst of a kidnapping scheme after they rescue a kid who had been buried alive. It is a British thriller with more substance than action.

The climb

Two rock climbers form a pair for a rescue mission and things are tense between them. While rock climbing with a partner, the thing needed most is cooperation and complete faith. This movie deals with that human aspect of mountaineering. These men push their lives to the edge just to test each other.

High Lane

Another thrilling movie about a group of friends who just wander off to an abandoned mountain trail and encounter grave obstacles in their path of survival. It is originally a French horror film titled Vertige directed by Abel Ferry. It is a real horror story with dangers of a psychopath combined with that of the mountains.

The Eiger Sanction

This is a Clint Eastwood movie about a retired assassin who, in trying to avenge the murder of an old friend, travels across a treacherous mountain passage. He is blackmailed back into his job for this last task. The shooting is done on the Eiger Mountain and Zurich in Switzerland. A young British climber died during the shoot.

If you wish to take up mountain climbing as a way of pumping adrenaline, better watch all these movies for a cautious approach. And if you are just a regular rock climber, then these movies will thrill you up just right. Just clear your weekend and binge watch them all and order your hiking tour by writing on ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com

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Adventure Deserts Himalayas North India Treks

5 things you must do in Spiti Valley

Himachal Pradesh, the north Indian state has been the center for the north Indians to sneak in for a weekend or longer. There is some reason for that, and that reason being there are places that are more beautiful than the rest. Everybody knows about it. Why else would it be known as the most favorite tourist destination for the Indians? Spiti Valley is one other hilly area in the state which caters to tourists in great ways. Whether it’s food, sightseeing or to have pure unadulterated fun, there is everything which one can expect to have to a holiday destination. So, Here is a quick checklist of items one should not miss out while being at Spiti.!

This should definitely inspire you to travel to Spiti

Rafting- River rafting is always a fun activity to do especially if done amidst the vast landscapes, high ridges, glaciers, pastures and mountain tops. Pin and Spiti rivers offer some of the most awesome rapids that can be the ride of your life. As you move through the narrow passes and heavy glaciers you come to know that what sort of fun rafting is capable of providing. The rafting in these rivers gives access to beautiful places that can’t be reached otherwise. The best rafting spots are on the Pin River. From January to June, the river rafting can be enjoyed from 09:00 am – 05:00 pm. whereas from September to December, the rafting experience can be enjoyed from 09:00 am – 05:00 pm.

Visit Giu Village- A village located at a height of about 10,000 feet above the sea level promises a lot of things in general. Located between the towns of Sumdo and Tabo, the village is quite ancient and historical. The Tibetan mummy placed in the museum is over 500 years old the thing it has becomes known for largely and quite rightly. The mummy was discovered by workers of Indo-Tibetan border police constructing a border surveillance post near Sumdoh. It is believed that the mummy represents a Lama mediating. The long preserved dead human bodies are in fact the things that scare you to death and amazes you at the very same time. Whatever might be the truth, it’s worth visiting the mummy once.

Camp at Chandratal- Chandratal is a lake, and not just any other high altitude lakes, it is said that this has always been the most photographed lake in the entire world. Well, that says a lot. The beauty of the lake is mesmerizing and once you enter the place, you will see hundreds of camps set up there. The location is perfect for camping and in the early morning hours, the place looks nothing less than magical.

Visit the world’s highest post office- The post office located as the place is popular to be known as the world’s only post office that is located this high. Hikkim is located at a height of about 4400 metres above the sea level. So, never forget to say hello to the staff as they sit proudly and do their work honestly sitting at this height.

Trek- Where there is a mountain or a hill, trekking is unavoidable. Trekking here in the valley is one of the most tiring and the longest ones maybe, but high on the excitement level. There is not an inch of the place that will get you bored. Trek to Dhankar and back is one of the most crowded treks in the Spiti valley.

