March 2018 -

For a city dweller, nothing could be more relaxing and joyful than travelling to hills that are covered with lush greenery and fresh air! Such enchanting beauty and peace can be witnessed in the ‘crown jewel of Dharamshala’, Triund. With all its natural appeal and majesty, Triund is positioned beautifully between the laps of Himachal Pradesh’s Dhauladhar Ranges and the captivating Kangra Valley. Also, Triund is among India’s most popular trekking destinations for the youth, and attracts lakhs of adventure lovers from all across the country. The tricky terrains and curves offer a perfect treasure trove to its trekkers.

Here’s why to pack your bag for Triund

Triund boasts of the lively and distinctive Tibetan culture with splendid monasteries that are equipped with beautiful cloisters, idols of Buddha, wheels and supplication banners. While on your trek to Triund, you will witness some of the finest views of the lush green mountain ranges, white clouds and the dense forests. One of the best experiences to be had on this trek is to witness the myriad starry constellations setting the night skies dazzling.

Notably, the Triund trek is a steep ascent of over 1,100 metres. It is neither a lengthy nor a difficult trek.  From Galu temple, it only takes around 3 hours to reach Triund. The journey of steep climbing begins at the last 2 km from Snowline Café, which means the trekking is quite hassle-free.

Reaching Triund from Mcleodganj

Galu is a starting point of the Triund trek. In order to reach Galu, one can either hire a taxi from Mcleodganj, or just start the trek right from there. Many travellers start their trek from Bhagsu Nag which is famous for the stunning waterfall. Moreover, while trekking from Galu, one has to follow a path which goes through a dense forest covered with deodar and oak trees. In case, you face any difficulty while climbing up, you can hire a horse/pony to reach the top.

The beginning of My Triund Adventure

I started my solo journey at around 5am from Delhi, taking a route via Sonipat, Panipat, Ambala, Chandigarh and Solan. Because I didn’t want to miss the Parathas of the most famous restaurant, Amrik Sukhdev, I stopped my car at Murthal.  I gobbled 3 buttery Parathas with a glass of creamy Lassi that was actually a divine treat to my taste buds!

I reached Dharamshala by 5pm, and searched for a place away from the hustle-bustle of the town. After visiting several guest houses and hotels, I ended up settling at a hotel in Naddi village which was much more secluded and peaceful than the other places I had searched. Enclosed by the village, the hotel offered wonderful views of the splendid Dhauladhar Ranges.

On the next day, I decided to go to Bhagsu Nag Temple which is situated in Mcleodganj. Before reaching there, I came across St. John’s church. Without a second thought, I parked my car and went down to the cathedral.

Later I visited Bhagsu Temple, Dalai Lama Temple and Dal Lake. After capturing several photos with my DSLR and getting mesmerized by the calmness of the soothing environment of Dalai Lama Temple, I went to Jimmy’s Bakery for breakfast and Taste Of India for lunch.  In the evening, I explored Tibetan Market, where I did some shopping for my friends and family.

On the second day, I started my long awaited trek to Triund from Naddi village at around 9 am. After collecting information from locals, I first reached Dharamkot covering a distance of 3 km. The trek was delightful, with sights of colourful prayer flags, flowers, mud houses and alpine trees. Meanwhile, I met few other trekkers as well. After introducing ourselves we headed towards Galu Devi Temple, which serves as a base for the trek. I stayed there for 10 minutes to refill my water bottle and to click some pictures. One thing that I can’t forget was the group of talented mountain goats; talented because they were balancing themselves amazingly while grazing on that steep mountain!

The last one hour of the trek was a test of my fitness, as I was exhausted by the end. I reached the top of this majestic hill by 2 pm which, I think, was good timing. The glance of Triund top was the curtain raiser to all my expectations. It gave peace to my mind while soaking away all my tiredness. The biggest surprise that was waiting for us was snowfall. I stayed overnight in the camp that was set on the top of Triund hill, and the night sky, with all its twinkling stars, mesmerized me.

Best time for the Triund trek

March to May is considered as the best time for the Triund trek. However, September to December is also a good time to go. It keeps raining in June and July, but people who enjoy the monsoon can still go for the trek.

Things to Do

• After reaching Triund top, don’t be in a hurry! Sit there, and enjoy the majestic views.
• On the way to Triund, get some energy by gorging on some healthy snacks and refreshing tea or coffee at the cafes there.
• If possible, stay at Triund top for the night to get the most beautiful camping experience.

