Himalayan Treks

The Himalayan chain is spread southeast to northwest across the Asian continent. The Indian Himalayas originates from a knot between Myanmar, China, and India. The chain continues to the border of Bhutan. Beyond that lies Sikkim, home to many peaks including the world’s third highest, Kanchenjunga. The Himalayan range west of Sikkim forms part of Nepal until you reach the border of Kumaun and Garhwal. From here the Indian Himalayan chain continues without a break through Kinnaur, Spiti, Ladakh and lastly East Karakoram. Trekking in the Great Himalayas is an enthralling experience.

Why Trek in Himalayas

Because the Himalaya, "home of the snows", is the most impressive system of mountains on the planet, and for centuries the setting for epic feats of exploration and mountain climbing, are a world into themselves. Ascending the heights and being a part of the Himalayan landscape is an experience beyond comparison. Above all trekking in the Himalaya is often a mix of adventure, pleasure and self-realisation.

Everybody wants to explore the Himalayas due to different reasons: some for adventure and fun while the other for climbing the high peaks. Everybody who visits the Himalayas deep inside their heart wants to explore the Mount Everest. The Himalayas is the world's highest mountain range and the home for 10 of the world's highest mountain peaks. Fourteen peaks of the Himalayas are above the height of 8,000m. Apart from the famous mountain peaks like Mount Everest, K2, and Kanchenjunga there are other peaks like Nanga Parbat, Annapurna, Manaslu, Lahotse, and Dhaulagiri.

5 Highest Peaks in Himalayas

Mount Everest

Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world. It rises to a height of 8,850m above sea level. The mountain is named after Sir George Everest. It is known by different names in different regions like Sagarmatha in Nepal and Quomolongma in Tibet. The height of the Himalayan Mountain varies depending on the amount of snowfall on its peak.

Karakoram

K2 is also known as Austin Godwin, named after an English photographer who explored the region. Locally it is known as "Chogo Ri", meaning "The Great Mountain". It is the second highest mountain peak in the world with a height of 8,611m.

Kanchenjunga

Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain peak of the world located in the Sikkim and Nepal border. The word Kanchenjunga means "The Five Treasures of the Snow" in the local language, referring to its five summits, which are all over 8,000 meters. Kanchenjunga has an altitude of 8, 586m. It has still remained unexplored in spite of several attempts. According to Sir John Hunt, who climbed the peak of Everest with Sir edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norkey, has said Kanchenjunga is a more dangerous and hard to explore, than the Mount Everest itself. 

Nanga Parbat

Nanga Parbat or naked mountain is another important peak of the Himalayan range. It is the ninth highest mountain in the world. It is located in regions of Baldistan, Korakoram Range, Gilgit, Pakistan. Nanga Parbat has a height of 8,126m. The mountain has such sharp edges that it cannot hold much of snow. That's the reason the mountain peaks have an unclad appearance. It is considered a very dangerous mountain because of the tragedies, which took place earlier. 

Annapurna

Among the other famous peaks of the Himalayas the Annapurna range is a very important Himalayan range. It is located in central Nepal Himalayas with an altitude of 8,091m. It ranks 10th highest mountain in the world. The Annapurna range stretches from west to east consisting of a number of major peaks, two highest peaks being Annapurna I and Annapurna II.

So, go for trekking to live the real adventure in Himalayas.

Hampi – A Climber’s destination

Hampi - the capital of the erstwhile Vijaynagar (The City of Victory) Empire - is often called a perfect weekend escape in Karnataka. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination Hampi in its sunshine days was a magnificent city with countless temples and palaces. The city was robbed of all its grandeur in later half of the 16th century, when it was attacked by the Mughals.

Today, more than 600 years later the ruins of Hampi still attract thousands of travellers, who make a beeline to Hampi just to be transported into the bygone era. Hampi was constructed by Harihara and Bukka, two brothers from the Sangama family in 1336 AD. It is said that such were the riches of Hampi that it took hundreds of elephants and more than six months to carry the loot out of Hampi!

No wonder Hampi was noted for exotic palaces, lovely temples, formidable forts, lively markets, and stables of royal elephants. It was a hub of many monuments, many of which are now in ruins. But these ruins are what draw many a travellers to Hampi. In Hampi at every turn there is a surprise. Every monument hides more than what they reveal. Hampi is a backpackers’ paradise and the pilgrims’ delight. A perfect place for the one interested in history, heritage, art, rock climbing, hill climbing, and adventure, Hampi is one of the historical gems of Karnataka.

