REST-HOUSE IN HIMALAYAS - KHIRSU & UKHIMATH
KHIRSU
...an offbeat hill-station near Delhi (330 Kms).
&
UKHIMATH
ROUTE SUMMARY
#1. Delhi - Ghaziabad - Modinagar - Khatauli - Bijnor - Najibabad - Kotdwar - Satpuli - Khirsu - Ukhimath.
#2. Delhi-Meerut-Muzaffarnagar-
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I am losing precious days. I am degenerating into a machine for making money. I am learning nothing in this trivial world. I must break away and get out into the mountains to learn the NEWS
- John Muir
TRIVIA : John Muir, also known as "John of the Mountains", was a Scottish-American naturalist, author & environmental philosopher.
CONTENTS
INTRO : A crisp Introduction to the Destination & Super Stop.
THE JOURNEY : Driving experience, General Information(Trivia) & Suggestions etc (Notes).
GROUND REPORT : A summary of the Destination & important Stopovers. Safe Pit Stops(refreshment breaks), Super Stops(important stopovers). Details like Altitude, Distances, HOTEL information WITH TELEPHONE NO & Tourist Attractions etc.
INTRO
SUPER STOP
KHIRSU
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| GMVN, Tourist Rest House, KHIRSU |
Mesmerizing Majestic Deodars, Tall Pines and Old Oaks loom sombrely above the verdant lands of KHIRSU. With an awe-inspiring sight of snow clad Himalayas in the background, this calm toy-town is a reachable 'at will' paradise for those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of the more famous tourist stations around Delhi. This 'Eat Sleep Eat, Then Repeat' kind of rest-house...
...KHIRSU is an immaculate offbeat destination to relax.
SUPER STOP
UKHIMATH
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| View from GMVN TRH, UKHIMATH |
Surrounded by coniferous and oak forest, with a mesmerizing view of snow clad Himalayan ranges, this is a central place for visiting Madhmaheshwar (Second kedar), Tungnath (Third kedar) along with many picturesque locations, such as Deoriatal & Chopta. Situated on the road connecting Guptkashi with Gopeshwar, the holy town of Ukhimath...
...is winter home of Kedarnath, i.e., SHIVA, the Lord of Kedar Khand.
THE JOURNEY
Month : October
Starting point : New Delhi
Destination : KHIRSU & UKHIMATH extended up to DEORIATAL.
Mode of transport : Car
Month : October
Starting point : New Delhi
Destination : KHIRSU & UKHIMATH extended up to DEORIATAL.
Mode of transport : Car
We all have our favourites, and that's true for her too. She now expresses her own opinions about everything from the wardrobe to the choice of toys which are going to stay with her during the journey...and this time, it's Quinche, a big-big teddy, gifted to her on the second birthday, a couple of months back. We all are trying to convince SHANVI that as the space in the car is limited, only one of the two will travel, Quinche or mom. As of now, she prefers Quinche...!
It was a long journey ahead. So, even though SHANVI was crying, we put her mom into the car and left. At 2 AM, Delhi roads were definitely very much available for a quick drive.
NOTE : Strictly follow the traffic rules during these hours. Drive within speed-limits. Remember that most of the fatal accidents happen during these hours. Leaving early helps, (if the route is safe...)as you cover most of the route before rush hours. This way you save a lot of time and energy. Another reason for the early departure was that we had to reach Khirsu (around 350 kms from home,out of which more than 100 kms of the journey involved hill driving) before sunset.
After approx 140 kms drive, our first major BREAK came at Monty Millions restaurant (Miranpur, Meerut-Bijnor road). This nice place to relax offers a delicious menu, ample parking space, kids' play zone etc. After a refreshing 45 minutes mega BREAK & we moved on.
The road conditions throughout were pretty good...a few bad patches after Meerut & then around Bijnor. Overall it was a nice drive.
We touched Kotdwar at around nine. Another approx 100 kms journey from here will take us to Khirsu, our first SUPER STOP. With our room pre-booked at GMVN's tourist rest house, we were well in time.
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| First BREAK... |
So, our first BREAK on the colourful terrace of mother nature came soon after crossing Kotdwar. Rest as usual. Hot water thermos, milk-sugar sachets & teabags along with namkeen & biscuits, were out. After the mini party, we moved on to another party at the next beautiful bend.
