Trekking Sapa, Vietnam

Travelers do not stumble upon Sapa, Vietnam. They travel there to see the awesome scenery and get a glimpse of the mountain communities in the area.

Most travelers catch night train in Hanoi and arrive in Sapa in the early morning. There are several departure times for night trains - try to catch the earliest. Watch for "phony porters" who will try to help you with your luggage and then try to extort $2 per bag for helping you.

Avoid the whole scene by carrying your own bag to the train and keep your ticket in hand until you arrive at your assigned car. There will be a conductor at the car to take your ticket. Guard your ticket closely - you will need it when you arrive in Sapa.

Upon arrival in Sapa you will be offered a ride "up the mountain" by bus or taxi - unless you've made a reservation. Hang back and watch what kind of deal others are negotiating with drivers. Beware - there are "touts" that act a "middle men". They get a % of the fare - the more you pay the more they get.

The trip to Sapa will take 1.5 to 2 hours. Hotels - you can make a reservation, consult a travel guide (online or book) for recommendations, or wait to see where the bus stops. Check with fellow travelers on the bus, some one may have been there before and has a good hotel in mind.

Or - you can ride to the end of the line. The bus will terminate at a hotel. Grab your gear, find a restaurant and have breakfast. This will give you time to survey the situation. Maybe talk to someone who is wearing a day/fanny pack (most people don't carry all their gear with them when they are looking at the scenery) and find our if they're at a "good" hotel.

Some people bypass Sapa and head for the mountain villages. You might check with a local tour agencies and see if you want to arrange a home stay tour for a night or two. This isn't recommended because Sapa has a lot to offer on its own.

Before agreeing to a tour or guide services be sure to check the weather forecast and road conditions in the area you want to visit. Severe rain storms and landslides across roads are not uncommon around Sapa. If you're traveling on to Dien Bien Phu be sure the roads are up to your standards.

Arrange to go to one of the local villages to see what life is like for the mountain tribes (known locally as "ethnic minorities"). It's much different than that of ethnic Vietnamese. Take a trek through the terraced rice fields and the surrounding mountains. Have a plan to stop for lunch or take it with you.

You will have a lot of chances to meet members of the mountain tribes as they work in the fields or in their villages.

Home stays are very popular and offer more exposure to the mountain way of life. Their style of living is unique and well worth experiencing. Evenings are spent watching traditional ethnic music performances and village life.

Celebrating has been known to get out of hand when local liquor is consumed. Early morning life involves preparing breakfast, feeding animals, housekeeping and working in the family garden.

By Dwight Zimpel

The Delight For Adventure Travelers - Zanskar Valley Trek

The whole of northern India has become the favourite Tourist Destination for tourist from all parts of the world. This beautiful part of India has some of the most beautiful locations including the famous lands of Leh Ladakh, Kashmir and the states of Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. All these places have so much to offer that the list of foreign as well as local travelers have been increasing day by day.

Among all these places, Ladakh city witnesses the largest number of travelers. The main reasons for such huge bulk of travelers every year are its small accessibility period and the beautiful destinations & scope of adventurous activities in Ladakh.

Ladakh lies in trans-Himalayan district of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Both adventure freaks and culture enthusiasts have greater inclination to travel this wonderful location. The place is famous for its high mountain charm and civilization.

The place is strongly influenced by the Tibetans culture and due to the strong influence of the Tibetan culture; the place is also called a 'Little Tibet.' More than half the population of Ladakh is constituted of Tibetans people.

In the past, Ladakh was a Buddhist kingdom, but after the partition these regions are controlled by Pakistan and China. The two districts of Ladakh include Leh and Kargil. Besides being the largest town of Ladakh and Leh is also known as the capital of Ladakh.

One of the most remarkable features of Ladakh is wide scope of adventurous activities here. Some of the popular adventurous activities of Ladakh include:

TREKKING

Trekking is just the kind of adventure sport that every fun-loving traveler would love. The sports involve lot of fun amid the hilly areas in cool surroundings. Some of popular valleys for trekking in Ladakh include the Zanskar valley trek, Markha Valley trek, Lamayuru-Padum Valley Trek, and Indus Valley Trek. The traditional trekking season extends from early June to mid-October.

RIVER RAFTING

The place is an ultimate spot for river rafting. The place offers wide range rafting option on the Indus and its main branches. However, the best option for white water is between Spituk and Saspol on the Indus. But, it should be noted that this water sport require special skill and the rafter need to be expert before trying hands in this adventure freak. A satisfactory arrangement for rescue coverage is an important pre- requisite for embarking upon a white-water expedition on a river like Zanskar.

MOUNTAINEERING

The walking, hiking, backpacking and climbing on mountains all comes under mountaineering. Generally the climbing season starts from mid-May and exists till mid-October. However, the most appropriate period for mountain climbing in Ladakh is from June to September as this is the time when Ladakh remains unaffected by the monsoon. However all foreign expeditions are required to get permission from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation for climbing all listed peaks.

By Kishore Ray

Hiking the South Coast Track Tasmania

The South Coast Track Tasmania is an 85 kilometer long walk that runs from Melaleuca to Cockle creek. Hiking the South Coast Track takes between 6 to 9 days to complete and is an arduous walk not to be undertaken by the unfit.

Hiking the South Coast Track is classified as a moderate to demanding walk and the time taken to do this hike is variable depending on the weather, tides, swollen rivers and the amount of mud encountered.

The main walking season is December through to March however the weather can still be cold with gale force winds and heavy driving rain so you must be prepared to encounter extreme weather conditions. The terrain ranges from button grass plains, rock strewn beaches, steep climbs and descents and lots of mud.

When hiking the South Coast Track you need to start at Melaleuca and you will need to fly in by light aircraft. However poor weather and strong winds can cause delays so it is best not to have too tight a timetable. Regular public transport is available at the end of the walk during the main walking season.

The Orange-bellied parrot,which is extremely rare, breeds in the summer months at Melaleuca and can be seen from a specially constructed hide about 100 meters from the Melaleuca airstrip.

Day 1: Is a 13 kilometer walk from Melaleuca to Cox Bight. Soon after setting out from the airstrip you walk along the beach until you reach Point Eric which is a sheltered campsite to spend the first night. This will take about 3 to 4 hours. All the campsites have pit toilets. You also need to carry portable stoves and fuel as fires are only permitted in certain areas.

Day2: Is an 18 kilometer hike from Cox Bight to Louisa River. There is a small climb of about 230 meters on this day and you walk over the Louisa Plains to the campsite at Louisa River. There are campsites on both sides of the Louisa River . If you can cross the river when you arrive then it may be best to camp on the other side just in case of rain overnight. Day 2 is about 5 to 7 hours of walking.

Day 3: Goes from Louisa River to Deadmans Bay. This day is a hard day as you have to cross the Ironbound Range which means a climb of about 900 meters followed by a descent of about 900 meters. If the weather is good then there are excellent views available, however you can get strong winds and low cloud which can make for an unpleasant and hard days walk. The descent is through forest and there are areas with lots of exposed tree roots so care must be taken not to slip or sprain an ankle . The time taken can be anywhere from 6 to 10 hours depending on fitness and weather.

