This higher camp is the last one before crossing the Sar pass. The site is located just beside the snow point from where the trekking path to cross the Sar peak is seen. We found some Himalayan white dogs around which looked very friendly with trekkers. One private tea point was available nearer to the camp site. The camp site is surrounded by Himalayan peaks on all the sides. There is a naturally formed rock platform just like a site seeing point in front of the camp site. We observed most of the Himalayan peaks down below us. The view looks as if the camp site is put just in front of a huge wall poster of Himalayan peaks. One can see the far away located tiny villages, bus routes at the base level. In Tila Lotni, as per the camp leader, snow bears are found in the camp location and showed the foot marks also on the snow. Those bears come to eat the disposed food items. There are no trees in the surrounding area nearer to this camp site. The view of snow point towards Sar peak is just unforgettable. During the starting days of trekking, the area will be totally covered with snow and less green will be visible. When we visited, the snow was moderate and the transition point from green land to snow was marvelous. The Oxygen level is less in this area. One person was provided Oxygen cylinder in our group. But he was later shifted to lower altitude as he continued to suffer further.
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Biskeri Thatch YHAI Sarpass trek higher camp
This is the first camp after crossing Sar pass and sliding down the snow. Trekkers find the trees again in this area. The camp tents are beautifully located at the edge giving a view of total view of Himalaya in front. The tents are located at plain green land. But during early May, trekkers have experienced heavy snow falling in this area, sometimes 3-4 feets. The destination, Barshaini village can be seen from the camp area. Total nine tents are located at this camp including tent for cooking and one tent exclusively for ladies. Water point is available very nearer like other camps which is taken from an ice melting water area. At the back side of the tents, valley view can be seen with water falls from the hills. Front view is a gorgeous Himalayan range. One side is with huge Deodar trees and the other side is a hill from where trekkers descent from Sarpass. Never miss the Sunrise as seen from this camp. The tender rays gushing out from the Himalayan range of mountains is a lifetime experience to witness. The Himalayan peaks as seen at Sarpass are not totally visible in this area but for a small part of it which shows some glimpse of the destination part. Interestingly there are no private tea points surrounding this camp which were seen in earlier camps. Trekkers get relief after reaching this camp as the main part of the Sarpass trekking, that is crossing the Sar peak area is over. They only have those memories, joy, difficulty, worry, scary experiences in this camp. People forget all those difficulties experienced so far by seeing the beauty of the nature in front of them.
For nature calls, decent places are located for men and women separately. Downward left is for men and opposite side for ladies. As per YHAI, this camp is located at a height of 11000fts. Though trees were seen, some people experienced breathing problems temporarily as the Oxygen level is low. Trekkers were asked not to get exhausted themselves on brisk movements in the camp area. Even while going down and climbing up, for taking photos in the surrounding hill area, people were feeling exhausted very soon. We came to know a sad news about two trekkers in the first group who died because of sevre cold. That time there was a huge snow fall and the camp was covered by 4ft of ice. These trekkers got affected at Sarpass because of storm and bad weather conditions and were brought here in critical state. Though first aid and medical aids were available, before further medical help came, they expired. The camp leader later explained the importance of water and food while trekking which was the main reason for such casualities.
The location at Biskeri thatch can be one of the best for film shooting. The place is quite huge and 4 to 5 hours trek (by a regular trekker) to Barshani village. Trekking routes for Man Talai from Barshani is visible from this camp. All the ice covered peaks are visible clearly without any obstruction from trees in this camp. Huge number of vallies from all the sides meeting at Barshani village gives a unique view for trekkers in this camp. The food in this camp will be of a cooked type menu. The timings are all like other camps. Tila Lotni is the exception in the YHAI Sar pass trek regarding food and timing where the lunch pack is with dry items (bescuits, chekkies, badam and others) and starting time is, sometimes, at 4.30am.
For nature calls, decent places are located for men and women separately. Downward left is for men and opposite side for ladies. As per YHAI, this camp is located at a height of 11000fts. Though trees were seen, some people experienced breathing problems temporarily as the Oxygen level is low. Trekkers were asked not to get exhausted themselves on brisk movements in the camp area. Even while going down and climbing up, for taking photos in the surrounding hill area, people were feeling exhausted very soon. We came to know a sad news about two trekkers in the first group who died because of sevre cold. That time there was a huge snow fall and the camp was covered by 4ft of ice. These trekkers got affected at Sarpass because of storm and bad weather conditions and were brought here in critical state. Though first aid and medical aids were available, before further medical help came, they expired. The camp leader later explained the importance of water and food while trekking which was the main reason for such casualities.
