Hampta Pass – My first trek
My first trek to Hampta Pass
The Hampta Pass trek is ideal for first-time trekkers as it packs in everything from dark pine forests, open meadows to glacial valleys and stunning views all of which combine to give you an adventure of a lifetime.
So off we went, into the wild. Our journey commenced from Manali to Prini by road. Then onwards, by foot to a place called Chikha. Chika is the starting point for the trek to Hampta pass.
As anticipated, the conditions, even for a fit person, were hard. Sleeping in tents, crossing ice cold rivers and navigating the dense forests were just the beginnings of the adventure that lay ahead.
The Route:
Day 1: The trek started from Jobra as we slowly disappeared into a forest of Deodar, Toss, Oak and Maple trees. The beauty was breathtaking. Soon, we crossed a makeshift wooden bridge over the Rani Nalla.The dense forest made it hard for light to reach us. We were surrounded by tall Deodars that rose over 100 feet. On the way, we crossed numerous small streams that weren’t obstacles on the trek. Then the Rani Nalla spreads out into a wide valley as we climb a grassy ridge and found ourselves in Chikha. After all the trekking, we set up camp and had tea followed by a scrumptious dinner.
Day 2: The only way to enjoy the mountains is to get up early in the morning. After tea and an early breakfast we moved from Chikha to Balu-ka-Gera. We crossed a stream and started an upward climb towards the closed end of the Kullu Valley. The scenery changed rapidly. Below us, snow patches on the valley increased in frequency. Ahead, the snow-covered slopes of the Hampta Pass revealed themselves. Everything was a dazzling white. The snow looked magnificent. On the way, a stream welcomed us. We took our shoes off to cross this stream and on the other side was Balu Ka Gera.
Day 3: On the third day there was no sun, only a light drizzle. We moved to Siagoru via Hampta Pass. The serious climb started now. It was clear that no one had ever been here before. There were no footprints. The virgin snow was soft. The pass is a wide plateau. On its eastern flanks are the towering cliffs of the mountain. On the west, it curves to the left and drops down to Spiti Valley. As we walked down we soon found ourselves in the Spiti Valley. We halted and camped in Siagoru.
Day 4: The fourth day was a Himalayan blessing. There was no drizzle and the sky was clear. This part of the trek comes in a rain shadow area. We moved towards Chatru and then drove to Chandratal Lake. It was again a steep climb up to the main trail. The scenery is different. You expect it to be barren, but surprisingly the slopes are green—but they are boulder strewn. Another surprise is Chatru itself, which only has around 40 houses !
Our plans for Chandrataal flopped, thanks to a sudden landslide on the way to the lake. Instead, we decide to go ahead to the Kunzum Pass. It is one of the highest motorable passes across the Kunzum range at an altitude of 4,551 m. It serves as an entrance pass to the Spiti Valley from Lahaul. It is said that Goddess Kunjum (Durga/Parvati) resides in a temple on the Kunzum top and keeps guard over the pass warding off evil spirits. Visitors normally do a round of the temple to seek her blessings. We then came down to Batal and set up our camps. Batal is a village that lies at the foot of the Kunzum Pass and serves as the resting point for tourists. Moreover, the Bara Shigri Glacier and the triangular peaks in the south can be seen from Batal.
Thumb rules
1)One month prior to a high altitude trek, you should build up stamina, muscle strength and flexibility. Running, skipping, pushups and other forms of exercise help.
2)Travel light
3)Carry high energy foods like dry fruits, and energy bars etc. for the trek to Hampta Pass
4)Essentials like a torch, extra batteries, first-aid kit will come in handy.
Region: Himachal (Manali)
Duration: 5 days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 14,100 ft.
Approx, Trekking KM: 36 km
Source: Indian Express
To check out our Hampta Pass trek
Trekking Shoes – Complete Guide
Trekking Shoes: The Complete Guide
What is Trekking ?
