Parashar lake trek

At 2730 meters above sea level lies  the magnificent Parashar lake. It is located 46 kms north of Mandi,H.P. The trail starts at Baggi village which is around 23 kms from Mandi.

Just beside the lake is an aesthetic Pagoda like temple dedicated to the sage Parashar. There is a circular floating island in the lake that only adds to the mesmerizing beauty of the lake.

Being an easy trek, it is a good one for beginners. The trail is around 6 to 7 kms and an average trekker will take around 5 hrs to get to the top. There is also a motorable road to get you to the lake, but only for those who can afford to miss the aesthetic pleasures of the trek.

The first view of the trail as you start from Baggi village is compelling : A narrow rivulet winds its way up the mountain. Numerous bird species are there to be viewed and you may as well catch sight of some of the endangered bird species of the lower Himalays.



Summer and winter affords entirely different views of the scenary up there. The lake is partially frozen in winter and in the backdrop the snowcapped mountains provide a view that utterly entrances you. The rest of the year, the shimmering blue waters of the lake reflects such an enthralling view of the mountains and when viewed from a certain side it provides a majestic view of the magnificently built temple just beside the lake.

Quotes about hiking

Jumping from boulder to boulder and never falling, with a heavy pack, is easier than it sounds; you just can't fall when you get into the rhythm of the dance. 

-Jack Karouac, The Dharma Burns


Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb. - Greg Child  

Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory.

 - Ed Viesturs

Speed is not a priority, just enjoy your hike - Keep smile 

- Barry Berdana Putra

Thoughts come clearly while one walks.

-Thomas Mann

 In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.

-John Muir

You need special shoes for hiking — and a bit of a special soul as well.

-Emme Woodhull-Bache

The best remedy for a short temper is a long walk.

-Jacqueline Schiff

You never climb the same mountain twice, not even in memory. Memory rebuilds the mountain, changes the weather, retells the jokes, remakes all the moves.
-Lito Tejada Flores

Climbing is as close as we can come to flying.
- Margaret Young

In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.
- John Muir

When preparing to climb a mountain- pack a light heart
-Dan May

Shreekhand Mahadev trek

Some facts first

Maximum Altitude : 5227 Meters (17149 feet)

Level of difficulty : It is a difficult trek that requires a bit of prior trekking experience.As the altitude goes beyond 4500 meters, the real difficulty starts. The last part of the trek i.e from Parvati Bag to Shreekhand top is where many of the hikers give up because of the drop in oxygen level at that height above the sea level.

Starting point      :  Jaon village

Reaching Jaon    :  Reach Shimla first. From Shimla, take a bus/cab to Rampur (126 kms). Take a bus/cab to Jaon.

trek itinerary : Jaon to Singhaarh

                               Shingaarh to Thachru

                               Thachru to Bheem Dwar

                               Bheem Dwar to Parvati Baag

                               Parvati Baag to Shreekhand top ( via Nayan Sarovar )

Folklore

Legend has it that Bhasmasur ,a demon and a devotee of Lord Shiva did several years of penance to obtain a boon from the diety.Finally,Shiva was pleased enough to grant him his wish. Shiva appeared in front of him and asked him to request a boon. Bhasmasur asked for immortality , but Shiva denied him that. Then he asked for the power to turn anyone into ashes whose head he touched. Shiva , oblivious of the consequences granted him the wish. Bhasmasur who now thought he was more powerful than the lord himself tried to touch Shiva’s head. Shiva ran for his life. Bhasmasur chased him.The chase went on for quite long.Shiva had to hide in the mountains lest he be turned into ashes.He switched from mountain to mountain and everywhere he was chased by the demon. He took shelter in high mountain peaks one of which is now known as shreekhand and is in the district of kullu in himachal pradesh.


About the trek

This trek is not for the just beginners. It is a rather difficult trek that requires a bit of prior trekking experience. The trail is immensely diverse in nature. The first four kilometers ( from Jaon to Singhaarh) are plain and run by the side of a rivulet. This is the easiest part of the trek. Apple orchards might catch your attention.

 The next part of the trek, from Singhaarh is a see-saw with ups and downs in the beginning and then a straight climb( not very steep though). This part of the trail is surrounded by thick pines.

After Kaali ghati there isn't much forest. Kaali ghati is at an altitude of 3918 meters above sea level. From there you descend for a while and then up again and then down to Bheem Talai.

It gets quite difficult from here. The trail so far has left you exhausted but you've got to gear yourself up for more that is to come.

The next camping site is Bheem Dwar : the most beautiful place on the trail. If you reach here and don't make it to the top, you'll still be satisfied. The place provides a breathtaking view of waterfalls and glaciers. The fauna is terrific. The view at night is amazing. The starlit night makes the white of the snow and the waterfalls so attractively conspicuous it takes your breath away.

