HILL STATIONS – YOTRIPP TRAVEL

ADVENTURE HONEYMOON: CHERRAPUNJI

sayalibedekarpatil — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 08:06:28 +0000

ADVENTURE HONEYMOON: CHERRAPUNJI

Meghalaya has over 1500 documented caves in the state, out of which some 980 have been partially or fully explored. Meghalaya also has Krem Liat Prah, the longest cave in India at about 30,957m in length. So Meghalaya is indeed a wonderful caving destination for adventurers, explorers and people who consider caving to be a sport.

But did you know that Meghalaya, and indeed its city of Cherrapunji, are fantastic honeymoon destinations within India?

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Uajith

If you are a sporty couple or just a couple who would like to break away from the trend of romantic beaches and the highly-cliched hill stations of Europe, you should book an adventure-filled Cherrapunji honeymoon.

Trekking on untrodden pathways through thick, green forests, hiking up hills to catch the most gorgeous waterfalls cascading down, taking in a swim in the waterfall pools below and exploring the labyrinth of exciting caves are just a few couples’ activities you can do here. Of course, taking Instagram-worthy couple pics at surreal locations such as at the famous double-decker living root bridges are a honeymoon bonus!

So if you are keen on taking the most novel honeymoon, a honeymoon of your dreams, visit Cherrapunji. And more specifically, go explore the following 4 caves:

01.

Mawsmai Cave

Mawsmai Cave in Khasi Hills is quite a popular tourist attraction in Cherrapunji. The narrow, limestone caves of Mawsmai are known for their low-hanging roofs, narrow passageways and uneven footing, which means that they are challenging and exciting to explore. The cave is long, about 150m in length and has good lighting inside for better viewing of the limestone formation, stalactites and stalagmites.

Wear proper clothing as you enter the cave. You need to walk a few stairs to get to the caves and even when inside, there is a fair bit of crouching, squeezing and climbing (over rocks) involved, all of which could be on a wet floor at any given time of the year. This is hardly a surprise when one knows that Cherrapunji gets the highest annual rainfall in the world.

To enter the caves, you need to purchase an entrance ticket for a nominal price of Rs. 15 per ticket. The ticket window also stocks on maps that contain information on the cave’s narrow pathways. The cave is open for visitors between 9:30AM and 5:30PM. There are ample shops and restaurants near the cave, and there is also a safe car park.

By the way, I thought you’d like to know. Mawsmai Caves are also known as the haunted caves or the scary caves. Find a villager to tell you the story once you’re there. I leave you with a video of Mawsmai Caves, a video I personally like. For footage of the actual caves, start at 3:00 (thank me later). If you like it too, follow Youtuber Mohit Bisht for travel and fitness related videos.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Sujan Bandyopadhyay

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02.

Arwah Caves

The Arwah caves are some of the newer caves that have been opened up the public here. These caves are an archaeologists delight for many perfectly preserved fossils have been found in these limestone formations, fossils that date back millions of years. The caves are cold and dark, not to mention that the floor is often wet. So wear proper clothes with non-skid footwear and be sure to carry a torch.

You have to take a brisk, 20-minute walk through Shynna forest to get to the caves. Arwah caves are neither as difficult to explore as the Mawsmai caves, nor are they usually as crowded. You can thus explore at your pace and enjoy the soothing south of flowing water that echoes through the cave’s labyrinths.

There is a restaurant in the parking area that serves local Meghalayan food. This is a great thing as you will likely be famished by the time you finish your cave exploration. You must purchase a ticket of Rs 20 per person before you enter the cave and the cave is open to the public between 9:30AM and 5:30PM.

Here’s a video that walks you through the Arwah Caves. If you like this video, follow Traveller Book for more exciting travel videos.

Picture Courtesy:Needpix Creative Commons: Michele Walters

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03.

Garden of Caves

The Garden of Caves in Laitmawsiang, about 15kms from Cherrapunji town centre, is an absolute must-visit destination for honeymooning couples. Garden of Caves is an all-in-one opportunity to enjoy beautiful flora and fauna, a collection of caves and beautiful waterfalls that you can even get wet under. The Garden of Caves is open for tourists between 8AM and 5PM. You have to pay an entrance fee here (which varies because it is calculated per person as well as per camera) as well as a parking fee.

