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Dayara Bugyal Winter Trek

Dayara Bugyal Winter Trek

Dayara Bugyal Trek in Winters

Bugyal in the local mountain dialect means “High Altitude Meadow”. The Dayara Bugyal trek in Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful treks in himalayan hill state of north India The Uttarakhand, situated at an elevation ranging from 10,000 – 12,000 ft. The vast meadow,Dayara Bugyal, is second to none in natural beauty in Uttarakhand. There is an immense possibility for Nordic as well as Alpine skiing since during the winter it provides one of the best ski slopes in India spread over an area of 28 sq/kms.

Best time for Dayara Bugyal trek:

Post Monsoon

Dayara Bugyal will be covered with lush green grass and alpine flowers of different varieties, if you are a person who loves greenery then from September to Mid October is the best time to go for Dayara Bugyal trek.

Dayara Bugyal in October starting

Dayara Bugyal in October starting

Dayara Bugyal Trek in December

If you want to enjoy the frozen waterfall, lake and solitude then this is the perfect time for Dayara Bugyal Winter trek.

Dayara Bugayal Trek

Dayara Bugayal Trek

Dayara Bugyal Trek Map

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Posted by on September 8, 2014 in Mountaineering, Trekking

 

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Hampta Pass Trek Blog

Hampta Pass Trek Blog

Hampta Pass Trek Blog by Jai

The Hampta Pass trek is ideal for first-time trekkers as it packs in everything from dark pine forests, open meadows, glacial valleys and an adventurous of a lifetime.

Hampta Pass Trek Blog

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Here is my Hampta Pass Trek blog: The last time I read about them was in dreary textbooks in school, not quite properly assessing the sheer enormity of their presence. It was only recently that everything fell into perspective.

So off we went, into the wilderness of one of the most intimidating yet calming mountain ranges of all time, to witness for ourselves what it would be to be in a place of absolute calm and peace. Our journey commenced from Manali to Prini by road. Then onwards, by foot to Chikha.

As anticipated, the conditions, even for a fit person, were hard-hitting. Sleeping in tents, crossing ice cold rivers and navigating the dense forests were just the beginning of the adventure that lay ahead. When one night, while trying to catch some sleep, I heard a wolf call out, I knew we were in a place where to panic only meant pain. I felt threatened but when there is no other option, it is better to send up a quick prayer and hit the sack.

The Route: Hampta Pass Trek Blog

Day 1: The trek starts with stepping into a forest of deodar, toss, oak and maple trees. The beauty is breathtaking. Soon, we cross a makeshift wooden bridge over the Rani Nalla. On one side are tall deodars that rise to 150 feet. They are so dense that it is difficult for light to reach us. On the way, we cross numerous streams but they are not obstacles in the trek. Soon, the Rani Nalla spreads out into a wide valley. We soon find ourselves in Chikha and start climbing over the grassy ridge. After all the trekking, wholesome and nourishing dinner is served.

Hampta

The Jwara Nalah Crossing: Hampta Pass Trek Blog

Day 2: The morning is brilliant with the sparkling warmth of the sun. By 7 o’clock the camp comes alive. After breakfast, we move from Chikha to Balu-ka-Gera. We cross a stream “Jwara Nalah” and it is a best part of this entire hampta pass trek blog and start an upward climb towards the closed end of the Kullu Valley. The scenery changes rapidly. Below us, snow patches on the valley increases in frequency. Ahead, the snow-covered slopes of the Hampta Pass reveal themselves. Everything is dazzlingly white. The snow looks magnificent. On the way, a dancing stream welcomes us. I take off my shoes and step into the freezing water. The chill freezes my bones but a sense of adventure beckons.

Hampta Pass River Crossing

The Big Day Hampta Pass Crossing

Day 3: No sun, only a light drizzle. We move to Shiagoru via Hampta Pass. The serious climb starts now. It is clear that no one has ever been here before. There are no footprints. The snow is soft and virginal. The pass is a wide plateau. On its eastern flanks are the towering cliffs of the mountain side. On the west, it curves to the left and drops down to Spiti Valley. There is celebration in the air but we make it short because of the rains. We walk down and soon find ourselves in Spiti Valley. We halt and camp in Shiagoru.

