April 22, 2015 by anilrajput

Kedarnath Food and Tents at Sabsidised Rates

The Govt of Uttrakhand has made arrangements for 1000 bed accommodation at Sri Kedarnath and another 1500 bed accommodation will be available for the pilgrims at Limchuli for the Yatra period 2015

Sri Kedarnath Temple

Rs. 50/- per bed, Breakfast Rs. 30/- Lunch/Dinner Rs.50/- will be charged from the pilgrims, in addition to the arrangements at Sri Kedarnath , the 15 km trek from Gauri Kund to Rambara then to Limchuli till the main shrine there are around 100 Govt. run shops and canteens on the route to serve the pilgrims.
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April 20, 2015 by anilrajput

Yatra Chardham year 2015 New route to Sri Kedarnath

The Yatra Chardham in Uttrakhand Himalayas for the year 2015 starts from 20 April 2015 , with the opening of the Kapat ( Doors) at Dhams on following dates Sri Yamunotri Dham 21 APRIL, Sri Gangotri Dham 21 APRIL, Sri Kedarnath Dham 23 APRIL, Sri Badrinath Ji Dham 26 APRIL

Sri Badrinath Temple will open on 26 April 2015

Sri Gangotri Ji Temple will open on 21 April 2015

The roads from Rishikesh / Dharsu Bend to Uttarkashi are in good conditions , a new bridge over the river Bhagirathi, near Matli is constructed , the soft road area which are prone to land slides in Maneri and Gangani remains travel worthy , in case of heavy rains one is to take precautions while driving in this area and follow the instructions from the Police and Local Administration .

Sri Kedarnath Ji Temple will open on 23 April 2015

In the year 2013 floods the trekking route got washed away form Gaurikund to Sri Kedarnath Ji . In the year 2014 a longer route was opened for the pilgrims starting from Son Prayag to Limchuli and then to Sri Kedarnath on the left bank of River Mandakini was taking three days of trekking journey with a night halt at Limchuli . The work for the shorter route is on full swing now for the Yatra year 2015. Army helicopters are ferrying the equipment, diesel for the generators for the construction sites . The pilgrims will start the trek from Gauri Kund to Rambara 07 km. ( Seven kilometer) on the Right bank of river Mandakini and from Rambara pilgrims will cross the river Mandakini to reach Limchuli 05 Km ( Five kilometer) , from here onward there is a normal walk and no climbing on a well prepared broad trek of 03 km ( Three kilometer ) to Sri Kedarnath Ji. The buildings which were not damaged during the floods of year 2013 are being repaired and arrangements are being made to house five thousand yatris ( pilgrims) near the Shrine , more facilities will be available at Limchuli for a night stay .

Sri Yamunotri Ji temple will open on 21 April 2015

There was very little dammage to the roads during the 2013 floods in Yamunotri area , now all roads and treks are in good condition from Dharsu Bend till Janki Chatti and the the Six kilometer trek is well prepared to receive the yatris ( pilgrims)

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April 14, 2015 by anilrajput

Sri Badrinath road conditions Yatra for 2015

The Yatra Chardham of Gharwal region of Uttrakhand will start from 22 April this year, Govt. of Uttrakhand is making all efforts to prepare the roads well before the yatra . Mr. Vineet Sanwal our representative during the yatra period at Sri Badrinath who lives in Pandukeshwar updated us with the photographs the work in progress in the region.

Clearing of Snow by Border Road Organisation, Joshimath-Sri Badrinath Highway

Clearing of Snow on Joshimath-Sri Badrinath Highway April 2015

The Border Roads Organisation has cleared the road till Hanuman Chatti on Joshimath – Sri Badrinath Highway and other Govt. agencies are in full swing to prepare the road to have a smooth comfortable journey for the pilgrims who will start reaching here from 22 April 2015 onward .

Mr. B.D.Singh at Sri Badrinath main entrance April 2015

Mr. B.D. Singh the Chief Executive of The Sri Badrinath Temple Committee visited the valley last week to check the work process and arrangements, he flew in a helicopter from Joshimath with few other members .

Birds eye view of Sri Badrika Van Valley , Sri Badrinath covered under snow April 2015

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April 10, 2015 by anilrajput

Dwarka, Somnath Highway Bridge collapsed

The main link road Dwarka to Somnath the Highway 8E is blocked due to the bridge over river Bhadra collapsed on the midnight of 7th April 2015. this place is about 30 km from Porbandar , 130 km from Dwarka and 120 km from Somnath .
The traffic between Dwarka/ Porbandar to Somnath is diverted from Porbandar to reach Junagarh and then take the Junagarh – Somnath Highway, this diversion is additional 60 km , 3 hrs. extra time.

