Nag Tibba Trek in Uttarakhand

" Craving for adventure! don't think much, just GO."

Yes this is exactly what I would suggest you and any other adventure lover will do. Depends on if you are in sound health and have holidays with you. Though the trek we did seeks nothing more but two days to have an ultimate experience. Nag Tibba is the right place for you to land if you are planning to explore Garhwal Himalayas and wanna spend your weekend in complete peace.

Traveller :

Me ( mountaingirldhara)

                 

Sanghmitra (thepahaditrekker)

                 
Destinations: Delhi - Dehradun - Nag Tibba 
Trek duration - 3 nights 2 days

Nag Tibba Trek 

A weekend was there to invite me for some adventure and here I left with my friend Sanghmitra to climb Garhwal Himalayas.
We both left for Dehradun on 22nd nov at 9:30 PM from ISBT Kashmiri gate. We had dinner near Khatauni by midnight and reached Dehradun at early mng 4:30 next day.

Ginger Tea at ISBT Dun (Our Savior)

It was a little cold and we first jumped to a tea stall to warm ourselves with a glass of hot adrak wali chai (ginger tea), also to get into complete senses from our half awaken body state (We all struggle with subah ki meethi meethi need right! 😀)

Day 1 - Dehradun to Nag Tibba base camp

After reaching Dehradun, we had to reach Pantwari which is the starting point for Nag Tibba trek.

Dehradun to Pantwari

The bus/taxi stand for Mussoorie is at a distance from ISBT, so we hired a battery rickshaw which charged us 80 Rs. during odd hours. After enquiring we got to know that we will get a bus till Nainbagh from here and will have to hire a taxi from Nainbagh to reach Pantwari (starting point of the trek).

The bus started from Dun at 5:30 AM and covered a distance of 138 km in approx 3 hrs. From here we got a Maxx which was open from back to carry construction material to Pantwari. He charged us 100 rs each hand while booking a taxi would have cost us 1000 rs. for 16 km.

So, we seal the deal 😎 and what a deal it was! You know, we both enjoyed open air ride for least 3 Kms. And trust me that was such a thrilling experience for both of us.

We were at Pantwari by 9:30 AM after a nerve chilling open air ride in the month of November. We had vitamin D first of all and then Tea with stuffed Parathas. It was a long journey since evening 9:30 yesterday to morning 9:30 today. We decided to rest a little bit here. Also, because we had ample time with us.

 Pantwari to Nag Tibba base camp

So, after having proper brunch we started our trek to base camp. Around 11 we started from Pantwari.

On the way from Pantwari to Nag Tibba

The trail was quite rough & craggy, as the trek is done by a number of beginners, I would suggest to avoid doing this with your regular sports shoe and get yourself trekking boots instead. Else, you may put your feet in trouble.

So by 1 in the afternoon we were at our base camp, which was near goat village.
Total distance from the starting point to this place is approximately 5 km.

Camp Site near Goat Village

Now here, some important suggestions-

1. The regular base camps set by adventure agencies are 1 km above this place inside the forest range.  So, don't get confused and confirm from your agency if you are coming through them.
2. This point (shown in the picture) where we have pitched our tent is THE BEST site for the base camping if you are coming on your own and have a tent with you.
3.Don't pay any forest fee to anyone that my frn payed ,as we were unaware at the starting point, if you are not pitching your tent inside the forest area.
4. It is the best to pitch your tent near village if you are not carrying enough food. Manveer (a local villager) can provide you delicious pahadi food, they also offer homestays.
Here I am sharing the pic of his house so that you don't get confused while visiting the place.

Manveer's House

We had enough time after pitching our tent, so we came down to meet Manveer and enjoy hot tea with yummy Maggie.
Here we met with Manveer's two children,
Shridev and Tanvi . They were really cute, when I asked them, what they want to become in life, Tanvi said Doctor and Shridev said he wants to become a teacher. ☺️ So good to hear that, may their dreams come true.

Sunset from Manveer's Varandah

We witnessed a beautiful sunset from his varandah. There was a red lining in the sky seemed to be blushing out of joy. I was equally happy & bit lost adoring the beauty & purity of mother nature at that moment. By the time the dinner was ready and a pahadi thali with Maduey Ki Roti was waiting for us. Here, I have saved it for you people to enjoy atleast by seeing.😁

PAHADI THALI  

Day 2- Base camp to Nag Tibba

Last night we had decided to wake up early & start hiking at morning 6 to go to the Jhandi peak. But, as we both were chatting late night and woke up late in the morning, so we changed our plan. We packed our luggage, and tent and came down to Manveer's place. Got fresh and up and after having breakfast started our today's hike to Nag Tibba. So, we started around 9 and reached Nag Tibba by 10:30 covering a total distance of about 4 km.

