Sunday, April 19, 2015

Malana-Spiti-Ladakh



The Amazing Explorer’s Journey (Traveling into the mysterious land to remote places in Spiti; and Ladakh.)

Experiences - Trans-Himalayan Jeep Safari through rugged regions in Lahaul Spiti; Camping in Offbeat Locations; (Mountains; Meadows; Lake Sides; and Above the tree line). Includes an overnight trek to mysterious and less explored place “Malana” where till 20 years ago entry was forbidden and even today this locality is a republic, governed by the local parliament called KORAM. Travel across the highest passes in the world during this offbeat Trans-Himalayan Safari.



Jeep safari in Lahaul Spiti, Himachal is for those who would like to travel the rugged paths inland to explore the unexplored Himachal. Explorer’s Himalayan Jeep Safari is the best way to discover the raw but beautiful nature of the Himalayas. Jeep Safari tours in Himachal provide a very unique kind of thrill and gives the Himalayan adventure a gentle touch by exploring the hill station places, which probably the locals must be aware of till now.

Trans Himalayan jeep safari tour on one of the highest motorable roads in the world involves crossing over high mountain passes providing spectacular view of snow capped peaks of Himalayas. During Himachal jeep tour one can experience the panoramic beauty of hills in Himachal that will captivate you and will leave you mesmerized. Wandering through the Himachal hills, and discovering snow covered Himalayan peaks, dense forests and scenic valley will give you a remarkable pleasure.

 
Read about Ladakh "The Land of Paradox"

Take that break….


Manali-Malana-Spiti-Ladakh Trip. (13 Nights and 14 Days) - 2 Weeks.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 01): Board Volvo Bus Delhi-Manali.. O/N in Bus.  (Aug 22– Sat)

Day 02): Manali (Aug 23- Sun)
Arrival Manali and transfer to  Hotel. A day to explore Manali the queen of hill station. Our day start slowly after breakfast with a stroll from 500 years old wooden carved “hidimba Devi Temple”. The stroll continue further to Old Manali village, which is known after the great hindu sage Manu. We further walk up to the next village of Goshal and cross our way through River Bias to a very spectacular water fall called Jogni fall. Next village is Vashisht , where you can enjot the hot sulpher in the springs,. If you feel tired of walking, take a tuk tuk ride to the down town. Free evening for own activities. Overnight hotel.

Day 03): Manali-Manikaran-Malana (70km/03hours.) (Aug 24– Mon)
In the morning after breakfast drive to Malana village. Befora Malana Village  we stop to visit Manikaran, the holy place for Sikh and Hindu. After visit Manikaran we will drive to Malana Village , 20 Years ago, entering Malana was prohibited. Even today this locality is a republic, governed by the local parliament called KORAM. Overnight tents..

Day 04): Malana-Manali-Rohtang Pass-Dadarpul (135km/ 5-6hours) (Aug 25 - Tue)
Travel by surface drive to  Rohtang Pass( 3970mts) and Dadarpul. Today journey is very interesting we enter lower Himalaya to Trans Himalaya. Overnight Tents. 

Day 05): 
Dadarpul-Kaza (140km/4-5hours) (Aug 26– Wed)
Travel from  Dadarpul  to Kaza driving over Kunzam Pass (4558 m/14,950ft) which provides beautiful views of CB ranges. En route visit several villages of Spiti and Lahaul valley. On arrival Kaza and Visit Kye monastery (largest Monastery in Spiti Valley ) and Kibbaer village (World Highest motorable village, 4200mts) Overnight Tents.

Day 06): Kaza-Moon Lake (100km/4-5hrs) (Aug 27- Thu) Today drive to Chandratal Lake (4270mts). Reach chandratal and set up the camp. Evening free walk around the lake for Photography. Overnight Tents.




Day 07): Moon lake-Jispa (115km/5-7hrs) (Aug 28 - Fri) 
Travel from  Moonlake  to Keylong and then drive to Jispa.  driving over Rohtang  Pass (3970 mts) which provides beautiful views of CB ranges, Pir Panjal range and Dholadhar range. En route visit several villages of Lahaul valley. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight in Hotel.