Collapsed Bridge over river Bhadra , Dwarka-Somnath Highway

Collapsed portion of Bridge over Bhadra river, Dwarka-Somnath Highway

Collapsed Bridge of Bhadra river , Dwarka-Somnath highway

The wetlands of Bhadra river around this bridge is very famous for bird watchers , the migratory birds from as far as Siberia start arriving around October, they spend the winters here and start flying back to their home early March ever year.
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April 8, 2015 by anilrajput

Somnath – Dwarka Highway Bhadar river bridge fallen

National Highway 8E is very busy road is used by people traveling from Dwarka to Porbandar, Somnath , Viraval , Bhavnagar , Sasan Gir is disturbed now, the bridge over river Bhadar, situated at 130 km from Dwarka , 30 km from Porbandar and 120 km from Somnath collapsed on the night of 07 April 2015 .

Fallen Bhadra river Bridge on Dwarka-Porbandar-Somnath Highway

People now travelling from Dwarka to Somnath will have to take a diversion from Porbandar to reach Junagarh and then take the Junagarh – Somnath highway, this diversion has increased the travel distance by 65 km and travel time by two hrs.
The wetlands of Bhadra river near this bridge are very famous for its migratory birds during the winters .
Bhadra river which flows in Gujarat originates near Jasdan , flowing for about 200 km in the West direction and meets the Arabian sea at the Western Ghats forming the backwaters and a lake near this bridge.
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April 2, 2015 by anilrajput

Sindhu Ghat , Leh , Ladakh

Sindhu Ghat is situated at 10 km up stream the Indus River from Leh near the Shey , it is a peaceful river bank The Sindhu ( Indus ) river originates near Mansarover lake and Mt. Kailash in Tibet enters in to India and flows through the Leh Valley and the enters into Pakistan , Sindhu is Sanskrit word and its translation is ” Large water Body” . The importance of this river to us is it has given our country the name India and people living here are called the Hindu which is the distorted name of Sindhu in the Arab world. It is one of the seven most sacred rivers in India .

Sindhu (Indus) Ghat Leh

Sindhu Darshan festival is celebrated every year on Guru Purnima ( Full moon of June) Festival which takes place over three days every year is the perfect time to visit the remote regions of Leh and Ladakh. The Ghat is in Shey Manla, about 8 km from Leh. People travel for a Darshan and Puja of the River Sindhu (Indus), this festival is also a symbolic salute to the brave soldiers of India who have bravely fought the odds at Siachin, Kargil & other places. Mr. Lal Krishan Adwani( then Dy. Prime Minister) who migrated from Sindh in 1947 now in Pakistan, visited Leh in 1995 he started the Sindhu Darshan Abhiyan as Sindhi’s worship Indus ( Sindhu). Festival was first time organized in the year 1997 and now it is a regular feature . In 2006, this popular spring festival of Ladakh was renamed ‘Ladakh Singhey Khabab Spring Festival’ to bring in more Ladakhi flavor and local involvement. The ceremony is conducted by a joint association of Ladakh Buddhist Association, Shia Majlis, Sunni Anjuman, Christian Moravian Church, Hindu Trust and Sikh Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee. As a part of the ritual, fifty senior Lamas conduct a prayer on the banks of the river.

Sindhu ( Indus ) River and snow cap mountains Leh

The Greeks called it Sinthus , Romans called it Sindus, Chinese called it Sintow and Persians called it Ab-e-Sindh , It originates from Tibet enters into India and flows in between the Himalayas and Karakoram , it enters into Pakistan in the Baltistan region flowing through the Skardu , having tributaries from Hindukush , Gilgit and Naga parbat, Jhelem meets in Kashmir of Pakistan side it enters Pakistan Punjab plains where it meets Ravi , Satluj and Vyas rivers before meeting the Arabian Sea at Karachi forming the Delta in Sindh .
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April 1, 2015 by anilrajput

Shanti Stupa, Leh , Ladakh

Shanti Stupa is situated at a height of 4267 meters overlooking the Leh city, it gives a panoramic view of surrounding snow capped mountains . Situated at a distance of about 5 km drive able road from the Leh city or one can reach here by climbing 500 steps . The location of Shanti Stupa is such that it is visible from all over Leh city.
It is built as a two level structure, a flight of stairs leads to the first level where a Dharmchakra (as in white strip of Indian national flag) with two deer on each side, features a central image of Lord Buddha in golden colour sitting on a platform turning the Dharmchakra wheel, the second level depicting the birth of Buddha, defeating of devils in meditation and death of Buddha along with many small images of meditating Buddha, all embossed in vibrant colours.

