2020 - Page 2 of 2 -

Rather than love, than money, than faith, than fame, than fairness… give me the truth

The core of mans’ spirit comes from new experiences.

When you forgive, you love. And when you love, God’s light shines on you.

These are some of my favourite quotes from the very powerful movie ‘ Into the Wild’. I could watch this move over and over again. The power of a good movie is that it inspires you to bring our the best in you and also takes you to beautiful places around the world from the comfort of your couch.

Must Read: 12 Books to Give you some serious Wanderlust

Below is a curation of great travel/adventure movies that will get you googling the locations and make you want to visit that place after COVID is over.

1. Into the Wild (2007): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7ArZ7VD-QQ

If you watch only one movie from this list, make it this one. Christopher McCandless, a young graduate, decides to renounce all his possessions and hitchhike across America. During his journey, he encounters several situations that change him as a person.

IMDB Rating – 8.1/10

2. Everest 2015 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBLP–JVXk4

On the morning of May 10, 1996, climbers (Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin) from two expeditions start their final ascent toward the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. With little warning, a violent storm strikes the mountain, engulfing the adventurers in one of the fiercest blizzards ever encountered by man. Challenged by the harshest conditions imaginable, the teams must endure blistering winds and freezing temperatures in an epic battle to survive against nearly impossible odds.

IMDB Rating – 7.1/10

3. Meru 2015 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weunwz1jZVo

Three elite climbers fight through feelings of obsession and loss as they struggle to climb Mount Meru.

IMDB Rating – 7.7/10

4. Maiden Trip 2014 –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4s8iob7FBY

Laura Dekker, a 14-year-old sailor, sets out on a two-year voyage to become the youngest person to sail around the world alone.

IMDB Rating – 7.5/10

5. Zindagi Na Milegi Dubara 2011 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQR_bxragHk

Friends Kabir, Imran and Arjun take a vacation in Spain before Kabir’s marriage. The trip turns into an opportunity to mend fences, heal wounds, fall in love with life and combat their worst fears.

IMDB Rating – 8.1/10

6. Wild 2016 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfMvJi6fouA

After an encounter with a wolf, a young woman (Lilith Stangenberg) casts off societal conventions to live a life free of hypocrisy.

IMDB Rating – 6.5/10

7. Touching The Void 2013- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtnqVZEktyg

The movie concerns Joe Simpson and Simon Yates’s disastrous and near-fatal climb of Siula Grande in the Cordillera Huayhuash in the Peruvian Andes, in 1985. It is based on Simpson’s 1988 book of the same name.

IMDB Rating – 8/10

8. The Motorcycle Diaries 2004 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2okWfJziwY

Ernesto ‘Fuser’ Guevara, a medical student, finds his calling in life when he sets out on a motorcycle road trip across South America with his friend, Alberto Granado, a biochemist.

IMDB Rating – 7.8/10

9. The Darjeeling Limited 2007- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayyZ3assvhg

After the death of their father, three brothers set out on a train journey across India, in an attempt to rediscover their lost bond. The experiences that they have to force them to introspect.

IMDB Rating – 7.2/10

10. Captain Fantastic 2016 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_zDRjAoZdQ

Ben Cash (Viggo Mortensen), his wife Leslie and their six children live deep in the wilderness of Washington state. Isolated from society, Ben and Leslie devote their existence to raising their kids — educating them to think critically, training them to be physically fit and athletic, guiding them in the wild without technology and demonstrating the beauty of co-existing with nature. When Leslie dies suddenly, Ben must take his sheltered offspring into the outside world for the first time.

IMDB Rating – 7.9/10

So go ahead and watch these inspirational movies this quarantine season and give yourself some great wanderlust.

The Himalayas, which translates to the abode of the snow, has been home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in India. For decades, a flock of tourists has been visiting places such as Shimla, Manali, and Kashmir Valley, etc. during the busy summer season. But over the last decade, there has been a gradual shift towards less explored areas in the northern Himalayas, especially among the relatively young travellers.

Out of all the relatively new tourist destinations, Ladakh has become the most visited over the last decade. It is usually the first destination on everyone’s travel bucket list. Although people visit Ladakh for various reasons the primary one of them is to get away from the usual busy tourist towns and explore something remote and unique. Historically, our country has not been very big on long road trips but that has completely changed over the last few years. Travelling to Ladakh by road has become one of the most sought after road trips in the country. That has probably been the biggest factor in the growth that Ladakh has seen in the number of travellers over the past few years.

Must Read: Why is Spiti Valley a distant cousin of Leh Ladakh?

Meanwhile, Spiti has also been creeping up into the same category as Ladakh but has always remained a distant runner-up. As beautiful as the place may be, it hasn’t lived up to its true potential as a commercial tourist destination and has only remained a niche place to visit. Having said that, people who have travelled to Spiti will swear by it as the most beautiful place they have ever seen. The landscape of the valley is truly similar to no other place in the country.

