I’m just back online after 8 days away on the Kuari Pass in the Indian Himalaya.
Detail trip report coming soon. In the meantime, here’s a glimpse of our adventure.
Kuari Pass Trek, India
Of many problematic, imperfect options in the Indian Himalaya (end of October), looks like I will sign on for a guided hike with Red Chilli Adventures out of Rishikesh.
The trek over the Kuari (“doorway“) Pass was the route followed by Shipton and Tilman and other mountaineers en route to the peaks on the Indo-Tibetan border. It is also called the Curzon Trail as the famous former Viceroy of India also traveled this route in 1905.(Some say Curzon abandoned that adventure after being attacked by wild bees.)
Frank Smythe:
“We breasted the slope and halted, silent on the path. No words would express our delight. The Himalayas were arrayed before us in a stupendous arc“. (1931)
Cost is about $600 for this 8 day itinerary – Kuari Pass (PDF)
Because myself and the other client are not acclimatized to altitude, we’ll start low. Climb up to see the second highest mountain in India, Nandi Devi.
We start Oct 18th. Red Chili is the #1 trekking agency in Rishikesh. This is their #1 trek for international visitors.
Trip reports:
• Araib Hasan
• Orange Rucksack
Manaslu Circuit Teahouse Trek
Nepali Times is reporting that the entire Manaslu Circuit can now be done without a tent:
… The Manaslu Circuit Trek, which actually circumnavigates Manaslu (8,163m), is fast gaining popularity as an alternative to the beaten trails of Everest and Annapurna. It is touted to be the new jewel in the crown of Himalayan trekking and for good reason too.
For one, we thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of terrain that we traversed. After a bumpy jeep ride on mud and rock-laden tracks from Dhadingbesi to the start of the trail at Arughat, we hiked valleys with the roaring Budhi Gandaki as a constant companion, through primeval rainforests, before emerging into the barren sub-alpine terrain on the approach to Larke La (5,135m), while in the shadow of Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu. …
Internet has come to Manaslu. Reports are that it’s now working.
That’s good and bad, of course. But I did enjoy being able to keep in touch while trekking the Everest region.
I could be in Nepal in November, prime trekking season.
As I understand it, a Restricted Area Permit: US$ 50 per week through a registered trekking agent is required. Minimum 2 people. With 1 guide.
Also:
• Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit: NRs. 2,000 (approx 20 Euro or US$30)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit: NRs. 2,000 (approx 20 Euro or US$30)
I’ll check all that on the ground in Nepal. I’d prefer an independent trek.
Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek
by site editor Rick McCharles
Sadly, I don’t think I’ll get to see Nanda Devi this trip. I arrived too late in the season.
It looks awesome, though. I’ll be back for a good 3 weeks to do it right. Best months are September through mid-October.
The best photo trip report I’ve found was by Kiran Chakravadhanula from Bangalore:
… Nanda Devi (7,816 m, 25,643 ft) is the second highest mountain in India and is located in the state of Uttarakhand. …
The main summit stands guarded by a barrier ring comprising some of the highest mountains in the Indian Himalayas, twelve of which exceed 6,400 m or 21,000 ft in height. The interior of this almost insurmountable ring is known as the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, and is protected as the Nanda Devi National Park. Nanda Devi East lies on the eastern edge of that ring …
We are a team of five. Meera and I, Lakshman the guide, Gangaram the cook and Nathuram the horseman. We buy all supplies to last us 9 days at Kathgodham. Not everything is available at Munsiyari. We need the horse to carry some of the heavier stuff. …
See the rest of Kiran Chakravadhanula’s photos:
• Days 4,5
• Day 6
Contact him if interested in his high resolution versions: kiranchakra (a) gmail.com
Dodi Tal and Yamunotri Trek, India
by site editor Rick McCharles
Lonely Planet Trekking in the Indian Himalaya:
Seasoned trekkers will testify that the Himalaya Range of Uttarakhand offers many spectacular opportunities …
Yet, for some inexplicable reason, Uttarakhand attracts only a handful of trekkers each season, making it one of the best kept secrets in the Himalaya. …
… Seems to me it’s logistics keeping most away.