Day 08): Jispa-leh (340km/8-9hrs) (Aug 29 - Sat) 
Travel by surface from Jispa  to  Leh over Baralachala Pass (4800 m). Lachang La (5065 m) and Tanglang La (5360m). On arrival check-in at Hotel . Overnight at Hotel.
Day 09): Leh (Aug 30 - Sun) 
Full day excursion to Shey, Thiksey and Hemis Gompas. Shey Gompa lies on the way to Hemis. It is situated on the top of a hill and houses the largest victory stupa with a golden top. The statues made of copper and glided with gold are worth seeing. Thiksey Gompa lies on the left side of this road to Hemis. One can have a beautiful view of Indus Valley from the Gompa. Wall paintings of this Gompa are very interesting. From here drive to Hemis which is the oldest, wealthiest and largest Gompa in Leh with beautiful paintings stupas. Dinner overnight Hotel.
Day 10): Leh-Pngong Lake-Leh (Aug 31 - Mon) 
After very early breakfast Drive to Pangong lake, the lake which is bounded with Tibet and India.. Evening back to Leh . Overnight Hotel.


Day 11): Leh-Delhi Flight or Leh to Sarchu drive (Sep 1 - Tue) 
After very early breakfast transfer to Airport for catch the flight to Delhi. Or Drive to sarchu. Overnight Tents.  
(Flight ticket is not part of the package and will cost extra).
Day 12): Leh-manali (Sep 2 - Wed) 
Early morning drive to manali. Overnight Hotel
Day 13): manali-Delhi by Volvo (Sep 3 - Wed)
Today free day and evening transfer to Volvo stand to catch the bus to Delhi for overnight Journey.
Day 14): Arrival at Delhi (End-of-Tour). (Sep 4 - Thu)

End of Tour

Tour Cost Rs.____________/-

Note:  Programme is subject to change according to the local weather conditions. 

Fee Includes:
  • Hotels in all the city and town on MAP basis
  • Full Board plan (Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner).
  • Tata sumo for entire trip
  • Back Up Jeep for entire package
  • All kinds of camping Equipments, tents, sleeping bags, Guide, Cook, porters.
  • Volvo Tickets from Delhi-Manali and Manali-Delhi
  • Tour Guide Delhi to Delhi
Fee Excludes: -
  • Cost of any form of insurance, rescue, evacuation, hospitalization, etc.
  • All the personal exp like drinks, tips etc.
  • Excudes any meals during Delhi-Manali and Manali-Delhi Bus Journey.
  • Anything that is not included is excluded.
  • Taxes.

Eco-Tourism Policy (Care for your  Environment)                           

Himalaya, with its pristine mountains, rivers and forests is known as the “abode of the Gods”.  It is therefore our responsibility to maintain the natural glory of these mountains and make it a place of endless delight for travelers and residents alike.  A few easy to follow steps will help you to contribute in making this effort a success.

1)    Plastic stays:  It is one of the least degradable substances, resistant to the effects of the sun, wind and rain.  When you leave a plastic bag or bottle in the quiet picnic spot that you and your family enjoyed, you may very well find it there when return a few years later, an ugly spot on the landscape.  The State of "Himachal Pradesh" and "Jammu and Kashmir" has banned the used of polythene/plastic bags and you can be fined for using them, while you are in the Sate.

2)   Litter:  Do remember to take your litter back to the hotel or drop it in the 
conveniently placed dustbins.  Don’t leave it lying around.

3)   Noise:  One of the prime attractions of Himalaya’s, is the silence of the mountains that invite you to linger.   Need we say….
·         Please don’t blow your vehicle horn unnecessarily or play blaring loud music as you drive.

4)   Vandalism:  Nature intended trees and rocks to remain unmarked by human beings.  Nor were our monuments intended for graffiti written by some young wit.
·         Please do not scratch your name or write message on trees, rocks, mountains or monuments.