The word Trek originated in South Africa and the dictionary meaning of word a long arduous journey, especially one made on foot. So Trekking in Himalayan context means you will walking through boulders, uneven paths, rocks, glaciers etc for that you required best trekking shoes.
What is the difference between Trekking, Hiking & Mountaineering?
Hiking is mainly a leisure activity which is done by walking on well-made trails or man made hiking paths for example Vaishno Devi Mandir hiking pass it’s Hiking while Trekking is more demanding, challenging and rigorous activity which includes all kind terrains like glacier, streams, moraine, uneven path, snow or boulders. Trekking test one’s physical ability, endurance and mental ability so you require proper gear or best trekking shoes for such demanding activity.
Mountaineering is all about techniques you have to get special training to take part in any mountaineering expedition and you required technical gear.
So now you have an idea that during any trek you will be walking through loose rocks, uneven trails, woods, jungle, water, snow etc. The best shoes are the ones which while providing comfort protect your feet from the elements and have good grip on all terrains.
What are the qualities to look for when you are buying your Best Trekking Shoes?
1. Weight of Trekking Shoes
Weight of the trekking shoes is the most important factor to look for when you are buying your best trekking shoes for trekking in the Himalayas. First the shoes should be light weight due to the fact that every gram counts when trekking at high altitude and second the they should be strong enough to withstand the rough terrain of Himalayas.
2. Grooves for Grip
When trekking in Himalayas you will be Trekking on uneven terrain which consists of rocks, snow, water and to walk comfortably we need a grip which deep grooves in the best trekking shoes will provide. Check the grooves your shoes have, they should be hard and deep enough to give you the required grip during treks in the Himalayas, but not too hard that the sole become inflexible. Vibram an Italian manufacturer makes some of the best soles.
3. Ankle Support
All trekking shoes have good ankle support because on uneven terrain and loose rocks one can slip and twist an ankle. Ankle support also helps stop snow and pebbles from getting inside.
4. Water Proofing Trekking Shoes
This is the quality one must look in good or hiking boots. When you trek in the Himalayas almost all the treks in require you to cross water streams. GoreTex is the best material for this without increasing the weight of the trekking shoe dramatically.
5. Comfort:
Inside padding should be good enough to give you the required comfort during the trek as we know that a trek is an arduous journey through mountainous region.
Renok Expert Recommendation for Best Trekking Shoes
We recommend first time trekker to invest in a good quality Trekking Shoes because Trekking Shoes is the most important equipment for any trekker. Following are the reason for this
- Good quality trekking shoes have long life, our trek leaders shoes last long even for years when are doing trek back to back
- Best Trekking shoes gives you comfort, Safety and injury free trekking
- and lastly Trekking Shoes can worn daily when you are not trekking even you can wear them to office on Fridays
Our Recommendation
Trekking Shoes around Rs 5000
Forclaz 100 is the best and is quite famous among the trekkers and they are easily available across the Decathlon stores in India.
Budget 5K and Above
Salomon Men’s Quest Prime GTX Hiking Shoes
Also we recommend our trekkers to not buy Woodland Trekking Shoes because they are good fashion shoe when you want to show off that you go to outdoors very often but Woodland trekking shoes doesn’t posses all the above mentioned qualities. We hope they come up with better products in future with inputs from actual Trekkers.
Happy Trekking …Please share this with your friends who are going for a trek in himalayas
Valley Of Flowers in June
Valley of Flowers in June
What is the best time to visit Valley of Flowers?
This is the question comes when you think of Valley of Flowers Trek. This is because Valley of Flowers is a monsoon trek and we all want to enjoy the Valley with the most flowers blooming. The best months for this trek are July and August but in Himalayas whenever you go you are treated with unmatched beauty of Himalayas.
