Zanskar Valley and Ladakh

Ladakh and Zanskar Off Beat Safari – 16 Nights and 17 Days 

Srinagar / Kargil / Zanskar Valley Padum / Rangdum / Suruvalley / Alchi / Leh / Pangong / Nubra / Tsomoriri  / Tsokar / Sarchu / Manali

 An Adventure, A Journey An Experience like no other..

Summary of the trip

July 19, 2014 – Sat Day 01 Srinagar

Transfer . O/N Srinagar Hotel

July 20, 2014 – Sun Day 02 Srinagar – Drass – Kargil

Safari to Kargil. O/N Kargil. (B, PL, D)

July 21, 2014 – Mon Day 03 Kargil – Padum (Zanskar)

Kargil – Zanskar Safari. O/N Padum. (B, PL, D)

July 22, 2014 – Tue Day 04 Padum (Explore Zanskar)

Overnight stay at the camp. (B, PL, D)

July 23, 2014 – Wed Day 05 Padum – Rangdum via Suruvalley (Explore Zanskar)

 Overnight stay at the camp. (B, PL, D)

July 24, 2014 – Thu Day 06 Rangdum – Kargil

Zanskar to Kargil. Overnight at Kargil. (B, PL, D)

July 25, 2014 – Fri Day 07 Kargil – Alchi

Safari via Alchi by afternoon, Spend time at leisure at resort. O/N Ule (B, PL, D)

July 26, 2014 – Sat Day 08 Alchi – Leh

After Breakfast leave for Leh … Lunch at Hotel in Leh. Evening free time at Leisure. O/N Leh (B, HL, D)

****

July 27, 2014 – Sun Day 09 Leh – Local Sightseeing

Excursion to monasteries  ..Explore  Leh local Town. O/N Leh. (B, HL, D)

July 28, 2014 – Mon Day 09 Leh – Nubra Valley

… Deskit and Hunder Village. O/N Hundur (B, HL, D)

July 29, 2014 – Tue Day 10 Nubra Valley – Leh

.. O/N Leh (B, HL, D)

July 30, 2014 – Wed Day 11 Leh – Pangong Lake – Leh (4 Hrs one way)

… . Drive back to Leh by the same route. O/N Leh (B, HL, D)

July 31, 2014 – Thu Day Day 12 Leh – Do you own thing.. Rest Day

 at Leisure by exploring Leh local Town. O/N Leh. (B, HL, D)

****

Aug 1, 2014 – Fri Day 13 Leh – Day 13 Tsomoriri Lake

O/N Korzok. (B, PL, D)

Aug 2, 2014 – Sat Day 14 Tsomoriri Lake – Tsokar – Sarchu

Arrive in Sarchu and check into your Camp.  O/N Sarchu Campsite. (B, PL, D)

Aug 3, 2014 – Sun Day 15 Sarchu – Manali

Overnight stay at Manali.

Overnight at Hotel BF/PKDL /D

Aug 4, 2014 - Mon Day 16  Manali board Overnight bus for Delhi

Check out of hotel after breakfast, local exploring.

Overnight in Volvo Bus BF

Aug 5, 2014 – Tue Day 17 (Arrive at Delhi End of Tour)

Details of Total Ladakh and Zanskar Experience

July 19, 2014 – Sat Day 01 Srinagar

Arrival at Srinagar at your time and transfer to Hotel.
O/N Srinagar

July 20, 2014 – Sun Day 02 Srinagar – Drass – Kargil

Morning After breakfast leave for Kargil, by visiting Sonamarg (Known As Meadow of Gold), Drass Village (2nd Coldest Inhabitated place in the World) Enroute have a magnificent view of Kargil war Famous Peaks (Tiger Hill, Tololing) pay a visit to Vijay Smarak a place to pay a tribute to soldiers who laid their lives for us in Kargil War in 1999, reach Kargil hotel by evening.
O/N Kargil. (B, PL, D)

July 21, 2014 – Mon Day 03 Kargil – Padum

Early Morning leave for 9 Hrs Drive to Padum (Zanskar) where you can Have a Magnificent View of Nun Kun & Dran Drung Glacier. And Enroute Rangdum, Pentse la Pass. Reach Padum by Evening. O/N Padum. Padum(3505 m) is the present day administrative headquarters of the region. With a population of nearly 1500, Padum can be described as the most populous settlement of Zanskar, otherwise a very scarcely inhabited valley.
O/N Padum. (B, PL, D)
 

