Mystic Himalayan Trails Adventure, Soul-search, Sustainability.

Transcription

1 Mystic Himalayan Trails Adventure, Soul-search, Sustainability. TM Gi iivvee uuss aa feew f ddaayyss oof f yyoouur r lli liif fee,, wee l lll ggi iivvee yyoouu meemoor ri iieess foor f r aa lli liif feet ti iimee.. THE MANTALAI LAKE TREK: PROGRAM BACKGROUND The Himalayas, which in the ancient Indian language Sanskrit - means 'Abode Of Snows,' are the greatest mountains on the face of the earth. They have an especially unique place in the history and legend of India, where they were worshipped as the dwelling place of the gods of the Hindu & Buddhist Pantheon. These mountains extend in a grand sweep all along the northern frontiers of the Indian nation and conceal within their folds many vibrant lands and peoples. The Parvati valley is one such enchanting little valley ensconced within the bosom of the Great Himalayan range. Bewitchingly beautiful & verdant, this relatively unspoilt valley has maintained its character as it is still considered to be somewhat off the beaten path and not too many routine tourists venture there. About this trek: This is one of the most spectacular treks in the region that takes one up the lush green Parvati valley in Kullu to the source of the sacred Parvati river, which is the high-altitude Mantalai lake, nestled at the foot of majestic high peaks of the Himalaya. A major portion of the trek passes through the outskirts of the Great Himalayan national park and there are quite a few opportunities on this trail to explore myriad flora & fauna of the Indian Western Himalaya. This is the perfect trek for nature lovers and people who have an interest in the spiritual & natural history of the Kullu Himalaya. The sacred high altitude Mantalai Lake at the head of the Parvati valley

2 SEASON: May end to July & September to late October. NUMBER OF DAYS: 12 days HIGHEST ALTITUDE GAINED: Mantalai Lake (4115m) TREK GRADIENT: Moderately strenuous. Day 01: Barsheni - Khirganga (3020m) Duration: 5 hours The trek starts from the village of Barshaini, the road-head in the Parvati valley. A moderate ascent of around 5 hrs brings one to Khirganga, which is a hot spring where Lord Shiva is said to have meditated. The difference between the springs here and in Manikaran is that after a bath in Khirganga, your skin will feel clammy and greasy whereas after a bath in the spring at Manikaran, your skin will feel dry. (overnight in a camp or local guest house) Day 02: Khirganga - Tunda Bhuj (3285m) Duration: 5 hours The trek commences through dense Himalayan forests and flower-strewn meadows. The progress is gradual and slow as a steep climb to Tunda Bhuj is involved. (Overnight in camp) Khirganga, with its medicinal hot-springs and coniferous forests Day 03: Acclimatisation (Rest) Day at Tunda Bhuj. Spend this day at the beautiful Tunda Bhuj campsite. This is possibly one of the most picturesque campsites on the whole route and provides some great views of the surrounding mountains. This rest day is essential for proper acclimatisation to this altitude (3285 m) and to ease your transition to the still higher altitudes that follow. After this we ll be gaining almost a thousand meters till we reach Mantalai. So this halt will help us adapt better to the perils of high altitude. (Overnight in camp)

3 Day 04: Tunda Bhuj - Thakur Kuan (3620m) Duration: 6 hours The trail continues through a landscape strewn with waterfalls, lakes and meadows till Thakur Kuan. (Overnight in camp) Day 05: Thakur Kuan - Odi Thach (3800m) Duration: 5 hours It's another day of steep climb to reach the high altitude meadow of Odi Thach. On the path, you will cross the Pandu Bridge, which is made of a single rock on the river Parvati. Care has to be exercised while crossing this rock bridge as the turbulent Parvati river roars underneath. This rock bridge is believed to have been created by the mighty Bheem, one of the Pandava brothers (the heroes of the Mahabharata), during their exile in the Himalayas. (Overnight in camp) Day 06: Odi Thach - Mantalai Lake (4115m) Duration: 9 hours The trek up to Mantalai lake is a gradual climb. Once at the lake, you can see the Mantalai Glacier, which is the source of the sacred river Parvati. This beautiful high-altitude lake is considered very holy by the inhabitants of the Parvati valley the river itself is considered to be the Godess Parvati, the divine consort of Lord Shiva (the supreme deity of the Hindu pantheon), in the form of a river. Day 07: Near Mantalai Lake Spend the whole day at the Mantalai Lake, soaking in the great all round views of the mountains from the lake and its surroundings. It is also possible to go for small walks to the nearby glacial moraine. Or, you can simply relax near the lake and indulge in photography etc. (Overnight in camp) Day 08: Descend back to the Odi Thach meadow. (Overnight in camp) Early morning at the Tunda Bhuj campsite Day 09: Trek back to Thakur Kuan from Odi Thach. (Overnight camp) This will be a more leisurely walk and one can also spend some time during it exploring the native local flora.

