Muthodi-Kemmanagundi-Hebbe Falls

 

BHADRA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (MUTHODI)-KEMMANAGUNDI-HEBBE FALLS- KALHATHGIRI FALLS TOUR – NOVEMBER 2010

I had been to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthodi along with my fellow Photographers Friends Satish H, Viswanath.S (Central Bank of India) and myself and also accompanied by Sudhakar, Nagendra (Superintendent, BHS) and Umesh (RGUHS) from 24th November to 26th November 2010,

DAY 01 : 24th November 2010 :

Left early morning from Bangalore, all the friends met at Sri Sudarshan Residence along with his Innova we moved towards Kunigal via Magadi had a beautiful breakfast (idli Vade, and famous Kali Dosa) at Hotel Parimala, Kunigal and from there we moved towards Chikamaglur and met Vishwanath Friend Sri Satish from Chikamagalur had Lunch at Food Palace and bought some Coffee, Tea Powder and Vegetables, reached Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary by 2-30 pm met Shashi (Forest Guard) and stayed at Sighe Khan Estate Guest House and we had a safari at 4-30 pm with Dept Vehicle, we had been to Big Teak Tree

Brief Info on Big Teak Tree

Bombax ceiba or Boorugada mara is seen en route to Mavinahalla in Lakkavalli range. The tree is more than 200 years old and has a 32 feet trunk. It provides food for squirrels during summer.

Terminalia Tomentosa or Matthi mara is found in Balegundikere in Thanigebailu. The tree has 22 feet trunk and is 300 years old, says environmentalists.

Teak wood is found en route to Kesave from Muthodi. The tree is 400 years old and has 17 feet trunk.

as it was heavy rained two days back all the route was very horrible even 4W Drive was not so easy to travel, we had struck down at few places in the middle of the jungle and our dept vehicle also strucked and we had a experience of that in this trip, finally we came back to Nature Camp and had tea and having dinner at Sighe Khan Guest House and we gone with the sleep



Brief Info Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in the Chickmagalur and Shimoga Districts, is one of the most fascinating sanctuaries. Bhadra wild llife Sanctuary is located about 38 Kms North-West of Chikmagalur.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is popularly known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary, housing some of the great wildlife reserve like the most endangered species- the tiger. The sanctuary is surrounded by Mullaianagiri, Hebbegiri, Gangegiri and Bababudangiri hills and has the tributaries of the Bhadra river flowing through it.

A diverse range of wildlife is found in the sanctuary like bison (Gaur), Elephants, Tiger, Leopard, Sambar, Chital spotted deer, Boar, Porcupine, Muntjac, birds like the Peacock, Parrot, Partridge, Pigeon, Munia and Bee eaters, and reptiles such as King Cobras and Indian Rock Pythons. More than 250 species of bird life, many of which are widespread to the Western Ghats, are spotted here. Marsh crocodile, flying lizard, monitor lizard and different kinds of snakes are some of the reptiles found here. October to February is best time to visit Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

 

Best time to visit: November to March

Day 02 : 25th November 2010After having morning Tea and bath, we trekked from Sighe Khan Guest House to Nature Camp (3 Kms) and glimpses of backstream around Nature Camp, had breakfast, met RFO and Forest Official and thanked them for their co-operation and moved towards Kemmanagundi, enroute we had a fine pictureseque landscapes, enroute we had been Seethalayana Mutt and had darshan over there

Seethalaya Mutt Temple, Mullayanigir








Landscape near Seethalaya Mutt Temple

  and reached kemmanagundi at 2-30 we stayed at Forest Dept Guest House, (nice one) and Meti was waiting for us, we had a lunch over there and hired a Jeep for Hebbe Falls, (Horrible Jeep and Ride-No Break,Nothing-Seniority wise we got that jeep) and driver was quite experienced in that route safely he landed us near the gate of Hebbe Falls (RANSH ESTATE), and we had to trek about 1-2 kms to reach Hebbe Falls, had good photographs over there