Read: Lahaul Spiti – The Enigmatic Valley

While both Ladakh and Spiti are located in the same region and offer quite similar landscapes, the resemblance is only visible on the outer layer. Beyond the landscape, both these places have so many unique things to offer to someone looking for an authentic Himalayan experience. Now let’s address the million-dollar question; Ladakh or Spiti. Ideally, one should explore both of these places but if one has to choose one, it comes down to their personal choice. Still, a comparison based on different factors is done below, which may help you decide.

Accessibility

Tourist Season

Altitude And Weather   

Travel Infrastructure

Things To Do/Attractions

Adventure Offerings

Both of these places have more resemblances than differences because of the similar kind of landscape and cultural demographic. Thus, it becomes extremely difficult to choose one over another. It eventually comes down to the fact that what kind of experience are you looking for. If your idea of travelling is to have a tonne of adventure and see some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world, then Ladakh is the place for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for more immersive travel experience and wish to indulge more in cultural things, then head to Spiti. Ladakh being a popular destination is quite crowded during the season so it becomes the perfect place to meet from all over the world. Spiti, on the opposite, is ideal for solo travellers who are looking to spend some quality time with nature.

‘Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find our treasure’ – Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

This is one of my ever favourite quotes from one of my all-time reads- The Alchemist. While I was re-reading this book for the umpteenth time, I realized I should collate all my favourite travel/adventure books. When would be a better time if not now to tickle the bookworm in you? Let’s all come out of this quarantine season a reader. Reading travel or an adventure book can be as transformative as the journey itself.

If you’re looking for some inspirational reads, here is my current list of the best travel books to inspire you to travel far-off lands after the COVID is over:

1. Wind Sand and Stars by Antoine De Saint – Exupery (1939)

Wind, Sand and Stars is a memoir by the French aristocrat aviator-writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and a winner of several literary awards. Its exciting account of air adventure, combined with lyrical prose and the spirit of a philosopher, makes it one of the most popular works ever written about flying. It deals with themes such as friendship, death, heroism, and solidarity among colleagues, and illustrates the author’s opinions of what makes life worth living.

Originally published: February 1939
Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Original language: French
Genres: Biography, Memoir
Good Reads Rating – 4.2/5

2. Endurance – An Epic of Polar Adventure by Frank Worsley (1931)

The legendary tale of Ernest Shackleton’s grueling Antarctic expedition recounted in riveting first-person detail by the captain of HMS Endurance. Endurance tells the full story of that doomed expedition and incredible rescue, as well as relating Frank Worsley’s further adventures fighting U-boats in the Great War, sailing the equally treacherous waters of the Arctic, and making one final (and successful) assault on the South Role with Shackleton. It is a tale of unrelenting high adventure and a tribute to one of the most inspiring and courageous leaders of men in the entire history of exploration

Originally published: 1931
Author: Frank Worsley
Genre: Biography
Goodreads Rating: 4.5/5

3. The Snow Leopard by Peter Mathiessen (1978)

The Snow Leopard is a 1978 book by Peter Matthiessen. It give a detailed account about the conditions of Himalayas from the rugged terrain to the unpredictable weather, in his two-month search for the snow leopard with naturalist George Schaller in the Dolpo region on the Tibetan Plateau in the Himalayas. Mathiessen sees the trip as one of the personal and religious enlightenment which is very well captured in the book.

Originally published: 1978
Author: Peter Matthiessen
Publisher: Viking Press
Country: Nepal
Genre: Biography
Goodreads Rating: 4.1/5

4. The Kon-Tiki Expedition: By Raft Across the South Seas by Thor Heyerdahl (1948)

The Kon-Tiki Expedition: By Raft Across the South Seas is a 1948 book by the Norwegian writer Thor Heyerdahl. It recounts Heyerdahl’s experiences with the Kon-Tiki expedition, where he sailed across the Pacific Ocean with his five companions on a balsa tree raft for 101days over 6900km.

Originally published: 1948
Author: Thor Heyerdahl
Original title: Kon-Tiki Ekspedisjone
Country: Norway
Genres: Biography, Travel literature
Goodreads Rating: 4.2/5

5. The Grass Beyond the Mountains by Richmond P Hobson Jr. (1951)

The author describes how in the 1930s he and two other cowhands crossed the mountains to start a huge cattle empire in Northern British Columbia. It is a story of endurance and discovery of three cowboys, described with cowboy humor.

Originally published: 1951
Author: Richmond P. Hobson Jr.
Genre: Biography
Goodreads Rating: 4.3/5

6. Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum (1900)

Sailing Alone Around the World is a sailing memoir by Joshua Slocum in 1900 about his single-handed global circumnavigation aboard the sloop Spray. Slocum was the first person to sail around the world alone. The book was an immediate success and highly influential in inspiring later travelers.

