Kedarnath trekking tracks to be laid out new before Char Dham Yatra'14 in Uttarakhand

The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand state Mr. Harish Rawat recently announced some good news for all locals and pilgrims planning to visit the Kedarnath shrine soon. Two important trekking tracks leading up to the famous Kedarnath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva were completely damaged in the mammoth floods that affected the state during June 2013. Therefore, the State Government has recently announced that plans have started to reconstruct two tracks – one running from Rambara to Gaurikund for a length of 10km and other running from Rambara to Kedarnath for a length of 8km. For now, the Government has decided to renovate these tracks by the second week of May, right in time for the Char Dham Yatra in 2014, when thousands of pilgrims are expected to trek all the way up to the Kedarnath temple using these routes.

A final plan detailing the length and measurements of these tracks has been planned for after having fruitful discussions with the experts at NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) and GSI (Geological Survey of India). On 10th March 2014, the CM confirmed to the media that reconstruction of these tracks will startanytime soon once the weather brightens up in the state. He also stated that since these two tracks were very important for the region’s economy, they are being worked upon with great focus given to intricate details. Char Dham Yatra will be resuming by second week of June and the CM confirmed that the renovationwork is being planned in such a way to get over before this Yatra. A senior IAS officer from Uttarakhand confirmed that the roads are being constructed after careful discussions with experts from the disastermanagement committee of the state and that once there is a slight improvement in climate, work will start in full swing to target a tentative completion deadline of May second week.

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TEMPLES IN UTTARAKHAND - SURKANDA DEVI TEMPLE

Surkanda Devi temple is one of the famous and highly worshipped places of Uttarakhand state.The temple is situated in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand and is at a height of 10,000 feet. Surkanda devi temple is dedicated to Parvati devi who was the wife of Lord Shiva. The legends say that the Parvati became Sati (burnt alive) after an argument with her father.When Lord Shiva came to know about this, he lost his temper and did Tandav and flew with the ashes of his wife.During his journey with ashes the head part of the devi fell at this place which gave the name as – Shree Khanda which stands for head which gradually became Surkanda.



[ View of the new temple ]

The temple is located on a hill and one has to trek for around 1.5 kilometers from the base – Kaddukhal. For the people who cannot trek, there are horses and ponies available at low costs around 200 rupees.


There is a huge belief of blessings and people visit this place for taking blessings and “mannats”. Once a year there is a fair organized at the temple on the occasion of Ganga Dusshera and high number of followers visit the temple during this period.



[One gets a view of lofty peaks and greenery alongside the road]

The place is located about 30 kilometres from the hill station Mussoorie and around 60 kilometres from Dehradun- the capital city of Uttarakhand. The roads are in very good condition and temple is easily accessible. A large part of Tourists visiting Mussoorie and Dhanaulti visit Surkanda Mata Temple and during the summer seasons the rush increases comparatively to the other part of the year.



[Way to Surkanda Devi]

During winters there is moderate snowfall in the region which makes the trip highly enjoyable and fills it with fun.

Once the person reaches the top he is welcomed by the cool breeze which hits on the forehead and gives a very fresh and heavenly feeling. There is a eye soothing, heart occupying view of 360 degrees from the top of the hill which brings the camera in use.

The old temple has been renovated in past few years and will be brought to the existence during Ganga Dusshera 2013. There are small tea and snacks shops available on the top of the hill and having a maggie and tea with biscuits when the mild wind is blowing things is a very rich experience.

During the trip one can stop at Dhanaulti and enjoy a peaceful time in presence of loads of Pine trees.

There are budget hotels available in the area to stay for overnight .

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Uttarakhand-Panch Prayag in Uttarakhand

Devprayag

Deoprayag is regarded as the most complete showcase of legends, heritage & traditions. 70 km from Rishikesh , here the Bhagirathi from Gaumukh & the Alaknanda from Satopanth unite and for most Indians, this confluence is no less holy than the Sangam at Allahabad. These three rivers flowing majestically through sculptured channels carved through the rocks have carved angular blocks of land around the confluence & the town is set into these three angles. Located at a height of only 618 m, Deoprayag is an invocation to the gods who have gfenerously endowed this spot with tremendous natural beauty. It is believed that Lord Rama and his father King Dashratha did penance here. The temple of Raghunathji houses a tall image of Lord Rama made of black granite. The most celebrated event at Deoprayag is the congregation of devotees, who come here to worship at Raghunath temple. There is also a small temple popular as Bharat Mandir of Rishikesh in recluse. It is said that on fearing attack by Aurangzeb the pujaris from Rishikesh installed the same idol at Deoprayag as makeshift arrangement & later took it back to Rishikesh.
Srinagar the ancient capital of Tehri Garhwal is at a distance of 35 km from here.