Hampta Pass Trek blog

Day 4: The fourth day is a Himalayan blessing. There is no drizzle and the sky is clear. Today is the last trek of our trip. We move towards Chatru and then drive to Chandrataal. It is again a steep climb up to the main trail. The scenery is different. I was expecting it to be barren, but surprisingly the slopes are green—but they are boulder strewn. Another surprise is Chatru itself. There are only five-six houses. I was expecting it to be bigger.

Chandratal Lake

Our plans for Chandratal Lake proves to be a flop, thanks to a sudden landslide on the way to the lake. Instead, we decide to go ahead to the Kunzum Pass. It is one of the highest motorable passes across the Kunzum range at an altitude of 4,551 m. It serves as an entrance pass to the Spiti Valley from Lahaul. Goddess Kunjum (Durga/Parvati) resides in a temple on the Kunzum top and keeps guard over the pass and wards off the evil. Visitors normally do a round of the temple to seek her blessings. We then come down to Batal and set up our camps. It is a village that lies at the foot of the Kunzum Pass and serves as the resting point for tourists. Moreover, the Bara Shigri Glacier and the triangular peaks in the south can be seen from Batal.

Day 5: It is a lazy morning as we’ve partied all night. We start only by 9 am for Manali —and back to civilisation.

Thumb rules

1)One month prior to a wildlife trek, you should build up stamina, muscle strength and flexibility. Running, skipping, pushups and other forms of exercise help.

2)Travel light

3)Carry healthy food like dry fruits, and energy bars.

4)Essentials like a torch, extra batteries, first-aid kit will come in handy.

Region: Himachal (Manali)

Duration: 5 days

Grade: Easy to Moderate

Maximum Altitude: 14,100 ft.

Approx, Trekking KM: 26 km

Source: Indian Express

 

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Hampta Pass Trek

Hampta Pass

Hampta Pass is the most delightful treks in the Manali region, located in Himachal. It is a moderate trek with a scope for varying the duration to suit ones time. Hampta Pass Trek takes us over the majestic foothills of the Himalaya, the Pir Panjal Range, crossing at Hampta Pass (14100 Ft.) –

 

See more at: http://renokadventures.com/558/hampta-pass-trek/#sthash.XZJIXucd.dpuf

Here goes the itinerary for Hampta Pass Trek

Itinerary Detail

Manali

Day 0         Departure

Meet up at Janpath (near Connaught Place) and leave for Manali by Volvo bus. Overnight Journey.

Chika  Day 1

Drive from Manali to Jobra than start trek to Chika (10100 ft)

After breakfast we drive from Manali to Jobra and start our trek to Chika(10,100 feet). While trekking we can see the Rani river on one side and a big rocky hill on the other. Overnight stay at Chika.

Balu Ka Ghera Day 2

Chika (10100 ft) to Balu ka Ghera (11900 ft) .5 hrs easy ascent.

The third day trek is a gradual ascent. While trekking we will be able to see the spectacular Dauladar range. We have lunch in Balu Ka Gera.

Siagoru   Day 3

Balu ka Gera (11900 ft) to Siagoru (12900 ft) Crossing Hampta Pass (14100 ft).

This is the most spectacular part of the trek as we cross the Hampta Pass and then descend to our camp site in Siagoru. It will take us approximately 8hrs to reach Siagoru. The ascent on this part of the trek will be moderate.

Chandra Tal  Day 4

 Siagoru (12900 ft) to Chatru (11000 ft) 4 hrs. Drive to Chandra Tal.

This day we have an easy descent through the Hampta Valley. The massive mountains of the Pir Panjal and Spiti ranges dominate the entire landscape till the camp site at Chatru. Chatru is a confluence point of paths from Rohtang Pass, Hamta Pass and Spiti. From Chatru if road and weather condition permit we head to the Chandra Tal camp site.

