Spectacularly jagged, arid mountains enfold this magical, Buddhist ex-kingdom. Picture-perfect gompas (Tibetan Buddhist monasteries) dramatically crown rocky outcrops amid whitewashed stupas and meditational mani walls topped with countless mantra-inscribed pebbles. Colourful fluttering prayer flags spread their spiritual messages metaphorically with the mountain breeze. A photographic compilation shows some of the sides of this colorful kingdom.
Udaipur casts its spell on anyone who gets close to it. The gorgeous City Of Lakes makes a perfect honeymoon destination, a cultural treasure and the face of Mewar. Experiencing Udaipur is all about reliving royalty and appreciating the city's regal beauty. Most of the attractions in Udaipur have been built and created by the Maharanas, and we must say that these wise rulers literally have done a marvellous job. The Video is a very short compilation of photographs taken in and around the City Of Lakes.
Valley of Flowers National Park is an Indian national park, located in West Himalaya, in the state of Uttarakhand and is known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the variety of flora. This richly diverse area is also home to rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard,musk deer,brown bear, red fox and blue sheep. Birds found in the park include Himalayan monal pheasant and other high altitude birds.At 3352 to 3658 meters above sea level, the gentle landscape of the Valley of Flowers National Park complements the rugged mountain wilderness of Nanda Devi National Park to the east.Together, they encompass a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalaya. The park stretches over an expanse of 87.50 km2 and it is about 8 km long and 2 km wide.Both parks are encompassed in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (223,674 ha) which is further surrounded by a buffer zone (5,148.57 km2).This Reserve is in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2004.
The Great Himalayan Ranges contains hundreds of beautiful lakes around India and neighbour countries. Some of the lakes are consider sacred in India like Gurudogmar lake Sikkim and some remain completely frozen in winters like the Pangong Lake in the trans Himalayan Region of Ladakh. This video is a short photographic compilation of some of the great himalayan lakes.
Many of these high altitude lakes are freshwater lakes formed by glacial activity. Some of these stunning lakes are only accessible through difficult treks to these regions and that’s one of the reason they have managed to retain their beauty and charm! These high altitudes will take your breath away by not only their beauty but by their unique features! Some have ever-changing colors and some are the best birding spots.
Folks who have ventured above couple of thousands of feet above sea level can relate well to the term called Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It is a condition which triggers as a result of lower levels of oxygen at high altitudes. Most people often ruin their precious holiday time because of altitude sickness.
As you travel to high altitudes, the amount of oxygen in the air you are breathing declines. Once you reach altitudes of over 8,000 feet, the oxygen levels in the air are significantly lower. It can be difficult for your body to adjust to this decreased oxygen, along with the cool and dry air, and closer proximity to the sun, all of which come with spending time at high altitudes. Fortunately, there are steps to take for both altitude sickness prevention and altitude sickness treatment.
Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) are:
-Headache
-Loss of appetite
-Nausea
-Vomiting
-Fatigue and weakness
-Dizziness
-Restless sleep
-Shortness of breath
-Swelling of the face and hands.
Lungs of people living near sea level are used to high levels of oxygen in air. Once you start ascending, the Oxygen levels in the air keep on decreasing. Increased risk of high altitude sickness sets in starting from the 3,500 meter mark. The high risk or mountain zone starts from 5,500 meters. The Oxygen levels decrease significantly once you cross the 3,500 meter mark. Above 5,500 meters mark, Acute Mountain Sickness can turn into High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) which are both very serious.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) symptoms include: serious fatigue, shortness of breath and dry cough, shortness of breath at rest, rapid and shallow breath, frothy or pink mucus possible, gurgling, rasping sound when breathing, pressure, heavy feeling in the chest, restlessness, rapid pulse, possible fever, cyanosis – blue or grey lips and indescribable lethargy.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) symptoms include: powerful headache which doesn’t pass using painkillers, loss of coordination (ataxia), vomiting, apathy, fatigue, indifference, walks as if drunk, behavioural changes, confusion, hallucinations, cramping fits, short-term blindness and numbness or paralysis of individual body part.
Altitude Sickness Prevention
The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to allow your body to adjust to the decreased levels of oxygen in high-altitude locations, this is often referred to as acclimatization.
Also keep in mind that you want to add water to your body, not deplete it. At least initially, avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Altitude Sickness Treatment
If you are having mild symptoms of mild altitude sickness, you should consider not going any higher for at least next 24 to 48 hours. Most cases will improve during this time, but will help you even more if you:
If you do develop altitude sickness, the following treatment options may help:
Don't attempt to climb again until your symptoms have completely disappeared. After two to three days, your body will have acclimatised and your symptoms should disappear.