Must carry essentials

• Jackets and sweaters
• Water-resistant shoes and an extra pair of socks, skin moisturizers and sunscreen lotion
• Energy bar and snacks, water bottle
• Good camera and a pair of sunglasses
• Torch, trekking-pole
• First aid kit and insect repellent

Checkpoints of Trek

• Galu Devi Temple
• ‘Rest A While’ Cafe
• Magic View Cafe and Best View Cafe

Some amazing nearby attractions

• The Namgyal Stupa
• Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts
• Bhagsu Waterfalls

Must-visit Cafes

• Magic View Café
• Shiva Café
• Best View Café
• ‘Rest a While’ Café

What more do you want? Try out the Triund trek in Dharamshala to make an invigorating exploration of the Dhauladhar peaks and camp under a star studded sky to fully unwind. Beware the feeling of not wanting to come back!

In the abode of Himachal Pradesh, lies a beautiful place called Kheerganga (3500m) at the extreme end of Sylvan Hills’ Parvati Valley, where it is believed Lord Shiva meditated for thousands of years. The lush greenery of the mountains, the elegant River Parvati and picturesque skies are undoubtedly a much-awaited delight to a trekker’s eyes and soul.

The place has a religious significance for both Hindu and Sikh pilgrims. Situated 22 km away from Manikaran, Kheerganga is popular for its hot water spring even during heavy snowfall and bathing in it is an experience you will definitely cherish. While trekking, the trail unveils popular tourist destinations en route like Rudra Nag Waterfall and Shiv Temple. You should go ahead for the Kasol – Kheerganga trek to experience peace in the soothing sights of the great Himalayas.

How ‘Kheerganga’ came to be called so

A few believe that it was the son of Lord Shiva, Kartikeya, who came here after losing a race to his brother Ganesha. He remained in a ‘Samadhi’(meditation) for thousands of years. It was Lord Shiva who tried to tempt his son by channelizing a stream of Kheer (rice pudding) to bring him back. The actual meaning of the word Kheerganga is ‘milky white sacred water’.

A Trek to Kheerganga

Almost three years back, when I went to Kasol with a group of my childhood friends, I heard about Kheerganga from the people who were coming back from the trek. They told us that despite its obvious challenges, the trek was an incredible experience that would make for a lifetime of memories. Since then, Kheerganga had been on my list of places to go, till the opportunity finally presented itself.

Last month, I decided to go for the trek, and after my packing, I went to Shivaji Stadium from where I was supposed to board a tempo traveller bus at 10 pm. I wore my headphones comfortably, turned on the music, and settled back. We took a pit stop at Murthal for dinner, where I enjoyed Pyaaz Parathe with pickle and curd, then we headed for the road again. This was for the first time I was travelling solo, so my over-excitement hardly let me sleep on the bus.

The morning started with a stunning sunrise view that I enjoyed from a local Dhaba where we relished tea and sandwiches. After crossing the bumpy path of Manikaran and Kasol road, the bus dropped me at the Kasol Bus Stop at around 2 pm. I met a few other people at the bus stop who were planning to trek to Kheerganga at 2pm. Rather than saying yes to them, I decided to find a hotel for a night stay in Kasol as I wanted to be completely rested for the journey. After relaxing for 2 hours, I took a stroll to the Kasol Street that is also referred to as Mini Israel, because of the many Hebrew inscribed signboards and a variety of scrumptious Israeli dishes that are being served in the restaurants and cafes.

Next day, I started my expedition at 6 am after grabbing some toast from the hotel’s restaurant. I first visited a nearby temple where I met my guide, who had 8 years of experience in trekking. We set our target to reach Kheerganga by noon. From the temple, we moved to Barsaini, the base camp, which is also the convergence point of the Parvati and Tosh Rivers. On our way to the top, we walked through the majestic landscape along with a splendid sight of nature. We passed a few wooden bridges, tricky terrains and slippery curves. I captured several mesmerising views of the sky, waterfalls and birds in my camera. We reached Rudra Nag Waterfall at 10am, where we stayed for 15 minutes to admire the beauty of the hills.  

We also came through villages Kalga and Pulga, where the locals sang a few Himachali folk songs for us, and that moment was truly divine! They briefed me about their lifestyle and the locals offered me a traditional desert of Himachal, Mittha, which is prepared with rice, jaggery, raisins and dry fruits. Further on, the route became sublime, with sights of temples, flowing water streams, flowers, mud houses and alpine trees.

We reached the green meadow of Kheerganga bang on time!  I took a refreshing dip in the hot spring that washed off all my tiredness and leg pain from the journey. That day, I decided to spend a night in the camp. To celebrate the achievement of trekking, a bonfire was arranged for all of us at night. Playing cards, Antakshri and dancing set the tone right for the night. That was another sleepless night as people were busy interacting and sharing their experiences with each other.

I had a sleep for about 2 hours and I woke up to the chilly morning breeze with a splendid view of the sunrise and flying birds. After having breakfast, I went to take another dip in the hot water spring.We started the trek back to Barsaini after breakfast at 11:30 am which took us 3 and a half hours, and then we returned to Kasol, which is just 3 km away.

