Siachen Glacier.........

Siachen Glacier :

The Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalaya Mountains along the India border at about 35.5°N 77.0°E. The word 'Siachen' ironically means 'the place of wild roses', a reference some people attribute to the abundance of Himalayan wildflowers found in the valleys below the glacier, but which specifically refers to the thorny wild plants which grow on the rocky outcrops.

India controls all of the Siachen Glacier itself, including all tributary glaciers. At 70 km long, it is the longest glacier in the Karakoram and second-longest in the world's non-polar areas. It falls from an altitude of 5,753 m (18,875 ft) above sea level at its source at Indira Col (pass) on the China border down to 3,620 m (11,875 ft) at its snout.

The glacier's melting waters are the main source of the Nubra River, which drains into the Shyok River. The Shyok in turn joins the Indus River, thus the glacier is a major source of the river Indus.

The Siachen Glacier lies south of the great watershed that separates China from the Indian subcontinent in the extensively glaciated portion of the Karakoram that is sometimes called the "Third Pole." The glacier lies between the Saltoro Ridge immediately to the west and the main Karakoram range to the east. The Saltoro Ridge originates in the north from the Sia Kangri peak on the China border in the Karakoram range.

The crest of the Saltoro Ridge's altitudes range from 5,450 to 7,720 m (17,880 to 25,330 feet). The major passes on this ridge are, from north to south, Sia La at 5,589 m (18,336 ft), Bilafond La at 5,450 m (17,880 ft), and Gyong La at 5,689 m (18,665 ft) The average winter snowfall is 10.5 m (35 ft) and temperatures can dip to -50 degrees Celsius (-58 degrees Fahrenheit). Including all tributary glaciers, the Siachen Glacier system covers about 700 square kilometers.

The world's highest helipad, built by India, is located in the Siachen Glacier at a height of 21,000 feet (6400 m) above the sea level.

Since September 2007, India has opened up mountaineering and trekking expeditions to the forbidding glacial heights. The expeditions are also meant to show to the international audience that Indian troops hold "almost all dominating heights" on the important Saltoro Ridge and, to show that Pakistani troops are not within 15 miles (24 km) of the 43.5-mile (70 km) Siachen Glacier.

To Reach : Siachen Glacier can be Reached via Skardu in Ladakh.

Gulmarg........

Gulmarg’s legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country, in addition to Pahalgam and to some extend Sonamarg in Kashmir.

The valley of Gulmarg, a large meadow about 3-sq-kms in area, stands at 2,730 metres, 56-km south west of Srinagar . The name means ‘Meadow Of Flowers’ and in the spring it’s just that, a rolling meadow dotted with countless colourful Bluebells, Daisies, Forget Me Not’s and Buttercups. The valley itself is about 3-km long and up to a km wide.

Gulmarg's gondola, designed by France's Poma Group, ascends from the resort at 2650 metres, via a mid station and restaurant at 3050 metres, to an elevation of 3980 metres, providing lift served access to 1330 vertical metres of vast snowriding terrain.

Gulmarg is located 52 km from Srinagar. It is located at 34.05°N 74.38°E[1]. It has an average elevation of 2,690 m (8,825 ft).

Air : The nearest airport to Gulmarg is in Badgam district. 

Rail : The Jammu railway station is the closest in the vicinity.

By Road : Gulmarg is 56 kms from Srinagar. Jammu & Kashmir SRTC operates regular deluxe and ordinary bus services from Srinagar. In winter, the buses operate up to Tangmarg (11 kms from Gulmarg), the remaining distance being covered with smaller vehicles. Tourist taxis also operate between Srinagar and Gulmarg.

Leh........

Leh : 

Leh is at an altitude of 3505m (10,500 ft), and you'd be flying in from Delhi which is at roughly 0. The altitude of Leh is quite a lot for the human body to handle. Even with a gradual ascent, I know that beyond 2700m, the air feels perceptibly thin. So it is generally recommended that the first day should just be spent walking around Leh, getting acclimatised. Some people feel it perceptibly i.t.o. dizziness, vomiting, etc. In our case, there was no problem beyond initial drowsiness (which could well have just been owing to the pain of catching a 5:40a flight).