Rudraprayag

Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), Rudraprayag is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini rivers, at a distance of 34 km from Srinagar. It is believed that to master the mysteries of music, the sage Narad worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared in his Rudra incarnation to bless the sage. It was here, also, that Shivas wife, Sati, was reborn after her self immolation because her father humiliated her husband. In her new life, as the daughter of Himalaya, she did penance here to ask the boon of Shiva as a husband once again. The ancient temple of Rudranathji is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Rudraprayag is the point where the two roads branch off to the holy Shrines of Kedarnath (84 km) & Badrinath (159 km).
The entire region is blessed with immense natural beauty, places of religions importance, lakes 8c glaciers.

Karna Prayag

Situated 11 km from Gauchar, the icy flow from the Pindari Glacier becomes the Pindari river, and when it meets the Alaknanda at 788 m, the confluence is known as Karnaprayag. The wooded thickets of the hills surrounding Karnaprayag were the meeting ground for Shakuntala C Raja Dushyanta, immortalised in Kalidasa’s immortal classic and a favourite ballad ever since. The place derives its name from Kama, the son of the Queen Kunti and her fiery lover, Lord Surya (sun), Kama’s lineage was kept a secret, but he propitiated the Sun God here, and acquired a pair of earrings & armour that made him invincible. Ultimately, he fell in the battle between the Pandavas & Kauravas, but remains a tragic hero for in life he never had the legitimacy he desired. Besides the temple dedicated to Kama, the temple dedicated to Goddess Umadevi, Narayan & Gopal stand at the confluence.
69 km from Gwaldam, Karnaprayag is on the main Rishikesh Badrinath highway. From here, the road to SriKedarnath (115 km) goes through Rudraprayag & the road to Sri Badrinath (128 km) through Joshimath.
Karnaprayag is the base for treks to Roopkund and the Bedni Bugyals and the approach to the Pindari Glacier.

Nandprayag

22 km from Kama Prayag, Nand Prayag at 914 m forms the confluence of the Alaknanda & Mandakini (flowing from a glacier near Nanda Devi Peak) rivers. On their way to Tapovan across Kunwari Pass or on their way to Roopkund, it is popular with trekkers. It is said that the confluence is named for the pious Raja Nanda. According to one legend, the king had been promised the boon of Vishnu as a son. Unfortunately, the same boon had been granted to Devki, the imprisoned sister of the tyrant king, Kansa. Ultimately, the gods found an ingenuous if wily solution: Vishnu would be born as Krishna to Devki but would be brought up by Raja Nandas wife, Yasodha.

Vishnuprayag

Hormed by the confluence of the impetuous Vishnu Ganga (known after this point, as the Alaknanda) and the Dhauliganga river, Vishnu Prayag, 1372m, has an ancient temple called Vishnu Kund. It is said that the sage Narad worshipped Vishnu at this sanctified spot. Visitors will find the Kagbhusandi Lake bewitching with its emerald green depths giving it a still surface, while on the banks, blossoms evoke the colours of nature in all her glory. The lake can also be approached from Vishnuprayag beside from Bhundhar village near Ghangaria.

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Beautiful birds of Uttarakhand

Posting some absolutely beautiful pictures clicked by my cousin Soma, who is an avid birdwatcher. She had a wonderful trip to Uttarakhand recently.


The birding trip was organised by Mr Yashpal Negi a bird expert, who runs the Mandakini Birdwatchers Camp at Kakragad, Uttarakhand located 40 km from Chopta (chopta is the nearest road head)and 33 km from Devprayag.

Blue Capped Rock Thrush


The Himalayan Monal was seen near the Shiv temple at Tunganath.

Pika (with a baby) is a hamster like mammal found in high altitudes.





Rufous Bellied Woodpecker

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BJP asks Harish Rawat not to focus much on image-building

Dehradun: The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday asked newly appointed Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Harish Rawat not to confine himself to an image-building exercise in disaster affected areas but take concrete steps to rebuild lives and rehabilitate affected people  



"Only visiting affected areas is no more than an image-building exercise. People are looking for concrete steps from the government to bail them out of the effects of the crisis that hit them last year," Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Ajay Bhatt said commenting on the CM's ongoing visits to the flood-hit areas of the state.