4 Day 10: Trek to Thakur Kuan from Tunda Bhuj. (Overnight camp) Day 11: Descend from Tunda Bhuj to Khirganga (Overnight camp) Day 12: Khirganga to Barshaini. Trek back to the road-head at Barshaini from where a vehicle can transport you to Manikaran. Optionally, one can spend a night in Manikaran in order to check out the local temple and Gurudwara. The other attraction is the chance to take a dip in the sulphur hot water springs in Manikaran, which are reputed to have medicinal properties. TREK ENDS. BON VOYAGE. PROGRAM COSTS & SERVICES : Our cost estimate for conducting the aforementioned tour will be as follows, Cost Per Person / Per Day (for a group : Rs. 3, 000 /- (INR) with a minimum of 6 pax), for the Mantalai Lake trek. 12 days as per the itinerary (Ex. Rupees Three Thousand Only. Barshaini), inclusive of the services listed hereunder Cost Per Person(for a group with a minimum : Rs. 36, 000 /- (INR) of 6 pax), for the whole Mantalai Lake trek. 12 days as per the itinerary (Ex. Barshaini), Rupees Thirty Six Thousand Only. inclusive of the services listed hereunder. SERVICES INCLUDED / EXCLUDED IN THE COSTS: COST INCLUSIONS: The tentative tour costs include the following, The services of an educated Mystic Himalayan Trails representative or escort / guide, well versed with native flora/fauna & culture during the entire trek program. During the trek, all camping logistics and mules / porters/ to carry luggage. Participants will be required to carry only their day sacks with their lunch etc. Camping on twin sharing basis in 2-man tents, with foam mattress, sleeping bags and kitchen tent, toilet tent etc. etc. One Cook / helper with all necessary kitchen items, utensils etc.

5 Boiled drinking water during the trek and warm water for personal ablutions in the morning. Wildlife / environmental Permits and Levies, wherever required. Trek Briefing / debriefing & guides charges. Leave No Traces protocol charges. Good medical / first aid kit. COST EXCLUSIONS: The tour costs exclude the following, Any accidental, travel or medical insurance. It is advisable for the participants to get themselves comprehensively insured before the tour. Any expenses of a personal nature. Any and all evacuation charges (medical or otherwise), or hospitalisation or physicians consultation charges. Your own insurance policy should, ideally, cover this. The beautiful, frolicking river Parvati, as it makes it way down the valley Accommodation or meals at any hotel in Manikaran or Barshaini or any transfers from Manikaran to Barshaini & back. The same can also be organised by us at reasonable rates, if desired. Any air transfers or airfare between Delhi and Bhunter or vice versa. Any Surface Transfers between New Delhi & Bhunter / Manikaran and vice-versa.

6 Beverages or drinks of any sort, including soft drinks, alcoholic / non-alcoholic drinks or bottled / mineral water. Tipping of the drivers or guides etc. Any photography or camera charges or batteries. Any shopping charges or transfers for personal visits to the market etc. Any other services not specifically mentioned in the service inclusions. In case further information or clarifications are required, kindly do not hesitate to revert back to us at rahulogra@gmail.com or mystichimalayantrails@gmail.com You can also call us at the following numbers: (Mob) (Landline) With warm regards, The Mystic Himalayan Trails team. Note : Kindly do also go through our terms applicable for joining any of the programs conducted by Mystic Himalayan Trails. This document is also attached herewith for your future reference. On program confirmation, we would require a copy of the same, signed by the group leader for our records. Please do consider the state of the environment, before you decide to take a printout. Cooppyyrri iigghht t Myysst ti iicc Hi iimaal llaayyaann Trraai iil llss.. Al lll rri iigghht tss rreesseerrvveedd Office: Opposite Hotel Sun Park, Aleo, New Manali, Manali , District Kullu, Himachal Pradesh - India Tel: Mobile: rahulogra@gmail.com mystichimalayantrails@gmail.com

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