Tag Archives: spiti

Tabo- The National Historic Treasure of India

April 24, 2018 allgudthings 25 Comments

Around 970 AD, there was a hidden, unknown mountain face in Lahaul -Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India. This mountain face at 10,760 feet was traced and occupied by few imperial souls – “Lamas” who wanted to practice Buddhism away from the materialistic life in the absolute peace. The simple men with the simple needs in life carved down their dwelling and meditation halls in this mountain face. Not only that; they further decorated their walls with murals and carvings. So, that’s how the mountain face got established and named as village of Cavemen, Caves or Tabo. Just beneath the foot of this cave mountains stand 1000 years old, holy monastery known as the Tabo Monastery or the “Ajanta of the Himalayas”.

About Village Tabo

Tabo, a well-known Buddhist Pilgrimage today; is a green oasis in the middle land Spiti, just like village Nako. It lies 155 kilometers from Rekong Peo and can be reached in 5-6 hours. The village is a flat bowl shaped green valley enclosed by arid mountains from all sides. The fluttering Tibetan prayer flags, chortens and mani stones around the village are a mark of the Buddhism vibes and establishment. The greenery around the village marks they are agriculturalist and have good produce of pea, cabbage, apples etc

The village Tabo has a total population of 500 and few houses. It is another Himalayan glory with lanes and by lanes. These lanes are lined by typical Spitian houses made of mud and stones with orchids around whereas others few have turned their homes to multi storied home stays and guest house. Actually, we were shocked to see how the things have changed here in 3-4 years. It seemed, that the village had been a part of time capsule advancement.

Anyways, we reached Tabo late evening from Rekong Peo which lies in Kinnaur, when the temperatures had already dipped. So, without wasting much time, we opted for a short walk to breathe the fresh air of beautiful village Tabo. Around 6:00 pm, most of the village seemed slept, market was shut, except few tea, coffee shops where 3-4 wrinkled, sunburn men were chatting. Then suddenly one of them asked -why are you here in winters, very few people travel this time and only few places are open. We smiled and conveyed him that we wanted to see the white Spiti Valley. We are prepared for the weather and have arranged a place to stay.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhgEMiPnUh9/?taken-by=suruchimittal

Further, we continued walking for 15 more minutes. Then saw some unfriendly dogs following us, which scared us out and we turned back to our Homestay. After chatting for hours with owners and having scrumptious local meal, we retired off to bed.

Sightseeing at Tabo

Next day was set to explore the attractions of Tabo. The small village has not many attractions. But is is well known for 1000-year-old monastery and the Caves. We felt the place itself is a attraction.

Tabo Monastery (Timings: 6am to 5pm)

The Tabo Monastery also known as Tabo Chos –Khor monastery is one of the fascinating archeological complex and is proposed to be under world UNESCO heritage site list. It too is one of the oldest and pious Monasteries in the Trans Himalayan range. The monastery was initially set as advanced Buddhist learning center and until day it has maintained the Buddhist legacy with utter purity.

The holy monastery complex is a perfect example of Indo–Tibetan art. It is walled from all sides by the tall mud walls and have arid mountain in backdrop, making it look the part of mountain itself. The complex houses 9 temples, 23 chortens (without adornments), a monk’s chamber and the nuns chamber inside. The temples inside the complex are adorned with intricate murals, frescoes, paintings and Thangkas depicting the life story of Buddha, which we really failed to understand.

Old Tabo Monastery complex - Spiti Valley — Old Tabo Monastery complex

In 1975, the Kinnaur earthquake severely damaged the old monastery. Today, Monastery stands erect but in despair state and the paintings are fading. The ongoing restoration work is under ASI (Archaeological sites of India), to preserve it as a National Treasure of India.

Mani Stones around Chortens in old Tabo Monastery

Just adjacent to the old stands a new Monastery and huge Tabo Gompa, which resembles exactly the Gompa’s of other monasteries of Spiti Valley.

Tabo Caves

The other fascinating attraction is the Tabo caves which can be reached after a good steep hike. The caves overlook the green village and flowing Spiti River. Not one, but several in number, these caves have narrow small openings to enter and there are rooms with in the rooms. The caves were in severe dilapidated state and some of these looked almost rudimentary.

These are believed to be the mediation chambers of Monks and some are still used till day. We found one of them had a door too, which according to our guide was put recently by some villager, quoting the respective cave to be his ancestral place. Interesting!