Aerial view of kemmanagudi from Raj Bhavan



Kemmannugundi Kemmannugundi (Kannada: ಕೆಮ್ಮಣ್ಣುಗುಂಡಿ) is a hill station in Tarikere taluk of Chikkamagaluru district in the state of Karnataka, India. It is located at a height of 1434m above sea level. This was the summer retreat of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and as a mark of respect to the king, it is also known as Sri Krishnarajendra Hill Station. Ringed by the Baba Budan Giri Range and blessed with silver cascades, mountain streams, and lush vegetation, Kemmangundi’s beautifully laid-out ornamental gardens and enchanting mountains and valleys views are a treat to the eye. The spectacular sunset view from the Raj Bhavan is a photographer’s delight. For the adventurous at heart, Kemmangundi offers many peaks to scale and intricate jungle paths to explore



Origin of name
Kemmannugundi (or Kemmannagundi) derives its name from three Kannada words - Kempu (red), mannu (soil) and gundi (pit) and means a place with red soil.

Transport
Road
Kemmannugundi is about 53 km from Chikkamagaluru and 20 km from Lingadahalli by road. The nearest National Highways, NH-206 or NH-48, connect to Bangalore. There is another route to reach which is via Mullayanagiri, a scenic drive.
Rail
The nearest railway station is 35 km away at Tarikere.
Air
The nearest airports are at Mangalore (150 km) and Bangalore.


History

Kemmannugundi was established as the summer retreat of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. He later donated this resort to the Government of Karnataka. The Horticultural Department of Karnataka now develops and maintains the resort and its surroundings.

Raj Bhavan

Raj Bhavan is a guest house located in Kemmannugundi and offers a spectacular view of the surrounding hills. The view of the sunset from Raj Bhavan is something to be cherished.




Z point



enroute to Z Point

  Z point is a vantage point at Kemmangundi and can be reached by a steep uphill trek of about 45 mins. from Raj Bhavan and is another favourite place of people who want to view a spectacular sunrise . As it is a walk beware of slippery roads and snakes and also visit shanthi falls nar kemmangundi

Shanthi Falls


Shanthi Falls enroute Z Point

 Rose garden
Rose garden, as the name suggests is a garden of roses maintained by the Horticultural Department. Various varieties of roses are cultivated here.

Hebbe Falls



A downhill trek of about 8 km from Raj Bhavan takes one to Hebbe Falls where water streams down from a height of 168 meters in two stages to form Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls). Jeeps are available from one particular point to Hebbe falls and they charge around 700/- to 1200/- (for up and down depending on no of persons). We can take a trek if you have enough time.



Hebbe Falls, Near Kemmanagundi





Sateesh & Umesh near Hebbe Falls





Another View of Hebbe Falls, Kemmanagundi



Kallathi Falls

Kallathi falls is about 10 km. from Kemmangundi. On the road from Kemmangundi to Tarikere, a deviation takes one to Kallathi falls. It is also known as Kallathigiri falls and Kalahasthi falls. Water cascades from a height of 122 metres and the temple here is attributed to times of the Vijayanagar empire. According to a local legend, this place is associated with the Hindu sage, Agastya

Kalhatti Falls or Kalahasti Falls is located at Kallattipura in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. The waterfall is only 10 kilometers away from Kemmangundi hill station. It offers an excellent view of the cascading water from the Chandra Drona Hill from 122 meters (400 ft) above in front of the Veerabhadreshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The Legend

Legends say that sage Agastya had prayed for a long time in this place.The Veerabhadra temple is supposed to be built in the Vijayanagar times. The temple is with three stone carvings of three elephants at the entrance. Water cascade water over these elephants and devotees believes that these waters have the power to cure diseases.

An annual fair of Lord Veerabhadra is held here for three day during March/April which attracts pilgrims from many parts of the state.