Things to Carry

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Trekking shoes and trekking pole
• Mosquito repellent
• Warm clothes
• First aid kit

Kheerganga Trek Highlights

• Length: 1 Nights 2 days
• Maximum altitude: 3050 m
• Delhi to Kasol: 520 km
• Kasol to Barsaini: 40 km
• Barsaini to Kheerganga: 12 km

Things to keep in mind

• Avoid taking shortcuts in the mountains
• Leave the least amount of ecological footprint by choosing to not litter on the trail
• Watch your steps at the slippery Hot water spring
• No mobile networks at Kheerganga

Must-Try Cafes

• Buddha Place
• Moon Dance Cafe
• Mama Cafe
• Jim Morrison Cafe
• The Evergreen Cafe

Recommended Hotels

• ADB Rooms Summer Hills
• The Woodward Two
• Hotel Sandhya, Kasol
• Parvati River Kasol

Soak in the rejuvenating essence of Pin Parvati valley as you explore the breathtaking views of Kheerganga, setting out from Kasol. Unwind and unravel in the arms of nature.  

Lying in the magical Buddhist ex-kingdom Ladakh, Stok Kangri is among the most fascinating and adventurous trekking spots on the earth. Perched at an altitude of 6,000 m, Stok Kangri peak is located in Hemis National Park. The different shades of the expedition give you an opportunity to experience the absolute peace and swift breathtaking changes in the scenery. However, the blissful landscape attains an ideal splendour in winters as it provides you with the stunning sight of the Zanskar and the Indus Valley. The best part of the trek is that you would be back to the base camp of this high altitude peak, just after 2-3 days of tricky trekking. Moreover, the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) has declared the Stok Kangri, Ladhaki Peak and Friendship Peak as trekking peaks, keeping you safe from extra paperwork proceedings. While tramping to this awe-inspiring beauty, you will pass through many thrilling sights, such as abandoned areas, lofty mountains, trails with plenty of ridges and isolated hamlets which would surely be a dream-like journey to the hill admirers.

A Rendezvous with Stok Kangri

Wohoooooo! Yayyy! We finally did it. Oh, God! We accomplished it together. Yes, it feels exactly like this. This was me shouting at the top of my lungs after reaching the end point of Stok Kangri. Looking at me and a few of my crazy friends, our guide, Singpa Oeki too joined in. After few minutes, he directed us to avoid the edge of the peak as a slip would’ve caused a steep 1000 m fall. Just to express their joy and emotions, everyone was busy hugging and thanking each other, after all, we were almost higher than any mountain in five continents. The team members were appreciating and congratulating my brother who was the youngest member of this expedition, at only 20 years old. Even I was speechless, not because I made it to the top after 9 hours of continuous climbing in the harsh weather conditions but because I was freezing and exhausted. I wanted to go back to the base camp as soon as possible and suddenly some words rang in my ears –  ‘Life is a journey and not a destination’. It was my little brother who held my hand and asked me to think about the incredible journey that we had completed together.

The beginning of the journey: For me, this journey began around three years ago, when I first visited Ladakh and became aware of this amazing peak called Stok Kangri. Due to my tight schedule, I had no time to invest in this adventure, thus, I made a silent promise to the mountains that I would return one day. And I kept my promise. The nine day expedition started last month with a trek from Leh to the Stok base camp.

First two days:  As I landed in Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport from Delhi, along with my brother, I was welcomed with a familiar greeting, “Juley” (salutation in Ladakhi). From there we booked a taxi to reach Ladakh. On reaching the guest house, I met Rajesh and Tanya who were Everest Base Camp (EBC) veterans. They told us that there would be a  group of 18 people, including us, that were going to be trekking together for the next few days. I decided to rest in my room for a while, and in the evening, I went ahead to stroll through the town where I found the stunning Thiksey Monastery. On the next day, the other members of the group also reached the guest house in the early morning. After their arrival, we indulged in breakfast and dashed off for an acclimatization hike of 3-4 hours. We paid a visit to various Buddhist Stupas and even did some shopping for our family, before wrapping it up and going back to sleep at the guest house.

A drive to Stok Village (Day 3): It was a time to drive to the picturesque Stok village that was located in the south of Leh. We came across many captivating views of clouds, mountains and lush green trees. Our guide informed us that Stok village was the home to the former Ladakhi royal family and he took us to nearby Stok Palace Museum where we came across some belongings of the King’s family. It is an ideal place to witness rich Ladakhi culture. In the first stage of the trek, we tramped through the mountains to Chang Ma. On arrival, we saw our tents were set up on rocky slopes and we knew that it was a time for us to tighten our belts as it was not going to be as easy as we thought.  

