Calendar Ankur · are the best places to stay at Auli. The resort has imported snow beaters to maintain slopes of Auli. Walking through the misty slopes provides one with the imposing

Exploring Indian Himalayas (EIH) is a philanthropic initiative to showcase the magnificence of Indian Himalayas and the states of Indian Union that are home to the world’s largest mountain ranges. EIH supports conservation of Himalayas & its ecology and also believes in “clean” economic development of the Himalayan states.

“Let’s take the pledge to conserve Himalayas”

2015Exploring Indian Himalayas

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2015

02

Kausani, Uttarakhand, IndiaMt Trishul’s trilogy peaks (Mt Trishul I @ 7120 mtrs and partially visible Mt Trishul II) as seen from Kausani.Prized shot as the peak was barely visible for 10 minutes on a three day visit to “Switzerland of India”.

Photocredits: Exploring Indian Himalayas©

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Exploring Indian Himalayas

Mt Trishul

Mt Trishul is a group of three Himalayan mountain peaks of western Kumaun, with the highest peak (Trishul I) reaching 7120m. The three peaks resemble a trident (Trishula), the weapon of Lord Shiva. The Trishul group forms the southwest corner of the ring of peaks enclosing the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, about 15 kilometres west-southwest of Mt. Nanda Devi. The main peak, Trishul I, was the first peak over 7,000 m (22,970 ft) to have ever been climbed, in 1907.

Mt Trishul: Vital Statistics

Holidays Important DaysFact File


Mountain Height (m) Height (ft) First Ascent

Trishul I 7,120 23,359 1907

Trishul II 6,690 21,949 1960

Trishul III 6,007 19,708 1960

Maha Shivratri

Feb 20

Feb 14

Mar 17, Fri

Arunachal Pradesh Day

Valentine’s Day

Feb 19Chinese New Year(The year of Goat/Sheep)

2015

03

Ramgarh, Uttarakhand, IndiaMagnificent panoramic view of Himalayas from Ramgarh ( The Sleeping Buddha”)

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Nanda Ghunti, 6309m

Trishul, 7120m

Mrigthuni, 6855mMaiktoli, 6803m

Nanda Devi, 7816m

Nanda Devi East, 7434m

Nanda Khat, 6611m

Photocredits: Exploring Indian Himalayas© Exploring Indian Himalayas



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Ramgarh, Uttarakhand, India

Ramgarh, a quaint hill station and a tourist destination known to nature lovers is on the way to Mukteshwar (a more prominent tourist destination) in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India. This place is rich in orchards. An unobstructed view of the snow-capped ranges of the Kumaon Himalayas from this place can be seen. The place was once the cantonment of the English army. The famous poets Rabindra Nath Tagore and social worker Narain Swami had established their ashrams in this picturesque town. A library dedicated to famous writer Mahadevi Varma is another attraction of this place.

Ramgarh has an average elevation of 1,518 metres (4,980 feet). The altitude ranges from 1,400 metres in the “Talla” (Lower reaches) Ramgarh valley to 1,900 metres in “Malla” (Upper reaches) Ramgarh. The East-West ridge above “Malla” Ramgarh has an elevation of 2000–2350 metres.

Ramgarh is also known as the "Fruit Bowl of Kumaon" owing to its verdant orchards of Peach, Apricots, Pears & Apples.

International Day of Action for Rivers and Against Dams

International Day of Forests

World Day for Water

Holi Mar 06, Fri



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Ram Navami Mar 28, Sat

2015

04

Auli, Uttarakhand, IndiaHimalayas as seen from Auli (a popular ski destination)

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Himachal Day Apr 15

Auli, Uttarakhand, India

Auli is considered among the best skiing destinations of India, it is situated in Chamoli district of Garhwal region covering an elevation from 2,519mts to 3,050 mts above sea level. Auli is a "Bugyal" which means meadow in the regional language. These green Bugyals turn into a sheet of white during winters.

Auli is often compared with best ski resorts of the world by the foreigners and has also hosted the First SAF Winter Games in the year 2011. Being blessed with invigorating views of the splendid mountain ranges of Himalayas, the slopes of Auli provide enough thrills to professional skiers and novices alike.