Originally published: 1900
Author: Joshua Slocum
Editor: Joshua Slocum
Genres: Biography, Autobiography, Travel literature
Goodreads Rating: 4.1/5

7. The World Beneath Their Feet by Scott Ellsworth (2020)

A saga of survival, technological innovation, and breathtaking human physical achievement — all set against the backdrop of a world headed toward war — that became one of the most compelling international dramas of the 20^th century. It talks about the mountaineering, madness and the deadly race to summit the Himalayas.

Originally published: 18 February 2020
Author: Scott Ellsworth
Genre: Biography
Goodreads Rating – 4.4/5

8. Wild: From Lost To Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed (2012)

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail is a 2012 memoir by American author Cheryl Strayed, describing her 1,100-mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail in 1995 as a journey of self-discovery.

Originally published: 20 March 2012

Author: Cheryl Strayed
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Adaptations: Wild (2014)
Genres: Biography, Autobiography, Travel literature
Goodreads Rating: 4/5

9. The Way Home: Tales from a Life Without Technology by Mark Boyle (2019)

No running water, no car, no electricity or any of the things it powers: the internet, phone, washing machine, radio or light bulb. Just a wooden cabin, on a smallholding, by the edge of a stand of spruce.

In this honest and lyrical account of a remarkable life without modern technology, Mark Boyle, author of The Moneyless Man, explores the hard-won joys of building a home with his bare hands, learning to make fire, collecting water from the stream, foraging, and fishing.

Originally published: 4 April 2019
Author: Mark Boyle
Genres: Biography, Nature writing
Goodreads Rating: 4/5

10. Running The Amazon by Joe Kane (1989)

In 1986 a party of 12 explorers attempted to travel the full length of the Amazon. Joe Kane’s original role was as a writer and observer but he ended up as one of the only two members of the original group to complete the entire journey, the first people to travel the Amazon from source to sea.

Originally published: 1989
Author: Joe Kane
Genres: Guidebook, Travel literature
Goodreads Rating – 3.9/5

11. The Call of the Wild By Jack London (1903)

The Call of the Wild is a short adventure novel by Jack London, published in 1903 and set in Yukon, Canada, during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush, when strong sled dogs were in high demand. The central character of the novel is a dog named Buck.

Originally published: 1903
Author: Jack London
Goodreads Rating – 3.9/5

12. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (1988)

This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and soul-stirring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried near the Pyramids.

Originally published: 1988
Author: Paulo Coelho
Genres: Novel, Drama, Fantasy, Quest, Fantasy Fiction, Adventure fiction
Goodreads Rating – 3.9/5

As I finish off this list, I’ll look for some more inspirational travel books. As we are all locked inside and cannot travel, there is no restriction of travelling in your dreams to far away places.

‘Keep reading! It’s one of the most marvelous adventure one can have’ – Llyod Alexandar

Have you dreamt of trekking in the Himalayas? Want to scale those mystic peaks of the Kedarkantha trek? Want to set foot on Mt. Kilimanjaro or the Everest Base Camp? High Altitude trekking is more than just an experience. The wonderful feeling of being surrounded by majestic mountains on great heights, trekking some of the most inaccessible places in the world, discovering the mysteries hidden in the snowy capped peaks of some of the most formidable mountains is not just an expedition.

A high-altitude trek is a spectacular experience — and, for many of us, the chance of a lifetime to see some of the world’s most awe-inspiring peaks. It has its own charm, but is equally demanding. Preparation for a high altitude trek is very crucial. It is important to understand the terrain, extreme conditions and medical hazards which you will face at high altitude. You need to prepare well physically and mentally before you venture into the high altitude.

You ask what really is a high altitude trek?

8000 ft – 12000 ft: High Altitude
12000 ft – 18000 ft: Very High Altitude
18000 ft and above: Extremely High Altitude
26000 ft and above: Death Zone

Above 8000 feet of elevation, atmospheric pressure decreases and the number of oxygen molecules in the air becomes less. For people who are used to living at sea levels or at an altitude less than 8000 feet this becomes a problem because the vital organs are now getting less oxygen than they are used to. So the body starts responding to that change in the environment by increasing the breathing and the heart rate. After a while the body starts producing more red blood cells so as to have more oxygen in the blood. But this does not happen in the blink of an eye. It takes quite a lot of time, which can literally translate to days and weeks, for the body to get adapted to the new environment. Ignoring to acclimatize yourself could end up with a medical condition called Altitude Sickness also known as Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS. AMS could also towards HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema) or HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Oedema) which is fatal.