Day4: Deadmans Bay to Osmiridian Beach.This is a 13 kilometer walk which takes between 4.5 to 6 hours to complete with about 150meters of climbing and descending . Most of this day is walking along beaches with some good views to be had. At the end of Prion Beach you must cross New River Lagoon by boat. There is a dinghy on either side to cross and you must leave one on either side once you have crossed for subsequent walkers. The campsite at Tylers Creek is reached by going left from the main track.

Day 5: Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach takes 3 to 4 hours and is an 8 kilometer hike with climbs and descents of about 300 meters. Walk back to the main track from the campsite.The track passes through forested areas although it does pass some large bays on the coast. There is a steep climb then a less steep descent to Granite Beach. There are good views here.As you go to the eastern end of the beach climb up next to the waterfall and continue for another 100 meters to the campsite.

Day 6: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet is a 10 kilometer walk which takes 5.5 to 7 hours and has about 600 meters of climbing and descending. The last major climb of the walk is on this day. You have to cross the South Cape Range which is forested country and can be quite muddy. There are some excellent views and magnificent forests to be seen. The campsite location means you have to cross the South Cape Rivulet which can be difficult after heavy rain or at high tide.

Day 7: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek. The last day takes 3 to 4.5 hours,is 12 kilometers long and has climbs and descents of 150 meters. After walking along the next two beaches you have a choice of walking inland or scrambling over rocks to Lions head. If the weather is bad then the inland track may be better. The track then continues on to the road at Cockle Creek from where you can get a bus to Hobart,although you have to plan ahead as the bus only runs three days a week from December to March.

By Joanne McMahon

Nature Calls to St Augustine - Great Area Parks

The outdoors enthusiast will enjoy the St. Augustine area year-round, as warm and temperate climates allow for hiking, bird watching, camping, and canoeing most times of the year.

Once you have packed all the essentials for a memorable camp out - a sturdy tent, bug repellent, and other provisions - all that's left is to choose the best location for making memories. You'll find plenty of options in and near St. John's County.

Anastasia State Park - Get Back to Nature

A popular destination for visitors and locals, Anastasia State Park offers four miles of beautiful beach for sunning and play, and is largely regarded as one of the areas most historical points of interest.

It is here where the builders of Castillo de San Marcos mined coquina rock to construct their mighty fortress, and today people may enjoy a variety of recreational activities.

Go fishing in the Salt Run tidal marsh, hike the beach and try to spot dolphins cavorting in the Atlantic, or grab a board and ride some of the best waves on the east coast. A full-facility campground is available for long-term camping, too, be sure to reserve your spot.

Fort Mose Historic State Park - A Legacy of Freedom

Founded in the 18th century as a settlement for freed African slaves, Fort Mose now stands as a monument to many freedoms - including the appreciation of Florida's natural beauty. Here visitors can canoe or kayak at certain times of the year (so as not to disturb passing oyster beds), or hiking boardwalk for a stunning view of the marsh overlook. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the wildlife.

Faver-Dykes State Park - A Paddler's Paradise

Located about 15 minutes from St. Augustine, Faver-Dykes State Park is a favorite for canoe and kayak enthusiasts. The Pellicer Creek Canoe trail runs through the park, and provides for excellent opportunities to nature watch as you paddle along. Fishing is also permitted along the creek banks, just be sure to note license regulations before you pack that rod.

By Kathryn Lively

Ameln Valley Morocco Trekking

When you first see Ameln Valley you may consider it a world of its own. Ameln Valley is known mostly for the 26 villages that reside there. It is also known for the natural landscape that surrounds it.

The villages sit interspersed throughout the valley and mountains, allowing for the trees and wildlife to still live. Many of the villages have their own charm, but you will want to structure your vacation around the more beautiful.

To visit the villages you may take a trekking tour, which moves you from one village to the next off the main road. Your other option is to travel around by car and then take day treks through the area. Trekking Morocco can be fun and easy if you are not interested in long days of hiking and camping.

The first and most famous village on the Ameln Valley tour will be Tafraoute. Tafraoute allows you to explore the base of the valley and work your way towards the higher elevations. It is a base for your trekking tours if you wish.

Morocco has many regions that are worth seeing. Unlike the High Atlas Mountains near M'Goun you will be in an area that is mapped when you visit Ameln Valley. The landscape has smaller trees, less green earth, and more clay. The Ameln Valley still has its own rugged beauty within the rough cliff sides of the mountains surrounding the villages.

Tafraoute will lead you to Oumesnat Village. This village is built into the rock face of the Kest Mountains. The houses have been built on top of older homes, which are no longer used. Most of the homes are on stilts to give them more stability.

After a lovely day of trekking through the village looking at the inspiration to build homes atop each other you will want to move towards Anameur. Anameur houses one of the best attractions in this region of Morocco.

The natural spring- water pool sits above the village homes. It provides a relaxing day to wash away the trekking excursions of the days past. The spring also provides gorgeous views of the Kest Mountains.

While in the area consider a trekking excursion up the Djebel El-Kest. This mountain is 2359 meters above sea level. The trekking Morocco tour of the mountain will start with an ascent to Tagoudiche, a village. The village is a nice stop before you head to the summit of the mountain. On your walk you should expect to see quartzite, amethyst, and a dyke which lies far below.

By Terry Hollowell

Zante - A Small and Beautiful Island in Greece

So you fancy a holiday in the Greek islands but you are not sure which one is right for you? They all have great weather.

Most of them have nice beaches. Some of them have warm seas ideal for water sports. It can be difficult to choose.

You also have to consider the cost. For families with older children, in particular, things soon mount up.

They have four flights to pay for and need to book two rooms. Add in spending money once they arrive and the cost escalates still further.

If you want a great destination that offers good value for money I would recommend Zante. It has some of the best scenery you will ever see.

The island is small, just 40 kilometers long by 20 kilometers wide, but is blessed with a large number of golden beaches spread over its 120 kilometers of coastline.

The most stunning beach on the island, perhaps the most scenic on all the Greek islands, is Smugglers Cove. You can only get there by boat but it is well worth a trip.

Get there early, before it gets too busy, and take your camera.The island has the bonus of offering a wide range of accommodation at very reasonable prices.

One of the best solutions is to get a Zante apartment. You can sleep two, four or even six people comfortably.

Parents can still get some privacy at night. When you want a rest you can watch a selection of DVDs in your apartment. Best of all, however, is the freedom an apartment allows when it comes to meals.

You can stock up your fridge with fruit, drinks and ingredients for sandwiches if you just fancy taking a packed lunch to the beach or leisure park.

You can have breakfast at whatever time suits you. You can go to a restaurant for dinner some nights, stay in your Zante apartment and eat whatever you please on other nights.

By Kate Jamesson

El Salvador, An Experience of a Lifetime!

There are a few things you should not pass on doing while you have the time and energy to map out your next vacation.

There is one paradisiac destination that offers great adventure and adrenaline located in the heart of Central America.

El Salvador, the smallest, and the only country in Central America offers world class surfing, fishing, scuba diving, para penting, and superb entertainment and night life.

With 756 km of coastline, El Salvador is the only country in Central America with a rich coral reef extending almost 157 km making this natural phenomenon the largest one in the Americas Pacific Region.

The reef is directly responsible for giving El Salvador world class waves and surfing, and thus attracting professional surfers to key locations such as Playa Sunzal.

Fishing is giving our coastline a lot to talk about in recent years. The 446 km2 of protected mangroves make up for an excellent light tackle adventure for anyone interested in bringing down spinning, casting, and/or fly fishing equipment. Bahia de Jiquilisco and Barra de Santiago are two excellent locations highly suggested for fly fishing.