July 22, 2014 – Tue Day 04 Padum

After Breakfast leave for Full Sightseeing of Karsha, Stongdey & Sani. Back to Padum by evening. O/N Padum. After a leisurely breakfast visit Karsha Gompa. The Karsha Monastery of Ladakh is situated in the Karsha village of the Zanskar region. The full name of Karsha, the largest monastery of Zanskar, is Karsha Chamspaling. Phagspa Shesrab, the translator of Zanskar first founded this monastery. The monastery, as it stands today, was the result of the efforts of the Teacher, Dorje Shesrab. It was under him only that the monastery flourished and prospered. Shesrab Zangpo of Stod was the one to introduce the Gelukpa Order in the Karsha Gompa of Leh Ladakh.
Overnight stay at the camp. (B, PL, D)

July 23, 2014 – Wed Day 05 Padum – Rangdum via Suruvalley

Drive to Rangdum (12,000ft) and check-in at a camp. The farthest and the most isolated part of the Suru Valley, Rangdum is an elliptical expanded plateau surrounded by colourful hills on the one side and glacier encrusted Rocky Mountains on the other. Situated 130 kms South- east of Kargil, it falls midway between Kargil and Padum. Due to its remoteness from inhabited parts either of Suru or Zanskar, the areas wild beauty is almost haunting, while its isolation is near perfect even as the unpaved Zanskar road traverses its length.
Overnight stay at the camp. (B, PL, D)

July 24, 2014 – Thu Day 06 Rangdum – Kargil

Morning after breakfast we will drive back to Kargil.
Overnight at Kargil. (B, PL, D)
***

July 25, 2014 – Fri Day 07 Kargil – Alchi

Morning after Breakfast leave for Ule, enroute visit Mulbek a giant Buddha Sculpture on Rock Mountain, Lamayuru, the oldest Monastery of Ladakh and have a magnificent view of spectacular view of Moon landscape. Arrive Alchi by afternoon, Spend time at leisure at resort. O/N Ule (B, PL, D)

July 26, 2014 – Sat Day 08 Alchi – Leh

After Breakfast leave for Leh enroute visit Alchi, Likir Monastery, Magnetic Hill, Pathar Sahib Gurudwara and Hall of Fame. Lunch at Hotel in Leh. Evening free time at Leisure. O/N Leh (B, HL, D)

****

July 27, 2014 – Sun Day 09 Leh – Local Sightseeing

Morning after breakfast leave for Half day excursion to Thiksey Gompa & Shey Palace. Back to Hotel by Lunch time and spend time at Leisure by exploring Leh local Town.
O/N Leh. (B, HL, D)

July 28, 2014 – Mon Day 09 Leh – Nubra Valley

After Breakfast drive to Nubra Valley via Khardungla (Highest Motorable road in the World, 18,380 ft) Arrive at Hundur by Afternoon. Rest of the day, Post lunch free to explore Deskit, Hunder Villages and camel Safari in Sand Dunes between Deskit and Hunder Village.
O/N Hundur (B, HL, D)

July 29, 2014 – Tue Day 10 Nubra Valley – Leh

After Breakfast visit Deskit Monastery and drive back to Leh by same Route, crossing Khardungla Pass. Reach Leh by afternoon. Evening free time at Leisure to explore Leh market.
O/N Leh (B, HL, D)

July 30, 2014 – Wed Day 11 Leh – Pangong Lake – Leh (4 Hrs one way)

After early Breakfast leave for Pangong Lake (14,500 ft), through Changla Pass 17,350 ft., it is the third highest motorable road in the world. Arrive Pangong lake it is the highest salt water Lake in the World, shared by two countries India & China. Enjoy the beauty of the lake on the Banks of Pangong Lake while appreciating the changing Colors and fascinating high altitude of the Lake. Drive back to Leh by the same route.
O/N Leh (B, HL, D) 

July 31, 2014 – Thu Day Day 12 Leh – Local Sightseeing

Morning after breakfast leave for Half day excursion to Thiksey Gompa & Shey Palace. Back to Hotel by Lunch time and spend time at Leisure by exploring Leh local Town.
O/N Leh. (B, HL, D)

End of Part One.