The Garden of Caves is a photographer’s paradise, especially so in the monsoons or just after the monsoons have passed. The attraction is made up of about 8 waterfalls and several small and large caves, each with lovely rock formations. The garden also has an attractive rope bridge that adds to the romance of the enthralling locations. As you walk through, another source of amusement here are the names given to the different attractions – King’s Cave, King’s Shower, Mother’s Womb, Healing Water and Heart Puddle are a few.

If you are so inclined, you get right under the waterfalls here. Even if you are not, be prepared to get wet and be sure to carry a spare set of clothes. Despite so many different attractions right at one place, you cannot get lost here as each entrant is provided with a local guide. Go early and take your time to see everything. Don’t hurry your photographs either as this is exactly where you can get those stunning wallpaper-like photos!

Check out this video that details out the trip to Mawkdok Valley in Sohra. The video also gives video footage of the Garden of Caves and waterfalls. Follow DJTheWayfarer for more exciting travel video.

Picture Courtesy:Pikist Creative Commons

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04.

Mawmluh Caves

Krem Mawmluh or Mawmluh Caves, the 8th longest caves in India, are not for the faint-hearted. Exploring these 7km long caves required proper gear, training and experience. For the relatively uninitiated, you can try the caving experience offered by the Meghalaya Caving Association to go explore these. If you take a local guide in with you, they will only take you in for about 4kms before they turn back.

This Cave is of immense archaeological importance as it was here that they discovered evidence of a major cataclysmic event about 4200 years ago, a discover of such import that the current age in archaeological terms is not called the Meghalaya age. Caving in this cave is tough due to treacherous footing and often pitch-black darkness in some areas. There is also a lot of climbing, crawling and crouching involved.

This cave is an exciting experience for explorers. There are multiple chambers, lots of stalactite- stalagmite formations, underground rivers, holes and even underground gardens! It is like an unreal world outside of what you know as the real world. As you go further in, you marvel at nature’s creations, especially so when you see the marble chamber sparkling with white marble stones.

As incredible experiences go, you experience another one as you tread through the water and shine your torches in. Your light is sure to catch a fish or two, completely blind – fish that have evolved to be completely sightless due to the darkness around them! Oh and before you let this scare you, don’t forget there are bats too!

You need at least 3 hours inside the cave to explore it properly, so plan your entry time accordingly. The caves are open 24hrs but preferred entry is between 8Am and 4PM.

Know more about Meghalaya’s incredible food with these 10 must-try foods on your food tour.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Uajiths

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Author: Sayali Bedekar

Travel blogger and entrepreneur. Travelling since the age of 6. Experienced the expat life in Malta, Belgium, South Africa, USA, Malaysia, Bangladesh and several other countries. Travelled to countries like Sweden, France, Hungary, Netherlands, Austria, Spain, Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand, Italy, and others. More to come, fingers crossed.
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TAGS

Adventure, Experiences, Honeymoons

LADAKH SOLO TRAVEL GUIDE

Sayali — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 14:07:06 +0000

LADAKH SOLO TRAVEL GUIDE

If you are wondering what it is like to enjoy Ladakh alone, we have one word for you, and that word is ‘paradise’. In Ladakh, being alone can be addictive too. For it is a different kind of solo travel experience to breathe in the freshness of Ladakh. So if you like exploring things solo, Ladakh is a highly recommended solo travel destination. It is where your thirst for a solo travel experience is served fresh every single time you visit, no matter who many times you go.

If you’re an adventure-lover even when you approach life, then a solo trip to Ladakh is filled with infinite possibilities.

Ladakh is also the place to get lost in. For there are places here that take you far away from human civilization. At these uninhabited places, you’ll be far from phones and screens too. If you find this to be another interesting prospect the Ladakh is the place for you (especially if you aren’t prone to AMS or acute mountain sickness.

So assuming that you’ve now shortlisted Lakdakh as your next solo travel destination, here is a guide for solo travelers in Ladakh.

01.

