Trek to Pindari & Kafni Glaciers (November 2013)


Trek to Pindari & Kafni Glaciers (10th to 18th November 2013)

The Pindari Glacier is found in the upper reaches of the Kumaon Himalayas in Almora district, to the southeast of Nanda Devi (7816 m), Nanda Kot (6861 m) and has lured mountaineers and trekkers since long time. The glacier flows to the south for a short distance of about 3 km and gives rise to the Pindar River which meets the Alakananda at Karnaprayag in the Garhwal district. Pindari's rugged beauty offers a breath-taking sight, especially for the trekker who is in love with nature in all its pristine glory. The Pindari Glacier is an unsurpassable and an exhilarating experience.

The Kafni Glacier (3860 m) lies left of the Pindar Valley below the famous peak of Nandakot. The glacier gives rise to the Kafni River, which is a tributary of the Pindar River. The Pindar River is a tributary to Alaknanda River, which eventually is one of the two headstreams of the Ganges.

Join us, let’s explore the region which is immensely breath-taking as the season is great due to clear skies.

Kafni Glacier (Source: Internet)


Pindari Glacier (Source: Internet)


Highlights of the trek:

·         Geography: Uttaranchal is composed of two words, "Uttar" meaning "North" and "Aanchal" meaning "Blessings." Earlier known as "Dev Bhumi" meaning "The land of god," Uttaranchal also nourishes a diverse and rich culture and monuments of historical importance. State is broadly divided into two zones Kumaon and Garhwal. We will keep explaining you the surroundings as we move on.
·         Photography: Enjoy the picturesque beauty of 'Land of the Gods', Uttarakhand through the lens with the professionals. You will be given various types of outdoor photography tips on the field. We will also try to capture snow-laden peaks in the night.
·         Birding: Himalaya is full of beautiful Birds and butterflies. Bird count en route forest is 200+. Let’s explore the magnificent beauty of the feathered ones. We will have a naturalist with us to explain about birds and wildlife.
·         Flora and Fauna: The region is known for its diversified flora and fauna. In this region we might get to see the rarest animal species in the world. It has a number of surprises in store to satiate their thirst for wildlife watching. The region is endowed with a unique and diverse range of biodiversity. From the snowbound peaks of the Himalayas to the moist Alpine scrub, sub Alpine forests, dry - temperate and moist- temperate forests to moist deciduous forests, the state possesses a wide biodiversity that in return nurtures a large multiplicity of floral and faunal forms.
·         Architecture: Kumaon has a distinctive style of architecture, which is to be seen on the one hand in scattered settlements of the higher Himalaya and populated agricultural valleys, and on the other in the temples, water tanks, forts and dharamshalas. Most of the old houses of Kumaon have stone walls, mud floors, slate roofs and patangans (courtyards of gray stone) and their doors, windows and Kholis have intricate figures of Ganesh and other Gods - Goddesses. The wood carver or carpenter never forgets to make closed nestles for birds.
·         Baghnath Temple: The temples, which have been constructed over a period of about a thousand years, follow a local style known as the 'Hemadpanthi' style of architecture. Bageshwar got its name from an ancient temple of Lord Shiva situated in the heart of the town. Bagnath temple holds the idols made from 7th to 16th century. Join us to visit and know more about this place.


Itinerary:

Day 1 (10th Nov) – Arrive at Kathgodam early morning. Drive to Loharkhet via Almora and Bageshwar. Explore the town of Bageshwar and visit the old Bagnath temple at the confluence of Saryu and Gomti River. Buy all necessary things from the market of Bageshwar. After lunch head towards Loharkhet and reach by evening. Overnight at Loharkhet.