There are numerous firms in Leh who do full-services trekking support. They supply guide, cook, horses, equipment, everything. The price tag works out to roughly Rs.10,000 for a four-day trip for two. As the number of pax goes up, the price comes down somewhat.

Trekking is much harder in winter. There is one famous trekking route which works in winter. But it involves walking on a frozen river, where ponies slip, so there are more porters hired to carry stuff and the cost goes up substantially.

Hotel Lharimo
P. O. Leh 194101
Ladakh, India

Phones 52101 (off)
01982-53345 (fax) Is open May-Oct.
Rates -- Rs.2350/day for two and Rs.1950/day for one -- all inclusive including meals.
Camp Lharimo North is Rs.2000/day for two, all inclusive.

Auli........

Auli :

Is a city in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.

Its 6 kms. from Joshimath is an ideal winter resort run by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN).

A 3 kms. long slope ranging from a height of 2519 mts. to 3049 mts. is a major attraction.

The Auli resort run by GMVN has snow beaters which beat the snow to keep the slopes fit for skiing at all times. A 500 mts. long ski-lift carries skiiers back to the slope top, thus saving them the trouble and time to bridge up wearing long skis.

Season : End December to March

Equipment : GMVN provides modern ski equipment. Participants are advised to bring heavy woolen clothing like caps, socks, gloves, mufflers, pullovers, trousers, wind proof jackets, dark glasses, gum/snow boots and a torch for personal use.

Package Tours : GMVN conducts 7 and 14 days skiing courses at Auli and special provisions for day tourists are also available. Ski training is given by qualified ski instructors. 

Skiing Courses At Auli :

While experienced skiers are likely to enjoy the slopes of Auli for the excitement it offers of unexplored terrain and the spectacular beauty of the surrounding Himalayas, for those who want to learn how to ski there are numerous skiing facilities available at Auli.GMVN conducts a 7-day as well as a 14-day skiing courses in the months of January-March.

The course participants are also provided that basic ski equipment and lift facility, boarding and lodging. available to the skiers are also available at competitive rates.

One thing that adventure lovers should keep in mind is that Auli's season is short starting from January to March, so its better to pre plan your ski trip to this snow skiing heaven.

General Information (GPS) : For Google Maps. 

Longitude : 77° 34' 27" E to 81° 02' 22" E  ;  Latitude : 28° 53' 24" N to 31° 27' 50" N

Total Area : 53,484 sq. km ; Total Forest Area : 34,434 sq. km.

Hilly Area : 92.57% ; Plains : 7.43%.

KINNAUR

KINNAUR 

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Altitude: 2670m

Places Of Interest: Reecong Peo, Kalpa, Sangla Valley, Puh

Best Time To Visit: May to October

Located in the dizzying heights of the Himalayas, with passes that remain closed for six months linking them with the rest of the world, Kinnaur, is the land of fairytale and fantasies. Today, this area has been opened for the daring and adventurous, to discover what had been hidden from the world for centuries.

Kinnaur has got the spectacular terrain of lush green valleys, orchards, vineyards, snow clad peaks and cold desert mountains. This border district of Himachal Pradesh is also rich in flora and fauna and its culture and languages is different from other parts of the state. Also known as the tribal district of Himachal Pradesh, Kinnaur is situated 250-km away from Shimla and is situated on the National Highway No.22.

The landscape varies from the luxuriant green orchards of the scenic Sangla valley to the stark magnificence of the of the Hangarang valley. The massive snow clad ranges that provide a regal dignity to the scene, are dominated by the peak of Kinner Kailash and Kalpa is one of the biggest and beautiful villages of Kinnaur district.

The gushing rivers of Kinnaur abound in Trout-the angler's prize catch, their waters have over the centuries chiseled beautiful gorges across this picturesque land and nurtured one of the most unique societies on there banks. In the lush land live the descendants of the Kinners- the demi-gods of the Hindu pantheon, whose deeds have been immortalized in epics and the poems of ancient Sanskrit poets.

