Tag: Uttarakhand

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Adventure

The spectacular Nelong Valley is another Ladakh for tourists

The one place in Uttarakhand that remains untouched from the interference of human race is Nelong Valley. Also known as the Leh-Ladakh of Uttarakhand, the place is located near the Indian China border and offers some of the best picturesque visuals to the beauty seeking tourists. Due to the heavy segregation, the place looks more like a desert and while it must be brimming with the chaos of the tourists, it remains silent for the most part of the year.

How to reach

The nearest airport to the valley is Jolley Grant airport which happens to be located at about a distance of 380 kilometres from the valley and you then have to take a bus or hire a taxi that will bring you here in about 5 hours. The place is well connected by roads to Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradoon. So travelling to the valley shall not be difficult.

About the place

The virgin natural beauty of the place has compelled more and more tourists to come visit the place and as a result, the tourism has begun to rise in the beautiful valley. Located at an altitude of about 11,000 feet above the sea level, the valley looks like a snow desert, much like Leh Ladakh. And as a result, Nelong valley is slowly becoming to be the best alternative for the tourists looking to visit the hard and unbearably cold terrains of Leh Ladakh.

Along with the charming landscapes, with the pure natural beauty all around, the valley also houses some of the rarest and exquisite wild animals such as snow leopard, the musk deer, and Himalayan blue deer. The lucky tourists can easily get a glimpse of these animals every now and then, in case they pay proper attention to the surroundings.

Road trips are quite popular to the valley, much like the Leh Ladakh trips that the youngsters have become accustomed to. The recommended period to stay in the place is about a day as in that time, you would see almost everything the valley has to offer in terms of the snow capped mountain peaks, delicious flora and fauna, the wilderness in their pure natural habitat among other things.

Best time to visit

Winters are the worst time to come to the place, so the tourism board of the state recommends that the place must only be visited only between the months of May-November. Although, being a politically significant place, the government has allowed only a limited number of vehicles to enter the valley.

Travel tips

-The tourists can not bring their personal vehicles inside the valley. The forest vehicles, total six in numbers will bring you here.

-The valley is available for the sightseeing by the Indian tourists exclusively, due to its closeness with the Indo-China border.

The tourists will need to go through a fitness test before entering the valley.

The strict laws imposed by the government are one of the main reasons for the place being deserted to a large extent. But despite all that, the place remains as beautiful as a place can be and the increasing number of tourists per year is quite hopeful.

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Adventure North India Treks

A Snowy adventure trek to Kedarkantha

As winter takes it full form in the Himalayas, it opens its gateway for the adventure seekers to the Kedarkantha Trek. This trek is especially meant to be experienced during winters when the meadow is completely under the blanket of snow. The trek lies in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

The Trek

Day 1
The Kedarkantha trek starts from Sankri that goes via Mussoorie, Barkot, Purola, Mori, Netwar along the Tons river. Once you reach the campsite, set your camps to stay overnight. The campsite is surrounded by lofty snow peaks and is a perfect space for bird watching.

Day 2
Resume your journey next day for a destination known as Juda Ka Talab. The picturesque place is surrounded by huge pine trees and provides beautiful views of snow clad peaks right in front of you from the camp.

Day 3
The day three is a trek to Kedarkantha Peak base, which takes approximately 4 hours to reach. Spend rest of the day enjoying the beauty of nature in its full form.

Day 4
Gear up in full form for the next day as it is going to be a long day trek up to the summit of Kedarkantha peak.  The same day you can come back to the base camp. On your way back from Kedarkantha to Sankri, follow the route via Hargaon.

Difficulty level of trek

As compared to other snow treks, Kedarkantha trek is one of the easiest treks in the Himalayas to explore under the blanket of snow. This could be your first snow trek. The duration of the trek is less, but the altitude goes above 2000ft every day you trek.

Who can all go for this trek?

Anyone who is above the age of 7 and is physically fit can go for this trek. Make sure to start working out on regular basis 2 months prior to the trek.  As most of the trek is a steep climb, start preparing by climbing flights of stairs or jogging about 4 km every day.