On a high altitude trek the chances of a medical facility being in proximity are quite slim. So it is really important to understand acclimatization and help your body to adapt with the changes in the environment in high altitudes.

You also need to prepare yourself months before your dream trek. Here are a few steps you can take to prepare yourself for a high altitude trek.

1. Amp up your willpower

 ‘Mental Toughness & Stamina is a quality of the mind that is shattered by fatigue’ – Len Smith

Your mental endurance is a part of your ‘self-motivation’ system and conscious mental training. Speak to experienced trekker to gain more insights and knowledge about high altitude trekking. It is all about how mentally prepared and strong you are before taking this trek. Do not underestimate the power of your mental endurance as compared to physical endurance. It is equally important as being physically fit. Remember, winners and champions arent made in the gym. They are made by what’s deep inside them.

2. Amp up yourself physically

‘It takes both Physical & Mental Stamina to reach new heights’ – Michael D’auelerio

You can enhance your physical endurance by training yourself before heading to the high altitude for trek. This training program should start way ahead of your scheduled trek departure. The earlier the better. You may start your preparation by below mentioned guidelines and take it forward by intensifying keeping your goal in mind. You must focus on your cardio-vascular health and strength training. Start by planning out your exercise regime. Long walks are ideal, but be sure to increase the time every day. If you have a desk job, ensure to take the stairs instead of the elevator and walk around the office often. This will help you build your cardiovascular strength. It is also important to have an ideal body weight. If you are overweight, try eating healthy by cutting sugar in your diet and introducing lot of proteins. This will help with your stamina.

Interval training is one crucial part of getting physically fit. It entails getting the heart to beater really fast and then slowing down a little. For example, you may run to push your heart rate, then walk to allow it to calm down before starting to sprint again. Do not overload, but try to increase the intensity every day. Always remember to warm up your muscles before exercising and cooling it down with stretches post training. 

The correct way of breathing will also help you reach that height easily. It will make your trek simpler. Practice taking deep breaths and holding it.  If you go to the gym, then try walking on a treadmill on the incline elevated mode. You can also prepare yourself by climbing stairs with some weight, doing squats, training your calves, doing push-ups and planks to increase your core muscle strength. Increase the intensity every day.

3. Prepare for the unexpected

Prepare yourself for extreme cold and weather conditions. You need to be prepared mentally and physically in terms on things to carry with you. Also, you need to check the altitude of the area you are trekking through, so you are aware of the terrain and the challenges of hiking there. You must also check that your insurance policy covers high-altitude trekking because many standard policies treat it as an exclusion. A specialist insurance policy may be required.

4. Book an appointment to see your doctor

It is important to get a checkup before you leave. This includes a check of your blood pressure and general fitness. Females should get their hemoglobin checked as it may be low from menstruation. People with existing medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes should get checked out to ensure the medication is controlling the disorder effectively; a certification of fitness to travel might be required for some treks. You can also check with a doctor if you need to carry some medicines to cope with high altitude sickness (HAS).

5. Staying hydrated is key

The thin air at high altitude causes a high loss of fluids through breathing and sweating. It is crucial to stay hydrated while exercising and walking at high altitude. Ensure to drink water often when exercising. Dehydration can lead to lethargy, accidents, and even death at higher elevations, so keep your fluids up when exercising. When trekking at altitude, keeping your hands clean and avoiding illness is vital because illness will dehydrate you further and weaken you when walking. This is particularly important if you are camping, so wash your hands and use hand gel frequently.

6. Acclimate as much as you can

This is the most important step to prevent high altitude sickness. The rate of ascent is the most crucial factor in deciding who gets sick and who doesn’t. Acclimating to the oxygen levels slowly is important. Avoid climbing more than 1,000 feet per day and keep yourself hydrated. When traveling from low to high altitude, prepare to drive or go on foot rather than fly — the longer trip will give your body time to acclimate. If you must fly, spend at least 24 hours doing absolutely nothing — sleep a lot and don’t tire yourself out.

Read: What are the important steps to take to Acclimatize better?

7. Invest in the right gear

While you might not think this directly contributes to the effects of altitude sickness, but being comfortable and having the right gear is extremely important. The stress of not having the proper equipment will stress you out.

Hiking boots are the first thing you must buy when you decide to go on a high altitude trek and they must be broken in before you go to avoid blisters and sores.

Because you will be so close to the sun at great heights, you need good UV Sunglasses and good quality sunscreen to avoid burning yourself out.

A good sturdy water bottle, a basic medical kit, and the correct clothing. Carry a lot of layers, fleeces, and waterproof gear.

8. Read about altitude sickness and prepare to combat it

Everyone with altitude sickness will behave differently, but there are a few symptoms that are pretty much common. It’s crucial to recognise the signs of altitude sickness.