A Basic ‘Ladakh Solo Trip’ Plan

Before you pack your bags and head off to Leh, prepare a rough itinerary that guides you in that flow. It’s not about the destination, but about the flow. Following a schedule can be stressful for a solo traveler but not following one can be chaotic and could lead to unexpected problems in the more remote places of Ladakh. Hence, taking your time to plan the trip in rough detail is important. Having such a plan also helps you to calculate the approximate costs of the trip.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

02.

Ladakh: Best Time to Travel Solo

Take up your solo journey during tourist season time which is between June to September. One reason why traveling in season time is best is that you’ll save quite a bit because private taxis are way too expensive during the off-season.

The second reason is the frequency of public transport. During peak season time you’ll have more transportation facilities to support your trip, while during the less touristy and dry off-season, public transportation is infrequent. Another reason why transport options are limited during the off-season is because of roadblocks and snowfalls.

You’ll especially have to worry about this if you are planning for a beautiful Indian road trip, solo or otherwise because snow is heavy here. If at all you need any help or roadside assistance, the probability of getting help on time is much higher during tourist season time, rather than during the off-season.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

03.

What Should You Pack for Your Solo Trip to Ladakh?

Being a solo traveller, you need to pack everything you need to support yourself as there are no backup people. You need to be solely dependent on yourself and so here is a list of things that you should add to your back bag.

– Make sure you have your thermal wear. It gets pretty cold in Ladakh.

– Have a fleece jacket and windproof jacket, in case you get caught in rain or snow.

– Make sure you have woollen clothes to manage the climate conditions there, especially if you intend to climb to high altitudes or experience treks such as the epic Chadar Trek in Ladakh.

– A pair of warm shoes, comfortable jeans, sunglasses, caps etc. are a given when you are travelling of course.

– Your personal medication is a must. Never compromise on carrying a small medical kit in case you need supplies and they are not readily available.

– If you are a solo biker, ensure that you are tripping with proper riding gear, helmets and basic bike parts to self-service your bike in case it is needed.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

04.

Mandatory Documents for Ladakh Solo Travel

– Always have your ID proofs ready, make sure you carry your aadhar card or license. Remember that PAN cards will not be accepted as proof of identity at most places here.

– If you are road-tripping on your bike, remember to carry all vehicle documents. Don’t miss out on any and ensure that they are all updated.

Emergency Contact Guidelines for Solo Travelers to Leh Ladakh

This is very important, and it is almost a necessary thing. Keep an emergency contact listed both on your phone and written on paper.

Write the name of the person and the number of the person on a couple of papers. Keep one in your bag and the other one, either your wallet or in your pocket.

In case of an emergency, this will guide the person trying to help you. In case if your phone can’t be used, at least the contact details on the paper will help.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

05.

Ladakh Solo Travel Do’s & Don’ts

Since you are on a solo Lakadh trip, you should know of a few do’s and don’ts.

Do’s on the Trip

– Don’t forget to carry a water bottle, make sure you keep yourself hydrated all the time. Make sure you don’t run out of drinking water and fill your water bottle frequently. Staying hydrated is important when you travel to high altitudes.
– Be aware of the weather conditions there and plan your daily itinerary accordingly.
– Try to carry dry snacks so you have something to nibble on even when shops are scarce.
– First aid is a must, keep a kit handy.
– If you are prone to altitude sickness, take your medicines beforehand.
– Be an early bird. Go early to the places you wish to visit to avoid crowds and traffic jams.
– Although you are on a solo trip, hang out with a group when you visit Ladakh’s attractions because you might get a chance to discover something different with a group.

Don’ts on the trip

– Make sure you are not wearing revealing dresses when you are visiting monasteries or gompas. Be mindful of local sentiments.
– Don’t carry or enjoy intoxicating substances while you are on the trip, especially since you are traveling alone.
– Don’t forget that there is a ban on plastics in Ladakh. Don’t carry plastic bags, rather carry reusable bags of some other material.
– Finally, don’t litter on your trail. Ensure that you leave the place you’ve visited, just as clean as your found it.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

06.

Plan Your Solo Stay in Ladakh

Ladakh provides enough accommodation options such as hotels and homestays, but you still have to decide where you want to rest.

Staying in hotels in Ladakh can be exciting as most hotels here have alluring views from the windows and balconies. But if you are concerned about the cost of your hotel room here, then opting for a hostel will also do.

