http://www.merchandising.dofollowlinks.org Your Source for Social News and Networking Fri, 07 May 2021 23:22:24 +0000 en http://www.merchandising.dofollowlinks.org/News/my-trek-to-kheerganga-–-parvati-valley’s-paradise/
"Dude. Kheerganga. This weekend. You and me. In or out?", is the voice note I receive from Kush as I open his chat on WhatsApp; his voice laced with impatience. "I am in", my voice decorated with frustration.

It had been a long and hectic few days on both personal and professional fronts and my mind was craving for some down time, away from the bustle of Chandigarh. I went on a google bender to know what I had signed up for in the first place.

Nestled within the heart of the Parvati valley at a height of about 9700 feet, Kheerganga is a flourishing grassland, famous for its natural hot springs and as the place where Lord Shiva is said to have meditated for years on end. It is also infamous among hippies and Israelis for illicit recreational activities.

I could see why the place called out to Kush. As I researched more and read about the Kheerganga trek and saw photos of its stunning landscape, the mountains called out to the adrenaline junkie within me and I could not ignore their call.

We left for Kasol, the beginning point of our two trek, on Friday night and arrived there in the morning. We woke up to the crispy air and tranquil atmosphere of this peaceful hamlet, looked at each other and exchanged huge grins, albeit for different reasons altogether.

After feasting on the delicious food and heartfelt humility of Kasol we began the Kheerganga trek by hiking our way towards Rudra Nag, home to a serpent shaped waterfall, a stunning work of art created by Mother Nature herself.

We continued on our journey, making our way through the charming villages of Kalga and Pulga while our trail twisted and turned through the mountains. We stopped at an idyllic location to feast on some packed food as well as mesmerizing views of the Parvati Valley.

By evening we reached our destination, standing amongst lush meadows surrounded by thick forests. We dipped our aching feet into the natural hot springs and felt our tiredness melt right off.

Invigorated by the warm water and cool breeze, we setup our tents. We picked up our dinners from a quaint cafe and ate like ravenous beasts. We eventually went to sleep while taking in the gorgeous views of Pin Valley National Park.

We woke up to absolute silence among the towering mountains. After packing up, we retraced our steps as we began our descent back towards Kasol. The views back were somehow even more stunning than the first time around. We spent the entire downward journey making more plans to go upwards further into the mountains.
]]> Fri, 07 May 2021 23:22:24 +0000 Trinetra25 News 1 http://www.merchandising.dofollowlinks.org/News/my-trek-to-kheerganga-–-parvati-valley’s-paradise/ http://www.merchandising.dofollowlinks.org/News/just-me-and-my-wolf-pack-–-my-epic-trek-to-kedarkantha/ I had seen my older brother and parents lose friends steadily as they aged; they said it was because life gets in the way. I thought this could never happen to me and that the bonds I have forged with my friends will only get stronger over time. Then it happened; life got in the way.
I sent out WhatsApp messages to a group of our closest friends and a few calls later, we found ourselves planning a week-long adventure to conquer the Kedarkantha trek and strengthen the bonds of our "wolf-pack."
After much consideration, Kedarkantha seemed like the ideal choice because of two primary reasons. We were all beginners and we all shared a common love for snow. While it is one of the few treks in India that is accessible throughout the year, the best time to go hiking through the region is the winter season. The area is blanketed with thick, pristine snow which adds to the challenge and the beauty of the hike.
The peak of Kedarkantha was quite literally, and figuratively, the pinnacle of the hike, as far we were concerned. Not only did we get to experience the satisfying feeling of conquering the mountain despite the difficult nature of the trek but we were also left with a feeling of awe and wonder as we took in the 360-degree view on offer.
The region boasts of some of the tallest Himalyan peaks like the Black Pearl. The trail cuts through the Govind wild life sanctuary and national park which is home to some of the most diverse and mesmerizing flora and fauna that India has to offer, let alone Uttarakhand.
Most of the treks that we had researched averaged around a week and we took one of the shorter ones because not all of us could coordinate a longer period at a stretch. While we were hiking every day felt like an eternity because of the physically challenging but mentally gratifying nature of the trek. When it was over though, it felt like we had spent but a moment up in those snowy mountains.
The days were spent pushing through the snow and cutting through pine forests. The nights were spent surrounded by silence and the chilly winter air with a thousand stars putting on the most magnificent of displays.
I can safely say that the Kedarkantha trek renewed and sealed the bonds of friendship between the four of us as we camped next to a frozen lake, cut through thick forests and feasted on stunning views of snow-clad mountains set on fire by the soft rays of the sun. Till date, the four of us continue to go on our annual hikes.
]]> Fri, 07 May 2021 23:21:25 +0000 Trinetra25 News 1 http://www.merchandising.dofollowlinks.org/News/just-me-and-my-wolf-pack-–-my-epic-trek-to-kedarkantha/ http://www.merchandising.dofollowlinks.org/News/bird-plane-no-just-a-father-son-duo-enjoying-paragliding-in-kamshet/
"Papa, how come birds can fly but we cannot?", Ansul had once asked me with innocence that is exclusive to a child. "I wish I too, could fly", he followed up with a longing that is also the sole domain of children. "You too will fly", I lied to make him smile.

