Category Archives: India

Himachal, India, Tourism, Travel

Must know Challenges before taking a Spiti winter Trip

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Sometimes, you hear a place and mark it to your wish list. That is how our Spiti saga started in 2013. And we never knew a single visit there will make the place become our second home. Yes, we are absolutely in love with Valley and now want to see it in in every color, in every season. We have traveled to Spiti Valley multiple times in summers and the wish list was to do a Spiti winter trip now.

There is a common thought among people that travelling to Spiti Valley in winters is not possible – as the roads get snow covered and becomes inaccessible, temperature falls extremely low and survival gets tough. But the question was then how do locals survive. We wanted to see the challenges they face during winters and how they tackle them. So, we took a self-drive road trip to Spiti valley in winters (i.e. in January).

Before leaving from Delhi, we checked the MET department forecast, rain and snow both were predicted in the upper hills. There were high chances of getting struck but our spirits were much higher than the thought of getting struck.

Route for Spiti Valley in winters

There are two routes to enter Spiti – one from Shimla and other from Manali. In winters i.e. by October end, Rohtang La and Kunzum La both get covered with heavy snow, so one cannot enter through Manali and complete circuit via exit from Shimla. So the only viable option is to enter and exit through Shimla.

Our route – Delhi – Shimla – Rampur – Rekong Peo – Tabo – Kaza

Beyond Kaza, towards Kunzum La and Chandratal roads gets closed. So, the farthest one can reach is Kaza and the villages around it i.e Kibber, Komic, Langza, Hikkim, Tashigong.

What to expect while doing winter Spiti Trip

By October end or November first week the valley start receiving snow and the temperature dips down to negative around -10 degree Celsius. Public transport service decreases and the only moving vehicles you get to see are of local Spitians, local taxis and of government officials.

1. Snow on the road

Expect fresh or old snow on the roads between November to March in the Spiti Valley. So, roads will be slippery and one needs to drive very carefully. Snow cutters are there but not on the moves always, so there are high chances of getting struck in between too and if weather conditions worsen than there are chances of roads getting closed for several days.

Snow on the road during winter spiti trip

Preparation

  • Remember our vehicles usually don’t have snow tires; so drive with full concentration and as slow as possible; only during the day time
  • Try travelling by 4*4 only and if you don’t own one, do tie snow chains for extra traction
  • Don’t try to apply hard brakes, especially on the black ice as there are high chances of vehicle getting slipped
  • Reduce Tyre pressure and add more weight in your car by luggage or add stones
  • In case your car loses control, don’t apply brakes. Release the accelerator and let the car go to intended direction
  • Also keep a towing cable and shovel, in case you need to clear snow on the way

2. Limited food joints on the way 

Finding a food joints while taking the winter Spiti trip is a challenge in itself.

After Rampur the places which serves you food are at Tapri, Spillow and Nako. Between Nako to Kaza, there is no food joint option.

Limited Food Joint Options - Spiti Winter Trip

Preparation

  • Carry along packed food, at least a stock of 1 week. You never when you can get stuck.
  • Drink lot of water to avoid dehydrtion & AMS and Thupka or soup to keep yourself warm

3. Sub Zero Temperatures

As you cross Rampur and drive towards Kaza, the temperature dips further and goes subzero.  The villages above Kaza i.e. Hikkim, Langza, Komic are much colder and here temp even go as low as – 25 degrees. So, the key to live and stay comfortable in this extreme weather is to wear proper layered clothing.

Preparation

  • Wear clothes in 3- 4 layers, with a warmer / thermal inside to fleece to thick feather jacket to wind cheater outside.
  • Keep your head, hands and feet covered. 
  • Also keep snow and ice proof, warm boots which have enough traction for walking on slippery surface
  • Carry a pair of sunglasses to avoid snow glare / blindness
  • Keep drinking something warm
  • When inside sit inside the kitchen around Angithis
  • Never touch metal with bare hands as there are high chances of your skin sticking to the metal. If in any case, that happens, don’t pull your hand away. Instead, pour hot water to detach your hand
  • Keep camphor and cotton handy to light fire, if struck anywhere on the road,

4. Limited Accommodation and Resources

As the winters set its feet in Spiti Valley majority of the hotels, guest houses and home stays close down. Only few home stays are operational and ready to host you. So, it’s always advised to go with a pre-booking in winters.

Evening view of Kaza- Spiti Winter Trip
Evening view of Kaza – Spiti Winter Trip

During our Spiti winter trip we met few folks from Chandigarh, who came without booking and it was a big nuisance for them as well home stay owners. First all the running home stays were booked and they didn’t get the place to stay. Second, there was a fight for the resources. Still, the big heart Spitians accommodated them.