A PG or a hostel setup will reduce your lodging cost and at the same time, you get to meet new people with similar travel tastes as yours.

Click here to find hotels and homestays in Leh.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

07.

Your Food in Ladakh

You can try and savour the local food of Ladak in the restaurants near you or you can walk down your local street to taste the street snacks.

If you are a chai lover, do not miss the opportunity to taste the Tibetan tea served on the way to Pangong Lake.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

08.

Your Shopping Experience in Ladakh

If you wish to take something home, then you have shops selling shawls that are a speciality in Ladakh. Apart from that you also have some Tibetan curio shops.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

Exploring the Beauty of Ladakh’s Attractions as a Solo Traveler

Your Ladakh solo trip is not just about the adventure but also about exploring the natural beauty of the place.

Nature seems to have handcrafted Ladalh with incredible natural beauty that makes for stunning visuals in your solo travel photos. As a solo traveler, plan a Ladakh itinerary in a manner that you have ample time to explore the following:

01A.

Pangong Lake

This heavenly beauty requires some effort to get to but the view when you finally get there is worth every bit of your effort. The pristine lake that features in almost every Ladakh tourism photo, can be reached by following a trail that runs about 20km from Nubra valley. Though it is quite a hike, you’re immediately arrested by the beauty of your surroundings once you do get there.

On the other side of this gorgeous lake lies China and the volatile border is not too far from here.

Though it has such problems, the view is great and the experience is bliss. As you hike to Pangong Lake, you can take a breather at Merak Village which thankfully enjoys an uninterrupted power supply. In fact, you can also choose to stay here overnight and you’ll have a great staying experience for a phenomenal Ladakh experience.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

02b.

Diskit Monastery

Dominated by its spiritual aura, Ladakh is definitely a place to explore Buddhist monasteries.

Diskit monastery is one of the oldest and most famous of Ladakh monasteries located in the Nubra valley. This monastery belongs to the yellow hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism and was established by Changzeb Tserab Zangpo in the 14th century. There are also other temples and monasteries around this place, which you can also explore if you have the time.

Filled with spirituality, the mystic ambience you feel when you visit this monastery lets you revive your soul and feel the peace deep to the depth of your soul.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

03c.

Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley is another breathtaking piece of beauty that nature has blessed Ladakh with. The pass to Nubra valley passes through the Khardung La Pass, a mountain pass at an elevation of 18,000ft. The snow-filled mountains nearby make it a spectacular experience with a variety of rides. Also, there are contrasting sand dunes that contribute and add to the beauty of this stunning landscape.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

04d.

Leh

Leh, a not-so-crowded town in Ladakh, is where you can roam around and explore every corner. Walking through the streets is a totally different experience here. The local markets here do offer bikes that you can rent for a day, and the cost ranges from 1000 to 1500 INR per day. Leh, Ladakh is especially colourful during festivals like Diksit Gustor or Thiksey Gustor and if you get the chance to visit it during one such festival, do not miss the opportunity.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

05e.

Khardungla Pass

The Khardung La pass is the highest mountain pass in Ladakh and it is located at an elevation of 18000 ft above sea level. As you drive through the pass, you get restriction-free views of snow-capped mountains and breathtaking valleys.

The beauty of Ladakh can’t be explained away by mentioning a few tourist spots though, for it’s beyond that; much beyond that. Exploring Ladakh by yourself, as a solo traveler, is the only real way to know the experience first-hand.

Take your time exploring Ladakh. Don’t rush it. You wouldn’t regret it even if you spent some more time here than you originally planned. Because every experience here becomes a lifelong memory. In the years to come, you’ll sit back and cherish the memories that Ladakh gave you while you were there. Because once you’re here, a little bit of Ladakh always leaves with you in your backpack.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

TAGS

Road Trips, Solo Travel

DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY

Sayali — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 22:05:56 +0000

DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY

Even the people who claim to be clueless about the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway are really not truly so, unless they have been living under a rock all this time, or have been completely off movies since 1969!

Don’t believe me? Well, here’s a fact. If you watched and loved the movies Barfi! and Parineeta in recent times or have been humming the Rajesh Khanna song ‘mere sapnon ki rani’ from ‘Aradhana’ (1969), you have most certainly seen this famous Darjeeling toy train and you cannot deny it!