Day 2 (11th Nov) – After breakfast, trek to Khati (17 km). Loharkhet is situated at an elevation of 1,760mts above sea level. Start first step of your trek to Pindari and Kafni Glacier. The trek is quite steep and goes through the dense forest. After following the trail for few more kilometres from Dhakuri Khal you reach Dhakuri. View of snow-capped peaks of southern wall of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary is visible from Dhakuri Khal. Dhakuri is situated at an elevation of 2,680mts amidst dense forest. ‘Khati’ is the biggest village that you will come across on the trek to Pindari Glacier. The trail passes through thick forest of Rhododendrons. It is the last village en route Pindari and Kafni glacier, situated at an elevation of 2,210mts above sea level. You can charge your batteries by paying to run the generator. PWD rest house is situated 500 m ahead of Khati village. Khati is situated on the banks of Pindar River. It is believed that the hospitable villagers are descendants of the race who provided Pandavas with shelter. Camp at Khati.

Day 3 (12th Nov) – After breakfast, trek to Dwali (12 km). Today’s trek goes along with Pindar River with two wooden bridges to cross. Dwali is picturesquely situated at an elevation of 2,575 m above sea level. From here, we can see confluence of Pindar and Kafni rivers. The 5km trek from Dwali to Phurkia is steep and graded at moderate level. Cross the frozen stream and see the dwindling of forest as you climb. Phurkia is the last place en route Pindari Glacier where you can find PWD hut. There is beautiful waterfall just before Phurkia where you can rest for a while. Phurkia is a picturesque place blessed with natural beauteousness. It is situated at an elevation of 3,250 m above sea level. Camp at Phurkia.

Day 4 (13th Nov) – After breakfast, trek to Zero Point, Pindari glacier. The trek from Phurkia to Zero Point of Pindari Glacier is visually captivating as it offers spectacular view of the mighty Himalayan range. Start early if you want to spend more time at the Zero Point. The mouth of the Pindari Glacier is named as ‘Zero Point’ and it situated at an astounding elevation of 3,660 m above sea level. 1 km before the Zero Point you will see a Babaji’s house who serves food to the people who makes it upto there. After exploring the praiseworthy beauty of Pindari Glacier trek back to Dwali camp (11 km). Overnight at Dwali.

Day 5 (14th Nov) – See the sun rising near Nanda Devi east mountain. After breakfast, trek to Khatia camp (6 km). Overnight at Khatia.

Day 6 (15th Nov) – After breakfast, trek to Kafni glacier. The Kafni Glacier is situated to the left of Pindar valley. The major Himalayan peaks visible from Kafni Glacier are Nanda Kot (6,806mts) and Nanda Bhanar (6,104mts). Bayaligar is situated 2 kms before Kafni Glacier at an altitude of 3,860 m above sea level. The region of Kafni Glacier has its own charm and allures with the solitude terrain it presents. After exploring the beauty and surrounding area of Kafni Glacier, trek back to Dwali. Return via Bayaligar with trail gradually descending to Dwali. (12 km).

Day 7 (16th Nov) – Trek back downwards to Khati and then to Dhakuri the same day. Carry back with you unforgettable memories and adventurous experience by giving your presence to mountains.
(20 km). Camp at Dhakuri.

Day 8 (17th Nov) – After breakfast follow the 9 km downward trail all the way to Loharkhet and stay. Trek ends with sweet memories.

Day 9 (18th Nov) – After breakfast, drive to Kathgodam, take the train to Delhi at night.

Cost: 21,500/- (20,500/- if booked before 31st August)

Booking Amount: 10,000/- (Non-Refundable)
Remaining should be paid before 31st October 2013.

Includes:

Transport from Kathgodam to Loharkhet and back.
Accommodation in rest houses.
All meals during trek (Kathgodam to Kathgodam)
Mineral water during road journey from Kathgodam to Loharkhet and back.
Porter charges (10 kg per person)
Inner line permit and Entry fees.
Guide charges

Excludes:

Any kind of shopping
Optional Sightseeing
Any other expenses on personal basis
Anything that is not mentioned under Includes.
Any expenses caused by reason beyond our control such as road block due to natural climates and accidents etc.

NOTE: Departure subject to at least 10 trekkers.

