Mussoorie: The vernal lush green grass is not much visible as it is buried under thick snow. Nature’s joyous green has given way to her mystifying white. The sky and the mountains and the Dayara Bugyal (meadow) in Uttarkashi district wear the same chaste white colour. Towering trees at the edge of the bugyal though give a green hue to the scenery, as if reluctantly, tufts of varied flowers are lost to the snow as if as an annual tribute. The winter sun lends limited warmth to chilly climate. Everywhere snow covers the vernal beauty that was in full bloom till some time ago.
The snow-clad mountain peaks are a soothing reminder of the magnificence and divine grandeur of nature that is overpowering and empowering you and other adventure loving and daring tourists during the winter.
It is not easy to trudge in 20 cm of snow and you have to watch your steps lest you have an unintentional fall. The pleasure of jumping in snow and throwing snowballs at others are granted privileges.
Having had your lunch, you again have a walk to the sloping side of the bugyal and recall the scented vernal grass and beauty that you admired when you came here during the summer last time. The chill is beginning to build and the sky mist is thickening. You can feel snowflakes on your exposed cheeks, suggesting to you it is time for retreat.
The track through the forest crowded with trees is also lined with snow though not that thick and you miss the crackling sound that the leaf-strewn track produces. It is very cold here and your tired legs are shambling as you try to avoid slippery parts of the track.
The GMVN hotel and other resorts at Barsu village, near the road head, are 6 km away and the evening is falling fast. You decide to spend the night at a shepherd’s hut at Bharnala in between Dayara and Barsu that has ample drinking water suuply. It is snowing lightly, adding more joy and anxiety as well to the outing.
As you contain yourself in the shepherd’s hut, nature presses against the wooden window as if to make her presence felt more strongly. The stay in the hut is a special moment and a unique experience that gives you secret anniversaries of the heart.
“He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter.... In winter the stars seem to have rekindled their fires, the moon achieves a fuller triumph, and the heavens wear a look of a more exalted simplicity. —John Burroughs, “The Snow-Walkers,” 1866
John Burroughs’s admiration for the winter is befitting as one compares the beauty of the season where snow-covered mountains and bugyals seem to await the brave to adventure in nature and test the endurance limit of the first timer entering its mystified realm during the winter in Uttarakhand.
The state is more famous for its Char Dham Yatra that is organised from May till mid-November every year. However, the real magic begins after the yatra season ends as the hustle and bustle linked with religious tourism ends for the year. October days that were cordial like sub-acids of fruit turn into a tonic such as the wine of iron and the winter turns into a vintage to be sipped slowly, enjoying every moment of the season in the hill districts of Uttarakhand.
Though most of the birds retreat to warmer regions such as the Asan Barrage, near Vikasnagar in Dehradun district, during the winter, there is a lot to discover in the higher reaches of Gangotri, Kedarnath, Kedar Kantha etc even if the sun shines less brightly. The snow-covered bugyals of Auli, Dayara and Bedni, which are conducive for winter sports, invite curious tourists, the brave and adventurists to enjoy skiing and savour the pure air at chilling heights.
Fascinating Dodi Tal
The Dodi Tal trek in Uttarkashi along with the trek to Nachiketa Tal and Harunta Bugyal that are only 2.5 km from Chaurangi Khal remain open throughout the year and are important tourist destinations.
Dodi Tal is a beautiful lake located very close to Uttarkashi district. Dodi Tal gets its name from a particular kind of trout (freshwater fish) that is found here, by the name of Dodi. The water of this lake is said to be quite refreshing for skin. Dodi Tal is the source of the Asi Ganga river that merges with the Bhagirathi near Gangotri.
While the plains of northern India are under a thick cover of thick fog, hill towns bask in sunshine and provide an opportunity of ayurvedic massage at various hotels and some ashrams that too offer meditation sessions.
The Char Dham highways witness little traffic during the winter and adventure lovers can be seen taking part in motorcycle expeditions right from Rishikesh to Gangotri and Badrinath under the supervision of experts, says adventure tour operator Tilak Soni.