Preparation

  • Book your stay in advance
  • Limit your expectations as the resources are limited and life is really tough in winters. Water freezes down in pipes and for usage it has to be carried from far away hand pumps. Angithis are kept burning throughout for heating water and keeping the room warm.  The supplies are stored for coming months
  • Don’t compare winters pricing to the summers pricing. Indeed help locals in whatever way you can
Morning windiw view at Tabo. - Spiti Winter Trip
View from our Homestay at Tabo – Winter Spiti Trip

Note: We stayed with Mr & Mrs. Tandup at Pema Homestay in Kaza; a super helpful family who can go beyond limits to give comforts to the guests. You can connect with them at 9459252699, 8988231033 and they charge Rs 1500 per night. 

5. No Bathing & use of Dry toilets

Pipes & sewerage system freezes down in Spiti valley in winters. Locals keep 20 litre and 40 litre cans filled for the usage, which they get after walking miles from the hand pumps. And this is a part of their daily chores. So, give up on bathing every day and remember to save water.

Also the only option for pooping is dry toilets. Dry toilets are like pooping through the hole in the ceiling of a room filled with compost.

Preparation

  • Instead of bathing, ask owners for warm water and do wet towel scrub
  • Carry enough of tissue paper roll and wipes to clean
  • Be prepared to use dry toilets. Dry Toilets don’t smell if used properly. Make sure to add a shovel of compost after you are done
  • Avoid taking your cellphones in the dry toilets. If it drops in the hole, you cannot get it back anyway

6. Frozen Diesel in the car

Don’t be surprised if your car is not starting in the morning. It’s the result of frozen diesel in subzero temperatures and keep in mind that the diesel vehicles are more prone to it than the petrol vehicles.

Preparation

  • Don’t park your car in the open. If there is no other option, at least cover the bonnet/ hood of your car
  • Mix appropriate portion of anti-freeze in the diesel to avoid diesel freezing. And still expect that diesel can freeze and it happened with us during our Spiti winter trip
  • Wait for the sun rays to melt the frozen diesel or use a cylinder with the local’s help. Also you can throw boiling water over the engine
  • There will be more wear and tear of vehicle in the snow as compared to summer trip
  • Always keep a towing cable in your car

7. Getting struck anywhere

Spiti is a land full of challenges so be prepared for the undue situations. Landlines or snow can make you struck here for several days. So, only move on the route after local’s guidance and stay in touch with them.

Preparation

  • Always carry the contact details of a local person with you and inform your homestay owner where you will be travelling for the day
  • If you see the unlikely condition, ask immediately for help
Spiti Winter Trip

8. Limited Medical Help

There is a hospital in Kaza but you can ger only limited medical help. Many times electricity is not there, although during our last trip electricity was there for majority of time in Kaza. Hospital has ambulance service, but if the roads are closed it is of no use.

Preparation

  • Carry all the basic medicines (like Disprin, D- cold, Chestron, Noroflox, Betadine etc) and a first aid kit with you
  • For any major complications, you will be referred to the Rampur Hospital

9. Chances of AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness)

AMS (Altitude motion/ mountain sickness) can surely hit you at this extreme altitude. So, be prepared and if you see any of such symptoms i.e. a headache, nausea, breathless during Spiti winter trip it is AMS. Seek help immediately.

Preparation

  • Give yourself some time to get acclimatized
  • Keep sipping a lot of hot water
  • You can start a DIAMOX course prior to the trip, only after the doctor’s consultation

10. Fuel and Cash Availability

ATM service is available at Kalpa, Tabo as well Kaza but don’t expect them to have enough cash as well many of them will not be in working conditions.

There is a Fuel station at Kaza which opens only between 10 am to 5 pm and if it snows then it doesn’t open up. Also at times, the fuel tank doesn’t reach Kaza on time. So, there won’t be fuel for a day or more.

Fuel Station at Kaza - Winter Spiti Trip

Preparation

  • Carry enough cash with you
  • Get your vehicle fueled timely

11. Limited Connectivity

Till day Spiti Valley is a remote land and there is only BSNL connectivity. So, it is a perfect place to digitally detox yourself.

Preparation

  • Carry a BSNL sim with you
Winter Spiti Trip

So, these are the challenges which you are most likely going to encounter while taking up a Spiti winter trip. The drive to valley is tough as it checks your patience and endurance but once you pass all this, you will fall in love with it and you will wish to return here every winter.

India, Jammu & Kashmir, Tourism, Travel

Story of Gata Loops, Manali Leh Highway

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Leh Ladakh, the land of high passes is not only blessed with natural beauty, unbelievable landscapes, blue Rivers and sand dunes but it has some absurd stories or notions linked to it too. Are you amazed reading the word stories? Even we were, when we first heard the story from a truck driver while crossing the Gata Loops located on Manali Leh Highway. And imagine, today, this place is famous among the national as well international tourists.

On Manali – Leh Highway

While driving back from Nakeela (third highest pass) to Sarchu, we saw the milestone Gata loops ends here. Next read the line 21 loops at an altitude 15302 feet. I looked towards him (Tashi) in daze, are we going to cross this.