Located amidst the majestic Himalayan range, Spiti valley is as exotic a place can get. Never forget to give it a try during your next trip to Shimla or Manali. Once you enter the Spiti Valley, it’s not so easy to take an exit from this beautiful place. You could easily plan to stay for 11-12 days in this cold desert. The best time to visit Spiti is in between July and September.

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Adventure Festival Himalayas Inspiration

Leh- Interesting Things not many people know

One of the most favorite tourist destinations in the entire country is Leh Ladakh. North Indians are fond of riding their heavy bikes up to this place; they come here for stargazing and to get lost amidst the natural beauty that lies here in abundance. The Himachal Pradesh transport ministry and Jammu and Kashmir also has special buses that will take you to Leh in a few hours. Cars and vans along with the bikes are also quite frequent here. One of the coldest places in the country is having some interesting things about that many people don’t know about. Let’s have a look at them.

Ladakh Leh is known as a high-altitude place surrounded by natural marvels. But a very know that this is also known as a very religious place. There are many festivals that take place here every year such as Hemis Festival, Dosmoche Festival, Losar Festival, Sindhu Darshan Festival, Ladakh Festival, and Tak-Tok Festival along with the Hindu festivals. The tourists must keep that in mind and should try to come here in the times of one of these festivals to experience them.

Buddhism happens to be the most dominant religion in the area and there are many Buddhist monks that reside in the nearby places, especially the monasteries. The tourists must take some time away from the calm and composed natural beauty to visit some monastery sometime. The monks are extremely friendly and it would make you see Buddhism in an entirely different light.

Bird watching is something many people don’t do when they make their trips here. The natural sceneries and landscapes bind them and the extreme cold doesn’t let them stay here long. There are about 250 different species of birds that can be found here in their entire natural habitat. And there are many chances for you to come across some rarest species of birds as well.

The high altitude zone that Leh is, this is a pure heaven for the ones studying the cosmos. Other than the stargazers, there are many astrology and astronomy centers in here. Among the said facilities are Infrared Telescope and the Indian Astronomical Observatory, Hanle

The very famous salt lake is one of the very few lakes in the world that are set up this high. The lake is located at about 4350 feet above the sea level which is another cool thing to know about it. So, next time you visit the place, keep in mind that you are gazing one amazing wonder of nature.

Jammu and Kashmir is going through turmoil nowadays. The tourism industry has gone down due to obvious reasons. But places like Leh and Ladakh are still here, away from all the dreaded happenings going on in the state. Leh is a paradise for the tourists and serves as a beautiful spot to be amazed about. The view of the great Himalayan range is mesmerizing from the high altitude.

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Adventure Himalayas Treks

Detailed Itinerary for the Beginners’ Nagtibba Trek

About Trek:

Nagtibba is one of the beginner’s trek. In case you are near Delhi, and looking for some camping experience and trekking for the first time, Nagtibba is for you. We #ghoomophirosisters were completely thrilled and mesmerized by the beauty and closeness to the nature of the place. The best part of this trek is, it can be covered over a weekend.

About Nag Tibba:

Nag Tibba, also called as “Serpent’s Peak”. It is the highest peak in the lower range of Himalayas. It is located in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand state. It is situated at an altitude of 3022 metres (9915 feet). From Nag Tibba Top you can see the magnificent view of Bandarpunch Peak, the Gangotri group of peaks, Kedarnath peak in the north, Doon valley and the peaks of China bang.

How to reach

There are mainly two routes to trek to Nag Tibba. One is Panthwari route and the other one is Devalsari route. Panthwari is the short one and Devalsari is the long one. But the route from Panthwari is more steep and difficult than the Devalsari route, and we chose Panthwari. Usually, it is your trek guide who will decide your route.

Trek Features:

Total Trek Distance: From Panthwari: 17 km (up to Nag Tibba Base and down) & 3 km further more (Nag Tibba Top).
From Devalsari: 28 km (up to Nag Tibba Base and down) & 3 km further more (Nag Tibba Top).
Maximum Elevation: 2900 Metres (Nag Tibba Base) & 3022 Metres (Nag Tibba Top).