Aug 1, 2014 – Fri Day 13 Leh – Day 13 Tsomoriri Lake

Early morning after breakfast leave for Tsomoriri Lake via Chumathang (Hot spring) & Tsokar Lake, enroute visit Sulphur mines and arrive Tsomoriri Lake by afternoon. Evening walk around the lake to enjoy the scenic beauty.
O/N Korzok. (B, PL, D)

Aug 2, 2014 – Sat Day 14 Tsomoriri Lake – Tsokar – Sarchu

Early morning leave for leisure walk on the Lake and enjoy the beauty of Lake and Changing colors. Then drive to Sarchu. Sarchu is the last inhabited point in Himachal Pradesh on the Manali-Leh route from Himachal side - which is regarded as one of the highest highways in the world. Arrive in Sarchu and check into your Camp.  
O/N Sarchu Campsite. (B, PL, D)

 

Aug 3, 2014 – Sun Day 15 Sarchu – Manali

Enroute Darcha is situated at the junction of Yotche Nullah and the Zangskar Chhu which takes off from the Shinkun La. Both these nullahs meet with main river Bhaga at this place. The valley broadens out from Darcha. The altitute of Darcha is about 3500 meters which makes it an ideal base camp for acclimatisation. Darcha is the jumping off point for treks to Padum over  the Shinkun la or Baralacha la and Phirtse la and for treks or mountaineering expeditions to Leh and peaks of Chandra Bhaga series. However no tourist bungalow or rest house facilities are available on either side of the nullahs. A police check post is also there. Darcha is the last village where one can see sparse growth of trees. Beyond Darcha not even a single tree can be seen on either side of the highway. Landscape starts looking desolate and absolutely barren. Glance at JISPA. This beautiful spot is 22 kms away from Keylong and 4 kms ahead of Ghemur. The village is situated at the junction of two nullahs with the main river Bhaga. Jispa has a very large dry river-bed, a rarity in Lahaul.Jispa is a new tourism centre coming up with the monasteries of Yarji and Photang where his Holiness the Dalai Lama gave the Kal Chakra sermon a few days back to the Buddhists all over the world. The mountaineering Institute of Manali has a sub centre here for adventure tourism.

We proceed beyond Keylong getting into heart of Lahaul Spiti Valley passing along Chandra and Bhaga Rivers as we reach Khoskar; from here we start ascending towards

Rohtang Pass 3790 Meter is most popular with visitors, being one of the highest road point and gateway to Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. Pass remains closed during winter due to heavy snow from November end to May end. We descend from RohtangLa to reach Marchi below here we start entering, forest of Birch, Fir and Spruce. Overnight stay at Manali.

Overnight at Hotel BF/PKDL /D

Aug 4, 2014 - Mon Day 16  Manali board Overnight bus for Delhi

Today after breakfast we checkout of hotel and leave the luggage at checkout counter, explore local market try local delicacies for lunch evening board bus at Manali bus stand for Delhi (Overnight on Volvo Bus)

Overnight in Volvo Bus BF

Aug 5, 2014 – Tue Day 17 (Arrive at Delhi End of Tour)

Inclusions
Hotel / Camping Stay on twin sharing basis
APAI plan – All Meals plan
7 BF + 7 Pkld Lunches + 7 Hot Dinners 

Transport in Non Ac Vehicle with Professional Himalayan Driver  till Srinagar as per the Itinerary  in Xylo/ Scorpio / Maxi Cab /Tempo Traveler

 

Inner line permits

 

Nature Fees

 

Not Included

 

Any Emergency evacuation 

 

Any Medical costs

 

Any Extra cost Incurred due to Land Slides , Road Blockages , Weather Conditions, Personal Medical Conditions or Natural Calamities not controlled by us. Extra expenses incurred will be borne by the guest on actual

 

Any Mineral water , Any Aerated drinks, Beverages

 

Any Meals of personal order or any rooms service 

Does not include any travel / accident or any other type of insurance

Cost of Un Utilized resources will  not be refunded

Sandan Valley

Sandan Valley - Trekking in the Valley of Shadows

3 Days (Recommended)

For beginners and for those who have less time a shorter version of 2 days trek is also possible.

Experiences: Like no other trek in Maharashtra, Canyoning, Trekking, Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Sliding, Descending, Wading Through Water, Camping.. adapting to the Valley of Shadows, Back Packing, and absolutely boot camp type trek.

Category: Medium to Tough

Best Season: November to March

Location :- Igatpuri - Ghoti - Bhandardhara - Samrad

Camp Fee (3 Days Event)

Rs.3900/- (For 3 Day Event); Minimum (20 Persons Required). For smaller groups ask for quotes. 
Rs.4700/- (For 3 Day Event); Minimum group size (6 to 19 persons).