Gata Loops end Signage

He – I guess so as the milestone says

Me– The serpentine road down there. It looks as it will take us to the River bed

He – Looks so

Note: Gata Loops ie. 21 hairpin bend road extends for almost 10 kilometers. You start at 13780 feet and ends at 15302 feet, so there are high chances of getting affected by AMS. (Altitude Mountain Sickness)

And from there, started our downhill journey on the Gata Loops. On the other side we saw the trucks coming uphill on the treacherous curvy road making quite an effort to climb as compared to downhill ride.

Downhill at Gata loops, Manali Leh Highway
Downhill at Gata loops, Manali Leh Highway

I was totally lost in the shades of landscapes around and was clicking pictures while he was concentrating on driving. There in the middle of these 21 loops, we saw a pile of bottles and a small temple. At first instance, we thought it to be a trash point, so just looked, ignored and crossed without making a stop there but then from the side mirror we saw a truck driver getting out and keeping a filled water bottle on the same trash. This scene left us completely confused. Next minute, we halted, parked our vehicle there and moved towards him to understand the story of adding another bottle to the trash.

View from Gata Loops

Me – Why are you keeping the filled water bottle here? There are already 100’s of them lying

Truck Driver – Madam, are you coming on this highway for the first time

Me– Yes

Truck Driver – That is why you don’t know about this place. Passers have to leave something to drink and cigarettes here for the ghost. So, keep anything you have to drink and leave from here as soon as possible.

Me – What Ghost? What is the story behind all this?

The Legend/ Story of Gata Loop

And he started– Years ago, somewhere in October, the truck carrying cargo was driving from Manali to Leh. It started snowing on the way to Rohtang Pass, but the driver and his Cleaner didn’t stop there, as they had promised to deliver the cargo to Leh before the highways get blocked by snow. They pushed the truck hard to cross the treacherous pass Baralacha in Himachal to enter Jammu and Kashmir. But who knew the game of destiny ahead.

After crossing Sarchu, they started climbing the 21 hair pin bend, Gata Loops and there at one of the zig zag bend their vehicle broke down. Driver looked at the cleaner and cleaner at the driver with some verbal slangs. Both of them got out to fix the truck in the bone soring wind, but the truck couldn’t be fixed. They waited for hours for some vehicle to arrive from front and back who could help them in fixing the problem but none of it arrived. It made them come to conclusion that the passes from both sides have been blocked by force of nature.

Ghost of Gata Loops

Seeing the condition, driver made a decision to walk down to the nearby village for help, leaving cleaner behind to take care of the cargo. Driver walked miles and reached a small village but alas there was no mechanic in the village. He continued walking to reach another village and finally he got help there. Driver requested the mechanic to walk with him there itself but seeing the weather conditions he advised to go once the snowfall stops and weather gets better.

The weather turned better next day and they left to reach back the place. It took them several days to reach back and as they reached the site, driver was left completely dismayed. His Cleaner was NO MORE! The poor soul had passed away in a lonely place, in freezing temperature without food and water, guarding the cargo. With a teary eye he decided to perform his last rituals and buried his body at the same spot.

The absurd notion started next year, after the highway got opened. The passers started hearing strange voices and some even noticed a beggar demanding water on the way. Those who gave water bottle, saw the bottle felling from his hands and then re demanding. Whereas others who didn’t offer him water, either got affected by AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness), injured or even died.

We kept listening and looking at him while he kept smoking and glaring at the landscapes around.

Me: Have you ever seen that beggar or sensed anything fishy while crossing this highway

Truck Driver– No madam. We always keep a filled juice or water bottle here

Me – Okay Brother. Thanks for narrating the story. Wish you a safe journey ahead.

After bidding him goodbye, our curiosity had increased certain folds and we were tempted to have a closer look of the place. There were several dozens of sealed bottles lying around a small built up hut, and the hut had a red flag on the top. I peeped inside the hut and saw the most astonishing thing – a human skull instead of deity.  From there I turned back and stood far on the other side of the road. After calming myself down and getting back to the senses, I looked at Tashi. He was literally laughing at me.

Skull at Gata Loops
Skull in the temple at Gata Loops

Our Version of story

This whole looked like a cooked up story by someone and now the same had spread like a fire among the locals and travelers. For us, it was a completely eye soring experience. We were highly disheartened after listening the disbeliefs people had made and seeing much of trash among the beautiful landscapes. Honestly, we didn’t offer any water bottle; neither we saw any beggar nor experienced any sort of negativity around. There were only unbelievable landscapes and cool fresh air around to take your breath away.

Story of Gata Loops, Manali Leh Highway

So, what do you think about this? We think the tale of Gata Loop is another mysterious tale. We request all the tourists and travelers to stop believing what drivers and locals narrate to them. Be positive and avoid littering the place by bottles and cigarettes. This small effort by all of us can surely save the beautiful mountains and landscapes.

Also, if you have heard any another version of this story or experienced any negativity while travelling to Leh Ladakh do share with us in a comment box.