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from Delhi. Took overnight bus to Dehradun

Boarded the bus from Delhi to reach Dehradun the next morning. A drive down the road takes approximately 8-10 hours.

Day 2: Dehradun to Pantwari village and starts trek to Nag Tibba Temple (4-5 hrs drive)

Our trek guide picked up from Dehradun bus stand and we started for Pantwari village via Mussoorie, Kampty Fall. Did overnight camping at Nagtibba temple.

Day 3: Nag Tibba Temple to Nag Tibba top and return down to Pantwari Village (4 hrs trek) and drive to Dehradun (5-6 hrs drive)

Early morning after breakfast, we started for trek to Nag Tibba Top (3084m), from where it was breathtaking view of  Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch, Gangotri ranges etc. We had lunch at the peak,and the feeling was breathtaking. Post  lunch we descended to Pantwari village and then drove back to Dehradun. Took the bus back to Delhi.

If you are a first time trekker, few Do’s & Don’ts:

  1. Carry sufficient water.
  2. Carry small sling bag and do not make your bag heavy.
  3. Carry sufficient food and the food which gives you energy like juices, fruits, dry fruits, chocolates, etc.
  4. Don’t go fast. Maintain your pace according to your stamina and stick to it.
  5. Carry a good pair of shoes.
  6. Carry personal utilities like sunscreen, small towel, lip balm, sanitizer etc.
  7. Carry a raincoat because on mountains you never know what’s gonna happen.
  8. No network is available at the top, though at some places, airtel and idea can be found.

So what are you waiting for, pack your bags for this weekend to Nagtibba.

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Himalayas North India Treks

The beautiful Scenic Hamlet in Himalayas!! The Chopta Valley

The beautiful valley of Chopta lies in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, situated at the distance of 450 Km from New Delhi. Resting in the lap of the Himalayas, the valley is commonly known as the mini Switzerland due to its magical snow covered mountains. It is the starting point for the travelers going to Tungnath and Chandrashila. The tranquil eye luring beauty is worth seeing, it is the perfect destination for those exploring heaven on earth.

Below are some important details for travelers.

State: Uttarakhand, India

District: RudraPrayag

Distance from New Delhi: 450 Km

Route: Chopta is located 450 Km from New Delhi. The one traveling to Chopta valley should start their journey from New Delhi.

Bus: People traveling from Bus should board from Kashmiri gate ISBT, New Delhi for Rishikesh or Haridwar. After reaching Rishikesh, they should relax in the hotel or Dharamshala and enjoy the mesmerizing view of Rishikesh. The Next day they can start their journey for Chopta either by bus or private accommodation to Rudraprayag. For those who are traveling on public transport need to board another bus going to Chopta via Chopta Pokhari Road.

Train: Those who are traveling via train can board any train going either Rishikesh or Haridwar. After reaching the destination, you can either choose to hold there for some time or continue your journey via bus or private car to Rudraprayag. It takes 4hrs 8 min to reach there via NH7. Chopta is 23Km Ahead  to Rudraprayag, which can be covered within an hour via Chopta Pokhari Road.

Air: Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Sightseeing in Chopta Valley

The small town of Chopta lies in the Greater Himalayas surrounded by snow covered mountain peaks and thick dense forests. Chopta Valley is home to lush greenery and rare species of animals and birds which make which make the place an interesting one. If you are looking for Heaven on Earth, do plan a trip to Chopta Valley and experience the Heaven.

Tungnath Temple:

There are five shrines of Shiva, which are generally known as “ Panch Kedar”. The Tungnath temple is the highest among all situated at the height of 3860 meters. It is the divine pilgrimage of the Hindu religion and the most significant among Panch Kedars.  Every year thousand of devotees pay a visit to Tung Nath Yatra. The stiff rocky trek of 3.5 kms joining the Chopta and Tungnath is exhausting and tiring.

