Gods have gone benevolent on the Doon valley for sure. Cloudy days, a taste of showers, windy climate and a dip in the temperature- all these are ‘much-asked-for’ boons. But what the much-harried Doonite needs is the return of the good old days again. When a slight surge in the temperature was met with a ferocious (okay, moderate sometimes) rain bringing the mercury down as fast as it went up. Alas, the good old days are gone. So, let’s make the best of what we have. Let’s go visit another waterfall this week.

Kempty Fall has a unique story behind its name. As it goes, in the British period, it was a centre of frequent tea parties that were called ‘camp tea’, with the beautiful background of the waterfall. The term soon attained a local flavour and became ‘Kempty’.

Kempty is approachable from Mussoorie by road (15kms approx.). At first comes the Kempty village with a little market on the roadside, where tourist vehicles pay a tax for the ‘development of the tourist attraction’. The actuall Falls come a few turns ahead, preceded by a long winding market. As you park your vehicle along the roadside, trying to find space, you wonder what in the name of development is going on, when the place lacks even a basic organized parking lot. The wonder about ‘development’ turns into horror as you start descending the narrow stairs down to the set of 5 waterfalls, that everyone comes here to visit. The stairs are cramped with tiny shops, with colorful roofs shouting ads of MNCs. Finally, when you reach the bottom; you realize that what you have come to, is indeed the bottom of beauty and serenity.

Photo by ch-eeee-tos

But I don’t mean to discourage you from going there. One must visit it and enjoy the waterfalls. And believe me, it is heavenly standing under the long-necked falls (the tallest of the five is over 30 metres) showering down on you. But while you enjoy this beautiful experience, you must also think about the crass consumerist monster that has shaped it into an ugly mess. After all, it is OUR waterfall, it belongs to us, and we have all the right to claim that it remains beautiful.

A concerned citizen posted his views and observations here. The photographs confirm the alarm raised by him. Also follow the external links on the page. The comments by various companies in the article underline the utter neglect of civic decency and aesthetics.

While enjoying your dip in the water, be careful about your valuables. In the garb of tourists, miscreants also make their way in. So keep your wallet, cameras, and valuables safe with a family member. By the way, have you ever wondered where all this water comes from? Much of it comes from the Benog Hill (now Benog Wildlife Sanctuary) the large green area extending from Hathi Paon to just above the Kempty Falls. And that is where we will be going very soon. Have a nice dip!

©2012 All Himalaya. All Rights Reserved.

If the mercury keeps shooting at this rate, it will soon break all of Jaspal Rana’s records. Not to forget, those of the State Government as well – right from the days of the struggle for statehood, to the present day. Though emphatically stressed upon, Uttarakhand’s development agenda has clearly gone skewed. The so called ‘Urja Pradesh‘ has no electricity for its own self, after 1 billion US dollars and 1 lakh people displaced (source:Wikipedia) on its star project – Tehri Dam. The common man has spent his winters facing hours of daily power cut and is  bracing up for a bigger onslaught of  cuts this summer.

But, this piece is about getting the common man some relief from summer. And the star attraction in summers for us Doonites has been the one and only Sahastradhara. Though, Dehradun sports about a dozen ‘Summer Relief’ water spots, I’m hoping the summer would last long and I will wickedly get to write about all of them. Jokes apart, my earliest memory goes back to school days when we were made to walk all the way to Sahastradhara in the name of picnic. And thence on, on Sundays with family and as we grew up, with friends, it became a popular summer spot. It sure would be hard to find a Doonite who hasn’t visited Sahastradhara, and hasn’t swam in the many man-made pools and bathed in the ’sulphur spring’.

Photo by ankyuk

Sahastradhara is about 15kms from Dehradun, easily approachable by road and boasts of lush green surroundings. It takes just under an hour to reach there from the city. Its name, Sahastra-Dhara, means ‘a thousand streams’. Veritably, the last generation Doonites will fondly remember the countless number of springs and streams sprouting up in the region. Having developed fast, it has changed its shape drastically due to heavy tourist pressure. Sadly, the growth has been unplanned and the place does not boast of the natural beauty it once did. Its water is said to contain medicinal properties, and is said to be very effective for skin diseases. Once, the activity used to centre around its high waterfall and a few pools. Tourists used to go upstream for a private bath and picnic. Not so any longer, one has to do with the many pools there are. Or settle for many other attractions that have developed nearby.

