Tag Archives: Himachal Pradesh

My Travel Book for year 2016! Looking for more in 2017

December 31, 2016 allgudthings 25 Comments

It’s 31st December the last day of the year 2016. Everybody is busy planning what to do and where to party tonite to welcome the new year 2017 ahead. But look at me. I am sitting and scrolling through my travel book. I want a glance of the memories and photographs I took in the year 2016.

The year 2016 was a real miracle for me. I was a person who loved traveling but never knew how passionate I was for it. My Love Tashi Aggarwal helped me in finding out my hidden talent. I realized every travel place is unique in itself, each road says its own story, there are natural and so beautiful places where poems are written by itself; people don’t need any music to fall in love, and just traveling together can do all the work.

Anyways, the point is 2016 showed me a path of travel blogging, photography and here I am in front of you all. I did almost 8-10 long road trips, few weekend trips and 2 air trips in 2016.

Here are few of the glimpses of my travel book 2016.

Road Trips – Travel book 2016

The year starts with winters in North India and it was fun experiencing snowfall at Tosh, Himachal Pradesh. The snowfall seems like cotton candies and it always gives me a thrill all over. I can get lost in this white ceramic natural beauty like I did in the beginning of 2016.

The day trip to the UNESCO’S world heritage sites in and around Delhi, especially during winters, is always exciting. It gives me a chance to click a lot of pictures with sunlight falling on them. And one such trip was to Humayun’s Tomb.

Another Day trip was to the World’s finest Wonder Taj Mahal, at Agra. Here is the picture of white Taj across Yamuna river from Mehtab Bagh.

The hidden gem and UNESCO’s site – Fatehpur Siki has a splendid architecture.

The Longest trip of the year was to Spiti valley. The valley opens it the gateway for tourist around April – May. The wind, land, mountains each one in this valley has its own aura and check the innocent traffic jam. I don’t mind waiting here for clearance as got some time to admire the beauty and click pictures.

And when there so many long weekends in 2016, so how could I skip the single chance. The first one was for Nainital (Always on my weekend getaway list) and I always enjoy staying at the earls Court, Nainital for their hospitality and courteous staff.

And the next nearby weekend getaway from Delhi is Rishikesh. I enjoy spending time at cafes around the Ganges and dipping feet in the water. In the evening this places seems ethereal.

The other closest summer weekend getaway is Danaulti, just 30 km from Mussoorie but much more quite and green. These stairs seem like taking you to heaven and actually at the top you get beautiful views.

And yes there were two adventure trips too – the first one was to the place where Lord Shiva has meditated for years i.e. a Trek to Hot water Spring, Kheerganga. (Click to read the complete post)

The second adventure trip was in the woods of deep forest at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Air trips – Travel Book 2016

Who says Monsoon is not the good time to visit Goa. I was there in July and agree the beaches are rough then, but it was awesome too. Everything was vacant, reasonably priced and got the chance to explore Goa without bumping into crowds. Rains make Goa clean, fresh & green and look how beautiful Hacienda De Goa Resort (Near Vagator Beach) has turned in monsoons.

Last but not the least trip during off seasons was to the amazing beaches of Thailand.

My all the trips were a big celebration in themselves, so big cheers to 2016 and looking ahead for more travel with health and happiness, to create a better travel book for the year 2017.

Wishing everyone lots of fun-filled travels in 2017!! Keep reading and enjoying.

Himachal, India, Photolog, Tourism, Travel

Spiti Valley, in photos, which made me mad for Travel

December 10, 2016 allgudthings 32 Comments

The “Spiti” means the middle land; that lies between India and Tibet.

The Spiti Valley journey brings you close to never ending landscapes, ancient world monasteries, gushing wide rivers, crystal clear blue lakes, snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and clear blue skies. In the valley, each carved mountain, treacherous roads, and innocent villagers have their own story to tell. The travelers like us (me and Tashi) get mesmerized to become a storyteller, photographer and travel blogger.

The famous story writer Joseph Rudyard Kipling said: “Spiti Valley is a land of god and this place is no place for men. Here the mountains peaks are high enough from the feet and silence has beaten this place” – I completely agree, there is no human/vehicular noise, no pollution, no over development, no industrialization. How silent and ethereal the place is Only wind and water sing their own songs.