Forest Chowki

Suggestions-

1.There is a water reservoir near Forest gate. So, make sure you fill your bottles here. Because there is no water source on the way.
2. There are various short trails on the way, don't get confused and take the broadest one. Keep following the same to save your time and efforts .

Beautiful trail passing through the Jungle

The trail goes through the lush green forest where I could find oak trees in majority. At 9000 ft is located the Nag devta Temple, because of which the place is called Nag Tibba.

Nag Devta Temple

The local people have a lot of faith on Nag devta and Surkanda Devi, whose temple was just adjacent to the Nag devta temple. Peopel offer prayers to both of them for peace and prosperity in the valley. There is also a Mela takes place and 10 days Pooja function called 'Saptah' in these temples.
There is a small Kund for fresh water inside the temple premises. So you can refill your bottles only after reaching here. 2 km above is Jhandi Devi top, you can have a clear view of all the mountain ranges in Garhwal Himalayas from there.

We came down to Manveer's place by 1 in the afternoon. Had our tea and left for Pantwari. I must tell you, the food is a little(not much) costly here. So, be ready for that else, you will have ample space and time to cook for self. 😁

We started descending and reached Pantwari by 3 PM or so. Here we again had hot tea and booked a shared taxi with two more hikers who were going to Dehradun.
It costed us 1000 RS. ( 250 each hand) till Nainbagh. From where we took a bus, as buses are frequently available from Nainbagh going to Dehradun.

Suggestion-
We boarded a bus which was going to dun via Vikas Nagar, it took us 2 hours extra as compared to Mussoorie. So, please check if the bus is going via Mussoorie in case you want to save time or have to get down there. 😀

Chillar party (met them twice during the trek)

Well! as I always say, every trek has a pre or post story. This one has a wonderful post trek story that I can't share right now. Please be patient and stay connect to my blogs to know that in the future.

So, here comes an end to our small trekking experience in Nag Tibba, my first trek into Garhwal Himalayas and I kindaa liked it. ☺️

See you soon with another Trek story...
Till then, keep wandering!
STAY TRAVELOHOLIC.😉

FOR MORE PEEPS INSIDE MY LIFE ADVENTURES PLEASE FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK at @mountaingirldhara. 

HOPE TO SEE U THERE! ☺️

A three days solo trek to Triund Himachal Pradesh

“The mountains are calling and I must go.”

These lines of John Muir start buzzing in my head as soon as a weekend arrives. The happiest news that I heard in the last few months was a 3-day’s weekend falling at the end of March. Though I was willing to explore some of the seashores this time, mountains are love and the idea of a solo trek allured me. So, I decided to go with the instinct. The destination this time was- Triund, Himachal Pradesh.

Traveller: I, Me aur Main ;)

Destination: Delhi- McLeodganj- Triund

Trek Duration: 3 nights and 2 days

Day 1- Delhi to Mcleodganj

I was supposed to leave on Friday (April 27) evening itself but, due to a tiring day in the office + my ticket was also not confirmed, I decided to rest that night (Knowing the fact that Triund is not a long trek)

So, the next day (i.e. 28^th April 2018) I had my bus from Potla ground flyover, near Majnu Ka Tila at 8 PM.

Ironically, I was late as my rickshaw met an accident on the way. Don’t worry! All were safe. But, you know na such situations her in Delhi! Somehow I reached the flyover. You should have seen me, I was like SRK of Pyar Kia Toh Darna Kya! :D

We finally departed at 8:20PM.

Honestly speaking, there were no butterflies in my stomach, instead, A feeling of calmness, feeling like I am going home. So, the journey has begun and I, made my first friend, Digi, a co-passenger. She was working in Dharamshala & was in Delhi due to some passport related work. I asked her I don’t know what not! She was so humble answering all my queries in a very sweet manner.