Chang Ma to Mankorma and then Back to the base camp (Day 4 and Day 5): When we woke up in the morning, our guide told us to be ready for the rough yet pleasant trekking experience. It was a 3 hour trek where we passed through the barren grey landscape and small streams. After crossing the first brook, we noticed some extreme changes in the surroundings. Earlier, the mountains had looked grey, but now they all were turning purple with a heavy amount of sunlight. Gradually, we were realizing why Ladakh is known as the cold desert. After 3 hours, we reached Mankorma, that consisted of wide and flat terrain with typical scattered desert vegetation and thorny bushes. There was a narrow stream flowing just below our campsite. Moreover, we witnessed millions of twinkling stars in a white band late at night.

Next day, we started on our way back to the base camp. During the daytime, we enjoyed the views of some beautiful peaks like Parcha Kangri, Gulap Kangri and many others. Along the way, we took amazing pictures of several alpine lakes, mountainous meadows and sheep grazing on soft green grass.

Time to get trained (Day 6): Finally, the most important day of trekking had arrived. It was the time when our leader gave us a few tips on how to adapt to the weather and harsh conditions of Leh. He also briefed us about the challenges that we might face during climbing. Further, our guide handed over to us a trekking map with all the important guidelines mentioned on the back of a map.

Base Camp to Stok Kangri (Day 7): On day 7, we woke up around 5am and prepared our minds for the biggest climb. After breakfast, we took a group picture and then moved ahead following our guide. While travelling through a glacier we encountered slopes, rivers of ice and sharp and lengthy ascents. It was a point when many of us complained about breathing problem. To reach the top of Mount Stok Kangri, we climbed for about 3 hours towards the southern face of the mountain. The slope was inclined about 75 degrees, and the path was loaded with massive boulders and small rocks. In total, it took us around 9 hours to reach the destination.

Here, we got a clear view of the summit and colourful prayer flags decorating it. We felt that Zanskar Mountains in the South and the Karakoram Range in the North came closer to us. We stayed there for 45 minutes and then we descended back to our base camp.

Base Camp to Leh and Leh to home (Day 8 and 9)

The trek came to end when we reached Stok Village with memorable views of streams, glaciers, snow and mountain ranges. After packing our bags, it was time to drive to Leh. After exchanging numbers and gifts, all the members of our group returned back to their homes with the nostalgia of a superb expedition.

Does it require experience?

A person should be both mentally and physically fit to scale this giant as it would challenge you emotionally, physically and psychologically. People with high blood pressure, anxiety issues, asthma, heart problems and epilepsy are not eligible for the mission. The difficulty begins at high altitudes when a person might face problems in breathing which might  leave you with nausea and headaches. Despite all these troubles, when you reach the end of this insuperable peak, it will surely be worth your efforts. You would be welcomed by blue sky and shining stars amidst purest shadow of the moon. Trust me, it would be a memory to treasure for a lifetime.

Best time to Trek Stok Kangri

June to mid September is considered as the best time for Stok Kangri trek. Notably, due to heavy snow June is said to be the most technical trek.

Where to Stay

You can stay in the guest house or hotel on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 8 in Leh. However, rest of the days you have to survive in the camps.

Mobile Network and Internet Services

While staying in Leh you would hardly get any network connectivity. The only service providers there would be Airtel and BSNL, with limited coverage. You won’t be getting any network connectivity in your initial stages of the trek or while staying in camps.

Trek essentials

The trek essentials that you shouldn’t leave behind include back and day pack with rain cover, walking stick or trekking pole, head torch, water bottle/hydration pack, one thermos flask, snacks, energy bars, dry fruits, ORS, personal medical kit and trekking shoes. One should not carry more than 15 kg of luggage for the expedition.

Ladakh is home to the most exotic valleys, glacial lakes glistening ice-solid in the sunlight, most splendid Himalayan peaks, breathtaking gorges and all of it is serene due to the sparse population. Stok Kangri Expedition is definitely something to write home about.

Known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers, Valley of Flowers is located in the ‘Abode of God’, Uttarakhand in Chamoli District of the Garhwal region. Be it nature lovers, mountaineers or botanists, a walk to this striking UNESCO World Heritage Site is an apt choice to enjoy the eponymous Himalayan valley, which is replete with rich biodiversity and breathtaking surroundings. While trekking to this sublime beauty, you will pass through an off-beat trail, isolated hamlets, abandoned areas and diverse species of flora and fauna, which is an experience of a lifetime. Perched at an altitude of 4,389 m, the valley is home to endangered animals, including the brown bear, blue sheep, Asiatic black bear and snow leopard.