The Spiti Valley has its own crazy aura which binds you to sit quietly and get lost in nature. You start planning to stay back, instead of going. Here in few pictures from our lens, I will describe how the beauty of this “Land of God” turned us to a passionate photographer and travel blogger.

Journey to Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Our journey started from Rohtang Pass, also known as Pass of the Corpses. This pass connects Kullu valley with the Lahaul and Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh.

We were heading towards Chandratal Lake but each mountain on the way stopped me for a click. I wonder how beautiful each peak is carved naturally. The mountains call me to reach the heights and explore the most unexplored paths.

Before reaching the mesmerizing Lake of the moon, on the way, there are so many crazy valleys. Each valley is covered in hues of golden sand, rocky mountains peaks covered in snow, glaciers, and river flowing in the center of the valley. Such views make me think nothing else is more beautiful than this place.

The complete semi-arid dessert, Spiti valley is a world in itself. There are hardly any humans. The wind, water, and nature have written their own stories on each wall.

The valleys are so wide and mountains peaks are so high; that I and this huge vehicle; Mahindra – Scorpio seems to be like ants in this panoramic view.

Driving just next to the river bed, and again mountains have changed their colors. I wish I could count the color hues of mountains in this valley.

Here comes this master place for which the whole journey started. The Chandratal Lake, located at an altitude of 14,100 feet where each mountain changes its color every hour. It is so clean, so quiet and so beautiful. We spent here one day and night. For details check my blog post on Chandratal click here.

The best view- I could spot so many yaks grazing together (Check those black dots)

The Kunzum pass located at 15,600 feet is a high mountain pass that connects Kullu Valley and Lahaul valley to the Spiti valley. The fluttering prayer flags have Buddhist mantras and prayers displayed on them produce a spiritual vibration that is activated and carried by the wind across the countryside. Here the wind was at full speed and check my Scorpio has turned gray from Black.

The Gateway to Spiti valley (Where Gram Panchayat of Losar village welcomes you)

My next stop was at Kaza the capital of Spiti Valley. The Hotel Deyzor, Kaza is an awesome property, where this wonderful caption and calligraphy pulled me to click. Hotel Deyzor represents a true spirit of Spiti Valley for any traveler with a comfortable stay & good Dining Menu. The way in which it has been constructed at such a remote location is really applaudable.

Next day we started our journey from lush green Dhankar village; an abode in heaven. Dhankar is the old capital of Spiti and lies between Kaza and Tabo. It is built at an altitude of 12,774 feet. The village seems as a spur or bluff which stands out into the main valley and ends in a precipice.

Ahead Kaza, we stopped at Tabo. The Tabo Monastery lies at the bottom of the valley, unlike the other monasteries perched on the top. The monastery offers you a stay at a mere amount of Rs 500 per person. The rooms have mud lining on the walls and ceiling and are super cozy and comfortable.

Oh! Not to be missed! On the way, there is 550 years old mummy of Saint Sangha Tenzin in sitting position at Gue Village. The locals believe that she gave up her life while meditating.

Heading towards Kinnaur Valley, at Khab there is a confluence of two rivers –the Satluj and Spiti River. Check whole scene is so picturesque.

Last but not the least; when roads were that adventurous and nature had so much to show, we got transformed to a writer, poet, travel blogger, storyteller, and photographer.

We say travel to this terrain, even you will explore and get to know more about yourself.

Himachal, India, Tourism, Travel

Hike to Hot Water Spring Kheerganga, Himachal Pradesh

September 6, 2016 allgudthings 37 Comments

Imagine how ethereal the place is – the flat grasslands with hues of blue sky on top, erect never-ending mountain slopes with pine trees, 100 feet tall waterfalls singing their own songs, and hot water spring in the midst of all. Lord Shiva meditated here for 3000 long years. Yes! I am talking about the hike to hot water spring Kheerganga in Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh located at a height of 13,050 feet.

Hike to Hot Water Spring Kheerganga, Himachal Pradesh

The hike to hot water spring Kheerganga/ Khirganga (as on Google maps) in Parvati Valley, the temporary village is so picturesque that each tough trail gives you spellbound views of nature. The trek lands you away from the city hustle-bustle, into the serene lap of nature, isolated from habitation, and technology too could not mark itself. At Kheerganga, still, everything has retained its original shape and form. With every step, you hear the gushing flow of water; feel the aura and fragrance of woods.