Mahavir Jayanti Apr 02, Thu

Good Friday Apr 03, Fri

Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti Apr 14, Tue

2015

05

Auli, Uttarakhand, IndiaSki slopes of Auli are arguably one the best in India and many experts rate it higher than Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, India

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World Migratory Bird Day May 9-10

Mother’s Day May 10

Sikkim Day May 16

Auli Skiing Experience: Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVN), Govt of Uttarakhand enterprise, conducts 7 day and 14 days skiing course at Auli and special provisions for day tourists are also available. The conditions for skiing are perfect at Auli. A 500mts long ski-lift and an 800 m long chair-lift links the upper and lower slopes.

Slopes of Auli: The slopes of Auli are considered amongst the best skiing places in Asia by the skiers of different countries. There are four Ski slopes in Auli:

10 No. Slope (White) is 900mts long 8 No. Track (Blue) is 800mts long Temple Track (Red) is for beginners and is 400mts in length Composite Slopes is 3.1kms long

Auli Stay: GMVN resort and Tourist Bungalow (both maintained by GMVN) are the best places to stay at Auli. The resort has imported snow beaters to maintain slopes of Auli. Walking through the misty slopes provides one with the imposing spectacles of some of the lofty mountain ranges like Nanda Devi, Mana Paravat and Kamat. The best time to visit Auli is throughout the year except monsoons. If one wants to enjoy the eternal bliss of snow then visiting Auli from December end to March is recommended.

Auli Ropeway: Auli also boasts of Asia's longest and one of the world’s highest cable car “Gondola” covering a distance of 4kms. It also has a Chair Lift and a Ski-Lift. The ropeway of Auli connects Auli with Joshimath and it takes 25 minutes to reach Auli from Joshimath. Auli ropeway has ten towers of self-supporting steel structures. The enchanting Himalayas are distinctly visible while travelling in Gondola. Auli also offers the luxury of an 800mts long chair lift linking the lower ski slopes with the upper region. This Chair Lift has a remote-controlled hydraulic and pneumatic braking system, making it safe to travel. The ropeway of Auli helps tourists to explore the region with unique and unsurpassed experience.



May Day 1, Fri

Buddha Purnima May 04, Mon

May 0

2015

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Kufri, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaHimalayas panorama from Kufri

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World Environment Day Jun 05 Kufri, Himachal Pradesh, India

Kufri is a small hill station in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh state in India. It is located 13 km from the state capital Shimla. The name Kufri is derived from the word "Kufr" meaning a lake in the local language. It has an average elevation of 2,743 metres (9,000 feet).

The highest point in the surrounding region of Kufri has a Himalayan Wild Life Zoo which hosts rare Antelopes, Felines and Birds including Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh. During winter a meandering path through the potato plantations turns into a popular Ski track.Other places of interest include Indira Tourist Park, Chini Bungalow and Kufri Fun World.

Best place to stay is Oberoi Wildflower Hall to enjoy the grandeur of the property and luxury living. Those who would like to be modest in holiday spending and yet want to enjoy the 180 degree view of snow-capped Himalayas, Kufri Holiday Resort is a highly recommended resort to stay.



Father’s Day Jun 21

2015

07

Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, IndiaStrong currents of River Mandakini is thrilling to watch while trekking up to Kedarnath

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Mandakini River, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India

Mandakini is a tributary of Alaknanda River. Mandakini originates from the Chorabari Glacier near Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, India. Bhart Khunta (6578 m), Kedarnath (6940 m), Mahalaya peak (5970 m) and Hanuman top (5320 m) are few well known peaks in the area. Mandakini River after originating from the Chorabari Glacier (3895 m) near Chorabari Lake joins Saraswati River which originates from Companion glacier at Kedarnath, passing through Rambara and Gaurikund.

The Madhu Ganga and Dudh Ganga are the main tributaries that merge into the Mandakini River at Kedarnath town. Another equally important tributary of Mandakini River is Son Ganga which originates from Vasuki Lake (4040 masl) and has a confluence with Mandakini River at Sonprayag (1709 masl) which finally merges with Alaknanda River at Rudraprayag. Alaknanda then proceeds towards Devaprayag where it joins with Bhagirathi River to form the Ganges River.