Don’t remember? Here’s a little memory refresher by Zee Music Company.

Movies aside though, taking a ride aboard this heritage train should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is a UNESCO world heritage site since 1999. The vintage toy train runs a total of 78kms between the towns of Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. Snaking on narrow tracks around the foothills of the Himalayas, this toy train ride takes you through vintage railway stations that look like they have been trapped in history, through beautiful tea plantations and through landscapes of unparalleled scenic beauty.

01.

History of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR)

After the British initiated the initial settlement at Darjeeling in 1828 and the town’s subsequent growth, a rail link was deemed economically necessary. In 1878, Eastern Bengal railways Franklin Prestage drew up a plan for a 2-feet gauge railway line between Siliguri and Darjeeling, using locomotives that could handle steep climbs. After an initial sanction in 1879 for a steam tramway, the DHR came into being in 1881.

The 88km train ride of DHR starts at New Jalpaiguri at just 100m above sea level and climbs all the way up to an altitude of 2200m above sea level to reach Darjeeling. It uses 5 loops and 6 zigs zags to make the climb easier on steeper gradients, for its 6-locomotive (diesel). There are over 130 unmanned crossings along the route, where the train runs mostly by hand signals. DHR also runs a vintage steam-engine train for steam-engine enthusiast. Similarly, there is also a steam-engine Red panda service that runs part of the way, from Darjeeling to Kurseong.

Even today, the train’s three coaches with large windows built for better visibility still retain their vintage feel. This train ride is a photographer’s delight, especially as you get out at least stop to explore the surrounds. The train’s drivers and handlers are extremely tourist-friendly, hence, stopping a bit longer at the request of a passenger is quite common.

The DHR had been suspended between New Jalpaiguri and Kurseong since 2010 due to frequent landslides, services have resumed since December 2015. Frequent landslides make operating trains on this route quite a hand-on job and hence DHR has been frequently criticized by the UNESCO regarding their operation. But despite service interruptions due to landslides, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway remains one of the most iconic attractions here.

Here’s a BBC documentary on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways uploaded by The Weekend House.

Picture Courtesy:Geograpgh.uk: Chris Allen

02.

DHR Route & Location

The DHR stops at 13 stations in total, some eerie-looking ghost stations without a soul in sight, some well-maintained larger stations that have been slightly modernized. These thirteen stations are New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri Town, Siliguri Junction, Sukna, Rongtong, Gayabari, Mahanadi, Kurseong, Tung, Sonada, Ghum and Darjeeling.

There are museums and photo galleries at some of these stations, but the thing that wows you most of all along the journey is the sweeping beauty of the landscapes you behold. The second most enjoyable thing is the journey itself, with its exhilarating zig-zags, bridges and reverse loops along the route. Tourists rave about the scenic Batasia Loop that falls between the stations of Ghum and Darjeeling.

Here’s my favourite video on the Darjeeling Himalayan Train ride experience by Youtuber 200Journeys. You can follow him for more amazing travel videos.

Picture Courtesy:WIKIMEDIA COMMONS: AHEMSLTD~commonswiki

03.

Popular Experiences Along The DHR Route

Apart from the natural beauty of this green and gorgeous little hill station, there are a lot of things to see along your DHR train journey.

Sukhna Station, though a slightly dilapidated timber building, is an attractive location to photograph thanks to its ‘trapped in time’ look and feel. There is a small photography display museum on the second floor of the station that has vintage photos as well as historic artefacts. As of now, there are no entrance fees to this exhibition, and you can gain access by asking the stationmaster.

For a Rs10 entrance fee, you can check out another interesting museum at Kurseong Station. The museum showcases numerous well-preserved artefacts related to DHR’s history. On the upper storey of Ghum Station too, tickets for which are included in the ‘joy train’ tickets. You can buy separate tickets for Rs 20 too. While you wait for your return journey for your Joy Train ride, enjoy the fantastic DHR displays here, which include the display of a vintage Baby Sivok engine.

Picture Courtesy:Pikist Creative Commons

04.