So you can pick up your lunch baskets and swimming gear and head for Sahastradhara this Sunday, as the mercury goes up and up. Make sure you park in an authorised parking lot; there have been many cases of vehicle-theft. And do make sure you bathe in a clean area; upstream is a better idea. Just be cautious that you don’t wander off too far away, specially if you are with family and ladies.

Very few people would know that there is a beautiful trek from Sahastradhara leading to Buraskhanda on the Mussoorie-Dhanaulti road, and another diversion that goes upto Suwakholi. The trek to Buraskhanda has a big waterfall on its way and goes through thick foliage sporting rich flora. But don’t try this trek without a guide. One of the locals from the villages around ( Chamasari is one of the big villages there) who have been on the route can take you. Otherwise, there are high chances of your getting lost. Those with adventurous spirits can try the trek; the rest can cool their bodies and spirits in the thereapeutic waters of Sahastradhara. Have fun!

©2012 All Himalaya. All Rights Reserved.

This week I don’t feel like going out for a picnic. Instead, I want to introspect. I want to go deep into the forest, and find out why we can’t co-exist peacefully, happily together. I mean the forest and us. So let’s go someplace where the soul of the forest resides. Let’s talk to it; let’s find out its grievances and let’s find an honest answer to why the forests are shrinking? Why there have been 13 leopard deaths in just over 2 months? Because every time a leopard dies, he/she leaves behind a family of wife, children or sometimes just the children left all alone in the world. As much as we grieve about a child left without parents after a tragedy, these innocent animals also deserve our sympathies. And not just that, but a direct effort to help them out.

Almost every week, the local newspaper’s headlines shriek at us about capture, injury and death of yet another ‘guldaar’ (a sub-species of leopard). Most of them are trapped and killed. The causes are many – the increasing human population and thereby reducing forest cover for the animals, fear and protection of crops and villages by laying traps, or sheer greed for their precious skins and bones.

Photo by hekris

Rajaji National Park is situated adjacent to Dehradun city and runs alongside the roads to Roorkee and Haridwar. It has an area of 820.42 sq km, and is open to visitors from mid-November to mid-June. Its rich bio-diversity and beautiful spans make it one of the most popular National Parks in India. Sadly, it’s population of ‘guldaars’ also make it attractive for poachers. It has birding, elephant safaris and jeep rides offering a mesmerizing experience of the Park. It also has 10 Forest Rest Houses spread over the Park, out of which 7 are in working condition and offer comfortable staying options.

So the next Sunday or so, visit the Rajaji National Park. For a picnic, if you must, or a jolly good ride through the forest. Spend a nice leisurely day admiring the beauty and richness of the forest. Wander across its various spots, as the Park guides will point out to you. Take an Elephant safari, and while he takes you around happily to show you his world, think over why many of his brethren get killed by trains that pass through his habitat. And why do they get angry and romp in the villages, if they have such a beautiful place for a home, if only its left alone for them.

Oh, and if you come across the soul of the forest, just stay silent, and let your soul do the talking. Just for a few minutes, let everything fall silent, let all worries leave you and let the sounds and smell around you take over. The soul of the forest has something for everybody. You see, the forest has always given to man everything he has asked for. It just asks for one thing from man – peaceful co-existence. Is that so hard to give?

©2012 All Himalaya. All Rights Reserved.

Tell me frankly… when was the last time you went to a mela? Yes, a typical mela with the ‘wooden jhoolas’ (swings), kulfis, wheelspins and stuff like that. Yes, everybody goes to Delhi, Shimla, Mussoorie and Thailand for a change from work. But what about the ‘change’ available right in the middle of your own city? Try it for a change, and go with a curious, open mind. You won’t be disappointed.

‘Jhanda Mela’ is no ordinary mela. If you didn’t know already, it is the oldest fair cum ritual congregation in the Doon valley. The only other fair that comes close to it is the Rajpur fair. And it is sadly, history now. Every year, lakhs of devotees from all over North India collect at the ‘Darbar Sahib’ to pay tributes at the cenotaphs of Guru Ram Rai, his Ranis and other Mahants..

The ‘interestingness’ of Jhanda mela is not just due to its historicity. Though ofcourse, once you stand at the doors of the ‘Darbar Sahib’s western entrance, you can view the exotic paintings at the walls with awe. They are a showcase of the rare style of the Garhwal school of painting. You can also spot a portrait of the painter, Tulsi Ram himself. Don’t forget to look up at the arch- it has a beautiful portrayal of a scene from ‘Indra-sabha’. Go in towards the back, and the cenotaphs of the Ranis in the garden sport many more such paintings. The curious ones will have to be more adventurous. The ‘samadhi-sthal’ of the other ‘Mahants’ is located right behind the ‘Darbar Sahib’ in the lane.

