Hampta Pass Trek

Hampta Pass Trek – Less pain, all the pleasure.

Trekking is one of the most famous travel activity people indulge in. Himachal Pradesh has more than 200 trails to walk on, some of them are extremely remote and only meant for seasoned trekkers.  But some of them are easy too, with mostly flat terrain along the trail and are easy to hike.

One such trek is the Hampta Pass trek. It might not give you the thrill of adventure that a life risking trek would, but the scenic views of the whole trail is enough to give you the heavy dose of awe inspiring natural beauty. After much research on the internet and discussion with fellow travelers, I chose to climb to Hampta Pass. The trek takes around 4 days and you cover a maximum elevation of 4260 m.

The trek on foot starts from Allain Guhugal Hydel Project junction and leads into a light forest full of pine, deodar, maple and oak trees. After half an hour of moderate hike, the forest ends in a lush green meadow bisected by the Rani Nallah and it is a sight to see. Chika is a large campsite beside the Rani River on a spacious patch of green and is a perfect spot of sky gazing in the night.

The next destination we had to reach was Balu ka Gera and I was told that it falls on the right of Chika. The path along the river is full of colorful Rhododendron and silver Birch trees and the combination of these colors along with the flow of the river and lush green mountains made for a view straight out of heaven. The guide told us that behind this snow clad mountains lies Hampta Pass.

We woke up early because it was going to be a long day with 9 hours of trekking but the fact that we all would be crossing Hampta Pass made things sweet. The initial climb of an hour takes you to the first plateau which is covered in fresh snow in the months till June.  Next comes another plateau and then a couple of ridges and this phase is what you can call the most difficult part of the whole trail.

After the second ridge, Hampta Pass is just 15 minutes away but the climb is tough and tests you.  When we reached the pass, everyone was panting like running dogs but the stunning view took away the pain. We just sat there for a while and let our minds and souls sink in the beauty.
The descent is tricky and mental focus is required or you might slip and fall and hurt yourself.

Everybody unanimously decide that we would be camping at the Chandrataal campsite, and I was more pumped than ever.

We began the next day in a vehicle driving to Chandrataal lake, which is a 70 km journey. Upon reaching the Lake, everybody was stunned. It was perhaps the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life.
We stayed there for a while till it was our time to leave back to Manali.

Kedarkantha Trekking Tour

Adorned with ravishing beauty of falling snow, snow-covered mountains and fringed with pine trees, The Kedarkantha Trekking tour include Kedarkantha Peak which is one of the most sought destination after snow fall in India. With falling winter white snow it’s a mesmerizing pictorial view what else one can attract more, the view of the Mighty Himalayas from the right top of the trails. Kedarkantha trekking tour takes you at the height of 3810 meters which is about approx 12,500 feet Kedarkantha trek is an ideal trail for trekking which covers a consolidated distance of 20 kms. The distance is not much also the trail is not very difficult which enables for the first time trekkers to set on the adventure and enjoy the beauty of nature at its best. With charming, attractive and captivating sights of snow clapped Himalayas, lush landscapes, myriad collection of flora and frozen, to the sights of mesmerizing peaks, the trek have all the delightful marvels that one trekker would wish to experience and want to explore in his journey. The trek is not only for the adventure to enjoy thrilling challenges through the journey the Kedar kantha trek is an ideal trekking destination for the nature lovers to explore the natural beauty at it best.

KedarKantha Trekking tour based in the Western Garhwal in  Uttarakashi district, the Kedarkantha trek is well known for its being one of the easy treks of the country which are able to attract the people who are experienced trekkers not only it attract the experience trekkers it also attract to the people who don’t know much about trekking. However physical fitness is must the one should be able to jog for at least 4 kms in 30 minutes before planning to Kedarkantha trekking tour. As the altitude rises the air becomes thin and people needs to carry backpacks too, which can all be very difficult, without proper physical fitness.