Deori Tal:

The beautiful lake “Deori Tal” is pleasing to the eyes. It is located on the Ukhimath-Gopeshwar road, which can be reached via a 2km stiff track from Chopta. The mesmerizing and magical view of Deori- Tal is a wholesome experience in itself. It is one of the  best tourist attraction of Chopta.

Ukhimath:

It is one of the most popular pilgrimages of Hindu and devotees of Shiva. It is strongly believed that Ukhimath is the residence of Lord Shiva during Winters, as Kedarnath is covered with heavy snow, the lord is temporarily shifted to Ukhimath.

Magnificent view of Chandrashila:

The Chandrashila is the highest point of the peak near Tungnath. It is located at the height of 4000 meters and 1.5 Kms further from  the Tungnath. It offers the eye luring view of great Himalayas all around. The picturesque landscape is worth viewing.

Besides historical and religious importance, Chopta Valley in Uttarakhand is a famous place among the trekkers. People of several faiths flock in large numbers on a holiday to Chopta Valley.

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Himalayas North India

Chitkul village- The last inhabited village near the Indo China border

At a height of 3450 meters, Chitkul stands tall as the proud crown of India to the Tibet border side. This exotic destination in the heart of Himachal Pradesh is blessed with the Baspa River, which travels with you on your right as you mount the Chitkul valley. One of the major attractions of the village is its apple gardens surrounded by several camping sites.

During winters, the place remains covered with snow and the inhabitants creep down to lower regions of Himachal. You can discover one of the best-grown potatoes in the world here but they are very costly. Situated on the banks of Baspa River, Chitkul is the first village of the Baspa Valley and the last village on the old Hindustan-Tibet trade route. Houses with either slate or wooden plank roofs, the Buddhist temple and a small tower are the things which are of particular interest for the visitors.

How to Reach

The nearest airport to reach Himachal Pradesh is Indira Gandhi National Airport and Palam Domestic Airport in New Delhi. There is a huge bus network for Himachal Pradesh which hails from New Delhi. It is approximately 360 km away from New Delhi.

First, arrive at Reckong Peo which is approximately 60 km away from Chitkul. From there, you can hire a cab or board a bus to the village.

Himachal is well connected by the rail network. There are a number of trains from all major parts of the country to Himachal Pradesh. Pathankot-Joginder railway line is the longest in the state which traverses all the way from neighborhood Punjab. To savor the scenic beauty and picturesque landscape, one can choose to travel by the toy train from Kalka to Shimla.

Places to Visit

Raksham

One of the best places to visit in Chitkul Village is Raksham, which is approximately 11 km from here. This is one of the most exotic places of the country with the abundance of snowfalls in winter. Baspa River flows along and her sound is like music to your ears.

Kalpa

Kalpa is another small town in the heart of Sangla. The town is situated right next to Sutlej River. If you are a nature lover then this is the right place for you. It gives some of the best views of Kinnar Kailash Mountain.

Kagyupa Temple

Kagyupa temple has special significance because it is the home to a rare image of Shakyamuni Buddha with four directional kinds placed on every side. It is believed that the presiding deity of the village, Mathi is alive and must be paid homage to.

Things to Do

Trekking

One of the best ways to explore Chitkul village is by trekking around the hills. The real beauty of the place lies in places where no vehicle can take you. Hence, it is advisable to discover the landscapes of the village on your feet.

Camping

Thousands of tourists from across the country come to Chitkul Village, especially for camping. This village hosts some of the best camping sites in the middle of apple gardens.

Best Places to Eat

There are no luxury hotels in Chitkul village. You can relish the local delicacies of the village at local Dhabas and homestays. Situated right at the Tibetan border, you will find a confluence of Himachali, Punjabi, Easter flavors.