Photo by him ahuja

You will definitely find a lot of variety at the Jhanda Mela – horoscope tellers, jadi-booti sellers, kulfi-wallahs, toy-trains and quaint, little artifacts that we are losing sight of rapidly. Go upstairs to the roof of the Darbar Sahib. I’m sure you won’t find such a sight of Dehradun from elsewhere. Take a stroll in the gardens; despite the lack of maintenance, the typical mughal-styled gardens are still interesting in their unique layout and architecture. Take a round from the ‘Darshani Deodhi’ to the ‘talaab’. Have a look in the central kitchen and see how the culture of community service is still alive in the way dozens of men and women prepare and serve ‘langars’ to everyone who is humble enough to partake. Go ahead, if you feel hungry or if just the sight and smell of the ‘langar’ lured you.

If it’s time to leave, pay your tributes at the new flagpole. And don’t forget to take back with you a taste of history, magic, some stuff for your home, and the delicious ‘chaat’ you get only there.

©2012 All Himalaya. All Rights Reserved.

Let’s admit it. After all the boasting about of my travels, I’m more of a couch surfer these days, with so much work and an overwhelming response to the online CMS program we have launched. So despite all my efforts not to miss the ‘largest confluence on earth’, so far I have only been able to visit the happenings courtesy my spotty BSNL broadband and the daily Hindi newspaper.

Poorna Kumbh (or Maha Kumbh as some people like to tout it aka marketing lingo) is one of the most important religious gatherings on earth. And is certainly, the most important religious event in India. After all, who would want to miss tasting the nectar of immortality. ‘Kumbh’ actually means ‘pot’. Every Indian remembers the story of the ‘Samudra-manthan’ (churning of the sea) and the resultant ‘nectar’ that came out of it. It is that ‘pot of nectar’ that was placed by the ‘devtas’ (gods) at four places. And these four places are the sites of Kumbh every twelve years – Haridwar, Prayaga (Allahabad), Nasik and Ujjain. Not counting the Ardh-Kumbh that takes places every six years.

There, now you know why I want to go to Kumbh. I also have that inner desire to be immortal, ah! But frankly, Kumbh is much more than just a religious gathering. It is a grand experience encompassing religion, rituals, visual treats and an inter-cultural medley. I would not want to miss such an exciting opportunity that showcases the coming together of worlds at such close range. Imagine the most primitive and orthodox of practices finding place next to the ultra-modern world. Imagine what a rich sensory experience it would be to juxtapose the crowds of people from all backgrounds, nationalities, cultures and beliefs all joined together for one reason; a multitude of sights and events parallely seeking your attention.

And before you get lost in the confusion, do take your identity proof. Not to forget your camera, or cameras, for the shutter happy, since you won’t be getting this opportunity again. Go prepared, and go with a few days in hand at least, to savor the delights and adventures of the Kumbh. The auspicious bathing dates of the Kumbh can be found on http://kumbh2010hardiwar.gov.in. The period of the Kumbh extends from 14th Jan – 28th April. Though it would be convenient if you stayed away from the ‘Shahi Snan’ dates, because of the huge crowds and extra tight security on those days. Be prepared to walk and walk, because of the tight security arrangements, and vehicle bans. And be prepared to wake up early, reaaaally early, around 4am-5am to catch those rare early morning bathing rituals. Who knows, you might also catch the ‘nectar of immortality’.

If not, atleast you will catch the unforgettable experience of being at the Kumbh.

©2012 All Himalaya. All Rights Reserved.

God has his own work timings. Not like our 9-5 schedule. Moreover, we can’t blame him if he chooses to shower us with rain, snowfall and pounding hail, just when we thought the summers were here. That’s the damage we have done to the ecological system. Squarely, the blame is on us too. So we go through the entire winters dry like a desert, and then pat comes the rain. But as human beings, we’ve got this ingenious habit of turning everything into opportunity. So why not enjoy the snowfall and make good use of the extended weekend!

Doonites have two favorite places to catch the snow. The masses ofcourse go to Mussoorie. And the more adventurous and resourceful go further to Dhanaulti. I’m not saying there is any comparison between the two. But it’s Dhanaulti that undoubtedly offers the most pristine surroundings, the most picturesque views of snow-capped peaks, and the finest Deodar slopes.

