Trekking expedition to Vasudhara Fall and Tungnath
(03 May to 13 May 2015)
DURATION : 10 NIGHTS 11 DAYS
Article
‘You don't climb mountains without a team, you don't climb mountains without being fit, you don't climb mountains without being prepared and you don't climb mountains without balancing the risks and rewards. And you never climb a mountain on accident - it has to be intentional.’ Mark Udall.
The primary aim of the Junior School Trekking Club is to inculcate the spirit of adventure among the children and exposing them to its thrills that would bring them closer to nature.
The Club in its own small and humble way has exposed youngsters to the outdoors and adventure sports, inculcated the spirit of adventure, taught the virtues of team work, channelized their power into more meaningful endeavours, weaned away youngsters from the addiction of the box, educated them of the evils of deforestation and mining, imbibed the attitude of give and take and encouraged learning through observation, curiosity and creativity.
On 03 May, 2015, 43 boys along with the Junior School Headmaster and teachers left Mayo College towards Garhwal Himalayas for an exciting and adventurous high altitude summer trekking.
The first hault of the young trekkers was Rishikesh a world of spirituality, adventure sports, a yoga capital and a gateway to treks in the Himalayas.
The group visited the famous Ghats at Rishikesh, the holy bathing area. From here we took a boat to sail to the other side of the Ganga. In the evening we attended Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan. The boys got carried away with the soft melodious bhajans and thereafter Aarti at the banks of the Ganga. The Ganga looked all the more beautiful with small diyas floating one after the other.
Next day the group left for Rudraprayag named after Lord Shiva (Rudra).It is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakani rivers. It is one of the Panch Prayag (five confluences) of these rivers. The entire region is blessed with immense natural beauty, places of religious importance, lakes and glaciers. The whole group had darshan of the Kali Temple, touched the holy waters of the Rudraprayag. Thereafter went to an old temple of Rudranath.
Next day we proceeded towards Joshimath and on the way decided to go to Vasudhara Fall through Badrinath as per the old itinerary. Everyone was very happy and thrilled to hear about the rescheduling of the travel plan.
After reaching Badrinath we got time to relax and enjoy. Next day we woke up early and were ready to trek to Vasudhara Fall. Our trekking began from Mana. Mana is a village in the district of Chamoli. It is located at an altitude of 3,200 meters. Mana is the last village before the Mana Pass and is 24 kilometres from the border of India and China. It is believed to be a temporary stay point of legendary Pandavas, during their exile.
From Mana village to Vasudhara fall the trek is of 6 km. We had to cross the village to reach the fall. We all were keenly observing the village in which most of the houses were locked. Some villagers were there. During winter all people move to low lands as this region is covered with snow. Lot of army was there. History envelops you as you walk through its narrow lanes with traces of ancient tales from the epic Mahabharata spread all around. There is so much of antiquity hidden behind their walls that a fascinating tour of these places actually gives you the feeling of reading a live book!
The Saraswati river also known as the Goddess of Knowledge has its origination in a mountain near the Mana Village. It is visible and above surface for about 100 mtrs before it submerges underground and travels a distance to finally join the confluence of Rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati at Sangam near Allahabad. Numerous sages like Narad, Bhrigu, Vashishta, Vishvamitra, Angira, King Sagar, Lord Krishna, the Pandava brothers and several others have meditated and attained salvation on the banks of this holy river. I had always thought of Sarawati River to be hidden and was unaware that one can actually see it here, at Mana. The bubbly frosty waters of the river were raging down with a tremendous force. The Saraswati River flows with force in between the two mountains and joins the Alaknanda River
Near Bheem Pul is the Vyas Gufa where Ved Vyas is believed to have lived while composing the Mahabharata. It is also the place where he is said to have dictated the Mahabharata to Lord Ganesh.
After passing Saraswati Mandir, the trek becomes tough as walkway being very steep. Sometimes, trekking felt like rolling over the stone pebbled path. The views of Vasudhara river valley during this inclined trek are very scenic. The trekking from Mana to Vasudhara took us three hours. Here we could see tall mountains with snow covered peaks. After some time it became difficult for us to walk. But nothing can stop Mayoites to reach their goals. The majesty of the mountains was overwhelming as they continued to increase in both height and beauty during our trekking. On the way we crossed two glaciers. The challenge of crossing them proved serious for some. But some had hilarious fun in snowball fight, some boys slid down; we had enjoyed and relished a lot. We could see the majestic Vasudhara Fall from here. We took the return trek back to Badrinath. We had the most memorable trekking.