Los Cobanos, is a top choice when it comes down to a great day of fishing for Dorado, Snapper, Sailfish, Yellowfin tuna, Wahoo, and Marlin.

It is also a great destination for longboard surfing, and paddle surfing, as you can arrange with a captain to assist you with your surfing needs.

There are a few other activities that are starting to 'turn up the volume' for El Salvador in the international media such as excellent places to practice horseback riding, quad off-roading, mountain biking, para penting, spear fishing, and kayak fishing.

By Luis Vilanova

What Are the Three Items That Should Be on Your Backpacker's List?

If you are a backpacker who is ready to get packed up and start seeing Europe, you probably have a checklist that you are very diligently consulting. Clothes, basic toiletries, rechargeable batteries, adapters, and travelers' checks are all part of it, and when you think about all the details that you have to handle, your checklist is a very handy tool indeed.

If you are thinking about heading to Europe there are definitely a few things that you are going to need, so make sure that you have taken a look at the items below. They might have gotten left off your list, so be sure that they are there.

Sleep Sack

When you are looking to go backpacking in Europe, make sure that you check out the sleep sack and what it can do for you. Essentially, it is simply a bag of light cloth that you can get inside.

Even though it is meant to be very light, a good sleep sack can keep you warm in cold rooms. You can also use it when you are sleeping in a hostel with not so fresh sheets. Remember that a sleeping sack takes up only a very small space and that the benefits can be immense.

Travel Alarm Clock

Whether you are enjoying a warm hostel room or you have decided to take your chances in the great outdoors, remember that you still need to make the train on time. Some people can set themselves to wake up whenever they want to, but if you don't have this ability, make sure that you bring along a travel alarm clock.

You might want to meet up with new friends or to catch a tour of city, but make sure that you wake up in time for you. Some people decide that they are fine with the alarm clock in their phones, while other people use the on in their wristwatches, but a small battery powered alarm clock that you will remember to set can be more reliable by far.

A Good Guide Book

Always remember that you are going to need information to fully enjoy the places that you travel, and hat a guide book can be your best friend. Always look for the most current edition and make sure that you keep your guide book with you.

Depending on what it has, it can teach you the right phrases to use as well as the history of the places that you are going. A good guide book will take you places that you never thought about going. Take some time and browse; look for the right guide book for you.

By Matt Blaschuk

5 Great Utah Hikes

Do you love to hike? Next time you visit Utah, pack your hiking boots because we have some of the best hikes in the country. Yes we have 5 National Parks filled with amazing hikes, but there are even more amazing trails tucked around the state that you may need to look a bit more carefully to find. Here are just a handful of hikes for you to consider, five great Utah hikes!

1 - Stewart Falls

Stewart Falls is a popular hike for both Heber & Utah Valley residents because it is so easily accessible, short (approx 3.5 miles round trip), family friendly and one of the most scenic, and photogenic, waterfalls in northern Utah. Its falls cascade over 200 feet in two tiers. It is an easy-moderate hike through forest on the east side of Mt Timpanogos.

While it is a great family hike, please note that the descent from the ridge down to the base of the falls is quite steep and little ones should be kept close. Spring is a great time to view the wildflowers, summer is pleasant because of the water and shade, and fall is even better because of the brilliantly colored foliage. One of our favorite family hikes!

2 - Y Mountain

Brigham Young University (commonly called the "Y") sits against the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Years ago the University got permission and put a cement Y on the side of the mountain. It is high enough to see from all over Utah Valley and has simply become a tradition for BYU students and the community to climb.

The view of Provo and Utah Lake are beautiful and make this a popular "date hike" both for families and students. The trail is quite rocky and extremely steep, so wear comfortable shoes, stay on the trail and plan to take it slow. There is very little shade on this hike, so plan on taking on Y mountain in slightly cooler weather.

3 - Bald Mountain

Bald Mountain is one of the easiest mountains in Utah to summit, which surprises many, at approximately 12,000 ft. But the trail head sits at about 11,000 feet, so over the two mile hike (4-miles round trip) you don't gain a lot of elevation.

Views from Bald Mountain Pass though, are very impressive, and as you climb to the summit the views get even more magnificent. You have a clear view of Mirror Lake, and several other small lakes in the the Uintas. Note that the hike is above the tree line and so there is no shade. So plan this hike in cooler weather and protect you skin year round, the impact from altitude can surprise you.

4 - Ben Lomond Peak

Ben Lomond is the highest peak overlooking the Ogden area at almost 10,000 feet, and is strenuous. From the summit, you have great views of the Wasatch Range, Salt Lake City, and it is always beautiful to look over the Great Salt Lake. Locals suggest this Peak was the inspiration for the logo for Paramount pictures.

Paramount founder William Wadsworth Hodkinson sketched the logo based on his memories of his youth in Ogden, so it always makes it a fun hike a "famous" mountain. Also, look out for equestrians & bikers on this trail.

5 - Lone Peak via Jacobs Ladder in Draper

This hike is not for a novice, but is worth the trip if you are an experienced hiker. It's long and steep, but truly magnificent. It provides clear views of every peak in the Wasatch mountain range, at approximately 11,300 feet. Depending on your experience level and weather conditions, plan on anywhere from eight to 12 hours to complete the hike. (There is a 5,000+ foot elevations gain!)

Of course use caution on any hike, dress appropriately, and always carry plenty of water along. Before you hike always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. As you practice safe hiking you'll be able to enjoy some of Utah's and the world's greatest locations.

By Logan Smith

Game Ranger Training at Shamwari Game Reserve

Training as a game ranger may sound like a particularly exotic way to spend time out from work or university, but the course offered at the world-renowned Shamwari Game Reserve isn't just a brief insight into some of the roles and responsibilities that becoming a game ranger entails.

No, this course is the real deal and your course mates are just as likely to be currently working part time in some capacity on an African game reserve as they are to be English students taking a gap year in South Africa.

You may think that game ranger training simply involves learning about the various animal footprints that you need to point out to a group of excitable American tourists, but the course is a lot more in-depth than that.

Becoming a game ranger involves passing the standard FGASA examination. However, before students can qualify for this certificate they need to take a course in off-road driving, which means that holding a driving licence is an essential requirement.

Rangers must also undertake an extensive first-aid examination which covers everything from snake bites wounds, to bone fractures and resuscitation methods.

The course offered at Shamwari Game Reserve is typically six weeks long and students can expect to learn about everything from the botany and biomes of South Africa to historical human habitation and hospitality management.

The becoming a game ranger course covers everything from astronomy to zoology and due to the hands on nature of the FGASA course you can expect to spend many an evening camping out under the stars whilst tracking lions or observing the various stars which make up the Milky Way.

Whilst studying at Shamwari Game Reserve you can opt to mix your game ranger training course with a number of community or conservation based programmes. These can be incredibly rewarding and a great way to give something back to the local population.

Shamwari offers a number of these projects and you can spend your gap year in South Africa learning the skills needed to become a game ranger whilst at the same time off-setting your carbon footprint by planting trees in the local nursery or teaching ball skills to the children in a nearby AIDS orphanage.

One of the highlights of the course is attending game drives and spotting South Africa's indigenous animals in their natural habitat. Shamwari Game Reserve is one of the premier game reserves in the Eastern Cape and you can expect to spot everything from lions lazing after a kill to hippos basking on the banks of the river.