The location at Biskeri thatch can be one of the best for film shooting. The place is quite huge and 4 to 5 hours trek (by a regular trekker) to Barshani village. Trekking routes for Man Talai from Barshani is visible from this camp. All the ice covered peaks are visible clearly without any obstruction from trees in this camp. Huge number of vallies from all the sides meeting at Barshani village gives a unique view for trekkers in this camp. The food in this camp will be of a cooked type menu. The timings are all like other camps. Tila Lotni is the exception in the YHAI Sar pass trek regarding food and timing where the lunch pack is with dry items (bescuits, chekkies, badam and others) and starting time is, sometimes, at 4.30am.
Bhandak Thatch YHAI Sarpass higher camp
Bhandak thatch higher camp is located at a height of 8000fts from sea level. The camp location is nothing less to Switzerland. This camp is the most beautiful among other camps in YHAI Sarpass trek. Located in a very vast plain green land, the camp site is surrounded by himalayan peaks at 270 degrees. Some trekkers avoid visiting this camp to return to base camp saving one day in their trekking schedule. But that is a real miss not seeing this gorgeous camp location. As soon as one enters this area, he will be welcomed by a series of Himalayan peaks standing at the back side of the camp. It looks as if the peaks are gaurding the most beautiful piece of land on the earth. The camp place is elevated over the valley and then the Himalayan range of peaks emerge from no where.
Just like Biskeri Thatch camp site, there are 9 tents available in this camp too. One foor cooking and one ladies are exclusively kept. This camp retains the beauty of Himalayas not to disappoint the trekkers who had seen the Sarpass in the previous day. Otherwise the trekking, mostly descending, would have been a strenous walking through jungles with Deodar trees. We had a very good camp leader here organizing games among trekkers in the evening after tea. The weather is chilled but no problem for breathing. We found so many horses which are left free in this area. It is very hard to leave this place and proceed as the nature binds everybody with its beauty. The mesmerizing view of white mountain peaks between green land and the blue sky is nothing less to heaven.
Like Biskeri Thatch, there are no private tea canteens in this camp site. This is the only camp from which no guide will accompany the trekkers for next camp which is the base camp itself. For nature calls, men are allotted the down hill side and for women the place opposite to the entry to the camp is located. The water point is located at the up hill side nearer to the tent meant for cooking. There is a small lake kind of water storing place in the site but when we visited there was hardly any water. It would be a nice view of seeing the reflection of the Himalayan peaks through this water. We had a clear blue sky with full moon view from this camp site over the Deodar trees and snow capped mountains.
Like Biskeri Thatch, there are no private tea canteens in this camp site. This is the only camp from which no guide will accompany the trekkers for next camp which is the base camp itself. For nature calls, men are allotted the down hill side and for women the place opposite to the entry to the camp is located. The water point is located at the up hill side nearer to the tent meant for cooking. There is a small lake kind of water storing place in the site but when we visited there was hardly any water. It would be a nice view of seeing the reflection of the Himalayan peaks through this water. We had a clear blue sky with full moon view from this camp site over the Deodar trees and snow capped mountains.
Saurkundi pass National Himalayan Trekking
Saurkundi pass trek which is being organized by YHAI is one of the famous National Himalayan trekking expedition. The trekking is at Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh in India. Kullu valley is located nearer to Kullu town, the head quarters of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh. The base camp for Saurkundi pass is at Babeli which is 9Kms from Kullu on Manali road. Babeli is located nearer to the banks of Beas river and the base camp is 1-2 Kms away from Babeli main stop towards Manali. This trek was started by YHAI after when they stopped the one more famous trek route, the Chandrakhani pass.
Saurkundi pass trekking duration is 7 days. But, including reporting day, acclimatization, rock climbing, rappelling and valedictory function, the total duration is 11 days. This trekking is normally conducted during May month of every year. 30 days of reporting dates can be selected by participants which ever is convenient. One has to register his participation in advance. The total cost is INR 3000 (as on May 2010). Online booking is possible through YHAI website.
Prior YHAI membership is required for registration. Membership for one year, two year or life time is available. Contact local YHAI office for further information. Admit card will be available at the instant of online booking. Online registration (credit card payment) status will be known (vacancy) during booking. Manual registration is possible in the prescribed form by paying the amount through DD. As per YHAI total 55 members are allowed per day. But, there will be more than 55 some times due to more demand in some particular dates, especially beginning days of trekking. No information is available in the website about manual booking. If in case anybody is not getting registration on a particular day, they can contact YHAI head office through their local representative. There will be some chances of getting in case of cancellation of participation. The transportation cost is to be borne by the participant up to base camp and return from base camp to his home town.