For honeymooners, who are looking for privacy and quiet, hill towns such as Mussoorie, Kausani, Almora, Ranikhet, Dhanaulti and Nainital offer perfect environs. This is the time when hoteliers are also relaxed and eager to extend special care at lesser cost than charged during the summer.
However, environmentalists say winter tourism should be promoted with utmost care so that it does not go the Char Dham yatra way where the resources and the carrying capacity are under tremendous pressure. Limited tourism is the only way to promote winter tourism, add environmentalists.
Beautiful valley with rich biodiversity
The Har-ki-Dun trek is popular among adventure enthusiasts both during the summer and the winter. It is situated just below the Har-ki-Dun peak that is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the western Himalayas. The valley is accessible through the Govind National Park and is known for its rich biodiversity. The trail passing through alpine meadows, ridges, pine forests, unique looking pristine villages and a spectacular valley view are enough to provide unforgettable experience.
It is from this valley one can view the famous Swargrohini-peak I, II, III, Bandoor Poonch and the Black peak all together.
To reach Har-ki-Doon, one has to drive 10 to 11 hours by road to Netwar first and then to Sankri village. From Sankri, one has to drive to Taluka village and from there trek around 13 km to reach Puani Garaat where one has to halt for a night in makeshift tents.
One can spot langoor families near Puani Garaat. Golden eagles and massive Himalayan griffins thrive in the quiet settings here. Black bears, wild boars, barasingha, and colourful Himalayan monals are also found in the forests here.
According to a foklore, Yudhishthir, a character from the epic Mahabharata, took this route to the Swargrohini peak to reach heaven.
Leaves of silver birch trees or Bhojpatra are also found here. In ancient times, the leaves of Bhojpatras were used to write epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata. Trekkers reach beautiful meadows of Har-ki-Dun passing through Puaani Garaat, via Osla village and Kalkakatiydhar.
Osla is famous for the Duryodhana Temple. Some people say it is the temple of Someshwar Devta (an avatar of Lord Shiva). Maninda Tal, a glacial lake near Har-ki-Dun, is a sight to watch with rare flower Brahmakamal that blooms only at night growing here in abundance.
The logical route to the Sangla valley (Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh) via Borasu Pass is also visible from this vantage point. The adventure spirited also attempt a trek to the Jaundar Glacier that is 5 to 6 hours’ journey from Har-ki-Dun.
(The Tribune)
The snow-clad mountain peaks are a soothing reminder of the magnificence and divine grandeur of nature that is overpowering and empowering you and other adventure loving and daring tourists during the winter.
It is not easy to trudge in 20 cm of snow and you have to watch your steps lest you have an unintentional fall. The pleasure of jumping in snow and throwing snowballs at others are granted privileges.
Having had your lunch, you again have a walk to the sloping side of the bugyal and recall the scented vernal grass and beauty that you admired when you came here during the summer last time. The chill is beginning to build and the sky mist is thickening. You can feel snowflakes on your exposed cheeks, suggesting to you it is time for retreat.
The track through the forest crowded with trees is also lined with snow though not that thick and you miss the crackling sound that the leaf-strewn track produces. It is very cold here and your tired legs are shambling as you try to avoid slippery parts of the track.
The GMVN hotel and other resorts at Barsu village, near the road head, are 6 km away and the evening is falling fast. You decide to spend the night at a shepherd’s hut at Bharnala in between Dayara and Barsu that has ample drinking water suuply. It is snowing lightly, adding more joy and anxiety as well to the outing.
As you contain yourself in the shepherd’s hut, nature presses against the wooden window as if to make her presence felt more strongly. The stay in the hut is a special moment and a unique experience that gives you secret anniversaries of the heart.
“He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter.... In winter the stars seem to have rekindled their fires, the moon achieves a fuller triumph, and the heavens wear a look of a more exalted simplicity. —John Burroughs, “The Snow-Walkers,” 1866
John Burroughs’s admiration for the winter is befitting as one compares the beauty of the season where snow-covered mountains and bugyals seem to await the brave to adventure in nature and test the endurance limit of the first timer entering its mystified realm during the winter in Uttarakhand.