Trekking in Uttarakhand is always been a pleasure due to its ravishing beauty and panoramic natural beauty which cannot be matched among the fascinating locations as it give total thrilling trekking sites available with snow treks with any other destinations within the country. The Kedarkantha treeking tour inspires every trekker a lot. In fact it has number of reasons that being such a good terrific trek which makes it much more popular among the enthusiastic travelers all over the world. The very first reason is the availability of snow till the end of April the reason make it one of the best winter trek destination of over India. And what more one can make more excited with view of lovely snows at the average height of only 10,000 feet lying at the base of the pine trees. The second  reason for its popularity is the lovely campsites, during trek every site is unique and had its own way and no other site match the beauty with this. Another reason for visiting the trek the trek is  beauty of this trail from start to end the dense pine forest create a unique experience and a magnificent as well as mesmerizing view which is absolutely unparallel. Last but not the least is the splendid jaw breath taking view of the famous snow clapped mountain the view gets more stunning with each step towards the Kedarkantha trek. In the complete journey of trekking tour promises refreshing and heart filled pleasure which makes the destination much more attractive to millions of visitors throughout the year.

 Kedarkantha trek is the trek which can visit almost the complete year but for the aspiring views you need to plan your trip in the months of winter from December to April the months cannot be compared with summer time. Also there is a chance to enjoy the number of festivals during winters. However it is better to avoid the monsoon time for trail so After monsoon you can visit any through the day. 

Valley of Flowers Trek

The valley of flowerstrek  lies in front of you as an absolutely radiant canvas. It is home to a bewildering variety of plants; in a few square kilometers there are a hundred species to be seen. Spread over an expanse of 87sq km, this valley is in Chamoli District owes its name to the lush carpet of flowers that bloom in the region after the monsoon. The valley of flowers trek is home to as many as 472 species of herbs, 41 species of shrubs, eight species of trees and 500 specious of flowering plants. Some of the commonly found flowers are blue poppy. American wood lily, brahma kamal, white anemones, pink potentials, the cream-colored Polygonum polystachyum and the pink Impatiens sulcata. Amongst the seven major protected areas in the Indian Himalayas, the valley has the largest number of medicinal plants.

The valley has the largely unknown to the outside world until Frank S Smythe, a British mountaineer and botanist, stumbled upon it by chance. In 1931, a group of explores led a successful expedition to Kamet - the highest summit scaled at that time. Frank Symthe decided to return through Bhuindhar, a high pass (5,150m) to the south of Kamet. After crossing the pass, they descended to the north Bhuindhar valley, which was in full bloom then. The colorful flowers of the Rolling Meadows came as a surprise to smythe after the barren and hostile slopes of Kamet.

After the brief visit in 1931, Smythe returned to the valley in 1937 and stayed on for four months. He established a large and comfortable camp there with regular supplies arriving from Ranikhet. He collected botanical specimens, catalogued them and then sends them Edinburgh, where a greenhouse was set up nature the plants. Inspired by this work, botanist Joan Margaret Legge went to the valley in 1939. While collecting floral samples she slipped on a rocky slope, an accident which these words were inscribed. “I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.”

As interesting attraction of the valley is ‘Bamani Dhaur’ (cave of the Brahmin). Legend has it that a Brahmin, Who used to dwell in the cave, foretold people’s fortunes and drew their horoscopes by studying the shadows they cast on the meadow across the river. The time when the shadow had to observe depended on the date and time birth of a person.

Above Ghangaria village, located en route to the valley of flowers, there is the picturesque lake of Hemkund, also known as Lokpal. It is belived to be the place where Laxmana , the younger brother of Ram in the epic of Ramayana, had stopped to meditate. The lake was thus named after Laxmana, who is also known as Lokpal.

In Dasham Granth, a scripture of Sikhs, Guru Gobind singh mentioned that in his past life, he had meditated next to the lake surrounded by seven peaks.

