Uttarakhand Tourism – VAGABOND IMAGES

How to prepare yourself for the Kedarkantha winter trek

Pratyush SoganiDecember 12, 20234771 Views1

The Kedarkantha trek offers stunning Himalayan views and an adventurous climb to 12,500 ft but it’s vital you carry appropriate gear, clothing and supplies. Temperatures can plummet to -15°C, high altitudes may cause breathlessness while gusty winds exacerbate the cold even more. Packing right ensures your health, safety and comfort amidst harsh conditions. This comprehensive packing checklist covers all essentials you’ll need for this winter trek. CLOTHING Base Layers - Thermal inners like woolens or fleece protect you from the cold when wet or dry. Carry 2-3 full sleeve base layer tee and legging sets. Opt for merino wool or polyester instead of cotton which retains moisture. Mid Layers – Insulated tops like thick fleece jackets, down or fiberfill padde...

AdventureIndia

Kuari Pass trek: A scenic winter sojourn in the Garhwal Himalayas

Pratyush SoganiNovember 29, 20234397 Views2

Nestled in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas, the Kuari Pass trek is a mesmerizing journey that offers a glimpse of the breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity of this region. Unlike many treks that cater to adventure seekers, the Kuari Pass trek is a human way to connect with nature and immerse oneself in the tranquility and grandeur of the mountains. The gentle beginning The Kuari Pass trek starts gently from Joshimath, a small town in Uttarakhand, India. This region is renowned for its spiritual significance, serving as a gateway to some of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. As you embark on this journey, you'll be welcomed by the warmth of the locals who are always ready to share stories of their land. This human touch is what sets the Kuari Pass trek apart. A trek for a...

AdventureIndia

When the blood is spilled and goddess becomes happy!

Upendra SwamiAugust 29, 20234393 Views0

Held every year on Raksha Bandhan, Devidhura Bagwal is a unique festival India is a land of myriad cultures. The different cultures and societies have their own festivals. And, even the festivals common across cultures have different ways to celebrate. Most of these festivals find their roots in mythological stories and legends, therefore don’t feel surprised when I say that even today a festival is celebrated where people throw stones on each other with intent to hurt so that blood is spilled which would eventually make the goddess happy and she will shower her blessings. Barahi Devi temple at Devidhura Festival happens at Devidhura in Champawat district of Himalayan state Uttarakhand every year on the day of Raksha Bandhan, which falls on full moon day of the Shravan (or sawan...

IndiaPhotogallery

Nanakmatta, place of Guru Nanak’s discourse

Upendra SwamiNovember 12, 20193466 Views2

Located between Sitarganj and Khatima in Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, Gurudwara Nanakmatta Sahib is one of the historical shrines associated with Guru Nanak. On the occasion of 550th Prakash Parv (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh religion, lets go on a photo tour of the Gurudwara Nanakmatta Sahib. View of the Gurudwara from the main road It is said that Guru Nanak Dev visited this place during his third Udasi (Guru's travels) in 1514 AD. At that time this place was under spiritual control of Siddhas (Yogis, devotees os Guru Gorakhnath). People also say that, just because of this the place was earlier known as Gorkahmata. Main building of the Gurudwara Guru Nanak's way of spiritual awakening among people was entirely different from what was pr...

IndiaPhotogallery

Nature’s poet and poet’s museum

Upendra SwamiJuly 19, 20192210 Views0

Pant museum at Kausani in Uttarakhand isn’t a touristy place as such. In my three visits to this place in the course of last few years, I have rarely seen any other tourist there. Despite, this place being in the heart of the Kausani town with just a few steps to walk upto the museum from the road head. I wonder, if even more than five percent of the tourists coming to Kausani would remember the name of Sumitranandan Pant, although surely most of us in Hindi heartland of India have read his poems in school text books. Ancestral house converted into museum Main entrance to the Sumitranandan Pant museum Actually, we don’t respect our literary persons. They are the ones who guide our intellectual discourse, many of them have been leading lights for various movements but we tend to...