In the evening we were ready for pooja and darshan of Badri Vishal. The Tapt Kund, a group of hot sulphur springs just adjacent to the temple. All visitors take bath in the springs before visiting the temple. We also took a holy dip in the hot water spring. It has lot of medicinal value. Thereafter each one of us took a thali (plate) of pooja and entered the temple. We had a good darshan, prayed to God for our family, friends, school and country.
We had a very satisfying stay at Badrinath and next day we left for Kund .Here we stayed in river side camps. The route to Kund is most spectacular with the Mandakani river valley, which has lush green forests. A number of streams and rivulets drain into the main Mandakani River. We could see step farming all over the mountain ranges. On the way it started raining and hail storm began .It made our bus journey all the more adventures and interesting. As Kund got nearer we got wonderful view of the snow clad Kedar peak that forms the backdrop of the Kedarnath temple.
Next day we woke up as early as 4 O’ clock in the morning and we proceeded for Chopta to start our trek to Tungnath. Chopta is known as mini Switzerland of India.It is famous for its mountain views.
Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world and is one of the five Kedar’s of the region.
Other than being a religious destination, Tungnath is also a well-known trekking destination. The 4 km trek starts from Chopta. The trek path is stone paved with benches provided en route at intervals to rest and enjoy the picturesque view of the Nanda Devi, Neelkanth and Kedar peaks. The trek was steep in the beginning and at the end. Sometimes it seemed quite moderate and the trekkers enjoyed the beauty of the landscape, the stunning meadows, lovely flowers and chirping of the birds. The crisp fresh morning air, shade of the alpine trees and scenic beauty made trekking most memorable one.
At the top the temple was surrounded with snow. We played in the snow and made snow man there. We had darshan of one of the oldest temple in India It is believed to be 1000 years old. It is small in size and can barely accommodate ten people in the sanctum.
The climb down always seems easy but a true trekker knows that one has to be careful and more precautionary and must not break into a run which can prove to be dangerous. So like good trekkers we climbed down well.
In the evening we had campfire. Boys put up the skits prepared by them groupwise. Everyone enjoyed the humourous camp skits.
Next morning we boarded the buses and proceeded to Srinagar. There in the evening we had drawing and painting competition. The topic was nature and trekking.
Next day we departed to Rishikesh for the most awaited event of the trip, the white water rafting. We reached Brahampuri, put the life jacket and attended the brief lecture for rafting. We got into the rafts with slogans of Ganga Maa Ki Jai and Go Mayo. The most enjoyable part of the rafting was at the rapids, we paddled hard to balance the raft. We rafted from Brahampuri to Rishikesh. In the evening we had prize distribution and celebrated birthday of Dhruvraj Kushwaha.
Next day we left for Crystal World Water Park and Amusement Park. We had splendid time in the cool water and went to different rides. Here we had unforgettable experience of enthrallment and excitement.
In the evening we boarded train to Ajmer. We sat in the train with a mixed feeling. We were sad as this wonderful trip was drawing to an end and were also happy that we would meet our parents and share our trekking experience with them.
This Summer Trekking has made us more mature and sensitive towards nature and towards our fellow beings. It has also made us aware of our strengths and weaknesses. It has taught us to help and cooperate with each other.
In the end we would like to thank our Principal Lt Gen Surinder Kulkarni and our Headmaster Mr Pramod Chaturvedi for giving us this wonderful opportunity to explore this beautiful area. We would also like to thank the teachers for theirs kind care, support and guidance all throughout the tour.
List of Boys
1 ANIRUDH NARAIN SINGH
2 DHIMAAN SUNJAH BRAHMA
3 PULKIT BHADADA
4 RAHUL MITTAL
5 KARNI DAYAL SINGH RANAWAT
6 CHINMAY ANAND
7 DEVANSH RAJA SINGH
8 ARYAMAN AGGARWAL
9 ARNAV SHARDA
10 DHRUVRAJ SINGH KUSHWAHA
11 KARANVEER SINGH RATHORE
12 KWR KEERTIDEV VARMAN SINGH
13 RACHIT KEDIA
14 RAGHAV SINGH RANAWAT
15 HARSH SINGH
16 MALDEV SINGH CHOUHAN
17 RAJPARTAP SINGH DHINDSA
18 KRISH VIMAL PATEL
19 BHAVYARAJ SINGH RATHORE
20 UJJWAL AGARWAL
21 RAHUL CHOUDHARY
22 NANAK SINGH DHANOA
23 KALASH DHIRASARIA
24 ADITYA NAHATA
25 RONIT AGARWAL
26 VIBHU DEV RATHORE
27 DEVVRATH SINGH RANAWAT
28 CHETAN SINGH
29 SHAURYA ANUJ GUPTA
30 ABHISHEK GUPTA
31 ARIN MITTAL
32 RAM NATHAWAT
33 ARJUN LAHKAR
34 AGASTYA
35 HARI PRATAP SINGH SHAKTAWAT
36 VEDANSH NAHAR
37 SPARSH BHUSAN
38 NILESH KHATRI
39 SAHIL YADUVANSHI
40 ARJUN SINGH
41 UDIT AGARWAL
42 SHREYASH HEDA
43 DHRUV SINGH RATHORE
P. Chaturvedi Telefax : 2661416
Headmaster, Junior Section, & 2660489 (R)
Mayo College, Ajmer e-mail: [email protected]