9. Prepare to stay unconnected

You will not have any kind of internet or phone connection with the outside world. Inform your loved ones in advance about your expedition so they don’t worry. You could take this time to meditate and think more clearly which is usually not possible back at home with many distractions around us.

Go ahead do your research, and prepare well for your high altitude trek. The feeling when you reach the top is undefinable. Work hard for it, it will be worth it.

 ‘The best view comes after the hardest climb’.

Bhutanese call their homeland “Druk Yul” which translates to the Land of the dragons due to the mighty storms in the Himalayas and can be heard in Bhutan. The Kingdom Of Bhutan is a landlocked country located in Eastern Himalayas in Southeast Asia. Bhutan is a hidden jewel, with some mind-blowing facts. When I read about them, I was intrigued to know more and pay the visit a place. I bet you wouldn’t know these amazing facts about Bhutan-

1. Bhutan is the only Carbon Negative Country in the World.
2. Bhutan was isolated from the World until the 1970s
3. There are no Traffic Lights in Bhutan
4. The King Abdicated the Throne for Democracy
5. Happiness Prevails Over GDP
6. Bhutan Says NO To Plastic
7. Only few Pilots are qualified to fly to Paro Airport
8. No Smoking in Public Places is permitted in Bhutan.
9. Birthdays are celebrated on New Year. No one will ever forget anyone’s birthday in Bhutan!
10. Bhutan has the Highest Unclimbed Peak in the World.
11. Bhutan Was the Last Country to Introduce TV in 1999.
12. Education and Healthcare is Free for All Citizens
13. The National Sport is Archery in Bhutan.
14. Bhutanese Still Believe in the Existence of Yeti
15. Women are the higher authority in Bhutan. Men move to women’s houses after marriage.
16. Marriage Laws are Unique in Bhutan. Polygamy is allowed in Bhutan.
17. It is Mandatory to Wear the National Dress, it is their way of preserving tradition.

These facts are sure to intrigue anyone to visit Bhutan. So I decided to check out the place for myself.

Explore this amazing Bhutan Bike Trip.

Getting there:

Bagdogra (Siliguri), West Bengal is the nearest airport where you can fly to if you intend to take a road entry to Bhutan. Siliguri to Border town of Jaigaon / Phuentsholing is about 150 Kms or so and takes about 4-5 hours of leisurely drive. If you choose to fly to Bhutan, then you can do so from Delhi / Calcutta to Paro International airport. Paro is 55 Kms from capital Thimphu and an hour’s drive. Paro is also an important tourist destination in Bhutan.

You don’t need a permit to travel inside Phuentsholing from the Indian side. The Passage is free and no hindrance or checking or stoppage. You can even stay at Phuentsholing if you feel like instead of Jaigaon. Bhutan time is 30 minutes ahead of Indian time. So it is prudent to reset your watch 30 minutes ahead as you enter phuentsholing so as to keep yourself in Bhutan time.

Bhutanese currency is Ngultrum which is equivalent in value to Indian Rupee. That is 100 Ngultrum is equal to Indian Rs. 100.

Hindi is spoken widely in Bhutan and Indian currency is accepted everywhere. So currency and transaction there are no issues.

Important Names:

Llakhang: Temple or place of worship.

Dzong: Fort like structures which are seat of power (Govt offices) or monasteries where children are taught the Buddhist way of life. Festivals are held here at regular intervals.

Chorten: These are Stupas or small rectangular colorful religious structures that you find everywhere including highways, hilltops, valleys and even remote areas. Chorten or Stupas are the oldest Buddhist religious monuments. There are 8 different kinds of Chortens in Buddhism each referring to major events in the life of Buddha. It is rare to see all the 8 Chortens together. One is in Wangduephodrong near the bridge. 8 Different types of Stupas or Chortens are The Lotus Blossom Chorten, The Chorten of enlightenment, Chorten of many doors, Chorten of descent from God Realm, Chorten of miracles, Chorten of reconciliation, Chorten of Victory, and Chorten of Nirvana.