Chokhi Dhani 

After two hours @ 10:30 the bus took a halt at Chokhi Dhani for dinner. It’s a beautiful place with the glimpse of Rajasthani culture & art in Sonipat, Haryana. I had uttapam in dinner with my friend Digi under the open sky. Though it was supposed to be a 30-40 min break, it took 1 hr for us to start the journey again meanwhile, I got a chance to explore the place. Loved the sculpture & artwork there. It was more like entering the magnificent Rajasthan. The journey resumed & we were 2 hr late than the said timings.

Next day at 8:15 am the bus dropped us at McLeodganj. Ab Udi Titliyan 😉

Day 2- McLeodganj to Triund

I had plans to ascend on the same day so, after getting fresh n up at the station itself (as the market in hills does not open before 9-10 am) I was vigorously looking for some aloo paratha shop. After roaming around the entire marketplace, luckily found this one “Sai Coffee Shop” near the monastery in the main market. I quickly hogged two aloo paratha with adrak wali chai and after having some good Panjabi stuff I was all set to commence the trek.

I asked for some guidance from cafe wale bhaiya and he instead was suggesting me to take a guide & avoid to trek alone (out of concern I guess). Digi was also saying the same, maybe because I am a girl. Anyways! I was in no mood to shorten the distance. So, I started climbing.

Galu Devi Temple

The first stop on the way was Galu Devi temple, some 5-6 km from the main McLeodganj market. There is a public water tank in the main “chauraha” if you stand there with your face outwardly, the narrow lane right in front of you leads towards the Temple or say Triund.

On the way, you will find the Regional Mountaineering Centre McLeodganj. As you ascend here, the route diverges at two points. You need to follow the left one, both the times. Bole Toh! Follow your heart. 😉

At Galu Devi temple, there is a general store just adjacent to the stairs of the temple. You can pre-book a tent here with Dharamkote Adventures for your stay in Triund if you are not carrying one.

They provide you with tents at a cheap price of Rs. 500 for a night. The same tent costs 1000-1500 bugs once you reach the hilltop.

100m above the temple you are asked to register your name by HP police. You must possess an ID proof having your home address. They usually ask you to trek in big groups. There are a number of stalls on the way where you can refill your tummy. Don’t buy water bottle every time, as you can refill them in just 20 rs/ltr. This way you can GO GREEN!

The trek is an absolute bliss; the magnificent view of the valley holds you on the verge of ecstasy.

By, 2 PM I was on the hilltop. I wanted to climb up till snowline on the same day but, I was advised not to go further by the tent owner as rain was expected and that’s exactly what happened after 35 min. It started raining there as I got inside the tent.

I could not have asked for more. Rain, tent, Tea, Maggie, Triund top and I. Speaking to my heart, I was actually feeling complete in that very moment. 😍😇

One more thing quite obvious in such a weather is, that the shayara inside you comes out in no time. :P I wrote something that I was planning since long… Masterpiece? Can say 🤗

If I have to explain this journey in one word, I would say “moments”. This place has all the elements to make you feel loved and blissful.

After the rain stopped, I went down to explore the area nearby & see the point where the land ends to create a void of excitement and thrill in the mountains. It became my favourite corner in the entire Triund top.

Suggestion: You are advised to carry own tent if you do not like noise and want some peace at this place. So that, you can place it near land’s end. 

I met a French guy ‘Kelvin’, who had his tent fixed there. In an hour-long chit-chat, I came to know that he was a yoga practitioner and climber. The view at that point was astonishing. I witnessed sunset and full moon over the snowy glaciers together. That was a moment I can’t describe in words. All I would say is, if you have been to Triund & missed this moment, Mark my words, you have missed almost everything. It’s a MUST.

At night, after having rajma chawal (the most common meal after Maggie) I spent 3-4 hrs on a boulder nearby gazing the moon & glaciers and humming my favourite songs.

Suggestion: Do carry tissue papers & extra toilet paper with you, there are only a few temporary toilets.

Day 3- Triund to snowline + McLeodganj to Delhi

I forgot to tell you, last evening I met three boys who surprisingly emerged from the lands’ endpoint while I was adoring the nature. Came to know that they took a wrong turn and climb all the way from the other part of the Triund valley. Their condition was actually pitiful. I helped them to secure tents, so became kind of frnz, a friend in need is a friend indeed! 😃

Saurav (Papa)

Rohit (Tuli) 

 Lovepreet (Luv)

Next day morning, I woke up early as I had plans of snowline trekking. Saurav was awakened while I was capturing the peaceful morning in my camera. He expressed his willingness to join me for the trek to snowline. Tuli and luv also joined us, and we were four to climb at morning 6. It’s a 10 km trek up and down.

