Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Ganga Aarti at Haridwar


The Ganga Aarti in Hardwar’s Har-ki-Pauri is one of the famous rituals in India. It starts at around 6.30pm after sunset, with large crowds gathered around both the banks of a canal that carries the waters of Ganges. Loud speakers blare songs in praise of Ganga Maiya and Shiva.
The time of Aarti sees a bustle of activity on the ghats. Many babas are seen sitting in corners, hoping to get some donations from the devotees. Men in blue uniform move around with a receipt book, collecting donations that will be used for conducting the Aarti. People keep walking in all direction trying to find a good place to sit or stand. Hawkers sell wick lamps or diyas to float in the Ganges.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Trekking in Kedarnath

Trekking in India can turn out to be one of the most wonderful and adventurous experiences for you if you know the exact place to trek in. If you are in India, you can trek through the beautiful range of Himalayas, Sikkim, Garhwal, Ladakh, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, etc. We all look for an exciting and memorizing vacation but, either due to lack of time or money we tend to cancel or post pond it further. Trekking and related activities not only relaxes our mind and body but, also enables us to discover the thrill of Mother Nature.

Trekking Tour in Kedarnath:
Celebrated in Hindu mythology and religion, the Garhwal Himalayas are said to be the "Abode of the Gods". The river Ganges takes its source in this remote massif, at the sacred shrine of Gangotri, and rushes down to the plains in a torrential fury. Very few trekkers follow this itinerary which will lead to one of the most important spots of Hindu spirituality, where you will experience a strange atmosphere of religious fervour.

From Kedarnath, where hundreds of pilgrims arrive from all regions of India, the path proceeds at first along the sacred Bhagirathi river, then through dense forests and grassy areas as far as Lata. From there it is a 5-hour drive to Gangotri, where the second part of the trek starts. Near Gaumukh, close to the Source of the Ganges, you will experience the strange view of half-naked saddhus in the lotus position, meditating on the bank of the bubbling stream pouring out the glacier. Further up, Tapovan is a grassy area with numerous brooks, surrounded by snowy peaks.
Kedarnath Temple

It is a round-trip itinerary starting in Kedarnath, along the sacred Baghirathi river, then heading west, through dense forests and grassy areas. The northern part of the itinerary will offer magnificent views of several high altitude lakes.

Location: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Rishikesh
Duration: 10 Days

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi where you will be met and transfered to your hotel. (Hotel B&B)

Day 02: Delhi – Haridwar - Rishikesh by bus (5h).
We will go on a sightseeing tour of Haridwar, which is an important pilgrimage place.

Day 03: Haridwar – Gaurikund (2000m) by bus (9h).

Day 04: Gaurikund – Kedarnath (3600m) in 6h.
This is a steep climb where we will walk with hundreds of pilgrims from all over India. The forest slowly gives way to splendid views of Mount Kedarnath (6940m).

Day 05: Seightseeing in Kedarnath
Kedarnath is one of the most important Indian pilgrimage places. The temple, built in the 8th century and dedicated to the goddess Shiva, is magnificently surrounded with snow-capped peaks.

Day 06: Kedarnath & Gaurikund in 4h.

Day 07: Gaurikund – Maggu(3050m) in 6h.
After a 4-km drive to Sonprayag, we trek upwards through dense forest.

Day 08: Maggu – Panwali Khanta(3150m) in 5h.
After a short climb, we follow a pleasant trail over a flat area, and descend towards the meadows of Panwali Khanta.

Day 09: Panwali Khanta – Ghuttu (1600m) in 6h.
We climb up to Khinko La (3500m), then descend through a magnificent tropical forest and rice-fields.

Day 10:
Ghuttu – Baghi Chatti (2600m) in 5h.
We continue our way through forest and rice-fields to a ridge trail. From the top, the view towards Mount Garhwal is quite impressive.

Day 11: Baghi Chatti – Budakedar (1530m) in 4h.
An easy day, all-downward, through fields and forests.

Day 12: Budakedar – Belak Khal (2750m) in 6h.
The trail passes through a succession of tiny villages: Agund, Jhala and Pangrana. Magnificent high-alpine panorama.
Kedarnath Trekking

Day 13:
Belak Khal – Lata (1700m) in 3h – 22 Kms Drive to Uttarkashi.

Day 14: Uttarkashi - Rishikesh-155 Kms Drive to Rihikesh. In the Afternoon arrive Rishikesh.

Source: http://www.trekkinginindia.com/trekking-in-garhwal/trekking-in-kedarnath.html