If you have severe symptoms or your symptoms are getting worse, descend immediately by as much height as possible. This is because severe altitude sickness can be fatal if not treated quickly. Seek immediate medical help when you reach a low altitude.
A portable hyperbaric chamber is a bag you're zipped into, which is then pumped full of air. After one to two hours of treatment, your symptoms should improve significantly. The effect of the treatment is equivalent to descending about 2,000m (6,500 feet).
However, while oxygen treatment or the use of a hyperbaric chamber can relieve the symptoms of altitude sickness, it's not a replacement for descending to a lower altitude. You should always descend if you have severe or worsening symptoms, even if you've had oxygen treatment.
It is important to listen to your body when traveling to high-altitude locations, since altitude sickness can be serious. If you suspect that you are experiencing altitude sickness, don't go any higher until your symptoms improve and move to lower ground if your symptoms get worse.
Happy Travelling!
Leh is the winter wonderland in India. If you have traveled to Leh in summers, then be ready to see a totally different picture in winters. Here are some of the most essential tips for making a comfortable winter trip to Leh.
1. Reaching Leh In Winters
During winters, all the high mountain passes on the Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh route are shut down due to heavy snowfall. There is no feasible land route to Leh. So the only possible way to reach there during winters is by flight.
Leh has good connectivity from New Delhi and Srinagar with daily flights however, the flight schedule might hit due to fog or snowfall. So be prepared to have some schedule shifts.
2. Colder Than You Can Think Of
The temperatures can dip to as low as -25 to -30 Degrees Celsius, and yes it is very very cold. So, the first thing you should care about is warm clothing. Good quality jackets with fleece lining and a wind proof outer shell is preferable for such condition. You should wear layered clothing with thermals inside the jacket for best insulation against cold. Keep yourself covered all the time and specially protect the chest part. Always wear a fleece cap and good quality layered gloves. Hitting by cold at that temperatures and altitude can lead to further issues. So if you are protected well, then there is not much to worry about the cold.
Also avoid getting the cloths wet. Wet clothes can amplify the cold and led to headaches. Eat well along the entire trip to keep your body warm and also drink lots of water to keep yourself well hydrated. Also keep a pair good quality shades along with you, they will make it more comfortable to enjoy the snow and will avoid any chances of snow blindness.
3. Once You Reach Leh
It is always advisable to spare a day for acclimatization after reaching Leh. In winters, it is even more important to acclimatize because your body is not used to such cold temperatures. Reach your hotel and have a cup of tea, you can also try Ladakhi Tea, which is said to keep the body warm. Keep physical exertion to a minimum on the first day so that you can enjoy your rest of the journey to this wonderland.
4. Choose A Good Hotel
Prepare the budget for a decent hotel during winters. Most of the hotels are closed at this time of the year and most of the remaining hotels don't have running water, as the water freezes in the pipelines and the storage tanks. So choose a good hotel with running water and room heater facility. It is advisable to choose an oil heater instead of a regular gas heater because the gas heater further reduces the Oxygen levels in the room.
5. Travelling Around Leh
Private taxi seems to be the only feasible option to travel around Leh in winters because shared taxis are not generally available due to very thin tourist traffic. So prepare a decent budget for travelling around Leh. Always confirm the vehicle condition with the tour operator before confirming the trip, because you might need the stuff like heater etc. in the vehicle.
Vehicle should also be reliable and not very old, because you can't afford the car breaking down in the middle of a thick sheet of snow. I always travel with a guy named Thinle (Ph: 9622977737). Very friendly guy with good vehicle options.
6. Buffer Days
The terrain here is unpredictable and winter snow and ice can make it even worse. Plan your trip with at least 2-3 buffer days. Always check the weather forecast for Khardunla and Changla before heading towards them to see if there are chances of heavy snowfall for the next couple of days. The BRO does an excellent job for keeping the high passes open, but if it snows very heavily then the passes may remain closed for a day or two before it opens again for general traffic.
Sometimes the flights get cancelled due to snowfall in Leh as well, so it is always advisable to plan your trip with such contingencies.