You might be interested in checking our other posts from Leh Ladakh

Leh Ladakh Road trip from Delhi

Leh Palace

A walk with Indian soldier at Kargil War Memorial

Nubra Valley: The Valley of Flowers in Ladakh

A day at White Lake Tso Kar in Ladakh

Attractions on the Srinagar Leh Highway

Ladakh-The land of High Passes

All you need to know about Leh Ladakh Inner Line Permit 

Do’s and Dont’s for Ladakh Road Trip

Hemis Monastery: Biggest & Wealthiest Gompa in Ladakh

Sonamarg, Kashmir – The Golden Meadows of India

Bhuttico Kullu Shawls & Accessories – The Gift of Valley

Leh ladakh Palaces

10 reasons why everyone should travel India

The colored Tibetan Prayer Stones – Mani Stones

Arunachal Pradesh, India, Tourism, Travel

Dambuk Orange Festival – Confluence of Speed, Music & Oranges

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“Let the adventure in you come and experience the confluence of speed, music and oranges with us at Dambuk” – read the email in our inbox. We couldn’t believe our eyes – it was an invite to attend the Dambuk Orange festival at Arunachal Pradesh. Without any if & buts it was a big yes, as we will be heading to the another lush green North East state i.e. Arunachal Pradesh (the land of rising Sun), after Sikkim.

Dambuk Orange Festival

Brief about Dambuk

Dambuk, a Tehsil in Lower Dibang Valley is one of the unexplored places of Arunachal Pradesh. The land is fed by Dibang River in the east and Sisar River in the west. So, in summers i.e. from April to late October the land becomes the prisoner of nature and it can only be reached only via Elephant back, boat or helicopter. So, this is one land which is easily accessible by roads only in winters, unlike Leh Ladakh & Spiti valley.

Dambuk Orange Festival, Arunachal Pradesh

It is also the 10th least populated district and is occupied by Adis and Idu Mishmi tribes. The tribes are majorly into agriculture and they cultivate super juicy Oranges. Dambuk, as fascinating the name is; so being the journey to reach this place.

How to Reach Dambuk

Dambuk lies 30 kms from Roing (district headquarters), 268 kms from Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh state capital) and 189 kms from Dibrugarh (largest city of Assam). The place has no direct flight, train or bus connectivity. The nearest airport is Dibrugarh airport and further journey can be done only in private or shared cabs.

The view before landing at Dibrugarh Airport - On the way to Dambuk Orange festival.
The view before landing at Dibrugarh Airport – On the way to Dambuk Orange festival.

Our route: Delhi to Dibrugarh by air and further by private cab. The time taken from Dibrugarh to reach Dambuk is 4-5 hours. So, total duration to reach Dambuk from Delhi is 8-9 hrs.

Delhi – Dibrugarh – Tinsukia – Roing- Dambuk

After reaching Dibrugarh in Assam, our excitement levels were already swelling. We wanted to rush at earliest as it gets dark here after 4:30 pm. So, with in no time we board our cab and left for the off road adventure. After crossing spanning tea estates, Brahmaputra river, thick forests and driving on the stones and unpaved road, we reached Dambuk around 6:30 pm, completely ignorant about what was all around except the gushing voice of Brahmaputra River.

Sunset at River Lohit - Tributary of River Brahmaputra on the way to Dambuk Orange Festival
Sunset at River Lohit – Tributary of River Brahmaputra

The early sunrise made us rise early and we were pleased to see the splendid beauty. Brahmaputra River was flowing in the lap of Himalayas. There were specks of snow on the mountain peaks, sun was playing hide and seek in the clouds, birds were singing, green was budding, adventure vehicles were lined up and Oranges were hanging from trees. The whole aura seemed extra ordinary and there were clear signs of spectacular confluence of Oranges, Music and Adventure i.e. Dambuk Orange festival.

Camps at Bomjir Dambuk - Orange Festival , Arunachal Pradesh
Camps at Bomjir – Orange Festival Dambuk, Arunachal Pradesh

What is Dambuk Orange Festival

Dambuk located amidst the rain forests of Lower Dibang valley in Arunachal Pradesh is a venue for the Dambuk Orange festival. It is an extravaganza of music, speed, local dances, culture and food.

Orange Festival Dambuk 5 – was a treat to senses and soul. It had all what an adventurous soul like us need- from the happening local sports, dances, adventures, tribal food, music and adrenaline pumping activities. The festival spread over 4 days had day and night stage. The day stages branched from Galo dialect to local folk, classical music to jazz, thoughtful music to rock and poetry. Whereas as the night stages begun after the sun sets on the festival ground. Musicians and bands from India and international, electrified the Dambuk in an unrestrained way.

Some of the highlights of Orange Dambuk festival are:

1. Oranges

The Khasi Mandarin highly juicy and sweet oranges, hang beautifully on the slopes of Himalayas in the apt environment. They are available in 16 varieties and is liked nationally as well internationally. The first global consignment for the Arunachal Pradesh Mandarins (65mm-70mm diameter) were signed up in 2017 and today majority of it is exported. You hardly get to buy few for yourself. Indeed, the demand has already overpowered the supply.