The magic of this beauty force me to say – “I wish this place always remain hidden from the rest of the world”.

Water Stream on Hike to Hot Water Spring Kheerganga, himachal pradesh

Best time to Hike

The best time to hike to hot water spring of Kheerganga is between May – November.

When and where to start Kheerganga Hike

Start your hike to hot water spring Kheerganga early, around 7 am from the Village Barshaini. Total hike is 12 kilometers and it takes around 5-6 hrs dangling through mountains to reach the Kheerganga cliff. Barshaini is around 22 kilometers from Kasol and 3 km from Tosh.

Barshaini, Hike to Hot Water Spring Kheerganga, Himachal Pradesh

Villages on the Way to Hot Water Spring Kheerganga in Parvati Valley

On the way, there are 3-4 small villages with cottages and shacks. You can eat food, snacks and relax in the springs.

The Village Pulga – Around 2Kms from the Pulga Dam;

Near Pulga Village, Hike to Hot Water Spring kheerganga, Himachal Pradesh

The Village Nakthan– 2 Kms from Pulga

Nakthan Village,Hike to Hot Water Spring Khjeerganga, Himachal Prades

Rudra Naag Temple – 2 Kms from Nakthan

Rudra Naag Temple, Hike to Hot Water Spring kheerganga, Himachal Pradesh

Beyond Rudra Naag, the woods become dense and the trail becomes much steeper. After crossing the bridge at Rudra Naag, 3 kilometers ahead there are 1-2 more Shacks to munch on Maggie and Snacks.

Trail After Rudra Naag bridge, Hike to Hot Water Spring Kheerganga, Himachal; Pradesh

The last part of the trek is a tough strenuous climb before you see an entry point to Kheerganga.

Hike to Hot water spring Kheergnaga, Himachal Pradesh

The amazing landscapes, rock patterns, tree formations, waterfalls, and the alpine meadows bound you to stop everywhere and photoshoots them.

tree formation, Hike to hot water spring Kheerganga, Himachal Pradesh

Accommodation

On the Kheerganga meadows, there were several lodging and food options at pretty reasonable prices. The cafes used to offer to stay in tents and large halls too with inbuilt ‘angithis’. The cost per bed varied from INR 100 to INR 200 depending upon the season. But now, camping and littering at Kheerganga has been banned by the Himachal Government, to avoid trash and ecological disturbances in the sensitive zone.

We stayed at Lotus Valley, which had small private cozy rooms for two, at a reasonable price of INR 300.

Lotus Valley, Hike to hot water spring Kheerganga, himachal Pradesh

Note: Parvati Valley is turning to an Israeli habitat and wonderland for cannabis (weed) users.

Also Read: The guide to weed in India

What to do at Kheerganga

The trek is tough and tiring (I wonder how people grade it in easy category) but the mystical and mesmerizing views, take away all your pains.

After reaching,

Head towards spring to get yourself immersed in hot water with mountains all around
Sip a wonderful coffee with awesome sandwich, admiring how the sun sets at such an altitude
Take photos of glowing peaks at sunset

Get tranquilized with smoke and trance music in the evening.
Wake up next morning to see sun splashing colors on the mountains

Calm yourself and gather your thoughts in the peace

Things to take care of

Hike only during day time (not after 6 pm) and be careful with wildlife
Carry light – Must include a pair of slippers, wind and rain cheater, sun block, an extra pair of t-shirt, lower, a small torch and band aid. Make sure your trekking shoes are not slippery as the weather is completely unpredictable
Keep some dry fruits and energy bars handy – As they act as an instant source of energy
Stay hydrated to avoid muscle cramps
Do not pluck apples on the way – it’s annoying for the locals as well as you will end paying Rs 1000 for a single apple
Do not litter here and there. What you carry either dispose it nicely in the bins or bring it back. Hollow Tree barks are used as bins
Avoid Shortcuts unless you are with a guide who knows in and out about the place
Watch your steps at hot water spring as it is very slippery
Never run and be careful with stones – A single wrong step can end up the story so be very cautious while ascent as well as descent.
Landslides – Cross landslides with the help of porters or guides. They can guide you where to place feet and how to cross it
Do not push yourself – Stop! Take a deep breath and then move ahead calmly.