Its also hot spot among the trekkers who carry out their trekking exercises on the adjoining hills and mountains. Trekkers climbing along the mountainous terrains enjoy the picturesque view. With base in Tarikere which is 35 km from Kemmangundi, trekkers climb the hill slopes to enjoy the panoramic view of the verdant valleys below.

Location

Kalhatti Falls is located one hour from Birur (Birur - Kadur Taluk in Chikmagalur District). Birur is near Kadur, between Arsikere in Hassan Dist and Bhadravathi in Shimoga Dist. From Birur, Kalhatti is accessible through Lingadahalli.

Distances from Kalhatti Falls

1. Kemmangundi: 10 km

 2. Bangalore: 245 km

3. Mangalore: 180 km

How to reach

• Nearest Railway Station: Birur

• Nearest Airport: Mangalore

• Nearest International airport: Mangalore

The route from Bangalore is through Tumkur - Tiptur - Arsikere - Kadur - Birur on NH206. The road from Birur to Lingadahalli is about 15 km from there, there is a fork whose left arm goes to Santaveri and continues towards Chikmagalur and the right arm goes towards Kalhatti falls and Kemmangundi.

How to get there: Birur is a junction well connected on the Bangalore-Shimoga, Bangalore-Kolhapur, Bangalore-Hubli or Yeshwantpur-Vasco routes. The Shimoga Express leaves Bangalore at 2310 and reaches Birur at an unearthly hour of 0315. Buses from Birur towards Lingadahalli are at 0545, 0630 and quite regularly after that. These buses take about 30 mins. You can hire private vehicles to take you till Kalhattigiri (another 30 min. ride on road)from where you can begin the trek.

Accommodation:



Kalathagiri Guest House, Horticulture



Accommodations are available at Horticulture Guest House, Kalhatti falls

Glimpses of Tour Photographs

Bheemeshwari-Muthathi

BHEEMESHWARI AND MUTHATHI

State: Karnataka 

District: Mandya

Famous for/as: Trekking, Rafting

Languages: Kannada

Best Season: Aug - Feb

Weather: Summer 22-40°C, Winter 10-32°C

Altitude: 800-1200 m

Pincode: 560001

STD code: 08933

I had been to the Bheemeshwari along with my fellow friends -

the Team

Vishwanath (Photographs of this Place)

Myself

Ganesh and

Ishwar

and we met a good team at Kanakpura Rotarians

Satish (Kannada Prabha Correspondent)

Arasu, Devegowda, Maiya, Chandru 

With the help Sri Satish, we had a stay at Bheemeshwari Nature Camp (Forest Dept)



Cauvery River, Bheemeshwari



This place, which is located about 100 km away from Bangalore in the district of Mandya, is fast becoming a major tourist attraction. It is situated between Barachukki and Gaganachukki and Mekedatu falls. This is a perfect place for the nature lover.

There is abundant natural scenery in this place together with ample fishing facilities. In fact, the place is known as the fishing destination of the region. Tourists can see a large number of animals in this region including leopards, jackals, crocodiles, deer, wild boars and plenty of exotic birds.

Another View of Cauvery River

It makes for an excellent trekking spot. This is also home to the famous gaming fish - The Mahseer. This is the perfect place if you want to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Tourists can lodge in at the numerous cottages that are scattered in the region. These provide a cozy atmosphere and are a good place to stay while in Bheemeshwari.

Forest Dept Guest House, Bheemeshwari

Tourists can go for boat rides on the river Cauvery. These rides would take the tourists through some of the most beautiful places in the region. They would glide through forests and might even spot animals and birds. Boat ride amidst the breath taking natural scenery is sure to take the breath away.

