Camping in Himalayas

Camping in Himalayan mountain ranges is one of the most fascinating experiences of lifetime. Himalayas, being the largest mountain chain on the globe, offers a number of camping sites bringing oneself closer to the nature. It allows us to spend our holidays in the lap of the most picturesque natural scenery away from the hustle-bustle of the city environment. Spending a gala time in the natural surroundings, amidst the evergreen forests beautifying the mountains, camping offers a change from our daily routine. Here one can experience those feelings which we can never think of during our stay in luxury hotels.

Camping in Chail

Chail is located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level 45 km away from Shimla. During the reign of Maharaja Patiala, Chail was made the summer capital. Chail is covered with thick jungles of Pine and Rhododendron trees, where a variety of colourful birds can also be spotted. The highest mountain peak in this region, which remains covered with snow for most of the year, Choor Chandani can also be viewed from Chail. Chail hill is covered with apple gardens which are laden with fruits in the months of July and August. The highest cricket ground is also situated here in the campus of King George Royal Indian Military School, which is located on the top of the peak.

Camping in Sangla Valley

Sangla valley simply offers unimaginable tranquility amidst meadows in the lap of nature. It is also known by the name of Baspa Valley as it is located on the bank of Baspa river. Here you find yourself away from your daily life routine at an altitude of 1,899 meters on the wooded slopes. Sangla Valley is merely at a distance of 30 km from Tibet border from where one can enjoy the mesmerising view of snow covered Himalayan mountain ranges.

Camping in Tabo

Tabo is an ancient village located at a distance of around 37 km from Kaza in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is famous worldwide for its 10th century Tibetan monastery, which has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is almost a different experience to stay in camps in the barren land where one feels staying many centuries back without any modernisation. It is one of the famous tourist destinations in Indian Himalayas.

Camping in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is an ideal location for camping, which is located at an altitude of 1360 feet above sea level and at a distance of 43 km from Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand. It is famous as the holy city of Hindus and one can find a number of temples, ashrams, sages and saints here. It is considered as the gateway to the Himalayas from where the holy journey to Char Dham starts. Located on the banks of Ganga, apart from camping one can also enjoy white water rafting in the rapids of the holy river.

Camping in Chitrauli, Nainital

It is one of the best considered locations for camping tours in the beautiful state of Uttarakhand. Chitrauli camping sites are not far away Nainital which are covered by Oak, Deodar and Pine forests at an altitude of 1930 meters. These sites give you a spectacular view of snow capped majestic Himalayas and attract hundreds of visitors and nature lovers, particularly in summers when tropical heat in plains becomes almost intolerable.

Mountaineering In India

Mountaineering is one of the best options to explore beauty of nature in the serene atmosphere away from city crowds. For those who are nature lovers and adventure freaks, India has got enormous options for mountaineering in various parts of the country, whether it is Northern region, South Indian hills or beautiful Northeastern states.

Himalayan mountain range is the most preferred paradise for mountaineers from all over the world. Its snowcapped mountains, evergreen forests, picturesque valleys and snow fed rivers create an awesome atmosphere for mountaineers who come here with the hope of exploring the unexplored terrains.

Best destinations for Mountaineering in India

With a wide spectrum of mountaineering destinations, India has always been one of the most favourite places for adventure and nature lovers.

Jammu and Kashmir

Being the Northernmost state of India, Jammu and Kashmir is situated in the lap of mighty Himalayan mountain range. It offers some of the most sought after mountaineering destinations with rugged terrains situated at such heights where the atmospheric pressure is below than normal.

Leh and Ladakh region is mostly preferred for mountaineering expeditions which has Zanskar, Nun Kun Massif and Suru valleys, considered some of the difficult peaks to capture. These peaks are situated at an altitude between 5,500 and 6,500 meters above mean sea level.

Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is beautiful small state sharing its borders with other two hilly states of North India, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand. Himachal is blessed with mesmerising mountains which attract mountaineers from far away places to explore the beauty of Himalayan region, every year. The mountains of Himachal Pradesh boast of rich flora and fauna, which include some of the endangered species of Himalayan region.

Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports is located in Manali, which conducts courses for beginners and experienced mountaineers. Some of the best places for mountaineering expeditions in Himachal Pradesh are Lahaul and Spiti Valley, Kullu, Manali, Shimla and Dhauladhar range.

Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is young state which has been carved out from Uttar Pradesh. Most of the regions of Uttarakhand are hilly and are world famous for adventure activities. Mountaineering is one such option which every nature lover visiting Uttarkhand wants to explore.

Mountains here are covered with Pine, Rhododendron, Oak and Deodar trees and also boast of rich varieties of wildlife and birds. Some of the best places for mountaineering in Uttarakhand are Garhwal and Kumaon regions with an altitude ranging from 3,000 to 7,200 meters above mean sea level. Nanda Kot, Panchchuli, Namik Glacier and Trisul are most favourite among mountaineers.

Sikkim

Sikkim is also a Himalayan state situated in Northern India which have snowcapped mountain peaks covered with evergreen forests. It boasts of some of the unique mountains like Kanchenjunga which challenges human being to capture its lofty snow covered heights.

Apart from Kanchenjunga peak (8,580 meters), other mountains like Kabru, Talung, Jonsong and Tent attract mountaineers to explore their rich flora and fauna amid the beautiful green meadows, gushing streams, dense forests and picturesque valleys.

West Bengal

Though West Bengal is not a hilly state but Darjeeling, one of the districts of West Bengal, is a very famous hill station which is covered with splendid mountain peaks and tea gardens. Mountaineers from far away places visit Darjeeling every year to have the unmatchable experience of mountain expeditions. Nature has gifted Darjeeling with incomparable splendid beauty, which every nature lover would like to explore.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is also located in Darjeeling, which conducts various courses from time to time for the adventure lovers, every year. Some of the best mountaineers on this planet have undertaken mountaineering training in Darjeeling.

Mountain Biking in India

Biking in India is one of the best mediums to explore its natural beauty and vast culture. Though it is an adventurous sport, which challenges your endurance and physical fitness, but it gives you an unmatchable experience. Biking can be of any type, be it cycling or motor biking. The only difference is that cycle biking needs good stamina and toughness, both mental as well as physical.
As India has been blessed with a vast landscape ranging from beautiful beaches in the South to golden deserts in West and from fertile Gangetic plains to lofty mountain peaks in North and East, it is a good experience of exploring Indian diversities through biking. Every year adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers from several parts of the globe try their hand on biking for discovering the Indian landscapes.

Mountain Biking in India provides an opportunity to peep into the culture, tradition and lifestyles of the localites by stopping at various places and villages.

Biking Destinations in India

The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh are replete with incomparable scenic beauty and some of the best places to offer a complete novel experience with treasure troves of exciting routes in hill stations of India are a number of less frequented mountainous routes in India, where a leisurely ride on a cycle or motor bike through an atmosphere almost devoid of pollution, verdant valleys, lush green meadows and lofty mountains gives you an experience worth remembering.

Most preferred routes for Biking

Biking in Himachal Pradesh

1. Shimla – Kufri – Narkanda – Sungri – Jeori – Sangla – Karcham – Bhawa nagar – Sainj – Basantpur – Shimla

2. Shimla – Kufri – Narkanda – Nankhari – Sungri – Tiuni – Lakhawati – Paonta Sahib

3. Shimla – Kufri – Narkanda – Shemsher – Koti – Chattru – Rangrik – Tabo – Chango – Powari – Jeori – Sungri – Tiuni – Nerwa – Paunta Sahib

Biking in South India

1. Bangalore – Cochin – Parambikolam – Marayoor – Kanthalloor – Kundala – Munnar

2. Kottayam – Kumarakom – Muhamma – Kovalam - Trivandrum

Biking in Uttarakhand

1. Mussoorie – Dhanaulti – Surkhanda Devi – Chamba – Rari Pass

2. Thakurdwara – Ramnagar – Kaladhungi – Haldwani – Nainital - Ranikhet

Biking in Ladakh

1. Leh – Hemis – Chilling – Khardung La – Upshi – Rumptsi - Tanglang La - Manali

2. Leh – Shey – Thiksey – Hemis – Upshi – Hyamnya – Chumthang – Sumdo – Karzog – Tsokar – Debring – Upshi - Leh

Though thinking about biking in beautiful valleys seems very nice but in practical it is physically more demanding and challenging. It is always advisable to move in groups to avoid any unforeseen emergencies.