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Dated : 11 Dec 2014
Dear Parents,
1. The College is organising a trek to Vasudhara Fall and Tungnath in Uttarakhand region during the month of May, 2015.
2. In case you are keen to send your son/ward for the trek, you are requested to send your consent as per the Performa attached.
3. Please let us know the name of the place from where you would like to collect your son/ward after the trek.
4. Selection of a student for proceeding to the trek will depend upon his physical fitness and aptitude for mountaineering
5. Tentative programme is attached herewith. Final programme will be intimated later on after Railway reservation.
6. More details about trekking on :www.mayojrschtrekking.weebly.com
With best wishes and warm regards,
P Chaturvedi
Headmaster
Junior School
Mayo College, Ajmer – 305 008 (Rajasthan)
Phone : 0145 - 2661416
Letter of Permission
To,
The Principal,
Mayo College,
Ajmer - 305008
Sir,
1. I hereby grant permission to my son……..………………………….….. Sch No ……………….. to join the trek to Vasudhara Fall and Tungnath in Uttarakhand region during the month of May, 2015. In case of any accident, illness or injury, I will not hold the Mayo College Junior School Eco Awareness and Adventure Sports Promotion Society, Ajmer or its members responsible in any way.
2. The amount may be charged to my son’s account.
3. While returning, I want to collect my son from (please tick one of the option given below):-
S.No. Place Date
(a) Crystal World a Water and Amusement park in Haridwar 12 May 15
(b) Roorkee Rly stn 12 May 15
(c) Old Delhi Rly Stn 12 May 15
(d) Jaipur Rly Stn 13 May 15
(e) Ajmer Rly Stn 13 May 15
(f) Jr Sch 13 May 15
Date : Your sincerely,
Address of the parent in Block Letters:
…………………………………………………..……………………………………………
…………………………………………………..……………………………………………
Pin ………………….
Father’s Mobile No ……………………………. Father’s Email: ……………………………….
Mother’s Mobile No …………………………….Mother’s Email:…………..……………………
PROGRAMME
03rd May. After lunch transfer to Ajmer Railway Station to board Ajmer Shatabdi (12016) at 15:50 hrs for Delhi. Dinner would be served in train. Arrive New Delhi by 22:45 hrs. Thereafter board 12205 AC Special for Haridwar at 23:55 hrs. Overnight in train.
04thMay. Arrive Haridwar at 04:00hrs. Thereafter board coach and proceed for Rishikesh. Arrive Rishikesh transfer to hotel, check in freshen up and relax. Breakfast and lunch would be served. After lunch you will get to visit the famous Ghats (holy bathing area) and Ashrams (refuge for pilgrims). Evening attend Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketa. Dinner and overnight stay at Rishikesh.
Rishikesh- Ever since the Beatles rocked up at the ashram of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the late ’60s, Rishikesh has been a magnet for spiritual seekers. Today it styles itself as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ – with some justification – as there are masses of ashrams and all kinds of yoga and meditation classes. But it’s not all spiritual. Rishikesh is now a popular white-water rafting centre, backpacker hang-out, and gateway to treks in the Himalaya.
05th May. Rishikesh – Rudraprayag ( 4 hours drive approx).
After breakfast board coach proceed for Rudraprayag. Arrive Rudraprayag, En route visit Dhari Devi Temple. Journey continue. Arrive Rudraprayag, transfer to hotel check in freshen up. Hot lunch would be served. Relax, time at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at Rudraprayag.
Dhari Devi is a temple on the banks of the Alaknanda River in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand state, India. It houses the upper half of an idol of the goddess Dhari that, according to local lore, changes in appearance during the day from a girl, to a woman, and then to anold lady.[citation needed] The idol's lower half is located in Kalimath, where mata is prayed in Kali roop.