Experience of ‘Paradise’ before Reaching the Final Destination

Being one of those rare natural botanical gardens in the country, a trek to this floral city is known for evoking an unfathomable elation in the mind of trekkers. When one of my friends, who is an ardent trekker, asked me to accompany her to the Valley of Flowers, I quickly signed up without any second thought. Next day, we began our journey at 4 am. Traveling via Dehradun brought back so many fond travel memories for me. We soon reached Haridwar, which is the starting point of the Valley of Flowers trek.

The journey started with a trail from Haridwar to Govindghat. We reached Govindghat via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Karanprayag. However, one can also reach the place via the winter abode of Lord Badrinath and Joshimath. Along the way, do not miss an opportunity to witness the holy confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers that together form the River Ganges. Though it’s a long journey, the path is fascinating when one notices the stunning convergence of these two rivers. It is likely that you may get tired, therefore, it is advised to take a short break and relax in a gorgeous apple orchard on the way.

After some rest, it was time for us to move from the base camp Govindghat to Ghangaria. The first day of Valley Of Flowers trek began with a 14 km gradual ascent from Govindghat to Ghangaria. The beauty of a number of waterfalls and lush greenery hypnotized us. In addition, the villagers told us that the world’s highest Gurudwara and the most revered of all Sikh Shrines, the ‘Hemkund Sahib’, is situated nearby, at an altitude of 4,329 meters. Ghangaria is a base camp for the Valley Of Flowers trek, and people can avail different services that include hiring a mule or using a helicopter. We had booked rooms at Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, which is considered as the best place to stay in Ghangaria.

Time to Explore ‘Flowery Wonderland’

Next day after having some scrumptious Aloo Paranthas, we started a trek through Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers. The most difficult thing during the trek was to face heavy winds, but it was heartening to see that trekkers were helping each other to move ahead comfortably. As we scaled a height of 3,858 m to arrive at the Valley of Flowers, we witnessed thousands of flowers in full bloom. Our eyes were glazed by a fantastic and beautiful sight. At the starting point of this national park, I came across the Balsam flowers that sported bright light pink, blue and orange colors, followed by Himalayan Slender Tape Vine, Meadow Rue, Dwarf Globe Flower, and Marsh Marigold. The majesty of ‘Brahma Kamal’ (Saussurea obvallata) too was evident among the cluster of white and black Daisy flowers. It took around four hours to admire the rare and exotic beauty of the flowers spread like a blanket sheet, stretched over an expanse of 87.50 km. A unique blend of snow-capped mountains, green meadows, and white clouds made our trek a dreamlike adventure.

Know how the Valley was discovered?

As we had hired a guide to know better about the place, he told us that the credit to discover the valley goes to two British people i.e. mountaineer Frank Smith and botanist Joan Margaret Legge, who explored the valley together in the 1930s. However, botanist Prakash Chandra Kala from the Wildlife Institute of India spent a decade in the valley. During that period, he compiled two books known for having an inventory of all the flowers that blossom here, with their common and scientific names.

Travelers Take Some Notes!

The floral site is a feast for the eyes and lends a unique experience in itself. The trail will become steeper, however, the finest creations of nature will keep you inspired and enchanted. When the much-awaited destination is right in front of you, it seems that every ounce of energy lost in the trail did not go in vain. Most of the people experience mixed emotions where excitement and relief come together to celebrate the joy of achieving something that you have aimed for.  You should spend some peaceful time in the lap of nature and capture some scenic images in your heart. Notably, it is a tea house trek because there are a number of tea-houses that bring you the finest qualities of fragrant teas.

The best time to visit the valley is from July to September, as flowers are in full bloom at that time. However, don’t forget to carry your rain gear, because it is the monsoon season after all, and it keeps raining here. Importantly, shoes play a major role during a trek, so one should avoid wet shoes and opt for shoes with water resistance.

What to Eat inside the VOF?
VOF doesn’t offer any food facility to its visitors. You need to carry food packets with you but you are required
to eat the food outside the valley as there are no options to eat inside the park. Please don’t ruin this pristine
paradise by leaving wrappers and plastic bottles. Let’s not waste admirable efforts of Bhyunder Eco-
Development Committee (EDC), Bhyundar which is working hard to keep the valley clean and green.

Accommodation Options
There are hardly any accommodation facilities available outside the VOF. One can avail the guest houses,
lodges and camps in Ghangaria. So far, the best option to stay is GMVN, Ghangaria by Garhwal Mandal Vikas
Nigam. Some people prefer to stay at Govindghat, Auli or Joshimath as the hotels available there offer better
facilities. Remember, if you book your hotel or camp any of these three areas, you need to travel for around
30 minutes to reach the base camp i.e. Ghangaria.

Helicopters and Pony Facility
Helicopters and pony facility is offered to the tourists. As compared to pony ride, a Helicopter ride is quite
short and relaxed. However, its operation entirely depends on the weather condition. During bad weather,
helicopter facility is not provided. Travelers who are planning to trek can also buy wooden sticks or trekking
poles to ease their 6-8 hour journey.