7. Must Visit Places
Leh becomes a wonderland in winter with places and conditions like you have never seen before. Frozen streams and lots of snow. There is actually more of ice than snow. Some of the must visit places are:
- Pangong Tso: Of course yes, Pangong Tso offers some unmatched views and unbelievable landscapes in winters. You might have seen the photographs with blue waters of Pangong, this entire lake turns into a blue colored ice slab. You can even drive your car on it (only the experienced ones here). You will encounter numerous frozen streams on the way and the Changla is a treat to be at. Have a look at the weather forecast at Pangong and avoid going there in case of snowfall because the blue color will be hidden deep inside a white sheet of snow.
It is preferred to make a day trip to Pangong because the accommodation availability is very thin during winters.
- Nubra Valley: The majestic Khardungla looks astonishing during winters and should be on your must visit list. Nubra Valley doesn't see much snowfall but the wide vistas are a treat to the eyes. Accommodation is very limited during winters so it is advisable to book a decent hotel in advance through your tour operator.
- Tso Moriri: Smaller than Pangong Lake but almost as beautiful and gets completely frozen during winters. It gets much more colder at Tso Moriri than Pangong, so avoid it if you are already feeling cold at Leh. If venturing to Tso Moriri, it is preferable to stay at Chumathang Hot Springs, because the temperatures here are much more comfortable than Korzok (near Tso Moriri). Also there is almost no availability of accommodation at Korzok in winters.
If you have some more days in hands, than you can also take up the monastery circuit tour. The monasteries remain very calm during winters because of very thin tourist traffic and fewer monks.
Happy Travelling :)
1. Train Yourself
Training and fitness should be a top priority for a trekker. The best way to prepare yourself for a long hard trek is to start at home. Start walking to the market, or the grocery shop. To train for a long tiring trek, your legs should be able to cope with the constant pressure.
2. Workout For Your Legs
Walking on a street seems normal but, scaling an alpine terrain is a totally different story. A slight strain on your leg muscle can lead to a major injury there. If you are a gym guy, do lots of weighted squats and lunges.
3. Start Carrying A Backpack
On most of the trekking trips, you will be carrying a backpack along with you which will contains stuff like food, cloths and water. So while training, make it a part of your workout to carry a backpack with some load in it, 3-4 kgs to start with. If you want to train hard, try carrying more load in it. This practice will train everything from your shoulders to your legs and lungs.
4. Choose The Right Footwear
Training your legs is not the only thing required, get your feet the much required comfort of a good pair of trekking shoes. Buy a good quality pair of trekking shoes, preferably water resistant and well ventilated. You should start wearing your shoes months before the actual trek. This will make them adapt more according to your feet and will avoid blisters during trek. The image below shows a horrible shoe choice!
5. Eat Right
Food and water are as essential as training for a trek. Keep enough stock for the entire trek. Nuts, dried fruits, chocolate etc are great source of some much needed energy on a trek. While gaining altitude, water is vital to fight the altitude sickness and the good news is that most of the high altitude streams, away from villages are fresh and clean to drink. So keep yourself filled up and well hydrated.
6. Carry Basic Medication
Cuts and bruises are common on treks when you cross dense vegetation or fall on slippery snow. So, always carry a basic first aid kit to handle these mishaps. Also take particular care of your medication if you are allergic to something. On long treks, when you are days away from the nearest population, you should have some medication at your rescue.
And, Always follow your instincts on a trek. If you feel that you are having some problem walking or breathing, call it out immediately.
Happy travelling :)
Udaipur casts its spell on everybody who gets close to it. The gorgeous City Of Lakes makes a perfect honeymoon destination, a cultural treasure and the face of Mewar. Experiencing Udaipur is all about reliving royalty and appreciating the city's regal beauty. Most of the attractions in Udaipur have been built and created by the Maharanas, and we must say that these wise rulers literally have done a marvellous job.
1. Fateh Sagar
The charm of Udaipur is incomplete without Fateh Sagar Lake, which is situated in the north of Lake Pichola and is connected to it through a canal and a small lake named Swaroop Sagar. It is also one of the major tourist attractions in Udaipur. A boat ride or a jet ski ride is a must to complete the thrill. The famous Nehru Garden is also situated in the middle of Fateh Sagar Lake. Lots of street food and snacks complete a fun filled evening. A must visit place!!
2. Jaisamand Lake
Jaisamand Lake or the Dhebar Lake is the largest fresh water lake in Asia and is located at about 52kms from the Udaipur City. It is spread in an area of 36 sq kms, which is humongous for a fresh water lake. There are a couple or monuments near the lake, like the Hawa Mahal and Roothi Rani Ka Mahal. Both of them gives some breath taking views of the Jaisamand Lake.