Citing pitiable condition of villages, the BJP leader said that Semi village in Rudraprayag district is sliding, Urgam valley has no connectivity and Darnma valley is totally devastated despite over seven months after the mid-June tragedy.

Asking the Chief Minister to take concrete steps to mitigate the suffering of people in affected areas, he said that Rawat should immediately seek from the Centre Rs 8,000 crore promised towards rehabilitation of the people of the state.

"What I want to say is that piecemeal efforts won't do. What is needed is concrete visible work in terms of repair of damaged infrastructure and relocation and rehabilitation of the flood-hit villages," Bhatt said.

However, assuring the Chief Minister of full cooperation from the opposition in his efforts to provide succour to people, the Leader of Opposition said, "It is his (CM's) honeymoon period. We are not going to subject him to rigorous
scrutiny from day one. But the results of his efforts should begin to make themselves visible in a month's time," he said.

After being sworn as the Chief Minister on Saturday last, Rawat has been visiting flashflood-hit areas of Uttarakhand to take stock of the ground realities.

He visited Tharali and Piplkoti areas of one of the worst-hit Chamoli district on Monday and is currently touring the affected areas of Kumon region in Pithoragarh district.

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Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand

Tehri Dam is a major hydroelectric project centered near Tehri Town in Uttarakhand, a state of India. It is the primary dam of the Tehri Development Project. It is located on the Bhagirathi River, the principal tributary of the holy River Ganges. The Tehri Dam has a height of 855 feet (261 m), making it the fifth tallest dam in the world. The dam's intended capabilities include a power generation capacity of 2400 MW, provision of irrigation to an area of 270,000 hectares, irrigation stabilization to an area of 600,000 hectares, and a supply of 270 million gallons of drinking water per day to the industrialized areas of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Its reservoir will completely submerge Tehri Town and 40 villages, and partially submerge 72 villages.

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Hemkund Lokpal- A Holy Shrine By The Lake Side- Uttarakhand Devbhoomi

The High altitude lake Hemkund/Lokpal is situated at the height of 4,329 mt. surrounded by heavenly environs. No modernity, no polluting influence from out side, no cars and no other vehicles, you have to reach here walking on your foot. A steep trek from Ghanghria leads one to this holiest of the holy spot in about five to six hours. Encircled by seven snow clad peaks and their associated glaciers, this revered shrine reflects its surroundings in the crystal  clear serene waters. The glaciers from Hathi parvat and saptrishi peaks fill the lake with pristine water and a small stream called Himganga flows out of this celestial lake.

One of the important pilgrimage for the Hindus and the Sikhs, Hemkund Sahib houses the most reverd Sikh Gurudwara and the Lakshman temple built on the banks of the lake. 

According to the holy Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhfailth had meditated on the banks of this lake in one of his earlier birhths.

This place is also related with the “Ramayan’s” legend Lakshman. It’s believed that Lakshman meditated by the lake and regained his health after being severly wounded by Meghnad the demon prince of Lanka. A beautiful temple is built after the name of Lakshaman.

The long forgotten Hemkund was later discovered by a Sikh Granthi Sohan Singh and became a major pilgrimage centre only after 1930. Best time to visit this spiritual shrine is from the beginning of June till the beginning of October.

How To Reach

By Air- Nearest airport is Jolly Grant (Dehradun) 307 km’s. 

By Rail- Nearest railhead is Rishikesh, 300 Km.

By Road- Hemkund Sahib is 5 km from Ghangraiya, which is approachable on foot from Govindghat, which is connected by road with Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Dehradun, Haridwar and other important hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon hills.

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Garhwal Pilgrimage - Uttarakhand Devbhoomi

Char Dham Yatra

Badri - Kedar Yatra

Gangotri-Yamunotri Yatra

Panch Badri Yatra

Panch Kedar Yatra

Panch Prayag Yatra

Do Dham Badri-Kedar Yatra

Badrinath Yatra

Kedarnath Yatra

Do Dham Yamunotri-Gangotri Yatra

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Bedni Bugyal

Bedni Bugyal (High altitude grass, meadow) is one of the finest meadow in India. This has got to be one of the most romantic spots in the Himalayas - acres and acres of meadow scooped out of lush mountain scape, a steep ridge

arching up into the dusk, and above it, the enormous western flank of Trishul. One of the larger Bugyal (meadow) in Uttarakhand, Bedni is also a major way-station on the Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra, a ritual procession held every 12 years.