Tuli & Luv were finding it a bit difficult and about to quit in between but, my target was to get them to the snowline, since they started with me. Saurabh & I were almost climbing together. I kept on fooling these guys throughout the trek that we have reached the snowline, climb fast. And finally, when I reached there I waved to Saurabh, his words were- firse goli to nahi de rahe na aap? 😜

Snowline Triund

These two (Tuli & Luv) were invisible for some time, I thought they finally chose to quit in b/w, but to my surprise, they were there at snowline after 20-30 min.

Groupie near Snowline Cafe

I was so happy to see them there that I literally started clapping for their daunting spirit. Well done boys!👏

I spent half n’ hour there and descended to the base camp at Triund by 9:30. Already had packed my bagpack. Had tea & left for McLeodganj. This time the boys were descending together so that they don’t get lost again. Reached McLeodganj by the afternoon, got fresh n up and had proper Panjabi meal. Then we decided to explore the town together.

The places to visit nearby- 

•          Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Art & Culture.
•          Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
•          War memorial Dharamshala
•          Monastery in the main market.

Norbulingka is a beautiful place to enjoy Tibetan art and culture. There are various sections inside the Institute for Thangka painting, wood carving and painting etc. The institute is located at a distance from McLeodganj. We hired a taxi from the union office. (it’s safe in case you miss any of your articles inside the taxi, they keep the record). It took us 15-20 min to reach the institute. We spend approx. an hour inside the campus. They charged us Rs. 40 per person for entry and sent a guide along to explain everything.

Cricket Ground Dharamshala

We went to the cricket stadium from there. I must say the only reason you must visit the Dharamshala Stadium if there is no match is its location. You can even cheer for the view as it is surrounded by mesmerising Dhauladhar Himalayan peaks. We saw young cricketers practising there. Stars in making! ☺️

War Memorial

On the way to bus station, there is the War Memorial, jointly of army, navy & air force. For me, this is the temple where I never miss to bow my head, food for the soul. The energy of this place refills your tired soul after everything you have done in the valley.

With all preserved in my memories, I left the place in the evening at 06:40, but with a promise to be back soon. While leaving the hills, the words of my new frn Saurabh were buzzing in my head.

Aap to pahado se he ho na! wahi pale-badhe ho, Fir pahado se itna pyar kyu?

(You are from hills, born and brought up there, then why are you so much passionately in love with the mountains !)

And a grin appeared on my face, with an automated response in mind.

“Tum kya Jano babu Moshai!

In pahado main kya nashi hai…” 😊

See you soon with another story, keep wandering! STAY TRAVELOHOLIC. 

Kafni Glacier : A trek to meet Himalayas in Uttarakhand (Part II)

The sun was standing at the doorstep of night, green trees in the jungle had already transformed into black beauty of the valley, the dense forest became more silent now, at the corner of a dark cave a kettle was kept on fire with water boiling inside for tea, one man with whitish black or blackish white beared was sharing his words of wisdom with trekkers ... no no it's not a scene from the Hollywood movie... 😁 This is the scenario where I left my story of Kafni trek in the previous blog.
A heart warming interaction with Pindari wale baba. (Remember?)

The sun was about to say goodbye by the time we reached Dwali... A 19 km trek for the day finally met it's destination.We could see the bright shining Nanda Devi peak from KMVN rest house. Glittering snow of the peak had nothing to do with the gloomy sky. It's sparkle replaced the need of move spray for our leg and shoulder muscles, which were still in shock post giving the endurance test after a long time.

Nanda Devi East view from KMVN Guest House Dwali

Day 3 - Dwali to Kafni Glacier

It was a peaceful night, had a sound sleep.Next day morning as we were supposed to do a back and forth trek to Kafni glacier, which was a 28 km long route estimated with an approximate altitude gain of 4000ft.

For, such a long distance it was our strategy to commence the march before the dawn this time.(This was how we cheated the distance and height at the same time).
With a glucose rich breakfast and carbohydrate rich lunch packs inside our bag packs, we all strated the trek early morning .The head torches were our Pathfinder in this journey. Slow and steady we all were climbing to meet our self proclaimed host - Kafni.