The best thing about mountain biking in Himalayas is hospitality of the localites wherever you go. You need not to worry about the food and shelter. It is an unimaginable experience to drive through barren lands, snow fed rivers, gushing streams, green meadows, dense forests and rugged terrains.

The best season for biking in India is from March to June and from September to November.

Trekking in Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling is a beautiful small hill station in the foothills of Himalayas. It is located in the state of West Bengal, India. Located at a height of 2,134 meters, it is covered by lush green tea gardens. This region is inhabited by a mix population of Bhutias, Nepalis, Lepchas and Tibetans. It is also famous for its narrow gauge toy train and some of the beautiful trekking destinations in the lap of Himalayas.
Hills of Darjeeling attract trekking from all over India and abroad. Wild flowers, Rhododendrons, Orchids and Magnolias add glitter to the natural beauty of the hills of Darjeeling. Different trekking routes here promise you the enchanting views of some of the beautiful snow capped mountains in Himalayan range like Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse.

Best time to visit Darjeeling for Trekking

Trekking season in Darjeeling begins in the month of March and goes upto June. Since the region witnesses rain during monsoon season, in the months from July to August, the second season of trekking here starts from September and ends in the month of December. There is heavy snowfall in the months of January and February during winters, which makes trekking in Himalayas almost impossible.

Some of the most sought after Treks of Darjeeling

Sandakphu Trek

Sandakphu, which is located in West Bengal at an altitude of 3,636 meters above mean sea level, is culminating point of many trekking routes. From this point trekkers can have a look of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu peaks. Trekking in this region starts from a town near Darjeeling called Manaybhanjan, which is at an altitude of 2,134 meters. Varieties of flora and fauna can be spotted in this trek while passing through its Pine forests. Around 600 species of birds are believed to inhabit in this region in dense green forests.

Darjeeling-Phalut Trek

This is one of the famous treks, which is preferred by trekkers of all the ages. The route which runs from countryside amid Pine and Oak forests, leaves trekkers with an experience to be cherished life long. Trekkers can have a beautiful view of snow covered peaks of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga from Pahlut. The trekking expedition starts from Manaybhanjan and passes from Tonglu, Kalapokhri and Sandakphu before culminating at Phalut. Phalut is located at the junction of West Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal. The best season to visit is from the month of April to May and October to November.

Neora Valley Nature Reserve Trek

Neora Valley is a home to some of the species of endangered animals, birds and plants. Located in Eastern Himalayas, Lava is the starting destination of the trek. Before reaching Rachela Pass, which is located at an altitude of 3,152 meters on Indo-Bhutan border, one has to pass from densely forested hills and valleys. Bird watchers from far away places flock to this area during Spring season in the months from Mach to June. One also gets an opportunity to experience the nature in its cascading streams and waterfalls amid Pine and Oak jungles. The trekkers have to move through the Neora Valley National Park, which is a habitat of various species of flora and fauna, apart from birds.

Darjeeling-Kalimpong Trek

This trekking expedition is considered one of the best treks in Kalimpong area, which starts from Darjeeling to reach the highest point Rochella, located at an altitude of 3,400 meters above sea level. One has to cover the areas of Relli, Pankhasari and Neora during trekking. The trek does not include tough terrains and can be enjoyed by healthy persons of any age group. During the trek, trekkers can spot exotic varieties of birds and plants.

Trekking expeditions in Darjeeling area depends on the taste, availability of time and physical fitness of the individual. There are some treks which can be covered in a single day and also some of the treks even need eight to ten days to complete.

How to reach Darjeeling

Air :Bagdogra is the nearest airport to Darjeeling. Located at a distance of about 90 km from Darjeeling, it is connected by domestic flights from major cities in India like Calcutta, Guwahati and Delhi.. From Bagdogra one can reach by taxi to Darjeeling.

Rail :As Darjeeling has a narrow gauge railway station, it is connected by toy train from New Jalpaiguri, which is the nearest broad gauge railway station.

Road :Darjeeling is well connected by roads and regular bus services are available from Siliguri (86 km), Gangtok (100 km) and Kalimpong(51 km).