Important:

Do not listen to people for any negative thoughts. You know what is right or wrong for you. If you have a strong will and your goal is clear, you will definitely achieve it with a smile and accomplishment.

This is our view on the hike to hot water spring Kheerganga, Himachal Pradesh. Share your thoughts and pictures.

Himachal, India, Tourism, Travel

5 Offbeat Monsoon Weekend Getaways from Delhi

August 19, 2016 allgudthings 2 Comments

As the sky pours some showers in Delhi, it becomes a nightmare. Humidity soars and roads get packed with traffic jams. But not to worry when the weekend getaways from Delhi are around only. The idyllic monsoons of Himachal invite you to get hypnotized by nature.

So, here are the top 5 monsoon weekend getaways from Delhi, that will make you fall in love with rain showers.

%CODE1%

Garli Pragpur (Heritage Village), Himachal Pradesh

Distance form Delhi – 411 Kms

Route – Delhi- Panipat – Karnal – Kurkushetra – Ambala – Kharar –Rupnagar – Anandpur Sahib – Nangal – Amb – Pragpur

Garli Pragpur - weekend getaways from Delhi — Garli Pragpur, Himachal Pradesh (Source -www.oddroad.com)

In & Around – Pragpur Taal surrounded by heritage properties, Haripur Guler- The Kangra School of Painting, The Kangra Fort, Dada Siba Temple, The Judges Court, pilgrimage places – Chintpurni, Jawalji, Chanunda Devi, Orchards of Lemon, Mango

Not to miss – Narrow gauged train track; Village walk watching cobbled street, Rahat water tank and slate roofed houses; local craft, Kangra style paintings, treks, bird watching.

Chindi, Himachal Pradesh

Distance form Delhi – 419 Kms

Route – Delhi – Panipat – Karnal – Kurkushetra – Ambala – Zirakpur – Pinjore– Dharampur – Arki – Tatapani – Alsindi – Chindi

Chindi - Weekend getaways from Delhi — Chindi, Karsog Valley (Source –devilonwheels.com)

In & Around – Bhima rock, Churag temple, Mamleshwara Mahadev, Kamakshya Mata, Sulphur springs at Tattapani

Not to miss– Eat, sleep, and relax, orchards of apples, dense woods of deodar and pine

%CODE3%

Matiana, Himachal Pradesh

Distance form Delhi – 387 Kms

Route – Delhi – Panipat – Karnal – Kurkushetra – Ambala – Zirakpur –Kasauli – Solan – Shimla– Kufri – Matiana

Matiana- Weekend getaways from Delhi — Matiana, Himachal Pradesh (Source: www.youtube.com)

In & Around – Shiva Temple, Apple Orchards, Flower fields, Day trip to Narkanda, Hatu Peak

Not to miss– Nature walks, trekking, bird watching, from the hill top winding Hindustan Tibet Road

Thanedar, (Birthplace of Himachali Apple) Himachal Pradesh

Distance form Delhi – 418 Kms

Route – Delhi – Panipat – Karnal – Kurkushetra – Ambala – Zirakpur – Dharampur – Solan – Shimla – Matiana – Narkand – Thanedar

Thanedar - Weekend Getaway from Delhi — Thanedar, Himachal Pradesh (Source -www.tripzuki.com)

In & Around – Nag Devta Temple, Tani – Jubbar Lake, Hattu Peak, St. Mary’s Church, Parmjyotir Temple

Not to miss – Sweet smell of apple orchards, Saroga forest walk, Himalayan walk, treks and adventures

Kangojodi, Himachal Pradesh

Distance form Delhi – 387 Kms

Route – Delhi – Panipat – Karnal – Kurkushetra – Shahbaad –Mullana –Nahan –Camp-Roxx Adventure Camp (Kangojodi)

Kangojodi - Weekend getaways from Delhi — Kangojodi, Himachal Pradesh (Source: www.vicinito.com)

In & Around – Thick canopy of pine & Deodar trees, Natural Water Spring, River, day activities like rope balancing, rappelling, flying fox, river crossing organised by Roxx Adventure Camp, Nahan, Renuka Lake, Suketi Fossil Park

Not to miss – Camping, trekking, relaxing, rejuvenating, bird watching and water splashing

So, which one are you choosing for the coming weekend getaways. Comment and let us know!