(Note if you want Mumbai (Dadar)- base village - Mumbai (Dadar) private transport add Rs.1200/- per head).

Inclusions for 3 days event:

Camp Fee for 3 day event Includes

Local train from CST/Dadar to Kasara

Returning journey - Local train from Asangaon to CST

Jeeps from Kasara to Base Village

Base Village to Asangaon

Food during 2 Dinner, 3 Lunch, 2 Breakfast and 2 Tea with Biscuits. (All meals will be village veg meals)

Technical Support (Safety equipment's required for the trek and support of experienced trekkers)

Stay in Tents (2 Nights).

Porters for carrying tents and assistant cooks

Excludes

Porter for personal luggage

Any kind of travel or accident insurance coverage

Bottled Water / Beverages or food not part of standard package

Un-Utilized resources will not be refunded.

Camp Fee (2 Days Event)

Rs.2900/- (For 2 Days Event); Minimum (20 Persons Required). For smaller groups ask for quotes. 
Rs.3900/- (For 2 Day Event); Minimum group size (6 to 12 persons).

(Note if you want Mumbai-to-Mumbai private transport add Rs.800/- per head).

Camp Fee for 2 day event Includes

Local train from CST/Dadar to Kasara and back

(Retrn journey) Jeeps from Kasara to Base Village

Base Village to Asangaon

Food during 1 Dinner, 2 Lunch, 1 Breakfast and 2 Tea with Biscuits. (All meals will be village veg meals)

Technical Support (Safety equipment's required for the trek and support of experienced trekkers)

Stay in Tents (1 Nights).

Porters for carrying tents and assistant village cooks

Excludes

Porter for personal luggage

Any kind of travel or accident insurance coverage

Bottled Water / Beverages or food not part of standard package

Un-Utilized resources will not be refunded.

Tentative Plan for 3 days

Day 1 

Travel by Local Train till Kasara, 

2:00 pm Arrival at Kasara.

Train timings (CST to Kasara local train central line,).
You will be boarding a fast train, Re-check timing at your respective stations.

Travel from Kasara by Private Jeeps to Samrad
5:30 pm arrival at Samrad (Pitch tents)

Refreshments (Tea / Coffee / Snacks)6:00 pm Explore the countryside, walk up-to start of place where descend for Sandan Valley Starts, enjoy till sunset.
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm  
Village Food, dinner with Camp Fire.. enjoy in Starry Night.

Day 2 

Early Wake-up 
Early Breakfast at the Base Village - Samrad

summary of day 2

07:00 am – Start trek
Trekking Lunch on the Way

Descend involves boldering, Canyoning, Wading through waist deep waters, 

Rappelling, Clinging, Using Ladders, etc..
05:30 pm – Reach at Advance Camp, Pitch tents, 

Wild Chefs, wild chefs and dinner with Campfire, hit sack for the night.

Day 2 in detail

7:00 Am – Samrad

7:30 Am – Start of Valley

8:00 Am – First water body, 4 ft. Water.

9:00 Am – 2 ft. Water.

10:00 Am – End of narrow valley. Start of Descend through the Nali

10:30 Am – Tarzan Swing Point.

12:30 Pm – Expected exposed to Sun Patch.

1:00 Pm – 60 ft. Rappel.

• 10 Minutes after rappelling, Rock patch 1 ending in water body. 3 ft. Max depth of Water.
• Use of Rope ladder with belay (Descend and slide stunt) – 20 ft.

• Baggage will be lowered with technical gear, separately.
• 15 Minutes after Rock Patch 1, we reach rock patch 2 – (30 ft.).
• Mini caving, crawling experience followed by immediate rappelling (15 feet).
• Baggage will be lowered with technical gear, separately.
• Rappelling stance not possible
• Rope Ladder support will be also be provided.
• 30 Minutes after Rock Patch 2, we reach last rock patch (30 ft.).
• Technical experiences (combination of wriggling, sliding, chimney, rappelling)
• ‘V’ Shaped crevice over hang on the left under the crevice.
• Sloping rock on the right.
• No hand holds or foot holds.
• Plain rock with 15 ft. Vertical drop and 15 ft. Of 60 degrees incline.
• 5 Minutes After last rock patch.
• We will provide (Tube) floats for support.
• 6 ft. Deep Water Pool (Water Stunts).
• 5x5 ft. Stones (4 nos) inside the pool at 3 ft. Height.
• Length of pool 30 – 40 ft.
• Clear Water.
• Stones not slippery.
• 30 Minutes from Rock Patch. [Campsite]
• Uneven, But wide rock surface with drinking water stream on the side.
• Reach at Advance Camp, Pitch tents, 
• Wild Chefs, wild chefs and dinner with Campfire, hit sack for the night.