Valley of Flowers in June
The Best time to do the VOF trek is July, August and September. Till June the valley is packed with snow and when it melts the seeds beneath germinate. During the monsoon these plants grow and blossom at slightly different times. This is the reason the why Valley changes colour every fortnight. After the monsoon all the plants die leaving their seeds behind for the next season.
However sometimes the snow melts early making the Valley Of Flowers in June a good proposition. But mostly visiting the Valley Of Flowers in June, especially early June is not a good idea, saying this my first trek to the Valley of Flowers was in Late June.
Get Special Offers on Valley of Flower Trek
I was rafting in Rishikesh when a fellow rafter mentioned about this trek in the himalayas. This was the first time I heard this valley mentioned. My curiosity was aroused. The way this guy described it made me think of the mythical Shangri-la. Till date I have done the Valley of Flowers Trek more than 10 times. However my first experience of the Valley of Flowers in June is as fresh as if I had done it yesterday. I was so excited about the trek that I ended up buying a 50mm 1.8 Nikkor lens.
For the trek to the valley you need to reach Haridwar. The most convenient way to reach Haridwar is by train. I reached Haridwar early morning where I met my fellow trekkers .Together we commenced our journey for Govindghat. Govindghat is a small town about 18kms from Joshimath which serves as the base location for Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of flowers trek.
Next day we started our trek of around 14 kms to Ghangaria. The trek was easy with gradual slopes and numerous shops. The Hemkund Sahib and Flower Valley trek route is the same till Ghangaria. We reached Ghangaria at 3 pm and had our lunch. Ghangaria is a small town with a Gurudwara and around a dozen hotels.
On our 3rd day of trekking in the Himalayas we came face to face with the sheer beauty of nature in the form of the Valley Of Flowers in June.
After trekking for about 1km from Ghangaria we came to the gate for the Valley. After taking a ticket we entered the park with our botanist guide . I cannot describe the beauty of Valley in words. This valley was discovered by a British mountaineer Frank Smythe. In 1931, Smythe when returning after scaling Kamet, accidentally discovered the valley. Trekking to the Valley of flowers is on top of every adventure travelers bucket list. We at Renok Adventures organise treks to this trek every year during the monsoon.
Valley of Flowers Opening Dates 2019
When should I go to Valley of Flowers?
The Valley of Flowers opens in the beginning of June until the end of October as it’s covered in snow the rest of the year. Depending upon snow conditions you can plan your visit to Valley of Flowers in June but mostly it will be under snow and there will very little flowers So to see the most flowers one should plan their Visit to Valley of Flowers from Mid July to Mid August this the time when the flowers are in full bloom.
How to Reach Valley of Flowers?
To reach Valley of Flowers first you need to take Bus or Cab from Haridwar Bus stand, just outside Government bus stand there is a Taxi Stand which have standard rates for Govindghat, the other options is take GMOUL (Garhwal Mandal Bus Operator Union) Vishwanath Sewa which takes around 10 hours to reach Govindghat and from there next day you can trek to Valley of Flowers or Ghangaria.
Dayara Bugyal – Simple yet Beautiful
Dayara Bugyal – The biggest meadow of Uttarakhand
Bugyal in the local mountain dialect means “High Altitude Meadow”. Trekking to Dayara Bugyal is one of the most beautiful experiences in Uttaranchal, situated at an elevation ranging from 10,000 – 12,000 ft. This vast meadow is second to none in natural beauty in Uttarakhand trekking circuit.
Day 2 Trek from Barsu to Barnala Camp
Day 3 Trek from Barnala to Dayara Bugyal
Day 4 Trek from Dayara Bugyal to Lambidhar
Day 5 Lambidhar to Dodital Lake
Day 6 Dodital Lake to Darwa Pass Top & return (If Darwa Pass is open then one trek to Yumnotri also
Day 7 Dodital Lake to Bhevr (Bebra)
Day 8 Bhevra (Bebra) to Uttarkashi
Renok Adventures is have treks to Dayara. If your interested just let us know on the contact us page.
