Himalayan Trek in Himachal Pradesh
Fortunate to have completed my first ever TREK between 12th to 19th May 2023. The blog is long. If you prefer to see the photos, it's at the end of the blog. These 8 days are some of the most memorable days of my life. Enjoy the pics.
Please note, Except for one photo (Double height Roman arch bridge photo), all other pics are from my brilliant Samsung S23 phone camera. Info on train tunnel details from Wikipedia.
The Himalayas
India is a blessed country which has two great natural borders. The mighty himalayas in the North and the Indian ocean in the south. Growing up, in the south of India near the ocean, the himalayan mountains were always a source of intrigue. Lord Shiva, also the Adi Yogi (First and greatest Yogi) and one of the greatest gods in the Hindu religion, is considered a resident of the himalayas and pictures were always shown with himalayas in the background.
Himalayan flora.
Pine trees and cactus. The fragrant white tree rose. Apple trees. Deodhar trees (Cedar) as you go higher
Shimla to Janglik via Kufri and Rohru. Amazing climate. Can see Mules and Yaks. I believe in this concept called "acclimatization". You need to get your body slowly used to higher altitudes from plains to heights. It's like a warm up before trekking expedition.
Pabbar River
The beauty of Pabbar river, Chanshal pass, Apple orchards (covered with nets to protect apples from hailstorm), Deodhar trees, himalayan tree roses is to be experienced. Blue skies, zero pollution, crisp chill air, soothing sound of birds, clear water. Simply beautiful.
Janglik village
Hair-raising is the right word, to describe the steep almost 35 degree inclined climb on the jeep from pabbar river to the higher altitudes. The drivers are specialized for this type of driving, which a normal driver cannot do without proper training. But the view after the climb is spectacular.
Trek to Dayara and night camps
We initially planned a trek to Chandra Nahan lake in himalayas. The journey was Janglik (Base) to Dayara (Night Camp 1), Dayara to Litham (Night Camp 2), visit chandranahan lake come back to Litham and Dayara (Night camp 3) and come back to Janglik (base) on Day 4.
Once we camped at Dayara, we understood from other trekkers, the route to Litham had unprecedented levels of snow for summer time, making the onward camping and journey unsafe to Litham. So we stayed for another night at Dayara Camp.
This trek
Last 3 days(15th -17th May), must be among the most memorable days of my life so far..Imagine...We had No electricity, no phone, no internet, no piped water, no flush toilets, no cooking gas, no cot beds etc.. in the night camps sleeping inside tents at close to sub zero temperatures.
But, in return we enjoyed . Seeing milky way galaxy clearly above in the skies at night. Drinking crystal clear water from streams. Breathing pristine himalayan air. Waking up everyday to see icy himalayas, azure blue skies, green meadows, seeing pine trees, deodhar oaks, wild flowers, griffon vultures, mountain goats. Sitting around a fire place and discussing with fellow trekkers and friends every topic under the sky.
For a few days, we experienced what our ancestors would have experienced before the industrial revolution set in. Connecting with nature and universe in its purest form.
But these treks are not for the faint hearted souls. You need to be fit to walk and climb for 8 hours it's physically exhausting. Plus, you need to overcome three fears..
1. Fear of heights
2. Fear of absolute darkness
3. Fear of closed spaces (Sleeping Tents)
Then for a brief period of 3 days, you experience paradise.
Now I fully understand the saying, The view is worth the arduous climb. And it will change your life perspective forever
Reflections
To see ice and snow in Himalayas, its easiest to take a plane and go to Kathmandu or Shimla or Srinagar. Next is to drive a car from Delhi or Chandigarh. The next must be riding a motorcycle. Toughest must be to trek 8 hours a day for few days. Where you have no protection against the elements except the gear. You have nothing to rely on except your own muscle strength and reflexes and your friends, fellow trekkers in case you fall.
What do you get in return?
Life time experience. Unparalleled confidence. Million sweet memories. And a life with no regrets. The brave don't live forever but the cautious don't live at all. The only thing that's truly terrifying is the unlived life.