Due to the nature of working on a game reserve you will often find that your class schedule is interrupted. It is certainly common for a class to be cancelled half-way through so that you can watch a lion kill or visit some newborn cheetah cubs. One thing which you will soon discover about game ranger training is that no two days are exactly the same.

By Mark Bottell

Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh

Wildlife Tourism in Madhya Pradesh

The wildlife reserves of the state are not only a center of attraction for the local and domestic travelers but the international travelers also succumb to the temptation of experiencing the exotic wildlife.

The adventure spirits of the visitors come to the forefront and they enjoy safaris, nature walks, bird watching, a lot many other attractions. The Eco resorts located in and around the reserves also take care of the travelers in terms of service and accommodation and exciting tourist activities.

The prime features of wildlife reserves of Madhya Pradesh are:

Nature walks

Bicycle rides

Wildlife safari

Elephant safari

Tiger safari

Jeep safari

Bird watching

Camping

Folk performances

Bandhavgarh National Park

Tours in Bandhavgarh National Park

Blessed with a variety of flora and fauna, the Bandhavgarh National Park, is a small yet an interesting reserve to enjoy a wildlife tour. The park covers an area of 448 sq-km. If you are fascinated by tigers, then you are at the right place. Besides, accommodation is also not a problem here as you will find many resorts here which will organize your wildlife safaris also.

Flora and Fauna of Bandhavgarh National Park

What is most interesting and exciting in the park is the varied flora and fauna. Enjoy spotting a large number of cat family members. The common sights would include tigers, leopards, gaur (Indian Bison-although some say this is no longer seen), chital (spotted deer), Sambar deer, Dholes, nilgais, wild boars, chinkaras, sloth bears, rhesus macaques, black faced langurs, jungle cats, hyenas, porcupines, jackals, foxes, wild dogs, chausinghas and ratels.

The park is a haven for birds like white browed fantails, steppe eagles, green pigeons, grey malabar hornbills, black and white malabar hornbills (quite a rare sighting), blossom headed parakeets, parakeets, blue bearded bee eaters, green bee eaters, white bellied drongos, owls, Jerdon's and gold fronted leaf birds, minivets, wood shrikes and the lovely paradise flycatchers.

Kanha National Park

Tours in Kanha National Park

Known for the rich population of tigers, Kanha National Park is a must visit for the rich wildlife it shelters. Covering an of 1,940 sq-km. The reserve attracts many wildlife sprees. The invigorating expedition of spotting tigers is most enthralling here.

Ride on an elephant's back and observe the coy and untamed beasts in their natural habitat. huge plateaus with vast grasslands, three rivers like Sulkum, Banjar and Nila and numerous perennial springs, are the remarkable features of Kanha Park.

Flora and Fauna in Kanha National Park

Venturing in the forests of Kanha during the cooler and greener months, you will find tigers, leopards, gaur, sambar, chausinghas, barasingha, nilgais, sloth bears, barking deer, swamp deer (barasingha), blackbuck, langurs, wild boars, porcupines, mouse deer, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs (dholes), gray langurs, mongoose, jungle cat, chittal and wild pigs.

The birds watchers will be delighted to see 300 different species of birds. Some among the most common are red jungle fowls, painted spur fowls, lesser whistling teals, common teals, pintails, cotton teals, shovelers, peafowls, Indian rollers, racket tailed Drongos, red wattled lapwings, brown fish owls, white backed vultures, gray horn bills, tree pies, kestrels, barn owls, white eyed buzzards, black winged kites, mynahs, munias, bush chats, black headed orioles, golden orioles, paradise flycatchers, pied Malabar horn bills, Indian pittas.

By Aparana Chauhan

Adventure Sports of Himalayas

Adventure and Himalayas are synonymous to each other. The adventure freaks from all over the world come to the Himalayan destinations for an exciting trip and quench their thirst of adventure and thrill.

The enthralling sports offered in Himalayas are really exciting. Himalayan ranges are surely one of the best destinations for enjoying adventure sports. Perhaps, it is among most happening destinations for adventure in the world.

Skiing in Himalayas

Man has always been fascinated by the thought of challenging nature. His desire of curbing and controlling nature with a pinch of adventure is satisfied in the mesmerizing Himalayas. Skiing, the most exciting winter sport, blends the fun in snow and adventurous spirit of man together. The undulated lands of Himalayas have some of the best destinations and most famous winter playgrounds where skiing can be enjoyed.

Famous Destinations for skiing include:

a) Gulmarg

b) Manali

c) Kufri

d) Narkanda

e) Auli

f) Rohtang

g) Munsiyari

h) Dayara Bugyal

Mountain Biking in Himalayas

The most demanding sport for the adventurers in which they need to put in lot of physical effort is cycling and motor biking. Whether riding a bicycle or riding a motor bike, the challenge is to climb the hills by the cycles.

Through these rides, you can actually experience the local culture and traditions. Confabulate with the local and then start on exploring the virgin terrains of Himalayas.

The ever changing landscapes, increasing altitude makes it an ideal adventurous sport. Your holidays in Himalayas will be unforgeable because of easy pace of the ride, the pollution less environs, the lightly trafficked roads and the ride through the luscious greens and the wooden valleys.

Famous biking routes of Himalayas are:

a) Leh and Ladhakh

b) Tarai region of Uttranchal

c) Himachal Pradesh to Uttranchal

Camping Tours in Himalayas

The soothing ambiance of lush greenery, fresh and pure air, and no commotion are the features of camping in Himalayas. Camping are the best way to wind out and relax in the lap of mother nature.

Also organized are the Wild camps that can make us aware of the Eco tourism and preservation of natural resources. The impact of the green environs, pleasant countryside climate and peaceful atmosphere will be awesome.

Famous Camping sites in Himalayas are:

a) Chail

b) Sangla Valley

c) Tabo

d) Nainital

e) Chitrauli

River Rafting in Himalayan Rivers

Gurgling with tremendous water current, piercing the hearts of mountains and flowing immaculately to the plains, the Himalayan rivers are not only a pleasure to see but also a source of enjoyment as they offer great opportunities of river rafting.

But the thrill is for the brave hearts. Adventurers enjoy the finest stretches of whitewater running in the world. Making our own ways in the flow of the river is very amazing and thrilling.

Rafting is possible in Himalayan rivers like:

a) Ganga

b) The main tributaries of the Ganga, like the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi,

c) Spiti river

d) Brahamaputra river

e) Ladkah region

Himalayan Trekking

Trekking in the Himalayan ranges is one of the best ways to explore the local environs, verdant forests, exotic flora and fauna and experience the local culture of the region you are traversing in.

Himalayan mountains are one of the youngest mountain ranges in the world and is counted among the best trekking regions.

Trekking in Himalayas can be divided into four regions:

1) Garwhal Himalayan that comprise of Dehradun, Taluka, Osla, Har Ki Doon, Debshu Bugyal, Rishikesh, Nandprayag etc.

2) Kumaun Himalayas that include Almora, Pindari Glacier, Bageshwar, Nainital, Maiktoli top etc.

3) Sikkim Himalayas like Bagdogra, Darjeeling, Yuksum, Bakhim, Dzongri etc.

4) Leh and Ladhakh Himalayas as Darcha, Palemo Zanskar Sumdo, Chumi Napo, Shingo La, Lakham.