The Mandakini is mentioned as one of the transcendental rivers in the holy religious work of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Uttarakhand Floods 2013: Recent climate changes have had significant impact on high-mountain glacial environment. Rapid melting of snow/ice and heavy rainfall has resulted in the formation and expansion of moraine-dammed lakes, creating a potential danger from dammed lake outburst floods1. On 16 and 17 June 2013, heavy rains together with moraine dammed lake (Chorabari Lake) burst caused flooding of Saraswati and Mandakini Rivers in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, leading to loss of thousands of lives and complete devastation of the region.

Idul Fitr July 18, Sat



Kausani, Uttarakhand, IndiaBirds of Uttarakhand

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Oriental White Eyed Scarlet Minivet Female

Red-billed Blue Magpie




Independence Day Aug 15, Sat


Fact File Holidays Important Days

Onam Aug 27, Thu

Raksha Bandhan Aug 29, Sat

Kausani, Uttarakhand, India

There are very few places in the Himalayas that can compare with the beauty of Kausani (originally known as Valna)- a picturesque hill station famous for its scenic splendour and its spectacular 300 km-wide panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli. Kausani lies atop a ridge at an altitude of around 1890 m amidst dense pine trees overlooking Someshwar valley on one side and Garur and Baijnath Katyuri valley on the other on Almora-Bageshwar-Didihat Highway. Mahatma Gandhi called this place the 'Switzerland of India', due to similarity in landscape.

Anashakti Ashram is a quiet and revered place where Mahatma Gandhi spent some days and wrote his commentary of Anashkti Yog. Pant Museum is another place of importance, this being the place where the famous poet of Hindi literature, Sumitranandan Pant was born. The KMVN (Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam) resthouse in Kausani is an ideal place to stay and it provides panoramic views of the mountains.

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Flight to shelter at dusk The Whiskered Yuhina

Red-billed Blue Magpie

Kausani, Uttarakhand, IndiaBirds of Uttarakhand




Teachers’ Day Sep 05

Labor Day (USA) Sep 07

International Literacy Day Sep 08

Himalayan Day Sep 09

International Day of Democracy Sep 15

World Tourism Day Sep 27



Janmashtami Sep 05, Sat

Ganesh Chaturthi Sep 17, Thu

Idul Juha Sep 24, Thu

Kausani, Uttarakhand, India

Lakshmi Ashram is one kilometre away from Kausani and is a center run by Kumauni women and dedicated to social service and the upliftment of women. Gandhiji's disciple, Sarla Behn (Kaitherine Heileman) established the ashram in 1948 and spent her life here doing social service and also established Anashakti Ashram. Lakshmi ashram is located in a solitary area among dense pine forest.

For bird lovers, Kausani is an ideal getaway location. The forest area surrounding the town has a wide variety of birds in different colors and sizes.

Tea gardens (5 km on Bageshwar Road), Baijnath group of temples (16 kms on Bageshwar Road) and Bageshwar are the places of interest nearby. The beautiful tourist places including Choukori and Munsyari are a must to visit, if one is visiting this part of the world.

2015

10

Kufri, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaHimalayas in vivid colors at dawn as seen from Kufri

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Kufri, Himachal Pradesh, India

The region surrounding Kufri was part of the Kingdom of Nepal until it was ceded to the British. However, Kufri was founded in 1819. It remained a sleepy hamlet and took off only after 1930. Kufri has become a famous tourist destination only after 1970.

An inviting ski destination in Himachal Pradesh, Kufri has lured mountain lovers for decades. The slopes are not for professionals, but the short to advanced runs are tailor-made for the enthusiast. Yak rides for children are an added attraction.

180 degree view of Himalayas from Kufri is unmatchable with changing colors of the ranges and snow throughout the day. Capturing sunrise and sunset at Kufri Himalayas is an experience in itself for the photographers.

The coffee shop in Indira Tourist Park is a popular place with locals.