Local people benefit from tourism
Tri color flag of blue, white and green
The mighty himalayas
My friend and trek captain Krishnan
Chain Singh Rawat (Lead guide) and Vijay Sherpa (Master trekker)
fellow trekkers L-R, Krishnan, (Nash), Raghavan, Thirumalai
Fellow trekkers L-R, Lakshmi, Srividya, Archana, Priya, Kirti, Hema, Priti
UNESCO world heritage train
Pabbar River
Himalayan Griffon Vulture
Glacier, Frozen River
Usain Bolt pose !
George Clooney pose !
Our Driver Mr. Jishen, a local Himachal man, who could drive a 15 seater mini bus on roads where I would find it difficult to ride a motorcycle. He was kind enough to let me take a photo of his traditional head gear which keeps the head warm in local climate.
Cricket is such a passion in India. Right from himalayas to Indian ocean beaches you can always see group of boys (and now girls) bowling batting fielding.
This local boy with his shades is cool.
This man, Mr. Dipen Lal, runs a chai (tea) shop serving hot breakfast for trekkers somewhere middle of himalayas. There is no other shop miles around. A brave man serving the society. These people are True heros.
With Mr Vijay Sherpa, master climber and trekker. He can climb a few thousand feet at one third the speed of what normal people can do. And can see "routes" in hills.
view from inside the tent.
India is a blessed country which has two great natural borders. The mighty himalayas in the North and the Indian ocean in the south. Growing up, in the south of India near the ocean, the himalayan mountains were always a source of intrigue. Lord Shiva, also the Adi Yogi (First and greatest Yogi) and one of the greatest gods in the Hindu religion, is considered a resident of the himalayas and pictures were always shown with himalayas in the background.
Himalaya, from Sanskrit HIMA 'snow, frost', and ALAYA 'dwelling, abode', is a mountain range in Asia, separating the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau. The range has some of the Earth's highest peaks, including the very highest, Mount Everest. Over 100 peaks exceeding 7,200 m (23,600 ft) in elevation lie in the Himalayas.
So far, I have visited himalayas in 4 different places. Extreme east (Tawang Arunachal pradesh) bordering China, then in Sikkim bordering Bhutan, then in West Bengal (Darjeeling) bordering Nepal and now in Himachal Pradesh. There are only three other states left (Kashmir, Ladakh and Uttarakhand) where you can view it from India and hopefully in this life time I see the balance too.
Chandra-Nahan trek in Himachal Pradesh
I have never gone on a TREK before. My engineering classmate Krishnan, who was a CEO for several years in an consulting MNC, became a trekker in 2008. In the last 15 years, he has done over 21 difficult himalayan treks in both India and Nepal. His passion for trekking is contagious. November 2022, when he asked me if I would want to do a himalayan trek in May 2023 I was a bit hesitant. I was not sure if I was fit enough to do 8 hours climbing up in a day for several days in bone chilling cold climate. But he assured me I can, just by looking at my motorcycle trips in himalayas. So, I planned for this trek last December when the whole western world was closed for Christmas. Got my leave approval well in advance.
The one area I did not plan well was my fitness. Being used to motorcycle rides in far off places, I assumed Trekking would be easy. I could easily WALK 6 kms in an hour, but trekking is a different ball game. Requires core strength, superior lower body muscles which comes with squats and lunges. I understand estimated the trekking requirements. Somehow I completed the climb up and down. If I shed a few more kilos it would be perfect.
Route from Bangalore
Flight from Bangalore > New Delhi Airport
> New Delhi Railway station > Shatabti to Kalka (Haryana) > Shimla (Via toy train) > Rohru > Janglik > Dayara > Litham > Chandra Nahan. Return route is via Chandigarh instead of Kalka
UNESCO world heritage train
A train climbing the Himalayas, via 103 tunnels, 912 curves, 969 bridges. The Kalka–Shimla Railway toy train is considered a UNESCO world heritage (moving) monument for a right reason. The engineering required to make a train climb thousands of feet in himalayas, with all luggage and without slipping back, almost 120 years ago must have been a feet of mechanical engineering. It is known for dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages. The railway was built under the direction of Herbert Harington between 1898 and 1903 to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British Raj, with the rest of the Indian rail system.