It’s just 60-65 kms away from Dehradun (30kms from Mussoorie), depending on where you start from, and which route you take. One could go via Mussoorie, facing the steep uphill road to Landour, or take a diversion approx 8kms before Mussoorie and catch the bypass road just above the road going to Barlowganj. Freshly made, this road is a better alternative for those aiming straight at Dhanaulti and offers a thrilling drive amidst the forest. It meets the Mussoorie-Dhanaulti-Tehri road at Bataghat. A few kilometers ahead is Buranskhanda, where in March-April one encounters the hills flush with Rhododendrons (Burans is the local name) that make the hills seem on fire. There is also a cut in the ridge here that allows one to spot the neat, long range of snow-capped peaks, right from Bandarpoonchh to Swargarohini, along with hot steaming tea served by the lone tea stall at this point. And a few kms ahead, we reach Dhanaulti.

Photo by alokprasad

Dhanaulti is a roughly 2 kilometre patch on the road that runs along the ridge from Mussoorie to Chamba. The actual village being away from the road, there are a few houses and hotels that occupy the most of the concrete mass here.  The most outstanding feature of Dhanaulti is its thick forest line of Deodars, Oaks and Rhododendrons along the road. It offers the most scenic walks that one can enjoy in the hills. Park your vehicles along the road near the Eco Park that has come up recently or at the MDDA parking down the road. Frankly, despite the Eco Park logo, it has tea stalls selling tea in plastic cups, cement blocks sculpted like wood, and reminders of artificial human intervention in the name of dustbins, cemented floors etc. all huddled together on a narrow patch of green slope that isn’t green anymore. To top it all, the pathways have been paved with clean, washed pebbles. And the hideous looking fence that informs me silently that I am alien here; and stops me from going to my favorite spot on the slope. Those who have been coming to Dhanaulti for decades like me still remember the solitary quietness one enjoyed just walking on the green grass along these very slopes or sitting under the trees and watching the valleys unfold. A much better spot still virgin is the slope at the back of the GMVN Rest House or the one uphill after the Rest House. Enjoy it before another ‘Park’ comes up.

The few hotels here are spaced out, with the GMVN Tourist Rest House and the Forest Bungalow being close together. The small bazaar here offers basic necessities and good sumptuous food. Dhanaulti is ideal for those who love be among nature, take a good long walk and read a book under the trees or just gaze at the peaks and valleys for hours.

Hurry up, or the snow will melt. Happy snow-balling!

©2012 All Himalaya. All Rights Reserved.

Yippee! The Spring is here. Bollywood has a fine collection of songs devoted to spring, Kalidas even wrote an epic poem on it. Okay, ok, but seriously, can’t you feel a change in the air? The fragrance of the flowers, the subtle scent in the wind of an early summer, and the exhilaration in the hearts. It’s the season of love. Valentine’s close by and the swings are about to come up on the trees. Though, we’re not going to talk about Love, sorry to disappoint you. This is the season that always gets my feet restless, and eager to go out and explore the world.

The winter is about to go, and summer’s already knocking, that’s perfect excuse for a picnic. And we have some foreign guests to meet too, in fact hundreds of them. Nothing could be better than sharing your Sunday lunch along with them and having a tête-à-tête. Well, to break the suspense, I’m talking about ‘Asan Barrage Bird Sanctuary’.

Located just 43kms from Dehradun on the Doon – Chandigarh/Shimla highway, this scenic water body was formed way back in 1967, when the Asan Barrage was constructed at the confluence of Asan river and Yamuna canal coming from Dakpathar. Though, it was later that the local birders started noticing the winter trans-Himalayan migration pattern of the birds. An initial checklist was made, and today, Asan Barrage is a well known Bird Sanctuary, popular among birders from all over the country. Around 30 migratory species of birds make Asan Barrage their halt during their journey. Locals know it as a popular Sunday picnic spot for water sports.

The lake with a fascinating view of the Siwalik forest range at the horizon makes its first appearance when we climb up the narrow road coming from Herbertpur and come level with it. The short drive along the lake offers a wide view of the wetland. GMVN runs a water sports complex here, and has boats for hire. You can make a stop here and enjoy the peddle-boat ride. Sometimes, the birds allow the boats to come quite close. But it would be best if you take your binoculars along and catch a view of as many as 50 migratory and local species of birds.

