10 MUST DO TREKS IN UTTARAKHAND FOR A THRILLING EXPERIENCE!
Uttarakhand also referred to as “Devbhumi – Land of Gods” is very popular among travelers. This beautiful Indian state is not only known for the numerous majestic temples it offers. Like other states in North India, Uttarakhand is also a land for trekking enthusiasts. From Long and difficult to short and easy Uttarakhand provides you with various exhilarating treks and hikes. Here are some of the must-do treks in Uttarakhand: 1. Kedarkantha Trek 2. Har ki Doon Trek 3. Valley of Flowers Trek 4. Kuari PassTrek 5. Rupin Pass Trek 6. Brahmatal Trek 7. Chandrashilla Trek 8. Bali Pass Trek 9. Auden’s Col Trek 10. Kedartal Trek 1.Kedarkantha Trek Kedarkantha trek is the most popular and beautiful trek in Uttarakhand. The Kedarkantha peak is one of the most famous snow-trekking destinations in India, decorated with a flabbergasting eminence of falling snow and lined with pine trees. During this trek, you will explore the magnificent views of the snow-covered Himalayas, the verdant greenery, lavish scenes, a bunch assortment of vegetation, and frozen lakes. Maximum Altitude: 12,500 Ft Distance: 20 Km Duration: 6 Days Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate The best time for the Kedarkantha trek is from December to April, the peak is covered in thick layers of snow. 2. Har ki Doon Trek Want to explore the untouched beauty of the Gharwal Himalayas? Har ki Doon trek is just perfect for you. Also known as the hanging valley with a mesmerizing beauty, this trek takes you through the untouched and unexplored regions on the Gharwal Himalayas. The highlights of this trek are the enthralling views of the Swaragarohini peak also known as the mythical stairway to heaven, Kala nag (the black peak), Bandarpooch, and many more. This is an easy trek, ideal for beginners. Maximum Altitude: 11,675 Ft Distance: 47 Km Duration: 6-7 Days Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate The best time for the Har ki Doon trek is from April to June and September to December. You can enjoy a snow trek from December to April. 3. Valley of Flowers Trek The trek to Valley of flowers, a UNESCO world heritage site is one of the easiest treks in Uttarakhand. The stunning showcase of around 300 different types of wildflowers, like the blue Primula, saxifrages, dog flower, and many more is a major attraction of this trek. One can also discover an assortment of uncommon and jeopardized animals like Asiatic mountain bears, brown bears, snow panthers, blue sheep, etc. With the setting of the mountains and the picturesque path, you will feel as you have unquestionably arrived in the land of fairies. Maximum Altitude: 14,200 Ft Distance: 37 Km Duration: 4-5 Days Difficulty level: Easy The best time for the Valley of flowers trek is during monsoons in June to October. 4. Kuari Pass Trek The Kuari pass trek is the best trek for beginners. One of the most magnificent adventurous treks that takes you deep into the Gharwal Himalayas with the incredible views of Himalayan peaks. This trek lets you explore the impressive skyline of these majestic mountains from a striking distance. The trek passes through dense oak and rhododendron forests and rich Himalayan Meadows called ‘Bugyals’. Maximum Altitude: 12,710 Ft (approx.) Distance: 30 Km Duration: 5-6 Days Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate The best time for the Kuari Pass Trek is from December to March, the entire trail is covered in snow. 5. Rupin Pass Trek Rupin Pass trek is another beautiful trek that takes you through the unexplored regions of the Gharwal Himalayas. This trek is one of its kind, it starts in Uttarakhand and ends in Himachal Pradesh. The Rupin Pass Trek is a difficult one, but the beauty of the place makes it worth it. Throughout the trail, you will witness the enthralling scenery, verdant meadows, snow-capped mountains, and thousands of waterfalls flowing down. Maximum Altitude: 15,250 Ft (approx.) Distance: 52 Km Duration: 8 Days Difficulty level: Moderate-Difficult The best time for the Rupin Pass Trek is from May to June and September to October. 