Mukteshwar

• Mukteshwar is less than 30 miles from Nainital through a scenic route full with roadside dhabas. They can  be easily coupled over a weekend stay.
• Chali ki jali is the only place worth a visit around Mukteshwar. It is behind Mukteshwar Mata Mandir and has a cliff worth climbing.
• People come to Mukteshwar for the calm weather and aloof atmosphere. It's good enough to bring the most creative in you.

I was picked up from my home late at night for the trip. We were seven of us. The plan was to hit Mukteshwar as early as possible so that we may rest in the first half. We were able to reach Jeeves' uncles hill house by 9 AM only. It was a sunny morning of August and the surroundings were beautiful. We ate our lunch and relaxed for the evening.

Valley View, Mukteshwar

Goa

The outbound trip, sponsored by the company, was full of fun. We made planned visits to various locations and the 200 strong team had sweet memories. As the trip was professionally organized we had little to bother but enjoy every moment of our stay at The Leela.

Hotel Leela Palace @ Goa

Mount Abu

• Mount Abu is less than 100 miles from Udaipur and overnight from Delhi and Ahmedabad via train. As such it is one of the accessible hill stations.
• One day is enough to cover the major points. Sunrise Point and some far points can be covered in another day.
• Ranakpur Temple near Udaipur is twin of Dilwara Temple here. Both are elaborate work of art. Enjoy the hospitality of Rajasthan

There are few hill stations in western India and fewer as complete as Mount Abu. It marks most of the checklist items of a typical hill station - lake, spiritual centre, sunrise & sunset points. Proximity to Udaipur helps and a railway station at the foothill, well connected with rest of India is a winner. Consequently you will never find Mount Abu out of a typical hill station crowd.

Guru Shikar, Mount Abu

Badrinath

Glacial landscapes on the way@Badrinath

Char dham of Uttarakhand

Kedarnath

Kedarnath valley

Jyotirlinga temple@Kedarnath

Char dham of Uttarakhand

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