Places to Stay

In Chhitkul, there are wooden houses turned into hotels. These hotels are a bit expensive and most of the tourists prefer to stay at Sangla and plan a day trip to this place.

Hotel Royal Castle, Prakash Regency, and Hotel Rupin River View are some of the best places to stay.

Your discovery of the serene and lesser-known Himalayas begins at the Banjara Camp in the Sangla Valley. The Banjara Camp & Retreat is the pioneer in luxury camping, at a height of 2,700 mts.  The camp is encircled by massive towering mountains on all sides and situated on the banks of the Baspa river that gushes through the valley.

Travel Tips

While you set off for Chhitkul make sure you carry sufficient cash and petrol or diesel for your car as you would not find any ATM facility or fuel stations in this hilly area.

There is also neither a clinic nor any hospital flanking the area and one has to travel back to Sangla for emergencies.

The very cold and windy weather can add to some trouble for those traveling by road. The road usually closes down around November after the first snowfall. So avoid traveling at this time.

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Adventure Himalayas North India

This beautiful lake in the arms of the Himalayas will remind you of the Moon

The Chandra Tal Lake is located in the Spiti part of Lahul and Spiti district of the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The lake got its name “Chandra Tal” from its crescent shape and is also called the Moon Lake. Situated at an altitude of about 4,300 metres in the Himalayas, the place is one of the busiest tourist’s spots in the beautiful state. It is famous for trekking and various adventure sports all around northern India.

Best time to visit

June to September is the best time to visit the amazing lake.

How to reach

A few hours road trip from Delhi via Manali (533 km) will bring you to the beautiful Spiti valley. The place is located at an altitude of about 4000m above the sea level, and no vehicles would get you here. From Batal or Kunzum pass, you would have to walk for a few kilometers to reach the Chandra Tal Lake. The beautiful lake can also be approached from Manali.

About the place

As you walk towards the lake in a trek of about 8 kilometers, it feels like reaching the moon. The total circumference of the lake is about 2.5 kilometers and as you reach there and have a look at the bright blue water of the lake, you feel all your tiredness going away. The lake is the source of Chandra River that flows through the valley.

The clear blue sky and the untouched virgin beauty with the rugged brown mountains devoid of any trees are the perfect picturesque locations one can wish for. In the arms of nature, people also come here to seek peace and soak in the natural beauty of the place. The shining Chandra River flowing below and the surrounding green landscapes make the place nothing sort of a heaven.
Activities

Most of the tourists that come here for their passion for travel and adventure, so the place is ideal for adventure seekers. The mountain peaks and dangerous slopes around the place are the idol spot for the most daring of mountaineers to show off their skills. Apart from trekking, some other activities that you can get indulged into are camping and sightseeing.


The Chandra Tal trek is however deemed to be moderate by most of the people. The level of difficulty for trekking here is average as compared to other challenging treks in India. Along with the trekking, other things tourists like about the place is the incredible beauty of the landscape surrounding it which is a great treat for the senses.

The mythological significance

Once a glacier, the lake now lies amidst the wide grassy plain surrounded by all the natural beauty. The legends that go around the lake is that the last Pandava Yudhishthira was taken to heaven on Lord Indra’s chariot from this particular place. This is the reason why Hindus adds so much religious significance to the place.

Where to Stay
There are not much accommodation options in Chandra Tal. A number of PWD guesthouses and rooms are available at Kunzum Pass and Batal that are lent out by villagers. During summers, a majority of the tourists prefer to stay in camps at Chandratal.

Eating Options

Eating options in Chandra Tal are very limited. You will find mostly Tibetan food here. There are some small dhabas at Batal and Kunzum Pass which offer food to tourists. Some restaurants near Chandra Tal lake are Mahabudha Restaurant, Cafe Kunzum Top and Yak Cafe.