The first day is the reporting day. Morning 8.00am to night 9.00pm registration will be done. One has to submit the admit card, YHAI membership card (don't submit the original), medical certificate from a certified medical officer and one photograph. Members have to fill up the entry form. Once the formalities are over, an identity card will be given. This is to be maintained till the end of trekking until vacating the base camp. Based on the reporting day, group number will be given. Tent will be allotted to all the participants depending upon the group number. Two blankets, one sleeping bag inner (cotton) and one rucksack (if needed) will be given to all the trekkers. These items will be entered in a register. After the completion of the trekking do not forget to get these items cancelled against your name.
The second day is an acclimatization trekking day. Participants have to climb a nearby hill and reach the top where a temple is situated. The trek is a very simple one but gives enough warm up feeling to the body. Camp leaders from base camp will associate the group. During this time group leader and camp leader will be selected. Organizing the cultural program activities will be finalized. Members get introduced themselves. This trek route is not that scenic. Only Beas river view can be enjoyed from top of the hill. Cool drink will be served and if members carry any other eatables, can be consumed here. There is one rest point half way before reaching the temple, the destination.
There will be an orientation program in the second half of first day. The Field director and the Deputy Field directors give all the information which one has to keep in his mind during trekking. Members will get introduced to directors during orientation program. Directors share their experience of trekking with participants.
Rappelling and rock climbing are arranged in the third day. Nearer to the base camp, there are rocky area where rappelling and rock climbing is done. Group has to carry ropes and other items required for rappelling and rock climbing. Both these can be done with ease without any much of problem. There will not be any other activity in the third day after this. Members can relax in the Beas river area or can go to Kullu for shopping. Remember to inform the field director or the camp leader about your outings before leaving the base camp. One has to submit his identity card at the registration counter and collect the same after returning.
The actual trekking starts on fourth day. Trekker will be given YHAI traditional wishes by clapping. Trekkers have to travel to Patli Kul (1kms after the main stop) by bus. From Patli kul, trek to Segli which is the first higher camp. From Segli, the next trekking is to the second higher camp, Hora Thatch. Hora to the third higher camp, Maylee thatch is a steep climbing. Maylee to Daura Thatch is the next trekking path. Daura is the fourth higher camp which is located before Saur lake. Before reaching Longa thatch, trekkers will be moving on Saurkundi pass. This is the highest altitude the trekkers reach in Saurkundi pass which is approximately 13,000ft. Longa to Lekhni is a steep descending. After Lekhni, trekkers will be reaching the Alu ground nearer to Manali from where they have to travel by bus to the base camp.
Porters are available during each part of the trek. But, if one wants to book a porter for the entire trek, it is not possible. There will be a guide in each day who is actually a local person. These guides will serve as porters. They have an understanding that no single person will be doing the porter job. Each day, approximately INR 150 is to be spent on porter. From Daura to Longa, there will be two porters. One from Daura thatch to lunch point and one more from lunch point to Longa, this is their understanding. One has to spend INR 200 for porter at this stretch.
Private canteens are available in all the higher camps and at lunch points. The price for each item is a little costly but affordable. The lunch pack supplied by YHAI each day is sufficient and very good. Don't forget to get the signature and seal at each higher camp on the identity card. Normally the group leader will take care of this job. Though burning of wood is not allowed as per YHAI norms, camp fire can be done with care at some higher camps.
The group will return to the base camp well within 12.00 noon. Participants who are in a hurry to return to their home town can talk to the Field director to get the participation certificate before valedictory function. For the rest of the participants, certificates will be distributed in the night during camp fire time. Members who work in Government sectors are eligible for special casual leave. They have to get a separate certificate for special casual from YHAI in addition to participation certificate. The next day morning, the group will disperse after the break fast.
Saurkundi pass trekking duration is 7 days. But, including reporting day, acclimatization, rock climbing, rappelling and valedictory function, the total duration is 11 days. This trekking is normally conducted during May month of every year. 30 days of reporting dates can be selected by participants which ever is convenient. One has to register his participation in advance. The total cost is INR 3000 (as on May 2010). Online booking is possible through YHAI website.
Prior YHAI membership is required for registration. Membership for one year, two year or life time is available. Contact local YHAI office for further information. Admit card will be available at the instant of online booking. Online registration (credit card payment) status will be known (vacancy) during booking. Manual registration is possible in the prescribed form by paying the amount through DD. As per YHAI total 55 members are allowed per day. But, there will be more than 55 some times due to more demand in some particular dates, especially beginning days of trekking. No information is available in the website about manual booking. If in case anybody is not getting registration on a particular day, they can contact YHAI head office through their local representative. There will be some chances of getting in case of cancellation of participation. The transportation cost is to be borne by the participant up to base camp and return from base camp to his home town.