Day 3

5:30 am Wake up Call , Freshen Up

Early morning dip in chilled blue lagoon pond

09:00 am Quick Breakfast and start trek

• One Hour River Bed Trek.
• One Hour trek on gentle hill slopes.
• Walk Two Hours tractor/Bullock cart road. (We will try for a bullock or tractor ride experience).

• One Hour 30 Minutes ride to Asangaon Station via. Dolkhamb and Shahpur.
• Travel Dehne – Dolkhamb (Exploring local village flea market)
• proceed further to Asangaon by local transport.
• 01:00 pm Lunch at Asangaon.

(Cost of today's Lunch at Asangaon has to be borne by the Participants)

Expected arrival in Mumbai 6:00 pm

(Which is Tentative - Also depends upon the Megablocks )

Tentative Plan for 2 days Trek to Sandan Valley

Day 1 

Travel by Local Train till Kasara, 

2:00 pm Arrival at Kasara.

Train timings (CST to Kasara local train central line,).
You will be boarding a fast train, Re-check timing at your respective stations.

Travel from Kasara by Private Jeeps to Samrad
5:30 pm arrival at Samrad (Pitch tents)

Refreshments (Tea / Coffee / Snacks)6:00 pm Explore the countryside, walk up-to start of place where descend for Sandan Valley Starts, enjoy till sunset.
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm  
Village Food, dinner with Camp Fire.. enjoy in Starry Night.

Day 2 

Early Wake-up 
Early Breakfast at the Base Village - Samrad

summary of day 2

07:00 am – Start trek

Trek through valley of shadows involving bouldering, Wading through waist deep waters, (Trek turns back few meters from the point where 1st rappelling takes place.
Trekking Lunch on the Way back or at village.
Return journey by Jeep to Kasara
Board train to CST / Dadar (End of tour).

• Baggage will be lowered with technical gear, separately.
• 15 Minutes after Rock Patch 1, we reach rock patch 2 – (30 ft.).
• Mini caving, crawling experience followed by immediate rappelling (15 feet).
• Baggage will be lowered with technical gear, separately.
• Rappelling stance not possible
• Rope Ladder support will be also be provided.
• 30 Minutes after Rock Patch 2, we reach last rock patch (30 ft.).
• Technical experiences (combination of wriggling, sliding, chimney, rappelling)
• ‘V’ Shaped crevice over hang on the left under the crevice.
• Sloping rock on the right.
• No hand holds or foot holds.
• Plain rock with 15 ft. Vertical drop and 15 ft. Of 60 degrees incline.
• 5 Minutes After last rock patch.
• We will provide (Tube) floats for support.
• 6 ft. Deep Water Pool (Water Stunts).
• 5x5 ft. Stones (4 nos) inside the pool at 3 ft. Height.
• Length of pool 30 – 40 ft.
• Clear Water.
• Stones not slippery.
• 30 Minutes from Rock Patch. [Campsite]
• Uneven, But wide rock surface with drinking water stream on the side.
• Reach at Advance Camp, Pitch tents, 
• Wild Chefs, wild chefs and dinner with Campfire, hit sack for the night.

Day 3

5:30 am Wake up Call , Freshen Up

Early morning dip in chilled blue lagoon pond

09:00 am Quick Breakfast and start trek

• One Hour River Bed Trek.
• One Hour trek on gentle hill slopes.
• Walk Two Hours tractor/Bullock cart road. (We will try for a bullock or tractor ride experience).

• One Hour 30 Minutes ride to Asangaon Station via. Dolkhamb and Shahpur.
• Travel Dehne – Dolkhamb (Exploring local village flea market)
• proceed further to Asangaon by local transport.

Sandhan Valley Trek is a unique experience combining adventure activities such as Rappelling and staying admidst nature. Sandhan valley is a water carved valley around 200 feet deep. Sandhan is located near beautiful Bhandardara region near village called Samrad. Samrad village and Sandhan Valley is surrounded bu Alang,Madan ad Kulang mountains. This place also has Ratangad,Ajoba and Kalsubai mountain ranges. Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra spanning 5400 feets.