How to Reach Humpi?

Reaching Hampi is not a problem at all with the convenience of a huge variety of conveyance options. With transportation access in and around the town of Hampi being run very smoothly you can anticipate a smooth itinerary in Hampi. 

By Air: Bellary is the nearest domestic airport, which is about 60 km away. Bangalore is the nearest International Airport, which is 350 km away. 

By Rail: Nearest railhead is Hospet, which is nearly 13 km from Hampi. Hospet is well connected to Bangalore, Hyderabad and other major cities in Karnataka and neighbouring states. 

By Road: Hampi is well connected by KSRTC bus services with all nearby cities. Daily KSRTC super deluxe night bus from Bangalore to Hampi. There are many private buses operating from Gokarna and many places in Goa have bus service to Hampi.

Best Time to Go: The monsoon (July-September) and winter (November-February). Catch the 3-day Hampi Festival in November.

Activities

Rock Climbing

If you want to experience adventure in Karnataka, Rock Climbing in Hampi is the sport for you. This area is a rock climber's haven, being encompassed by boulders and rocky hills all around. You can set up camp in the many designated areas within Hampi and climb your way up to catch the vast expanse of the mystical ruins below. Hampi is considered the bouldering capital of India. The extensive rock-hewn landscape and enchanting temple-ruins background provides for a unique climbing experience. Climbers have been visiting this place since 1980s.

Souvenir Shopping

In the Hampi Bazaar, near the Virupaksha temple, are rows of shops displaying merchandise you can pick up. The Lambani nomads are famous for their embroidered textiles and jewellery. Other things to shop for are shawls, bags, skirts, etc. 

Things to Carry

The things to carry are nothing exclusive to the place as there are no drastic climate changes. However as a checklist keep with you a Camera, Sunscreen, some warm clothes, mosquito repellent, money for food, drinks and entrance fees.

Eco-adventure – Integration of man and nature

Travelling can be the ultimate adventure in India. Furthermore the geographical diversity in India allows for a wide range of trips to be planned from Trekking on Himalayan ranges or from Tea State of Darjeeling; to riding on camel back in Rajasthan or Bicycle Adventure to Horse Safari, to Rafting on Ganga or onto Jeep Safari in Spiti Valley. The trips are designed to allow one to sample a small range of this diversity.

What is Eco-adventure?

Eco-adventure is a form of adventure that involves travelling to tranquil and unpolluted natural areas. It is integration between man and nature. Eco-adventure focuses on volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on the planet. It typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Ecotourism is a conceptual experience, enriching those who delve into researching and understanding the environment around them. It gives insight into the impact of human beings on nature and also a greater appreciation of our own natural habitats. Eco-tours appeal to ecologically and socially conscious individuals.

Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation and creation of economic opportunities for the local communities.

Ecotourism is more than a catch phrase for nature loving travel and recreation. Ecotourism is consecrated for preserving and sustaining the diversity of the world's natural and cultural environments. It accommodates and entertains visitors in a way that is minimally intrusive or destructive to the environment and sustains & supports the native cultures in the locations it is operating in. Responsibility of both travellers and service providers is the genuine meaning for eco-friendly tourism. 

While carrying out the adventure keep nature in mind.

Saving the environment around you and preserving the natural luxuries and forest life, that's what eco-adventure is all about. Whether it's about a nature camp or organizing trekking trips towards the unspoilt and inaccessible regions, one should always keep in mind not to create any mishap or disturbance in the life cycle of nature.

Historical, biological and cultural conservation, preservation, sustainable development etc. are some of the fields closely related to Ecotourism. Many professionals have been involved in formulating and developing ecotourism policies. Ecotourism in India too is gathering momentum with more and more travel and travel related organisations addressing the needs of the eco-tourists and promoting eco-friendly tourism in India. 

Golden Rules When You Travel

1. Learn about your destination before you get there. Read guidebooks, travel articles, histories, and/or novels by local authors and pay particular attention to customs such as greetings, appropriate dress, eating behaviours, etc. Being sensitive to these customs will increase local acceptance of you as eco-adventurer and enrich your trip. 