Ticket Bookings & Cost

Tickets for riding the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, as well as their cost, is dependant on the type of travel you intend to do. You can be one of three passenger types:

You could be a daily passenger on trains that through and through between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, which takes up a full day. Or you could be a passenger interested in the 2-hour Darjeeling to Ghum toy train ride, which includes a 10-minute stop at Batasia Loop and a 30-minute halt at Ghum. Or you could be someone interested in taking a safari train ride. Safari trains are diesel and steam locomotives that run between Siliguri and Rangtong and offer fantastic views of the famous Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.

To give you a general estimate, day passengers are charged about 1700Rs for AC class and about 1400Rs for first class. Joy Train rides are charged between Rs1000 and Rs 1600 depending on travel class. Morning and afternoon safaris are between Rs700 and Rs1200 respectively for AC class, and between Rs590 and Rs 1000 respectively for First Class.

Complete fare details for each category including charter trains and evening safari rides are given here on the official DHR website. Pay special attention to departure times when you make a booking, you can find all the train timetables here. You can also book entire heritage coaches if you are travelling as a group and you can find more details on these DHR charter coaches here. Bookings can be made online through the centralized Indian Railways website.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Kailas98

TAGS

Activities, Experiences, Family Holidays

CHADAR TREK, LADAKH’S ICE TREK

sayalibedekarpatil — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 21:04:59 +0000

CHADAR TREK, LADAKH’S ICE TREK

What is the Chader Trek?

The word “Chadar” in Hindi refers to a ‘blanket’, and that is exactly what the Zanskar valley offers – a blanket of ice!

For years, the Chadar trek has held an aura of mysterious beauty coupled with the magic of the unexpected. In winter months, when the Zanskar river – a north-flowing tributary of the Indus, is frozen, the sheet of ice that forms on it is akin to a blanket of smooth yet treacherous ice. The trek over this frozen river bed that takes you from Chilling village to Zanskar, is a once in a lifetime experience and a must on everyone’s bucket list.

01.

What is Ladakh’s Chadar Trek?

In the Ladakh region of India lies the Zanskar valley. For the people of Padum, Ladakh’s administrative capital, the only way to reach Leh in the winter months, is by crossing this frozen bed of ice over the Zanskar river. This local winter trail has eventually turned into a trekker’s delight and the route sees a lot of tourists every year. In summers, the Zanskar river offers great opportunities for rafting.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP via Canva Pro

02.

What Makes the Chadar Trek Unique?

There is no dearth of icy mountains and glaciers in the country, but what makes the Chadar trek special is its natural beauty and endangered status. Walking across deep ravines, with towering mountains on both sides and sunlight glinting off frozen waterfalls is indeed a miracle of nature that one doesn’t see very often. The sheet of ice that you walk over tends to change every year too, adding to the surprise element in this trek.

Local authorities have plans to build roads in the mountains to increase accessibility for the villagers. Once this construction is complete, it may render the Chadar trek route obsolete.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP via Canva Pro

03.

Challenges for Trekkers

This is not a trek for the unprepared and the untrained who set off hiking on a whim. Most Himalayan treks require a good level of physical fitness and training in mountain climbing. The local administration has recently made it mandatory for all trekkers to undergo a medical examination at the Sonam Norbu Hospital. You will only be allowed to commence the trek after you receive a fitness certificate. All your trekking gear needs to be in top shape too.

Freezing temperatures are not the only challenge that trekkers have to face here. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), unpredictable weather, thin patches of ice, long distances to be covered on foot, frozen food and lack of oxygen are just a few things that make the Chadar trek one of the most dangerous yet thrilling treks in the world.

If you are ready to walk for 6 to 7 hours each day in temperatures reaching -15 to -30 degrees, and at an altitude higher than 11,000 ft, the Chadar trek is indeed a mesmerizing experience.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP via Canva Pro

04.

Highlights of the Chadar Trek

Walking many kilometres across a frozen sheet of ice is not all. You will witness numerous wonders of nature on this route. One of the popular highlights of this trek is the magnificent Nerak waterfall which, like the river is completely frozen. Tibb, with its many caves, provides trekkers with shelter for their night stays and also gives you a chance to interact with fellow trekkers and the locals.

As you cover this route, you get a glimpse of the region’s flora and fauna. And if you are lucky, you may just spot a snow leopard or an ibex. Most groups end their trek in Lingshed – one of the oldest villages in Ladakh and home to one of the world’s oldest monasteries.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP via Canva Pro

05.

