Category: Treks

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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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Adventure Asia Treks

Hiking on Bhutanese trails

Bhutan- the nation that measures its progress and well-being by the Gross National Happiness (GNH) index- is a different world in itself because of nationalismIt is a country where a majority of the geographic area comprises mountains and has peaks with altitudes ranging from 520 ft to more than 23,000 ft above sea level. Located at the southern end of Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is often called as ‘Mountain Fortress of the Gods’. Therefore, some really good treks can be expected here and all of them are arranged by only local agents. Some of them are as follows:

Druk Path Trek: It is a six-day trek and one of the easy ones. The hike begins from Paro and ends at Druk Path in Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. On the way, one can enjoy glimpses of Mount Gangkar Puensum (24,836 feet) which is the country’s tallest mountain and even after many attempts by people to climb it, is the highest unscaled peak in the world. The best time to trek on the Druk Path is between March and June or September and November.

The Jhomolhari Trek: This is one of the most popular treks in Bhutan. The difficulty level is above average and one goes through two passes named and Takhung La pass and Bhonte La pass during the trail. The trek gives an amazing view of Mt. Jomolhari (24,000 ft). An annual event called the Jomolhari Mountain Festival, to acknowledge the domestic culture, is celebrated at a different time each year here.

Snowman Trek: Demanding 25 days, the Snowman Trek is probably the toughest trekking routes in the world. It starts from Paro and ends at Lunana stretching between the border region of Bhutan and Tibet. One gets to cross eleven passes including Gangla Karchung La and Loju La, during the journey and there is not much habitation on the way.  The best time to trek here is before winters and after monsoons in October.

Bumthang Owl Trek: Trekking on this route is a great idea for those who have a time constraint but want to take away a flavor of the traditional culture with them. It also gives hikers opportunities to visit ancient Buddhist monasteries on the way.  Mt. Gangkar Puensum can be seen during the trek. It is also likely to spot Himalayan Black Bears here in the autumn season. The best time to hike here is from April to early June.

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek: Famous for local trout fishing, Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is a challenging one which requires at least six days. It gives spectacular sights of some of the highest Himalayan peaks including Mt. Everest and Kanjenjunga. The best time to hike on this route is between April and June or September and October.

Apart from the above-mentioned treks, Bhutan offers a plethora of other ones, for obvious reasons. They give travelers a deep insight into the local culture and the lifestyle of the people. It is a very different experience altogether!

Categories
Adventure Treks

7 Winter Treks in India that’ll leave you with the most surreal experiences

In India, the winter doesn’t arrive in December. We are talking about the real spine-chilling winter which only arrives in the mid-January. So what is the perfect timing for the treks in the snow, the last week of December is the answer. The snow isn’t thick enough to cause disturbance to the trekkers and they have a wonderful experience roaming around sightseeing in the pure white snow. There are a few popular places in the country which are deemed perfect for the treks in the snowy mountains, here we have listed our top picks among them, take a good look.

Kedarkantha- Located in the western part of the North Indian state, Kedarkantha is popular as one of the most exciting yet risky treks in the snow. The trek is four days long and the camping up in the mountains amidst the deadly cold temperature is one experience not meant for the week of the hearts. The camp at about 1200 feet from the ground will give you a great 360-degree view of the entire area.

Har ki Dun- Located in the same state as Kedarkantha, this is one another highly desired trek routes in the northern part of the country. However, many people are not aware the fun they can have here in the winters, so they go for the summer treks. But the situation has immensely improved in the past couple of years. The 8-day long trek moves through the beautiful valley and even more beautiful villages.

Deoriatal- Chandrashila- Another winter trek makes its way into hearts when the snow begins to fall in Uttarakhand. The entire ranges of western Uttarakhand are visible when you achieve the highest point during the trek. The eccentric view of all the magnificent mountain ranges of India are visible and its turns out to be a magical experience. The trek lasts for about 6 days and is known to be one of the most dangerous trek routes in the country.

Sandakphu- On the eastern part of the country is one hidden gem of a winter trek which remains unexplored to a large extent. This is one of highest snow treks in the country and you get a great view of all the tallest Indian mountain ranges in a great 360-degree view. The 7-day trek is mostly taken in the summer and other seasons but in winters, the experience is breathtaking.