6. Brahamatal Trek The Brahamatal trek is a great and challenging winter trek for adventure seekers. Snuggled in the midst of the Himalayas, the Brahamatal trek gives you a chance to witness the picturesque beauty of the snow-capped mountains and valleys. The trail passes through dense forests of fir, Rhododendron, and Oak. One can also witness the little villages, the rare flora and fauna, and streams flowing. Maximum Altitude: 12,200 Ft (approx.) Distance: 24 Km Duration: 6 Days Difficulty level: Moderate The best time for the Brahamatal Trek is during the winter season i.e., December to February. 7. Chandrashilla Trek The Chadrashilla Trek is one of the easiest treks in Uttrakhand. It is famous for offering a scenic 360-degree view of the mesmerizing Himalayan ranges. The trek takes you through the lush green meadows, oak and deodar forests, and the holy Tugnath temple. This trek is perfect for adventure-seekers and nature lovers in search of peace. Maximum Altitude: 12,083 Ft (approx.) Distance: 5 Km Duration: 3-4 Days Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate The best time for the Chandershilla Trek is also during the winter season i.e., December to February. 8. Bali Pass Trek Want to trek through a different and less traveled path? The Bali pass trek is for you. The trek is a difficult one meant for experienced trekkers. It challenges the trekkers inside and out through definitely evolving landscapes, narrow paths, and long hours of strolling. This trek holds the glorious vibes inside that will give you an extraordinary experience. Maximum Altitude: 16,200 Ft (approx.) Distance: 60 Km Duration: 8 Days Difficulty level: Difficult The best time for the Bali pass Trek is from May to June and September to October. You can go on a snow trek from December to February. 9. Auden’s Col Trek Auden’s Col trek is one of the most difficult treks in India due to which it is also the
Activities and Adventure Sports in Manali that you must try
Manali is not just about rivers and mountains ! Like other Himalayan hill-stations, Manali too provides an array of sports and activities for the daredevils looking to try something different ! Here are some of the most popular adventure activities in Manali : 1. River Rafting : River Rafting is perhaps among the most famous adventure sports in Manali. The Beas River offers the best rafting experience for adventure seekers. Best time for river rafting in Manali is during the summer months of June and July. However, the rafting remains closed during the monsoon. It again restarts from October and continues till February-March. The per person cost for River Rafting is around ₹1000 – ₹1500 2. Paragliding : Paragliding gives you chance to experience a bird’s life as it gives a bird’s eye view of the beautiful valleys. Manali is among India’s paragliding hotspots with many places like Solang and Kangra in and around Manali which provide paragliding experiences. Best time for paragliding in Manali is from April to June. The per person cost for Paragliding in Manali ranges from ₹600 – ₹2000 depending on the distance and duration. 3. Rock Climbing and Rappelling : For people who are looking for hard core adventure activities in Manali, offers Rock Climbing and Rappelling activities by the Beas River. Best time for Rock climbing and Rappelling in Manali is during Mid April to June. The per person cost for Rock Climbing and Rappelling in Manali is ₹500 4. Skiing : Being a high altitude hill station in the Himalayas, Manali experiences snow in the winter months. Hence, skiing is a popular winter sport in Manali. Best time for skiing in Manali is during the winter months of December and January. The per person cost for skiing ranges from ₹1000 – ₹5000 depending on the ski routes 5. Snow Scooter : You must have watched Snow Bikes and Snow Scooters in Hollywood Films and TV series. Manali gives you the opportunity to relive your favorite Hollywood Snow Scooter experience in a style of your own. The Solang Valley, just 15km from Manali offers a 2km Snow Scooter ride service. In short, the Snow Scooter Ride is among the best things to do in Manali. Best time for snow scooter rides in Manali is during the winter months of December and January. The per person cost for snow scooter ride ranges from ₹1000 – ₹1500. To know about the places to visit and things to do in Manali check out our blog To know about the best treks from Manali click here ! Want to craft a travel experience all by yourself ? Visit our Tailored Travel Page and create a personalized travel experience !
Top 6 Must-Do Treks from Manali that will awaken the Adventurer in You!