Manali

Day 5

Drive from Chandra tal to Manali via the Rohtang Pass

In the morning after breakfast we leave for Manali via the Rohtang Pass. Trek ends

– See more at: http://renokadventures.com/558/hampta-pass-trek/#sthash.XZJIXucd.dpuf

 

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Dayara Bugyal – Simple yet Beautiful

Dayara Bugyal – The biggest meadow of Uttarakhand

Bugyal in the local mountain dialect means “High Altitude Meadow”. Trekking to Dayara Bugyal is one of the most beautiful places in Uttaranchal, situated at an elevation ranging from 10,000 – 12,000 ft. This vast meadow is second to none in natural beauty in Uttarakhand trekking circuit. The possibility of Nordic as well as Alpine skiing are immense here, since during winter it provides one of the best ski slopes in India spread over an area of 28 sq/kms, one can combine a trek and ski during winter trekking season.

Dayara Bugyal trek starts from two places Barsu and Raithal. The road to Dayara Bugyal branches off near Bhatwari- a little township on Uttarkashi Gangotri road about 35 kms. From Uttarkashi, Vehicles can go up to the village of Raithal from where one has to trek a steep incline covering a distance of about 7 kms to reach Dayara and the other route is via village Barsu, 10 kms from Bhatwari from where one has to trek about 8kms to Dayara Bugyal.

Gray langurs or Hanuman langurs, the most widespread langurs of South Asia, are a group of Old World monkeys constituting the entirety of the genus Semnopithecus.

Monal – State Bird of Uttarakhand

This is the best time for birding as all the birds descends from high altitude to lower altitudes due to drop in temperatures.

If some one wants to do this trek here is the ideal itinerary

Day 1 Dehradun to Guest House at Barsu

Arrive at Dehradun/Haridwar in the morning, freshen up, have breakfast and leave for Barsu village Lunch on the way. Arrive at Camp by late afternoon and relax with a hot cup of tea and prepare yourself for trekking in Himalayas. The camp overlooks the Himalayan peaks of Gangotri I, II and III, Jaunli, Draupdi ka Danda and Srikanth.

Days 2 Barsu – Barnala (2700 m) 4 km / 4 hr

Have an early breakfast and get ready for a trekking to Barnala lake (2700 m) about 5 hours away. Trek through the dense forest of Pine and Oak trees. Lunch enroute. Reach Barnala by late afternoon. Explore the forest around the lake and do some bird watching. Barnala is great for bird watching, the most common birds here Whistling Thrush, Red Finch, Monal Pheasant, Koklas etc. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 3 Barnala – Dayara (3250 m) 5 km / 4 hr

Have breakfast and prepare to trek to Dayara. Hot lunch on arrival. The bugyals (meadows), spread over 28 sq kms, are grazing grounds for sheep and cattle and have a 360 degree view of the Himalayas. Spend rest of day walking around the meadows. Overnight stay in tents

Day 4 Dayara – Raithal 7 km / 4 hr

Wake up to a lovely sunrise and walk a little higher for a nice view of Bandarpoonch (6500 mtrs). After breakfast, we will start trekking to village Raithal. Reach camp by early evening. Relax with a hot cup of tea and sumptuous dinner with bonfire. Overnight stay in tents.

Days 5 Raithal – Dehradun / Haridwar

After breakfast leave for Dehradun/Haridwar. Lunch on way, arrive by late afternoon and catch train to go home..