Other attractions

Out of the many wonderful passes in Lahaul and Spiti, the Rohtang la, Kunzum la and Baralacha la are worth mentioning. Also located at the place are some monasteries that are worth a visit such as Dhankar, Gandhola, Gemur, Gozzangwa, Guru Ghantal, Kardang, Key, Kibber, Kungri, Lhalung, Shashur, Tabo, Tangyud, and Tayul.

Chandra Tal, along with some other regions in the place forms a picture perfect image of what heaven would look like if it actually existed. So, pack your bags and embark on the wonderful journey.

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Adventure Himalayas

Photo Essay- Kuari Pass

Kuari Pass is a beautiful winter trek and am glad to collaborate with Toroots India and giving me opportunity to click  breath-taking views. Here is a small photowalk of Kuari Pass from my lens. Bw, all pictures have been captured with my #leeco Max and are without filters.

Blue Sky!!

Sunset from Khullara- Loved the different hues of Sky.

 

View of Chaukhamba.

Feeling of acheivement as you are on peek:-)

Categories
Adventure Himalayas North India Treks

Getting through the Lord Curzon trail alias Kuari Pass

Also known as Lord Curzon trail, Kuari Pass is one of the most renowned winter treks in Garhwal region. The place is ideal for beginners and opens the gateways for the unexplored to be explored. Thanks to Toroots India and Renok Adventures, for the opportunity to explore this beautiful trek.

Little about the place

Location: Garhwal
Base: Rishikesh
Duration: 5Days
DifficultyLevel: Easy to Moderate
ApproxTrek: 30kms
AverageElevation: 13,000Fee
TypeofTrek: Winter Trek
Best Time: November to March
Highlights: Nanda Devi Peak, Trishul Peak, Gorson Bugyal, Tali LakeWhere is the Kuari Pass?

Kuari Pass is located in the midst of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, at an altitude of approx. 13,000 feet above the sea level. The Pass is at the center of the most incredible regions of Garhwal and is known for its unique wild grandeur. The place gives enthralling experience for first-time trekkers, as the entire trail comprises of walking through the frozen rivers, rock climbing, walk through forests. You get to traverse all kinds of terrain during these 3 days.
How to Get Here:
Rishikesh is the base for Kuari Pass. It can be reached via Haridwar. There are many buses that ply daily from Delhi.

How to Reach Kuari Pass?

By Air: Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, which is 208Km from Nandprayag and 268Km from Joshimath.

By Rail: Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest rail-head, which is 191Km from Nandprayag and 251Km from Joshimath.

By Road: Nandprayag and Joshimath is well connected with other parts of Uttarakhand.

Trekking Routes:

Rishikesh – Joshimath – Dhak Village – Karchi Village – Tugasi Village – Palogeta Village – Gulling – Chonter Gatta – Bor Tal – Tali Campsite-Chitrakantha – Khulara Meadows-Kuari View Point 1- Chitrakantha Top – Lord Curzon Trail – Puli Dhar Col – Auli via Tali and Gorson Bugyal – Haridwar.

Accommodation Destinations: Gulling, & Khullara

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Joshimath.

The journey started from Haridwar, from where we went to Joshimath and it took almost 10 Hrs to reach the place. Had our night stay there itself.

Day 2: Joshimath to Gulling

Base camp is at Dhak village. From Joshimath, went with Innova to reach the base camp from where trek started. We trek through a hemlock, oak and rhododendron forest for 3km before a short descent to the meadow and campsite at Gulling. The impressive snow-capped ridge, including Chaukhamba 1 (7138m), can be seen beyond Joshimath. Guide Mr. Lama was very cooperative and efficient. On the way, you may want to capture the village life as you pass through Tugasi and other small villages.

 

Day 3 : Camping at  Khullara

From Gulling, again the trek started early morning, from where we reached to Khullara top and did our camping. It is much colder than Gulling and temp usually goes down to -6 degrees.

 

Day 4 : Way to Kuari Pass.