The first day is the reporting day. Morning 8.00am to night 9.00pm registration will be done. One has to submit the admit card, YHAI membership card (don't submit the original), medical certificate from a certified medical officer and one photograph. Members have to fill up the entry form. Once the formalities are over, an identity card will be given. This is to be maintained till the end of trekking until vacating the base camp. Based on the reporting day, group number will be given. Tent will be allotted to all the participants depending upon the group number. Two blankets, one sleeping bag inner (cotton) and one rucksack (if needed) will be given to all the trekkers. These items will be entered in a register. After the completion of the trekking do not forget to get these items cancelled against your name.
The second day is an acclimatization trekking day. Participants have to climb a nearby hill and reach the top where a temple is situated. The trek is a very simple one but gives enough warm up feeling to the body. Camp leaders from base camp will associate the group. During this time group leader and camp leader will be selected. Organizing the cultural program activities will be finalized. Members get introduced themselves. This trek route is not that scenic. Only Beas river view can be enjoyed from top of the hill. Cool drink will be served and if members carry any other eatables, can be consumed here. There is one rest point half way before reaching the temple, the destination.
There will be an orientation program in the second half of first day. The Field director and the Deputy Field directors give all the information which one has to keep in his mind during trekking. Members will get introduced to directors during orientation program. Directors share their experience of trekking with participants.
Rappelling and rock climbing are arranged in the third day. Nearer to the base camp, there are rocky area where rappelling and rock climbing is done. Group has to carry ropes and other items required for rappelling and rock climbing. Both these can be done with ease without any much of problem. There will not be any other activity in the third day after this. Members can relax in the Beas river area or can go to Kullu for shopping. Remember to inform the field director or the camp leader about your outings before leaving the base camp. One has to submit his identity card at the registration counter and collect the same after returning.
The actual trekking starts on fourth day. Trekker will be given YHAI traditional wishes by clapping. Trekkers have to travel to Patli Kul (1kms after the main stop) by bus. From Patli kul, trek to Segli which is the first higher camp. From Segli, the next trekking is to the second higher camp, Hora Thatch. Hora to the third higher camp, Maylee thatch is a steep climbing. Maylee to Daura Thatch is the next trekking path. Daura is the fourth higher camp which is located before Saur lake. Before reaching Longa thatch, trekkers will be moving on Saurkundi pass. This is the highest altitude the trekkers reach in Saurkundi pass which is approximately 13,000ft. Longa to Lekhni is a steep descending. After Lekhni, trekkers will be reaching the Alu ground nearer to Manali from where they have to travel by bus to the base camp.
Porters are available during each part of the trek. But, if one wants to book a porter for the entire trek, it is not possible. There will be a guide in each day who is actually a local person. These guides will serve as porters. They have an understanding that no single person will be doing the porter job. Each day, approximately INR 150 is to be spent on porter. From Daura to Longa, there will be two porters. One from Daura thatch to lunch point and one more from lunch point to Longa, this is their understanding. One has to spend INR 200 for porter at this stretch.
Private canteens are available in all the higher camps and at lunch points. The price for each item is a little costly but affordable. The lunch pack supplied by YHAI each day is sufficient and very good. Don't forget to get the signature and seal at each higher camp on the identity card. Normally the group leader will take care of this job. Though burning of wood is not allowed as per YHAI norms, camp fire can be done with care at some higher camps.
The group will return to the base camp well within 12.00 noon. Participants who are in a hurry to return to their home town can talk to the Field director to get the participation certificate before valedictory function. For the rest of the participants, certificates will be distributed in the night during camp fire time. Members who work in Government sectors are eligible for special casual leave. They have to get a separate certificate for special casual from YHAI in addition to participation certificate. The next day morning, the group will disperse after the break fast.
Saturday 18 May 2013
GOA
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Goa is a small state in India located West geographically between Maharashtra ( at North-East side ) and Karnataka (at South - East side ). Arabian sea is to the West of Goa. The capital city of Goa is Panaji. Goa has lot of influence from Portuguese culture. The state was formed during 30th May of 1987. The state covers an area of approximately 3,700 Sq.Kms with 43,000 acres of cultivated land. The total population of Goa is around 13,47,700 with the density of 370 per Sq.Kms. Konkani is the official language of Goa. English and Marathi are also used for official purpose. Kannada and Hindi are other Indian languages which are spoken at Goa. One can find Hindu and Christian religions at Goa. The nearest air port is at Vasco da Gama which is located 30Kms from the city Panjim.