2. Follow established guidelines. Ask your eco-tour operator, guide and/or the local authorities what their guidelines are for limiting tourism's impact on the environment and local culture. Staying on trails, packing up your trash, and remaining set distances away from wildlife are a few ways to minimize your impact in sensitive areas and make it an eco-friendly tour.

3. Seek out and support locally owned businesses. Support local businesses during your eco-travels to ensure maximum community and conservation benefit from your spending.

Ecotourism in India is still at a very nascent stage, but there are for sure conscious efforts to save the fragile ecosystem and culture and heritage of the indigenous people, which is probably the largest concentration in the world. 

A plethora of holiday camping options are available in the Himalayan belt, where soft adventure tourism is packaged with holiday camping to create an acceptable eco-friendly tourism product. Resorts tucked deep inside jungles of Karnataka, House-boats of Kerala, Tree Houses at Vythiri combine to make India one of the most diverse ecotourism destinations on the planet.

Adventure in Rajasthan

Sir Edmund Hillary, the great Everester, whose thirst for adventure has proved enduring and never-ending, found Rajasthan ideal for undertaking a journey on a camel caravan. It was an unusual way to choose to cross the arid Thar Desert. And, following in his footsteps, one can re-live the adventure in Rajasthan. 

Rajasthan is like a jewel in the midst of the golden sand. However it is the less explored side of our planet. Adventure in Rajasthan consists of the thrill of leisure, places, people, traditions and the seductive charm of the unspoilt nature along with the quaint ethnic lifestyles.

The sporting events in this state may be very different but are nonetheless invigorating. The spirit of adventure and bravery has always been a prominent part of life. In the days of yore, hunting was the major source of excitement for the people. Pitting their wits against the most ferocious of animals was considered a challenge. Wrestling was yet another outlet for those seeking a show of strength. Today times have changed but the search for adventure still remains. 

Among the adventures in Rajasthan, choose from gamut of activities like camel safari, elephant, horse safaris, trekking and rock climbing. The possibilities are limitless for indulging in water sports like boating, water sailing, rafting and fishing in lakes. The more adventurous can opt for parasailing and hang gliding in the Aravalli hills.

Trekking

Whether you are interested in short and easy trips to enjoy the diverse flora, or in long and challenging excursions, Rajasthan trekking has it all. The lofty Aravalli hills offer several areas ideal for trekking. Wondering through dense forests and lush meadows to clear lakes and rejuvenating waterfalls, the experience is enthralling.

Horse and Camel Polo

Considered the most prominent and elite sports, polo has always been popular in Rajasthan. Horse polo is taken very seriously and is played by professional teams with thoroughbred horses.

Ballooning / Parasailing / Gliding

A trip in a hot-air balloon over the sandy terrain of Rajasthan, from an historic fort to a magnificent palace, can be very exhilarating. Defying the laws of gravity and parasailing through the wind is thrilling. The large strips of barren land have proved to be ideal for gliding.

Golf

The desert is an unusual place for a golf course but as the aristocracy was enamoured with this sport, golf courses were laid and maintained. Jaipur has an 18-hole golf course, where you can have a round of golf, in the picturesque surroundings including a palace.

Kite Flying

The Rajputs have always been passionate about flying kites and there are clubs in various cities where this sport is ardently practiced. An international kite flying competition is held in Jaipur, which adds to the fervour.

Bicycling

Bicycling can be relaxing or exhausting, as you choose it to be. In either case, cycling to experience the crowded streets or to explore the countryside is extremely enjoyable and refreshing.

Water Sports

Angling can be very exciting, especially in Rajasthan's lakes that teem with game fish. Even the most rudimentary angling equipment can result in rich rewards. There are some picturesque and tranquil lakes in Rajasthan that are perfect for swimming and boating.

Desert Safari

Rajasthan's topography is such that it allows for various safaris – jeep safari, camel safari, horse safari and elephant safari. Each safari has its own charm and caters to the varying preferences of tourists. Sitting on a jeep, elephant or camel, tourists explore every nook and corner of Rajasthan while enjoying the journey itself.

The terrain in Rajasthan is tailor-made for most adventure sports, what with the open desert tracts, the vast lakes and rivers, the wildlife parks, and little villages abandoned by the march of civilization as is known, but no less hospitable for it. And threading these together, a landscape where the paths and trails weave through a history rich with forts and palaces, mansions and cenotaphs. And a culture that binds these together into a fascinating journey. Just spot and sport it out.