The last part i.e from Nayansarovar to the top is steep and rocky. Many give up at this stage.
Though the summit is not ever so far from Nayansarovar but lack of oxygen comes into play that fatigues you and wears you out.

Trekking : A way of life

Trekking is not just walking the trail and appreciating the scenic beauty the mountains have to offer.

"It is a way of life." 

There’s no joy in this world greater than setting foot on a mountaintop. That last step is like a panacea that drives away all the weariness and fatigue from the climb. Nature rewards you with a breathtaking view of the valley below and the distant mountain ranges standing high on the earth.

You don’t want to go back to the civilized world of the civilized with high hygiene standards and no living standards. Up on the mountain it seems like a world of your own. 

Every trek is different in its own way. On one you may find waterfalls that fascinate most hikers, while on the other  picturesque views of the valleys. Most of the Himalayan trails after reaching a certain altitude provide a breathtaking view of the snow-capped lofty Himalayan range.

On a trek you only meet people like yourself. You are away from people of the civilized world who piss you off. I've met the most beautiful and helpful people while hiking. You share your experiences in the mountains and in a few minutes the strangers become all known to you. 

One of my favourite encounters on a trail is with the sheep and goats of the Gaddis grazing on the Himalayan flora. You’ll find them climbing steep cliffs that you’d never dare to scramble up.

Then there are those friendly Gaddi dogs that accompany you up the trail you never know for how long. They will trod past you and then wait for you, sometimes they’ll just leave the trail or stray away and be left behind. And as you begin to think their company was only thus far, they catch up with you just to prove you wrong. 

Glacial lakes in the Himalayas attract a larger number of hikers. I love camping by the lake. In the morning when you crawl out of your tent, the lake provides a heavenly feel.

There are a lot of lakes in the Himalays - Glacial and non-glacial.

The Himalayan trails are home to thousands numerous species of plants and animals.

Numerous species of birds inhabit the mountains and the Himalayas are a hub for bird viewing.

Golden eagles are a major attraction for hikers. They are mostly found at higher altitudes in the Himalayas.

What to expect on a trail in the Himalayas

Waterfalls : Showers from heaven. In the Himalayas you are apt to found a lot of them. They invite for a shower in the cold white water but its icy cold water. There are waterfalls falling from a height of above 100 meters that are not meant for a fun shower, of course.

Swift streams : Streams, rivulets,brooks - inevitables in the Himalayas, only to the hikers delight. White waters flowing through boulders - everyone hiker has a lot of pictures sitting on those boulders. A bath in the cold waters drives away the weariness of the hike and rejuvenates the hiker.

Gaddi  people : An affable tribe in the Himalayas. You can expect them anywhere on the trail with their sheep and goats.

Gaddi dogs : The most friendly dog breed on earth.They'll accompany you up the trail you never know for how long. They will trod past you and then wait for you, sometimes they’ll just leave the trail or stray away and be left behind. And as you begin to think their company was only thus far, they catch up with you just to prove you wrong. 

Sheep and goats: One of my favourite encounters on a trail is with the sheep and goats of the Gaddis grazing on the Himalayan flora. You’ll find them climbing steep cliffs that you’d never dare to scramble up. 

Langoors, brown asian monkeys

Vast variety of birds : Numerous species of birds inhabit the Himalayas - a hub for bird viewing.

Bhole Bhakts puffing on a chillum. Many of them reside in caves or self made shelters, at high altitudes, only coming down during winters and when winter ends accompany the residing snow up the mountain.

Panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan Range

A large variety of flowers ( not on all the treks though ) : The Himalayas contain a diversity of alpine flora. The alpine shrubs bearing small beautiful flowers imparts an entrancing aspect to the valley. For the flora admirers "Valley of flowers" is a must visit. It is a valley in Uttarakhand known for its diverse flora.

Persistent rainfall :

Hailstorm: 

Glaciers ( at high altitudes) : Himalayas -abode of snow - have about 15000 glaciers. You are apt to find atleast one when you go beyond the 4000 meter mark on any trail in the Himalayas.

Golden Eagles : Golden eagles are a major attraction for hikers. They are mostly found at higher altitudes.

Hiking Shoes for a comfortable trekking experience.

Shoes are the most important thing a hiker is concerned about as it is all about keeping your feet comfortable so they can take you a long distance on the trail. You don't want callus and corns on your feet from a long hiking journey, so its better not to go hiking on normal shoes.
You want your shoes to be water resistant ( as it is raining most of the times in mountains)
and also snow resistant.
You want shoes that makes a firm grip on the ground. The last thing you'd want is to slip off an edge or a cliff.
A few options I've provided below. You may chose as per your budget and requirements.