Read: Bhutan Bike Tour – What to Know Before you Go

Places to Visit in Bhutan

1. Buddha Point (largest Buddha statue in the world known as Kuensel Phodrang or Buddha Dordenma is about 8 kms from Thimphu City on a hill. The large 160+ feet (52 Mtrs) tall Buddha statue is visible from Thimphu city.
2. Taikin Reserve – The Bhutan National animal is Ta-Kin, a goat antelope. It is a protected animal.
3. Changanga Llakhang close to the Takin Preserve. Llakhang means Temple in Bhutanese.
4. Thimpu Dzong – It is a magnificent 350 year old structure also known as Tashichho Dzong. It’s near the seat of power (King’s palace) and is open only from.5:30 to 6:30 pm in the evening. Dzongs are seat of festivals in Bhutan and these festivals are area wise and seasonal. Check out if any festival is happening during your time of visit and plan accordingly. These festivals are absolutely magnificent to watch.
5. Norzim Lam: The main road of Thimphu with many hotels, important government buildings, and some interesting shops for shopping and exploring the Bhutanese culture.
6. The Clock Tower: At the beginning of the Norzim Lam (Lam means road) on your right side is an Old Classic Clock Tower with an open amphitheater-like space for strolling and relaxing. The clock tower is an important landmark of Thimphu city. There is a beautiful Llakhang (temple) near the clock tower and colorful prayer wheels too.
7. National Memorial Chorten (Stupa): it is extremely popular and is located about 1 km from Thimphu Bus stand.
8. Coronation Park: it is a huge park about 6 acres on Chhogyal Lam (road) on the bank of river Thimphu Chu (Chu means river). There is a huge Buddha statue in the centre of the park it is a Govt park and entry is free.
9. Changlimithang statium: It is the only stadium in Thimphu and located near bus stand and the coronation park.
10. Weekly market / Centenary Market: It is located on Chhogyel Lam and half a km from the coronation park.
11. Dechencholing Palace: It is in the far north of Thimphu city and about 4 kms from Tashichcho Dzong and was the King’s former palace. Entry is not allowed and it is strictly guarded property. The present King stays at another palace known as Samteling Palace or Royal Cottage close to the Tashichcho Dzong. The present palace is not visible to visitors and is camouflaged by a thick bush of trees and is heavily guarded and off-limits to tourists.
12. Dechen Phodrang Llakhang: it is a beautiful monastery situated at the end of Gaden Lam (road). This is at a height on a mountain but approachable by road. It is about 4 kms from city centre.
13. Zilukha Nunnery (Thangtong Dewachen Dupthop Nunnery): There is a beautiful Llakhang here and it is a school for girls who are studying to be nuns. It is usually busy with prayers and religious activities and studies.

Bhutanese Food

Bhutanese Cuisine is different from India. Their staple food is Red rice which is different from our rice and a must try.

Their daily home food is National Dish – Ema Datshi (Tomato, Cheese, Chillies), Keva Datshi (Potato, cheese, Chilies), Sumo Datshi (Mushroom, Cheese, chillies), Jasha Maru (Chicken spicy), Fish Maru and Fish Paa to name a few. Momos are also common here. Local Drink Ara (arag) is also something to try. Also don’t fail to try the local drink SUJA, made of Yak milk and tastes salty.

Read: Happiness and Joy in the Bhutan Himalayas

Best Time to Visit Bhutan
I rode to Bhutan in July, which was a rainy season. Rains are not heavy and it’s more of drizzle for a few minutes.

However, the best time to visit Bhutan is from September to December. Bhoomthang is said to be the most beautiful place in Bhutan and between September to December, it is virtually a replica of Switzerland with lush meadows and flowers blooming all over. March to May is a bit sunny. Hotels are relatively cheaper in the monsoon season though.

Also please remember, Men need to wear full sleeve shirt to enter a Dzong and women have to dress conservatively. The authorities can deny you entry into dzong if you are wearing a short-sleeve shirt.

Bhutan is a country like no other. It will surprise you in ways more than you will anticipate. It must be surely explored once in a lifetime.

Any individual suspected of having coronavirus (COVID-19) can be tested in over 50 laboratories in India, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research

DELHI
All India Institute Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)

MAHARASHTRA
Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, Nagpur
Kasturba Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Mumbai

RAJASTHAN
Sawai Man Singh, Jaipur
Dr. S.N Medical College, Jodhpur
Jhalawar Medical College, Jhalawar
SP Med. College, Bikaner

TAMIL NADU
King’s Institute of Preventive Medicine & Research, Chennai
Government Medical College, Theni

UTTAR PRADESH
King’s George Medical University, Lucknow
Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh

UTTARAKHAND
Government Medical College, Haldwani

WEST BENGAL
National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata
IPGMER, Kolkata

MADHYA PRADESH
All India Institute Medical Sciences, Bhopal
National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur

KERALA
National Institute of Virology Field Unit
Govt. Medical College, Thriuvananthapuram
Govt. Medical College, Kozhikhode

KARNATAKA
Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute, Bangalore
National Institute of Virology Field Unit Bangalore
Mysore Medical College & Research Institute, Mysore
Hassan Inst. of Med. Sciences, Hassan
Shimoga Inst. of Med. Sciences, Shivamogga

GUJARAT
BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad
M.P.Shah Government Medical College, Jamnagar

HARYANA
BPS Govt Medical College, Sonipat
Pt. B.D. Sharma Post Graduate Inst. of Med. Sciences, Rohtak

HIMACHAL PRADESH
Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Govt. Med. College, Kangra, Tanda

JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Sher-e- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar
Government Medical College, Jammu