In the Orange Orchard at Dambuk orange festival
In the Orange Orchard at Dambuk orange festival

Price of these oranges vary from Rs. 5- Rs.10 per piece and one can buy them in a beautiful handmade basket/ box in Rs.200/- (Expect No Bargaining

2. Adventure

Before attending the Dambuk orange festival, we always thought that the extreme adventure like 4X4 fury is in its nascent stages in India but the festival broke our misconception completely. Indeed, the Dambuk valley is a perfect setting for adventure lovers to get a frill of adrenaline rush.

Dambuk Orange festival - Confluence of music, adventure and oranges

In 5th edition of Dambuk Orange festival (the first of adventure and music festivals), almost 50 teams from all over India, participated in the JK tyre 4X4 fury championship. The competition was spread over 9 stages ranging from coursing the Sisar River located on the outskirts of Dambuk to crossing the dry river bed with spectacular mountain backdrop, to tackle the steep downhill section in Sinah river, to crossing the slush and swamp.

Jk Tyre Orange 4*4 Championship - Dambuk Orange Festival

The last stage of the Fury gave us shivers. The whole act was more of a teamwork thing. If one vehicle went steep downhill and crossed the stony riverbed, other was well geared up at the top to pull it back by the use of winches. You actually need a daredevil heart and nerves of steel to perform these acts in the lower Dibang valley. Hats off to all the participants and definitely the winners.

Jk Tyre Orange 4*4 Championship - Dambuk Orange Festival
Jk Tyre Orange 4*4 Championship – Dambuk Orange Festival

Apart all these, there were special provisions for other adventure activities like dirt cycling, ATV rides in the deep forest, parasailing, para motoring for around 20 minutes and landing among the orange orchards, white river rafting in the Brahmaputra river, Zip lining, Scuba diving, and elephant rides.

Of all these sports we tried our hands on River Rafting, scuba diving, para motoring, ziplining etc. River rafting and scuba diving was done in association with NIMAS (National Institute for mountaineering and adventure sports).

Scuba Diving in Brahmaputra River, Dambuk Orange Festival
Scuba Diving in Brahmaputra River, Dambuk Orange Festival

River rafting was super fun in group. The instructors from NIMAS taught us how to maneuver the raft among the tides in the river and move smoothly. We crossed rapids of grade 1+K3, 2+k2 while covering 10 kilometers. Getting wet with the chilling water and sun rays pouring to make you dry, made the Rafting experience unforgettable. Scuba Diving in the River, too is exclusive.

River Rafting in Brahmaputra River, Dambuk orange Festival
River Rafting in Brahmaputra River, Dambuk orange Festival

3. Music

Music the soul of Dambuk Orange festival, rocked the festival grounds every night around 5:30 pm. Total 28 bands, out of which 25 Indian and 3 International Brands made the crowds literally grove to their music. Boys, girls, travelers, media, rally drivers all were swaying and jumping with every beat and it was too infectious for us to be spared.

Dambuk Orange Festival - music

The last day weather was showering its blessings in the form of rain but who could have stopped the crowd. People were flowing with umbrellas and in rain coats to listen to the Swedish Band The Thundermother and The Iron Maidens (world only female tribute to the The Iron Maidens). We too were in the same league, got completely wet and swayed with locals and friends in this night to remember.

Kathmandu Killers at Orange festival Dambuk

Although each band had set the stage on fire with its own type of music from trance to punk, hardcore, metal, classical etc but of all the Iron Maidens won our heart. We loved the enthusiasm of lead vocalist Kristen Rosenberg, the way she cheered and appraised the crowd and rocked our Indian flag on the festival stage.

Kristen Rosenberg from the Iron Maidens at Dambuk Orange Festival
Kristen Rosenberg from the Iron Maidens at Dambuk Orange Festival

Other attractions of the Dambuk Orange Festival

Cultural performances by the tribes. We witnessed the Adi Tribal dance, where men were dressed up in black, with a huge head gear. This dance is performed as a celebratory dance, after winning the war and their energy levels were truly beyond appreciation.  

Orange eating competition was the another highlight of the competition. There was a huge participation and the one who ate 6 oranges in a minute won the competition

Tribal Sports like archery, angling, tribal house building, orange plucking and forest walks were also on the venue for locals and travelers.

Local Jewelery of Arunachal Pradesh , Dambuk Orange festival
Local Jewelery of Arunachal Pradesh , Dambuk Orange festival.

Local handicrafts like cane and bamboo baskets, woven and knitted handbags, Dao (themetal knives with bamboo sheath) and brass ornaments were also put on sale at shacks.

Traditional Food & drinks at Dambuk Orange Festival

The Orange festival Dambuk is a great place to savor over fresh, traditional local tribal food. Some of the dishes we tried were Pork, egg fried ginger, Chana chat, orange pudding, Pao Bhaji and the farm fresh Khasi Mandarin (Orange) juice, prized from Rs.100- Rs.200/-.