Manali is among the most popular hill stations in India and a favorite among travelers, but did you know? Manali is also a trekkers’ paradise. From short and easy to the long and hardcore – this beautiful Himalayan town provides you an assortment of treks and hikes. Let us have a look at some must-do treks in Manali : 1. Jogini Falls Trek 2. Bhrigu Lake Trek 3. Hampta Pass Trek 4. Beas Kund Trek 5. Great Himalayan National Park Trek 6. Pin Parvati Trek 1. Jogini Falls Trek : The Jogini Waterfall is among the most popular places to visit in Manali. If you are not fond of long treks, the Jogini Fall Trek is one of the best trek routes from Manali. Furthermore, for the tourists who are not interested in trekking, you can reach Jogini Falls by car too. However, you will miss out on the stunning views you get to experience during the short trek. Distance: 4km (approx) Duration: 6-7 hours Difficulty: Easy The best time to visit Jogini Falls is from March to May 2. Bhrigu Lake Trek : Image Credit : En Casa Adventures The Bhrigu Lake is a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 14000 feet above sea level. In addition to this, the lake is held sacred and has its mention in Indian Mythology too. It is believed that Maharishi Bhrigu used to meditate here. According to the locals, this is the reason that this lake never freezes completely. The Bhrigu Lake trek is among the most sought-after treks in Manali and has hence found its place in our list of must-do treks in Manali. Distance: 22km (approx) Duration: 4 Days. Difficulty: Moderate. The best time for the Bhrigu Lake Trek is from August to September 3. Hampta Pass Trek : The Hampta pass is located at an altitude of about 14000 ft on the Pir Panjal Range of the Lesser Himalayas. This pass acts as a small corridor connecting Chandra and Kullu Valleys. From lush green meadows to treeless mountains – this trek offers one of the most diverse views. Hence, the Hampta Pass Trek is regarded as one of the best trek routes from Manali. Distance: 35km (approx) Duration: 6 Days Difficulty: Moderate The best time for the Hampta Pass Trek is from mid-June to mid-October 4. Beas Kund Trek Considered an easy to moderate trek, the Beas Kund Trek is perfectly suited for beginners and casual hikers! The Oak Forests on the way give you a feeling of eeriness and is sure to remind you of the enchanted woods from the fairy tales! At the end of the trek, you will find yourself at the Beas Kund, a glacial lake that is supposed to be the origin of the Beas river. That is to say, the place is popular among tourists and devotees alike and is among the things you must try in Manali! Distance: 7km (approx) Duration: 1-2 Days Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Best Time the Beas Kund trek is from May to October 5. Great Himalayan National Park Trek : The Great Himalayan National Park is home to more than 375 faunal species such as the elusive Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Tahr, and Musk Deer. In short, this is the best trek route from Manali if you are an avid wildlife enthusiast and nature lover! Distance : 20-25km Duration : 3-4 Days Difficulty: Easy The best time for the Great Himalayan National Park trek is Autumn (September–November) (as the animals start their winter migration to the lower altitudes). 6. Pin Parvati Trek Made for seasoned hikers and adventurers, the Pin Parvati is one such trek that is bound to test your endurance, willpower, and fitness. The trek route connects the Pin Valley of Spiti with the Parvati Valley of Kullu. However, this long and hard trek is worth the effort because of the stunning views that it provides. The contrasting features – lush green valleys of Parvati and the barren landscape of Pin are sure to make you appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature! Hence, this has earned its name as one of the toughest treks from Manali! Distance: 80km (approx) Duration: 10 Days Difficulty: Tough The best time for the Pin Parvati Valley trek is from Mid-May to September. Besides improving physical fitness, treks are proven to reduce stress levels, improve your soft skills and help develop a cultural understanding of a certain place. Trekking is an excellent way to escape the monotony of our daily life and get close to Mother Nature. So if you are planning to visit Manali, do consider trying any one of the treks in our list of best trek routes from Manali. If you want to plan a trip to Manali, or try any of the above treks, visit The Tarzan Way! Want to craft a travel experience all by yourself? Visit our Tailored Travel Page and create a personalized travel experience!
