Neil Island, Andaman

Saturday 22 June 2002

Badrinath

Glacial landscapes on the way@Badrinath

Char dham of Uttarakhand

Thursday 20 June 2002

Kedarnath

Kedarnath valley
Jyotirlinga temple@Kedarnath

Char dham of Uttarakhand

Tuesday 18 June 2002

Gangotri

  • Limited electricity supply means either you need to book a hotel with ample generator support or settle for a thick blanket.
  • Maggi and coke are the most hygienic breakfast you will get in this part of country. The Gangotri village is small. Trek around to see natural land formations around.
  • Gomukh is an overnight trip from here. The mouth of holy Ganges' origin has crumbled down. 
Trip: RishikeshYamunotri > Gangotri > Kedarnath > Badrinath > Rishikesh

We started from Hanumanchatti (Yamunotri base) for Gangotri at 10 and only stopped at Uttarkashi for lunch. En route to Gangotri we found a dam, the flowing water from which was creating a permanent rainbow. There was also a hot water spring some 40 km before our destination where we had bath.

Ganges@Gangotri

Monday 17 June 2002

Yamunotri

  • One of the most arduous treks, Yamunotri takes one day to climb and come back but it is worth the experience of some of the most preserved glaciers in this area.
  • Yamuna originates from here which has made authorities block the entire mouth of the glacier. You can take a bath in hot water spring nearby.
  • Walk around the top. The view around with so many glaciers is mesmerizing. You can even walk on one of them or see water dropping inside which create a river eventually.
Trip: Rishikesh > Yamunotri > Gangotri > Kedarnath > Badrinath > Rishikesh

We hired a Sumo from Rishikesh for 1500 a day. It was going to be a long trip. The first morning was beautiful with a good weather and a mild drizzle. Passing Tehri was an event. The driver indicated demarcation up to which the reservoir will be filled. Our road was below that mark.

First stage of trek, Yamunotri