Brahmatal- This beautiful trekking location is there in Uttarakhand again but it has managed to secure the place in our list due to the added attractions you witness once you go up the mountain. The frozen lake on the way, the eccentric view of the valley from one of the highest points in the country, everything begins to make sense and you realize it feels very short even when it lasts for 6 days.

Chadar – Want to head for a trek the snow-bound villages? Some villages become absolutely inaccessible right from November till March. But imagine a way to access the snow-bound villages? Yes you can trek on the top of the ice of frozen rivers. The chadar trek is one such significant route which connects the villages in the in Zanskar valley with Chillingon the road to Leh along the iced up Zanskar River. The route has been experienced since centuries for trade and transportation purposes. It is said to be most reliable in February when the ice is most stable.

Parashar Encircled by the Dhauladhar ranges in Kullu Valley is a blue-water lake called Prashar which is no less than a graceful secret in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. You will be greeted by a charming trail through a forest and several rivulets while you experience the trek. Meanwhile, one can cherish the local culture as the trail goes through villages as well. The trek offers the most magnificent 180-degree view of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and Kinnaur mountain ranges.

Snow trekking is adventurous, risky, brilliant and magnetic. Yes, there are risks and there are a few accidents that do take place every now and then. But there is the certain charm about it that compels people to do it again and again and this is an experience that remains unforgettable for years, even decades.

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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
Culture North India Treks

The self governing land of Malana!!!

 Malana is a beautiful yet a secluded village in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Tourists from Israel and other parts of the world flock in great numbers to this quiet little Himalayan hamlet. Out of the several villages in the Parvati Valley, this village is relatively an isolated one, best known for Malana cream. It is a local variety of hashish, a purified resinous extract of cannabis which is highly valued in the international market.

Belief

The people of Malana consider cannabis as ‘shiv ji ki buti’ and do not see its production as something wrong. Apart from Shiva, they have a firm belief in their devta, Jamlu Rishi. As per the Puranas, a sage once inhabited this land and laid the foundation of democracy, which still persists. They believe in self-governance and thus have their own lower and the higher court, President and Prime Minister. The Malanese people are believed to be the descendants of Alexander, the great.

The Taboo

The set of rules they follow is absolutely unknown to the common world. To resolve a conflict their justice relies on the death of the lamb. They cut the right foreleg of lamb, stuff it with poison and then sew it back. The person whose lamb dies first fails in the judgment. It is believed to be a decision made by their Devta.

The Social Background

The locals here are unfriendly and avoid interaction with a foreigner. They do not eat any food cooked by an outsider and not even let them touch themselves. They believe that the rest of the world is inferior to them. Tourists are prescribed a set of rules to follow when in Malana.

  • Do not touch the walls, houses, temples, people or any sacred stone.
  • If by any case food is offered to a non-Malani, then all the utensils have to undergo a purification ritual before they can be used again.­­­

How to get there

Malana is 527 km from Delhi by road.  The easiest and shortest way to reach Malana is to go to Buntar by air (13 km from Jari) and from there to village Jari. You would have to trek for 12 km, as there are no taxis or buses available to Malana.

Best Time to visit

At an altitude of 2,652metres above the sea level, the village has an extreme climate. The best time to go is from early May to August.

Malana’s Cream

The small village of Malana is famous throughout the world for its quality hashish known as Malana cream, extracted from the Cannabis plant. The quality of hash is so fine that it has won the Best Hashish title in 1994 and 1996 at the High Times magazine’s Cannabis Cup. The Malana cream is the most expensive hashish in the Amsterdam menu. Earlier, cannabis was only used for medical treatment. It was only when foreigners started coming to this land, they taught the locals how to make hashish by rubbing the oil on the hand under sunlight. Slowly and gradually they started the business of Hashish production which eventually became their main source of income.

Travel Tip

The best time to visit this alluring valley is in summer. The famous “Malan Shuan” the summer festival takes place on 15th August.

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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.

Categories
Adventure Himalayas North east North India Treks

Highest lakes in India, that gives breathtaking views!!

Trekking to a high altitude lake might be a strenuous task to undertake but the magical scenic beauty that it offers is completely worth the efforts. The following listed lakes are located at enough heights to keep them frozen during the winter season which adds on to their magnificence.