Our first stop today was Khatiya (@10k ft) after 7 km of climbing from Dwali. (still thinking why the name was kept Khatiya, bed in English... 🤔) We were almost half way to the Zero point now. Still had 8 kms to cover.

Khatiya (10,000ft)

The trail was tough at places, we also did a little bit bouldering in order to proceed. But, it was fun.
Though, each km was not at all easy to climb as, with increasing altitude the breath was going down. I had already finished my water, so as my companions. The distance seem to get doubled.

After climbing about five kms from Khatiya, which i felt like climbing 10. Bcoz, I could see a small part of the glacier right infront of my eyes. So, I was happy inside with the thought that perhaps I have reached there. But, the worst hit ever I got while found a milestone pillar with Kafni 3 kms written on it.

Giving up is not an option... Anyway... 

Don't know about Zero point but That was the breaking point for me at that moment...
No water, paining muscles, lowering breath and keep all this aside, the thundering pressure that if I won't reach there by 12:30, everybody will start descending as per the plan of our instructor and I will have to return without meeting the glacier even after entering so close in it's vicinity. Its like visiting our home but not meeting the parents.

The thought itself was making me upset. And then only Rakesh sir (a fellow trekker) asked me - Have  you ever visited a glacier before?
I said No, as it was my first ever glacier trek.
He said (laughingly)- fir to dekhna banta hai ( then you must visit)...
His words were like adding fuel to the fire...
I thought if I can cover so many miles to be here, I can definitely cover the rest 3 km too.

I literally gulped a bit of snow. And can't explain you the taste of it (I've nvr tasted anything so delicious in my life before). So, I gathered all my will cz energy had already reached to point zero. 😁 And i found the last Three kms were the most amazing trail I covered during this trek. 

The  sheet of glittering snow was spread all around me, (A white carpet welcome by Kafni glacier) With boots all dipped into snow, the level went up to knees as we were moving closer to the glacier. The trail became much narrowed and risky. But, finally I reach there... and met him. The mighty kafni glacier... he must be smiling at me... but, guess what I told him as I reached there-  Oye! look Kya dera hai?😎 I am here now... 

Kafni Zero Point

I just cannot explain you the feeling guys... it was like being into a completely different world...

Though, we could not stay there for long but, those 15 min were completely worth covering a thousand miles.
You will see in the video how dumbstruck I went after reaching this place.Honestly telling It's involantry with me or any die heart nature lover... As the saying goes Beauty makes you go dumb, it's a fact. I experience the same whenever I meet nature to it's extreme.

                          Trek to Kafni Glacier in 3 min

 jiska mujhe Tha intzar... jiske like tha dil bekaraar wo ghadi aa gai...
(The moment for which I waited so long finally it arrived and passed like a blow of the wind...)
So, was this all??
No ways....

when you are into the lap of mother nature herself, surprises have a never ending series of nuclear fission to blow your mind... And vanish everything but the smile on your face and peace in your heart.

we were back to Dwali by the evening and got to know that we won't be going home directly. A mini Switzerland was all set for
our camping to make this trip even more memorable...

Day 4- Dwali to Kharkia to Dhakuri

we were honestly horrified with the thought of doing a 3 km straight way climbing after a 19 km trek in one go while returning. How does one feel after the show is over and it's time to pack up the mess? Well! with aching body & exhausted mind we were also feeling the same...

While trekking back to Kharkia I realised... Once you have taken a path, next time you find it comparatively shorter. Puran Sir, Alok Sir, Danu Sir, Ekta & I, we all were measuring the distance together... And my dear selfie queen added one more skill to the talent list of sir's. They were now an equally good photographer in addition to a trekking guide.

We reached kharkia by the evening and after a 10 min halt there moved to Dhakuri. Another heaven in pindari valley.

Dhakuri Camp site from height

For your knowledge, Dhakuri is a very famous tourist destination and an amazing place for camping. Bourn fire, stories, songs, music, good food and company of  friends... a perfect evening and perfect place to celebrate life...

A perfect evening at Dhakuri

Day 5 - Hike to Chiltamai Peak (A hidden treasure of Pindari Valley)

Next day, again a hidden treasure was there to surprise us... Because we are in a habit to conquer the peaks so, sitting midway at Dhakuri was not our cup of tea. We did a small 10 km hike to Chiltamai temple situated at Dhakuri peak. It was a unique & auspicious experience... we could actually feel the abode of God there... Extreme nature gave us one more reason to feel blessed being an eye witness of it's purity and majesty. The images say it all...

