10 Results found for Search: trekking
1. Trekking and pony-trekking, Sonmarg.
Sonamarg and the area around may well be described as a paradise for walkers and trekkers as well as for ‘pony-trekkers’. The trails are numerous and varied. Most are well defined and have been in use for decades if not centuries. There are others that require a greater sense of adventure and fitness – but all told, the range is from mild to strenuous. In terms of time, there are some that can be covered in a few hours, others that can last a few days and a couple where the trail can be extended for over a week.
2. Gudiyam Caves, Chennai.
Located on the outskirts of Chennai, about 10 kilometers (6.25 miles) from Poondi Reservoir, the Gudiyam Caves are a cluster of 16 naturally-formed rock shelters that can be reached only after a 4-kilometer trek. Naturalists and adventure enthusiasts opt to visit the Gudiyam Caves for the trek alone.
3. Bhagsunag Temple and the Bhagsu Falls Day Hike, McLeodganj.
A sharp climb from McLeodganj past small cafes and shops and then through cedar woods leads to this old temple that locals claim has been in existence since the time of the Mahabharata, and the exile of the Pandava brothers. The temple, even if its exact age is open to speculation, is certainly a fairly old one and is dedicated to Shiva and to the local version of the serpent deity, Bhagsu Nag. The temple, in its present form itself owes much to the Gurkhas who had captured Kangra in the early nineteenth century and this was rebuilt by them. A mile or so from Bhagsu village, are the Bhasu falls. The waterfall is about twenty metres high.
4. Binsar, Almora.
If you are a pure mountain lover, do not miss this. Plan your trip in a manner that you reach this place around sundown (as most traveling by road from Delhi would). Wake up early next morning and the view of major peaks like Chaukhamba, Panchchuli, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Kedarnath among others will leave a lasting impression. Rarely does one get a panoramic view of snow peaks that Binsar offers. This was a favorite of Pandit Nehru, whose family once owned a property here. It has since changed hands, but if you wish to experience a piece of history head for Khali Estate.
5. Dharamkot and the Triund Day Hike, McLeodganj.
On the crest of a hill above McLeodganj, Dharamkot is an attractive spot that presents a wide view of the Kangra valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. There are a couple of small (and interesting) eateries around. Dharamkot also has the Vipassana meditation centre, Dhamma Shikara, as well as the Tushita Meditation Centre which is a centre for the study and practice of Buddhism in the Tibetan Mahayana tradition. Past Dharamkot, at a distance of 9 km from McLeodganj, much of which is a steady climb, Triund is at the foot of the Dhauladhar ranges and is at a height of 2,827 m. The snow line, which is considered to be the most easily accessible in the entire Himalayan range starts from Ilaqua, 4 km from Triund.
6. Amarnath Yatra, Pahalgam.
From Pahalgam, the distance to the cave of Amarnath where Lord Shiva is enshrined as an ice-lingam is forty-eight kilometers. The ‘yatra’ is held around the Hindu month of Shravan – and broadly coincides with July and August. This is the time when thousands of pilgrims wind their way up to this holy cave.
7. Adventure and outdoor activities, Patnitop.
Para-gliding is available with trained tandem-riders around Patnitop. There are different take-off points and the ride can vary between fifteen minutes to an hour. Patnitop has several walk trails through woods and grasslands. A popular trail which has side trails, is the ‘Jungle Gali’. Paths also go to Kudh and Batote. Natha Top and Madha Top, both of which are close to Patnitop, have short, gentle ski slopes.
8. Doddabetta Peak, Ooty.
The scenic uphill drive en route to Kotagiri can take you to the highest point of the district - Dodabetta Peak. In Kannada language, Dodda means Big and Betta means Hill. Standing 2,623 meters above sea level, this big hill offers an unbelievably refreshing view of the surrounding geography.
On a bright, clear day you can get a view of distant Coimbatore, Mysore and Chamundi Hills. The reserve forest around the peak is also an important attraction.
9. Hikes and treks, Sangla Valley.
The Sangla Valley has some of the finest easy hikes that can be done in the western Himalaya – and some grueling trek trails too. There are what an experienced trekker will call ‘easy walks’ like the ever popular Batseri to Raksham walk that takes a couple of hours and passes through woods of Himalayan cedar (deodar) and birch, or the somewhat more demanding Raksham to Chitkul hike.
10. Thadiyandamol, Coorg.
One of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, Thadiyandamol stands at a height of 1,747 meters and is ideal for experienced trekkers. You can access its peak with an 8 km drive from Kakkabe, located at a distance of 35 kms from Madikeri. Though you can access two-thirds of the route by jeep, but the final climb is quite difficult yet rewarding with the beautiful view from top.