3. Lake Pichola
Another man made wonder in the city dominated by nature, Lake Pichola was created in 1362 AD. Rana Udai Singh II extended the lake in 16th century. The picturesque lake is surrounded by huge hills, magnificent palaces, temples and bathing ghats. The islands in Lake Pichola offer various tourist attractions and hence by cruising in Lake Pichola, you are sure to have an awesome time. Sunset views are stunning. Boat cruise offers lovely views of the town, particularly in the evenings as you watch the sun go down on your eyes, you will find the city lit up. The palaces look stunning with the lights on and it is a great view from the lake.
4. Sajjan Garh
If you are partial to the beauty offered by nature more than man made wonders, you are sure to love Sajjan Garh. The palace is small but the views are stunning. The palace is well maintained and the sunset view from here is awesome. It was constructed by Maha Rana Sajjan Singh in 1884. The aim of the king was to construct an observatory here to observe the arrival of monsoon as well as predict weather conditions. Owing to his untimely demise, the work was not completed. However, the views from here fascinate you beyond words. Nearly 1000 feet above the sea level, the views of Udaipur from here are breath taking.
5. City Palace
Image Courtesy: www.mygreedybackpack.com
City Palace was constructed in the year 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh. The palace is situated on the banks of Pichola Lake. It is a blend of European, Medieval and Chinese styles of architecture. City Palace houses 11 magnificent palaces and they were all constructed during various periods and by various rulers. The size of the palace is awe inspiring with the courtyards, terraces, pavilions, hanging gardens and a lot more. Everything about the palace is magnificent be it the architecture, the antiques inside and the exclusive paintings hanging on the walls.
6. Moti Magri
It is a hilltop that has the famous Maharana Pratap Memorial. The hill overlooks Lake Fatehsagar and also has one of the earliest palaces in Mewar called Moti Mahal, where once Maharana Udai Singh lived. The delightful Japanese Rock Garden and the Pratp Smarak are the highlight of Moti Magri. The height of the hill allows tourists to click some of the best pictures of the city. A light and sound show is also organized in the evening here showcasing the thousand years of rule of Mewar.
7. Sukhadia Circle
Unlike the food courts in many malls where customer first purchase food tokens, drop it at various food counters and then collect their food individually, at Bambiya Bazaar of Sukhadia Circle, the same procedure is followed by food vendors and not by customers. The mouth watering pani-puri, pav-bhaji, pizza, chaat and lots more will surely make your day an awesome one. If you are a foodie, then this should be in your must visit place!
8. Karni Mata Ropeway
A popular tourist attraction, Karni Mata Ropeway is enjoyed by almost everyone who visits Udaipur city. This cable car is installed between two mountains on the bank of Lake Pichola. Tourist admires the view from the Gondolas and clicks a lot of photographs as from here you can get the best view of Udaipur. Lake Pichola, Lake Fateh Sagar, City Palace complex, Sajjangarh Fort and the Aravali mountains on the other side of the lake can be seen from here clearly.
9. Badi Lake
The lake was built in the village of Badi, about 12 km from the city of Udaipur, by Maharana Raj Singh I (1652-1680) to counteract the devastating effects of a famine. He named it Jiyan Sagar after his mother Jana Devi. The lake is graced by many artistic chhatris (kiosks or pavilions). During the drought of 1973, the lake supplied water to the people of Udaipur. Devoid of any commercial activity, the Badi Lake gives a view of a never-ending expanse providing a serene and calm atmosphere to the visitors.
10. Shilpgram
If you are someone who likes to learn about culture, Shilpgram in Udaipur is the right place for you! This Craftsmen’s Village is situated at a distance of 3kms from the main city. Shilpgram is a wonderful place to see the different traditions and culture of India as this government-owned complex showcases the rural life of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa. Other than buying the traditionally made items here, one can also enjoy horse and camel rides along with traditional dance and music.
Happy Travelling!!
1. Rohtang Pass - 3,978 m
Rohtang Pass, is a high mountain pass on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas around 51 km from Manali. It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most sought after destination for the tourist coming to Manali. It remains closed from November to June due to heavy snowfall.
2. Baralacha Pass - 4,890 m
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Bara-lacha la also known as Bara-lacha Pass, or Bārā Lācha La, is a high mountain pass in Zanskar range, connecting Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, situated along the Leh-Manali highway. Suraj Tal lies at the base of Baralacha, which is fed from the glaciers and torrential streams originating from the pass.
3. Nakee La - 4,750 m
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Nakee la is the third pass crossed while travelling from Manali to Leh. It lies between Sarchu and Pang. After Nakee la, the roads heads towards Whiskey Nullah.