Registration / Queries:

Ruturaj: 9158266904

Modes of Payment:

1.       Online transfer.

Axis Bank Account No: 911010053009069
Branch: Badlapur, Thane(MH)
Name: Ruturaj S. Joshi
IFSC Code: UTIB0001342

After transaction please email us transaction id along with your name, participants details (Name, Email, Mobile number) at nisargtrust@gmail.com

2.       Cash Payment: Pay 10,000/- at the following address:
Nisarg Trust, Ground floor, Telavane Tower, Near Railway station, Badlapur (East)

3.       Courier a cheque of Rs. 10,000/- to the following address:
Name: Nisarg Trust
Address: Granthsakha, Opposite Telavane Tower, Near Railway station, Badlapur (East) - 421503


Regards,
Nisarg Trust


One day trek to Fort ‘Mrugagad’ on 27th July 2013


One day trek to Fort ‘Mrugagad’ on 27th July 2013

Dear All,

            We at ‘Nisarg Trust’ invite you to a small yet beautiful one day trek to ‘Mrugagad’ on 27th July 2013.


Minutiae:

Height: 1750ft (MSL)
Grade: Medium
Time: 1:30 hrs from base
Location: Tiger Valley, Lonavla range

            Mrugagad is a very small fort situated in the tiger valley. Way to reach there is from Khopoli. Behind it lies a huge Moradi Pinnacle. Locals also call it as ‘Bheliv fort’ as the base village is Bheliv. Way to the top goes through nice vegetation followed by small ascend through the col. After reaching a small plateau, we stand in front of amazing rock cut steps. From there, we see a cave carved in the cliff at the right side. But its approach is bit difficult. On the top, we see remnants of fortification, few water cisterns. Top offers amazing view of whole tiger valley, Moradi pinnacle and Anaghai fort. Since Umbarkhind lies in the same region, the fort was used to keep watch on the route and surrounding region.

Itinerary:

Meeting Point: Ticket Window, Khopoli station at 8.40 am

Fast Karjat local train timing is given below:

CST: 6:16 AM
Dadar: 6:30 hrs
Kurla: 6:37 hrs
Thane: 6:56 hrs
Dombivali: 7:08 hrs
Kalyan: 7:16 hrs
Badlapur: 7:36 hrs
Karjat: 8:10 hrs

From Karjat, we will take 8:15 am Khopoli local which departs from Karjat.
Note: You have to take Khopoli local immediately from Karjat station which will drop us at Khopoli by 8:40 am.

Please do carry your return tickets for Khopoli.

8:45 am: Introduction
9:15 am: Move to base village by public transport.
11:15 am: At the base. Start trek.
12:30 pm: At the top, Explore fort and start descend.
3:00 pm: Back to the base. Move to Khopoli by public transport.
5:00 pm: At Khopoli

Cost: 300/-
Includes transport from Khopoli to Khopoli, Breakfast and Lunch.

For registration, kindly transfer 300/- in the following account:

Axis Bank Account No: 911010053009069
Branch: Badlapur, Thane(MH)
Name: Ruturaj S Joshi
IFSC Code: UTIB0001342

Otherwise, you can pay cash atleast 1 day prior at Nisarg Trust office.

Address: Nisarg Trust, Ground floor, Telavane Tower, Opposite Granthsakha, Near Railway Station, Badlapur (East)

Things to carry:

A Water Bottle (~2 litres is a must)
Camera, Cell Phone (Optional)

Something to munch on (Biscuits, Plum cakes etc.)
Please avoid wearing Gold and other ornaments.
Personal medicines if u require usually (Optional)
Personal basic medical kit (Containing an antiseptic, few bandages, personal medications if any, Antibiotics for stomach infection)
A haversack to put all these things.
Good Trekking shoes.
Pack your bags properly to protect your valuable things from getting wet.


Registration / Queries:

Ruturaj: 9320034154
Anup: 7798050085

Email: nisargtrust@gmail.com (Please write participant names with a mobile number)

Kindly read our '
Rules and Regulations' before registering.


