Lahaul and Spiti – A Travel Guide

1. Baralacha La, Lahaul and Spiti:

Situated at an altitude of 4833 m, the Baralacha La is a mountain pass in the Zanskar Range connecting Lahaul to Ladakh.  The pass serves as a natural divide between the Bhaga and Yunam rivers and is near the origination points of the Bhaga River and the Chandra River. The beautiful Saraj Tal Lake is near to the pass and adds to the natural beauty of the place. The pass is the origination point of many trekking expedition around the area and is known for its breathtaking views of the mountains all around.

National Parks in Indian Himalayan Region

The Indian Himalayan region is just not a landlocked territory. Rather it secludes a vast ecosphere that stretches from the Indus Valley in Kashmir to valley of Noha-Dihing River in Arunachal Pradesh. The region is the stomping ground of several endangered animals, migratory birds, different types of insects and varied species of plant life. Confined within the hulking high peaks and in its hem, the Indian Himalayan region is proud to ramp up several national parks… being a haven to the Himalayan wildlife. Below is a list of the top 5 national parks in the Indian Himalayan region that may turn your leisure vacation into an adventurous one. Who Knows! When we are in the mountains our mind swings in its multi-layered climatic and altitudinal conditions.

The Great Himalayan National Park:

One of the newly built national parks in India, the Great Himalayan National Park covers an area of approximately 1,171 sq. kilometers that stretches from the Kullu valley floor at 1,500 meters to a mighty elevation of 6000 meters in the state of Himachal Pradesh. In the midst of lush coniferous forests, emerald meadows strewn with exotic flora, soaring snowy peaks and pristine glaciers the Great Himalayan National Park is a home to a several species of wild mountain goats like the bharal, goral and serow, the brown bear and predators like the leopard and the elusive snow leopard. Further, it also houses more than 200 species of birds and other faunal species including insects, amphibians, annelids and mollusks.

Garhwal Himalayas - A Perfect Tour Destination for Family Trekking

Garhwal is believed to be among the most scenic and beautiful places of Asia. It is also a very famous and popular spot for trekkers. It is not just restricted to professional trekkers but even families can come and enjoy trekking here. There is a wide range of family trekking tours in Garhwal Himalayas. You can chose among the many routes and trails available here. Some of them are listed below:

Valley of Flowers Trek:

This is considered one of the best treks among all Garhwal Himalayas trekking options. Valley of flowers is a riot of colors, sharp in contrast with the pure white of snow. The trek is over a 20 km stretch.

5 Best things to do in Himachal Pradesh

The biggest attraction of nature lovers and height lovers, Himachal Pradesh stands as a crown of the country welcoming tourists throughout the year. This amazing green state is enriched with so much of happening events and places that make you crave for another visit. The 5 must do's in Himachal Pradesh are:

1. Trek to Saru Tal: 

In the capital district of Shimla trek of Saru Tal is at a height of 3600mt giving you a clear distal view of Gangotri range and proximal view of Swaragrohini, Kalanag and Banderpunch ranges standing with pride since centuries. Trek is still unexplored by many, less viewed and most delving trek of Himachal in Pabbar valley, Shimla. To have a clear natural view of lovely forested valley and a very natural carpet of wild flowers spread all around by Mother Nature, all you need to do is to plan up a trip full of energy and eagerness and experience the nature at its best in the months of June and October.

5 Top Adventure Destinations in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is renowned as Land of Gods (Devbhumi), though at the same time, it is also famous for the adventure activities it offers. Trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, White Water River rafting, camping and many more are the fascinated adventurous sports which you can enjoy in the Himalayan hills of Uttarakhand. It is a nature paradise for travelers and offers unique beauty of this lovely earth.

Here are the top five most adventurous places in Uttarakhand, which are waiting for your steps and ready to thrill you…

1. Roopkund: 

Roopkund is a mysterious glacial lake, situated at an altitude of 5029 m above sea level and located amidst Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks. Surrounding snowy environment and a difficult trek make this place first on the list of travelers. Another most attractive thing which’ll attract you is the mystery behind the story of this lake. It is said that over 500 people were killed due to a hailstorm around the lake and skeletons of these people can be seen there.

Top Ten Peaks to Climb in the Himalayas

Climbing in the Indian Himalayas is an adventurous and challenging task for every adventure seeker. Indian Himalayas offer great opportunities to climb different peaks for adventure enthusiasts and explorers. There are hundreds of peaks available for climbing in different regions of the Indian Himalayas.

We have identified top ten peaks for you to choose from:

  

1) Mount Kun

Kun is located north of the peak Nun in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Kun peak is separated from Nun by a snowy plateau of about 4 km (2.5 mi) in length. The height of the peak Kun is 7077m (23,218ft.) and this peak was the first to be conquered in 1913 by Italian mountaineer Piacenza. The best time to travel Kun is from early June to October, June-August being the main climbing period.

Mission at 7077 meters..!!

Shikhar is always being aware of its responsibility to provide benefits to the community where we travel, and this is what was being kept in our minds during the recently operated Mt. Kun(7077m.) expedition. The Expedition comprised of Spanish climbers, Allain Andres Ruiz, the team leader, Carlos Sabndo Grasa, Enrique Ripoll Pascual and Ruben Canadas  Maiziegui.

Hemis Gompa - “The Richest Monastery in Ladakh”

Shikhar Travels, India (www.shikhar.com) brings for you another mesmerizing destination, Ladakh, that will jazz up your spring expeditions in India. The place dishes up host of wonderful trek routes and enthralling lunar landscapes. A true delight for nature lovers, Ladakh offers some exciting pastures and passes, such as Brandy Nala Trek, Markha Valley, The Apricot Valley, Zanskar Valley,to mention a few.

Eco Pledge by Shikhar Travels

Shikhar Travels India has always been aware of its Corporate Social Responsibility. For years, it has been working for the benefit of the people and communities of areas/localities where it does its business.  Shikhar Group of Companies firmly believes that it is their responsibility to provide benefit to the community where they work. Eco-tourism can give a strong boost to development of the natural habitats and help enhance the quality of life among the local communities and therefore it is their commitment… To employ around 70-90% of the staff from the rural village where we operate our business so as to provide financial benefit to the local community. To enhance skills of youth of the local community where they operate, they provide regular training to their employees who are from the local community. Conduct special outings for underprivileged where they arrange complimentary trips to give them an opportunity to experience the various facilities they offer in their Resort. They make all efforts to preserve the local customs and culture and cuisine and every effort is made to continue on this aspect.

Some Soothing Spring Holiday Destinations in India

Exotic India can best be discovered in the spring season just before the scorching summer start spreading its ferocity. The country offers virtually everything from scenic ravines and hill stations to beautiful meadows and lush green wildlife sanctuaries that can rock your spring vacations. The spring season is almost here and we can suggest some of the must-visit destinations that can really spice up your trip to India during this time.

Himachal Pradesh: This northern state of India boasts some of the most picturesque and happening hill stations and mountain passes around the world. The best of them are Shimla and Kullu-Manali. Another fairyland landscape in the state is Dharamshala, which is popular worldwide for its Buddhist culture and utter serenity.