Pao Bhaji at Orange Festival Dambuk
Pao Bhaji at Orange Festival Dambuk

Along with food, quench your taste buds with the local Rice wine known as POKA, available in 3 varieties as Black Poka, Poka with effervescence and white Poka. The best Poka we liked was effervated one served in the local made Bamboo glass.

Poka tasting session at Dambuk Orange Festival
Poka tasting session at Dambuk Orange Festival

These little shacks at a makeshift village Dambuk, is the most interesting place in the festival as music, booze and talk flows among the random people and you end up making friends.

Shacks at Orange Festival Dambuk

Venue of the Orange Festival Dambuk

The orange festival is a unique orange themed music and adventure festival, organized in the temporary village Dambuk, surrounded by Himalayas in the backdrop laden with orange orchards. The venue was completely organic made with Bamboo sticks and clothes and robust enough to bear the rains. It looked everything has been made just for the festival.

Idea behind the Dambuk Orange Festival

The idea of Orange festival Dambuk was laid down by Mr. Abu Tayeng in association with Government of Arunachal Pradesh to spur tourism in the unexplored land, to increase the employment opportunities for tribal people and to stimulate the economic development.

With Mr. Abu Tayeng Director of Orange Music Festival Dambuk
With Mr. Abu Tayeng Director of Orange Music Festival Dambuk

Today, because of these efforts by locals of Arunachal Pradesh, a state is known nationally as well international for music and adventure festivals like Hornbill festival, Ziro festival of Music, adventure@ mechuka, Orange festival etc.

Accommodation in Dambuk

There are not many accommodation options in Dambuk. One can either pitch his/her own tent or book the place in temporary place We stayed in Bomjir camps, one of the beautiful natural camps, around 15 kilometres from the festival venue. Bomjir has permanent bamboo huts and tents with attached washrooms. Don’t expect the luxury here, but they are warm enough to make your comfortable. You can book the accommodation here with them.

Dining and Bar area at Bomjir camps, Dambuk Orange festival
Dining and Bar area at Bomjir camps, Dambuk Orange festival

Transportation in Dambuk

If on one end, accommodation is a challenge in Dambuk, then transportation too is no less. There are total around 10-15 vehicles which takes care of all the travelers in the fest. Be prepared to walk for miles and then hitchhike. Indeed, this is one of the another level of adventure in the music and adventure festival.

Permit for Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh, a border country shares its border with Bhutan in the west, Myanmar in the east, and is separated from China by the McMahon line. For visiting the state, Indian Nationals need to have the Inner Line Permit for Arunachal Pradesh and International tourist must carry Protected Area permit.

Indian nationals can apply for ILP here.

Must carry for Dambuk

  1. Remember to carry the festival tickets. You can register here
  2. Inner Line Permit certificate
  3. Identity Proof like Aadhar card, voter ID, Pan card etc
  4. Enough Cash. We didn’t find any ATM nearby Dambuk.
  5. Only Airtel and Jio connectivity was there in the zone.
  6. Comfortable sturdy boots for walking
  7. Warm jacket and wind cheater as the temperature drops down at night
  8. Rain Coat and umbrella as it can unexpectedly rain here
  9. Some extra clothes, if you are up for the adventures like scuba diving, river rafting etc
  10. Basic medicines are a must, as there are no chemist shops in the area
  11. Torch, hat and sunscreen lotion

What to avoid carrying to the Orange festival Dambuk   

  1. Avoid wearing any type of expensive jewelry
  2. No illegal/ offensive items as there is a check post before entering the state
  3. No outside alcohol
  4. No weapons and drugs

Our Overall Experience

Dambuk the nestled town in Arunachal Pradesh is a sheer natural beauty. The Dibang river flowing nearby with mountains in the backdrop makes it a musical land. The place and festival is a perfect mix of everything traditional and modern; to music, speed and thrill, yet maintaining the distinct rustiness of the state.

Dambuk Orange Festival

So, if you are done with the common places and looking for unique adventure head over to the Orange Festival Dambuk. You can check more pictures of Dambuk on our social channels Instagram and Facebook or use hashatg #allgudthings

India, Tourism, Travel, West Bengal

Darjeeling Tea – The Gift of West Bengal

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Step into the Darjeeling tea shops and you will be left completely amazed seeing the countless variety of teas. Yes! It is true. There are numerous sections and endless classification of tea in the Darjeeling tea shop shops. We are a regular tea connoisseurs, and being in the “champagne tea” city; it was must for us to purchase various types of tea. But after visiting the tea-shop, purchasing seemed like a task in itself. So, we thought to research first and purchase later. Here in this post we will be writing what we learnt on researching and you too should know before buying the Darjeeling tea.