Regards,
Team Nisarg Trust





Everest Base Camp trek


EVEREST BASE CAMP

Highlights of the Tour

·         English speaking trekking guide and porter
·         Farewell dinner at typical Nepali restaurant followed by Cultural Show in Kathmandu
·         TIMS card fee
·         Economy Air fare from Kathmandu to Lukla and back
·         Escorted tour

  

Tentative Itinerary:
Day
Place
Details
1
Kathmandu (1350m)
On arrival at Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel. Day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
2
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
After breakfast, you will be guided to visit renowned and one of the largest Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, Bouddha Stupa and Swoyambhunath. After lunch, you will be visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square. Overnight at the hotel.
3
Flight to Lukla & trek to Phakding (2656m, 3-4 hrs trek approx)
Early morning, after breakfast, you will board a flight to Lukla and a landing on a steep mountain runway brings you to the start of your trek at the village of Lukla (2850m). Even during the entire flight, you can enjoy panoramic sights of great Himalayas of Nepal including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8153m), Mt. Lhotse (8,501m), Mt. Lhotse Shar (8,393m), Kanchenjunga, Gaurishankar, Ganesh, Langtang etc. From Lukla, you will head up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well- marked trail. Overnight in a local lodge/rest house.
4
Trek to Namche (3450m, 5-6 hrs trek approx)
Depart from Phakding, you will be crossing the river twice through high suspension bridges and arrive at Monjo – the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and

preserve the fragile mountain environment. From here, you will follow the path to reach Namche, which is the major trading village in entire Khumbu region. If the weather is clear, you will get the first glimpse of Mt Everest from this point. Overnight in a local lodge/rest house.
5
Rest day in Namche
Today you will spend your entire day in Namche by taking complete rest in order to acclimatize to gain altitude, plan for forthcoming trips and get habituated to your trekking destinations. Overnight in a local lodge/rest house.
6
Trek to Thyangboche (3867m, 6-7 hrs trek approx)                                               
Today walk along the trail that follows the path to the side of the valley, high above the Dudh Koshi River.  You will get to see some great views of great peaks of the Khumbu region including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. As you move downwards, you will pass through several Sherpa villages and teashops and continue the hike to reach Thyangboche   by following a zigzag path. The path offers awesome sights of Rhododendron bushes with beautiful birds and superb mountain scenery. Finally, you will reach Thyangboche, which is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. Overnight in a local lodge/rest house.
7
Trek to Pheriche (4252m, 5-6 hrs trek approx)
Today, you will be descending downhill from Thyangboche through the forests and by crossing the Imja Khola. The trail then follows the uphill path to the village of Pangboche which faces Mt. Ama Dablam (6,856m). Further two hours of walk will take you to your last destination for today. Overnight in a local lodge/rest house.
8
Rest day in Pheriche
After the continuous walk for seven days, spend your entire day in Pheriche resting in order to acclimatize to gain altitude, plan for forthcoming trips and get habituated to your trekking destinations. Overnight in a local lodge/rest house.
9
Trek to Lobuche (4930m, 6-7 hrs trek approx)
Leaving Pheriche, you will trek uphill to Lobuche and have to pass through a wide valley, Khumbu glacier and several teahouses in between. Besides, the trail also offers magnificent views of Cholatse and awache. Overnight  in a local lodge/rest house.
10
Trek to Gorak Shep (5184m, 6-7 hrs trek approx)
The last destination for today will be Gorak Shep, base for the EBC. To reach Gorak Shep you will have to pass Kala Patthar and Khumbu glaciers surrounded by astoundingly beautiful snow-clad mountains. Three hours of further walking and you will beat Gorak Shep. Overnight in a local lodge/rest house.
11
Trek to Everest Base Camp (5357m) back to

Gorak Shep
A very early start is required to reach the Everest Base Camp. It takes several hours as the trail weaves its way through ice pinnacles and

Crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. On the return leg, you can opt to take a higher route to get a spectacular view of the Khumbu Ice-fall and South Col. Overnight in a local lodge/rest house.
12
Trek to Pangboche (3985m)
Couple of hours of walk will take you to Himalayan Rescue Association HRA). From there, you will continue the journey and pass Khumbu Khola, Imja Khola and the suspension bridge before arriving at Pangboche. Overnight in a local lodge/rest house.
13
Trek to Namche
From Pangboche, your journey will continue towards Namche. The trail will take you across rivers and rhododendron forests amidst the views of Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku  mountains. Overnight in a local lodge/rest house.
14
Trek to Lukla
The path goes along side the Dudh Koshi to reach Lukla. Upon reaching Lukla in the evening, you will have time to enjoy local drinks with a company of Sherpa guides and porters. Overnight in a local lodge/rest house.
15
Flight to Kathmandu
After having breakfast, you will check in to the airport to fly back to Kathmandu. Upon reaching the Kathmandu airport, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at a hotel.
16
Departure
Morning depart for your flight for onwards journey.

Cost per person                                  Rs 65000/- plus 3.09% GST
Dates                                                   14 Oct’13 to 29 Oct’13
Last date of booking is 31st July.

Cost Includes:
*  3 Nights accommodation at 3* category hotel (Manang / Marssangi or similar) on twin sharing basis on BB plan in Kathmandu
*  12 Nights accommodation lodges/ Guesthouse during the trek with full board basis including three meals in a day.
*  1 time National Park entry fee.
*  TIMS (Trekkers Management Information System) card fee
*  1 English speaking trekking guide and porter (1porter for 2 person ratio max 10 kg per person baggage) during the trek.
*  1 Farewell dinner at typical Nepali restaurant followed by Cultural Show in Kathmandu.
*  Tours and transfer by a/c vehicle as per the above itinerary in Kathmandu
*  Guided sightseeing as per the itinerary.
*  Air fare Kathmandu - Lukla – Kathmandu ( subject to change if changed by the concerned authority)
*  Entrance fees during sightseeing as per the itinerary and Thamel bazaar visit.
*  Tips and Trek Escort

Cost does not include:
*  Any rail or air fare to Kathmandu and back
*  Meals in Kathmandu
*  The fare difference for Kathmandu Lukla Kathmandu at the time of booking
*  Any kind of evacuation if required
*  Any kind of insurance and evacuation charges
*  All the personal expenses laundry, beverages, telephone calls and bar bill etc.
*  Any expenses caused by reason beyond our control such as road block due to natural climates and accidents. Etc.
*  Items not mentioned in the cost includes list
*  3.09% service tax

Notes:
*  Departure subject to Minimum 10 confirmed persons
*  Rates are valid for Indian Nationals only
*  Air Fare / Rail Fare and Insurance can be organised by us at an additional cost
*  Participant are requested to be fit as there are long journey travel involved throughout the trip
*  In case of Natural Calamities/Snow conditions, tour escort holds all rights to change/curtail/alter program at last minute. Organizer will try to cover all places in this event. In such cases if any incidental costs are incurred, all participants needs to contribute for same.
*  Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited on the Trek
*  Any change in service tax the same will be applicable additionally
*  Vehicle provided will be as per the itinerary and not at disposal
*  All the above mentioned rates are per person rates on triple sharing

*  50% amount should be paid at the time of booking
*  Remaining 50% to be paid one month prior to departure date
*  Cancellation policy:
    Rs. 10000/- (NON-REFUNDABLE)
  *   Between 30 to 15 days prior to journey date – 50% refund                                                                  
  *    Less than 14 days prior to journey date – NO REFUND           

Registration / Queries:

Ruturaj: 9158266904

Register yourself by paying 32,500/- in advance


Mode of Payment:

1.       Online transfer.

Axis Bank Account No: 911010053009069
Branch: Badlapur, Thane(MH)
Name: Ruturaj S Joshi
IFSC Code: UTIB0001342

After transaction please email us transaction id along with your name, participants details
 (Name, Email, Mobile number) at nisargtrust@gmail.com

2.      Cash Payment: Pay 32,500/- at the following address:
Nisarg Trust, Ground floor, Telavane Tower, Near Railway station, Badlapur (East)

3.      Courier a cheque of Rs. 32,500/- to the following address:
Name: Nisarg Trust
Address: Granthsakha, Opposite Telavane Tower, Near Railway station, Badlapur (East) - 421503