Rudraprayag is a town and a municipality in Rudraprayag district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand . Rudraprayag is one of the Panch Prayag (five confluences) of Alaknanda River, the point of confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini. Alaknanda then proceeds towards Devaprayag where it joins with Bhagirathi river to form the river Ganges. Kedarnath, a Hindu holy town is located 86 km from Rudraprayag.
06th May. Rudraprayag –Badrinath (3050mts) (6/7 hours drive approx).
After breakfast Pack up your luggage board coach proceed for Badrinath. Lunch would be served en route. Arrive Badrinath, transfer to hotel check in freshen. Evening to visit Temple for Pooja & Darshan. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel at Badrinath.
Badrinath temple is the main attraction in the town. He originally enshrined it in a cave near the Tapt Kund hot springs. In the sixteenth century, the King of Garhwal moved the murti to the present temple. The temple has undergone several major renovations because of age and damage by avalanche. In the 17th century, the temple was expanded by the kings of Garhwal. After significant damage in the great 1803 Himalayan earthquake, it was rebuilt by the King of Jaipur. The temple is approximately 50 ft (15 m) tall with a small cupola on top, covered with a gold gilt roof. The architecture resembles a Buddhist vihara (temple), with the brightly painted facade also more typical of Buddhist temples.
07th May. After breakfast proceed for Mana (India last village) get ready to start trek to Vasushrara Fall (5km). Return back to hotel. Hot lunch would be served. Evening time at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at Badrinath.
Mana is the last village before the Mana Pass and is 24 kilometres from the border of India and Tibet/China. It has about 180 households and a population of about 600. One can see vyas guha ,ganesh guha and vyas pothi in Mana village. Many coffee shops here tell people that their shop is the last coffe shop on the indian border. However, the real last coffee shop is known.
Vasudhara falls the foot trek starts from Mana village. Sometimes ,Trek feels like rolling over the stone pebbled path, But the valley views are very scenic This trekking takes two hours to reach vasudhara from mana.The first 2–3 kilometres are easier to walk but after that the path become quite steep. There are no villages or shops along the route. Vasudhara fall is a good sight, set in the background of snow clad mountains and nearby mountains are Chaukambha, Neelakanth, Satopanth, Balkum etc. Satopanth glacier rolls down towards Vasudhara.It is proved that water from Alakananda River,(Vasudhara is part of Alakananda) is having medicinal properties after storing for 2 years and its medicinal properties are proved scientifically. Traditional Hindus store this water in their house for years and believe using this water for religious practices.
08th May. Badrinath – Kund ( 6/7 hours drive approx).
After early breakfast (packed) pack your luggage board coach and proceed for Kund (Guptkashi). Arrive Kund (Guptkashi), Transfer to river side Camp. Hot lunch would be served. Get ready for adventure activities like- River Crossing, Tent Pitching Competition etc. Enjoy soup & snacks followed by loosening up session, sharing experiences of the day, Camp Fire, dinner would be served. Overnight stay in camp at Kund.
CAMP KUND- Located in the lush green Mandakini valley, the Himalayan Eco Lodge in Kund, is one of the most spectacular locations for a fun-filled holiday. The life giving waters of the mystical Mandakini cut a wide swath through valley, washing over rocks and boulders on their relentless journey to meet the Alakhnanda at Rudraprayag. You gets a wonderful view of the snow clad Kedar peak that forms the backdrop of the Kedarnath temple.
09th May. After early packed breakfast proceed for Chopta (35kms approx). Enjoy the seeing beauty, thereafter get ready (free hand) to start trek Tungnath (3 kms, the highest shrine of Shiva among the Panch Kedar). Enjoy nature & scenic beauty around Tungnath. Stop over Ukhimath to visit Ukhimath Temple for Pooja & Darshan. Back to camp for lunch. Evening enjoy soup & snacks followed by loosening up session, sharing experiences of the day, Camp Fire, dinner would be served. After dinner is a part of most thrilling experience- Night Trek. Overnight stay at Camp Kund.
CHOPTA - is known as mini switzland of Uttarakhand is famous for its mountain views. One can trek up to Tungnath either by the steeper 3.4 kms route or the other 5 kms long Pangarbasa chatti near Chopta chatti is also noted for its grand peak views The enterprising one can climb the chandrashila peak from Tungnath as it is in the same feature and can be reached in about an hour's time The peak provides a rare panoramic view of innumerable snow peak.
TUNGNATH- (12,070) is the third of the Panch Kedar-five Himalayan temples identified with Shiva, of which Kedarnath is the most important. All five can still be reached only on foot, and all of these temples are high enough that they close in the winter, when they are snowbound.