Darjeeling Tea Shop - The gift of West Bengal

All you need to know about Darjeeling Tea

The Darjeeling Tea known worldwide for its aroma and flavor is grown in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal at an altitude ranging from 750 to 2000 meters. It is considered as one of the finest teas in the world and is made from a small leaved plant known as Camellia Sinensis unlike the large leaved Assam Tea plant. Traditionally, Darjeeling Tea was only a black tea but now they have varieties of green, white, Oolong, Matcha and many more teas.

The tea grown in this zone has unique aroma and pleasant muscatel smell due to the rich fertile soil, apt climate, the incessant rainfall and the gradually sloping terrains. Moreover, the Himalayan tea is still manufactured by Orthodox manufacturing process i.e. Labor carries out the complete leaf plucking process. Interestingly, it is also the first Indian product to receive a GI (Geographical Indication) tag in 2003.

Orthodox Manufacturing Process of Harvesting in Siliguri - Darjeeling Tea

Fact: 1 kilogram of leaf processing is carried out from 20,000 shoots plucked from slopes having 40-60 degree inclination and each bush provides a total of 40 cups of tea per year. The labor forms the 60-70% of total incremental expense.

History of Darjeeling Tea

Most of the Darjeeling tea owe its origin back to Chinese tea seeds smuggled by Dr. Campbell from Kumaon region in 1800’s.

By 1850, the tea consumption in Britain was nearly 2 pounds per persons, England was continuously demanding its own brew and the major supplier of tea was only China. British people were paying high tea tax to China. To end this monopoly, Britishers started looking for the alternate land and then came the name of Darjeeling which was also the perfect retire hill station of the British officials and their families to escape the brutal heat of the plains. So, in 1850 the commercial tea plantation started in Darjeeling. And by 1866, Darjeeling area had 39 tea plantations of 1000 acres producing tea and this number tripled in the next ten years.

Darjeeling Tea Gardens

And today Darjeeling alone has almost  89 tea estates out of which Castleton, Goomtee, Puttabong, Margaret’s Hope, Thurbo, Makaibari, Giddapahar, Ambootia, Tindharia are the most famous ones.

Classification of Darjeeling Teas

Today, each estate in Darjeeling produces 7-8 varieties of tea and it is majorily classified according to the harvesting season- named as first Flush, second flush and so on. As the harvesting season progresses, first flush moves to second flush and so on.

Testers of Darjeeling Tea in Golden Tips Tea Shop

First Flush i.e. Spring Flush (Late February to Mid April)

The leaves plucked during First Flush are the new, young & most tender part of the tea plant. They look extremely delicate, are light greenish in color, have floral scent, and are said to yield the purest and freshest cup of tea.

The tea prepared from the first flush leaves is light in color, have mild aroma and astringency.

Fact: The FIRST FLUSH Tea is the most premium and expensive tea as it is produced in less quantity and its demand over powers it supplies. Most of the Spring flush is exported.

Note: The first flush tea leaves should be brewed in slightly lesser temperature for the perfect aroma and flavor. The Tea connoisseurs suggest that to get optimum flavor of the leaves of this flush, brew them in water after removing it from boil. Don’t soak the tea leaves for over 2, 3 minutes.

Difference between First Flush and Second Flush of Darjeeling Tea
Source

Second Flush i.e. Summer Flush or Summer Tea (May – June)

The summer flush tea leaves are luscious, moist, juicy and larger than first flush. The leaves are characterized by purple bloom and shimmery shiny bud.

Tea prepared from the summer flush is more vivid, copper purplish in color and have a Muscatel flavor (which resembles a sweet fortified wine prepared from muscat grapes).

Fact: Most of the Summer flush too, is exported

Note: The best way to enjoy second flush tea is by brewing leaves for 5 to 6 minutes. These leaves give a strong taste, so add a small sugar cube or a few drop of honey to complement the bitterness.

Monsoon Flush / Breakfast Tea (July to September)

The Monsoon flush leaves contain lot of water, is less withered and more oxidized than the other flush teas. The tea produced from these leaves is dark and strong in appearance. The rainy flush teas are usually blended teas and are served with milk in the morning.

Fact: They are the cheapest of all types and is rarely exported.

Autumn Flush (October to November)

The last flush leaves are different in color and texture from others. The leaves are dark green to copper brownish color, with light aroma. The infused leaves give a copperish gold hue with a fresh fragrance, fruity flavor and a sparkling character.

Fact: Autumn harvest is shortest of all the harvest types, as temperature begins to drop and tea bushes go in to hibernation state. So, the Autumn flush is tough to find, is expensive and most of it is exported.

Note: The Autumn flush is consumed all by itself i.e. without milk, sweet or honey due to its exquisite goodness. The prepared liquid has no sharpness or astringency as it is in the first and second flush and is typically described as the Balanced tea.