Just where the GMVN complex is situated (incidentally, they also have a few log huts on hire for the night, but badly located), the road leaves the lake and goes on to the barrage, and onward to Paonta Sahib. Just before the barrage bridge, there is a small restaurant on the left side, which is very popular with those traveling to Paonta Sahib, Chandigarh or Nahan. Run by a father-son duo, it is popular for its famed omelettes and pakoras. It has enough parking space and a large lawn with chairs, where you can enjoy your meal and snacks. But let me tell you my favorite; after the boat-ride to satisfy the children, park at the restaurant, order your choicest snacks, and move on the road adjacent to the restaurant. It has a wooded area on the left, and the lake on the right and offers decent shade with trees on both sides of the road. Bring your rugs along, and choose a clean spot and spread them wide. Open your lunch boxes & top them with snacks from the restaurant and you are in your own private heaven. Beware of the monkeys though, it is their home turf and they are never far away from the tasty food that you have brought. If you are going there soon, don’t forget to taste the delicious ‘Chakotras’, that are sold just opposite the restaurant by local boys.

Incase you set out early, after the peddle-boat ride and bird-watching, you could even pay a visit to the famous Gurudwara at Paonta Sahib. And enjoy the delicious ‘langar‘ (community meal) there.

A Boat-ride, spicy omelette, and a lunch later, dusk is the perfect time to head back home. The lake offers a beautiful sunset view, so don’t miss out on that. See you there!

©2012 All Himalaya. All Rights Reserved.

Hi, and welcome back! Brrrrrrrrr…. it was 3eeeee degreees just a few days back, with a dense fog to welcome us in the New Year. We Doonites don’t get to see both of them so often. But let’s say Hi to the sunny sunshine that’s been around now despite the fog.

There’s no perfect place to enjoy that winter sunshine than to go up a hill, find a nice spot with a view and settle down with your basket of food (Just don’t litter please-Remember, we have to come back next time).

I’m sure each of us have their own favorite nooks and hills to enjoy the sunshine. My favorite hill includes not just a sunny spot on a soft bed of grass, it also includes for free a piece of history, and a legend. Its the ‘Sir George Everest Estate‘ near Mussoorie.

Situated at a high vantage point in the Hathi Paon area surrounded by dense forest, it offers you a panoramic view of the Doon valley on one side and the glittering snow peaks of the Himalayas on the other. With such picturesque scene, you can roam around this large 173 acre estate and have a good long walk to give your lungs some pure unpolluted oxygen. And then choose your own sweet spot to settle down and spread your sumptuous lunch.

Once you have enjoyed your lunch on a (hopefully sunny) Sunday afternoon, and had your sweet nap, you might like to look around a little more before you head back. The large building in the middle of the flat high ground is the old bungalow where Sir George Everest used to have his observatory during 1830 to 1843, from where he surveyed the mapping of the ‘Great Arc’. He later sold it to Skinners, a well known family in Mussoorie. Later, they sold it to John Mckinnon, whose sons built a brewery there. Brewery? yes. Sadly, it is no longer functional, so you will have to carry yours if you like a sip. On the old map of Mussoorie and Landour, you can still find Mckinnon’s brewery. And well, if you walk ahead and ask the locals they will point you out to where the ruins of the brewery are located. Interestingly, the trail on the ridge branches right to a well, and slopes onward towards the Kempty Falls. No wonder, the water for the Kempty Falls comes from this hill that acts as its watershed. If you are in mood for a longish trek, the trail from here also leads on to Bhadraj temple. But that’s matter for another issue.

Apart from this piece of interesting history, it also offers a variety of beautiful flora and wildlife. But, to get a glimpse of the wildlife, you will have to spend a night here. Trust me, it will be worth it.

How to get there

Everest Estate is around 6kms from Mussoorie. But you don’t need to go via Mussoorie. You can take the road that branches off towards Hathi Paon from the main Dehradun-Mussoorie road, or if you are in for some adventurous driving, you can try out the parallel road to Hathi Paon that can be caught from Purkul, or Bisht Gaon, in Dehradun. But do that on your own risk. Bikers know that road well and often drive up for an adventurous ride. But for cars, it might not make it to the end.

P.S.: I forgot to add information about staying options at Everest Estate. Some years back, GMVN used to run the building as a Rest House. Sadly, that option is no longer there. There is a caretaker there, and you could request him to put you up for a night. But, there aren’t any facilities. So, one option is to pitch your tent there; you have to take your own tent and for a suitable spot, you can fix up with the caretaker or the locals residing a little away from there.

Second option is to stay at the nearby Cloud End resort, a beautiful heritage property converted into a hotel. Though the prices are for the high-end customer, the location is worth it. But it won’t be the same as staying at George Everest Estate, which takes us back to option one. Have a great time, and don’t forget to post back your feedbacks/comments here.