Village Tabo view while hiking for caves — Top View of Village Tabo

Tabo Helipad

Tabo Helipad lies exactly on one end of the village in between the mountains. Occasionally Helipad is used as a helipad whereas at rest times it is a playground for cricket and other adventure activities.

Walkthrough the narrow lanes of village and to the river

We feel there is something in the air of Tabo – the good vibes, the positive energy and happiness. It has to be, as we are in the land of Gods. So, walk through the narrow lanes, talk to locals, say Julley and fill yourself with the positivism. Indeed, we feel the village itself is quite picturesque.

Star Gazing and Night Photography

Tabo and the whole Spiti Valley is a wonderful place for night photography, only if the sky is clear. So, go for it if the sky is starry. You will surely get some wonderful shots. We couldn’t try our hands because it was cloudy and snowing.

Apart this, Tabo is a base to several treks and opt for them only with the guides.

Places to Stay

The Village boosts about several lodges, guest houses and home stays. We have been to Tabo thrice and have stayed at some of these. The best one’s we recommend are Phuntsok’s /Baba’s Homestay and the Tabo Monastery guest house.

Phuntsok’s Homestay lives perfectly to the name of homestay. The family treats one like a family member and will provide the utmost comfort. Homestay is operational both during summers and winters. The rooms are well furnished and have attached washrooms. Just in winters, be prepared to use the common dry pit toilets, which probably one has to use everywhere in Spiti during winters. (Charges per person per day – around Rs.1500/-).

Tabo Monastery’s guest house rooms is an apt choice for summers. These mud rooms come with attached washroom and are super warm and cozy. In winters, the guest house is usually closed. Also, while staying with them do try their delicious Tibetan and Chinese food. (Double Bed room – Charges per day – Rs.500/-).

Food at Tabo

There are several cafés and bakeries in Tabo serving various types of cuisines. Our recommendation is try one meal at Monastery’s café. Munch on their Thupka and freshly cooked Momos.

How to reach Tabo

Tabo can be reached only via road from Shimla (365 kilometers) or Manali (150 kilometers). In summers, its accessible from both sides. So, we always recommend to do a circuit trip whereas in winter, the too and fro journey can be done only from Shimla side, because of the closure of Kunzum La and Rohtang La.

Read about: Ladakh – The Land of Passes

Advised route for summers (Circuit trip) – Delhi – Chandigarh – Manali – Kaza – Tabo – Nako – Rekong Peo – Rampur – Shimla – Zirakpur – Delhi or vice versa

Route for winters– Delhi – Chandigarh – Shimla – Rampur – Rekong Peo – Nako – Tabo-kaza

Expected temperature

Weather is highly unpredictable in Tabo. If at one time its sunny, other time it will be cloudy accompanied by rains and even snowfall.

Summers: lasts from May to August or maximum mid-September. The temperature ranges from -5 degree Celsius at night to 20 degrees Celsius during day.

Winters: lasts from September to April and the temperature ranges from 4 degrees Celsius during day to -45 degree Celsius during night. Winters are extremely harsh.

Best Time to Go: The best time to travel is from May to September. If you want to see white land, then go in winters between December to march.

Points to Remember

Tabo lies in rain shadow bearing zone but the temperature changes here, unexpectedly. So do carry some woolens.
Do spend one night in Tabo
Respect the local culture and religion
Buy a souvenir from monastery, if possible. The collected money is used for the maintenance of monastery.
Photography inside the monastery is prohibited to prevent damage to the artwork. Please do respect that,
If you are planning to travel during winters, remember the options for food and lodging are very limited and fix your stay before leaving.
Multiple ATM’s have opened up in Tabo, but don’t expect all of them to be in working state.
Till day, only BSNL connections work in Tabo
There is no fuel station at Tabo. The nearest one is either at Rekong Peo or Kaza.
At Tabo, Earlier electricity used to be there for limited hours but during our recent visit in January 2018, electricity was there for whole day as well night.
Most important do not litter the Himalayas. Keep them clean.

So, overall the travel to this Holy land is a bliss and it leaves you with the intriguing thoughts and questions.

If you need any more info, to plan you summer as well winter trip, please do leave a comment in the comment box. We will be happy to answer them.