So far, I have visited himalayas in 4 different places. Extreme east (Tawang Arunachal pradesh) bordering China, then in Sikkim bordering Bhutan, then in West Bengal (Darjeeling) bordering Nepal and now in Himachal Pradesh. There are only three other states left (Kashmir, Ladakh and Uttarakhand) where you can view it from India and hopefully in this life time I see the balance too.
Chandra-Nahan trek in Himachal Pradesh
I have never gone on a TREK before. My engineering classmate Krishnan, who was a CEO for several years in an consulting MNC, became a trekker in 2008. In the last 15 years, he has done over 21 difficult himalayan treks in both India and Nepal. His passion for trekking is contagious. November 2022, when he asked me if I would want to do a himalayan trek in May 2023 I was a bit hesitant. I was not sure if I was fit enough to do 8 hours climbing up in a day for several days in bone chilling cold climate. But he assured me I can, just by looking at my motorcycle trips in himalayas. So, I planned for this trek last December when the whole western world was closed for Christmas. Got my leave approval well in advance.
The one area I did not plan well was my fitness. Being used to motorcycle rides in far off places, I assumed Trekking would be easy. I could easily WALK 6 kms in an hour, but trekking is a different ball game. Requires core strength, superior lower body muscles which comes with squats and lunges. I understand estimated the trekking requirements. Somehow I completed the climb up and down. If I shed a few more kilos it would be perfect.
Route from Bangalore
Flight from Bangalore > New Delhi Airport
> New Delhi Railway station > Shatabti to Kalka (Haryana) > Shimla (Via toy train) > Rohru > Janglik > Dayara > Litham > Chandra Nahan. Return route is via Chandigarh instead of Kalka
UNESCO world heritage train
A train climbing the Himalayas, via 103 tunnels, 912 curves, 969 bridges. The Kalka–Shimla Railway toy train is considered a UNESCO world heritage (moving) monument for a right reason. The engineering required to make a train climb thousands of feet in himalayas, with all luggage and without slipping back, almost 120 years ago must have been a feet of mechanical engineering. It is known for dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages. The railway was built under the direction of Herbert Harington between 1898 and 1903 to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British Raj, with the rest of the Indian rail system.
Look at the double height Roman arch bridge. And the shot when the train curves. It's a classic.
Himalayan flora.
Pine trees and cactus. The fragrant white tree rose. Apple trees. Deodhar trees (Cedar) as you go higher
Shimla to Janglik via Kufri and Rohru. Amazing climate. Can see Mules and Yaks. I believe in this concept called "acclimatization". You need to get your body slowly used to higher altitudes from plains to heights. It's like a warm up before trekking expedition.
Pabbar River
The beauty of Pabbar river, Chanshal pass, Apple orchards (covered with nets to protect apples from hailstorm), Deodhar trees, himalayan tree roses is to be experienced. Blue skies, zero pollution, crisp chill air, soothing sound of birds, clear water. Simply beautiful.
Janglik village
Hair-raising is the right word, to describe the steep almost 35 degree inclined climb on the jeep from pabbar river to the higher altitudes. The drivers are specialized for this type of driving, which a normal driver cannot do without proper training. But the view after the climb is spectacular.
Trek to Dayara and night camps
We initially planned a trek to Chandra Nahan lake in himalayas. The journey was Janglik (Base) to Dayara (Night Camp 1), Dayara to Litham (Night Camp 2), visit chandranahan lake come back to Litham and Dayara (Night camp 3) and come back to Janglik (base) on Day 4.