Pangong Tso, Ladakh

Located at an altitude of 4,250 meters in Ladakh, Pangong Tso is one of Asia’s largest salt-water lakes and is just 5 hours drive away from Leh. Its azure waters spread over an area of 100 kilometres across the borders of two countries- one-third of it lies in India while the remaining two-third lies in Tibet and a majority of the streams that constitute the lake are located in the latter part. Also known as the Hollow Lake, its brackish water along with sunlight produces beautiful light effects. During winters, the surface of the lake freezes and an ice skating festival is organised on it, inviting contenders from all over the world.

 Roop Kund, Uttarakhand

This high- altitude glacial lake is located in Uttarakhand and it takes 2 days to trek 30 km to it from Lohajung. The bottom of the lake contains the bones of humans as well as animals, the reason behind which is not clearly known yet and this very fact gives it a thrilling touch. The lake has a depth of only about 2 metres and the skeletons become visible once the water melts.

Tsongmo/Changu Lake, Sikkim

Situated at 12,313 feet above sea level, the glacial lake Tsomgo is nearby Gangtok, which makes it a great getaway option for not only locals but also tourists. This lake although small in size, has a unique and fascinating feature, which bestows upon it an important place in Buddhism and Hinduism alike. Due to natural factors, its surface reflects different colours during the changing seasons of the year.

Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim

Gurudongmar Lake’s altitude of about 17,800 feet makes it one of the highest lakes in the world. It is located 190 km away from Gangtok and 5 km to the south of the Chinese border.  Considered sacred by both Sikhs and Buddhists, Guru Padmasambhava of the Sikhs is believed to have visited this place. The area around the lake is inhabited by various high altitude animals but disappointingly its clear waters have now become polluted due to local interference.

Suraj Tal, Himachal Pradesh

Suraj Tal or the Surya Tal literally means the Lake of the Sun God and is the third highest lake in India and the 21st highest in the world.  It is located in the Lahaul and Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh, just below the Bara-lacha-la pass. This lake is the source of the Bhaga river which is a tributary of Chenab river. Its climatic conditions are similar to the poles of the Earth due to which the lake remains frozen for the most part of the year.

Categories
Adventure Asia Himalayas Spiritual Hubs Treks

Everything you would like to know about Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Mythological Importance:

The Tiger’s Nest is another name of Paro Taktsang or Taktsang Palphug Monastery. It is a sacred temple of the Buddhists that was built in 1692 in Bhutan, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup Cave. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava had meditated in these caves for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. Today, Paro Taktsang is famous for the 13 ‘tiger lair’ caves in which he had meditated.

A temple which is devoted to Padmasambhava (also known as the Temple of the Guru with Eight Names) is a classic structure built around the cave by Tenzin Rabgye in 1692. Therefore, it is Bhutan’s cultural icon.

According to legends, Guru Padmasambhava came here from Tibet, on a tigress’ back from Khenpajong.

There is also an alternative story by another legend that stated that the former wife of the emperor Yesh Tsogyal willingly became the disciple of Guru Padmasambhava. She transformed into a tigress and carried him on her back. Consequently, the place came to be known as the ‘Tigers Nest’.

It is also believed that Tenzin Rabgye, the builder of the monastery in 1692, was the reincarnation of the Guru Padmasambhava.

How to reach the Tiger Nest Monastery?

The Monastery is 10 km to the north of Paro in Bhutan, at an elevation of about 10,000 ft. You can reach the Tiger’s Nest by walking or on horseback. It is a quite challenging trek, you gain merit with every step but the view of the Paro Valley from the monastery is worth the endeavor. The trek starts from the valley floor which is at about 7000 ft and it takes about 2-3 hours (on an average) to complete the hike. It starts with slow climbs into serene pine forests where you will find water- powered pray wheels and flags. It is said these are for trekkers to be bestowed upon with power and stamina to complete the forthcoming journey. From here onwards, the climb becomes steep, arduous and steady up to a ridge. Horse- ride is only allowed till the second viewpoint due to some accidents that took place in the past.Once you reach the monastery you will find the atmosphere to have become mystical; you will find a deep sense of calmness and peace. Also, you should seek blessings from the monks. It is the true feeling of being a pilgrim!

Travel Notes:

  • Wear hiking shoes and it is better to wear thick socks as you have to remove your shoes at the entry.
  • Bring your hiking poles. If you forget, you can buy a wooden walking stick at the parking lot.
  • Bring your rain gear as the weather is unpredictable.
  • The hike should be done at the end of your trip to give you more time to acclimatize to the altitude.
  • Walk at a steady pace and avoid walking fast and resting too much.
  • It is recommended to start the hike early in the morning.