Brilliant & deep narrow rock floored ravine between the two high walls of mountain range. At some places its width is less than 3 ft so that at some places sun rays unable to reach. So it’s called valley of shadow. it is accessible throughout the year except monsoon. To go at end side of gorge you have cross 2-3 water pools, water level changes according to seasons, in winter it is up to waist & in summer it is up to knee height. At the end of valley you get magnificent view of high cliffs & deep valley. 

The Sandhan valley trek incorporates a rappelling experience and freehold rock climbing and descending. Technical support of experienced trekkers and all safety mountaineering equipment will be used for the event to ensure safety. 

Sandhan Valley is accessible from Nov to May.

Sandhan Valley trek starts from Samrad village. Total trek includes rappelling and crossing pool of water. and deep gorges and one of its kind of lifetime experience which you feel at end of the trek.

Snorkelling Basics

Snorkelling

Snorkelling tips

• Never dive alone - The minimum snorkelling party is 3; a buddy pair to lookout for each other in the water and a shore lookout.
• Get Fit - By getting fit you will not only be able to enjoy your Snorkelling better, but also be safer
• Train with a recognized training scheme, explore institutions that help people build skills and technique and enjoy the sea; safely.
• Check your equipment - A strap breaking on a fin, a badly fitting mask or a leaking snorkel valve while you're at sea can all cause problems and discomfort. Taking good care of the equipment and checking it carefully can reduce the chances of problems.
• Choose a safe site - Avoid areas with heavy boat traffic, dangerous currents and rip tides. Make sure the entrances and exits to the water are easily accessible and that there are alternative places to exit if the dive is cut short.
• Check tides - The safest times to snorkel are at the slack water, which usually occurs near high or low water.
• Check weather and sea state - Before setting off check the weather forecast . Although rain can be unpleasant it isn't necessarily as bad to dive in the rain as in a wind . Wind can cause waves to increase which make snorkelling tough. Force 3-4(12mph+) is usually enough to cancel.
• Don't hyperventilate - hyperventilation can reduce the levels of CO2 in your lungs , which decreases the trigger to breathe and can lead to black outs.
• Don't dive with a cold - if you have cold you could force mucus into the Eustachian tubes and cause an infection
• One up, One down - While diving with your buddy, avoid both diving under water at the same time, one should stay on the surface in case the diver has problems

There is a very strong connection between freediving and snorkelling, and have always been concerned that proper safety is maintained while snorkelling."

Snorkelling and breath holding diving are some of the most exciting ways to see the fantastic range of life in the seas. A few safety tips to help you enjoy the sport safely.

How to choose a Snorkeling locations?

Snorkeling is possible in almost any body of water, but snorkelers are most likely to be found in locations where there are minimal waves, warm water, and something particularly interesting to see near the surface.

Generally shallow reefs ranging from sea level to 1 to 4 meters (3 to 12 feet) are favored by snorkelers. Deeper reefs are also good, but repeated breath holding to dive to those depths limit the number of practitioners and raises the bar on fitness and skill level.

The First Time Snorkeling

The most important thing for a first time snorkeler is to get comfortable wearing the mask and breathing through the snorkel. Some people get anxious and have difficulty breathing through a snorkel while wearing a mask, so it is important to test things out in shallow water first. Many first timers have jumped into the water on a snorkeling charter only to realize they aren't comfortable wearing a mask and breathing through a tube - this often takes a few minutes to get used to. While standing in shallow water, practice putting your face below the surface and looking through the mask. You can breathe through the snorkel while looking around at the aquatic life. In shallow waters this can be a fantastic way to see many things without expending the energy of swimming.

Snorkeling in shallow water is also a good time to learn to use the equipment effectively. Although relatively simple, beginning snorkelers should know their way around their mask and snorkel, including how to clear both of water. This is an essential skill, as open waves or splashes can send water into the open end of a snorkel, and masks can develop tiny leaks during a dive. Having a mask or snorkel fill with water can be a scary experience the first time, so snorkelers should be comfortable with the process of clearing their equipment.

Clearing a snorkel is an easy process. If you find your snorkel tubes clogged with water simply exhale with a strong force through your mouth, which should send the water up and out the end of the snorkel. Some snorkels come with built-in drainage valves, allowing the water to be pushed out a one-way valve. This makes it easier to push the water out if a small amount of water makes it way into the tube.