Shanti Stupa Leh

A white dome Stupa (Chorten) built on a Changspa, a steep hill, opposite the Leh Palace different in architecture from the Ladhakhi style gives a magnificent view at sunrise and sunset, it looks more beautiful at night illuminated in the white light. It was built by the Ladakh and Japanese Buddhists, Ladakhis offered voluntary labor, construction started in 1983 and it was inaugurated in August 1991 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama. It was built to promote world peace and prosperity and to commemorate the 2500 years of Buddhism.

Shanti Stupa view from Leh – Khardong-la Highway

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March 31, 2015 by anilrajput

Khardong-la , Leh, Ladakh

Khardong La situated at a height of 5359 meters , it is among one of the highest pass with motor road , it is a gate way to Shyok and Nubra valley , it is 39 km south of Leh in Ladakh , it is most of the time covered under snow and a blanket of fog , South Pullu is just 15 km. where permits are checked and if weather is not good one is to wait here for road clearance .

Khardong-la ( pass) on way Leh to Nubra valley
The two bases on either side of Khardong-la are North Pullu and South Pullu. Inner Line Permit (ILP) is not needed to reach Khardung La peak, however Inner Line Permit is needed to cross North Pullu to reach Nubra Valley , photocopies of permit obtained from The DCs office in Leh are to be deposited at both the points .

South Pullu , before Khardong-La

High Altitude Sickness is the main concern for the travelers who have not acclimatized them self . One can expect long travel delays due to traffic congestion on narrow one-lane sections, washouts, landslides and road accidents on this highway . The highway is closed every year from approximately October to May due to snow .
It is one of the most visited point in Ladakh by motorbike and Jeep adventurists, one needs skill, good health, presence of mind , fast reflexes and lots of self control to drive on this stretch of road, one feels on top of the world after reaching the Khardong La Top .
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March 30, 2015 by anilrajput

Nubra Valley , Ladakh

Nubra valley situated 150 km from Leh at an altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level . It was also known as Ldumra ( Valley of Flowers) , Shyok river and Siachan river flows through a high altitude desert to form a large valley there is no rain fall, rare precipitation but land is fertile near the river beds and produce Wheat, Barley, Peas, Mustard , a variety of fruits and nuts, including Apple, Walnut, Apricot and Almond . Nubra Valley is also called the Food Bowl of Ladakh

Pashmina Goat At Nubra

The people are of Balti origin, by faith majority of them are Buddhist with few Muslims , Karakoram pass connects with Xinjiang region of Tibet China in the northwest of valley , in the north is Siachin Glacier , people live here are fair complexion with blue eyes , different from Ladakhi features who are with Mongolian features. It is said they belong to a Greek Tribe who came in search of Jesus Christ tomb never returned and settled here.
In India the Bactrian , the double hump camel is seen in the deserts between Hundar and Diskit , it is pride of Nubra valley

Double Hump Bactrian Camel pride of Nubra Valley

To reach Nubra from Leh one is to drive on worlds highest motorable road and cross the Khardong-La pass , travel to Nubra need a permit, which only allows travel as far as Hunder and Panamik for a maximum of seven days. Tourists are to hand over photocopies of permit on both sides of the Khardung – La and also by the bridge to Sumur. Khardung La is one of the highest motorable passes in the world joining Indus Valley (Leh) and Nubra Valley and Shoyok Valley. Built in 1976 by Indian Army and Border Road Organization

Hundar Nubra Valley Ladakh

Panamik is the last village accessible to foreigners.village is famous for 250 year old Ensa Gompa and hot water springs. Just few kilometers from here starts Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield in the world .
Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery of Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in Nubra . It was built in 1420AD, on top of a hill overlooking town of Diskit, the Gompa provides beautiful panoramic views. to reach the Gompa one is to climb a half hour trek through a two meter wide steep path . The main attraction of the Gompa is the main Deity, which holds in its hand the mummified human forearm and head, which is believed to be of a Mongol warrior .
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March 18, 2015 by anilrajput

Leh , Ladakh Road Distances

Planing to visit Ladakh , one needs lots of preparations not only the acclimatization for the body to face harsh , cold, dry and air with thin oxygen but also in what direction one should travel to plan the visit to the important place.
I am giving below the most popular routes taken by the adventure lovers , there many more routes to places to be discovered on foot, motor bike or SUVs . Please contact me for more such places in Ladakh and Zanskar region.