Winning an I Pad 2!!
BY JAI MEENA
Recently I wrote a story for a writing competition called Mahindra and Mahindra XUV 500 Incredible story contest. To everyone’s suprise including mine i won an I Pad 2!!! Imagine that.
Here is the link to the story…
https://mahindraxuv500.com/incredible_stories/viewalldetails.aspx?scid=xuvscm724
and original piece which I wrote on this blog.
My best three adventures till date !!! – Part 2
winning an I Pad 2
Upcoming Treks
Upcoming Treks in the Himalayas
| Trek Name | Trek Date | Duration | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beas Kund Trek | 12th November 2016 |
3 Days | Easy |
| Kuari Pass Trek | 26th November 2016 |
6 Days | Easy – Moderate |
| Nag Tibba Trek | 12th November 2016 26th November 2016 |
3 Days | Easy |
| Trek Name | Trek Date | Duration | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kedarkantha Trek | 3rd December 2016 10th December 2016 17th December 2016 18th December 2016 19th December 2016 20th December 2016 21st December 2016 22nd December 2016 23rd December 2016 24th December 2016 25th December 2016 26th December 2016 27th December 2016 28th December 2016 29th December 2016 30th December 2016 31st December 2016 |
5 Days | Easy |
| Har Ki Dun | 24th December 2016 28th December 2016 |
7 Days | Easy – Moderate |
| Beas Kund Trek | 3rd December 2016 10th December 2016 17th December 2016 24th December 2016 |
4 Days | Easy |
| Nag Tibba Trek | 17th December 2016 19th December 2016 23rd December 2016 24th December 2016 25th December 2016 30th December 2016 31st December 2016 |
3 Days | Easy |
| Trek Name | Trek Date | Duration | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chadar Trek | 21st January 2017 28th January 2017 |
9 Days | Moderate Trek |
| Har Ki Dun | 1st January 2017 2nd January 2017 3rd January 2017 7th January 2017 14th January 2017 21st January 2017 28th January 2017 |
7Days | Easy – Moderate |
| Kuari Pass Trek | 1st January 2017 2nd January 2017 3rd January 2017 7th January 2017 14th January 2017 21th January 2017 28th January 2017 |
6 Days | Easy – Moderate |
| Nag Tibba Trek | 1st January 2017 2nd January 2017 3rd January 2017 6th January 2017 13th January 2017 20th January 2017 27st January 2017 |
3 Days | Easy |
| Kedarkantha Trek | 1st January 2017 2nd January 2017 3rd January 2017 7th January 2017 9th January 2017 21st January 2017 22nd January 2017 25th January 2017 28th January 2017 |
5 Days | Easy |
| Auli-Skiing Trek | 23rd January 2017 |
6 Days | Easy-Moderate |
| Trek Name | Trek Date | Duration | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| kedarkantha Trek | 4th February 2017 11th February 2017 18th February 2017 25th February 2017 |
5 Days | Easy |
| kuari-pass-trek | 4th February 2017 11th February 2017 18th February 2017 25rd February 2017 |
6 Days | Easy – Moderate |
| Har-ki-dun-trek | 4th February 2017 11th February 2017 18th February 2017 25th February 2017 |
7 Days | Easy – Moderate |
| Auli-Skiing Trek | 5th February 2017 12th February 2017 19th February 2017 26th February 2017 |
6 Days | Easy-Moderate |
| Trek Name | Trek Date | Duration | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| kedarkantha Trek | 4th March 2017 11th March 2017 18th March 2017 25th March 2017 |
5 Days | Easy |