Clearing a mask is similar to clearing a snorkel, but can seem more difficult because of the reduced visibility. To clear out a mask, simply lift your head out of the water and pull forward on the front of the mask. This will open up a gap in the bottom of the mask, allowing the water to drain out. Some masks come with built-in purge valve, which serves the same role as the drain valve on a snorkel. By including a one-way valve which lets water out but does not let water in, snorkelers can clear a mask of water by simply blowing air out their nose while the mask is on. The water will be pushed out the valve, clearing the mask. Even masks without a built-in purge valve can be cleared while underwater. Simply press the top of the mask to the forehead and blow out the nose. Air will bubble into the mask, pushing the water out the bottom.

The next step in learning the basics of snorkelling is to practice while in open water, when you cannot touch the bottom. To do this you will need to be comfortable with using your snorkelling fins to stay afloat upright as well as to move around while floating face down in the water. As you swim along the surface, practice breathing evenly through your snorkel. The most common underwater kick is the basic flutter stroke. When used properly, this kick can be a very fast and efficient method of transportation in the water. As you kick, use a slow, comfortable pace and remember to keep your fins submerged in the water. You should find that a pace of about twenty kicks per minute will give you a good cruising speed through the water without too much fatigue. Breaking the water surface with your fins uses more energy and decreases the efficiency of your kicks. Keep your arms at your sides while swimming to reduce drag. Another common kick is the dolphin kick, in which both legs sweep up and down together. This kick can be more difficult to master but is a very efficient means of underwater propulsion when learned properly.

Locations where Snorkeling are possible in India.

Andaman Islands

Goa

Sindudurg District - Maharashtra

Snorkeling Equipment

Snorkelling Mask

When it comes to snorkeling equipment, the mask is the centrepiece of the collection. A proper mask serves as the window between a snorkeler and the world beneath the water. Without a mask in place to serve as a lens, divers would have significantly reduced vision and distorted perspective. For this reason, when choosing a mask, a snorkeler should pick one that provides a clear, unobstructed view and does not limit peripheral vision. Some masks include side windows, to allow for wider vision, while others simply widen the front lens. Tinted glass should be avoided.

The next step in finding a proper mask is to ensure that it fits with your face, that it creates a reliable seal, and that it will not leak during a long dive.

Testing a mask for leaks can start when you first pick up the mask. First, note the materials and design of the mask. Masks should have a stiff body to ensure a snug fit and a soft flexible skirt where the mask presses against your face. Next, test the fit of the mask against your face. Does it fit snugly or does it pinch or feel loose?

A good test to see whether a mask is a good fit is to hold the mask up to your face with the strap hanging loose. Once you push the mask gently onto your face you should be able to keep the mask on simply by inhaling slowly. The air pressure within the mask should keep it firmly secure. If you have to breathe in forcefully to keep a mask on it is a sign of a bad fit.

Next, tighten the straps somewhat and get a feel for the mask when it is fixed in place. Sometimes a mask will seal tighter with a looser strap, sometimes with a tighter strap, but avoid the temptation to over tighten a mask to try and eliminate leaks. A snorkeling mask strap is used mainly to keep the mask from slipping off the face. The real seal is provided by water pressure. Also, because a diver’s mouth is a different shape when they have a snorkel in it a diver should try on their mask while wearing the snorkel in order to get a feel for the entire system. Because you will also expect to be making various small head movements, try turning your heat and looking around through the mask to make sure you have the range of motion.

It is impossible to know whether or not a mask will leak until you actually go for a dive, but using a mask out in a swimming pool is a good way to see if it will leak. Sometimes even a small tub of water can give you a sense of a mask’s seal or potential for leaks. Often, an improperly fitting mask will allow a certain amount of water to trickle in. This inflow, though often very small, can eventually build up to a considerable amount of water during a longer dive and must be removed. A purge valve, a built in feature on some masks, allows a diver to do that by breathing out through the nose, but all snorkelers should learn to clear out their masks with or without a purge valve.

Finally, masks exist for snorkelers of all shapes and sizes including masks specifically for women and children. Divers who wear glasses can find masks with built-in prescription lenses, or can have special lenses fit into a mask. Some divers prefer to wear contact lenses while diving, but these may get lost if a diver loses their mask while underwater. Whatever your needs, chances are there is a mask out there that is right for you.

Snorkel

A snorkel is a flexible tube, generally made from plastic or stiff rubber, which connects a snorkeler to the surface air. Snorkels are a diver's lifeline, allowing them to breathe while their face is in the water. The right snorkel should let you breathe easily and comfortably for extended periods of time, without making you short of breath or light-headed.