Forest Dept

Deputy conservator of forests,

Cauvery Wildlife Division, Kanakapura
E-mail: dcfcauverywildlife@mysterytrails.com
Phone: 080-7522537

for Trekking in and around Bheemeshwari, please do visit
http://mysterytrails.com/BheemeshwariToChellurehill.htm


Muthathi Anjaneya Temple

Muthatharaya Anjaneya Temple, Muthathi

Muthathi is a small village on the bank of Kaveri. The road to Muthathi runs along the river, and you can stop at places to spend time on the river bank or dip your feet in shallow waters. The village and the approach road are within the boundary of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.

Expect to sight some wildlife if you are lucky, which includes chital, sambar deer and even elephants.Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare and endemic grizzled giant squirrels. The region is also rich in bird life. Take Kanakapura road out of Bangalore till you get to Satanur. Turn left at Satanur and drive for another 30 minutes to get to Muthathi. There is no food and accommodation avaialable at Muthathi. Pack your own food and plan to return by the end of the day.

NUGU

Kengal Anjaneya Swamy Temple



Kengal Anjaneya Swamy Temple

Kengal Anjaneya Swamy Temple is located in Vandaraguppe village near Channapatna Karnataka. The reigning deity of the temple is a five-and-half-foot tall Hanuman sporting a moustache. Tradition recounts that sage Vyasaraya, carried out installation rituals after realizing the special properties of a rock which looked like the monkey god, Hanuman. A huge water tank is located in the temple premises. The temple is 55 km from Bangalore and is just off the Bangalore - Mysore State Highway. Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport. Channapatna Railway station is another access point

Aprameya Swamy Temple

Aprameya Swamy Temple, situated 60 km from Bangalore, is an ancient temple on the Mysore - Bangalore Highway. It is believed that Lord Ram stayed here for many years and worshipped Lord Aprameya. Hence the presiding deity is also known as Sriramaprameya. The idol of Sriramaprameya is represented holding the conch and disc in two upper arms and club and lotus in the two lower arms in the Abhayahastam mudra. The temple also enshrines Goddess Aravindavalli, the consort of Lord Aprameya, Lord Navaneeta Krishna and Alwars of Vaishnavism. The temple of Lord Navaneeta Krishna, a cute little Krishna, crawling, with a butter ball in his right hand is the main attraction.



Built in the Dravidian architectural style, the temple stands on sand without any solid basement. The side walls of the Rajagopuram are decorated with beautiful sculptures depicting the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The Mukha Mantapam houses the copper idols of Garuda, Sesha, Gaja, Ashva, Simha, Chandra Prabha, Samarabhoopala, Hamsa, Puppet Ashva and Hanuman. Punya Tirthams in and around the temple are Shambhu Tirtham, Vishnu Tirtham, Brahma Tirtham and the Nirmala River.




AMBEGALU KRISHNA

The annual festival, Brahmotsavam, held during the month of April-May to celebrate the birth of the Lord, draws pilgrims from far off places.

The place is well connected by road and rail. Local modes of road transportation are available. Nearest railhead is at Channapatna. There are rooms available in Shri Rama Temple with free meals

Place Statistics:

Type of Place: Ancient Temple
Situated: Bangalore rural district, Channapatna taluk
Distance: 60 Kms from Bangalore, 3 Kms from Channapatna, 80 Kms from Mysore
Transport: Well connected by road and rail; autorikshaws ply between
Channapatna and Mallur
Restaurants: Many are available on the main highway
Places to stay: The temple authorities make arrangements for staying and food


Contact Person:
Sri. E. Venugopal
President
Phone: 080-7200015
Mob: 9448077348
Email: embarvenumallur@yahoo.co.in

Sri Ranganthaswamy temple

The Sri Ranganthaswamy temple in Srirangapatna, in the Indian state of Karnataka, is a temple dedicated to the Hindu God Ranganatha, a manifestation of Vishnu and is one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams. The town of Srirangapatna, which derives its name from the temple, is located on an island in the river Kaveri. The temple is one of a set of three major temples that are built on three different islands on the Kaveri and are dedicated to lord Ranganatha.