Himachal, India, Tourism, Travel

Spiti Valley in winters: Self Drive Road Trip guide

February 8, 2018 allgudthings 49 Comments

Do you want to come along for the winter Spiti Valley expedition? We asked our friends before planning the trip. With the popped eyes and open mouth, they replied – Are you guys crazy? Spiti valley in winters– the roads will be snow-covered, temperatures fall down to -40 degrees Celsius, pipes and water get frozen, people come down to the lower hills for survival and you want to do a road trip there. It is India’s remotest & inaccessible area. Crazy people, go in summers! All this surely led to the second thought but who could stop the adventurous wanderlust of ALLGUDTHINGS, after seeing the beautiful cold desert, Spiti valley in summers.

So, in January, we took a planned self-drive road trip from Delhi to Spiti Valley. We took the first halt at Shoghi and spent 2 good memorable days at Aamod Resort Shoghi. Further, from there, we continued our trip to reach and explore the snow sheeted middle land i.e. winter Spiti .

Tip: Never do an unplanned trip to Spiti Valley in winters i.e. offseason, as it can land you in serious trouble.

Spiti Valley in winters

Just like our friends, the majority of people think the Spiti valley is inaccessible in winters. But it is not so. Some parts of Spiti valley are open especially the Shimla – Kaza road. Also, it is a perfect time to see winter Spiti life.

Spiti valley in winter is entirely the transformed version of Spiti we had seen earlier in summers. The semi-arid mountains, deep terrains, a stretch of barren landform and green oasis, all were supposed to be completely shrouded by a blanket of snow in the month of January. But nature had some other plans for us.

The Kaza in winter was snow sheeted whereas the rest Spiti Valley looked just replenished by wind and nature. Spiti River looked like a sea of snow or white cotton candies floating in the turquoise blue water. The mesmerizing spectacle of the whole valley left us just go on clicking and clicking.

Spiti Valley in Winters: Self Drive road trip travel guide

The winter Spiti Valley is really different and unique as there are only a few visitors and you feel the whole valley belongs to you. You get ample time to talk, stay, and interact with the Spitian’s. They make you taste the most wonderful delectable local cuisines.

Kaza Village in a blanket of snow: Spiti Valley in Winters

So, a winter Spiti trip, to this picture postcard land is a must for adventure enthusiasts and road trip lovers. And here is a self-drive road trip guide for Spiti Valley in winters.

Route/ How to Reach Spiti Valley in Winter?

Ideally, there are two routes to enter Spiti Valley from Delhi. One from Shimla and other from Manali. But in winters, Rohtang La and Kunzum La both get covered with heavy snow, so you can’t travel from Manali to Kaza in winters. The only viable option is to enter and exit Spiti Valley in winters is through Shimla.

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

And remember the routes beyond Kaza are closed too. So, the farthest one can reach is Kaza and the villages around it i.e Kibber, Komic, Langza, Hikkim, Tashigong, Chicham Khas.

Also read: 10 days itinerary for Lahaul Spiti Road Trip

Condition of Roads to Spiti in winters

During winter Spiti trip, expect to find snow patches on roads beyond Shimla. So, be really slow and cautious while driving on snow. And strictly avoid driving on black ice, as it is too slippery and can be dangerous. To avoid skidding, keep some luggage or stones in the boot space of the vehicle. Also, one can deflate the tires for better grip on snow.

Tip: If your car loses control, don’t push the brakes. Just, leave the accelerator and let it go in the intended direction.

Delhi to Chandigarh: Multi-lane highway
Chandigarh to Shimla: Few bad patches because of the road widening process.
Shimla to Rampur: Highway. Expect snow at Kufri, Narkanda
Rampur to Kalpa: A good road with few bad patches because of road widening and expect to face roadblocks due to some landslides.
Kalpa to Tabo : Narrow road with continuous incline and decline. Expect few bad patches because of landslides and shooting stone sights. And on this day, One also has to cross frozen Malling Nala, beyond Nako village.
Tabo to Kaza: A good scenic narrow road with continuous incline and decline. Expect few bad patches because of landslides.