So get set and go to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan if you want to have an adventurous cum religious trip!

Categories
Adventure Rejoice Travel Tips Travel Trends Treks

The most beautiful Night Skies in India

Our world is full of so many natural marvels that there is not enough time for anyone on the planet to witness them all. It may take them an entire lifetime and they won’t even be able to cover half of the natural miracles that we are talking about. In India, there are many different places where one can enjoy the star gazing. This is turning out to be a great way of feeling closer to nature in the purest form. The craze is so high that people are ready to travel thousands of miles in order to get the glimpse the starry sky in all its glory.

Ladakh– In north,  Leh Ladakh is the most favourite tourist destination not just for the younger lot, but the older ones as well. One great thing about the place that there are so many places for stargazing that one can spend all nights moving from one place to another just to look at the beautiful constellations in the sky.

Andaman– This little island located in the south most part of the country is known for its beaches in the daytime and for the star gazing in the night. Lets us not just even try to compare the experience of lying under the sky at night on the beach and staring at the clear sky with stars glimmering all over with anything else. The cosmic magic is in its full glory at night and it’s a sight worth having at least once in your lifetime.

Coorg– Coorg is one of ideal places for holidays in the summers. The daytime can be spent trekking on the Nilgiri hills while the nights can be waited all day just to have the look at the sky when the stars shine.  However, the place is yet to be recognized as one good tourist spot in the area but the star gazing alone has managed to increase the flow of the tourists to a great extent.

Spiti Valley-The famous Kibber village in the Spiti valley may very well be notorious for the drugs trade but at night, it turns into a magical place. Known as the highest motorable village in the whole world, Kibber is located at about a height of 14000 feet from the sea level.

There are many other places in the beautiful country where one can experience the magic of stargazing. One of the greatest mysteries of life and the most beautiful night skies in India are here..

  • The Milky Way in Nubra Valley, Leh
  • Sonmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
  • Shahapur, Maharashtra
  • Pangong Tso, Ladakh
  • Shanti Stupa, Ladakh
  • Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Gaze at the stars, stare into the open space and absorb everything beautiful at these places in India. And do let us know about your tete-a-tete with the stars!!

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Adventure Ghoomophiro Blog Himalayas National Parks Relax Travel Trends Treks wildlife

Tranquility in the lap of Nature- Great Himalayan National Park

If you are looking for a surreal getaway from Delhi at a distance of overnight travel, then Himalayan National Park is a must for you. Bus from Kullu to Aute can take you inside, from where locals can guide you to the way toGoshani or Nagini, small villages in Kullu. It is from these villages, one can get into the park with the help of porters either by hiking or car can leave you at the entrance gate. Inside the park there are various hiking trails. Neuli- Sarangarh loop, Neuli- Sainj valley, Sainj- Tirthan valley, Gushaini-Tinder village, Gushaini- Shilt Hut, Neuli-Manu temple, Siund- Pashi villages, Jiwa Nala- Parvati River valley, Gushaini- Tirthan valley and Shamshi- Kaza are some of the popular ones. We took Gushaini to Tirthan. The place is bounded by lush green forests, waterfalls, and indeed make it one of the scenic places. Thankfully, modernization has not yet reached this part of the Kullu and hence place continues to brim its beauty. Park is part of world UNESCO Site. It is the home for several endangered flora & fauna and is bird watcher’s paradise.Let this photo essay drive inspire you for your next trip to Great Himalayan National Park.

Beautiful Tirthan valley & river, which is famous for trout fishing

Several locals, shepherds can be seen inside the park with their cattle.

Entry Gate to the park. There is a small entry fee, which is been taken by the forest department. Do carry your photo ID, while you enter the park.

This is what you can expect inside this beautiful jungle. The lovely camaraderie of waterfalls, trees, and birds perching. Perfect place to find your solitude and unwind yourself.

Camping in the midst of Jungle, in itself gives you goosebumps, as you set your camp beside the flowing river, and want to get lost in the wilderness.

The place is totally unchartered and your solidarity can surely resonate with the mesmerizing and unprecedented beauty of the jungles and you would not mind coming here, whenever you are looking an escape from maddening cities.

Best time to go here is summers, though the park is opened throughout the year, but summers attract a lot of trekkers to the park.

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