Mobile Network and Internet Services
Before you head for VOF, keep in mind that Ghangaria offers electricity but there is hardly any mobile
network facility for the travelers. You may find fellow travelers getting signals of Idea at the VOF entry gate.
Notably, there are satellite phone booths in Ghangaria from where you can make calls.

Timings for Trek
You are not allowed to trek after 2 pm from Govindghat to Ghangaria as you need to trek 17km. In order to go
back to Govindghat on the same date from Ghangaria, you need to reach the base camp by 3 pm. Then only
can you start the trek down to Govindghat at 3 pm as it would take around 4 to 5 hours. Horse riding isn’t
available after 4 pm as there is a fear of wild animals and landslides.
Let your fears speak out loud and explore the valley to the fullest, take photos and let the fresh air and
pleasing scent of the flowers revive all your senses on this beautiful trek.

The beauty of every trekking expedition is unique in its nature and form. Sar Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh is the most popular one amidst the stunning trails of the world. So, do not miss the chance to share the vastness of the Himalayas and challenge your inner potential for some thrill, adventure and excitement.

Know About Sar Pass Trek Before Your Visit

There is a lot of mystery, excitement and thrill involved when you go for the Sar Pass trek. Located in Parvati Valley of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 13,800ft, Sar Pass Trek is perfect for those who wish to experience all the beauty that nature has to offer.  The Himalayas have continued to inspire the human race since time immemorial. From towering peaks to lush green meadows and beautiful valleys with crystal clear streams, there are several amazing views that await you on your journey to Sar Pas. Moreover, coniferous trees, rhododendron plants and colourful flowers resemble that sublime beauty which makes this place look like a prelapsarian Eden world. Rediscover eternal beauty and tranquillity as you make your way to your final destination.

Sar Pass Trek: The Highs and the Lows
The starting point of trekking for Sar Pass is Kasol, which acts as a base for most of the trekking trails in Himachal Pradesh. The town is known for providing a chance to relish the authentic Israeli food. The first day of the journey starts with a trek from Kasol to Grahan village. Initially, the trail seems easy to navigate and enables one to cover much distance in a couple of hours. However, the gentle gradient of the trail begins to transform soon as it becomes little rocky and steep after crossing the river, Grahan Nalah. Grahan village, situated at the top of the hill, will be visible after a steep climb of about an hour. The surreality and the beauty of the village, formed some 500 years ago, lends this place an extraordinary charm. It appears to be more appealing for those who love art, as it is considered to be a stoner’s and painter’s paradise. Replete with the beauty of traditional Himachali houses, pine forests and Rhododendron trees, you can relax in the company of nature.

The next stop on the trek is at Min Thach. Commonly used by locals to access their farms or cattle, the trail of Min Thach is replete with natural beauty. The sunset painting the sky golden is one of the most soothing sights after an exhausting trek from Grahan village to Min Thatch. As you climb higher towards the north, the trail becomes steeper and leads into the woods. However, Rata Pani, the most amazing lunch point, can make you forget the tiredness as you gaze in wonder at the hills on one side, and the deep valley on the other. Passing through the dense forests, you will witness mesmerising views offered by the thick canopy. During the course of the journey, be sure to admire the Chanderkhani stretch and many more ranges from the campsite at Min Thatch. Moreover, it would be helpful for the trekkers to acclimatise and warm-up to regain the energy lost during the trail.

On the next day, trek through the pastoral forest covered with snow as the trail from Min Thatch to Nagaru commences, which is the highest point of this expedition at 12,500 ft above sea level. The most beautiful experience of this expedition is to face the towering peaks and simultaneously feel the force of biting wind that literally pushes you to scale even further. Snow could be a tricky part of this trail, as the path becomes slippery, making the trail tougher. It helps a lot to have a trekking pole handy and an experienced guide at your side to ensure your safety. Starting the trek before noon is advisable in case the path is covered by snow, as the weather remains favourable during the day.

Though it may seem difficult at some points, particularly for a beginner, this is exactly where the adventure lies that inspires you to challenge and self-actualize. Once you reach the campsite of Nagaru, you will experience a different world altogether. To enjoy the picturesque views of magnificent mountains across the Parvati valley and the small glittering lights of the Manikaran town reflecting the rustic charm of nature is an experience of a lifetime. Manikaran is well-known amongst the religious pilgrims. It has a hot spring around the gurudwara, which has curative properties, and a visit to this town is considered to be as auspicious as a trip to the holy city of Varanasi.

