Monday 14 April 2014

ROBBERS' CAVE, GUCCHUPANI, DEHRADUN

The Robbers'Cave at Gucchupani, Dehradun is situated in the upstream of the river Tons, which later on meets Asan, which in turns meets Yamuna at Kalsi. At this place, the stream passes through a very narrow and deep gorge, the bottom of which has recently become a tourist destination of Dehradun. One can walk through the bottom of the gorge, on the shallow stream and wade themselves upstream till a waterfall. One can also see the rock formations revealed on the caves and rocky gorge walls. Several colourful sandstones and limestone is visible on the walls and the temperature is cool. There are also outlets for refreshments just at the mouth of the gorge, where one can sit on the chairs on the stream with your foot in flowing water. You can also try taking a bath in the stream. A lot of birds, small fish and tadpoles and a plethora of wild flowers wait for your arrival !

How to reach: Dehradun can be reached by air or train from New Delhi, India, which is around 240km. From Dehradun railway station, the Robbers' Cave is only around 8km drive. 





Monday 18 April 2011

Khulia Top - One day trek to Himalayan alpine meadows 3700m altitude



View of Panchachuli peaks from Munsyari

Yes, if you have less time, try this out. One day trek from Munsyari (2250m) to Khulia Top(3700m) and back. You have to start early at atleast 6a.m and drive to Kalamuni at 2700m, from where your trek starts. Go up along the stone path laid by the forest department. In 4 hours at an easy pace, you can reach Khulia meadows at 3500m. If you wish, you can try to reach the peak 2 km away at 3700m and see the lake beyond. Have packed lunch near a snow melt or spring in the meadow. You can return on a different route via Bhujani to reach the road head at Balanti bend and 5 km drive back Munsyari by 6 p.m. You can have a good birdwatching experience and can even sight ghorals, monal pheasants and may be even a musk deer. The view of the Panchachuli would keep you afresh throughout
How to reach: Take overnight train from Delhi to Kathgodam. From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi for a 10hour hill drive (280km) to Munsyari. You can also opt to break journey at Chaukori - Berinag or Almora.
Where to stay: Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam has guest houses at Munsyari and Chaukori. There are several other hotels and also home stay facilities available at Munsyari. You can also stay in tents in the alpine meadows. Price range: INR 800 upwards for decent accomodation
Best seasons: April-May and Oct-Nov
Climate: Cold - carry woolen clothes and jacket
Permissions: Contact Forest Range Officer, Munsyari for permissions to camp
Avoid: Guns, liquor and smoking