World Animal Day Oct 04

World Teachers’ Day Oct 05

Mahatma Gandhi Birthday Oct 02, Fri

Muharram Oct 13, Tue

Dussehra Oct 22, Thu

Maharishi Valmiki Birthday Oct 27, Tue

Halloween Oct 31, Sat



2015

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Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, IndiaSerene Dal Lake

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Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India

Dal Lake is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir. The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.

The shore line of the lake, is about 15.5 kms, is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. Scenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the shore line of Mughal gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and from houseboats cruising along the lake in the colorful “shikaras”.

The lake covers an area of 18 square kms and is part of a natural wetland which covers 21.1 square kms, including its floating gardens. The floating gardens, known as "Rad" in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and August. The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins; Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin (although Nagin is also considered as an independent lake). Lokut-dal and Bod-dal each have an island in the centre, known as Rup Lank (or Char Chinari) and Sona Lank respectively.[8][9]

At present, the Dal Lake and its Mughal gardens, Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh on its periphery are undergoing intensive restoration measures to fully address the serious eutrophication problems experienced by the lake. Massive investments is being made by the Government of India to restore the lake to its original splendor. More investments by private agencies & corporates should be made as part of CSR initiatives.

Diwali Nov 11, Wed

Bhai Duj Nov 13, Fri

Guru Nanak Birthday Nov 25, Wed

Uttarakhand Foundation Day Nov 9

Children’s Day (India) Nov 14

Universal Children's Day Nov 20



2015

12

Auli, Uttarakhand, IndiaBeautiful view of Himalayas from Auli during winters - on a clear day, one gets to see Mt. Nanda Devi (7748 mtrs) up & close (see the picture on left, engulfed with clouds here but otherwise would have India’s second highest peak standing tall)

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Mt. Nanda Devi




Human Rights Day Dec 10

International Mountain Day Dec 11

Mt Nanda Devi

Mt Nanda Devi is the second highest mountain in India and the highest entirely within the country (Kangchenjunga being on the border of India and Nepal); owing to this geography it was considered the highest known mountain in the world until computations on Dhaulagiri by western surveyors in 1808. It was also the highest mountain in India before Sikkim joined the Indian Union. It is part of the Kumaon Himalayas, and is located in the state of Uttarakhand, between the Rishiganga valley on the west and the Goriganga valley on the east. Its name means Bliss-Giving Goddess. The peak is regarded as the patron-goddess of the Uttarakhand Himalaya. In acknowledgment of its religious significance and for the protection of its fragile ecosystem, the peak as well as the circle of high mountains surrounding it—the Nanda Devi sanctuary—were closed to both locals and climbers in 1983. The surrounding Nanda Devi National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

Nanda Devi is a two-peaked massif, forming a 2 kms long high ridge, oriented east-west. The west summit is higher, and the eastern summit is called Nanda Devi East. Together the peaks are referred to as the twin peaks of the goddess Nanda. The main summit stands guarded by a barrier ring comprising some of the highest mountains in the Indian Himalayas, twelve of which exceed 6,400 m (21,000 ft) in height, further elevating its sacred status as the daughter of the Himalaya in Indian myth and folklore. The interior of this almost insurmountable ring is known as the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, and is protected as the Nanda Devi National Park.

In addition to being the 23rd highest independent peak in the world, Nanda Devi is also notable for its large, steep rise above local terrain. It rises over 3,300 metres (10,800 ft) above its immediate southwestern base on the Dakkhni Nanda Devi Glacier in about 4.2 kms, and its rise above the glaciers to the north is similar. This makes it among the steepest peaks in the world at this scale, closely comparable, for example, to the local profile of K2. Nanda Devi is also impressive when considering terrain that is a bit further away, as it is surrounded by relatively deep valleys. For example, it rises over 6,500 metres (21,300 ft) above the valley of the Ghoriganga in only 50 kms.

Christmas Day Dec 25, Fri



Nanda Devi massiff as seen from Ramgarh, Uttarakhand, India

2016

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Kufri, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaBrown Bear at Himalayan Nature Park

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Holidays Important DaysHimalayan Nature Park, Kufri, Himachal Pradesh, India

The Himalayan Nature Park, at over 2,600 mtrs altitude, is located amidst 90 hectares of temperate vegetation that forms natural habitat for many a wild animals of the Western Himalayas.