Ranganathaswamy Temple : The temples is one of the most important Vaishnavite shrines in South India. It is built by the Gangas in 9th century, later improved by the Hoysala and Vijayanagar kings. The temple is a tribute to Lord Ranganatha(Vishnu ) has been dedicated at three pilgrimages

Adi Ranga at Srirangapattana Madhya Ranga at Shivanasamudra Antya Ranga at Srirangam

On the way to temple, Is the place where Tippu Sultan's body was found. The government has declared the place as being historically important is under the purview of The Archeological Survey of India

NUGU RESERVOIR and DAM



NUGU DAM



The reservoir is located in a place called Birwal (locally called Biral or Beeralu) in Chamarajnagar district of Southern part of Karnataka - India.

 

Satellite Image of NUGU Reservoir

This reservoir has been constructed during 1956-57 and completed during 1958. The dam work started during February-1947 and the channel work started during December-1951. The total cost of the project was INR 310.75 Lakhs. The proposed total Achkat was 20,000 Acres. The length of main irrigation channel is 55miles with maximum water carrying capacity of 666 Cusecs. The height of the dam above ground level is 90 feet. It has got a total catchment area of 380Sq miles.

 

Surrounding the reservoir the human activities are very much limited except for the movement of nearby villagers. This place makes an interesting picnic spot at back water catchment area. It has got no connected river for water. The water collected in the western ghats is stored and used for irrigation purpose. The catchment area extends to hill region which also touches the Kerala border. This is an excellent place for wild life and bird photographers. There is one more major reservoir called Kabini (on the river Kabini) which is very nearby. The entire land meets the forest area constituting Bandipur (with Project Tiger), Nagarhole and Madhumalai.

Reaching there



Only bus transportation is available to Nugu. Nearest railway station is Nanjangud. Tourists travelling from Bangalore, have to reach Mysore and proceed towards Nanjangud which is at South side. Nanjangud is only 22Kms from Mysore, trains available upto Nanjangud. From Nanjangud, continue journey towards Hura, Hullahalli which are at West side to Nanjangud. Take the help of local people at Nanjangud to travel towards Hura, Hullahalli. Public transport available but the frequency is very less. The final 4-5 Kms is through hill region where movement of elephants is very frequent on the roads. Local people make their return to home by 4.00 to 4.30 pm as it is dangerous to stay outside because of these elephants. The distance between Nanjangud and Nugu is nearly 45Kms.



After reaching the dam, take left turn to proceed near the back water catchment area. This place is beautiful for picnic lovers and great for bird photographers. There is one more route available from Mysore to Nugu. Take the road directly to H.D.Kote (Heggada Devana Kote) from Mysore. Take deviation towards Kabini at Hand post available after 50Kms from Mysore. Distance between Kabini and Mysore is 60Kms. After seeing Kabini, proceed towards Sargur through Beechana halli (Kabini is also called Beechana halli) which is only 7 Kms. From Sargur take right turn towards Nugu via Chikkamma Devi temple (beside the hill).



People travelling from Tamilnadu (Ooty and other places) have to reach Gundlupet. Continue in the Mysore road until Begur and take left turn. Proceed towards Santhe Sargur road. Birwal is just 5Kms before reaching Sargur. The distance from Begur to Nugu is 40Kms. On the way one can enjoy the scenic beauty of the place in this route.

Additional places of interest for tourist which can be visited in this area include, Bandipur Wildlife sanctuary, kabini reservoirs, Hulugana Maradi, Goddess Sri Chikkamma Devi temple and Gopalaswamy Betta near Gundlupet.

No food is available at this place. There are no accomodation available either to stay. One can plan to stay at resorts available near Kabini reservoir by booking those in advance.

KABINI DAM

Kabini Dam, constructed in 1974 across Kabini River, is located near Beechanahalli village of Mysore District. This dam is 2284 ft long and 58 m in height. The catchment area is around 2141 sq km. The dam is an ideal place for visiting.