JHARKHAND
MGM Medical College, Jamshedpur

MEGHALAYA
NEIGRI of Health and Medical Sciences, Shillong

MANIPUR
J N Inst. of Med. Sciences Hospital, Imphal-East, Manipur

ODISHA
Regional Medical Research Center, Bhubaneswar

PUNJAB
Government Medical College, Patiala
Government Medical College, Amritsar

PUDUCHERRY
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry

TELANGANA
Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad

TRIPURA
Government Medical College, Agartala

BIHAR
Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna

CHANDIGARH
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh

CHHATTISGARH
All India Institute Medical Sciences, Raipur

ANDAMAN and NICOBAR ISLANDS
Regional Medical Research Centre, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar

ANDHRA PRADESH
Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati
Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam
GMC, Anantapur

ASSAM
Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati
Regional Medical Research Center, Dibrugarh

In the northern region of India, this year the winters have gone wild. Be it Delhi-NCR or the mountain settlements, the lord of winter is showering cold waves in full-throttle. But does it stop us from exploring the winter treks in India? No, with proper planning, and just the right clothes, we are going to make your winter trek, a fabulous one.

As said by Aristotle “To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” True! But first, you need to stop thinking that it is so cold, and I can’t go out of the goddamn blanket. Even a harsh winter is bearable with proper warm attire, and if you are planning to do a snow trek, it is a must. On a snow trek, it is necessary to always follow an onion layering clothing, wear comfortable hiking boots, and carry a lightweight backpack.

Most of the winter treks in India happen during January and February in either Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand. Both of these states are chock-full of places to explore and experience winter in its best form. These two states also go through minimum temperatures that can be as low as -1 to -5 degree Celsius, hence it is important for anyone to prepare themselves before heading out for the amazing yet daunting snow trek.

Prepare Beforehand

Preparation is the ultimate way to get ready for a trek, especially a winter one. This season gloats of myriad challenges such as cold weather and short daylight hours, which is not faced during the summer months. So it’s important to plan ahead of time, to be able to face any circumstances.

• Do thorough research of the treks. Choose a trek that can match up to your fitness level. If not, plan 2-3 months before so that you have time to prepare your body fitness for the ultimate adventure. Either work out in a gym or do 30-60 mins work-out sessions each day till your departure date. Trekking during winter months is far tougher than in summer, as the body has to endure winter winds, miles of walking, slippery paths, and a heavier bag that aids 2 x loss of energy (which is bad). Work hard! Play hard!
• Know your trip plan well in advance. Ask your trip operator to provide you with a detailed itinerary, trek essentials, and other information such as where you’ll be, how long you’ll be, when will you return, where to reach and more. You need to be in the loop of every information needed for the journey.
• Novice trekkers, please do not try winter trekking alone. There’s a lot of technicalities that one needs to adhere to. Always experience these kinds of treks with a legitimate guide or with a high-altitude experienced trekker. If you go alone, any casualty can occur. You might slip from a boulder, AMS can hit you, or you might simply get an injury. Having said that, the knowledge of a guide will give you peace of mind while trekking.
• Prepare yourself for the unexpected. It’s always a good idea to have an emergency fund like extra cash, first-aid kit, extra food, and extra clothes. We are not recommending to pile up your bag and make it heavy. All we want to convey is if you are carrying one pair of anything make that two. What if you lose your socks, or your jacket gets wet. Extras are awesome!
• Dehydration is common on a winter trek. And if you’re someone who drinks less water, you can be a victim of dehydration on the trek. So before dehydration becomes a possibility, make sure you drink sip-sip water in 15-20 mins while trekking. The early symptoms such as sweating are hard to recognize at first due to cold weather and layered clothing. So follow the sip-sip mantra!
• Lastly but not least! Food is the major source of energy on the winter treks. Do not shy away, eat adequate food amount because one loses a lot of energy and calories while traversing the mountains on the jagged and rugged paths. You can carry protein bars, dry fruits, instant hot water meals, and snacks that will provide you with instant energy to keep you moving.

Winter clothes Layering Techniques

Layers! Layers! Layers! When it comes to preparation on what to wear and pack for a winter trek, it’s important to note, layering is the basic funda to select clothes for the base, middle and outer layer. Hence, taking the time to research will benefit you in the long run. With just the right clothes your body will thank you for keeping it warm and not freezing.

