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A GREAT DESTINATION
ETERNAL
INDIA
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geographical variety. Wide valleys and deep gorges give way to
thick deciduous forests, rolling meadows and undulating tea
gardens, snow-covered peaks tower over thundering rivers and
deeply fissured glaciers. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh,
Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim and West Bengal all offer unique trekking
and mountaineering experiences in the shadow of the mighty
Himalayas.
JAMMU AND KASHMIR
The 4-day Amarnath cave trek goes to Amamath cave at 3900m
where a natural lingam of ice is revered by pilgrims. (July -
August). From Srinagar one can go by jeep or car to Pahalgam
(2130 m).
The second day's trek is till Sheshnag (37 00m, a trek of 11m).
The third day's destination is Panchtarmi (11km). The fourth day's
trek to reach the cave covers 8km.
More ambitious treks are to Kolahoi Glacier (36km 3700m)
camping at the glacier base 3352m, and to the meadows of gold,
Sonmarg (74km). The 10-day trek from Padam to Lameyuru
passes by the famous Burden Gompa monastery. Another 10-day
trek from Skiu to Markha in Ladakh begins at Marsetlong after
driving from Hemis (Leh). A six-day trek from Srinagar to Kisht-
war is ideal for the amateur trekker as the route is not too arduous.
HIMACHAL PRADESH
The mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh is easily acces-
sible overnight from Delhi and this makes it popular with trekking
enthusiasts. Four mountain ranges - the Shivalik, Dhauladhar,
Pangi and inner Himalayan - traverse this land of snow and moun-
tains.
One of the most popular treks is from Shimla to Banjar (3135m)
via Luhri (85 km by bus), Ani-Khanaj - Jalorri pass and Jibhit. This
is an easy five-day trek with stages ranging from 15 and 25km and
can be done in relative comfort as resthouse accommodation is
available at all places. The route is along the banks of the Sutlej
river and through forest scenery. From Banjar one has the choice of
going to Kulu (58km) or returning via Mandi by bus.
An easy trek in the Dhauladhar range is from Dharamsala via
Bhagsunath (llkms) to Triund (9km, 2800m) and back to Dhar-
amsala.
From Kulu via Jari (35km by bus) - Malana (10 Jem, 2140m) -
Naggar (15km) and back to Kulu/Manali (20 km by bus) is a
strenuous but exciting trek. The trail follows the Malana river
through a wooded and steep valley and climbs up to the Chan-
drakani pass (3650m) before descending to Naggar.
Mention must be made of some of the more exciting and remot-
est routes. A two-week trek through the mountain scenery of
Lahaul starts from Jispa Keylong and goes through Baralacha pass
(4892m), Chandratal (4270m), Betal (3960m) and Hamta pass
(4300m).
The Manikaran - Pulga - Sara Umga pass (4500m) Chota Dara
route skirts the large and treacherous Bara Shigri Glacier. The trek
starts in the beautiful Parvati valley and offers close views of many
over - 6000 m high peaks.
UTTAR PRADESH
The two hill regions of Garhwal and Kumaon in Uttar Pradesh
offer fabulous views of the snow-capped mountains and excellent
treks. There are two trekking seasons — May-June before the
monsoons and September-November.
Garhwal
Garhwal's beauty lies in the dramatic counterpoint of steep
wooded valleys yielding suddenly to towering peaks. The hills of
Kumaon are more gentle than those of Garhwal. Lakes abound in
the UP Himalayas.
The trek to the source of the river Ganga begins from the
roadhead at Gangotri. One follows a fairly level trail alongside the
river for 19 km till the snout of the glacier is reached. The river rises
from an ice cave and the surroundings, especially if one proceeds
another 5 km along the glacier to Tapovan, are among the most
sublime in the world. Another fabulous trek is the Curzon Trail over
the Kuari Pass at 12,000 ft. The trek begins at Joshimath and after
reaching Tapovan carries on over the Kuari Pass. This trail was
chosen by the Viceroy Lord Curzon as the most impressive of the
Garwhal bridle paths.
A less trod area and a favourite of those who love flowers is the
Hari-ki-Doon in western Garhwal. A lovely meadow at Bedni is an
offshoot on the Curzon Trail. This lies above the tree line en route
to the great mystery lake Rupkund.
At Hemkund, near the world famous Valley of Flowers, is the
high lake sacred to the Sikhs, a very steep climb of 19 km which is
best done over two days if the visitor is not acclimatised. The first
section of 14 km through the wooded valley of the Bhuindar valley
leads to the halting place of Ghangaria set amidst a thick cypress
forest. From here the valley of Flowers with its phenomenal 1000
varieties of plants is only 4 km away. Owing to the popularity of
this trek camping has been prohibited in the valley.
For those who enjoy angling there is the easy three-day trek to
Dodital near Uttarkashi where a licence can be obtained for fishing
trout. Part of the trek route is covered by motorable road from
Uttarkashi.
Base Mussoorie
: Queen of hill stations, Mussoorie is a popular
tourist destination from Delhi, and is therefore also a favourite base
for trekkers. Accommodation here includes several privately run
hotels, and a tourist bungalow.
Route (1) :
Mussoorie (2,001m) - Dhanaulti (2,600m, 26 km) -
(Bheetsi, 6km) - Sahastradhara (14 km) - Dehra Dun (14 km).
Route
(2) : Mussoorie (2,001m) - Dhanaulti (2,600m, 26 km) -
Gopichand ka Mahal (12km) - Anand Chowk (10km) - Ringal Garh
(13 km) - Rangar Gaon (15 km) - Guttu (6 km) - Maldevata (18
km).
Base Uttarkashi
: Uttarkashi is among the most beautiful of the
Garhwal districts with high above, a snowline that endures year
round and below a carpet of forests, superb Himalayan views and
all the joys of trekking through God's country.
Route (1) :
Uttarkashi (1,158 m) - Gangotri (3,048 m, 100 km)
-
Bhojbasa (3,500 m, 14 km) - Gaumukh (3,969 m, 4 km) - Tapovan
(4,200 m, 6 km).
Route
(2) : Uttarkashi (1,158 m) - Bhatwari (2,000 m, 30 km) -
Raithal (7,000 ft, 4km) - Dayara (3,400m, 12km) - Dodital (3*307
m, 35 km) - Agoda (2,000 m, 16 km) - Kalyani (1,800 m, 6 km).
Route (3)
: Uttarkashi (1,158 m) - Malla (2,000 m, 25 km)-Belak
(2,439 m, 15 km) - Jhala (2,439 m, 9 km) - Budhakedar (1,525 m,