Renok Adventures is having a fixed departure on various dates 3rd November, 10th November and 29th December. For more details please follow the link  www.renokadventures.com

 
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Posted by on September 27, 2012 in Adventure, Mountaineering, Photography, Travel

 

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Trans Himalayan Jeep Expedition Manali to Leh

We did an amazing trip of Greater Himalayas crossing 7 Worlds highest motorable road and did some crazy adventures, all thanks to Ladakh tour organised by Renok Adventures – the great adventure company. We all reached Manali on 16th July morning the date to begin the Jeep Expedition. We had a breakfast n got fresh in hotel. We loaded our luggage in our jeep Qualis, our driver Mr. Tule Ram is an awesome driver this was my second trip and I can trust him with my life on curvaceous and tricky mountain roads.

In the first part I will be covering our adventurous journey from Manali to Leh and in Second part our excursion to Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley

We started around 11 and our first big stop was Marhi where we did first adventures activities Paragliding.

Paragliding in Manali

Marhi is a small stopover on the way to Rohtang Pass (14000 Ft), We negotiated a deal for 7 of us to do Paragliding. Yugantar had a small misadventure, his take off was not proper so he slid with the parachute for some distance. He had small bruises on hand and leg.

After doing paragliding we set cross Rohtang Pass our first high altitude pass. There was 8 to 11 ft of snow on both side of the road. Rishin was fully charged up at this point of time he didn’t know what is coming in next few days.

Rishin All Charged Up

Push Up 1 2 3

After fun n masti at Rohtang top we started again and stopped at Khoksar for Lunch. We had awesome Rajma, Dal, Mutton and Rice. Kokhsar is the first village on this route in Lahaul and Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh. Here one need to stop to get police work done. Our plan was to stay at Sarchu but we got late so we will be staying in Keylong today. Our driver paid the homage to Raja Ghaipan at Sissu and we filled diesel in Tandi which is the last Petrol Pump on this route and sign clearly says next petrol pump 365 KM ahead.

We stayed in a hotel with nice view had sumptuous dinner and slept. Morning the view was amazing.

Morning Glory

Morning we started early around 6 AM after a good tea and stopped at Darcha for breakfast. Today was the toughest day of the entire journey, four of the world’s highest passes, 350 KMs and road conditions (You can say No Roads) were bad.

First pass came Baralacha La at the height of 4980 metres. The steep ascent to Baralacha La start at the place called ZingZingBar, One who loves to drink barely misses it and there is a bar by the same name in Manali. This pass connects the Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh to that of Ladakh. The Bhaga river, a tributary of the Chandrabhaga or Chenab river, originates from Surya taal lake, which is situated a few of kilometers from the pass towards Manali. The other major tributary of the Chandrabhaga, the Chandra also originates from glacier in this region. Both the rivers originates from the two sides of the pass and meet to become Chandrabhaga River and the same river becomes Chenab entering Pakistan.

Suraj Taal

To be continued in part 2

More Photos on Facebook Album here:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.330249997060195.76819.186325284786001&type=3

 

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Flawless Beauty

M Teresa

When we were on our way back from Ladakh after Stok Kangri’s successful summit, we stopped for lunch at a restaurant and this beautiful old woman was the owner. She reminds me of Mother Teresa although I have never seen her. After our lunch we sat with her for almost half an hour and had discussion about her looks, family and when we were leaving asked to pose for this photograph.

 

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Everest in Numbers

Everest 2012: 229 Summits 9 Deaths 

A long line of climbers follow each other up Mt. Everest. Image: Ralf Dujmovits.

8,850 meters (29,029 feet): Height at the peak.

60 million years: Approximate age of Mount Everest.

$25,000: Cost of a climbing permit per person.

8,000: Height in meters (approximately 26,000 feet) at Mount Everest’s “death zone,” the low-oxygen area above the last camp and before the summit where conditions become increasingly harsh.

1953: The year Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first recorded climbers to reach Everest’s summit.

3: Number of countries visible from the summit (Tibet,India, andNepal).

11: Number of people who have died on the mountain in 2012. (till 23 May 2012)

19: Number of people who died in one year—1996, the deadliest ever on Mount Everest—during a trek chronicled by writer Jon Krakauer in Into Thin Air.

