Site editor offline trekking Kuari Pass until 28th. Comments not moderated.
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
TrekkingPartners.com
Founded in October of 2010 in Kathmandu, TrekkingPartners helps people find like-minded partners for their outdoor activities.
People can post a trip for others to join or join someone else’s, whether it be hiking in the mountains or biking across the country.
TrekkingPartners helps people share costs, promotes safety, and find a companion to share the adventure with.
Trips are listed from all over the world. But Himalayan adventures are front and centre.
They have about 2000 members.
I’m #2001, having just joined. 🙂
Check out TrekkingPartners.com.
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.
hiking with a robot Sherpa
When I get old, I want to use something like a BIG DOG to carry my pack. 🙂
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
If I get really tired, I’ll ride the BIG DOG.
(via Popular Science)
hiking with supermodel
Long legs are a BIG trekking advantage. 🙂
donating to Washington State National Parks
Money is tight.
Downsides of budget cuts at Olympic National Park were obvious to me when I was there.
State residents have this option. A vanity mountain license plate.
… The sale of each plate results in a $28 contribution to support Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. Last year, more than $120,000 was donated to the parks …
Of course you can make a straight donation to the Washington’s National Park Fund, if you prefer.
Long term we need to move management and funding of Parks from government to users.
Friends of Olympic National Park needs to do more as the taxpayers cut funding.
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.
besthike.com 