Once we camped at Dayara, we understood from other trekkers, the route to Litham had unprecedented levels of snow for summer time, making the onward camping and journey unsafe to Litham. So we stayed for another night at Dayara Camp.
This trek
Last 3 days(15th -17th May), must be among the most memorable days of my life so far..Imagine...We had No electricity, no phone, no internet, no piped water, no flush toilets, no cooking gas, no cot beds etc.. in the night camps sleeping inside tents at close to sub zero temperatures.
But, in return we enjoyed . Seeing milky way galaxy clearly above in the skies at night. Drinking crystal clear water from streams. Breathing pristine himalayan air. Waking up everyday to see icy himalayas, azure blue skies, green meadows, seeing pine trees, deodhar oaks, wild flowers, griffon vultures, mountain goats. Sitting around a fire place and discussing with fellow trekkers and friends every topic under the sky.
For a few days, we experienced what our ancestors would have experienced before the industrial revolution set in. Connecting with nature and universe in its purest form.
But these treks are not for the faint hearted souls. You need to be fit to walk and climb for 8 hours it's physically exhausting. Plus, you need to overcome three fears..
1. Fear of heights
2. Fear of absolute darkness
3. Fear of closed spaces (Sleeping Tents)
Then for a brief period of 3 days, you experience paradise.
Now I fully understand the saying, The view is worth the arduous climb. And it will change your life perspective forever
Reflections
To see ice and snow in Himalayas, its easiest to take a plane and go to Kathmandu or Shimla or Srinagar. Next is to drive a car from Delhi or Chandigarh. The next must be riding a motorcycle. Toughest must be to trek 8 hours a day for few days. Where you have no protection against the elements except the gear. You have nothing to rely on except your own muscle strength and reflexes and your friends, fellow trekkers in case you fall.
What do you get in return?
Life time experience. Unparalleled confidence. Million sweet memories. And a life with no regrets. The brave don't live forever but the cautious don't live at all. The only thing that's truly terrifying is the unlived life.
Local people benefit from tourism
The local people here live such a simple life. With very basic necessary things. Even electricity, cooking gas and piped water is a luxury in many places, but they are so happy living a tough life. Compared to them, we city dwellers lead a blessed life and we must be grateful for that. They keep the environment so clean. Not a single plastic bottle or used chocolate wrapper I saw in so many miles of trekking.
Please promote local tourism esp such poorer and beautiful regions of our great country. Tourism helps the local economy. And travel opens your eyes and mind.
Gratitude
Huge thanks to Krishnan (our team captain and trek organiser), my fellow trekkers (10 of them), Chain singh Rawat (guide), Vijay Sherpa (Master trekker and my life saver 😀).
Enjoy the pics shot on my brilliant Samsung S23 phone. Hope you like my posts and photos. Feel free to comment if you liked it.
Regards,
Nash Narasimhan Tupil
May 2023
Please promote local tourism esp such poorer and beautiful regions of our great country. Tourism helps the local economy. And travel opens your eyes and mind.
Gratitude
Huge thanks to Krishnan (our team captain and trek organiser), my fellow trekkers (10 of them), Chain singh Rawat (guide), Vijay Sherpa (Master trekker and my life saver 😀).
Enjoy the pics shot on my brilliant Samsung S23 phone. Hope you like my posts and photos. Feel free to comment if you liked it.
Regards,
Nash Narasimhan Tupil
May 2023
Kalka Shimla Toy train
National highway
Double Roman Arch bridge (not my photo)
Himalayan Cactus
Pines on slopes
On pabbar river
Sun rays through the trees
The group who organized
Trek Team photo
Crystal stream from icy peaks
Icy peaks
Mighty cedar trees
Trek path
foldable furniture at camp
Milky way shot on phone
Himalayan Rhododendron
Few other pics..
Our Driver Mr. Jishen, a local Himachal man, who could drive a 15 seater mini bus on roads where I would find it difficult to ride a motorcycle. He was kind enough to let me take a photo of his traditional head gear which keeps the head warm in local climate.
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