30: Number of minutes before a climber dies after contracting hypothermia on Mount Everest, depending on how fast his or her body temperature drops

40: Record number of people to successfully reach Everest’s summit in one day(May 10, 1993).

200: Approximate number of total climbers who have died on the peak’s treacherous slopes.

4,000: Approximate number of people who have climbedMount Everestsince Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953.

13: Age of Jordan Romero, the youngest climber to reach the summit, in May 2010.

76: Age of the oldest climber to reach the summit, Min Bahadur Sherchan, in May 2008.

73: Oldest Women climber to reach the summit, Tamae Watanabe on 19th May, she broke her own record set a decade ago at the age of 63.

21: Record number of successful climbs to the summit by Apa Sherpa.

 
 

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Indians Rewriting Everest History – Everest 2012

Four bravehearts from Maharashtra became the first Indians to summit Mt Everest this climbing season while another 80 Indian climbers are waiting on the lower slopes for their turn.

Four members of the Sagarmatha Giryarohan Expedition from Maharashtra summited the world’s highest peak, once virtually barred to private groups due to lack of funding, at 6.45 a.m. Saturday, said the team’s guide and Everest hero from Hyderabad, Shekhar Babu Bacchinepally.

“This expedition is dedicated to Ramesh Gulave,” said Shekhar, whose ascent in 2007 as an individual climber unsupported by any organisations inspired dozens of Indian Everest aspirants subsequently.

Gulave developed breathing troubles and other health complications last month after the expedition had flagged off and had to be airlifted to Kathmandu and flown to India for medical treatment. He died on April 27.

Shrihari Tapkir, a 28-year-old avid trekker and climber from Wadmukhwadi village in Pune, was one of the four summiters.

Tapkir is also one of the founders of the Sagarmatha Girayarohan Sanstha at Bhosari, which is now one of the leading adventure clubs in Pune.

Accompanying the ordnance factory employee on the 8,848 m peak were Sagar Palkar, 27, from Chinchwad, Balaji Mane, 34, from latur district, and Anand Bansode, 27, from Solapur.

Bansode also set a new Guinness World Record for playing music on the highest altitude with a concert at camp II of Mt Everest on May 6, at a height of 6,300 meters.

“It was a financial challenge,” said Shekhar. “Most of the climbers took personal loans while the rest of the money came from individual donors and a few groups.

“Most corporates shied away from offering sponsorship, thinking it would cost them Rs.3-4 million per climber.

“However, the boys did it on a shoe-strong budget of Rs.1.5 million per climber.”

Shekhar himself had been a shoe-string Everest conqueror who owned his boots to the Indian Army expedition at that time as well as weather forecast reports.

If the weather holds, the Pune boys will make another go later this week.

Also waiting in the lower camps are three institutional Indian teams: from the army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Nehru Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling.

While 62 Indian climbers are following the route from the south through Nepal, there are nearly 20 more Indian climbers pushing ahead from the Tibet side.

The Pune boys shared their feat with another record creator Saturday.

Tamae Watanabe from Japan became the oldest woman to tame the mountain.

The 73-year-old, who reached the top as leader of the Asian Trekking International Everest Expedition 2012, along with Noriyuki Muraguchi, also from Japan, recreated her own record.

Ten years ago, she had strode to the top to become the then oldest woman to stand there at 63.

India lost an opportunity for another record earlier this month with Delhi teenager Arjun Vajpai being forced to abandon his twin goal in China after developing breathing problems.

The 18-year-old, who holds the record for being the youngest Indian to summit Mt Everest, is now trying to become the first Indian to tame all 14 “Death Zone” peaks in the world towering above 8,000 meters.

He has summited Mt lhotse and Mt Manaslu besides Mt Everest but his attempts on Mt Shishapangma and Mt Cho Oyu, the 14th and sixth highest peaks in the world respectively, had to be called off.

The teen took it stoically.

“A good mountaineer is the one who is able to return back safely from the heights,” he said. “The mountains are always there, it’s not the mountains that one conquers but oneself.”

Source:IANS

 

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