About two kms away from Kotdwar (at less than 1/2 km deviation from the main road), came ancient SIDHBALI MANDIR, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is believed that Hanumanji himself appeared here and gave darshan to Sidh Baba. A refreshing 360-degree view of serene surroundings included a playful river 'Khoh' and densely forested mountains. A lot of monkeys jumping around the temple were the major attraction for SHANVI. After few kilometers, we halted at DURGA DEVI MANDIR.
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| Jageshwar...the 8th Jyotirlinga |
PILGRIMAGE IN HIMALAYAS - 22 SPECIAL TEMPLES around famous HILL-STATIONS, click here to know more;https://hillheart.blogspot.in/2018/05/18-special-temples-around-famous-hill.html
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Surrounded by majestic Deodars, Pines & Oaks Khirsu is among the most quaint places in Uttrakhand. Though it was a sunny day, still the higher Himalayas were blanketed by luminous clouds. And as always, almost frequently, we mistook the clouds for snow-capped peaks.
We checked-in at 1 PM and went straight to the dining hall. After a satisfying lunch, we decided to take a nap at the superbly located hotel's room having a wonderful Himalayan view from the window ( Most of the huts at Khirsu TRH do not have a good view, so, better avoid them. Get your accommodation pre-booked as Khirsu don't have much choice ).
Location, view & overall Landscape of GMVN tourist rest house at Khirsu was like a miniature version of KMVN TRH, Chaukori. Chaukori had sprawling colourful lawns with the towering Himalayas in the background and Khirsu has smaller yet nicely maintained lawns with not as grand, yet very impressive Himalayan ranges at some distance. Like Chaukori, Khirsu too is a place for peaceful and rejuvenating vacations, where there are no shopping options or famous eateries. Eat Sleep Eat, Then Repeat...is the holiday mantra here too!
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| MUNSIYARI via CHAUKORI |
For more information on CHAUKORI (WONDERLAND Munsiyari via Chaukori), visit: https://hillheart.blogspot.in/2017/11/destination-munsiyari-via-chaukori.html?m=1
After a refreshing nap, we enjoyed our evening tea-pakora party at the velvety lush green lawns of the rest house, relaxing in the chairs. The Himalayas were still under the clouds. Rest of the evening was spent in the company of adorable SHANVI. She, otherwise a digital kid...la present-day generation, and a big fan of Pokémon & Spiderman, was running around the park, as she had spotted a lot of butterflies fluttering all-over. Watching her enjoy the childhood was another divine experience.
Next morning, a mesmerizing golden sunrise was awaiting us. Instead of going to the lawns we preferred terrace for a better view. Snow clad Himalayas presented a dazzling show...watching the magic of crimson rays kissing the silver peaks of Himalayas was wondrous.
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| GMVN tourist rest house, KHIRSU |
TRIVIA : Peaks visible from Khirsu - Gangotri, Kedarnath, Bhrigupanth, Sumeru, Neelkanth, Chaukhamba are some familiar peaks. Many peaks, still unnamed, can also be viewed from here.
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| FOREST RESERVES of KHIRSU |
Dense woodlands of 'Forest Reserves of Khirsu' is at walking distance from TRH. This is a peaceful place for Nature Walk. It has some variety of birds too, like the long-tailed red-billed blue magpie, a species of bird from the crow family. Though the maintenance needs to be better, still with some swings, rides and footpaths etc, this is a good place for kids & nature lovers. At less than 20 kms, Pauri can also be visited from here. The ancient temple of Ghandiyal Devi in the vicinity is also a must visit destination around Khirsu.
NOTE : For more details regarding tourist attractions near Khirsu see Ground Report below.
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| WAY TO LANSDOWNE |
Know all about the HILL STATIONS AROUND DELHI ( THE 7 HOURS' DESTINATIONS ), visit: https://hillheart.blogspot.in/2018/04/weekend-hill-stations-around-delhi.html
After lunch we left for Ukhimath. An approx 100 kms drive through lush green forests and enchanting views of verdant valleys, wooded slopes, terraced fields took us to GMVN's tourist rest house, Ukhimath, comprising of just two rooms, 8 bed dormitory and a small garden. With limited staying options in here too, it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance.
Situated at an elevation of 1,317mts above sea level, UKHIMATH is winter Seat of Kedarnath. Here the idols from Kedarnath temple and Madhyamaheshwar are worshipped during the six months of winter.
NOTE : For details see Ground Report below.
With Devine serenity & calmness in the vicinity, this serene land is a perfect place to meditate. For the nature lovers, Ukhimath offers a stunning view of snow-laden towering Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Mana Parbat, Beethartoli, Neelkanth, Kedar Nath, Chaukhamba, Komet etc.