Snorkel designs vary based on bore diameter and length, and should be chosen based on a snorkeler’s needs and body type. Generally, the larger you are the larger the diameter of your snorkel should be, as it will allow more air to pass through.

If the bore is too wide, however, it may make it more difficult to clear water from the snorkel. Similarly, although longer snorkels allow a swimmer to breath air at a deeper level, they also make it more difficult to take in air and during long dives may cause buildup of stale air in the tube. Most snorkels measure between 12 and 18 inches, but choose one that feels comfortable for you.

If the bore is too wide, however, it may make it more difficult to clear water from the snorkel. Similarly, although longer snorkels allow a swimmer to breath air at a deeper level, they also make it more difficult to take in air and during long dives may cause buildup of stale air in the tube. Most snorkels measure between 12 and 18 inches, but choose one that feels comfortable for you.

Next note the construction of the snorkel’s mouthpiece. Because every diver has a differently shaped mouth, you should choose a snorkel that fits comfortably on you. A snorkel mouthpiece is composed of two parts, a large oval lip flange, which fits just inside the diver’s lips, and the bitepiece, which is gripped between the diver’s teeth. The bitepiece should be held securely between the teeth but does not need to be bitten down hard upon. The real seal is provided by the lips covering the flange.

As with dive masks, snorkels can occasionally become filled with excess water, often from splashing waves on the surface. Drain valves are a feature offered on some snorkels designed to let a snorkeler expel the water more easily. Drain valves are one-way valves that let a diver expel water from their tube while continuing to breathe. Even without a drain valve on your snorkel, clearing excess water from the tube is a very easy process. Simply breathe out sharply to force the water out the top of the tube. Nevertheless, some manufacturers claim that snorkel drain valves can make the process easier and more efficient by providing an extra outlet for the water.

Some snorkels come with special tips designed to prevent water from entering in the top. The most common design is a simple ping-pong ball held in a tiny cage. Another design utilizes diagonal plates at the end of the tube, which allow air in and out and water to flow out, but which direct incoming water out through the sides of the tube. Most divers find that such devices are unnecessary and ineffective, but some appreciate not having to worry about inhaling water from an unexpected wave. Snorkel tips may also reduce airflow into the snorkel, making it harder to draw in breath and increasing the buildup of stale air in the tube.

Finally, many snorkels are being designed with additional features. Some snorkels and masks have a clip system in place to make it easier to attach and detach the snorkel from the mask. Other snorkels are designed to be collapsible or to fold in half for easier storage and transportation. These additional features are often not necessary for a simple snorkel dive, but may be useful for other reasons.

Fins

Snorkel fins are a frequently overlooked piece of snorkeling equipment which make a huge difference in snorkeling as they provide the propulsion system when in the water. Snorkeling without fins is certainly possible, but fins add so much speed and manueverability to snorkeling, it really is a different experience without them. Fins give swimmers more power to move through the water, increasing their swim speed by approximately fifty percent. Fins also focus all propulsion power in the legs, taking the strain off a swimmer’s arms and freeing them to handle equipment and explore.

There are two basic types of fins, open-heel fins and full foot fins. To be used effectively a diver’s fins must fit comfortably and securely. Too tight and they can hurt and cause blisters, too loose and they may chafe or fall off. Full foot fins, which fit over the entire foot, offer more protection to the bottom of a diver’s heel, but because they are not adjustable they do not provide as secure a fit. Open-heel fins, which are held in place by an adjustable strap, can be more secure and often easier to put on and take off. However, because they provide no protection for the bottom of the foot, many divers choose to wear Neoprene booties when using open-heel fins, to protect their feet against sharp objects and rough underwater surfaces.

Whichever type of fins you decide to use, all divers should become comfortable with their fins both in and out of the water before taking them out for a dive. Although fins are designed to make it easier to maneuver through water, they take more effort to move than bare legs, so beginners may find their legs tiring out more quickly than they expect. Fins with longer and more rigid blades take more effort to swim in, so beginner divers are encouraged to use smaller, more flexible fins.

Initially, many divers find it cumbersome and awkward to walk around on land with their fins on. Be sure to practice and get comfortable with your fins on dry land, practice lifting your feet high to prevent the blade of the fins from tripping you. You may prefer to enter the water backwards to make it easier to walk into the surf.