Bedni Bugyal is a charming green meadow adorned with flowers in a spell binding varieties, in full bloom. There is a small lake situated in the midst of the meadow, where Tarpans are offered by the devotees. Situated nearby is a small temple where the devotees pay there obeisance, during their halt at Bedni Bugyal.

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Kempty Fall Mussoorie

Mussoorie is known as queen of hill station in India. Mussoorie is famous for its natural beauty. There is Number of Tourist place in Mussoorie like camel back road, Mussoorie Lake,Kempty Fall.

Kempty fall is the biggest waterfall and one of the most popular tourist spots of Mussoorie.Kempty Falls, located 15 kms from Mussoorie on the Chakrata Road is one of the most popular attractions of the region. Kempty fall was developed as a tourist destination by a British officer John Mekinan, around 1835. The name Kempty is probably derived from 'camp-tea', as the British, during the colonial rule would organize their tea parties here. Surrounded by high mountain ranges and located at a high altitude of 4500 feet, the falls offer a breathtaking view as the water falling down from a high altitude of 40 feet splits further into five more streams. The kempty waterfall is located in a valley and the surrounding mountains provide not only a picturesque background but a feeling of being cocooned in the mountains.Kempty, the water almost appears as if the streams are themselves doing a somersault before they hit the bottom. Yamuna is not far from the Kempty when one travels past it some 12 kms downhill on crossing the Aglar River. For those seeking the thrill of the gigantic falls for more than just a quick trip, there are arrangements for accommodation in huts in the area around Kempty. The falls are closed through winter and can be visited from the months of March through July. Due to unplanned commercialization & chaotic vehicle parking, which leads to massive traffic snarls during the season time? It is advisable to visit the place early in the morning to beat.

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SOME OF THE BEST TREKKING DESTINATIONS IN UTTARAKHAND!

Trekking is referred to a journey on foot whereby there are no means of transport available.Trekking leads to exploring such places which are generally in interiors and have a very less footfall of human beings.Such places, hence, are very natural, due to less human interference and gives a peace of mind to trekkers.

Uttarakhand and Trekking

Uttarakhand has been well known for its natural tourist spots.It is a state which has been blessed by nature and there are plenty of Himalayan treks available for trekking. The treks vary from soft to hard and offer a variety to the experienced trekkers. Whether it be the meadows of Deoria Taal or the majestic views of Chandrashila, every trek has something unique to offer the visitors.



Bedni Bugyal – Aali Bugyal, Garhwal Uttarakhand:

When it comes to one of the most alpine meadows in Uttarakhand, Bedni Bugyal runs away with the show.The place is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at a height of 3350 metres above sea level.The trek consists of lush green grass meadows, coniferous forests and steep climb ways.




How to reach Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal:


One needs to start from the Lohajang Pass which has a connectivity of motorable road.The trek passes from village for about 11 kms and ends at Wan village.The first 7 to 8 kilometers is a descending path while the latter part is an ascending one.

Best Season : May to November


Deoria Tal – Chopta – Chandershila, Garhwal Uttarakhand:

Deoria Tal is a treasure of nature gifted to Uttarakhand with a non comparative beauty.The place is located at a height of 3200 metres and has a tendency to captivate anyone with its mesmerizing beauty level.The story behind the place is referred where the Pandavas were asked questions by the Yaksha before having water.The lake has a surrounding of soothing fields and is set magnificently in the lap of peaks.

Chopta is one of those unspoiled places in Himalayan range which is less known to people and hence is passed by many of them. The place appears to be one from Swiss map due to the heavenly beauty and is often reffered to as Mini Switzerland also. It is an alpine meadow at a height of 2500 meters and is a protected sanctuary.The flora consists of pines, rhododendrons, oaks and deodars at their full flourish. There is an ancient track towards the Tungnath temple which gives an unparalleled view of the Himalayan peaks

The winters convert everything with a white blanket of snow and the summer Green meadows of Chopta convert into white during winters.

Chandrashila peak offers a majestic view of 360 degree of snow clad Himalayas. All major peaks including Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba and Trishul can be seen in on a clear day from Chandrashila.

Chopta – Chandrashila is one of the favorite Indian trekking destinations.