| Har-ki-dun-trek | 4th March 2017 11th March 2017 18th March 2017 25th March 2017 |
7 Days | Easy – Moderate |
| Auli-Skiing Trek | 5th March 2017 19th March 2017 |
6 Days | Easy-Moderate |
| Trek Name | Trek Date | Duration | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| kedarkantha Trek | 1st April 2017 8th April 2017 15th April 2017 22nd April 2017 29th April 2017 |
5 Days | Easy |
| Har-ki-dun-trek | 1st April 2017 8th April 2017 15th April 2017 22nd April 2017 29th April 2017 |
7 Days | Easy – Moderate |
| Trek Name | Trek Date | Duration | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kedarkantha Trek | 6th May 2017 13th May 2017 20th May 2017 27th May 2017 |
5 Days | Easy |
| kuari Pass Trek | 6th May 2017 13th May 2017 20th May 2017 27th May 2017 |
6 Days | Easy – Moderate |
| Beas Kund Trek | 5th May 2017 12th May 2017 19th May 2017 26th May 2017 |
3 Days | Easy |
| Bhrigu lake Trek | 5th May 2017 12th May 2017 19th May 2017 26th May 2017 |
3 Days | Easy – Moderate |
| Har-ki-dun-trek | 6th May 2017 13th May 2017 20th May 2017 27th May 2017 |
7 Days | Easy – Moderate |
| Roopkund Trek | 6th May 2017 13th May 2017 |
8 Days | Moderate |
| Trek Name | Trek Date | Duration | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuari pass trek | 3rd June 2017 10th June 2017 17th June 2017 24th June 2017 |
6 Days | Easy – Moderate |
| Beas Kund Trek | 2nd June 2017 9th June 2017 16th June 2017 23rd June 2017 30th June 2017 |
3 Days | Easy |
| Bhrigu lake Trek | 2nd June 2017 9th June 2017 16th June 2017 23rd June 2017 30th June 2017 |
3 Days | Easy – Moderate |
| Roopkund Trek | 3rd June 2017 17th June 2017 |
8 Days | Moderate |
| Trek Name | Trek Date | Duration | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valley Of Flowers Trek | 1st July 2017 2nd July 2017 8th July 2017 9th July 2017 15th July 2017 16th July 2017 22nd July 2017 23rd July 2017 29th July 2017 30th July 2017 |
6 Days | Easy |
| Trek Name | Trek Date | Duration | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valley Of Flowers Trek | 5th August 2017 6th August 2017 12th August 2017 13th August 2017 19th August 2017 20th August 2017 26th August 2017 27th August 2017 |
6 Days | Easy |
| Trek Name | Trek Date | Duration | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valley Of Flowers Trek | 2nd September 2017 3rd September 2017 9th September 2017 10th September 2017 |
6 Days | Easy |
Green Hiking Tips – Leave No Trace
HIKING
- Hike in a single file in the middle of the track to avoid further erosion.
- Keep noise levels low, especially when hiking through a forest.
- Minimize the use of automobiles wherever possible.
CAMPING
- Choose a home stay or a community-run camping site wherever possible
- While hiking set camp 30m away from lakes and streams
- Set up a temporary dustbin to dispose of waste by all hikers/campers. Make sure to carry it away
FIRE
- Never leave a fire unattended this will rule out chances of a devastating forest fire
- Minimize the use of growing vegetation as firewood. Opt for kerosene or fuel efficient stoves
- Avoid burning plastic or other toxic substances
COOKING
- Carry food that cooks faster and more easily, to reduce fuel consumption
- A small solar cooker will serve the purpose keeping the environs clean too
WATER
- Never discard rubbish into water bodies .
