Chamba

Trip: Dalhaousie > Khajjiar > Chamba > McLeodganj

The town of Chamba has historical and administrative significance in the region. There is little for a tourist although a well developed marketplace and few nearby religious spots make it ideal halting place. It is said that in the month of August there is hardly space for parking in the town as pilgrims from around India come for the Manimahesh trek. A big festival is funded by the local government in this month.

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

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: Rishikesh > Yamunotri > 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

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

Vaishno Devi

• Plan for two days. Trains go up to Katra from where it is a 6 hour trek most of which is moderate gradient. Eat light before you start your trek.
• There are plenty of accommodation options at the top. Stay, refresh yourself and then go for the holy place. Expect a couple hour queue during peak season, thats May-June.
• Eat Rajma Rice. Take a nap. Start early morning for Bhaironath which is an hour uphill, then the trek goes down all the way back to Katra. 

I have been to Vaishno Devi couple of times. It has lately become more of a picnic-trek rather a religious trip, thanks to the cash rich Vaishno Devi Trust which has created kiosks all the way to the top. The trek takes around 6 hours from Katra. In peak season, more than 30,000 visit everyday so crowd is a given. One thing is sure when you plan this - the more the merrier.

Me @ Vaishno Devi