5)   Respect:  Please treat the mountains and the people with respect and you will be pleasantly surprised at what both can give back to you.
Last, but not the least….. Enjoy yourself with responsibility.  
Leave nothing, but memories……

Monday, April 6, 2015

UPCOMING EVENTS

Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek, Chadar Trek, leisure Cycling Trips;  Treks, Backpacking with Cycles; Camping, White Water Rafting, Waterfall Rappelling, Monsoon Adventure Treks, Safaris, Mountaineering, Rural Eco-Trips, Sailing, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Fishing Trips, kite flying etc.


Details for Internet Banking Transfers (RTGS / NEFT / IFSC):
Account Name: OFFBEAT MANDALA
Account No.: 50200006370273
Bank Name: HDFC Bank Limited
RTGS/NEFT/IFSC: HDFC0000019
Branch: THE AMALDAS CO-OP HSG. SOC. LTD., 
JUHU-VERSOVA LINK ROAD,
WARK-K, (WEST), ANDHERI (WEST), MUMBAI – 400053, MAHARASHTRA




Custom Camping Trips

Details / Signups

Custom Treks

Details / Signups
Fresh Summer Adventure Camp
Panchgani Hill Top Camp at 3500 feet

April (24 to 26)
Himalayan Safari to Meghala and Arunachal Pradesh.

May 4th, 2015 to May 10th, 2015

Click here for registration / details
Pre-Monsoon Jungle Trek in SGNP
Experiences Pre-monsoon magic in Nature..

May 31st 2015

Details / Signups



COMING UP

FIRST MONSOON TREK
COMING UP

WATERFALL RAPPELLING EVENTS

click here for registration / details

COMING UP

MONSOON ADVENTURE TREKS
COMING UP

 WATERFALL RAPPELLING WITH CAMPING
COMING UP

NEW OFFBEAT MAHARASHTRA'S VALLEY OF FLOWER 


COMING UP
MONSOON WEEKEND BACKPACKING ADVENTURES
Explorers Himalayan Safari to Offbeat Spiti and a overnight trek to the forbidden land of Malana

August 22, 2015
Details / Signup
Markha Valley Trek (ladakh)

Sep 5th, 2015 (11 Nights and 12 Days)
September 17, 2015

Ladakh Festival and Culture Tour

Details / Signup
Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC Trek). 

Winter - Nov 15, 2015. 

Details / Signup

Chadar Trek 2016

Multiple Batches

Details / Signup




SGNP Butterfly Trail and Jungle Trek

Event Date:  October 11th, 2015. (Friday - Public Holiday) - Book in advance.

Late September and early October is season for Butterflies and flowers in Sahyadris..  


A Jungle Trek..

1000 plant species, 251 species of migratory, land and water birds, 50,000 species of insects, 40 species of mammals. In addition, the Park also provides shelter to 38 species of reptiles including crocodiles; monitor lizards; 9 species of amphibians and also 150 species of butterflies; and a large variety of fish.



One Day Scheduled Treks

2015-10-11 SGNP Highest Peak (Butterflies and Flowers Trek)

Place: Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai
Meeting Location: Inside “Sanjay Gandhi National Park” (Main gate), Borivali East, off Western Express Highway.
Type of event: Jungle Trek inside National Park.
Trek Grade: Easy to Medium. (2 to 3 hours climb and 1 hour descend).
Travel: Customers gets their own transport or Car Pool or Public Transport.
Date: October 11, 2015

Planned Schedule:
Timings: 
7:30 am - Meeting inside SGNP Main gate of National Park.
Travel from SGNP Main gate to Kanheri Caves.
Travel (Own Car; Bike Or Car Pool; Public transport is available).
8:15 am - The Trek..
The trail will start at parking of Kanheri Caves parking, go down the hill and climb up the Jungle trail from lower Kanheri leading to Old Gaumukh till we reach the highest peak in Mumbai and spending some time at the summit we descend the hill again crossing Kanheri Caves and winding up at Kanheri Caves Parking.