PLEASANT SURPRISES OUT OF CAT

It has been extremely difficult over the past few days to keep my cool and write the other exams well. My anxiety was not completely in check and I managed to devote my attention (waste my time) on the speculations about the CAT results. Finally I found a few pleasant surprises on my way. The day came when I was prepared to see how I fared in my last attempt to CAT. I ended up with 93.11%ile and guess what!!! I managed to get an IIM-Shillong call. I finally realised that hard work really pays.
The next few days were just dreaming about when will I pass my last few months in office and start an altogether different life. But again the other side of the story is that the next stage will be the battle between equals and I needed to be aware of this fact particularly well.
One more sweet call on my way was that of S.P.Jain-Finance. Frankly speaking, I worked hard for its application and was almost 95% sure that I should get the call for the interview.

Looking foward for the exciting days ahead!!! :-)

IMMEDIATELY AFTER CAT 2008.

Yes! I again repeated the same performance as I had given in the last two years. After taking CAT three times, I land up in the same territory. Oh God! When will I get to study in a very good college. Inspite of repeated efforts, I could not significantly raise my performance. :-(

Anyway, I'm not feeling too low now. I need to gear up for the other exams. I can't sit back and keep brooding about my past. I know that I had moved onto become a much more competitive and nice person than I had been 2-3 years before. I understand myself more and know what I want. If God listens to my prayers, he would definitely get me a few calls and final converts. :-P But I have to do my part first.

CHASING A DREAM

I am one among the 2 lac students that appeared for CAT2006. I am in the list of 2.5 lac students that wrote CAT2007. And again, I'm here, writing CAT2008.

How the journey of preparation for CAT is one of self-realisation?

 My major 'intellectual' transformation, if I can say, happened actually during these 3 years of my CAT preparation. Although business is not something people would associate me with, I would want to show how a business with a human face is all we need for such turbulent times as now. After writing an engg entrance exam and not getting into it despite getting a fairly good rank came as a blessing in disguise. I got a good peer group in my graduation and they helped me to start understanding the outside world. I started reading newspapers, yes you heard it right, I never read a newspaper before 19 years of age. It looked like Greek and Latin to me in the initial days, but now it is an integral part of my everyday life. I now can form an opinion of my own on most of the issues, especially that India face today.

 Then I joined TIME to get the training for CAT. Although I've heard many debates regarding the efficiency of coaching institutes, I for one felt that coaching is indeed needed at least to get the initial push. Developing a good rapport with the lecturers and getting into conversations about the changing face of CAT is very much an essential part of the training. I had a good backing from some of the lecturers and despite not managing to get a decent score in CAT2006, I still truly respected the trainers for showing faith in me.

 CAT2007 was very much a short journey with less practice and minimum preparation that ended up in me screwing up the paper. But I still thought that one more try is worth it. So began CAT2008. After a lot of hiccups, I started preparing slowly. Every time I used to make the best of schedule towards my preparation and ended up learning that planning without execution is a sheer waste of time. I understood the flaws in me. I thought my sedentary life style, thanks to the growing IT industry, coupled with my laziness had made me totally sluggish. I had still not overcome this weakness. I learnt that although I can put my best of efforts towards my preparation, I was actually not doing so. I had blamed my work pressure, besides other unsaid factors, for my weak preparation. Actually I was not wrong at pointing out the factors that led to my present situation; I could not still get over those things. 

 It is October now and it is just over a month to go before CAT. Am I prepared to face the challenge? No, sadly. I am on my way of seeing myself losing the same battle for the third time. I have been giving a half-hearted go at CAT all these years. But why am I spoiling my crucial time writing the same exam again and again without being sure that one day I would crack it? I do not know. I had been weak in English. All I could do was to manage to read newspapers daily. I round off the words whose meanings I do not know, but I almost never looked at them again. I did some sectional preparation too. I am 'ok' in quant. All I did was to analyse the aimcats and nothing more. I'm weak in DI. I am trying to practice and analyse the aimcats, which I think is sufficient to see me sail through the main exam. If I can manage to practice a lot in QA and DI and giving a good look at verbal section-wise, then who knows, I may be really ready to face the D-day. 

 But,..... I still can't find myself in the crowd fighting to get into the best of institutes to study MBA. :-(