By Aparana Chauhan

Morocco Treks - Planning Before the Big Adventure

The High Atlas Mountains are the most popular destination for trekkers. This region is largely unexplored by anyone other than the Berber tribes, due to its remote nature as well as Morocco being un-traveled. The treks one can take vary from short walks through cedar forests to difficult treks up steep and rocky slopes.

Areas of the High Atlas Mountains cannot be reached during winter because of the treacherous mountain paths. Other areas turn into winter wonderlands with small ski resorts and plenty of downhill skiing fun.

A location for trekking Morocco you might find most exciting is the rarely traveled Jbel Sarhro. Jbel Sarhro runs along the Anti Atlas and High Atlas mountains. From the area it is possible to overlook the Sahara desert in the distance.

There are mesas, gorges, and volcanic pinnacles which are softened by the growth of palms and almond groves. It is an arid country with wild landscapes just waiting for the next visitor.

Treks through the Jbel Sarhro can take five to twenty days depending on what you wish to see. The different walks are almost endless when it comes to choices. The first place many travelers choose to see is Bab n?li.

This High Atlas trekking experience brings you to rock formations which are geologically strange. For example the Tete De Chamaux or Head of the Camel cliffs which rise above Igli are distinctive. The cliffs are also impressive in size and magnificence.

There is also the Taggourt Plateau. The plateau is the perfect opportunity for trekkers to look back at what they left behind. It is a stunning green and red landscape which is a marvel for anyone who has ever seen it. There are numerous peaks, plateaus, and rock formations to examine throughout the area.

Tizi n Tazazert is a two to three day hike up a pass. From this area it is possible to take a five day loop from N?ob to the Handeour Valley where dry river beds await the adventurer. Tadout n?ablah is another plateau of the region.

The most magnificent area in the Jbel Sarhro region is Jbel Bou Rhdad and Tamouline. They are twin peaks you can trek. While these peaks do not reach the 4,000 meters of Jbel Toubkal they are no less impressive than the tallest High Atlas Mountain.

Since the mountainous area of Jbel Sarhro was once littered with active volcanoes you have even more to add to the trip's sites. Volcanic rock can still be found near the pathways for you to marvel over as the rocks are very old.

By Terry Hollowell

Try a Train Trip This Summer

An appealing alternative to the standard road trip adventure that road trip planners might consider this summer is to utilize the train system for the long stretches of highway between destination cities and then renting a car to explore the area.

This way, "getting there" becomes its own adventure, especially if your trip includes an overnight stay aboard the train! Plus you get the added bonus of leaving the bulk of the driving to someone else.

There's something about a railway road trip that beckons the pioneer spirit within us. And there's a certain appeal to letting the rhythmic chug-chug-chug of the tracks lull you to sleep.

Granted, these sleeping cabins aren't as roomy as regular hotel rooms, but then again, it moves you towards your destination while allowing you to sleep, something you couldn't do with a car or RV unless you alternated driving shifts. And the sleeping cabins are definitely roomier than airline seats!

Family train trip adventures are growing in popularity. Dad can play a marathon game of Monopoly instead of being stuck behind the wheel; Mom can watch a movie with you instead of her riding shotgun to keep the driver on track and alert for the duration. When kids get antsy or hungry, you can round them up for a walk to the dining cab (without losing any traveling mileage).

Explore the train, revel in the changing scenery buzzing by your view, curl up with a good book and maybe take in a catnap. Trains allow you to slow your pace and relax...and isn't that one of the main goals of going on a vacation? Your road trip planner will still be filled with things to do, hotels, car rental and restaurants once you reach your destination.

Amtraks's Superliners have sleeping cars that range from Roomettes (1-2 people), special accessible rooms (1-2), and even bedroom suites (4-6) that includes 2 toilets & 2 showers (usually two bedrooms with the partition removed).

Even though we recommend you stay the bulk of your trip in hotels in the cities you want to explore, sleeping overnight on a train is an adventure in itself. Plus, the Sleeper Service price includes all regular meals aboard the train.

Below are a few of the most popular railway destination in the United States. Amtrak has more than 500 destinations so these are just enough to whet your appetite to fill your road trip planner with a brand new adventure.

By David R Reichman

Hover Crafting - A Floating Experience

By Dean Gammell

No brakes, no gears just a lot of fun and excitement. Hovercrafts can be described as being similar to amphibians. Ever wanted to move both on land and water? Then hover crafting is the way to go.

These vehicles have the power to take one from water to land in an instant. They are air cushioned vehicles supported by slow moving high pressure air. It is this air that enables the hover craft to move.

Not a sport for the faint hearted, it requires guts and a sense of adventure. Not to worry, lessons are offered to any one willing to try out this sport. Once one gets the skills, they will soon be able to experience days out filled with fun and excitement.

Getting someone a gift is usually a bit challenging. First one has to determine whether the other individual has a sense of adventure. Is he or she willing to try out new things. If so, then a day out hover crafting is the ideal gift for such an individual.

It is spontaneous and relatively cheap. All one needs to do is find his or her local Hover Craft Club and get directions from them. If one is not available in an individual's locality, a world wide Hover Craft club exits which will gladly provide all the information necessary.

Hover crafting can also be used to cheer up someone. If an individual is feeling down and they need to be encouraged, hover crafting is the answer. It is said that for one to feel happy and good their body needs to release feel good hormones.

These hormones are only released during high adrenalin activities. Hover crafting is the ultimate adrenalin producer. Not only will the individual get to experience days out, they get to sit in the sun and forget their problems.

Another good idea is for ladies to surprise their friends with a day out hover crafting. This is an excellent gift idea because controlling the hover craft is challenging and competing with others is a lot of fun. This is a good idea for girls' weekend when all they want to do is relax and have fun.

The hover craft has been described as being part plane ad part jet ski. This is because when one is in a hover craft, they feel like they are flying. This vehicle enables one to move about 6 to 10 inches above the ground.

Hover crafting has long been regarded as a group activity. The fun nature of this sport is its ability to bring people together. Most hover craft locations offer packages or discounts for more than five people.

So not only will the group enjoy themselves and get to bond, they will also get to do it at a cheaper rate. This is a good idea for companies wishing to build employee morale and make them feel special.

Currently, the most popular hover crafting locations in the world are the U.K, Chicago ad Ireland. So next time one needs to an interesting a memorable gift idea, they should give hover crafting a try.

Mexico's Copper Canyon the Adventure of a Lifetime

By Dick I.

The Copper Canyon isn't a single canyon but rather a series of massive interconnected gorges totaling more than 25,000 square miles.

The canyons are 1.5 times deeper and cover four times the area of Arizona's Grand Canyon. This is where the U.S. Army hunted Pancho Villa for ten years without success.

Six of the major canyons in the system are:

Urique Canyon 6,136 ft. deep

Sinforosa Canyon 5,904 ft. deep

Copper Canyon 5,770 ft. deep

Tararecua Canyon 4,674 ft. deep

Batopilas Canyon 5,904 ft. deep

Oteros Canyon 3,225 ft. deep

Pine, oak, pinon, juniper and madrono tress are found in the heights of the canyon. Tropical vegetation, bananas, mango, avocados and citrus trees thrive at the bottom of the canyon.

The Copper Canyon is home to nearly 300 species of birds, nearly 100 species of reptiles, deer, bears and large cats.