As we reached Ukhimath almost at the sunset, we had no option but to stay indoors pre-dinner and crash into the beds post-dinner...and we did exactly that!
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| ...as we reached |
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UKHIMATH next morning |
We began our next day with a bow at the famous Omkareshwar Temple, the winter home of the 5 kedars, when the access to those temples is not possible. Quite important historically, this is a well-maintained temple. Nicely looked after wedding place of Usha(Daughter of Vanasur) and Aniruddha(Grandson of Lord Krishna)is also there inside the temple. Besides Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath has many ancient temples dedicated to several Gods and Goddesses such as Aniruddha Usha, Shiva, Parvati, Mandhata etc.
With spiritual aroma all-over the place, it was a blissful beginning of the day. After a tasty breakfast, we checked-out and left for Deoriatal.
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| CHAUKHAMBA PEAK - DEORIATAL |
MIGHTY HIMALAYAS & FAIRYLANDS around DELHI, visit: https://hillheart.blogspot.in/2018/04/long-drive-hill-stations-around-delhi.html
A picturesque drive of around 10-12 kms from Ukhimath took us to a tiny village called Sari Gaon, the base for the trek to Deoriatal. Situated at the Ukhimath-Gopeshwar road, Sari is a peaceful yet tourist-ready village having number of small tea-stalls and eateries along with some budget-friendly night shelters serving home-made food.
We parked our car at a tea stall run by a local young boy named Bharat. In order to understand a bit about the trek's difficulty level, especially when we had the challenge of taking two yrs old SHANVI along with us, we decided to have a chat with him, of course, over a cup of tea. He was quite frank in answering the query. According to Bharat, it was not possible for us to carry her once she feels tired or annoyed during the course of the trek, which actually is very steep and rocky and hence quite difficult. So, either we should hire a pony for her or one of us should stay back with SHANVI and the rest can have a go. So understandably, I and my better-half stayed back.
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| All the trekkers... |
As my daughters HIMANI & HINA left for the trek, we had enough time to understand the village life of Sari Gaon surrounded with Oak and Rhododendron forest, situated at an elevation of 6554 ft.
Bharat informed us that Deoriatal lies in Kedarnath musk deer sanctuary. During February - March, the flowers loaded Rhododendron trees are ablaze with the glowing shades of crimson, magenta and bright pink. These colourful shades would accompany you all along the way up to Deoriatal and even at Deoriatal. Tourism and farming is the main source of income of the here. Many villagers are in the business of making complete trekking arrangements for the tourists. Porters and ponies to carry luggage etc. are available here. Trek further up from Deoria Tal, goes up to a beautiful meadow called Rohini Bugyal, Chandershila, Tungnath Temple and Chopta. Tents can also be arranged to spend the night by the lakeside at Deoriatal.
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| MUSSOORIE (DHANAULTI) |
FOR ALL INFORMATION ABOUT MUSSOORIE & DHANAULTI, visit:
At around 12:30, approx two and a half hours after beginning the trek, we got a call from HINA's Vodafone number informing us that they have reached the Tal. Though nothing more could be heard due to poor signal quality, she looked very excited. After another two hours, they were back with us, worn out yet quite jumpy, animated and hungry. Bharat churned out a hasty and not so tasty dal-roti lunch for us.
Both the trekkers summed up their experience in few words..."During the trek, we were short of breath and here we are short of words...even though Chaukhamba was mostly surrounded by clouds, still it was magical & what if we could see a cloudless Chaukhamba...tomorrow we all are going there again, and that too for a night's stay!", in the same breath, announced HIMANI.
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| UNDER COVER... |
The decision was made. Two nights stay at Chopta was reduced to one. And we left for Chopta. Around 20-22 kms drive from Sari to Chopta was breathtakingly beautiful.
Know all about THE CLOUD CUCKOO LAND...DEORIATAL & CHOPTA, visit:
GROUND REPORT
PIT STOPS
MODINAGAR: (approx 50 kms from Delhi) - Jain shikanji.
KHATAULI : (approx 110 kms from Delhi) - McDonalds & Haldiram’s outlets and more.
Cheetal Grand (Khatauli bypass)
BIJNOR : Monty Millions Restaurant, Monty Tiraha, Miranpur, Meerut-Bijnor Road, Uttar Pradesh, India. Tel: +91 9639000027,+91 8868966666
MUZZAFFARNAGAR (Via Haridwar) : (approx 130 kms from Delhi) Namaste Midway - Kullar(earthen cup) Tea near the entrance is good. McDonald's, Subway, Haldirams,
...& Many other famous eateries.