The state is more famous for its Char Dham Yatra that is organised from May till mid-November every year. However, the real magic begins after the yatra season ends as the hustle and bustle linked with religious tourism ends for the year. October days that were cordial like sub-acids of fruit turn into a tonic such as the wine of iron and the winter turns into a vintage to be sipped slowly, enjoying every moment of the season in the hill districts of Uttarakhand.
Though most of the birds retreat to warmer regions such as the Asan Barrage, near Vikasnagar in Dehradun district, during the winter, there is a lot to discover in the higher reaches of Gangotri, Kedarnath, Kedar Kantha etc even if the sun shines less brightly. The snow-covered bugyals of Auli, Dayara and Bedni, which are conducive for winter sports, invite curious tourists, the brave and adventurists to enjoy skiing and savour the pure air at chilling heights.
Fascinating Dodi Tal
The Dodi Tal trek in Uttarkashi along with the trek to Nachiketa Tal and Harunta Bugyal that are only 2.5 km from Chaurangi Khal remain open throughout the year and are important tourist destinations.
Dodi Tal is a beautiful lake located very close to Uttarkashi district. Dodi Tal gets its name from a particular kind of trout (freshwater fish) that is found here, by the name of Dodi. The water of this lake is said to be quite refreshing for skin. Dodi Tal is the source of the Asi Ganga river that merges with the Bhagirathi near Gangotri.
While the plains of northern India are under a thick cover of thick fog, hill towns bask in sunshine and provide an opportunity of ayurvedic massage at various hotels and some ashrams that too offer meditation sessions.
The Char Dham highways witness little traffic during the winter and adventure lovers can be seen taking part in motorcycle expeditions right from Rishikesh to Gangotri and Badrinath under the supervision of experts, says adventure tour operator Tilak Soni.
For honeymooners, who are looking for privacy and quiet, hill towns such as Mussoorie, Kausani, Almora, Ranikhet, Dhanaulti and Nainital offer perfect environs. This is the time when hoteliers are also relaxed and eager to extend special care at lesser cost than charged during the summer.
However, environmentalists say winter tourism should be promoted with utmost care so that it does not go the Char Dham yatra way where the resources and the carrying capacity are under tremendous pressure. Limited tourism is the only way to promote winter tourism, add environmentalists.
Beautiful valley with rich biodiversity
The Har-ki-Dun trek is popular among adventure enthusiasts both during the summer and the winter. It is situated just below the Har-ki-Dun peak that is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the western Himalayas. The valley is accessible through the Govind National Park and is known for its rich biodiversity. The trail passing through alpine meadows, ridges, pine forests, unique looking pristine villages and a spectacular valley view are enough to provide unforgettable experience.
It is from this valley one can view the famous Swargrohini-peak I, II, III, Bandoor Poonch and the Black peak all together.
To reach Har-ki-Doon, one has to drive 10 to 11 hours by road to Netwar first and then to Sankri village. From Sankri, one has to drive to Taluka village and from there trek around 13 km to reach Puani Garaat where one has to halt for a night in makeshift tents.
One can spot langoor families near Puani Garaat. Golden eagles and massive Himalayan griffins thrive in the quiet settings here. Black bears, wild boars, barasingha, and colourful Himalayan monals are also found in the forests here.
According to a foklore, Yudhishthir, a character from the epic Mahabharata, took this route to the Swargrohini peak to reach heaven.
Leaves of silver birch trees or Bhojpatra are also found here. In ancient times, the leaves of Bhojpatras were used to write epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata. Trekkers reach beautiful meadows of Har-ki-Dun passing through Puaani Garaat, via Osla village and Kalkakatiydhar.
Osla is famous for the Duryodhana Temple. Some people say it is the temple of Someshwar Devta (an avatar of Lord Shiva). Maninda Tal, a glacial lake near Har-ki-Dun, is a sight to watch with rare flower Brahmakamal that blooms only at night growing here in abundance.
The logical route to the Sangla valley (Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh) via Borasu Pass is also visible from this vantage point. The adventure spirited also attempt a trek to the Jaundar Glacier that is 5 to 6 hours’ journey from Har-ki-Dun.
(The Tribune)
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