It is the ancestral home to the private, self - sufficient Tarahumara Indians, perhaps the most primitive Indian tribe in North America. In the winter they live in caves and in summer, small log cabins.

Visitors to the Copper Canyon are overwhelmed and express their feelings saying: "There's a National Geographic photo around every corner", and "this makes the Grand Canyon look like a pothole."

One of the best ways to view the Copper Canyon is by train. Many RVer's were able to take the "Piggyback Train." The RV's were loaded on flatbed railroad cars and from the comfort of their RV's they enjoyed the magnificent sights. Sadly the Piggyback has been discontinued.

You can still take the passenger train, Chihuahua - al Pacifico Railroad, which was 90 years in the making. RVer's have several choices of campgrounds where they can leave the RV.

The train runs every day between Chihuahua in the north and Los Mochias by the Sea of Cortes. The ride is some 300 miles through the western Sierra Madre mountain range.

Your adventure will take you through some 86 tunnels, the longest being 5,966 ft., over one mile, and over 37 bridges, the longest being 1,635.5 ft when crossing the Rio Fuerte and with Chinipas Bridge the highest at 335 ft.

Hiking Clubs

By Sydney Garrison

It can be difficult to make friends when you are new to an area or work out of the house. A great way to make friends is to get involved in group activities.

This could be volunteering, taking community classes, or joining a sports team or club. My personal favorite is the hiking club.

For those individuals who love the outdoors and being physically fit, hiking is the perfect way to go.

There are many hiking clubs available throughout the United States. There are a few important things to find out before you join a club though.

The most important information you should be armed with is your skill level. Now is the time to take an honest inventory of the time that you can devote to hiking and most importantly, the physical level that you are at.

One of the best ways to ensure that your hiking experience will be awful is to lie to yourself about your fitness level and how much physical stress your body can take in a few hours.

Hikes range from Easy to Intermediate to Difficult depending on the length of the hike and strenuousness of the terrain.

Some trails are fairly flat, while others take you up steep gradations and can even include some rock scrambling and climbing. You don't want to end up on a trail you can't handle, so be honest with yourself before you begin.

There are a few ways to find a hiking club near you. The best way, is probably to search the internet. You can locate a club, and generally contact other members to get a feel for the energy in the group. They can tell you ahead of time what to expect on the trail and what you need to be prepared for.

This is especially important when you are used to hiking in one type of environment and switch to another, for example mountainous regions to desert regions. You can also stop by your local sporting goods store and ask them what local clubs are available to you.

Hiking clubs are a great way to forge strong friendships with people who have common interests. Since hiking appeals to people of all ages, you never know who you will meet.

They can help you improve your techniques and become more familiar with the beauty that surrounds your home. All of this while staying in shape and reconnecting with nature!

Forest Holidays, Amazon Rainforest Adventures and the Cloud Forests of Ecuador

By Bea Metcalfe

Jungle or forest holidays take you into the richest habitat on earth. This is an environment where man is tolerated rather than accepted, an eco-system that supports the animal and plant kingdoms in a fragile interdependency.

The way to visit these precious environments on a forest holiday is on an organised tour, and there are plenty of forest adventure tour companies that can offer rainforest tours worldwide.

Some forests are relatively safe from harm and quite welcoming, but some exist, fragile, on a knife edge and need soft foot fall visits in order to protect them.

There are also numerous local tourism, conservation and volunteering projects that educate visitors and support the local communities, taking you deep into the lush green hearts of these magical places on forest holidays. Here are some forest holidays to inspire:

Forest Holidays in the Amazon: A huge moist leaf forest covering a great swathe of the top of South America, the Amazon spreads into nine countries, but is most of it falls within Brazil.

As well as being the largest rainforest in the world and half the world's remaining rainforest, the Amazon has greater biodiversity than any other - and that's before everything here has even been found and dissected.

More than a third of all the world's species live in the Amazon, as well as the vast range of plants there are more than two and a half million species of insect, 3000 kinds of fish, 1,200 types of bird, 370 kinds of reptiles and 420 different mammal species.

If around 90,000 tonnes of living plant can come out of one square Amazon kilometre then imagine what has been lost in the 600,000+ square kilometres of rainforest which have been destroyed. As well as plants and animals there are still people living in the Amazon.

Forest Holidays in Ecuador's Cloud Forest: Mainland Ecuador has three general regions - the Amazon, the mountains and the Pacific Coast.

Heading up from the coast and over the Andes toward the Amazon Basin on forest holidays, you pass through a range of ecosystems, including sub alpine Paramo system.

The cloud forests occur on both sides of the Andes and contain incredible biodiversity, especially of birds.

They are lush verdant forests, with much of the precipitation coming in the form of mist, and although close to the equator, have a mild temperature year round.

And apart from the birds, there are fantastic displays of orchids. Best time: during the dry season (June to December)

Elephant Trekking and Bamboo Rafting in Chiang Mai

By Tim Fox

I had always wanted to ride on an elephant, so after I had been relaxing for a couple of days after arriving in Chiang Mai I decided to pop to my hotels' booking desk to inquire about the trips available.

After spending some time looking through the many different combinations available I decided to go for an elephant trek, followed by a visit to a couple of hill tribes before finishing off with a trip down a river on a Bamboo raft.

At 8.30am the following morning, I walked to the hotel lobby to find my tour guide already waiting for me, so pleasantries exchanged I hopped into the van. I was the first pick up of the morning, and we picked up 4 more intrepid travellers form various hotels in Chiang Mai.

After about an hour of driving we arrived at the elephant camp, we spilled out of the people carrier, and crossed a small rope bridge to where our next transport was happily munching on palm leaves. After a brief introduction and talk from our guide, we were off.

Getting on the elephant was no problem, with a wooden platform at the height of the elephant we literally just stepped on to the animal.

The ride itself was maybe an hour through the mountainous jungle, we didn't seem to be following a path, just crashing through the vegetation. I'd always imagined an elephant ride to be a lot smoother for some reason, but it was more like a fair ground ride, although this may have had something to do with the steepness of the incline we were going up, or maybe the fact my animal was far too interested in eating anything it came across than follow the instructions its Mahout was barking out.

The worst moment was getting off the animal, the dutch couple on the elephant in front of me was the first to try to dismount, again onto a wooden platform, but as the lady stepped onto the platform, her elephant decided it was fed up standing there and move away, one of the tour guides tried to hold but to no avail and she fell maybe 10 feet to the forest floor, luckily she was OK, just a few bumps and scratches, how she didn't break anything I'll never know, maybe she was an acrobat in earlier life!

After this incident I was understandably relieved that my animal stayed where it should and I got onto the platform safely.

After saying good bye to the elephants, we were back in the people carrier, and we drove for 30 minutes to visit an Hmong village, an indigenous hill tribe, where the women were still weaving in the traditional way passed down through the generations for hundreds of years. It was also an opportunity for the local children to mob some unsuspecting tourists to see what money they could get out of us.

After spending some time in the village, I loved the massive pigs tethered under the houses, we walked through the jungle to a beautiful waterfall, where we were all able to take a dip and cool off. Our guide then hurried us along a jungle track through the most luscious green I have ever seen in my life, before we entered a White Karen village, and again were able to look around and see how these people lived. It was quite humbling to see the very basic way these people still lived, and I was struck at how happy and contented these people seemed compared to us in the west with all our mod cons.