Best Adventure Getaways near Mumbai
Whether you want to get a break from the hectic life in Mumbai or seek an adrenaline-boosting retreat with your friends, there are some great places around Mumbai to sate the thrill-seeker in you. So grab your backpacks and hop onto an adventurous weekend with this guide to the best weekend getaways near Mumbai. 1. Glide over the vast blue lake of Pawna Outdoor activities in Mumbai An artificial lake surrounded by raw nature, the Pawna Lake is a paradise for adventure lovers. It provides an overwhelming camping experience with the backdrop of stunning hills. It is a haven for adventure lovers, providing the opportunity to venture into exciting activities like paragliding, trekking, ridge dancing, and advanced kiting. There are trained instructors to teach you the art of paragliding. No prior experience is required as the pilot instructor will do all the work while you enjoy the beauty of the vast horizon. Learn to surf through the winds and enjoy a view worth your lifetime. Immerse yourself into the shades of nature with an adventure getaway at Pawna lake. Pawna also serves as a great destination for couples. Dance through the nights over a BBQ campfire and spend the mornings with an escapade at this beautiful hub of adventure. Distance from Mumbai: 120 km (Via Lonavala, Bhangarwadi Rd) Nearby attractions: Lohagad Fort, Tikona Fort, Tung Fort, and Visapur Fort. Best time to visit: January – May, October – December Precautions: 1. Only people under the weight of 120 kg can fly. Minors require parental consent. 2. Wear a long-sleeved top and trousers and shoes with ample grip. 2. Go on a fist-pumping raft ride at Kolad Adventure places in Mumbai A humble village seated in the Raigad village in Maharastra, Kolad provides a beautiful view of the rawness of nature among green hills and cascading waterfalls. But the quaint town has much more to offer than the peace, a much-needed spark of thrill. Often referred to as the Rishikesh of Maharashtra, Kolad provides the flavors of the north. It provides one of the best white water river rafting experiences, holding a charm of its own during the monsoons. Located along the fastest river of the south, Kundalika, Kolad provides various degrees of difficulty in river rafting. There are a lot of tour planners and offers to give you the plan that suits you the best. The instructors will guide you throughout the journey. Gear up for a thrilling experience through the tricky rapids. The vibrant destination offers much more to adventure lovers, from rock climbing to kayaking. Enjoy a breathtaking view with the best instructors through the rapids of demarcated grades. Distance from Mumbai: 122 km Cost: Weekdays: Approximately Rs.800; Weekends: Approximately Rs.1200 Best time to visit: June to September Precautions: 1. One should void rafting if they aren’t physically fit. Paddling requires physical strength. 2. Drinking before rafting isn’t allowed. 3. Always listen to the instructor and wear proper safety equipment. 4. It is advised to carry a valid id proof. 3. Climb up to the highest peak of Maharastra Adventurous things to do in Mumbai Planning for a one-day trek near Mumbai?? Reaching a height of 5400 m, the Kalsubai boasts of being the highest peak of Maharastra. The main reason for its popularity is the difficulty of a trek up to the hills. The Kalsubai mountain range, located a bit far from the main Sahyadri range houses the peak. According to the locals, a housemaid disappeared in the mountains while escaping from her abusive employer. Later a temple was erected to remember her and thus, the name of the mountain. Though a bit challenging, a trek to the peak of Kalsubai can be extremely refreshing. Surrounded by lush green hills and forests, the mountain ranges provide a surreal experience to nature enthusiasts. Kalsubai is a perfect destination to get away from the monotonous life in a metro city like Mumbai. Experience a plethora of joy as you successfully climb up to the Everest of Maharashtra to get a breathtaking panoramic view of the hills around. While on the Kalsubai trek, you can also visit the Kalsubai temple. Immerse yourself into the blissfulness of mesmerizing views with the seasonal treks. Though one can pursue a trek to the peak on any day of the year, one would get different views of the beautiful ranges during different seasons. There are two popular trails to reach the summit. Climbers can opt for the easier route starting from the Bari village through a steep iron staircase. Experience the serendipity of discovering the panorama of the Kalsubai Wildlife Sanctuary in the lap of nature. Distance from Mumbai: 152.5 km Best time to visit: Monsoon Trek- June to August, Flowers Trek- September to October, Night Treks – November to May Precautions: 1. One shouldn’t smoke or drink while trekking 2. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes with proper grip. 3. Carry sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Don’t make your trekking bag too heavy. 4. Conquer the mighty hills of Durshet Dotted with hills and plateaus, the small town of Durshet is an ideal place to sate your wanderlust. The hills and rocks add to the ethereal beauty of the place seated amidst the Sahyadri range. From a wide range of cascading waterfalls to meandering rivers, the area of Durshet provides refreshment worth cherishing. But don’t let nature fool you! The steep climbs and rocky terrain brings about an adrenaline rush for the thrillseekers. One can pursue several adventurous activities in Durshet, starting from rappelling, wall climbing, Tarzan jumping, or simply taking a walk across the Burma Bridge. Explorers can also experience the ambient nightlife and the exotic flora and fauna. This haven for mountaineers is a perfect adventure getaway if you like to cover anything from easy treks to perilous terrains. Durshet has become a hotspot for tourists due to the sheer number of watersport options it provides. There are temples around the place for those
