Nanda Devi, Uttarakhand (India)

Nanda Devi is the second highest mountain in India (Kangchenjunga being on the border of India and Nepal); owing to this geography it was the highest known mountain in the world until computations on Dhaulagiri by western surveyors in 1808. It is part of the Garhwal Himalaya, 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.                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Description and notable features

Nanda Devi is a two-peaked massif, forming a 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) 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 (one of which is Nanda Devi East), twelve of which exceed 6,400 m (21,000 ft) in height, further elevating its sacred status as the daughter of the Himalaya in local 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. Nanda Devi East lies on the eastern edge of the ring (and of the Park), at the border of Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar districts.

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 kilometres (2.6 mi), 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 km (30 mi).

On the northern side of the massif lies the Uttari Nanda Devi Glacier, flowing into the Uttari Rishi Glacier. To the southwest, one finds the Dakkhni Nanda Devi Glacier, flowing into the Dakkhni Rishi Glacier. All of these glaciers are located within the Sanctuary, and drain west into the Rishiganga. To the east lies the Pachu Glacier, and to the southeast lie the Nandaghunti and Lawan Glaciers, feeding the Lawan Gad; all of these drain into the Milam Valley. To the south is the Pindari Glacier, draining into the Pindar River. Just to the south of Nanda Devi East, dividing the Lawan Gad drainage from the Dakkhni Nanda Devi Glacier, is Longstaff Col, 5,910 m (19,390 ft), one of the high passes that guard access to the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. 

The best to visit this place is in summers when you can see thousand of living creatures on this land. The view from the bottom of the peak is best as i observed , the beautiful flowers and other plants just grow make you happy. As some views of this rarely seen place can be viewed on my blog.

                                                                                          As you get to this place the nature will just shower its best on you as the clouds moves touching you along side and the cool breeze refreshes your mind and body which are busy for more than a year in some cases, and the colourfull flowers follow  you as a companion of yours.

Nanda Devi a hidden secret... 

Gulmarg, Kashmir J&K (India)

Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country.
Originally called "Gaurimarg", the name of Lord Shiva's consort. In 16th century Yousuf Shah Chak changed its name to Gulmarg, meaning the place of roses. Sultan Yusuf Shah Chak, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was favourite of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter.



The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there - roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature's colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travellers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance.
The Winter Games Federation of India, during its annual general meeting declared Gulmarg as the winter sports capital of India. Coming from the apex body that organises winter sports in the country, this is indeed a great honour for Gulmarg.


Sking at gulmarg:




Brilliant for backcountry and off piste skiing.
Ideal for intermediate skiers to improve their off piste skills.
Not recommended for Beginners.
Gulmarg is situated in Kashmir in the very north of India, and in the western Himalaya. Perched at 2700m, Apherwat mountain rises to approximately 4100m. The gondola extends almost to the peak, providing almost 1400m of vertical.
There is lift served access to 10kms of off-piste skiing. However there is extensive backcountry opportunity covering 4 different ski fields. Runs of almost 2000 vertical metres are also possible.
There is no park, but there are many natural jumps, excellent tight gullies and tree runs, all with deep powder.
Gulmarg is approximately 2 hours from the airport in the capital of Kashmir, Srinagar. Srinagar is 1 hour flight from New Delhi.
Guides are essential for the best skiing.

Victoria fall Zambia

The Smoke that Thunders
The mighty Zambezi River, fed by countless tropical
thunderstorms, plunges with a deafening roar into a great
cataract a mile wide and 400 feet deep. Billowing clouds
of spray fall in a steady rain as you walk the path through the
rainforest.

Scenic Splendor

A walk through the rainforest offers spectacular views. Descend to
the "Boiling Pot" to gain another perspective from deep within the
gorge. Later, join a sundowner cruise and cocktails upstream of
the Falls. Look out for hippos and elephants along the riverbank.
To truly appreciate the incredible size and power of the Falls, take
a scenic helicopter flight. For the more adventurous, a flight by
microlight over the Falls and river is breathtaking.
Elephant and Buffalo
Herds of elephant and buffalo are frequently seen roaming through
lodge and hotel properties. This is Africa! Listen for the distant roar
of lions calling the pride to hunt as you enjoy an evening cocktail
on the deck of your lodge. Take an excursion by canoe or
horseback, or a leisurely elephant-back ride through the bush.
Leave time to browse the magnificent arts and crafts on sale at
Victoria Falls Craft Market and don't miss the traditional tribal
dancing.

Adventure Capital of Africa

The impressive variety of high-adrenalin adventure activities that
are available can take extra time to experience, so plan your stay
accordingly. Adventures include white water rafting, bungee
jumping (one of the world’s longest drops), gorge swings, abseiling
and jet boating beneath the Falls.

A tour of the Falls

This is not to be missed. A true natural
phenomenon, the Victoria Falls is one of
the seven natural Wonders of the World.
Immense curtains of water cascade down
into the gorge. Around the Falls, the rain
forest is home to some plant species
rarely found elsewhere in Zambia or
Zimbabwe. From January to June, the
view from the Zambian side of the Falls is
most spectacular. Pathways take tourists
to view sites and across the swaying Knife
Edge bridge. A seperate tour is available from the Zimbabwe side of the border and is highly recommended.

Arts & Crafts and River Cruises

Superbly crafted African treasures are available from the Victoria Falls open air curio market. Here you will find Zimbabwe's famous stone and wood carvings, a wonderful gift or souvenir. Enjoy the African Spectacular, a demonstration of tribal dancing. Rhythm runs deep in the history and culture of the African people. The visitor is treated to beating drums, fierce dancing and chanting Shangaan warriors, the eerie rituals of the masked Mkishi, marimbas playing and choirs singing. End the day with a sunset river cruise.

Adventure activities
Some are family oriented, some extreme, will
ensure that your stay at Victoria Falls is a
memorable experience.

Bungee

Experience 360 feet of pure adrenaline rush! The bungee jump
operates off the Victoria Falls Bridge and has a 100% safety
record. Over 50,000 people have plunged off the bridge, one of
the highest challenges in the world. Boast to friends and family
at home with a video and photographs, taken of each jumper
and available for purchase. Solo and tandem jumps are
available.
Minimum age is 14 years.
Minimum weight of 40 kg (88pounds) and maximum weight of140kg (308 pounds)

Microlight flights

The scene below is breathtaking from your
open micro light cockpit. Capture
unforgettable photographs from the wingmounted
camera
15 minute flight - Feel the Freedom (a flight
over Victoria Falls and Zambezi River)
30 Minute Flight - Great African Air Safari
(over Victoria Falls, Batoka Gorge Zambezi
River & Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park)

Adventure activities,

Some are family oriented, some extreme, will
ensure that your stay at Victoria Falls is a
memorable experience.
Limitations on microlight passengers: minimum age limit is 6 years and maximum weight is 220 pounds.We arrange all transfers to and from your resort or hotel for all activities, which may be booked in advance of travel, or booked after arrival. Some activities and tours are on the Zimbabwe side of the border, requiring guests to carry passports and to pay additional visa fees.