The food they gave us for lunch was superb, just a very simple vegetable and rice dish with some omelette and glasses of ice cold water, meant we were able to relax in the shade and chat amongst ourselves.

After lunch we drove a short distance to the Bamboo rafting, I suppose in my mind I thought they would be like little boats, but it was basically some big thick bamboo poles lashed together and that was it, we were going to get wet!! With 3 people on each raft, we were spaced out evenly along the rafts length, we set off with our 'driver' standing at the front, using a long thin pole to push us in any given direction. It was a slow and very quiet drift down the river, occasionally shattered by groups of children on the banks diving in as we went passed. This was the highlight of my day, just drifting down the river, hearing the birdsong and insects.

It was great when I got a turn to stand up and use the pole to direct us, I felt like I was stepping back in time, although the 'poleman' on the raft behind thought it would be highly amusing to splash his pole right next to me as to try and scare me so I might fall in, but luckily I seemed to have my sea legs and was able to just laugh with him while retaining my balance.

Experiences of South-East Asia Trains

By Liz Saarelainen

We had heard stories about the comforts of rail travel in Thailand, so we decided to give it a try when traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

The alternatives on this long overnight journey were a private cabin in the first class or "behind the curtains" in a second class compartment. We chose the cheaper-second class.

We boarded the train and found our compartment. Sitting down face to face on the upholstered seats we wondered how they could be trans­formed into beds. Because the air-conditioning made the place freezing cold, we put on trousers and long-sleeved shirts right away.

While the train was still at the station, a guy came to serve us refreshments - so far so good! After the departure, train personnel appeared in the corridors; men in their uniform caps were check­ing the tickets and taking care of security and "things" and the cleaners with their brushes came at regular intervals.

Service in the compartment was excellent: meals, coffee, refreshments, beer etc. were on sale. There was also a restaurant car. We went to have a look but did not stay in the hot, smoky car - there was no air-conditioning.

Around eight o'clock the car attendant came to make the beds. Wide-eyed we watched how our two seats were turned into one bed and how a bunk which was fixed to the wall was folded down to make the upper bed. This way the whole compartment was transformed into a dormitory; to ensure the privacy, the curtains could be drawn.

Our fellow passengers were passing their time in various ways; one was working with a laptop, behind the curtain a monk was meditating, backpackers were exchanging news... The compartment had been locked for the night and in the corridor the car attendant was nodding, half asleep.

We slept well to the clickety-clack of the track, with our knitted caps on. The train arrived at Chiang Mai a couple of hours late but that did not matter, we had made it.

On our way back to Bangkok we decided to try a private cabin in the first class. At nightfall, the car attendant came to make the beds, the upper and the lower.

We spent a peaceful night; luckily our next-door neighbors were quiet people - but we found ourselves missing the pleasant atmosphere of the second class.

Next we took a day train from Bangkok to Hua Hin. The train was full, but we managed to get adjacent seats. At the intermediate stations vendors got on the train selling all kinds of snacks and food portions.

Tickets for day trains can only be purchased on the day of departure. That means lining up but, as far as we know, everybody gets their tickets and there is room for everybody.

Some time ago we traveled on a night train from Hat Yai in the south of Thailand to Kuala Lumpur.

The tickets for the first leg, from Hat Yai to the Malaysian border, we bought at the Hat Yai railway station, and the tickets from the border to Kuala Lumpur on the Internet - handy, isn't it.

At the border station, in Johor Bahru, we had to change trains, which meant going through passport and customs controls and waiting for the train to Kuala Lumpur.

For this part of the journey we had reserved a private cabin in order to get a good night's sleep before our long flight home in a couple of days.

We carried our suitcases into the cabin and, seeing the dusty carpeting, took allergy medicine, just to be on the safe side. But something was moving on the floor, on the bed head, on the ceiling. Cockroaches, big and small.

-Can't be true! Must get a cleaner cabin. The train started moving and we remained standing in the corridor waiting for the conductor.

-Not worry, they are nice and good, they eat little worms, said the conductor laughing when we told him about our horrible discovery. I can still remember his board smile and his sparkling white teeth... We did not get another cabin.

Went to the restaurant car to have a bite to eat and to have a drink of lukewarm tea, all the while regretting that we had not brought along a bottle of Sam Song, a traveler's nightcap par excellence.

The Malaysian Railways, of course, does not serve any alcoholic beverages, not even beer... The evening was long, and the night longer still.

It is easy to travel from Singapore to Malaysia by train. On the other hand, if you only wish to cross the border, a bus is cheaper.

If you really like trains and want to do some easy sightseeing, you can reserve a seat on The Eastern & Oriental Express, which runs between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Luxury ...and for the budget traveler possible only in the form of glossy brochures.

From the capital of Laos, Vientiane (from the Thai side of the border, to be exact) there is a well functioning rail connection to Bangkok. Laos has no railway system, but the river traffic functions well.

The main line of the Vietnamese railways runs close to the sea between Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hanoi. The journey between the two cities takes c. 30 hours plus possible delays.

The night trains have soft sleepers (air-conditioned) and hard sleepers, with cabins for four and six respectively.

There are no separate cabins for men and women and no seats in the sleepers. Our tickets for the night train were cheap and the price included a small bottle of water, breakfast and lunch.

There was no restaurant car, but a waiter was selling beer and soft drinks. The cars and the cabins were clean and safe thanks to the numerous staff.

They moved about in the corridors uniformed and stern-looking, and we noticed that western tourists were on their guard when meeting them.

The locals took their tea in their cabins, fetching hot water from the person in charge of the compartment.

We slept well also on the Vietnamese night train - with all our clothes on under a thick blanket, no warm caps were needed. At dawn we were woken by beautiful Vietnamese music and the smell of breakfast.

A useful tip regarding rail travel in Vietnam: the train tickets checked when you go to the waiting room or to the platform; on the train it is sometimes changed for a "traveler's card"; on arrival, when you leave the platform it is taken away. So take good care of your ticket.

In Southeast Asia the trains, especially the air-conditioned ones, are cold and there is a strong draught. So bring a knitted cap, a silk scarf and warm clothes and keep them close at hand.

Moving from place to place by air is fast and easy, nobody can deny that, but traveling by train is cheaper and often more fun. We feel it is certainly the choice of the real traveler.

Tunganath and Chandrashila - The Garhwal Himalayas

By Samit B

The legend of the Five Kedars or PANCHAKEDAR:

The Pandavas after emerging victorious in the Battle of "Good Vs Evil" from the "Mahabharata" were on their way to Heaven when they were denied entry.It was pointed out that they had sinned in killing their kith and kin during the battle of Kurukshetra.

Thus in order to redeem themselves they went in search of Lord Shiva ( a Hindu God).Shiva, in order to escape them from being coaxed or flattered to pardon them, ran to Kedar ( a himalayan peak) and disguised himself in the form of a bull and mingled in a herd.

The Pandavas understood this ploy and cooked up a scheme to hurt the Lord's Ego.Bhima, the 2nd of the five Pandava stood with his legs apart in order to push each of the the bull's pass between them and under him.This was beneath the dignity of Lord Shiva and thus he tried to dodge the mighty Bhima.

Bhima eventually recognized the Lord and grabbed him by its hind legs when Shiva tried to flee him. He eventually got the hind quarters in his grasps while the rest of the bull's body disintegrated into four other parts. This stump or hind section of a bull formed the idol which graces the temple at Kedarnath.