A few weeks later I had the opportunity to overturn that lie when I saw an advert for Kamshet paragliding. I could not simply turn down this chance given Kamshet's proximity to Mumbai and the stunning views of the Western Ghats the advert displayed.

During mid-week I told Ansul that he should look forward to flying like a bird during the weekend. I do not whether I was more excited and impatient in that moment or him. I researched a few paragliding schools and selected the one that I felt was the best option.

Come weekend, we packed a small bag, fueled up and were soon on our way to the picturesque town. Kamshet is one of the most recommended places for paragliding not only within Maharashtra, but all of India. It lies somewhat in the middle between Mumbai and Pune within the laps of the Sahyadris.

Green hills as far as the eyes can see and ideal wind conditions make Kamshet paragliding one of the most sought after adventure activities in the state. I had booked an early afternoon slot and we arrived well in time to ensure Ansul runs off Tower Hill and takes to the cerulean skies.

We were greeted warmly by our instructors; given a small briefing before Ansul was made to gear up. I had booked a tandem paragliding session for Ansul in which a pilot operated the glider while Ansul gawked at the mesmerizing views of the valleys and hills from several thousand feet in the air. I swear I could see him smiling even when he was all the way up there.

After a flight of about ten minutes, the duo landed safely on the ground. As soon as he was released from his harness, Ansul dashed towards me, giddy and excited. "Papa, I was a bird", he answered before I even questioned him. "You have to get up there", he pester and prodded me.

I was hesitant at first but gave in eventually when the pilot told me that he will accommodate me without a booking. I, too, took the tandem session having no prior experience but was told that I could learn to paraglide over the course of a few days.