AdventureIndiaPhotogallery

Nature, myth and history of Syahi Devi Temple

Upendra SwamiMay 26, 20197039 Views7

Last year, when we went to Shitlakhet, we headed for an early morning trek to Syahi Devi temple. But we started a bit late, and then we had a packed schedule in the day ahead. And, with some clear view of Nanda Devi range consuming lot of our time, we dropped the idea of going till the top and returned mid-way. I had then decided that, I won’t let that happen next time. Hence, when I visited Shitlakhet again this year, I kept the very next morning after my arrival for the trek to temple. What a beautiful day it was, calm and clear. Now, in the hindsight when I look back at that decision, how remarkable it turned out to be, as the second morning onwards, the weather went for a toss. Sun rises while on trek to Syahi Devi temple Morning colours on the snow peaks It gets brighter a...

AdventureIndiaPhotogallery

Its spring time and lower Himalayas are laden with beauty!

Upendra SwamiMarch 31, 20192793 Views6

I have always felt that spring is the best time to go to hills, specially in the lower Himalayan region. And, that's not just for adventure trips, but also for the leisure trips to hill stations. It's about weather, it's about brightness, it's about colours, it's about nature and its about views. Everything in abundance. It gives such a jovial feeling when you are here during this time. As soon as the winter freeze gives way to the some warmth, the new life comes out of the earth. The whiteness of winter turns colourful with all types of flowers. Peach blossoms are this region's answer to Cherry Blossoms in East Asia during most this time. Peach blossoms turn the surroundings pink in the spring time. Although it's not so as of now, I think that it won't be too long when pe...

AdventureIndiaPhotogallery

Charm that brings me again, and again to Rishikesh

Upendra SwamiJanuary 24, 20191144 Views0

Rishikesh is one of those places which hold a special place in my life, hence no doubt that I have a special liking for this spiritual township. My first memories of this town are from 1987 when I came here as a teenager and spent more than a week alone in search of myself. That’s altogether a different story, but since then I developed a close affinity to this place. I have come here a number of times since then, and what is significant that almost my every subsequent visit to this place has been part of a defining trip, as much as my first visit here. Magical colours of Rishikesh Haridwar nearby was the more heralded one always- mythologically as well as religiously. It was bigger and more accessible, but it still couldn’t make Rishikesh less attractive for me. Whenever I had a ...

AdventureIndiaPhotogallery

Harsil – a mystical gateway to other world

Upendra SwamiSeptember 8, 20184265 Views2

Harsil is a land of mystique. Although it still doesn’t have that tourist rush but it has already collected many adjectives, more than many other places in the region. It is often dubbed as mini Switzerland of India. But it indeed is more than that. It is surely one of the most beautiful places in whole of Uttarakhand, but it is actually a gateway to something more beautiful than what we see at Harsil. It opens to some uncharted territories, yet to be explored- some spiritual and some natural. I had heard and read lot about Harsil. But never had been able to go towards Gangotri valley, until in summers this year riding the first ever Bloggers Bus of Uttarakhand Tourism. It could have seemed like a mission accomplished but actually it left me wanting for more. Its not a place to be s...

AdventureIndiaPhotogallery

A photo journey to Shitlakhet, a hidden gem in Kumaon

Upendra SwamiAugust 26, 20183801 Views13

I had been hearing about Shitlakhet for almost ten years now, ever since I started visiting the Almora region more frequently. I even made some flying visits to the village, and had some incredibly tasty maggi. But never got an opportunity to stay overnight and explore the place until last month when I was there as the part of the Bloggers Bus of Uttarakhand Tourism. Although a one night stay is just not enough to do any justice to this place, but we tried to extract as much experience as possible. Shitlakhet is certainly not a happening place. But I can bet, it is unimaginably beautiful. It is just a small village at the end of the mountain ridge. But it is full of adventure and it is certainly a photographers paradise. Hence, I though that it is better to talk about this ...