1:30 pm Windup at Kanheri Caves Parking.


Trip Fee:
Adult Participant: Rs.650/- per adult.
Students: Rs.500/- per head. (Maximum age of student 18 years old).
Minimum Age: 6 years old.

Limited capacity: 4 to 20 nos max.

The trip fee includes:
Guided Jungle Trek.
Expert Support (Wild life and trek)
Permit Fee.
Jungle Permission Permit Cost.

Excludes:
SGNP Entry Fee. (Charged at Main gate during entry of National Park).
Transport (Self driven car or in car pool with friends).
Or Public transport (BEST Buses / Vans available within park from main gate till Kanheri Caves).
Bottled water or beverages. (Do not carry disposable bottled water; carry all water in PET Bottles).
Snack during trek (Carry Snack pack)
Any kind of Insurance policy

Entry fee or Parking fee to National Park

Click here for procedure for Registration / Bookings

Registration will be confirmed with 100% advance payment; once you make online transfer kindly send email to asif@natureknights.net / natureknights@gmail.com.

Mention in your subject: Registration for Butterflies and Flower Trek SGNP - October 11, 2015.

Name and Contact details for participants
Details of payment.

Details for Internet Banking Transfers (RTGS / NEFT / IFSC):


Account Name: OFFBEAT MANDALA
Account No.: 50200006370273
Bank Name: HDFC Bank Limited
RTGS/NEFT/IFSC: HDFC0000019
Branch: THE AMALDAS CO-OP HSG. SOC. LTD., 
JUHU-VERSOVA LINK ROAD,
WARK-K, (WEST), ANDHERI (WEST), MUMBAI – 400053, MAHARASHTRA






What to carry and jungle code; what to carry; dos and don’ts:
Eco-sensitive tourism code to be strictly followed; leave only footsteps and take only memories
No littering; not causing any type of damage to forest.
No music players.
Attire: Track Pants / three fourth Pants with t-shirt (preferable full sleeves dry fits)
Rain wear (Poncho or Rain Coat); additional small umbrella for photographers)
Hand towel
Personal brunch bag.
Water bottle (Pet bottles or regular water bottles not disposable mineral water)
Carry all items kept in water proof sacks kept in protected backpack.

Optional nice to have items:
Field Guide
Binoculars
Digital Camera


(Kindly carry enough precautions to protect all your electronic equipments from rain).

Coming Soon Easy Adventures at Sanjay Gandhi National Park


Custom Adventures Customized to meet your needs: Jungle Treks, Nature Trails, Camping and Cycling Trips.



More about Sanjay Gandhi National Park




Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), previously Borivali National Park (BNP), is a National Park (Reserve Forest) in the northern part of suburban Mumbai city. It encompasses an area of 104 square kilometers (40 sq mi) and is surrounded on three sides by India's mega metro Mumbai. It is notable as one of the major national parks existing within a metropolis limit and is one of the most visited parks in the world.

The rich flora and fauna of Sanjay Gandhi National Park attracts more than 2 million visitors every year.  Inside heart of Park also lays the national heritage Kanheri Caves dating back to 2400 years, there are over a 100 caves sculpted out of the rocky cliffs which lie within the park.

The park is nestled in the hill ranges to the east of the suburb of Borivali. It occupies most of the northern suburbs. To the west lie the townships of Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali and Dahisar. To the east lie the townships of Bhandup and Mulund. To the south lies the Aarey Milk Colony. The northern reaches of this forest lie in Thane city. The park and these areas surrounding it are all part of the Mumbai metropolitan area.

The park is a bustling forest, with an estimated 800 types of mauve. This flower is native to the park and the surrounding regions, including Karnala, the Yeoor hills, Tungareshwar and some parts of Goregaon’s Film City. The park is also home to a small population of leopards.