An Endangered Trek

So far, the trek was threatened by the new roads being constructed which would result in the frozen river trail being left unused. But recently, there have been talks of a possible ban of the Chadar Trek owing to global warming, climate changes and high human presence that have deeply disturbed the ecology of the area. It is believed that the river may cease to exist in the next few years, putting an end to the adrenaline-pumping Chadar trek.

Trekkers are requested to undertake the necessary checks and seek required permissions before planning the tour. The Chadar Trek is a unique Himalayan expedition that beckons all those ready to conquer new heights, literally and metaphorically!

YOTRIPP hotel recommendation in Ladakh: The Grand Dragon Ladakh

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TAGS

Hiking Trails, Trekking

UTTARAKHAND’S RIVETING ALMORA

Sayali — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 22:34:36 +0000

UTTARAKHAND’S RIVETING ALMORA

Uttarakhand is littered with little towns, hamlets and villages of phenomenal natural beauty. But the horse-shoe shaped Almora, with her breath-taking views of the snow-capped Himalayas, forests with minimal human interference and a plethora of tourist attractions, takes one of the top tourist spots in the state.

Almora especially appeals to adventure lovers and people who love extreme treks and hikes. Then there is also the additional appeal of prehistoric caves, ancient temples and sunset hikes through the forests!

Here are 7 compelling reasons why you must visit Almora or better still, make it your next adventure holiday destination in India.

01.

Zero Point Trek

One of the top things to do in Almora is taking a trek up to Zero Point. If you start at the entrance of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, the trek is an uphill climb of about 1.5 to 2 km to an amazing viewpoint that gives you fantastic views of the Himalayan ranges. On a clear day, from this altitude of 2400 mts above sea level, you can see Nandadevi, Kedarnath peak and even Shivling and Trishul.

February through to April and October through to November are the best times to make the trek. You need to shell out a fee of Rs 150 per person and Rs 250 per car to enter Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. These tickets are valid for 3 days so be sure to save them if you wish to return. You can park your car at the TRH car park about 9kms in from the entrance gate. Thereafter, since Zero Point is not accessible by road, trekking up the gradient of this easy-to-intermediate level trek through the wilderness is the only way to get there.

Binsar Zero Point is almost exactly at the centre of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and that’s why you can get a 360-degree view of the thick forests below. The trek can be done in about an hour, longer if you prefer it to be more leisurely. There is even a gorgeous watch-tower at the top of the hill from where you can take unhindered photos of the snow-laden mountains or enjoy a stunning sunset or two.

Stay alert to wildlife in this dense forest. The sanctuary is home to langurs, leopards, barking deer and jungle cats.

Tip: Carry your own food and water. There is no café or restaurant along this forest walk, nor is there one at Zero Point.

Picture Courtesy:WIKIMEDIA COMMONS: Raja Harjai

02.

Binsar Trek

If you are more of a serious trekker and camper, the outdoor experience of a 2-to-3-day Binsar trek should be the highlight of your stay in Almora. The easy-gradient-easy-paced trek starts at Binsar Sanctuary and walks through Kumaon’s thick deodar, pine and oak forests to Jageshwar temple. This multi-day trek involves overnight stays either in nearby lodges and hotels or in camp setups.

There is a lot to see along the way, as you trek up the mountain. You can enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the valley of flowers if you go during the flowering season, or you can enjoy trudging through fresh snow, an unreal experience! The trek, that takes you up to an altitude of 3030 mts and higher if you choose to go further, lets you experience the complete, untouched wilderness. You can take short detours to see other attractions along the way as well, such as Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali’s samadhi. If you go all the way to Jageshwar temple, you will have also visited one of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas on the planet!

The Binsar trek is not a monotonous one-way climb. With intermittent ascents and descents, occasional fresh-water streams and rivulets and an almost magical forest landscape, it is an exciting adventure experience for nature lovers. Take this trek anytime between mid-September to early July.

Tip: Be prepared for the weather, especially if you have a low tolerance for cold weather and cold winds.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Rajborah123

03.