UKHIMATH- during the winters, the idols from Kedarnath temple, and Madhyamaheshwar are brought to Ukhimath and worshipped there for six months. Ukhimath can be used as center destination for visiting different places located nearby, i.e. Madhmaheshwar (Second kedar), During winter the Utsav Doli of Lord Kedarnath is brought from Kedarnath to this place. Winter puja of Lord Kedarnath and year round puja of Lord Omkareshwar is performed here.
10th May. After early breakfast board coach proceed Vishwanath temple Guptkashi for Pooja & Darshan. Thereafter board coach proceed for Rudraprayag. Arrive Rudraprayag, transfer to hotel check in and freshen up. Hot lunch would be served. Evening time at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at Maletha (Srinagar).
Guptkashi - fairly large town located at an elevation of 1,319 metres (4,327 ft) in the Kedar-khanda ('khanda' means "sector"), in Garhwal Himalayas of Rudraprayag district in Uttrakhand, India. It is famous for the ancient Vishwanath Temple - dedicated to god Shiva - similar to the one in Varanasi (Kashi). The other famous temple here is dedicated to Ardhanareshvara (a half man half woman form of Shiva and Parvati). The name Guptakashi has legendary significance linked to the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Its religious importance is considered next to that of Varanasi, believed to be the most pious of all Hindu pilgrimage places.
11th May. Rudraprayag-Rishikesh(4/5 hours drive).
After breakfast board coach proceed for Rishikesh. En route visit Dhari Devi. Hot lunch would be served en route. Arrive Rishikesh, transfer to hotel check in freshen up. Thereafter drive to Brahampuri, put on your life jacket & attend a brief lecture regarding rafting rules given by the professionals. Thereafter enter into the River Ganga for Rafting, (Brahmpur to Rishikesh). Thereafter transfer to hotel Evening time at leisure on local market. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel at Rishikesh. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel at Rishikesh.
Rafting- You will experience the best white water rivers in the world (most scenic, most exciting, or both) There is just the rhythm of the river, the soothing sound of the water to send you off to sleep, and the warm sun to kiss you awake in the morning. Be warned: it may even change your life.
12th May. After breakfast pack up your luggage board coach and proceed for Crystal World (Amusement Park towards Roorkee). Arrive Crystal World, get ready to take a splashy & watery experience through different rides. Hot Lunch would be served at park. Thereafter transfer to Haridwar Rly stn to board HW ALL Exp (19610) at 19:50hrs. For Ajmer. Dinner would be served in train. Overnight Journey.
Crystal World a Water and Amusement park in Haridwar, Uttarakhand This amusement park attracts tourists and travelers. It is the major entertainment option for the peoples who visit the holy city of Haridwar. It houses 11 hydraulic Rides. Which are designed to enthrall, excite and Entertain while en-keeping the maximum standards of safety, a place which provides unadulterated, unforgettable time, to create the perfect atmosphere for Excitement & Fun.
13th May. Arrive Ajmer railway station at 09:40hrs. Transfer to school.
TOUR CONCLUDES
Activities :
Ø Trekking
Ø White water rafting
Ø Camping (camp craft and layout comp)
Ø Drawing competition
Ø River Crossing
Ø Rappling
Ø Rock Climbing
Ø Water Park and amusement park visit
Tour Operator:
SAM HOLIDAYS:
Avantika Trade Center,
19-E Subhash Road,
Dehradun, Uttarakhand,
e-mail: [email protected]
Phone: +91-135-2655236, 6520879,
Fax: 0135-2655236,
Web: www.samholidays.com
Things for Trekking Boys
Instructions:-
- 1 Warm inners (Thermocot/Warm vests)
- 1 thick Jacket (Preferably balloon cloth outer)
- 1 Pullover (Full sleeves)
- 1 pair of gloves
- 2 Monkey caps
- 2 Vicks inhaler
- 1 Torch
- 1 sports shoes(washed)
- 1 sports cap
- 1 School tracksuit
- 2 pairs of games kit (Blue singlet)
- 2 pairs of home clothes (only jeans, no trousers, no 3/4ths )
- 4 vests
- 6 Underpants
- 6 Socks/Stockings
- 6 Handkercheifs
- 1 Slippers/floater
- 1 Muffler
- 1 Night suit
- 1 Water bottle
- 1 Diary/note book/pen Towel(thin)
- 1 Swimming trunk
- 1 Toilet paper roll
- wet Wipes - 2 pkts
Instructions:-
- Boys taking medicine daily must keep it with them.
- Boys must observe strict discipline.
- Only one air bag /rucksack/suitcase to be carried.
- No other luggage to be carried.