There are thirty-three Buddhist monasteries and temples in Kinnaur's breathtaking beautiful setting. The Nyingma-pa, Drug-pa sects are all well represented over here.

Baspa/Sangla Valley: This valley starts 57-kms short of Kalpa, which has been named after a beautiful & populous village Sangla. Sangla is situated on the right bank of Baspa river 17-kms from Karcham. Journey from Karcham onwards is enjoyable and adventurous throughout the valley. The natural scenery all around and the eternal snow view are picturesque and charming. It is also known as Baspa Valley since Baspa river flows through this area. This is the most charming valley in the entire District of Kinnaur. 

Mcleodganj-little Tibet of India

Mcleodganj-little Tibet of India : 

Situated in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Mcleodganj is the upper part of a sleepy town known as Dharamshala, resting in the foothills of Dhauladhar range. The town offers majestic views of the mighty Dhauladhar ranges above, the Kangra settlement below while having a sedative effect, far from the hustle bustle of the modern times.

Dhauladhar meaning “white ridge” justifies its name with breathtaking, snow-capped ranges of about 17,000 feet. A mention from the times of British says, “No scenery, in my opinion, presents such sublime and delightful contrasts. Below lays the plain, a picture of rural loveliness and repose… Turning from this scene of peaceful beauty, the stern and majestic hills confront us… above all are wastes of snow to rest on”, seems perfect for McleodGanj, which is definitely about repose and peace.

As a town, Dharamsala can be divided into two very different parts- Kotwali Bazaar also known as the lower Dharamsala and McLeodGunj usually called as upper Dharamsala. McLeodGunj is nine kilometers by bus route and four kilometers by taxi route up the hill from Kotwali Bazaar. While inhabitants of Lower Dharamsala are almost all Indians, McLeodGunj is primarily a Tibetan area. McLeodGunj is surrounded by pine, Himalayan oak, rhododendron and deodar forests. 

KALI RIVER RAFTING EXPEDITION (Bangalore):

KALI RIVER RAFTING EXPEDITION:

Number of Days: 2
Assembly Points: Bangalore
River Embarkation Point: Ganeshgudi
Seasons for Rafting: Oct - Jun

Kali Rafting, Dandeli, October to June (Season may vary a little depending on water levels)

This is the best way to see the endangered and stunning environment through which the Kali River flows. The Kali offers a great opportunity to paddle through numerous, exciting technical class 3 rapids. The beautiful surroundings are home to a wide range of wildlife, including a flourishing bird life, in particular several species of very rare Hornbills. Monkeys, elephants, wild boars, sambar deer, crocodiles, giant squirrels and even sightings of leopards and a black panther have been recorded from the boats. The most popular tour is "The Kali" and is (9 km) long, offering nearly two hours on the water. 

There are many great fun rapids to be found in these incredible surroundings. For the true nature lovers a "Kali Special" (14 km) is offered for groups, giving two and a half hours to enjoy the river and surroundings and another hour if you opt for the sumptuous lunch on the river. Including transport and briefing both these tours will take up half a day. This is a really pristine, uninhabited, spotlessly clean and very rare environment to raft through. A totally unique rafting trip that can be rated as one of the most beautiful stretches in the world. Since it is highly endangered and may not be here for many years to come we advise you to see it whilst you can.

1. Kali Rafting 9km stretch. Class 3 rapids. Half day trip
2. Kali Special. 14km stretch. Class 3 rapids. Half day trip.
3. Kali Special (with Lunch). 14km stretch. Class 3 rapids. An extra hour on the river for riverside lunch

Trips depart from Our base Camp, or Jungle Lodges Kali River Lodge, Dandeli.

Non swimmers welcome. Minimum age 12 years. (8 year old can be taken in the "kids safe raft" for which we need prior notice). Secure foot wear for rafting. No pregnant guests. No long loose clothing. Minimum number of 6 guests to run a trip.