Photo Albums of Sanjay Gandhi National Park



Monsoon-Majic-SJNP-june2010



Sylonda-Jungle-trek


Fews of the Nature Trails / Nature Treks in Forest from Borivali National Park Side.
Sylonda Trail (Going up-to 1st Stream, 2ndStream, 3rd Stream)
Highest Point of Mumbai or Jambul Trail. (Via Kanheri, Via Lower Hill Trail or Via Bamboo Hut Trail)
Bamboo Hut Trail


Lower View Point Trail (Gaumukh Point).
Census-in-SJNP



BNP-Jungle-Trek-Monsoon-2008





Macros




Silonda-Trail-March22-2009


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SGNP-July19-2011
Flora and fauna

The park is home to a number of endangered species of flora and fauna. The forest area of the Park houses over 1000 plant species, 251 species of migratory, land and water birds, 50,000 species of insects, 40 species of mammals. In addition, the Park also provides shelter to 38 species of reptiles including crocodiles; monitor lizards; 9 species of amphibians and also 150 species of butterflies; and a large variety of fish.

Flora: Bamboo, Kadamba, teak, karanj, shisam, and species of acacia, ziziphus, euphorbia, flame of the forest, red silk cotton and a number of other varieties of flowers. Karvi or Karvy, a flowering plant that flowers once in seven years, can be found in the Park.

Karvi
The Karvi shrub, as it is locally called in the Marathi language, sometimes also spelled as Karvy in English, only blooms once in eight years in a mass flowering covering the forest floor in a lavender blush. It grows in abundance in the Western ghats hills near Mumbai including throughout the Sanjay Gandhi National Park as in other parts of its natural range. In Sanjay Gandhi National Park its latest bloomings took place in 2008, and it is scheduled to bloom here again in 2016. Termed by nature enthusiasts as 'nature's miracle' its maximum bloom can be seen on some of the inner paths and trails that lie undisturbed in the park. It survives best on vast slopy expanses on the hillsides with Kanheri caves area of the park being one of the best places to observe large areas of blooms.
In the state of Maharashtra, the mass flowering of Karvi has been observed to occur in Mumbai the same year as in the hill station of Khandala and one year earlier in Bhimashankar and Malshej Ghat, beyond Kalyan. Near Mumbai, the Karvi is also found in Karnala, the Yeoor hills, Tungareshwar and some parts of Goregaon including Film City.

Fauna: The forest cover in the park helps provide the ideal habitat for many wild animals. Chital (or spotted deer), Rhesus Macaque and Bonnet Macaque are some of the wild mammals that can easily be spotted roaming inside the park. Other large mammals found in the park are: Black Naped or Indian Hare, Muntjac (Barking Deer), Porcupine, Asian Palm Civet, Chevrotain (Mouse Deer), Hanuman or grey langur, Indian Flying-fox, Sambar Deer and Leopard. One can also spot hyena or four-horned antelope.

Reptiles living here include: crocodiles in the Tulsi Lake, pythons, cobras, monitor lizards, Russell's Vipers, Bamboo Pit Viper and Ceylonese Cat Snakes.
In 2003, pug marks and droppings of a Bengal tiger were found in the park. Although the tiger was never widely seen,  it did bring some excitement to city folks as records of tiger being found here are quite old and forgotten now with the last tiger being shot down 80 years earlier in the region. Conservation was also proposed for the interlinking habitat corridors and nearby wilderness areas in the state and upgrade their status as Tiger habitat.

Butterflies Total 172 species of butterflies has been reported here, of which the spectacular ones are Blue Mormon, the phenomenal artist of camouflage the Blue Oak leaf, the bright jezebels and Large Yellow and White Orange tips, Tigers, Egg flies and Sailers.

Avian-Fauna: Some of the birds one may see in the park are: Jungle Owlets, golden orioles, racket-tailed drongos, minivets, magpies, robins, hornbills, bulbuls, sunbirds, peacock, and woodpeckers. Migratory and local birds such as paradise flycatcher and various species of kingfishers, mynas, drongos, swifts, gulls, egrets, and herons have also been spotted.

Also check the following links:
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Custom Treks in Maharashtra Click here
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Team Building Program - Click here
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