Narrow Steep Roads around Kaza: Spiti Valley in Winters

Expected Spiti Valley Temperatures

As you move ahead from Shimla, with every increasing altitude, the temperature in Spiti Valley decreases and the air gets thinner. So, expect to feel breathlessness while walking and climbing stairs. The expected temperatures in winters in Spiti valley are subzero:

Shimla: Sunny chilly days and cold nights. Temperature ranging from 15 degree Celsius to -3 degree in night
Rampur: Is warmer than Shimla. Day temperature goes till 14 degree Celsius and night temperature dips till 1 to 2 degree Celsius
Kalpa: Sunny cold days and extremely cold chilly nights. Day temperature range from -2 to -3 degree Celsius and night temperatures goes to -13 degree Celsius.
Tabo: Expect sunny chilly days and very cold nights. Day temperature ranges from – 2 to – 3 degree Celsius and it goes to – 19 degree in night
Kaza temperature in winters: Days are sunny with extreme chill and nights are extremely cold and chilly too. The day temperature ranges from -6 to -9 degree Celsius and night temperatures go to -25 degree Celsius

Also Check: Bridges of Kinnaur and Spiti

Halts & Accommodation in Spiti in Winters

The total distance from Delhi to Spiti Valley i.e. Kaza is just 765 kilometers. Google maps show the journey of 19 hours. That means one stop and you will reach Kaza. But in actuality, it is really impossible. We covered the first 300 kilometers in 6-7 hrs but the rest 465 kilometers in the mountains were equivalent to 800 kilometers. So, one needs to take proper halts at proper locations, to get acclimatized before hitting Kaza.

Landscapes of Spiti Valley in winters: Self Drive road trip guide

The life of winters in Spiti Valley is completely different & is almost standstill due to the extremely low temperatures in December, January, and February. So, don’t have high expectations for stay and food. Most of the hotels, homestays are closed during winters in spiti. Only 2 -3 homestays are operational everywhere and locals can guide you best on the same.

After Shimla, we took halts at Rampur, Kalpa, and Tabo, before hitting Kaza.

Rampur: There are multiple hotels in and around Rampur bus station. We stayed at Nau Nabh heritage hotel, one of the luxurious heritage properties.

Kalpa: One can choose to stay at homestays or at HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Cooperation), Kalpa. We opted for HTPDC to be on the safer side. Apart from Kalpa, you can also opt to stay at Sangla valley in Kinnaur, where few homestays are operational

Nako: Forget about homestays or hotel accommodation in Nako. The whole village was under hibernation except a Maggi shack opened near bus stan. Even the Nako monastery rooms are closed in winters.

Tabo: At Tabo, 2-3 homestays were operational. We stayed at Baba’s / Phunstok’s Homestay, one of the generous family who was already waiting for us. You can contact them at 94185-76181; 01906-223452 and they charge Rs 1000 per person/night including meals.

Cozy Kitchen in Baba's Homestay at Tabo: Spiti Valley in winters

Kaza: Similar is the case with Kaza. Most of the hotels and homestays are closed. Only 4 -5 home stay’s run during offseason. We stayed with Mr & Mrs. Tandup at Pema Homestay, another 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. People say that if Mr. Chering (relative of Mr. Tandup) knows about your existence or arrival in Spiti, you are completely safe. He will go extra miles to search you out if you missing or have not turned back by the expected timings.

Fresh Thupka in Kaza - Spiti Valley in Winters — Fresh Thupka in Kaza

Apart from this, we met a girl Tanya Roy from Delhi, who runs a Wanderer’s Nest Homestay and amazing cafe in Kaza. You can connect with her at 9459357754. Rest, you can enquire about the open homestays at Kaza Bus stand.

Food Joints on the way to Spiti Valley in Winter

There are multiple eating options till Shimla. The real fight starts after Rampur.

Pappu Ka Dhabha at Tapri - Spiti Valley in Winters — Pappu Ka Dhabha at Tapri

Between Rampur to Kalpa: Have Thali (food) at Pappu ka dhabha, Tapri – The food quality is surely more than value for money.

Kalpa to Tabo: You will find tea and food stalls only in Spillow and a single shack open at Nako.

Tabo to Kaza: No food joints

Tip: Carry a lot of eatables, nuts, and water with you on the way.

Must carry accessories for Winter Spiti Valley Road Trip

Do carry snow chains if your vehicle is not 4*4.
Carry shovel along, in case you need to clear snow on the way
Add Antifreeze to avoid freezing of diesel
Keep some camphor and cotton handy to lit fire, if required
Always keep a towing cable in your car

Problems you can face during Winter Spiti Valley Trip

Spiti Valley in winters tests all your survival instincts and body endurance. You go as prepared as you can, but still, this land will make you realize that you are unprepared i.e. the nature and topography of this valley.