Ultimate Guide to Tourist Activities during Coronavirus
Coronavirus has made sure that we should be prepared for anything at all. Traveling has completely changed and will not be the same unless we get a worldwide vaccine that can be available to the masses. But since the wanderlust in us is never going to die and our want to travel and explore is always alive, we need to find new ways to tackle this paradox. In the previous few blogs, we’ve highlighted how to choose the right transportation, accommodation, and destination but what can we really do during our travel excursion? Social distancing has made it difficult to just get out of your accommodation and visit the place you’ve just searched for on the internet, you’ll have to make sure that the place is safe to visit and whether is it even open or not. This blog gives you a general idea of what places you can visit or include in your itinerary during a travel excursion with the norm of social distancing still in play. 1. Monuments The most popular tourist attractions in the world have always been magnificent monuments rich in heritage and culture. To explore this grandeur of unreal structures will be somewhat possible during social distancing as well. Most of the monuments have been allowed to open to the public under strict rules to ensure that the virus is kept in check. Only those monuments that are not in the containment zone have been allowed to open with regular sanitization drives and having sanitization points at each corner. One of the most iconic monuments in the world, Taj Mahal. To ensure more safety, no tickets will be sold on physical counters, only e-tickets or digital tickets are available for entering the monuments. This will ensure no contact and also help in limiting the visitors entering at one time by assigning specific time slots. Even the parking and cafes & kiosks will only accept digital payment instead of cash payments to ensure no contact. Entry and exit points have been marked separately by the monument authorities to ensure social distancing at each point, and a traveler will only be allowed to enter the premises after thermal checking of symptoms and hygiene check using sanitization points. Moreover, lights and video shows that created large crowds will be halted completely till further notice to ensure social distancing. 2. Adventure Activities Most of the adventure activities had only stopped when our country was in complete lockdown. When you think of most adventure activities, they generally involve a sense of social distancing since only a few people opt for them. These activities were not possible earlier only because no travelers were visiting due to the inability of traveling. Now, adventure activities are safe to choose and will have an even higher demand in the socially distanced world. Loved by most travelers, rafting is suitable for all adventure enthusiasts. Adventure activities are open in all the non-containment zones as with any other essentials. There has been a drop in travelers and thus people opting for these activities but they are completely safe and provide a respite to a person who has stayed home and washed utensils as their most adventurous activity of the day. I would recommend going for river rafting and camping by the river with a serene night trek in Rishikesh for this time but if you are planning to really get that adrenaline rush out, paragliding at Bir Billing is another great option. 3. Gardens/Nature Park Gardens have been opened a while back for the local public as well as tourists with the limitation of wearing masks at all times. Not adhering to wearing masks attracts a penalty that is applicable in any public area. Social distancing is a little hard to be maintained at these parks as they attract a lot of people every day. It will be advisable to not to visit these parks unless you are taking strict precautions and maintaining your distance from other visitors. Waterfalls are a traveler’s paradise and open for public Some nature parks have been opened in the country for the tourists but most of the wildlife sanctuaries have been closed for the safety of the animals as it is still unsure as to how this novel coronavirus affects different species. Also, since a lot of visitors drop by at these parks, it will be difficult to maintain social distancing while offering a great experience. Other naturally occurring tourist attractions like waterfalls, beaches, and mountains are open for visitors and are safe to visit but some of these attractions do expect a lot of visitors so do maintain your distance and wear a mask at all times. 4. Markets/Mall Whatever kind of traveler you are, you always need to find markets for shopping. It can be shopping for yourself or just souvenirs to take home but visiting a market is the most common practice when visiting a new place. Markets and malls have been opened by the government with just a few restrictions in place. Open markets are present everywhere in India and vendors love to bargain All shops must have sanitizers in place for hygiene safety and many have adopted to set ropes or barricades and marked spots on the floor to ensure social distancing. Open markets are much safer than closed shops and malls. Malls having confined closed spaces have a few more restrictions. Food courts in malls are closed, the temperature has to be maintained according to the government regulations(24-30 degrees), and a person with no symptoms will only be allowed in the mall premises. To be honest, malls are not really a necessity to be visited at all. Open markets are a much safer option and can be visited to buy essentials and other things. 5. Clubs/Pubs/Bars/Casinos Recently opened leisurely activities clubs, pubs, bars, and casinos can now be visited by