How to reach Deoria Tal:

Chopta is reachable through Ukhimath as well as Gopeshwar.Chopta is the starting point for trekking to Tungnath and further to Chandrashila.The best time to visit Chopta is from June to November.


Rating: Easy to Moderate
Best Season: Round the year

Gangotri (3048m) – Gaumukh (3892m), Garhwal Uttarakhand:

Alright, now we come to a trek which is very famous and well known amongst the tourist/trekkers.There are enormous delights most of which are unexpected. With every moving step, the scenery which is already so magnificent unfolds itself.

The stream viewed Kedar Ganga meets the Bhagirathi at Gangotri surrounded by the brilliant snow peaks, Brahma, The Gangea Mandir, Shankracharya and the mighty Shivling, which is called as Dev Ghat, the starting nudge to Dev Ganga.

Gaumukh is 19km north east of Gangotri. Gaumukh can be seen at the foot of Shivling (a striking un-scaled pinnacle of rock & ice). Forbiddingly beautiful, the awesome Shivling Peak looms, 6,540m above the source of Ganga at the Gangotri Glacier evokes a mystical atmosphere descending from beyond.

Gaumukh is the source to Indias most sacred river – Ganges whereby it flows from Gangotri glacier, which is a giant 30 kms long glacier.It is surrounded by mighty peaks of Shivling, Meru and the three Bhagirathi peaks while Chaukhamba being the highest peak .

The Chaukhamba cluster of snow peaks, while the three Bhagirathi peaks tower the Gaumukh springs as if these mountains were the embodiments of Shiva.




How to reach Gangotri:

Gangotri is well connected by motorable roads to most of the destinations in Uttarakhand.The nearest airport is Jolly Grant which is 250 Km from here.The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh which is situated nearly 234 Km from here.This remaining part of the journey is completed by road.


Rating : Moderate with weather unpredictable
Season: Feb to November

Har Ki Doon (3566m), Garhwal Uttarakhand:

Har ki Doon is located in the west part of Garhwal at an altitude of 3566 meters between dense forests and peaks.There is enormous flora and fauna on the way to the trek and is a paradise for bird watching and wild life lovers.

The name behind the place has a holy history whereby Hari meaning God and Dun meaning valley.Duryodhan is identified as God in this part of the world and has a temple on his name and it is believed that Pandavas went to Swarg through this mountain.The,valley has rare Brahamkamal, Bhojpatra trees, some best variety of Pine and Deodar trees.The trek is an attraction to all age groups and is a must visit for photography lovers.

Har ki Doon is the base point for Swargarohini which is situated at a height of 6400 meters and has BandarPoonch mountain on its western range.Most of the houses on the way can be observed having carvings of Mahabharata.The place is gaining an important place in terms of tourism and the foot fall is increasing

The route consists of Drive from Dehradun to Mussoorie to Sankri, Kampty falls and the Yamuna River, you will be visiting remote historical and cultural place of Jounsar-Bawar, Rawal, Jounpur and to the legendry & mythological temples of Lakhmandal (the exile of Pandavas) to Taluka Village, to Osla and then to Har-ki-Doon the trek is through terraced mountain fields, lush green grassy land and the coniferous forest and ultimately reached the wonderful multi-colored flower-ridden meadows of Har-ki-Doon.

How to reach Har Ki Doon:

Buses are easily available from Dehradun to Purola.Buses and taxis can be hired from Purola till Sankri and further till Taluka from where the actual trekking begins.

Rating :Easy
Best Season :March – June & Sept – Mid Nov

Pindari / Kafni Glaciers (3800m and upwards), Kumaon Uttarakhand:

Pindari is located at a height of 3820m in Bageshwar district. The Pindari glacier is well connected to the southwestern slope of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary.The major peaks which lie near this glacier are Nandakot (6880m),Pawalidwar (6663m), Nandakhat (6611m), and changuch (6322m) and Baljuri (5922m). It is one of the most accessible glaciers in the Kumaon region.The glacier has a total length of 3 Km and is approximately 0.25 km broad.

The Kafni glacier is the source to the Kafni River, which is a tributary of the Pindar River. The Pinder River in turn is a tributary to theAlaknanda River, which eventually leads to the Ganges.The region is known for its rich wildlife.