Goa beaches - locations
Goa is famous for the beaches. Arambol beach is the north most beach located at Pernem taluka (North most part). Anjuna, Calangute, Candolim, Aguada, Sinquerim and Baga beaches are seen at Mapusa. Calangute and Baga are side by side. These too come under North part of Goa. The capital city Panaji has Miramar, Majorda and Dona Paula beaches. In the southern part, Vasco has Bogmalo, Benaulim and vagator beaches (Mormugao). Bogmalo has water sports too. Colva, Cavelossim, Mobor and Varca beaches are located at Margao while Cavelossim is located at the bottom part. Palolem and Agonda beaches are situated at Canacona, the southern most taluka of Goa.
Goa beaches - locations
Goa is famous for the beaches. Arambol beach is the north most beach located at Pernem taluka (North most part). Anjuna, Calangute, Candolim, Aguada, Sinquerim and Baga beaches are seen at Mapusa. Calangute and Baga are side by side. These too come under North part of Goa. The capital city Panaji has Miramar, Majorda and Dona Paula beaches. In the southern part, Vasco has Bogmalo, Benaulim and vagator beaches (Mormugao). Bogmalo has water sports too. Colva, Cavelossim, Mobor and Varca beaches are located at Margao while Cavelossim is located at the bottom part. Palolem and Agonda beaches are situated at Canacona, the southern most taluka of Goa.
Monday 13 May 2013
Dalhousie
Gandhi Chowk
Located at a distance of 2 KM from main bus stand this is the main shopping center. Snow capped mountains are clearly visible from this chowk. There are two roads connects Gandhi Chowk to main bus stand and one of them does not get any sun rays in winter leaving many un -melted snow heaps by the side of the road.
Panchpula
This is a beautiful place with a natural water stream. Water from here is supplied to Dalhousie town. There is a Samadhi of Sardar Ajit Singh the freedom fighter and uncle of martyr Bhagat Singh. Sardar Ajit Singh died on 15th Aug 1947, on the day India got its independence.
Subhash Baoli
Here freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose ( popularly known as Netaji ) was coming frequently to this place during his stay in 1937. Good view of the mountains and valleys can be seen from here.
Kalatope
This wildlife sanctuary is located at a height of 2440 meter and at a distance of 10 KM from Dalhousie. This is popular for Himalayan Black bear and ghoral deer. There are many trekking routes passes through this Kalatope forest. Read more on Dalhousie to Kalatope trekking route.
Dalhousie is connected by road from different parts of the Himachal and other neighbouring states. Mostly tourists come to Dalhousie from Pathankot. Pathankot is well connected by broad gauge network of Indian Railways. Here are some road distances of Dalhousie from other places.
Dalhousie to Delhi 485 KM
Dalhousie to Pathankot 90 KM
Dalhousie to Shimla 335 KM
Dalhousie to Manali 360 KM
Dalhousie to Dharamsala 127 KM
Dalhousie to Chamba 43 KM via Khajjiar
Dalhousie is connected by road from different parts of the Himachal and other neighbouring states. Mostly tourists come to Dalhousie from Pathankot. Pathankot is well connected by broad gauge network of Indian Railways. Here are some road distances of Dalhousie from other places.
Dalhousie to Delhi 485 KM
Dalhousie to Pathankot 90 KM
Dalhousie to Shimla 335 KM
Dalhousie to Manali 360 KM
Dalhousie to Dharamsala 127 KM
Dalhousie to Chamba 43 KM via Khajjiar
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Leh Ladakh
This mountain town in Ladakh is quickly rising to the top of must-visit lists. Not surprising when you consider the sheer natural beauty of the place. The towering Himalayas supply a dramatic backdrop and plenty of opportunity for adrenaline junkies to get their fix.
Rock climbing, white-water rafting and skiing are all on offer, and if you're looking for something a little tamer, short trekking jaunts can be arranged.
For a glimpse into the town's culture and rich history, visit the Shey Palace and the many Buddhist monasteries.
Getting there: Travelling to Leh can be quite an effort. There are flights out of Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar and Chandigarh. So if you are coming in from any other part of the country or abroad, you will need to land at one of these to travel on.
The other route is by road along the Manali-Leh highway or the Srinagar-Leh road. Both are closed off from November to May due to harsh winter conditions. Buses and taxis ply these route and should be easy enough to book.
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