Quechua Forclaz 500

Weight : 1004g per pair in size 8.5.

The sole has exceptional grip and offers superior traction on all trails, even steep ones.

Price: Rs 4000 - 4500 [ you can get them for Rs. 3500 when on sale]

SOLOGNAC STEPPE 300

For hiking on all terrains.Lightweight, flexible, and breathable!

                                        

Price: Rs. 3400 - 4000

FORCLAZ 100 NOVADRY MAN

For hiking on plains and trails with shallow gradients in rainy weather.

Weight : 940g per pair in size 8½. 

Price : Rs. 3000( can be bought at lower price when offered on a sale)

Books hikers love

1. A walk in the woods by Bill Bryson

2. Into the wild by Jon Krakauer

3. Into thin air by Jon Krakauer

4. Wild : From lost to found on the Pacific Crest Trail 

by Cheryl Strayed

5. Endurance by Alfred Lansing

6. Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer

Suggestions are most welcome.

Movies hikers love

Most hikers have common taste in movies.They love movies related to wildlife adventure, mountains, nature, and related documentaries.
Here is a list of such movies.
Please suggest more movies to be added to the list.

1. Into the wild
2. Eight Below
3. 127 Hours
4. Cast Away
5. Touching the void

Stuff to carry on a trek

It depends on the nature of your trek, what and how much stuff to carry on a trek.

You may choose what to take along and what not from the stuff I've mentioned below, as per the nature of your trek.

Please send suggestions if anything is missing.

Tent:  Various sizes are available( T2,T3 etc). You can choose depending as per your requirement.

Three men can adjust in a 2-T (2 man tent)tent if you don't bother much about comfort. 

Price - you can get a T2 tent starting at Rs2500,

a T3 tent starting at Rs 3200-3500), and the bigger ones for more.

It is better to carry smaller tents as they are lighter and you don't want to carry much weight while climbing .

Hiking Backpack : It can carry a lot of stuff and the tent(slung on the back).

Sleeping bag:  It might be bone chilling cold up there in the mountains. A good sleeping bag is a must to keep you warm at the night.

Mat:             Can't be done without. A good sleep is required for the next days hike.

Raincoat:  Its raining most of the time in the mountains, so you'll definitely need one.

Jacket:       Don't carry a fluffy jacket that takes too much space of your hiking bag.

Hiking Shoes: it is all about keeping your feet comfortable so they can take you a long distance on the trail. You don't want callus and corns on your feet from a long hiking journey, so its better not to go hiking on normal shoes.

Innerwear( Thermalwear) [ You can do without it, but for some people who just can't bear the cold ]

Socks :At least 3 to 4 pairs. And should be warm

Gloves: A pair of warm gloves will be handy. As you reach higher altitudes and the chill starts to penetrate through to your bones, you just can't do without them.

Knife : a good one. To chop dry branches for fire, and many other purposes it can serve.

Eatables to be carried: 

Chocolates: These are high on calories, and serves the same purpose as glucose, only with a better taste.

Glucose ( powdered): You'll need it a lot. Keep a bottle for glucose drink. Hiking, especially while climbing a mountain, burns a lot of calories, and you need instant revival at regular intervals. So its a must carry.

Dry fruits

Maggie or noodles

Rice and lentils  : If you're going on a long trek, this stuff is important, as you can't live on chocolates and maggie for a straight week or two. 

Make sure you don't run out of food, and also don't carry excess food.

    

 Other stuff

     a small steel utensil for cooking and boiling.

     Plastic(disposable) spoons/forks : You'll not like to carry steel spoons/fork

     

Trek to triund, lahesh caves, indrahar pass

The trek to Indrahar pass is the most popular trek in the Dhauladhar mountain range of the Himalayas.The trek  is moderately difficult, but on reaching the summit all the weariness is driven away by the beautiful view that it provides.

On one side of the pass lies the Kangra valley and on the other Chamba.

The climb upto Triund is quite easy and is undertaken by many families and school kids and also many foreigners. But when venture beyond Triund, you’ll hardly see a human for hours. And that is exactly what a trekker desires in the mountains – tranquility.

Attractions :
                    Lahesh Caves.
                    Ilaka Glacier
                    Golden Eagles.
                      

Trek to Churdhar (Uttarakhand)

Some facts

Maximum altitude :  3647 meters 

Starting point         :  Sarahan or Nauradhar. Churdhar top is 14 kms from Srahan and 8 from Nauradhar

End poit                  : Churdhar top

Difficulty level       : Moderate

starting point - SARAHAN

           A rivulet flowing through Sarahan.     

A clearing after 2 to 3 kms

Churdhar top