So enjoy your sunshine. I will be back here soon.

©2012 All Himalaya. All Rights Reserved.

We are the luckiest people in the World! Whether we go to Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkatta, the moment we say ‘ Dehradun’ everybody looks at us with awe, admiration and envy. And why wouldn’t they; we live in a quiet (okay, not so quiet any longer), small and beautiful valley with a glittering crown on its head ( Mussoorie,ofcourse).

Umpteen times, when cousins or friends visited us from Delhi and elsewhere, the showcasing of the shimmering lights of Mussoorie used to be a special event on the terrace. The pride that we feel when people ask us about Dehra dun, Mussoorie and various other things related to Doon, is very genuine. And a Doonite will all his life be a Doonite at heart, whereever he may live in the world. Such is our attachment to Doon.

Ah! we love our Doon. Where else can a half-hour ride transport you to deep forests, vast open fields, meandering streams and gushing waterfalls, idyllic hillocks and glades – perfect places to spend a Sunday picnic. A Doonite gets typically restless as soon as Friday comes. His day and evening tea are spent discussing the options to go places this weekend. I’m sure as you read this, you will say, “Not any longer; things are so busy these days”. And you will remember those days, when you did precisely the same – chalk out your Sunday picnics and outings.

Maybe we have or are becoming more metro-like. We plan many weekends in advance, coz we just have one weekend free in the next so many. And we plan a Friday evening to Monday morning trip, the way Delhiites do with Nainital or Chandigarh or Kasauli. But let’s not forget there are still a majority of Doonites who love taking their Sunday lunches out to a serene, natural place where they can spend a quiet day with their loved ones. More so as this city becomes more and more polluted, noisy and cramped. We need our little haven to escape to, once in a while.

And that’s precisely what we will be talking about, in this column over the next few Sundays. The places we all have loved going to on Sundays and holidays. The places we have our memories filled with. The places many of us have discovered in the wilderness and developed as perfect getaways. The places we still love to visit.

Wish you all a very Happy travel-filled Year 2010!

©2012 All Himalaya. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome to allhimalaya.com!

Every tourist and traveler has, at some time or other, come across these three words (Hello! Welcome! Namaste!) during trips. Typically, a guide in one breath speaks all of them and many more (of different languages) trying to gauge which one you respond to!

I’m sure the brief introduction to the blog on the right sidebar would have already given you an idea of what this blog is all about. But let me put it from a different perspective here.

Why this Blog?

My name is Him Ahuja. I have lived all my life in a small and beautiful valley in the foothills of the Himalaya. Seeing the hills around me while growing up,I grew fascinated by them. And travelling began when I was a teenager. Just for adventure. A short trek, trip and so on. But those trips have taken on myriad meanings since then, and have literally transformed me as I traveled on. My  love for mountains, adventure and Himalaya has led here – to the birth of this blog.

Like everyone else, I too have grand dreams about my blog. I don’t want this to be just another travel blog – dealing with touristy destinations and details and cluttered with umpteen offers and discount schemes of hotels, airlines etc. As in the travels that I make, I always try to be sensitive to the locale, people and their culture, and respect their way of life. I want this blog to be a reflection of that sensitivity, open-ness and warmth that are unique to the people of the Himalaya.

What is it going to be about?

Most of the people who travel in the mountains face lack of infrastructure, lack of directions, accomodation and many other problems. Yet, the sublimity and natural beauty of the Himalayas draws all of us like magnets.

>>First of all, this blog will try to provide authentic information about places, people, and the culture in the Himalayas based on the reports of people like you and me who have been to those places, known the people, and have experienced the culture. The idea here is to combine the power of knowledge that those travelers have who have already been to those destinations. And to provide that knowledge to those who are new to those destinations. At times, knowledge about a recently made road, hotel or diversion can prove to be critical to a traveler.

>>Secondly, it will also offer a collection of information on books, music, recipes on Himalaya.

>>Frankly, I don’t know what more to add? Or should I add more? Because, trying to do even all this is a huge task. So additions and deletions will be made – based on what all of you want to have in this blog.

Journeys in the mountains are made to escape from a busy life, career, and people. But invariably, in the mountains, one can never be alone. There are always people one meets during the trips, makes friends, finds companions. In this trip too, I have a few companions with me supporting this Himalayan task. And I’m sure there will be many more friends made and bonds formed as we travel along.

Welcome to the Himalaya!

©2012 All Himalaya. All Rights Reserved.