Rupin Pass Trek - Part 2

Trek Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4

From this night onwards there was neither any electricity nor network. It was just us bantering in the dark while trying to sleep in an alien environment. Tiredness cocooned us into deep slumber in some time. Next day we were as fresh as ever and started with spring in our legs. I still remember this day as the most beautiful of the trek. First came the forests, then a ravine and finally a winding stairs to flatlands at the end of which was our camping ground.

The ravine on way to Saruwas Thatch

Rupin Pass Trek - Part 1

Trek Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4

Rupin Pass is a moderately tough trek. On the day we attempted it, it was difficult because of the 14ft ice that was covering our path from Dhanderas Thatch which is 2 days away from the summit. We were the second group of the season that had successfully attempted the summit @ 15279ft. This was a feat of no small proportion given the motley group we were.

15279ft @ Rupin Pass

Pangong

The road from Nubra to Leh is picturesque. Add to that the promise of seeing the expanse of Pangong Lake, no wonder we were thrilled. The road conditions are not very good because firstly it’s not strategic and secondly there is a road expansion going on around Pangong. We still enjoyed the long hours on the road as the landscape kept changing.

Frozen Pangong Tso

Nubra

We started at 9 for Nubra and reached Khardungla by 11. At a height of 18000ft, Khardungla is a major tourist destination. For the first time we were among the snow capped hills. It was time for a hot cup of tea and a lot of photographs. We took photos in all permutations and combinations before starting downhill for the Nubra Valley.

Khardungla Pass

Leh

Leh - Nubra - Pangong

• Only postpaid works in Leh. The internet and connectivity is good even in Nubra and Pangong.
• Take it easy on the first day. At 12000ft, the quick altitude change is challenging even to the healthy.
• Better to book a cab for the entire time of stay. Khardungla, Nubra and Pangong all need vehicle.
• May & June are the busiest seasons. We enjoyed the tranquillity of April. Frozen Pangong was a bonus.

We literally reached Leh in no time. I remember taking a call from my wife at Leh airport when she was thinking I am still at Delhi airport. Something so exotic is so accessible was a surprise. I generally prefer window seat and was thoroughly rewarded on our one hour flight to Leh with ice capped mountain view and amazing Himalayan landscape.

View of Leh from Shanti Stupa

Orchha Fort

Jhansi - Orchha

Orchha Fort was in my checklist since I missed it on my trip to Khajuraho. I had heard so much abut this bastion of Bundelkhand rulers that it would have been a tragedy to miss it twice. We left Jhansi Fort around 1 and reached Orchha by 2. Mauranipur, our destination for wedding we were here to attend, was still couple hours away.

Orchha Fort

Jhansi Fort

Jhansi - Orchha

We took at 8.10AM Gatimaan Express from Nizamuddin and we were at Jhansi before lunch. We were still about two hundred kilometers away from our destination Mauranipur. We were here for a wedding so we had ample time. We booked a cab that will be at our disposal till midnight when we had to take the returning train back to Delhi.

Jhansi Fort Entrance

Andaman’s Day 9: Port Blair

Andaman’s: Day 1 - Day 2 - Day 3 - Day 4 - Day 5 - Day 6 - Day 7 - Day 8 - Day 9

Next day we rented a two-wheeler for Wandoor Beach which is an hour away from Aberdeen Bazar. We crossed the airport on the way. It was refreshing to drive along the sea taking in all the greenery and beauty. Wandoor Beach was quiet and welcoming. We just sat the the beachfront and enjoyed the waves.

Wandoor Beach entrance

Andaman’s Day 8: Port Blair

Andaman’s: Day 1 - Day 2 - Day 3 - Day 4 - Day 5 - Day 6 - Day 7 - Day 8 - Day 9

Next day early in the day we went for Bose Island where most of the cavalry and all of the British officers used to live during the Raj days. Now most of the buildings are in ruins. It is still a beautiful island with deers roaming freely. We took a ferry from Marina Park Jetty which hardly takes 10 minutes and runs every half hour.

Ruined buildings at Bose Island

Andaman’s Day 7: Port Blair

Andaman’s: Day 1 - Day 2 - Day 3 - Day 4 - Day 5 - Day 6 - Day 7 - Day 8 - Day 9

We woke up in the dark not to leave for Port Blair. One visit was left. In the dark we started for Sitapur Beach which is the eastern-most point on Neil Island. We were on the clock. The sun was about to rise in 10 minutes and we were still fending in the dark. Somehow we reached the beachfront only to find a large crowd was already there.

Sunrise @ Sitapur Beach