Best time to go for trek

The best time to go for the trek is during winters. Here, the snow starts in the middle of December and stays until the third week of April. So it is ideally the best time to go on a snow trek.

Risks/ Precautions/Tips

Like any other trek, Kedarkantha trek also demands precautions as there are the number of risks involved.

1. The temperature ideally falls below zero, so it is advised to carry more minus degree clothes
2.  Starting from soil to snow with micro spikes, it might take time for one to get used to it.
3. Temperate at night falls below -7 degree and so there are chances of hypothermia. Prevent it by wearing dry clothes especially before going to sleep.
4. Start working out regularly at least two months before the trek.
5. Purola and Sankri have last mobile connectivity and ATM point. So make sure to make all important calls before you proceed.

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North India Travel Trends Treks

Treks in Uttarakhand for Beginners

Uttarakhand which is also known as ‘Land of Gods’ is popular among nature lovers and thrill-seekers. Since it lies amidst the Himalayas, Uttarakhand provides ample opportunities for trekkers to enjoy some of the most beautiful treks. There are a plenty of treks in Uttarakhand, that either lead to glaciers or waterfalls or other attractions. If you are a beginner to trekking, here are some of the treks in Uttarakhand to try out:

Roopkund Lake aka Skeleton Lake

This high altitude trek that reaches Roopkund Lake goes through various spectacular terrains. The best part being that it is suitable for beginners. This lake is popular as it is surrounded by skeletal remains of humans sprinkled nearby. It is believed that those remains date back to travelers from the 14th century. It is en route to Nanda Devi temple and the trekkers get to enjoy lush forests, snow clad mountains and religious sites as well.

Duration: 9 days

Trek begins at Lohajung

Pindari Glacier Trek

For nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, this is the perfect trek as it is situated between Nanda Devi Peak and Nanda Kot Peak. There are breathtaking sights of glaciers, waterfalls and beautiful flowers on the path. As you cross the sturdy wooden bridges and interact with friendly locals about the mythological connection of this trek, you’ll be instilled with warm feelings. It is a great trek for novices and avid photographers.

Duration: 10 Days

Trek begins at Loharkhet

Chopta Chandrashila Trek

This is one of the popular winter treks and Chopta Village is famously known as ‘Mini Switzerland”. The natural beauty you see on this trek just fills your heart and the views from the top are an absolute delight. You get to view Trishul Peak, Kedarnath Peak, Chaukambha Peak, Nanda Devi peak.  This is a refreshing trek as you walk among pine trees and other varieties of flora. If you wish, you can also pay a visit to the Shiva Temple which falls on a slightly difficult trek but has great mythological importance.

Duration:6 days

Trek begins at Ukhimath

Dodital trek

This is one of the best treks in Uttarakhand region with stunning views of the Himalayas and mesmerizing Bernala Lake. As you walk through thick alpine forests, you’ll be lost in the scenic beauty and when you reach the meadows of Dayara, it will be an absolute bliss. Then there is the Dodital lake on the way surrounded by pine and deodar jungles. You will also see a temple of Lord Ganesha since Dodital Lake is known to be his birthplace. The reflections of Neelkanth peaks can also be seen in the clear waters of the lake.

Duration: 10 days

Trek begins at Uttarakshi, Kalyani or Hanuman Chatti

Kuari pass Trek (Lord Curzon’s Trail)

Kuari Pass is one of the easier treks in Uttarakhand. The trek offers a panoramic view of peaks as you walk amid bamboo, conifer and oak forests. The trek offers views of pristine rivers and exotic animals. As you view the beautiful meadows and listen to the gushing roar of rivers, you will realize that it is going to be a memorable experience.

Duration: 10 days

Trek begins at Dhak Village

If you are new to trekking but want to experience something wonderful, pick any of these routes and get ready for the trek of a lifetime.

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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.

Categories
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.

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.

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