It was easy for me to fly to Dehradun, the travel hub of Uttarakhand. Yet to actually get trekking from here is not so easy.
So far I’m leaning towards Dodi Tal and Yamunotri. It’s already late in the season. My first choice — Nanda Devi — is even more logistically challenging.
If you’ve trekked Uttarakhand, and have advice for me, leave a comment.
Dehradun
… bus to Rishikish (1hr)
Rishikish
… bus to Uttarkashi (7hrs)
… bus to Sangam Chatti (1hr)
Dodi Tal and Yamunotri trek to Hanuman Chatti (4 days)
Hanuman Chatti bus to Mussoorie (6hrs)
… bus back to Dehradun (1hr)
I’m even considering guided hikes in Uttarakhand.
Probably less enjoyable, but I’d love somebody else making the travel arrangements.
UPDATE: In the end, I decided on a guided trek to Kuari Pass. MIGHT do Dodi Tal and Yamunotri after I complete Kuari.
North Cascades Copper Ridge Chilliwack River loop
Washington State
… the sight of Mt. Shuksan‘s tumultuous, glaciated north face will have you groping for adjectives to replace “awwwe-some” or “un-bee-lievable.” Even from a distance you have to crane your neck to take in all of the massive peak.
This remote, unroaded section of North Cascades National Park brims with private pleasures for anyone willing to strap on a pack and exert themselves: thick forests, wildflower-filled avalanche chutes, alpine tarns, and streams that look like milk, thanks to the glacial runoff. …
Ilya posted a trip report starting Sept 1, 2013.
See more on flickr.
7 Great Walks of Tasmania
Tasmania has always been one of the world’s best kept secrets. It has unique natural beauty, abundant wildlife, unspoilt wilderness and sophisticated food and wine.
The Great Walks of Tasmania is a collection of independent guided walk companies offering unforgettable experiences in Tasmania’s most inspiring and extraordinary locations. They combine the best of Tasmanian wilderness walking with excellent guiding, unique accommodation and offer delicious Tasmanian food and wine along the way. Together their walks cover over 300km of Tasmania’s prime walking tracks.
Variety abounds and there is a walk for every fitness level and time frame; choose for example a 23km walk over 4 days or an 80 km walk over 9 days. Relax in elegant standing camps or tents or stay in an award winning walkers lodge or huts. Prices range from AU$1,095 to AU$2,600 so there is a walk to suit everyone. …
(via Discover Tasmania)
Envirofit clean-burning cook stove
Kraig Becker promotes the Himalayan Stove Project.
Check this article to see what they are doing to make the world a better place:
The problems the Project are addressing and solving are obvious. Inefficient cookstoves in the fragile high Himalayan environment (and elsewhere) cause
1.) indoor air pollution and related health issues due to smoke inhalation,
2.) personal safety hazards to families and their children,
3.) deforestation,
4.) climate change and
5.) economic and other social issues.
The Himalayan Stove Project is a U.S. public charity staffed totally by volunteers who pay all their own expenses, including travel to Nepal. In addition, a growing community of institutions, corporations and individuals supports its very pragmatic mission of making a difference now.
Indoor Air Pollution (IAP) is the planet’s 4th-largest public health threat after malaria, clean water and HIV-Aids.
Click PLAY or watch one of the clearer technology stoves on YouTube.
Tongariro Circuit, New Zealand
Tongariro Northern Circuit is the best hike in the best trekking region in the world — New Zealand.
How can that be?
Why do we like the circuit better than the dozens of other awesome Kiwi walks?
These videos make it clear. 🙂
Click PLAY or watch a wonderful GreatWalks.co.nz promo on YouTube.
And another. Click PLAY or watch Dave and Tim on a snowy Circuit on YouTube.
We’ve updated and moved our Tongariro Circuit information page. Click through if you might want to organize your own Tongariro Circuit.
Tour du Mont Blanc
My friends Greg and Helen Kolodziejzyk just completed the Tour du Mont Blanc. And had a fantastic time. 🙂
Check our TMB information page.