- For washing, carry water 30 m away from the lake
- Use biodegradable organic soaps for washing and cleaning. These will minimize water pollution
WILDLIFE
- Do not feed wild animals since human food may be damaging to them
- Avoid flash photography. Take pictures from a distance
- Observe wildlife from a distance, especially at sensitive times like mating, nesting and raising young
WASTE
- Never leave behind litter while hiking or camping. Stuff the rubbish into your pocket/backpack/garbage bag to take back with you
- Try and sort your garbage into biodegradable and non-biodegradable at the base camp itself. Ensure that the mouths of the bags are tightly fastened. This will prevent the contents from scattering and emitting foul odour
- Use toilet facilities and where not available, dispose of solid human waste like this – Dig a 15cm hole in the ground, more than 30m away from the lake, campsite and track. Cover it up with soil when finished
- Opt for light, unbreakable utensils instead of plastic or Styrofoam
PEOPLE
- Respect the local people, culture and customs
- Get local guides or choose home stays so that the economic benefits remain in the region
- Help your guides/porters to follow the rules as well. They will then be mindful of them in the future
Returning from Stok Kangri
Stok Kangri Trek takes you above 20000 ft above sea level
When we were on our way back from Ladakh after the Stok Kangri’ Expedition, we stopped for lunch at a restaurant and this beautiful old woman was the owner. After lunch we sat with her for almost half an hour chatting. When I was leaving I asked her to pose for this photograph.
By Jai Govind Meena
Everest in Numbers
Everest 2012: 229 Summits 9 Deaths
8,850 meters (29,029 feet): Height at the peak.
60 million years: Approximate age of Mount Everest.
$25,000: Cost of a climbing permit per person.
8,000: Height in meters (approximately 26,000 feet) at Mount Everest’s “death zone,” the low-oxygen area above the last camp and before the summit where conditions become increasingly harsh.
1953: The year Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first recorded climbers to reach Everest’s summit.
3: Number of countries visible from the summit (Tibet,India, andNepal).
11: Number of people who have died on the mountain in 2012. (till 23 May 2012)
19: Number of people who died in one year—1996, the deadliest ever on Mount Everest—during a trek chronicled by writer Jon Krakauer in Into Thin Air.
30: Number of minutes before a climber dies after contracting hypothermia on Mount Everest, depending on how fast his or her body temperature drops
40: Record number of people to successfully reach Everest’s summit in one day(May 10, 1993).
200: Approximate number of total climbers who have died on the peak’s treacherous slopes.
4,000: Approximate number of people who have climbedMount Everestsince Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953.
13: Age of Jordan Romero, the youngest climber to reach the summit, in May 2010.
76: Age of the oldest climber to reach the summit, Min Bahadur Sherchan, in May 2008.
73: Oldest Women climber to reach the summit, Tamae Watanabe on 19th May, she broke her own record set a decade ago at the age of 63.
21: Record number of successful climbs to the summit by Apa Sherpa.
Tips for Spectacular Outdoor Photos
1. Shoot in the Low Light of Sunrise and Sunrise: The low-light period around sunset and sunrise is considered one of the best times to take outdoor photos, so get up early in the morning or wait for the sunset. However, shooting in low light can also be challenging for beginners. Since longer exposure times are often required in low light situations, a tripod is an essential piece of gear to bring along. Try experimenting with your camera’s ISO and shutter speed. Keep aperture narrow i.e. higher F number to get good depth of field.
2. Use Flash creatively: Try using your flash outside on a sunny day, it will actually fill the shadow areas cast by a hat or umbrella, for example. Faces will also be brighter. Remember though, the flash has limited range, so you need to be within 10-12 feet to realize its benefits.
3.Add a Subject to the Landscape: By placing someone in your landscape, you can establish both a focal point and a point of reference for the composition of your image. By adding a person to the scene, the brain immediately recognizes the scale and tells you what you’re looking at. Adding someone to your landscape can also makes a photo more evocative, as viewers can more easily picture how they would fit into the scene if they were actually there.
4. Bad Weather is Good: Use extreme weather to create striking images with a lot of drama. Overcast days might give you flat images but you can enliven them by shooting into the light. Rays streaming through fog or through clouds, dark, forbearing clouds, brilliant streak of light are a few examples.
5. Capture motion with slow shutter speeds: Use slow shutter speeds to capture motion, milky way effect while shooting a water fall for example.
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