Darjeeling Tea Tasting Session

Apart from the flush, comes the Qaulity Grade of the Tea leaves, segregated as:

  • Whole Leaf
  • Broken Leaf (B)
  • Fanning’s (F)
  • Dust (D)

There are over 30 grades in this with Whole leaf being the best and dust being the lowest. If you find SFTGFOP (Super fine tippy golden flowery orange pekoe) it is the highest grade, followed by FTGOP (Fine tippy golden flowery orange pekoe) and TGFOP (Tippy golden flowery orange pekoe) whereas if whole leaf is getting replaced by “B” it falls into Broken category. It is classified as FTBOP (Fine tippy broken orange pekoe) followed by TBOP (tippy broken orange pekoe) and BOP (broken orange pekoe). In fanning’s B is replaced by “F” and it is available as GFOP (Golden flowery orange fannings) and FOF (Flowery orange fannings).

Flowery Orange Pekoe Darjeeling Tea
Flowery Orange Pekoe Darjeeling Tea

Note: The shorter the grade, lower is the quality. Once the OP (Orange Pekoe) is missing in the abbreviation, tea will be just a ordinary tea.

Remember, each of these Darjeeling Flushes has its own characteristic and everyone will have it own view on taste. Taste Completely depends on one’s palate liking, if some will love light and bright (First & Second Flush), others will like full bodied and dark (Monsoon & Autumn Flush). So, we cannot generalize the classification as best or worst.

Apart from this, Darjeeling estate too produces – Green Tea, White Teas and Oolong Teas.

Darjeeling Green Tea:

Many of the tea estates in Darjeeling, have entered into the segment of producing green tea too. The Darjeeling green tea is not divided into flushes like the other Darjeeling teas but the taste definitely varies with the harvest season from March to November.

It is made from the handpicked small leaves (i.e. two leaves with a bud) that are further dried and withered to make the water evaporate. The leaves are further steamed to prevent oxidation as of black tea and they retain natural green color.

The Darjeeling green tea has a nutty muscatel flavor, flowery aroma and is light yellowish green in color separating it from other green teas.

Note: Avoid over steeping of green tea leaves for best aromatic nutty flavor

Darjeeling tea

Darjeeling Oolong Tea

Every tea estate in Darjeeling doesn’t produce the Oolong tea. Only, the estates which lie above 3000 meter, having temperature between 5 -20 degree Celsius throughout the year, and more than 40% concentration of Old Chinese Bush (Chesima) produces oolong tea. The Oolong tea is made from finely plucked or withered two leaves and a bud.

The Oolong tea too is classified as First, Second Flush etc. The Darjeeling first flush oolong is lighter than the Darjeeling First flush black tea. Tea is lighter orange in color. The Darjeeling Second flush oolong is much thicker than first flush and produces as dark orange liquid with distinct muscatel flavor.

Fact: The Darjeeling Second flush is demanded worldwide and is quite expensive

Darjeeling White Tea

The Darjeeling white tea is grown in the tea estates which lie above 2000 meter and where temperature remain cold throughout the year. The white tea is made from the new unopen buds, or from the new leaves which are handpicked, rolled and then withered in the sun making it a rare tea.

On making it has a light aroma, brews to pale golden color and has bit of natural sweetness to it. It is recommended to use more quantity while making the white tea.

Fact: The Darjeeling White Tea is available in small quantities and is quite expensive like 50 gram costs around Rs. 2500- 3000.

Also Read: The virgin White Tea Estate Tour – Handunugoda in Sri Lanka

Darjeeling Scented, Flavored, Blended Tea

This includes the various other teas like rose, hibiscus, litchee, Jasmine Earls Grey etc.

Where to buy Darjeeling Tea

Darjeeling, being a tea estate land has endless tea shops too. We were super confused from where to buy the premium one. Every second guy was referring to one or other shops. After inquiring from the hotel guy, we went to the Boutique Tea shop – Golden Tips. We tasted almost 10 -15 types there and brought which our taste buds liked. The shopped list includes:

  • Lemon Grass
  • Hibiscus Tea
  • Rose Tea
  • Masala Tea
  • First Flush Darjeeling Tea

Whole Leaf HIbiscus Darjeeling Tea

Out of these, Lemon grass and first flush turned out to be our favorite whereas Hibiscus is bit sour but has plenty of health benefits. Masala Tea / Chai we love with milk and rose is what we use not very often.

The other option is to purchase these Tea online from the golden tips, tea box, Darjeeling Tea Boutique etc.

Fact: The demand for Darjeeling tea is higher than its supply so many other teas from Assam, Nepal, Sri Lanka etc are sold fake as Darjeeling Tea. So, do buy from the reputed sources or check for the certifications.

Certifications of Darjeeling Tea

Before buying, make sure to check one of these certificates on the Darjeeling Teas- ETP (Ethical Tea Partnerships); UTZ certified, India Organic, Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade etc. These certify the purity and freshness of the beverage from the Himalayas.

Darjeeling Tea Certifications

Conclusion

Tea gardens in the estates of Darjeeling are like a mystic message on the earth canvas. Visit some of these estates to see the women working, smiling and plucking each leave; to feel the aroma and freshness of tea. Taste it wherever you get a chance and then buy the flavors to which your tongue says WOW!

Darjeeling Tea Estate