The structure was built in 1939 and expanded in 1974. It was christened Hemkund, which means ‘Lake of snow’. Over the years, Hemkund has become an important place of worship of Sikhs and every year, from June to October, several thousand of devotees trek to the shrine.

Plan your trek to valley of flowers trek and get lots of memory 

Bhrigu lake trek

Bhrigu lake is Located at an altitude of around 14,000ft  from the sea level, decease Bhrigu Lake is beautifully nestled in the lap of Himachal Pradesh. Every year, Bhrigu Lake is visited by thousands of domestic and international tourists who love to adventure or trek.

Bhrigu Lake - high altitude Glacier Lake

 The perfect opportunity to get lost in the wilderness for natural lover. The one who need to get free from tress and noise of day to day life must visit this Bhrigulake. The journey to Bhrigu lake is through mountains, gushing water streams, gouges, oak forests and orchards, snow capped mountains is pleasant and taste the wilderness.

The lake is situated in the east of Rohtang Pass. The lake serves as a transient stopping point for trekkers on its way. During June-July, trekkers can be spotted camping all around the lake.

 lake in Himalayas and the surrounding area offer splendid views of snow capped mountains , valleys and green lush and tranquility of nature. The journey to the lake is challenging as well as exciting. A trail is complete paradise

The lake derives its name from a famous Indian saint Bhrigu who is considered as the father of Vedic Astrology System. It is believed that he meditated at Bhrigu lake for hundreds of years. Name of the saint is Maharishi  Bhrigu from that time the Lake is well by the name of Bhrigu lake.  The Lake also finds its mention in several scriptures of the Vedic Age. For this reason the resident of kullu district hold the lake as very sacred.

Not only this among resident it also believed that The Guru Vashisht, a famous deity and Vedic saint used to travel all the way from Manali to the lake frequently for the sacred bath.

The lake offer the  high altitude due to this reason the no human settlements is there on Bhrigu.The beautify of the lake  is simple incredible hat is cannot be describe in the words hence,  carrying a binocular and camera is highly recommended.

Many people approach the lake via Vashisht Temple in Manali, which is also a world famous hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Another trek to reach the lake is from Gulaba, a village surrounded by tranquility of nature and dense forest of high-altitude oak trees. The trek from Gulaba to BhriguLake is more popular as it is less difficult and offers spectacular views of Kullu Valley, also the himachal Pradesh is known as the land of god.

 the lake is hidden like a precious jewel in the lap of the Himalayas, Bhrigu Lake atop a green meadow which is much like as the amphitheater, a traveler’s paradise.  It also gives the surprise to the visitor as when the visitor ascending the mountains appears magically view.

Since the lake is located at a very high altitude, it can be visited only in April or May. It is advisable not to plan a visit to Bhrigu Lake without a trained guide. Tourists planning to visit this lake should be physically fit, mentally fit and prepared to combat slight altitude sickness en-route Bhrigu Lake.

Enjoy Bhrigu lake trekking.

Do Dham Yatra

Do Dham Yatra Package ( The Journey to Two Holy Places) is a popular as well as most easy concept for those who have not got enough time due to their work load or budget to have a Char dham Yatra the most famous religious Yatra in Hinduism.  In Hinduism holy book it is written that every Hindu must once goes to the four holiest places in their life for once washes out their sins, getting freedom from the rebirth cycle. However Do Dham Yatra Package are made available by Indian tour operators to make your religious journey comfortable and short.

The four Hindu pilgrimage centers to be covered in  Chardham Yatra are Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath, all situated in Uttarakhand state. The state is also known as land of Gods. Among the Chardham, Do Dham Yatra includes the journey to Kedarnath and Badrinath or Gangotri, Yamunotri .

Do Dham Yatra Packages helps you come across with the essence of nature which was probably unexplored by you before.