Last day, it all started trekking to Kuari pass, where on the way view was unmatchable and one tends to cross snow-laden trails. The view as you reach the height of 13,000 feet indeed gives you the adrenaline rush. The same day we returned from Kuari pass to Khullara campsite.

Day 5: Joshimath to Haridwar.

Last day was way back from Khullara to Dhak and then from Joshimath to Haridwar, from where we had our bus back to Delhi In case you are lucky to reach on time, watching Ganga Aarti is also a great idea.

By the way, Major network like idea/Vodafone works at these heights, so feel free to call your special someone from this height and make them jealous.

Categories
Adventure Himalayas Inspiration National Parks North India Treks

Hemkund Sahib, The Highest Sikh Pilgrimage in Uttarakhand

Located amidst the pristine valleys of the beautiful Indian state of Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, the Hemkund Sahib area, also known as Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib, is one of the prime locations for the tourists to visit. The gurudwara is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who happens to known as one of the ten Sikh Gurus. It is the highest and the greatest Gurudwara of the Sikh community, located right on the shores of the prestigious lake.

The weather changes quite rapidly at the place and almost every season is great to have a trip to the place. The highlights of the place are its waterfalls, deep forests, the crystal clear and an amazing view of the Himalayas. Any time a year is perfect to have a visit to the place but the season from June to October is generally considered the perfect one to do so.

How to reach?

The nearest railway station is the Rishikesh railway station which is situated 273 km before Govindghat on NH8. Taxis and buses can be availed from Rishikesh to Govindghat. Jolly Grand Airport happens to be the nearest airport to Hemkund Sahib but the roads are only connected up to Govindghat from where you will have to begin the trek.

Govindghat is the starting point of the trek to Hemkund Sahib and it well connected by motorable roads. The trek from Govindghat to Ghangharia is a steep one and covers 13 km. The remaining 6 km route is the steepest and can be the toughest one to travel.

After having a visit to the beautiful lake and the Gurudwara, you may feel the need to explore some places nearby.

Places to see

Ghangaria- On the long trek to Shri Hemkund Sahib, Ghangaria is the last stop where the traces of civilization exist. Located at an altitude of about 3000 meters above the sea level, Ghangaria is a beautiful place for sightseeing and for taking a few hours rest before you continue the journey to Hemkund Sahib. The trek up to this point is the toughest one. The region remains open from May to October and closed afterward due to the heavy snowfall that keeps occurring in here.

Valley of Flowers- Valley of flowers is a beautiful paradise situated at a 4 kms trek from Ghangaria. Also a reputed world heritage site, the valley of flowers is a must visit place on your way and purely a botanist’s delight. The entire valley is a valley of rare flowers and generally a rug of colors – green, yellow, red, blue etc. The entry ticket to the valley is 150 INR per person (for Indians) and 600 INR per person (for foreigners) and valid for 3 days entry. Whereas still cameras and movie/video cameras are free to carry, charges apply for professional video camera charges, that is 500 INR for Indians and 1500 INR for foreign nationals. The opening time of the valley is 6 am.

Please note that one should not litter anywhere in the valley and it is advisable to

carry some food from Ghangaria as you won’t get anything to eat up there.

Food served

A simple meal, comprising of Khichdi(rice dish) and tea is served here to all the pilgrimage, as a part of the langar. In case if you do not want to opt for this it is highly advisable to carry your own food and eatables as you will not find any restaurants there.

No visitor is allowed to stay overnight at gurudwara except the caretakers of the place, hence one needs to come back to Ghangaria for a night stay.

Places to stay at Ghangaria

A few options for a good and comfortable stay are Hotel Deepak Lodge, Valley of Flowers Holiday Home, Hotel Kuber Annex, Sarovar Portico Badrinath and Hotel Narayan Palace.

Hemkund other than a beautiful valley full of amazing landscapes and breathtaking visuals also happens to be a sacred place for the Sikhs, especially from northern India. The virgin beauty of the place is indeed reminiscent of the beautiful country we are living in.

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