Moving ahead from here, the next trekking destination will be Biskeri Thatch via Sar Pass. The lush green meadows, wildflowers and variety of birds at Biskeri can rejuvenate your body and mind with new energy. Biskeri Thatch also serves as an ideal location for film shooting. Apart from providing clear and majestic views of ice-covered peaks, the simplicity of the place will leave you spellbound. As you climb upward, it is crucial to keep a slow and steady pace. Though the snow is easier to walk on, it is likely that you end up exhausting every ounce of energy that you have. However, there is nothing to get anxious about. The heavenly surroundings of the location will keep your spirits high and will inspire you to celebrate the joy of completing the trek. You will be rejoiced to see the much-awaited arrival of your final destination, Sar Pass. While beholding a breathtaking view of the lofty mountains, you can take a sigh of relief and enjoy the lush green scenic beauty that nature beholds.

Like most of the hikers, you can also acclimatise and spend some quality time at Sar Pass Top. The trek to Sar Pass can provide you with an absolute escapade from the mundane struggle of your daily l

For people who love adrenaline pumping through their systems and want to experience the thrill of a lifetime, skydiving is just the thing for them. A dive from 10,000 feet above the ground does indeed send a chill down your spine. When it comes to safety, skydiving in India was considered notorious earlier. But now things have completely changed. Skydiving is gaining popularity among the youth as an exhilarating experience, and who can blame them? Just imagine yourself- jumping out of the plane, the wind rushing past as you free fall for the next 30 seconds, and then floating back to land as you gaze at the surreal beauty that is our Earth. So one early morning, I set out to tick one more thing off my ever-growing wishlist for this year – skydiving. 

I had done some research beforehand on where to go, and I chose the most reliable and safest skydiving site, Skyhigh India, situated at Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh – Kanpur Expressway, at the ‘Aligarh Airstrip’. After making some inquiries, I came to know that it is the first full-time commercial skydiving drop zone in India that not only matches international standards but is also affiliated to the United States Parachute Association (USPA). After covering about 140 km, in just two and a half hours via the Yamuna Expressway, I reached my destination.

I went inside their training institute and met several adventure lovers from around the world. We all started introducing ourselves to each other.  Some of them had already done skydiving in some other countries and they shared their thrilling experiences with me. All this was only building up my excitement, and I couldn’t wait to actually experience it myself!

We were all then introduced to the instructor, who told us that skydiving was initially not considered to be a sport, but was meant to save victims of aircraft accidents and to help with positioning armed forces on the battleground. He further said that at present, Skyhigh India only offers Tandem Skydiving and solo skydiving courses are soon to be introduced. Luckily, we got an opportunity to meet its founder, Rudra Bhani Solanki. In a conversation, we got to know that Tandem Skydiving is perfect for first timers as it is the safest and easiest style of skydiving. All you have to do is follow instructor’s guidance, take the flight up, jump and enjoy the breathtaking views! It all sounded so easy!

The parachute would be your only flying machine to provide you protection up in the sky. In case you’re planning to go for skydiving, just make sure that you get an experienced and qualified trainer, and feel free to talk to the people around you if you have any doubts.  At Aligarh Airstrip, I got a parachute that had an installed Automatic Activation Device (AAD). Also, the team provided me ground training where I was trained in all the safety measures. All the parachutes at Skyhigh India are regularly inspected and maintained for safety. In the training session, I learned various tactics and skills which I could later apply while skydiving. The instructors were truly the best, with a lot of experience in this particular field. If you are a first-timer, Sigma Tandem Parachute Systems is highly recommended as there is nothing to worry about. Everyone has to compulsorily undergo a training session of three to four days at the camp, even if they have already done skydiving before.

How It All Went Down

Finally, the day came which I had been excitedly waiting for; the day when I was going to do the skydive. All the equipment that I was supposed to carry had been previously tried and tested, so there was nothing to worry about.

In no time at all, I was taken up in a plane, ascending to the required height. While I was ready to experience the delight of my first tandem jump, I was safely strapped and securely tied together to the instructor by the assisting team. Another instructor made space for us in the aircraft. As I stood near the door, everything appeared so tiny to me, and that scared me a bit. I reminded myself that what I need to do was to rely on my instructor and wait for his guidance. In 30-40 minutes, the plane was in the drop zone. As I was told earlier in the training session, I kept breathing deeply and after five or six deep breaths, I jumped. The free fall lasted for 20-30 seconds, but nothing will be able to describe how I felt. It was exhilarating, with the wind in my face, hurtling towards the ground, at a speed of at least 200 km/hr! Free-fall was the most breathtaking, frightening yet exciting thing I had ever done. My mind was totally blank, as I experienced the thrill of the moment with a broad smile on my face that’ll definitely be back every time I will think about this. The parachute opened suddenly, and then we were floating gently down. My instructor kept guiding me with the basic tricks of the parachute, showing me how to turn it left or right. Together, we both circled and I couldn’t resist yelling at the top of my lungs.  I was on the ground in the next 30 minutes.