There are thousands of questions in your mind like who to visit, what to carry, where to stay so the blog is the complete solution for you follow this and have hassle free yatra

When to Visit: 

Respecting uncertain weather conditions, yatra starts on the day of Akha-Trij somewhere in April and closes on Bhai-Bij somewhere in October/November. I would suggest you to avoid yatra during rainy and hence May, June, September are the best months. According to our tour guide, in May and June there is heavy rush of devotees and hence September is the best. In

  

Difficult during yatra

Yes. All the tour operators or travel company warn about the difficulties and somewhere they are right too. Yes if you true devotee and true intention for pilgrimage, then I am sure you will not face any problem. But yes apart from that uncertain change in climate, poor conditions of road and frequent landslides are major hurdles you can face.  

Weather:

Weather condition during complete yatra is harsh and variable. Might be possible during night in may the temperature would be  1 degree Celsius to  40 degrees after a few hours while travelling to the next destination. It may rain so you have to be prepared with heavy woolens as well as rain-coats umbrella with you.

Clothes: 

Three layers of woolens are recommended if you are staying overnight specially at Kedarnath. Roads: Very treacherous, dangerous and tiring. Only mini buses with capacity of 25-27 are allowed during yatra. Longer vehicles cannot pass through very narrow and sharp bends.

Distances: Out of total about 1900 km we travelled from Delhi to Delhi, 1400-1500 kms were in mountains. At average running speed of 20-25 km/hour, it is a lot of travelling. During yatra you will get to see ‘n’ number of road accidents Credit must goes to the drivers. If you are travelling in  Uttarakhand you must hire the driver  are a specialist as well as masters of mountains 

How to plan?

It depends on the number of person in your group and the budget. If you are 4 or more, your own hire the taxi or Tempo Traveler. Also you can buy the package from any of the trip organizer company and make you trip complete hassle do Dham yatra . 

Roopkund Trek

Roopkund trek  is one of the most beautiful and picturesque trekker’s destination in Himalayan Kingdom. Nestled somewhere between the ever vigilant Trishul and Nandaghunti, the Himalayan beauty is cuddled in the womb of the majestic Himalayas, at a height of over 5000 m. But if you are thing this is the main attraction then let me tell you the main attraction of the lake lies somewhere else. A mystery, which has intrigued the mind of thrill seekers of distant past and continues to do so even today. The discovery of hundreds of skeletons in and around the lake brings the lake in limelight, in 1942, by a Forest ranger, H K Madhwal. Now I am pretty sure you were thinking about where did the skeletons come from? Carbon dating places them at around 12th century. The structure of the lake is quite different from the aborigines of the area. Here one question comes in everyone mind is was it a royal pilgrimage or it is a remnants of a vanquished army? Or is it some ghastly incident of a mass ritualistic suicide? Though without proper historical facts, the local ballads sing of a story, which is quite enthralling itself.

If you are planning your trip for Roopkund trek then there are numerous of think you need to keep in mind before getting take off. Now I have decided to right this blog for all those who were planning to visit RoopKund Trek blow are some tips for all the trekkers.

 

Tips for Roopkund trek

 Season of the trek

 All trails are accessible only at specific seasons of the year. Besides, monsoons are quite precarious for trekking. Some adventure seeking people also trails in winters but the best and most favorable weather for trek is summers.

Choice of the trek

As a beginner, the trekker must priorities to choose treks which are less strenuous in nature.  The modest treks, meant for experienced treks, are quite hazardous for amateurs. Moreover, enjoying the natural beauty of the trail. You need to choose the trek very carefully also if you are booking with some travel company then take complete information about it.  

Medical Fitness

Being medically fit must be the foremost priority before going on a trek. I would suggest you to go for a medical checkup as on priority basic to the trek, not face any difficulties while you are on your dream trek.