Kuari Pass Trek

India Hikes offers a 6-day Kuari Pass trek that’s suitable for beginners and a Kuari Pass Trek comes highly recommended for beginners who would like to take a Himalayan Trek but aren’t yet fit for the more difficult ones. This trek takes you up to an altitude of 3815 meters, approximately about 22kms, and also involves hiking up in the snow. This trek is most fun when taken between March and May or between September and December.

The Kuari Pass Trek takes you through beautiful forests that are dense one minute and open up the rolling meadows next. The wilderness that looks charming in green, is just as charming when it wears the snow cover of white. Then, as you stop for the day, you enjoy the magic of spectacular campsites, such as the Chitrakantha campsite in the forest and the Khullara campsite with stunning visuals of the majestic Dronagiri mountains.

The trek starts at Dhak and involves the average activity of 4 to 5 hours daily. Crossing the actual Kuari Pass requires about 8 hours, weather permitting. So though the trek is categorized as easy based on the climbing gradient, trekkers do need to be physically and mentally fit for it due to difficulties caused by the high altitude. Since temperatures here are often sub-zero, especially during the night, preparing proper clothes and gear is also necessary.

Tip: If you are seeking the thrill of conquering a summit, the Kuari Pass trek is not the ideal trek for you. Choose an alternate beginner Himalayan trek such as the Kedarkantha trek instead.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Hemanth200204

04.

Catch a Sunset/Sunrise at Bright End Corner

Approximately 2 hours away from Almora’s town centre is Bright End Corner. Just as most hill-stations have their own favourite spots for catching beautiful sunsets and sunrises, Bright End Corner is the local paradise spot for the same. As it is surrounded by hills and mountains, the visuals of the sun peeking out to say hello in the morning or bidding farewell at dusk are stunning enough for your travel Instagram accounts.

If you go a little early in the afternoon, you can explore around and check out Vivekananda Library, Vivekananda memorial and Shri Ramkrsihma Kutir Ashram.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Abhijit Kar Gupta

05.

Explore Lakhudiyar Cave

Lakhudiyar Cave in Barechhina Village is a prehistoric cave that offers testimony to the human civilization here from the stone age era. If you are historically or archaeologically inclined, exploring the cave and its vicinity makes for an interesting activity in Almora. There are no entrance fees here but the entry timings are between 8AM and 5PM. You can find and decipher several cavemen paintings on the walls of the cave.

The cave is located just under 20kms from Almora and requires a few minutes of climbing on foot along a path, once you leave the main road. The red and white paintings themselves though are easily visible from the road.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Ramwik

06.

Katarmal Sun Temple & A Plethora of Temples

Jageshwar Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, Kasar Devi Temple, Chitai Temple and Kalimath are just some of the beautiful temples in and around Almora. From the rest, if you must choose just two to visit as you are pressed for time, we recommend Jageshwar temple and Katarmal temple for sure.

The 7th-century temple of Jageshwar is about 30kms from Almora. It has free entry and is open to the public between 6Am and 9PM. This Shiva temple holds prominence in Hinduism as it is one of the 12 famed jyotirlingas in the region. It is also one of the 200 ancient temples hidden in Almora. The temple is surrounded by thick forests and the hike to get there is an incredible one.

About 7kms away from Almora is the Katarmal Sun temple, a temple that is said to date back over 800 years! This temple is part of a temple complex that had 44 shrines dedicated to the main deity, the sun god. This is one of the most famous attractions in Almora and no trip here is complete without a visit to it.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Debuwiki

07.

Museums & Shops

If you are a history buff, you must make a trip to Gobind Vallabh Pant Museum, which offers a sterling tribute to one of India’s freedom fighters Gobind Pant. The Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum is another comprehensive museum that offers insight into the history of the region’s most decorated infantry. Both the museums have an entrance fee.

If you like to hike, amble along making your own paths, head off to Martola. At 520 metres, this picturesque hilltop offers great views of Almora town, making it a great family picnic spot.

And if shopping is your preferred mode of entertainment, there is always Thana Bazar (also known as Almora Bazar). This heart-of-the-city market is a 1.5km stretch of roadside shops. You can visit the Bazar anytime between 10Am and 6AM. The Bazar is a treasure of local handicrafts, jewellery, Angora and Pashmina shawls, and brass works such as bells.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Vipin Vasudeva