Road to Khardong La Ladakh

One can plan the trip to visit most of the places in one journey to save time , the routes are with the main highways from Leh to various places of historical, religious importance , tourists attractions , Lakes , High Passes etc.

Loops before Fotu La on way to Kargil from Leh

01. Route Leh – Alchi – Lamayuru – Mulbek – Kargil – Drass – Srinagar
Place / altitude Distance/Km. Importance
Spituk / 3380 12 Ancient Monasteries
Phyang / 3490 17 Ancient Monastery
Basgo / 3343 40 Palaces , Monasteries
Likir / 3265 60 Ancient Monasteries
Alchi / 3345 67 Ancient Monastery
Uletokpo / 2985 72 Campsite , Hanging bridge
Ridzong / 2985 73 Monastery and Nunnery
Lamayuru / 3440 125 Oldest Monastery
Fotu – La / 4108 140 Highest Pass on Leh-Srinagar Highway
Hiniskut / 3860 145 Village at high altitude
Mulbek / 3510 175 Rock Statue , Cliff hanging Monastery
Kargil / 2650 230 District H.Q, base for Zanskar
Drass / 3033 28 War Memorial , Tiger Hill and Rhino Knob views
Zoji – La / 3528 307 Gateway to Kashmir Valley
02 . Route Leh – Baralacha la – Jispa – Rohtang – Manali
Shey / 3365 mtr 15 Palace , Monastery
Thiksey / 3370 mtr. 20 Monastery
Hemis / 3518 mtr. 49 Monastery
Gya / 4100 mtr. 72 Historical Place
Rumtsey / 4325 mtr. 78 Trekking
Tanglang La / 5360 mtr. 110 Very High altitude Pass
Pang / 4630 mtr. 174 Camp site
Lachang La / 5065 mtr. 198 Very High altitude Pass
Serchu / 4253 mtr. 251 Camp site
Baralacha La / 4892 mtr. 283 Very High altitude Pass
Patsio / 3820 mtr. 314 Camp site
Darcha / 3400 mtr. 328 Village , camp site
Jispa / 3142 mtr. 335 Hotels , camp site
Rohtang La / 3980 mtr. 422 High altitude Pass
Manali / 2050 mtr. 473 Tourist hotels, resorts.
03. Route Leh – Khardong La – Nubra
South Pullu / 4690 mtr. 24 Very High altitude Pass
Khardong La / 5602 mtr. 39 Very High altitude Pass
North Pullu / 4907 mtr. 53 Very High altitude Pass
Disket / 3163 mtr. 150 Monastry
Khalsar / 3522 mtr. 95 Village
Panamic / 3183 mtr. 150 Hot water Spring
Yarabtso Lake/ 3321 mtr. 115 Sacred Lake and Sumur Village

Pangong Lake Ladakh , high ground clearance SUVs

03. Route Leh – Pangong
Karu 36 ( last petrol pump on this route)
Shakti 10
Chang La 34
Durbuk 32
Tangste 09 Medical facilities available
Lukung 34
Spangmik 16
Pangong No phone signals in this area
04. Route Pangong – Tsmoriri ( No petrol pump on this route)
Spangmik 09
Man 12
Merak 04
Kakstet 16
Chushul 33
Tsaga La 20
Tsaga Village 23
Loma 22
Nayoma 25
Mahe 10
Sumdo 53
Tsmo Riri
The Motor Bike used by adventure lovers in this area is Royal Enfield 350cc. Four wheel drive Jeeps or SUVs,with high ground clearance, many have tried travelling by Sedans using their expert skills . Accommodation available in Leh, Kargil and Nubra are guest houses, camps and good hotels other places either camps or home stays in the local villages, for eating one has to depend upon the locals as there are no dhabas and restaurants at most of the places .
For more information and packages contact +91 9810506646
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Explorations with Anil Rajput

Author: anilrajput