HARIDWAR : Many small and big restaurants and dhabas are available here.
TOP STOP
KOTDWAR
Altitude - 454 mts. (1,490 ft)
State - Uttrakhand
District - Pauri Garhwal
DISTANCE
Delhi - Kotdwar : 220 kms, approx.
Nearest railway station : Kotdwar
Nearest airport : Jolly Grant Airport.
Nearest airport : Jolly Grant Airport.
HOW TO REACH
BY ROAD : Kotdwar is well connected with motorable roads with all major destination including the national capital, New Delhi.
BY RAIL : One of the oldest Railway Station, Kotdwar, is well connected with many major cities of India.
By air : Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Kotdwar situated at a distance of approx 110 km. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Kotdwar.
Earlier known as Khohdwar (gateway of the river Khoh), Kotdwar is located on the bank of river Khoh. It is one of the main entrance points in the state of Uttarakhand. Kotdwar Railway station, one of the oldest, was established in 1890 by the British.
At a distance of 1.3 km from Kotdwar bus stand, ST. JOSEPH CHURCH is Asia's second largest church at this altitude. It is opened every day for people from all communities.
DURGA DEVI TEMPLE, situated at a distance of 9 km from the main town, is among the most important places of worship.
At a distance of 5 km from Kotdwar bus stand, the SIDDHABALI TEMPLE is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is located on the bank river Khoh. It's around 50 meters above from the river bank.
SUPER STOP
KHIRSU
Altitude - 1700 mts. (5,580 ft)
State - Uttrakhand
District - Pauri Garhwal
DISTANCE
Delhi - Khirsu : 330 kms, approx.
Kotdwar - Khirsu : 110 kms, approx.
Nearest railway station : Kotdwar
Nearest airport : Jolly Grant Airport.
Nearest airport : Jolly Grant Airport.
HOW TO REACH
BY ROAD : Khirsu is well connected with motorable roads with all major towns of Uttarakhand. Buses are conveniently available from Delhi to all the well-known towns of Uttarakhand such as Pauri, Kotdwar, Srinagar etc. One can reach Khirsu through NH 119.
BY RAIL : Nearest Railway Station Kotdwar, is well connected to Khirsu by road.
By air : Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport(145 kms approx). Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Khirsu.
MAIN ATTRACTION
A budget destination near Delhi, Offbeat, Easily accessible, Refreshingly peaceful, Adventurous = KHIRSU
At an altitude of about 1700 meters above sea level, Khirsu is 19 kms away from Pauri. The snow-laden mountains of Khirsu attract the tourist in winters, while the panoramic view of the Himalayan range tempts tourists to visit this place in summers. Khirsu's fabulous sunrise and sunset would mesmerize anybody. A perfect resort for nature walks and village tourism, Khirsu also inhabits numerous species of birds. Agriculture is the prime occupation of Khirsu inhabitants.
PAURI : At less than 20 kms from Khirsu, placed at an altitude of 1814 mts above the sea level, on the slopes of the Kandoliya Hills, Pauri is a town and a municipal board in Pauri Garhwal district. Pauri offers a glimpse into daunting Himalayan Peaks like Swargarohini, Bander Poonchh, Thaliyasagar, Sumeru, Kedarnath, Neelkanth, Chaukhamba, Nandadevi, Hathiparvat, and Trishul. Nicely located with Holy Ganga River on its one and mighty Himalayan ranges on the other side, Pauri is one of the most culturally rich places in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.
JWALPA DEVI TEMPLE : A renowned siddhpeeth, This temple is located at a road that connects to Pauri and Kotdwar via Satpuli. There is a popular belief that Jawalpa Devi or Devi Parvati(an incarnation of Durga), the Goddess of power fulfills all wishes. A grand festival is held here during Navratras.
GHANDIYAL DEVTA TEMPLE : Located a few kilometers away from Khirsu, this ancient temple is devoted to Ghandihayal devta, also known as Jai Shri Ghantakarna Swami. In this temple, mostly Haldi is offered to the deity. Anything which is red in color such as red sweets, red cloth, red flag etc. is strictly prohibited to offer inside. A Ghandiyal Mela is also organized every year on the third Monday after baisakhi at Khirsu.
KANDOLIYA TEMPLE, devoted to Lord Shiva, is a serene place near Khirsu. The temple is situated in the middle of a vast park. This frequently visited place has Asia's highest stadium. Kanodoliya temple is famous for mesmerizing sunset view.
KYUNKALESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE : The temple mainly devoted to Lord Shiva, is believed to be set up in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya on his visit to Pauri. The temple enshrines a Shiva Lingam and a statue of Nandi along with an ancient drum. The temple also has idols of Parvati, Ganesha, Karthikeya, Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita. A wonderful view of the Himalayas and the Alakananda valley is visible from the temple.
WHERE TO STAY*
Delhi booking office, Uttarakhand Tourism, Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.(GMVN)
102- Indraprakash Building, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi 110001
Ph - 011-23350481, 23326620
1. GMVN tourist rest house, Khirsu.
Address: Khirsu, Uttarakhand 246147
Phone: 095680 06672
2. Hotel Taj Himalaya, Khirsu.
Address: Khirsu Chowkalya, Dist - Pauri Garhwal, Khirsu, Uttarakhand 246147
Phone : 099971 78713
SUPER STOP
UKHIMATH
Altitude - 1,311 mts (4,301 ft)
State - Uttrakhand
District - Rudraprayag
DISTANCE
Delhi - Ukhimath : 430 kms approx.Kotdwar - Ukhimath : 210 kms approx.
Khirsu - Ukhimath : 98 kms approx.
Nearest railway station : Kotdwar
Nearest airport : Jolly Grant Airport.
HOW TO REACH
BY ROAD : Ukhimath is well connected with motorable roads with all major destination including the national capital, New Delhi.
BY RAIL : Nearest Railway Station Kotdwar, is well connected to Ukhimath by road.
By air : Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Ukhimath.
MAIN ATTRACTION*
Ukhimath or Okhimath, is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site. During the winters, the idols from Kedarnath temple, and Madhyamaheshwar are brought at the Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath and worshipped here for six winter months. According to Hindu Mythology, Wedding of Usha (Daughter of Vanasur) and Anirudh (Grandson of Lord Krishna) was solemnized here. By name of Usha this place was earlier known as Ushamath. Besides puja of Lord Kedarnath, year-round puja of Lord Omkareshwar is performed here.
Ukhimath can be used as a center destination for visiting MADHMAHESHWAR (Second kedar), TUNGNATH (Third kedar) and Deoria Tal (a natural freshwater lake) and many such picturesque places.
SHIVA's PANCH KEDAR :
Hump at KEDARNATH
Face at RUDRANATH
Arms at TUNGNATH
Navel and stomach at MADHYAMAHESHWAR
Locks at KALPESHWAR
WHERE TO STAY*
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1. GMVN tourist rest house, Ukhimath.
Address: Ukhimath, Uttarakhand 246469
Phone: 095680 066922.
2. Hotel Dev Bhumi
Address: Main market, Ukhimath, Uttarakhand 246469
Phone: 094121 16503
3. Bagwari Guest House
Address: Mansuna Ukhimath Rd, Ukhimath, Uttarakhand 246419
Phone: 096279 71321
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| NOTE : ALWAYS drive carefully there...remember, mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence. |
To enjoy all my posts...click your preferred link below:
PHOTO GALLERIES
1. NAINITAL & JAGESHWAR...the lake city & the land of Shiva
2. MUSSOORIE & DHANAULTI
3. MUNSIYARI...the lofty Himalayan sequence
2. MUSSOORIE & DHANAULTI
3. MUNSIYARI...the lofty Himalayan sequence
QUICK READS
Respect Nature. She Reciprocates!
Mountains are the World’s Water Towers. Water, stocked as Glaciers, flows downwards in form of rivers. Besides satisfying our thirst, it also sustains most of the food production in addition to the maintenance of various green belts that generate the basic requirement of our life, the oxygen.
My birthplace, Delhi is a wonderful place, just a few hundred kilometers away from world's most famous water towers, The Towering Himalayas. And whenever we want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city we head straight into the lush green wilds of the Himalayas to breathe easy in the lap of raw nature. With an almost endless list of destinations, blessed with delightful landscapes and colourful trails for all tastes, capacities & capabilities, Himalaya, we believe is the abode of Gods. However, spending time in such serene surroundings brings its own responsibilities too...
...avoid littering around. Use eco-friendly produce during the journey.
* Compiled from Google
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The Himalayan escape...around Delhi
"Tourists don't know where they've been. Travellers don't know where they are going"
-Paul Theroux
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| Wanderer's Wonderland |
* Compiled from Google
great information about new destinations in Uttrakhand.
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