Differentiate between expectation and reality

Trekking is quite different than exploring a place. During trek you might don’t get fancy accommodations and luxurious food. But thing you are exposed is nature. It’s advisable to be mentally prepared between expectation and reality

Proper equipments

The factor, which can  break a trekking, is equipments. It is most important to choose proper shoes, backpacks, tents and other equipments for trekking. One thing I want to add is  they are the real life savers while on the trail

Investment and budget

It’s quite easy to spend quite a lot on trekking equipments, tents, sleeping bags etc. But you can rent these things also. You can buy a package to any travel company who provide you all the thing

Breaking in the shoe and walking with backpack

For trekking you need to come out from your comfort zone so if your life style is in that way that you can’t It’s better to practice walking with the backpack, before hand the trekking as it requires getting used to it.

Physical fitness

 Trekking may be quite on demanding and ardors. So if you are living an active life style and engaging in light physical activities like walking and jogging etc. Here I would advise you to start joking or engage yourself to build your stamina. And also while on trek, one should understand your limitations and walk accordingly taking breaks. Also take a little break after 10-15 min walk. Also drink plenty of water.

Follow all the points and have a fabulous Roopkund trek .

Trekking in India

India is not only the home the world’s most famous mountain range or world second highest peak, the Himalayas, but trekking trails through hills, tropical rainforests and valleys. India is a place where one explores the snow capped mountain, tranquility of nature. Trekking in India is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the country.

In India there are numerous of place where you can visit and enjoy the trekking view but here I want to mention that if you are thinking you would get the luxury hotel to you then I want to tell you that might you will not get the luxury home to stay but one thing you must get is home stay, good friends and thousands of new Dp’s with perfect background, mesmerizing view what else did you need while travelling to any place.

Thinking about which place to visit while travelling here are some list which offer best Trekkingin India at Gharhwal region, lying in the centre of the Indian Himalayas, Garhwal has been popular with mountaineers for years.

Kagbhusandi (Semartoli) Valley

Total trekking distance – 65km

Height reached- 4,600m

Total trek days – 10

The most beautiful valley  in Gharhwal region with high bugyals and valley of Gharwal are renowned for their- flora – a dazzling array of flowers carpet most of the region during July- August. The valley above Semartoli  village is vast and surrounded by peaks. In season, there are glorious blooms here, giving the place its nickname – Red valley of flowers

Bhagriathi  Kharak  Valley

Total trekking distance – 52km

Height reached- 5,200m

Total trek days – 8

North of Badrinath is Bhagirathi Kharak, a long glacier surrounded by mountains . Main attraction of this place is snow capped mountains. Further ahead, there is Deo Dekhni, or views of the ‘gods’ that is sacred peaks of the Himalayas.

Gupta Khal  and Girthi Gorge

Total trekking distance – 110 km

Height reached- 5,760m

Total trek days – 11

This is a difficult and high pass, attempted by only a few mountaineers. But if you scale it, you get closer views of high peaks like Mana and Nilgri Parvat. The Girthi Gorge, leading east to the Tibet border, is difficult too, with problems of permits and terrain. However, the unparalleled exper-ience of trekking here is worth the effort.

Roopkund trek

Total trekking distance – 62km

Height reached- 5,020m

Total trek days – 7

This region has some of the most popular treks in the Himalayas. The high pass of Kuari offers some of the finest views of the peaks of Garhwal. Roopkund is considered a mysterious lake- the large number of skeletons in the bed of the lake and its vicinity continue  to puzzle visitors.

Har ki Doon

Total trekking distance – 58km

Height reached- 3,512m

Total trek days – 5

This is a popular valley trek that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The views of the Swargarohni peaks and Bandarpunch range as well as lush forests and meadows make for a scenic trek.

Nag Tibba

Total trekking distance – 36km

Height reached- 3,022m

Total trek days – 4

Believed  to be the abode of the nag devta, Nag tibba is a small peak which offers grand views. There are several approaches and trails to scale the peak. The trek is quite popular among many youngster who love to trek fast trekking and climbing to the peak.  

Here are some places which you can choose while you make your plan for Trekking in India.