But Open your mind to the following before going:

Bathing is not possible because of frozen water tanks. So, be prepared for the wet towel scrub only.
Be prepared to use dry toilets, as the water pipes will be frozen and there is no water in the taps. Dry toilets are traditional toilets with a hole in the ground and avoid taking your phones in the toilet.
A year back I say in 2017, electricity used to be there for fixed hours, but now there is full-time electricity. The voltage is less, so your batteries, cameras, phone will take much longer to get charged
There are chances of AMS (Altitude motion sickness) hitting you at that high altitude. So, be prepared. If you see any of such symptoms i.e. a headache, nausea, breathlessness, take help. Otherwise, give yourself some time to get acclimatized and keep sipping a lot of hot water. The alternative is you can start a DIAMOX course prior to the trip after the doctor’s consultation.
Only BSNL network works here
Temperatures are subzero and it is bone-biting cold. So, be in proper winter clothing. Wear layers, cover your head, and do include warm shoes. Also, do carry your sunglasses.
Expect road closure for several days, if snowfall occurs in between. BRO works here throughout the year to keep road operational till Kaza
Be prepared, that despite adding antifreeze your car fuel will freeze. In such a case wait for the sun rays to melt it down or use a cylinder with the local’s help. For this, we have expert advice from Mr. Shibhu Varghese of 4*4 India adventure which we will be sharing soon with you.
Expect bare minimum medical help. Carry first aid kit and some basic medicines with you.
Carry enough cash with you. ATMs are available at Kalpa, Tabo as well as Kaza but don’t expect them to have enough cash as well as in working conditions.
Fuel station at Kaza, opens between 10 am to 5 pm. So, get your tank fuelled timely.

The kitchen is the warmest place in Spiti houses, as there is a burning Angithi throughout the day. So, if you feel excess of cold, rush there to normalize your body temperature. Don’t touch any metal with bare hands, as there are chances of your skin sticking to the metal. If in any case, that happens, don’t pull your hand away. Pour hot water to detach your hand.

Spiti Valley in winters checks your endurance and patience but you surely are bound to leave your soul in God’s own land. It looks completely magnanimous in winters and engulfs you in its beauty.

If you have any more question or need any more information, feel free to type in the comments. We will be happy to answer all about Spiti Valley in winter. Till then, please share it with your friends and family.

Himachal, India, Tourism, Travel

A walk to the Nako Village; Himachal Pradesh

July 21, 2017 allgudthings 30 Comments

As we were heading to Spiti Valley from Kinnaur, the road was curling and getting narrower through the wide valleys, the wind was flowing through the mountains, and I looked out through the window of my car in astonishment that how the lush green mountains were taken over by arid huge mountains. There were no people and vehicles around, only we, the nature and sky in its quintessence form. So, ideally, we should say it was a “Drive to No Land”. Finally, we saw the colorful Buddhist flags fluttering over the peak and a small village popped out nestled among the barren Himalayas. It was none other than the Heritage Nako Village which is well known for its Nako Lake and centuries old Nako Monastery.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQp858Qh50n/?taken-by=suruchimittal

Distance: From Delhi- 671 km; Shimla- 331 km; Sangla- 129 km; From Rekong Peo- 103 Km

Route from Delhi: Delhi – Chandigarh- Shimla – Rampur – Chulling – Karcham- Kalpa- Spello – Pooh -Nako

The ideal time to visit Nako Village: April – October. Avoid traveling during winters as there is heavy snowfall and roads get closed.

At evening, the first glimpse of Nako Village at Himachal Pradesh — Nako Village view from Kanygoh Kinner Camps

Nako Village; Himachal Pradesh

The word Nako comes from the Tibetan word “Nego” which means Door to Holy place.

The small picturesque green Nako Village located in Kinnaur district is perched on the banks of Nako Lake at 11,893 feet. It lies in the Hangrang Valley and has an extraordinary backdrop of majestic Reo Purgyal (22,632 feet), which is the highest mountain of Himachal Pradesh. The Nako Village is a part of restricted zone along the Tibet border. Foreign tourist needs to take an Inner Line permit from DC office at Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Rekong Peo or Kaza for visiting and staying in this village and it is valid for two weeks.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVKLlz3hcRU/?taken-by=suruchimittal

The Nako Village is a glory with maze cobbled lanes and further by lanes. The traditional houses are made of stone and mud which remain warm in winters and cool in summers. Summers are just for the say; as the maximum temperature in peak summers here goes to 20 degree Celsius. The doors are made of stone and wood and are painted from inside with the Buddhist inscriptions. Gradually; the concrete and more modern houses too have come up with the trolling tourism.