• Start with your base layer. This one sits against your skin. The best material that works great as the base layer is synthetic or merino wool. It will keep your body dry from all the sweat as it wicks away perspiration from your skin. If you’re trekking in winter, wear two base layers for warmness. Stay away from cotton, it retains moisture and takes longer to dry.
• For your middle layer, it’s time to add an insulated material. This layer is meant to protect you from cold. You can research well on this. However, we recommend a fleece jacket or goose down jacket works best for middle layer as it is warm and retains heat.
• For your outer layer, make sure you have something breathable, windproof, waterproof. You will keep adjusting and shredding this layer as you walk from different terrains and climatic zones. The temperature fluctuates a lot during the winters. Make sure you are loaded with all the needed layers.
• Socks are another important piece of cloth you must-have for winter trekking. It’s best to wear a thin pair of socks under a bulky pair of merino wool or synthetic socks. It will keep your feet dry and warm. Don’t forget to carry an extra pair of socks in case one gets wet. Strictly no cotton!
• Hiking BOOTS is EXTREMELY important while on a trek. Buy winter hiking or mountaineering boots. They are better than average hiking boots for their insulation and waterproof quality. You can even buy gaiters and crampons if you want.

Apart from all this, you must carry gloves, sunscreen, lip balm, hats, sunglasses and more. Find detailed clothes guide here.

Insights on Hypothermia

Since we are talking about winter planning, one should have knowledge about Hypothermia as well. Opposite of heatstroke, when hypothermia occurs it does not allow your body to produce adequate heat in order to keep the body core at a safe temperature. A life-threatening condition that requires an immediate response. It can happen in a high-altitude region like mountain hiking or in freezing cold water (underwater). If you are not wearing proper attire to keep your body warm, hypothermia can become a threat to your life.

Symptoms
Keep your eye on some symptoms like shivering, apathy, cold-pale skin, poor judgment, unsteadiness, slurred speech, numb hands or feet. Advanced symptoms include stiffness, slow pulse, shallow breathing, sleepiness, weakness, unconsciousness.

Hypothermia Treatment 
The first aid is to restore core body temperature. Immediately warm the victim body core in a dry place, preferably indoors. Use warm blankets, hot water bottles, body warmth to warm them up. Don’t stay outdoors, go into a tent or building.

Preparation for a winter trek is quite easier than you might think. If you’re organized and follow these basic tips, we promise you will be insulated and also enjoy winters like never before.

“An adventure has no bounds; it can go as wild as you want it to be.” A few years back, I was just a run-of-the-mill kind of a person, who just talked about wild travel but never dared to live one. And honestly, there’re many people like me and all they need is just a push to move out of their comfort zone. So this winter, don’t just cuddle up in a blanket but make it adventurous by trekking to some of the most awesome places in India. One such place is Hampta Valley nestled in the vicinity of Manali in Himachal Pradesh. What a marvellous trek! You will be completely in awe of the charming aspects of the winter season this place depicts.

However, it is best explained in a series of photos. After all, a photo is worth a thousand words.

So without further ado, here’s what’s so special about Hampta snow Trek and why it should be on your travel wish-list for 2020:

The trek will commence from Prini. You will come across the beautiful terrain of forest and relaxing fresh air will around to take you to the oblivion. You will be thrilled to see the massive Dhauladhar ranges and the gushing river Beas flowing adjacent to it. Crossing rivers and little streams will be an absolute delight on this trek! Enjoy the sounds of water thrashing against the rocks. As you keeping ascending, you will soon come across snow-patches. Further upward, the entire route will be drenched in snow. On Day 3, you will leave for the pristine snow trek to Chika, nestled in Hampta Valley. Make sure you have carried all the essentials as today will be a snow trek. You must carry your cameras as you will be passing through the lush green Kullu valley on one side and the stark opposite desert valley of Lahaul on the other.

Don’t forget to carry your cameras as the fascinating views of the snow drenched trail will be drop-dead gorgeous for your Instagram travel feed. After the amazing trek, one tends to get all tired with legs paining inconsolably. And at this point of time, one just wishes to reach the campsite and relax by nature to rejuvenate oneself. The stunning camping scenes of the trek lured us so much that it ensnared us at one glance. Moreover, the night sky was so beautifully bejewelled with billions of stars, that by midnight we all were mesmerized by the little diamonds. If star-gazing is in your bucket list, you can check-off it here.

The best part about the entire trek was the colourful campsites. If you are someone who loves living outdoors and has an admiration for nature’s galore, you must visit this place. I personally have a thing for picturesque campsites, it makes me feel alive and close to nature.

Nestled near Old Manali, this trek can be easily completed in four days, meaning it can be categorized as a long weekend trek.
-Ideal for beginners
-Altitude 14,000 ft
-Dhauladhar Mountain ranges in view
-Locations covered: Old Manali, Sethan, Prini, Chika, Hampta
-Nestled between Kullu and Lahaul Valley
-Prettiest Campsites

Since it is a snow trek, please follow a trek essentials guide for a better trekking experience.

What are you waiting for?

Pack your bags and set out for this dreamland! Hampta snow trek can be undertaken by experienced and inexperienced trekkers each January-February-March. This is a perfect trek for your travel goal list.