The body of Lord Shiva disintegrated and fell into four other places namely Madmaheshwar, Tunganath, Rudranath And Kalpeshwar. Arjuna, the third of the five Pandava brothers found the hands of the bull at Tunganath and formed the Temple of worship.
They eventually came to be known as the five Kedars or "PANCHAKEDAR".

How to Reach:

Kedar and Badri are connected by a route, which breaks off from Kund (in the Rudraprayag - Kedar route) and connects to Chamoli (in the Rudraprayag - Badri route) through Ukhimath, Chopta, Mandal and Gopeswar.

About 70 kms from Kund is Chopta. The trek to Tunganath starts from here.

Journey:

Chopta is a small tourist spot, serene and green all around with the grey tarmac bus route dissecting it. Buses are few and far between. There are a few food shanties & accommodation adjacent to the bus stop.

Chopta has sprawling valleys stretching a couple of kilometres. It was very cold in the last week of October. We took out dinner around 8.30 pm and went back to our rooms. Next morning we started on our trek around 7.30 in the morning after a breakfast of bread and butter and a boiling cup of tea with some biscuits. The skies were clear that day.

There is a small gateway indicating the start of the trek at Chopta with a bell hanging from it and it is customary to ring the bell and let lord Shiva know of your imminent arrival. Tunganath is a short trek of about 4 kms but a very steep one.

Hardly can one find a slope downwards. But what makes you forget the hardship is the sprawling bugyals and the white frozen snow peaks all through the way. There are a couple of tea stalls in the way, run by the local garhwalis, which also offer warm water and small titbits too. There are places to rest on the way and we took our time to enjoy the valley.

The Last stretch:

Our last rest was about a km away from Tunganath at the last wayside tea-stall. Hands were feeling numb, faces were taught with the chill and noses were getting moist and running by then. I was getting out of breath every couple of minutes, and had to take a breather at every corner and turn. At about 10am we ultimately reached Tunganath. And God!!! What a place!

A small temple by most standards, with a full rock structure Tunganath lies nested in the Himalayas with Chaukhamba, Kedarpeak, Hati parbat and other ranges bordering it. The temple inspires mixed feelings of reverence, love and piety in your heart.

And no doubt it surely represents the abode of Lord Shiva. On one side of the temple runs a valley and the other side a rocky mountain peak. Nestled amidst this, lies the small temple compound with adjacent Mandir committee rest house (you can hardly call it so) and other deities and a few shanties for food and shelter about a hundred mts away.

The skies had just started to turn a little misty and cloudy when we reached and so we parked ourselves at Sujan bhai's eatery for food and hot tea. We had already decided to stay at Tunganath for the night, as our plan was to enjoy the sunrise from Chandrasila the next morning.

Pujas over after a steaming hot bath in the chilling cold, we took our time to explore the surroundings. By then we were getting accustomed to the cold and chilly wind, and feeling a lot better. About a km away one can see the Himalayan Research Centre.

At about 3 pm it suddenly started to drizzle followed by sleet. Sitting on our wooden plank beds inside the mandir committee guesthouse, which allows chilly wind through the cracks of its door, we hugged to our quilts and peeped outside.

The room has a small broken window and something, which they call an attached bathroom. Even the oil-lamp, which they provide, was not good enough to let you realise the shape or condition of it.

And after about half an hour the rain stopped and then came the mesmerising sunset. It is too overwhelming to describe. By then most tourists had left. Our camera started to work overtime, and one stops all kinds of conversation to absorb the beauty and serenity of it all.

And with us stood the white gigantic snow peaks watching and presiding over the whole show. The horizon slowly dimmed into oblivion, the chill started making it tougher to move or walk, the mountain peaks started looking awesome and fearful, and we retreated into our room. There was not a sound to be heard and it slowly started to sink in that we were left all alone in the highest temple of the world.

The Night

Nght came early and we finished our dinner at Sujanbhai's food stall and went back under our double quilts by 8 pm. The single oil lamp started throwing black shadows on the walls and one could hardly carry on conversation in the extreme cold. Lack of enough oxygen in the air and less atmospheric pressure starts to work on you and you feel uncomfortable.

The night seemed long and lying in the bed it became painful to turn over, leave alone sleep. Ultimately after about a couple of hours I dozed off. The next morning we had a plan to reach Chandrasila which is about a kilometre and a half away and a couple of hundred metres higher.

The Next Dawn

It was 5.30 in the morning when we were ready to go. The sky was lit up with hundreds of stars. It was still dark and we had about an hour or so to reach Chandrasila before the sun peeped out. A very broken track, and with torches in our hands we lost our way in the initial stages but made good soon.

The blades of grass and moss had turned white with layers of flaky snow and breathing was troublesome. The path was risky too at stages with the torchlight being the sole help in the dark The going was tough and slow and we finally managed to reach the top around 6.30.The sky was turning bright by then.

Chandrashila

Chandrasila, legend says, is where Rama used to meditate. A small mountaintop measuring about 1500 sq mts, there were only about 10 of us waiting huddled for a fantastic show to begin. There stood eleven peaks in the distance, milk white, slowly rising out of slumber to welcome us. And welcome they did.

Sunrise at Chandrasila is a dream-come-true. It was like watching an artist starting to work on the biggest piece of canvas and changing his mind every minute or so and repaint them again in a brighter hue. Time stops as does words.

And you stand a puny creature in front of nature worshipping the moments and thankful for what life beholds to you. One by one the tips of the ranges started to peep out to the sun and we stood there gazing at the immense layers of snow and ice slowly forming shape in the new light and welcome a new day. And then I felt my soul whisper softly to me "This is nature. This is God."

When Staying in the Rain Forest 101

By Devin Galaudet

There is a romantic notion when considering staying in the rain forests, communing with nature, frolicking in the foliage, sweet and charming animals that purr and pose for your camera.

It is all so simple and charming, just like out of a Disney movie. In fact, when I first saw the room I would be staying in I thought, as I looked out an untouched, unvarnished jungle reality, This is a place to make a baby.

To create life here makes sense. It's perfect. However, the jungle is not just a series of convenient, common vacation experiences. Vacationing in the jungle means embracing the reality of the jungle.

Here are a few thoughts of my first several days visiting the Oso Peninsula during the wet season in Costa Rica.

Bugs are everywhere. If you are hoping to find a bug-free, five-star hotel in the jungle, forget it. Use loads of bug repellent and sleep under a mosquito net when available.

Right now there are twenty-five types of insects on the floor of my bathroom, which is relatively clean. There are also two small tree frogs in there too.

I leave them all be. Actually, I woke up with a stray dog sleeping on the floor next to my luggage. He seemed like he belonged, so he stayed too, until he left on his own.

Expect a bumpy ride. Smooth roads are the exception to the rule, not the norm. Roads frequently have streams running through them and frequently get washed out and can strand visitors unwilling to cross on foot.

The jungle is far from quiet. Barking monkeys, clucking and clacking birds, croaking frogs, and a variety of noises coming from the most bizarre insects on earth do not care about human slumber. And no, they do not take a break.

Mother Nature has the final word on everything. When it rains it pours and plans are based upon her whims, so I always plan for my roll-with-the-punches attitude.

The best advice I can give potential rain forest visitors, think adventure, not vacation and expect a lot of memories to pile on.