Chiltamai Temple

An ocean of Mountains... Heard before?

Happy moments with buddy

Lost in the nature at Dhakuri peak

Day 6 - Kharkia to Almora

Next day we came down to kharkia, where Marshalls were waiting for us to drop till Bharadi. From there, buses dropped us back to Almora. This is how one more fabulous trip came to an end.

 You know, what I feel & think after each trip of mine... this life is too short and there is Soo much to explore... One life is not enough... seriously... but I want to cover as much as I can... I want to wander till my last breath... I want to see nature in it's every form...

From the deserted mountains to the snow capped glaciers ... let's see what is next !!

Join me in my travel journey ... Mail me direct if you want to be a part of my next story... 
Don't forget to Hit the Follow button on the top right of this page.

Thanks for sharing your precious time with me... 

See you soon with another story... 🙂

Kafni glacier : A trek to meet Himalayas in Uttarakhand

“Those who travel to the mountain-tops are half in love with themselves, and half in love with oblivion.”                                                                              – Robert Macfarlane
The observation goes correct in the case of every mountain lover. If you ask me; I would rather say, mountains have a magic to make people fall in love with them and forget rest of the world by completely losing their soul into the pleasing company of mighty mountains.

Being a traveloholic and a mountain lover what else could be a better way to bid adieu to the passing year 2017 than kissing the first ray of the sun amid lush green mountains and embracing the love of Mother Nature on to an extreme mountain top?

Just an idea was needed and the group was already there, as if waiting for me :D Do you remember the conspiracies of universe … that I was talking about in my previous blog? An adventure group that I joined during my college days was going on a trek to Kafni Glacier. I called the instructors and book my seat.

So, I was all set for a thrilling experience of minus 12 degrees in chilling winters into Himalayas. Trek to Kafni Glacier was on now. I was eagerly waiting for Dec19th to arrive…

Before we move ahead with the story, it is important to make you familiar with the places and faces. So, here is a small detail about the trip –

Travelers:

RJ (that’s me)
  
Chetan Pandey (Chief Instructor)

Ekta Pant

Mr. Dayal Singh Danu

Mr. Puran Khati

Other team members (Including instructors and fellow trekkers)

Destination : Almora –– Kafni glacier
 (Stoppages: Bharadi – Kharkia – Dwali – Dhakuri)

As I believe that every story has a pre or post story. Here, this time also I have a pre story to share with you (I wish to have a post story too… as it was in YJHD;P) he he he… Jokes-apart. So, the story is –

Every good thing comes at a cost. This time, it was my job. I quit my job as an editor with a private firm two weeks prior and came home for the trek. Don’t worry! I will be joining a better place now. Never forget the lesson life teaches you. We were taught in NCC and in Physics and chemistry labs too – Always take calculated risks. So, did I … ;)

Suggestion – Take calculated risks and enjoy life… Keep it simple with zero regrets.

Now,  coming back on the trek.

On 18th afternoon I reached home. Bag was already packed with essentials to carry on the trek. Took shower and after having a proper meal I went on a sleepy dive. The comfort of home sweet home and mom’s cooked meal was one of the best gifts of this trip to me.

Delhi to Almora Distance by road – 375Km via NH-9, Time taken – 10+2 hrs (Additional two hours due to fog and traffic Jam)
Train is available till Kathgodam from where; you can take private/public transport. Fare is quite pocket-friendly within 125 – 300 Rs. per person(as if now) from Kathgodam to Almora, varying b/w buses and regular taxies.

Suggestion – 
1.Try and reach a day prior to the departure.
2.Prepare a list of items to carry in the trek, don’t carry unnecessary goods. 3.Crosscheck the backpack twice. See the video below for guidance.
4.Have a good nutritious meal.
Take proper sleep before night (its must).

         Essentials to carry for a winter trek

Day 1 – Almora to Kharkia
(19/12/17)

Kharkia is the road head, which is 48 km from National highway 37 (Bharari). This was our destination for day1 of the trek. We left Almora at morning 7 and reached Bharari via Takula-Bageshwar

Crispy Aloo paratha

by 1 o’clock in the afternoon. During this journey, we took a halt in Takula for morning breakfast.