4. Lachulung La - 5,059 m
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Lachulung La, located in Ladakh separates the valleys of the Tsarap Chu Chu and the Tozay, where both are on the flow of the Zanskar and the Indus rivers. Situated on 16,600 feet above the sea level, the pass is quite close to the Sarchu and Pangong lake.
The pass on the Leh-Manali Highway is around 8 kms from La Nakee that is around 24 kms towards the north of Pang. The road is visible from the narrow gap of the Lachulung Lungpa. While crossing the pass, the tourist buses and taxis take a halt here most of the times, to let the tourists admire the local natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. It is one of the favorite passes amongst the hikers as well as trekkers.
5. Taglang La - 5,328 m
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Taglang La pass is the second highest mountain pass in Ladakh, the first being Khardungla Pass. It is the residence of the nomadic Changpa herdsman who can be seen herding their cattle and goats. The pass is adjacent to the Leh-Manali highway and is reached via 21 Gata loops. The two nearest settlements to this pass are Sarchu towards Manali and Upshi towards Leh. Upshi is a stopover on the route to Leh where tourists halt for a cup of tea. From Upshi, Leh is just a half an hour drive.
6. Khardung La - 5,359 m
Often falsely called as the highest motor able pass in the word, Khardung la lies north of Leh and is the gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys. The Siachen Glacier lies part way up the latter valley. Built in 1976, it was opened to public motor vehicles in 1988 and has since seen many automobile, motorbike and mountain biking expeditions. Maintained by the Border Roads Organisation, the pass is strategically important to India as it is used to carry supplies to the Siachen Glacier.
7. Chang La - 5,360 m
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The Chang La is on the route to Pangong Lake from Leh. The name literally means "Pass towards the South" or "Pass in the South" (Chang = south, La = Pass). It is falsely claimed that the pass is named after the supposed sadhu Changla Baba, a myth propagated by the dedication of a temple at the pass to the supposed Changla Baba. The nomadic tribes of the region are collectively known as the Changpa or Chang-pa.
8. Marsimik La - 5,681 m
Image Courtesy: www.overdrive.in
Marsimik La or Marsimek La, elevation 5,681 meters (18,640 ft), is a high mountain pass in the Chang-Chemno Range in northern India about 100 km (62 mi) east of Leh, further by road.
Located 20 km (10 mi) northeast of the northwest tip of Pangong Lake, the pass is on the shortest route from there to the contested Kongka Pass area some 42 km (26 mi) further northeast on the China-India line of actual control. Marsimik La is 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) west of the sharp 6,000 to 6,500 m (19,700 to 21,300 ft) ridgeline forming the line of actual control.
9. Wari La - 5,308 m
Wari la is a high mountain pass in Ladakh region of the Leh District. The pass is an ideal base for trekking and is the highest pass in Nubra Valley.The pass ascends from Takthok and gives panoramic views of the nearby passes and peaks. It is as well fourth highest road in the world and it connects Khardung Village to Sakti Village.
10. Fotu La - 4,108 m
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Fotu La or Fatu La is a mountain pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway in the Himalayas Zaskar Range in India. At an elevation of 4,108 metres (13,478 ft), it is the highest point on the highway, surpassing the famed Zoji La. Fotu La is one of two high mountain passes between Leh and Kargil, the other being Namika La.Moving eastwards, the highway begins to descend towards the town of Lamayuru after Fotu La. There is a Prasar Bharati television relay station serving Lamayuru located on the pass.
11. Zoji La - 3,528 m
Image Courtesy: www.i.telegraph.co.uk
Zoji La is 9 km (5.6 mi) from Sonamarg and provides a vital link between Ladakh and Kashmir. It runs at an elevation of approximately 3,528 metres (11,575 ft), and is the second highest pass after Fotu La on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway. It is often closed during winter, though the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working to extend traffic to most parts of the year. The Beacon Force unit of the BRO is responsible for clearing and maintenance of the road during winter.
12. Razdan Pass - 3,557 m.jpg)
An uphill journey from Bandipur to Razdan pass 3, 557 m has a breathtaking view points where one can stop for a photo shoot. Shrine of Peer Bubo atop Razdan pass is looked after by the army regiment on duty in the Gurez region. The saint had come from Lahore in 1933 and was buried at Razdan pass. The trekking routes from Gurez and Tilel lead up to Gangabal and Sonmarg to its east and Drass, Dahanu and Zanskar to its north.