I was given the briefing all over again, harnessed in and before I knew it we were running towards the edge of the hill. My heart leapt out of my chest as we jumped off the cliff. The view was indescribable when we gained peak altitude. I felt less like a bird and more like a child as I waved to a tiny Ansul from between the clouds. ]]> Fri, 07 May 2021 23:19:49 +0000 Trinetra25 News 1 http://www.merchandising.dofollowlinks.org/News/bird-plane-no-just-a-father-son-duo-enjoying-paragliding-in-kamshet/ http://www.merchandising.dofollowlinks.org/News/reviving-adventure-with-a-trek-to-hampta-pass/
I could feel it within my veins, my adrenaline had been building up over the last few months and I needed to find release. My friend's instagram post featuring a story of trekking through snow-capped peaks offered me the ideal outlet. I roped in my friend, Simran and together we decide to conquer the Hampta pass.
One of the most famous treks within the country, the Hampta pass trek offers stunning vistas of mountain ranges, pine forests and vast meadows in addition to thrilling challenges for anyone with moderate levels of fitness, even first time trekkers.
The pass is most accessible from the village of Prini, located in Himachal Pradesh, which is where Simran and I started our adventure along with a few other trekkers who were part of our group.
The path was steep and difficult but our spirits were high and we hiked our way through in about two hours cutting through thick forests, apple orchards and some endearing villages. We found a clearing among the dense forests where we had dinner and rested our weary bones for the night. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the sleeping bag.
The second day of the Hampta pass trek took us through Chikka, a surreal place, as if right out of one of those stock internet photos. Huge conical columns of bare rock kissed the sky creating a horizon unlike any I have ever witnessed. Simran's jaw was left hanging when she caught her first glimpse. We cut through the chilly waters of Rani Nulla and decided to camp for the night on the other side, in a meadow. The views at night were just as mesmerizing as those in the day.
The third day was one of the most defining days of the trek. Simran and I were dreading it and looking forward to it in equal measure, for this is the day of the ascent. Thankfully, the slope was not too steep and had us climbing gradually while our eyes soaked in the views of Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks.
We reached our destination and I found out that I had been lied to. The Hampta pass was nothing like I had been told, it was much more gorgeous. From a height of 14000 feet we sipped on some warm tea and feasted on panoramic views of tall peaks and beautiful glaciers. Reluctantly, we made our way back to Juara camp to catch the last sunset of our unforgettable adventure.
We woke up the next day with heavy bodies but light minds. The group traced its way back to Jobri from where the trek culminated in the village of Manali. I and Simran could not stop talking the trek for days on end even after coming back to the city and were already planning which mountain range to conquer next.
]]> Fri, 07 May 2021 23:18:48 +0000 Trinetra25 News 1 http://www.merchandising.dofollowlinks.org/News/reviving-adventure-with-a-trek-to-hampta-pass/ http://www.merchandising.dofollowlinks.org/News/every-hiker’s-bucket-list-topper-–-the-everest-base-camp-trek/
As I was going about my monthly house cleaning, I chanced upon an old list which I had made with a lot of thought and love and then promptly ignored. It was my bucket list, a list of all the things I want to do before I turn old. Right at the top (pun intended) was the Everest Base Camp trek mocking the hiker within me.

The Everest base trek features on the list of many experienced trekkers and rightly so. A rendezvous with the highest mountain in the world is an opportunity every high-altitude climber relishes for the mountains to offer a shot at self-actualization and bragging rights for life. I finished cleaning my room, then cleared my schedule and set off to Nepal in the next few days signing up with a renowned tour operator for the hike.

I feel obliged to mention here that one cannot simply jettison off to Nepal for an ebc trek. While it is a non-technical climb, it is by no means an easy one. The trek lasts for an average of 12-15 days during which you battle punishing weather and extreme terrains while climbing to a height of 18000 feet.

I met up with my guide and the rest of the group at the capital from where we proceeded to take another flight to a serene village tucked away at the foothills. Over the course of the next two weeks, we saw not only the terrain but also ourselves undergo drastic changes.

What started off as a landscape blanketed with pine forests and gorgeous streams soon transformed to a rocky terrain coated with pristine snow and glacial moraine. What started off as a group of smug hikers soon transformed into a bunch of humbled humans with an appreciation of the mighty mountain.

Over the course of the ebc trek we spend our days crossing shaky bridges, cutting through forests of pine and mingling with the irrepressible Sherpa community. We interacted with their yak caravans, gorged on local delicacies and were handed life lessons by rosy children living blissfully in idyllic tiny villages.

Our nights were spent at charming tea-houses where we fueled our depleted bodies with delicious food, warm showers and deep sleep. I would end every night tired to my bone and wake up ready to do it all over again.

In fact, I enjoyed my trek so much that I, along with few others, opted to scale Kalapathar in the wee hours of the morning to catch a view of the morning sun setting fire to snowy peaks of Everest; a view that is indelibly seared into my soul.

I would say that the Everest Base Camp trek is a journey within as much as it is on the outside. The experience affected me on a personal level and I have taken many more hikes since then trying to capture the elusive feeling I felt when we made it to base camp. ]]> Fri, 07 May 2021 23:17:47 +0000 Trinetra25 News 1 http://www.merchandising.dofollowlinks.org/News/every-hiker’s-bucket-list-topper-–-the-everest-base-camp-trek/