How to reach Pindari Glacier and Kafni Glacier:

The trek starts from Song which is a small village in Almora.The first phase of the trek leads to Dhakuri which is around 14 Km from Song.The next 25 Km or so lead to Phurkia via Dwali from where Pindari is 14 Km away.The Kafni Glacier is 12 Km from Dwali.

Rating : Moderate
Best Season: April to November.

Milam Glacier (3438m and upward), Kumaon Uttarakhand:

Milam Glacier is 27 km long and it is considered the biggest glacier in the Kumaon region.Milam village, lying very close to this glacier, is one of the highest villages found in the Himalayan range which is located on the old trade route to Tibet. Munsiyari,apart from being the starting point for Milam Glacier, is the base point for some other glaciers also among which Namik, Lilam, Poting, and Ralam Glaciers are common. The main peaks found in this region include Kalabulanddhura (6215m)Burphudhura (6215m) and Hardeol (7151m).



How to reach Milam Glacier:

One can drive from Kathgodam till Munsiyari via Almora and Bageshwar.The trek route from Munsiyari till Lilam is mostly downhill after which the route passes through some and downs with an increasing altitude till Rilkot passing through mule bridges and frozen ice streams.The next phase of the trek route upto Milam is a steep climb.

Rating: Moderate

Best Season: May-June and September-October.

Valley of Flowers (3962m), Garhwal Uttarakhand:

The valley of Flowers spreads over an area of 85.80 sq km and it is known for its large collection of wild flowers species. A large variety of flowers grow in this region including some ferns & Himalayan herbs. It is home to over 300 species of wild flowers. The valley is associated to the Ramayana and it is said that Hanuman Ji came here to collect Sanjeevani booti herb to revive Lakshman. The Pushpawati river adds to the beauty of the peak with the towering Rataban Peak in the background . The valley offers a once in a lifetime experience to those who are fond of nature. The Valley of Flowers was found by Frank S. Smythe who was a mountaineer, explorer and a botanist.He camped here for several weeks in the monsoon of 1937 and carried out his exploratory work. He then authored a book known as “The Valley of Flowers” which brought out to the world the beauty which it contained.





How to reach the Valley:

The motorable road begins at Haridwar and connects the valley upto Govind Ghat.The trek route commences from Govind Ghat and the first 13 Km lead to Ghangharia passing through zig zag mule track,terraced fields and vegetation.There are two routes from Ghangaria-one leading to the Sikh shrine Hemkunt Sahib and the other one to the Valley of flowers.

Rating: Moderate
Best Season: June-October is the best season to view this panoramic beauty .For the remaning part of the year the valley is snow covered and difficult to visit.

Roop Kund (4450m), Garhwal Uttarakhand:

Roopkund is a mysterious lake at the altitude of 4450m in the interior of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The lake is shallow having a depth of about 2 meters the edge of which is covered with snow for most part of the year. When this snow melts,skeletal remains of humans are visible some of which have flesh attached. Some believe that these remains are of the 300 people who died some 600 years ago. Others believe that they are the General Zorawar’s Soldiers who died in an attempt to conquer Tibet.



How to reach Roop Kund:

The trek route to Roop Kund starts from Lohajung which is located at an altitude of 2530 meters.The route leads to Bedni Bugyal via Didilana and is moderate.The next phase of the trek is comparatively easy and follows upto Patar Nachauni.The route from Patar till Roopkund has steep ascent in the beginning and a slope later.

Rating: Moderate
Best time to visit: September-October

Sunderdhunga Valley (3206m and upward), Kumaon Uttarakhand:

The meaning of ‘Sunderdhunga’ is the valley having beautiful stones. The Sunderdhunga Valley is located to the west side of Pindari valley. The two Glaciers found here are Sukhram and Maiktoli whereas the main peaks comprise of Mrigthuni (6856m), Pawalidwar (6664m),Tharkot (6100m) and Maiktoli (6803m).




How to reach Sunderdhunga:

The route to Sunderdhunga till Khati is the same as is the trek route to Pindari and Kafni i.e one needs to drive from Kathgodam till Loharkhet from where the trekking begins.The trek leads to Khati which is the biggest village found on the trek to Pindari-Kafni glacier/Sunderdhunga.More than half of this journey passes through thick alpine forests.The two routes that follow lead to two viewpoints-Maiktoli top and Sukhram cave.


Rating: Moderate
Best time to visit: April-June,September-October.