Hot & crispy aloo paratha with pahadi special adrakh wali chai (Ginger Tea) made our morning & filled my friend Ekta and me with double energy to keep our stalk of talks going.

However, this route is a silent less populated road with full of Himalayan views.  Right from Binser valley in Almora as you pass through the beautiful Kasar region to the Pindari valley in Bageshwar, the mesmerizing nature won’t let you bore for a single second. So, even if you prefer to keep mum during travel, you can equally enjoy this journey.

After having lunch in Bharari we booked private marshals to reach Kharkia. As it was an unmetalled road, only small vehicles were permitted on it. The marshals dropped us at Kharkia our first checkpoint in three hours from Bharari.

Kharkia

The path was full of bouncy rides but the enthusiasm inside was at pinnacle and the beautiful nature around was cleverly diverging our attention from it. Our stay here was supposed to be at KMVN resort but, due to some reasons we had to take home stay with the local people. I found it quite interesting as it was giving me the complete feel of being a mountaingirl.

Delhi to Kharkia Travel Video

Suggestions:
1.There is no electricity in hinterlands, so better you carry additional power source with you.
2.Forget where you come from, gel with people, you will enjoy their true hospitality (if lucky, you may even get a proposal to become their son/daughter in law :D )
3.Bharari is the last point where you can access ATM and other food and utility stores. The same applies on mobile signals for all other service providers than BSNL.

Day 2: Kharkia to Dwali Village –

(20/12/17)

It’s a 19 Km trek from Kharkia to Dwali. Terrain was quite rough and rocky at places after Khati. Khati (5 km from Kharkia) is the last village in the valley having mass settlement. This is the point where your cell phone with BSNL sim may ring. There is a one in all shop in Khati village, where you can purchase basic utility items in emergency condition. You can have Maggie, Omlate, chocolates, and other edibles or even you can buy Shoe or sleepers etc from this shop. My friend who thought the trek to be a cakewalk bought a pair of sky blue shoe from here. Yeah! They saved her to some extent (better not to depend on these).

Beautiful Khati Village

There is also a temple in Khati Village and a water source in its premises. Fill your water bottle as it would be a 14 km trek to Dwali from here. You will pass through dense forest of Pindari valley.

With us, the route was open for the first time after the natural calamity held in 2012. So, we had to put some extra efforts at places to find the route. Thankfully we had instructors and a local guide Mr. Dayal S. Danu with us.

On the way to Dwali

Though the route was bit difficult but, it has as nothing to do with the intensity of nature to make you fall in love with it's beauty. The craggy trails did not seem much harsh as the view around was stealing our eyes and attention. The mild golden sunshine was giving us warmth by penetrating the sky touching deodar trees. A number of water springs were there on the way to slake our thirst and please the eyes.

Kharkia to Dwali trekking Video

We reached Dwali by 4:00 PM enjoying the trek and covering the up-down terrain with wooden bridges over fires Kafni River. We gained approx 1500feet height by the end of the day. Our stay was in KMVN guest houses there. The only guest house (other than PWD) offering its services to travelers in such challenging circumstances.

Oh! How can I forget to tell you about a wonderful personality I met on the way today...  Swami Dharmanand. Don’t worry! He is not like other self proclaimed Saints. He is a treasure of knowledge and innovative ideas. I had an interview kind of session with him for more than one hour inside his cave, where he offered us Tea and Parley-G biscuits. He had so much of knowledge and experience to share, it made me curious and the journalist inside overshadowed the trekker for sometime. I was keen to know more and more about him and his work. He claimed to have been working for rural development of nearby villages and also with IITs and other prestigious institutions of the country. He told me about the projects and ideas he drafted while answering one of my questions. I was literally aghast and pleased at the same time to meet him. Say it loud,
Pindari wale Baba ki… Jai ho!!

Once more… “Pindari wale Baba ki… Jai ho!!” :D 
DO MEET HIM IF YOU ARE IN PINDARI VALLEY.

Pindari wale baba ji (left to me)

           

Next day was highly important as we had to complete a 28 km trek back and forth to the Kafni Glacier. (Super excited to reach Zero Point). As we gain approximate 4000 feet height during this trek, for this, you need to cheat your mind a little bit. I will expose this trick in the second part of the story and will also take you to the Mini Switzerland and a hidden treasure in the lap of Himalayas in Pinder valley.  

Stay there... 

PART TWO .............. COMING SOON.
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