There is no doubt in my mind that those 30 minutes were one of the most exceptional moments of my life! I would carry this memory for a lifetime. All the credits for that remarkable 30-minute skydive go to Skyhigh India, which never compromises on safety equipment because, for them, the safety of their customers is of utmost priority. The instructors are the best that anyone is likely to find, as they are qualified and experienced. The activity here is safe and promises the best experience.

When it comes to health or body weight, anyone up to 90 kilos is fit to jump. Notably, if you have any heart-related problem, you need to show a fitness certificate signed by your consultant. Skydivers need to wear appropriate clothes as no ill-fitted clothes or strappy sandals are allowed. It is necessary to carry your athletic clothes and sports shoes.

If Safety Is A Concern 

My skydiving adventure has reassured me of one thing – there are many safe avenues where people can indulge in this activity without any apprehensions about safety. After some research, I also learned that there were some organisations in the Northern part of India which were rigorously working towards restoring people’s faith and confidence, and aim to make skydiving an accessible activity for everyone. 

All the adventure lovers in Delhi, now you don’t need to look for other avenues for Skydiving as you have a perfect option near you. Are you ready to create an unforgettable memory? If yes, then just brace yourself and go for it!

Also known as the Mystery Lake, Roopkund is a glacial lake located at a breathtaking height of around 16,499 feet above sea level in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The presence of numerous human skeletons, which can be seen in the lake when the snow melts, adds a tinge of mystery to the Roopund trek.

As you set out on the trek, you will encounter verdant green meadows or ‘Bugyals’, soaring snow-clad peaks, and lush dense forests. You can feast your eyes on the magnificent breathtaking views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti as you make your way to Roopkund lake. Being one of the most famous sites for trekking in the Garhwal region, it is frequented by people from all across the world.

The starting point for this trek is Lohajung. Replete with rich biodiversity and picturesque surroundings, you can witness nature in its purest form here. It is a little difficult to traverse the curvy and winding roads which steadily gain altitude, but it will lead to an amazing feeling of accomplishment. After walking for around 6 km,  you will reach a peaceful village in the district of Garhwal, called Kulling. Filled with natural beauty, this village offers a narrow concrete plain, cutting through houses and fields. While descending down the village and crossing the bed of Neel Ganga, you will come across a moderately steep road covered with a forest of rhododendrons and oak, that connects to the Didna village, situated at an altitude of 8000 ft.

The gorgeous village of Ali Bugyal is the next hamlet you will visit, which is one of the highest inhabited locations in the country.There are two trails from here – you can take either the right side of the trail or the left one. The trail on the right side is slightly ascending, and the trail on the left side is of a steeper nature. However, both sides lead to the same destination.

Moving ahead from here, the next location is Ghora Lutani. You will enjoy gorgeous scenic views as you trek upwards to reach your final destination. A steep altitude gain of around 12,500 ft to 14,500 ft, the long continuous walk, coupled with the high altitude of this location, will challenge you and demand a lot from you. Also, the effect of high altitude can make breathing difficult, but the amazing vista surrounding you will be there to inspire and rekindle the fun of trekking. After reaching the campsite, you can wrap up for the day and retire to relax for the night.

Next day, as you walk towards Bhagwabasa, the terrain seems to look rough and not so easy to traverse. Situated at around 14000 ft above the sea level, the road will take you across Kalyuvinayak temple, which is further 200 ft higher. It is suggested to walk slowly and carefully as the air gets thinner and the quantity of oxygen decreases.

The gift that awaits you at such a height is a look at the final trekking destination, Roopkund. With shining and sparkling Trishul on one side and bell-shaped Nandagunti on the other, the view is simply magnificent and enchanting. It is surely the highest point on the trek with an altitude of more than 16000 ft. Though the path is not that difficult to climb, even the 4 km walk can pull out every ounce of energy that you have and make you feel tired.  After covering the hard and steep terrain, a lot of photographic opportunities will be waiting for you at the Nanda Devi temple. You cannot afford to miss this chance of capturing some warm memories with near and dear ones.

Before moving further, you can choose to acclimatise and rest for a day like most of the hikers do. Rest well before you start the reverse journey and celebrate the joy of enduring the perils involved in the trekking expedition to Roopkund. This trek requires a whole lot of determination and courage, however, sheer exhilaration and the thrill involved in reaching Roopkund will become your motivation to complete this trek.

The best time to do this trek is between May-June and between August – September. If you choose to go in May/June, you might not be able to see the skeletons as the lake will be thawed, but on the bright side, the verdant bugyals will take your breath away. However, if you choose to go after the monsoons, the lake will, in all probability, be frozen at the end of September, and you will be able to see why the Roopkund lake has an air of mystery surrounding it.