Dodi Tal Trek (3024m), Garhwal Uttarakhand:

Dodi Tal is situated in north of Uttarkashi at an elevation of 3024m and is surrounded by dense woods of Pine, Deodar, Oak and Rhododendrons. Rare fishes,including the Himalayan Golden Trout can be found in this crystal clear lake.







How to reach Dodi Tal:

The trek to Dodi Tal commences from Uttarkashi to Sangam Chatti and it is approachable by motor. There is a gradual climb from Sangam Chatti to Agoda which passes through woods, fields, and villages. The trek further from Agoda to Dodi Tal is compararively steep and through thick forests.

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Uttarakhand Tourism

Uttaranchal which is now named Uttarakhand is one of the most fascinating and beautiful state of India. It is also known as Devbhoomi Uttarakhand which means the “land of gods”. Majestic Tour India introduces the glorious, religious and adventures tourist places of this state. Ganga, Yamuna, Saryoo, Kosi and dozens of other rivers initiate from Uttaranchal. In the Hindu mythology Ganga is the most sanctified river. 

The most visiting places in Uttaranchal. We have categoriesed in the term of religious places, hill stations, wildlife and adventurous destinations.

Uttaranchal(Uttarakhand), or the Dev Bhumi as referred in the local dialect, is a godly creation, where one can see Mother Nature in its true form, and where Himalayas gorge to create a celestial ambiance, praised and adored by everyone. Uttarakhand, with its snow flakes, clean air, gargantuan mountains present a rich kaleidoscopic view to the visitors. Adding to this, the simple pastoral lifestyle, blooming happiness andalpine vegetation belt makes Uttarakhand stand unique from rest of places in the world.

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DEVBHOOMI UTTARAKHAND

Uttarakhand became the 27th state of the Republic of India on 9th November 2000. The State is carved out of Uttar Pradesh. It occupies 17.3% of India's total land area with 51,125 sq km.
On Uttarakhand Travel, you will find the great diversity of the region where snow-clad mountains, green hills, fertile valleys, flowing rivers and thriving lakes add to the natural beauty. The popular hill stations of Uttarakhand are Nainital, Bhimtal, Almora, Ranikhet, Pithoragarh, Munsiyari, Mussorie, Chopta, Valley of Flowers, Joshimath and Lansdowne. For unlimited serenity and tranquility in pleasant pollution free environs, hill station on Uttarakhand Travel are ideal for vacations. To enhance the attractiveness of the region are the several natural lakes in the region, which are the center of attraction of the town and good for sporting activities.
Since Uttarakhand is known as the Abode of the gods, there are several highly venerated pilgrimage places. The tourists must visit Kedarnath, Badrinath, Henmkund Sahib, Ganotri, Yamunotri, Jageshwar, Bageshwar, Rishikesh and Haridwar for their religious importance on Uttarakhand Travel. Each hilltop or bent is known to have a temple, big or small, which are considered very sacred by the locals.

Chandika Mata Temple (Simli Uttarakhand)

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About Yamunotri Dham - (Yamunotri Temple) Uttarakhand Devbhoomi

A View of the Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri Temple is situated near a hot spring running water in geyser force and in which the pilgrims cook their food. The Temple of Yamunotri is at the foothill of the Kalind Parvat at the left bank of the Yamuna at a height of 3,185 metres. Acting as a backdrop, a glorious waterfall drops, more than 2,000 metres from the snow of Banderpoonch into the valley at this point. Besides `Ratnjot` an herb claimed to be curative for eye diseases, with chestnuts, walnuts, and apricots grow in abundance in this valley. A frozen lake of ice on the top of Kalind Parvat, at a height of 4,421 metres and almost a kilometre further up is the source of the Yamuna but since the approach to it, is extremely unsafe, the temple has been built at the foothill. Here, the sage Asset had his habitat, all his life he bathed in both, Ganga and Yamuna.

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Uttarakhand Temple - Shri Kedarnath Kapat(doors) will open on 14th May 2013 at 7:15 AM

The kapat of Shri Kedarnath Temple will open on 14th May 2013 at 7:15 AM. Now a days devotees perform the winter puja, darshan and abhishek of Lord Kedarnath at the Gaddi Sthal Shri Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath with same rituals and tradition as performed at Shri Kedarnath Temple.

Char dham yatra 2013 is about to get started now, by the begining of the month May, people start visiting Shri Kedarnath, Shri Badrinarth, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Every year around ten lakh people visit Uttarakhand to perform puja at these one of the most sacred religious places of India.

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