6 Reasons to Run the Siang by Vaibhav Kala A Few Reasons Why You Should Run The Siang.. For those not already familiar with this north eastern river, the Brahmaputra flows for hundreds of miles across the upper reaches of Tibet, before it enters India. It commenced its journey perhaps a millennium ago as the…
In the interest of tourists and the environment, we need tighter regulation in the adventure sports industry, says Vaibhav Kala Statistics say that the outdoors is now nearly 70% of all leisure, vacation-based travel, globally. This has massive ramifications in a country like India–where guidelines are available, but actual regulation, monitoring and implementation are abysmal. Cause…
Parang La Trek in Leh-Ladakh Wildlife enthusiasts, this trek is for you. The Parang La trail traces the trade route between Spiti and Tibet and begins from the meadows of Kibber, the ground for Spiti horses and elusive snow leopards. It descends the Kibber gorge and steeps the pass of Parang La, the source of…
Aquaterra Adventures completes 25 Years in 2020. Here is a feature which covers our small beginning in 1995 in Delhi and Rishikesh to a journey encompassing many continents on mountains and rivers.
Bringing you our next story from the Himalayas to keep you engrossed indoors as we enter the extension period of the lockdown in India which is a crucial phase in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. This is a story from our guests and editor on their experiences in the last decade during the Zanskar multi-adventure expedition we’ve…
Rafting is about nervous anticipation, heart stopping build-ups, meeting the challenge, the thrill of the rapids, the solitude of the calms, sights seen, experiences shared, knowledge gained, campfire tales, new found friends. All of it sums up a trip of a lifetime, there for anyone with an inclination to experience, as we did, the best of a white water journey on rafts – probably the only adventure sport which enables a complete novice to attain an adrenaline rush at par with that of a professional, each and every time.
Despite the huge economic impact of the Coronavirus, we want to remain cognizant of the huge public health challenge this is, and we hope you are all doing everything to reduce the spread and reduce pressure on the system. Please practice safe distancing to protect our elders and those with low immunity within our community. We hope this will bring the adventure industry together, closer than ever before.
Swept overboard by the churning rapids of the Ganges River, our rafting mate struggles in his life jacket and helmet to get back to our boat, terror flashing in his eyes. I sit closest to his flailing hands and the rest of the group shouts for me to get hold of him.
The spectacular Auden’s Col trek offers you the rare chance to experience wilderness and climb in solitude. Text and photographs by Milan Moudgill for Outlook Traveller
Aquaterra Adventures featured by the New York Times
The Auden’s Col Trek is the Holy Grail of trekking in the Himalayan region of Garhwal in Uttarakhand, offering the finest multi-terrain challenge you will encounter.
The Auden’s Col is situated on the connecting ridge of Gangotri III (6577 m) and Jogin I (6465 m), small depression between the two mighty massifs – we approach the Col from Rudugaira glacier and descend through the ice falls and the heavily crevassed Khatling glacier. We start our expedition by driving up the Bhagirathi valley right till the end of the road at Gangotri. From here we move south towards the Gangotri range establishing a series of camps.
A perfect mixture of adventure, culture and beauty.
Beautiful landscapes, spot some high altitude wildlife, moderate terrain, beautiful high altitude meadows, wild yaks and a 5150m pass all make this trek a bucket list item.
The Great Lakes of Kashmir trek is set in an almost heavenly arena of high mountain vistas, endless pasturelands, and of course, the great lakes. Arguably the best way to witness the beauty of the Kashmir Himalaya, you will be rewarded with a palette of colours every single day that you walk on this trail. The relaxing terrain, deep blue coloured mountains and lush flower filled meadows make the going extremely pleasant.
The Parang La trail follows the traditional trade route between the people of Spiti, Changthang and Tibet. It begins after the high-altitude meadows of Kibber, breeding ground of the famous Spiti horses and also known to be snow leopard country. A challenging trek for the enthusiastic walker in one of the more spectacular areas of Ladakh,the trail descends the Kibber gorge and then climbs over the Parang la (5600 m).Parang La is the source of the Pare Chu river, the only river that has its source in India, flows into Tibet and enters the country again in Spiti. Trekking across the pass, brings one to an almost incredible change of scenery as we walk towards the Rupshu plains of Changthang, known for the abundance of Kiangs (Tibetan Wild Ass).
On the last two days, we camp on spectacular campsites, one being on the southern edge of the Tso Moriri(4522m), a high-altitude lake 26 Km long and nearly 5 Km wide. This lake is also the breeding ground for the bar-headed geese, black-necked crane and the Brahminy ducks. We also visit one of the Changpa settlements in a bowl, high above Karzog, where they breed pashmina, one of the major trade items in these high passes.
Trek through quaint villages, alpine meadows covered with wildflowers, moraine ridges and glacier basins to get magnificent views of Swargarohini – I, II, III, Bandarpoonch and Blackpeak – all this make for an excellent hike in early spring and the post monsoon.
Meandering through the Govind Vihar sanctuary, Har Ki Dun Valley is rich culturally and a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. Mythologically, it is the same trail taken by the Pandavas on their route to Heaven through the domineering massif of Swargarohini.
Trek through quaint villages, alpine meadows covered with wildflowers, moraine ridges and glacier basins to get magnificent views of Swargarohini – I, II, III, Bandarpoonch and Blackpeak – all this make for an excellent hike in early spring and the post monsoon.
Amazing scenery, world class whitewater make this a premier expedition for the white water paddler. We run several rapids ranging from Class III to Class IV+/V, with whitewater sections separated by maybe a hundred yards or less of flat water. It aims to propagate the sheer adrenaline and magic of taking on 40 kms of quality whitewater from Gyunhatti till Tiuni, in what could possibly be, one of the finest whitewater experiences possible. Adrenaline pumping river days are followed by relaxed afternoons, to be spent under leafy alders and taking short hikes into the alpine forests.
Dodital is said to be the birth place of Lord Ganesh, and is also the source of the Assi Ganga, a tributary to the Bhagirathi. It is named after the rare Dodi (Himalayan Trout) that can be found in this lake. A moderate trek which starts from the Bhagirathi valley, goes up to the lake of Dodital (wrapped in perfect wilderness) to the alpine meadows and tops out at Darwa Pass (4150m). Traditionally this trek has been continuously used by the Gujjars, the herdsmen who get their buffalos to the high meadows every summer and occasionally by the pilgrims/sadhus walking between Gangotri and Yamunotri.
Trek through quaint villages, alpine meadows covered with wildflowers, moraine ridges and glacier basins to get magnificent views of Swargarohini – I, II, III, Bandarpoonch and Blackpeak – all this make for an excellent hike in early spring and the post monsoon.
Pangarchulla becomes a beautiful climbing objective in the spring after having accumulated snow over the winter. An easy low peak which gives a good feel of a climb; plodding the crisp morning snow with amazing views of high mountains. This trip offers a challenge and loads of photo opportunities. Just perfect for anyone trying to wet their feet with their first Himalayan Summit.