The main vegetation of the Nature Park comprises Fir- Spruce and Oak formations with scattered presence of Deodar-Blue Pine-Holly clusters. The area remains under snow for about three months from late December to March. The spring heralds the sprouting of many herbaceous species including primulas, potentillas, geraniums, balsams, and ground orchids that continue to bloom in succession till September adding much colour to the verdant surroundings. Walkways in the Nature Park help the visitors to appreciate Nature in its most serene self. While inside the Nature Park, one can also enjoy, on a clear day, a breathtaking view of the entire range of Himalaya’s snow clad peaks.

The natural habitat of the Nature Park has been used to house selected Himalayan animal species primarily for the purpose of education of visitors. However, the animal enclosures here are big enough to provide opportunity to the wild animals to be in near natural habitat. The animals are given opportunity to relax after morning meal behind a shrub or a large boulder (leopard) or even to hibernate (brown bear) during winter. The visitors would, therefore, need to spend time, as they would have spent to sight these animals in the wild, in the Nature Park to better appreciate the Himalayan fauna here.

Other attractive animals in the Nature Park include Musk Deer, Bharal, Black Bear, Tibetan Wolf, Leopard Cat, Sambhar, Ghoral, Barking Deer, Monal, White Crested Kaleej and Cheer pheasant.

Fact File

Black Bear

Himalayan Goral

New Years Day Jan 01, Thu

Lohri Jan 13, Wed Makar Sankranti/Pongal Jan 14, Thu

Republic Day Jan 26, Tue

Brown Bear camouflaging beautifully beneath with the tree

2016

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Jammu & Kashmir, IndiaAerial view of Pir Panjal Range

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The Pir Panjal Range, Jammu & Kashmir, India

The Pir Panjal Range is a group of mountains in the Inner Himalayan region, running from east-southeast (ESE) to west-northwest (WNW) across the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, where the average elevation varies from 1,400 m (4,600 ft) to 6,250 (20,500 ft). The Himalayas show a gradual elevation towards the Dhauldhar and Pir Panjal ranges. Pir Panjal is the largest range of the lower Himalayas. Near the bank of the Sutlej river, it dissociates itself from the Himalayas and forms a divide between the rivers Beas and Ravi on one side and the Chenab on the other. The famous Murree and Galliat mountains are also located in this range.

Deo Tibba (6,001 m (19,688 ft)) and Indrasan (6,221 m (20,410 ft)) are two important peaks at the eastern end of the mountain range. They can be approached from both the Parvati-Beas Valley (Kulu District) and the Chandra (Upper Chenab) Valley (Lahaul and Spiti District) in Himachal Pradesh. The hill station of Gulmarg in Kashmir lies in this range.

The Pir Panjal pass lies to the west of Srinagar. The Banihal pass (2,832 m (9,291 ft)) lies at the head of the Vitasta river at the southern end of the Kashmir valley. Banihal and Qazigund lie on either side of the pass. The Sinthan pass connects Jammu and Kashmir with Kishtwar. Pir ki Gali connects Kashmir valley with Rajouri and Poonch via Mughal road. Pir ki Gali is the highest point of Mughal road (11500 ft approx) and lies to the south west of the Kashmir valley. Nearest town to Pir Ki Gali is Shupian, the apple town of Kashmir valley. Munawar pass Lies in the North of Pir ki Gali and overlooks the town of Rajouri. Rohtang La (altitude 3,978 m (13,051 ft)) is a mountain pass on the eastern Pir Panjal range connecting Manali in the Kullu Valley to Keylong in the Lahaul Valley.

Basant Panchami Jan 12, Fri

Guru Ravidas Jayanti Feb 22, Mon



Feb 20

Feb 14

Arunachal Pradesh Day

Valentine’s Day

Chinese New Year(The Year of Monkey)

Feb 08

Documents

Calendar Ankur · are the best places to stay at Auli. The resort has imported snow beaters to maintain slopes of Auli. Walking through the misty slopes provides one with the imposing