Solar panels are installed at many places in the village to reduce carbon emissions from firewood. Villagers and their chief strongly believe in making the place environment-friendly, as they clearly understand that Nako village lies in seismic zone 5 and too much environmental disturbance can lead to severe disaster.

The Prayer wheels, flags and Mani stone mounds are seen around for the peace and prosperity of the village. The villagers have Tibetan features and burnt complexion, as they love soaking themselves in the direct sun during days and fire at night.

Most of the villagers are shepherds and have herds of cattle, goats, sheep, and donkeys. They have plantations of peas, carrots, rajma (pulses) apples and cherries. The Nako village, villagers practice Buddhism and speak Hindi and Bhoti. (Bhoti is a dialect of Tibet)

Farming at Nako Village — Source: Outdoor Photographer

The greenish blue lake, vast azure sky and the open expanses around the village make it a tourist as well as photographers paradise.

Attractions at Nako Village Himachal Pradesh

Nako Lake

The Nako Lake is just like an oasis in between the naked mountains. It is oval shaped, seasonal Lake with a small walkway along. The thick canopy of Willow and Poplar trees surrounds the Lake periphery from all sides giving it a bluish green color. The Lake is sacred, as Saint Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated here.

Padmasambhava Temple at Nako Village

Just close to the Nako Lake lies Padmasambhava temple; which holds his idol and foot prints on the stone dating back to 8^th century.

Nako Monastery

Rinchen Zangpo also known as Ratna Bhadra; translated all the Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit to Tibetan and established 108 monasteries in this region in the 11^th century. Nako Monastery is one of those monasteries. Monastery has bright artwork, centuries old sculptures, idols, and murals in it. During 1975 earthquake, the roofs and artwork of monastery were vandalized. Further, due to extreme winters in 1998, the monastery was at the urge of collapse. In 2002, Nako Preservation Project was launched to restore the Nako monastery and other affected buildings and today this monastery stands well in a restored condition. (Note: Photography is strictly prohibited in the monastery).

Chango Gompa

The Chango Gompa lies on the Spiti road at Chango. It has 500 years old prayer wheel which is 3.5 meters in diameter. The Chango village is famous for apricots and apples.

Accommodation at Nako Village Himachal Pradesh

The budgeted home stays, hotel Reo Purgil and Knaygoh Kinner Camp are the only options for accommodation at Nako Village. The price for Homestay starts from Rs. 200 and goes up to Rs. 650/- whereas in the hotel and camps it goes up to Rs.4000/-. We stayed at Knaygoh Kinner camps and it was worth every penny. The camps offer a panoramic splendid view of Nako Village and snow capped; arid Himalayas.

Food at Nako Village

The locals run small Dhabas and serve momos, chowmein, maggi, soup, Rajma rice and Parantha as a menu. At Reo Purgil and Knaygoh Kinner camps, one can get to taste the local, Indian as well as continental cuisines.

Travel Tips for Nako Village Himachal Pradesh

Roads are perfectly built but narrow. So, prefer driving up and down only during day times. Moreover, nothing beats the day views of this valley and we are sure you cannot afford to miss them.
Nako Village lies in a rain shadow region. Always there is an overcast of clouds but rains happen unlikely. The rain usually happens in the form of snow here.
In the evenings and mornings temperature dip variably in summers too, so always carry sufficient woolens along.
Always walk clock wise around Buddhist temples and shortens, keeping your right side facing them. Don’t touch stone mounds and prayer flags with the left hand.
The Youth social club puts real efforts to keep the village clean and eco-friendly. They have installed dustbins throughout the village. So, use them to throw the waste.
Avoid using poly bags. The members of youth club encourage villagers to use cloth bags instead of poly bags and they have distributed them too.
Wood is the most expensive thing in Nako. You may have to pay additionally for the bonfire.
Avoid playing loud music especially at night.
Before leaving for a road trip, get your vehicle properly inspected and keep it equipped with the required accessories.
Do spend a night at Nako, to experience the heritage, spirituality, and tranquillity of nature. There are never ending mountainscapes, which leaves you wondering every way.

We left Nako Village with a broad smile, thinking to return back soon. What do you think about this heaven?

India, Photolog, Tourism, Travel

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.