The dam is easily accessible from Heggadadevanakote. Mysore Junction Railway Station is the nearest railhead.


Distance Chart

Bangalore - Mysore (140 kms)

Mysore - Begur (45 kms)

Begur - Handpost (45 kms)

Handpost - Antharasanthe (10 kms)

Antharasanthe - Mannanthavaadi(50kms)

Mannanthavaadi - Kalpetta (40 kms)

Kalpetta - Sultan Bathery (40 kms)

Sultan Bathery - Gundlupet (50 kms)

Gundlupet - Bandipur (25 kms) - Gundlupet (25 kms)

Gundlupet - Mysore (60 kms)

Mysore - Bangalore(140 kms)

EXPEDITION TO MOUNT EVEREST BASE CAMP-1996

MOUNT EVEREST

I HAD BEEN TO MOUNT EVEREST BASE CAMP TREKKING EXPEDITION IN THE YEAR 1996

(OLD ARCHIVE ARTICLE OF MINE)

The Team Members

H Rajakumar

(Team Leader)

N Sateesh

(Deputy Team Leader)

S Viswanath

Ananth Kaskar

NJ Gunaprakash

Anna Durai

Date From 10-05-1996 to 09-06-1996

Day I Jiri to Deorali

Day II Deorali to Sete

Day III Sete to Junbesi

Day IV Junbesi to Nunthala

Day V Nunthala to Bupsa

Day VI Bupsa to Chaurikharka

Day VII Chaurikharka to Namche Bazaar

Day VIII Namche Bazaar to Thyangboche

Day IX Thyangboche to Dugla

Day X Dugla to Goraksheep

Day XI Goraksheep to Kalapathar

Day Kalapathar to Thyangboche

Day XII Thyangboche to Namche Bazaar

Day XIII Namche Bazaar to Cheplung

Day XIV Cheplung to Lukla

Day XV Lukla to Kathmandu

DAY I JIRI to DEORALI

Early in the morning started trek to reach BHUNDAR in mind. From Jiri we followed a trail leading up the east side of the valley, passed KHARUBA pass at an eight of 2713m. From the pass we descended towards YELUNG KHOLA – crosses suspension bridge over KHIMTI KHOLA to reach SHIVALAYA(1,800m) – Had Lunch – All along the trek we came across some rhododendron forests, specular feature of this trek. North of the Mohabir village through forest we had an fine view of side streams with windmills, reached BULDAR PASS (2713m)-Maniwalls and prayers flags, an uphill task to reach DEORALI at 5.30 PM rain started – decided to stay at Deorali.

DAY II DEORALI to SETE

Left early morning at 5.30 AM – an downhill through a sylvan forest of oak and rhododendron, passing large religious shrine into a beautiful vally that truly marks the start of SHERPA country. The village of CHYANMGA (BHANDAR). We met one local school teacher he had taken some initiative some projects including power generation to his house through the following stream which confluence with HIM GANGA river. The village of Bhandar we found a mixture of TAMANGS and MEWERS – descended through forest again with terraces to reach PHEDI a CHETRI village – crossed suspension bridge walked along river HIM GANGA to reach KINJA (1,634m). In Kinja we found school, a police checkpost and dispensary. Again an uphill steep climb from the Kinja follows a trail with oak trees and rhododendron forest to reach SETE (2,575m) at 5.40 PM – Weather was very chilled The village SETE is covered with clouds as we had to stay.

DAY III SETE to JUNBESI

Left same timings – an uphill route to DAKCHU –view of Number Range – reached KATHA BASAUNI – This day we had to cross LAMJURA Pass (3530m) through uphill task of oak and greeny coloured these along with pine trees, trail follows the line of ridge passing several houses. Pass marks entry into the SOLU KHUMBU region. We had a feel, sense of pleasure when we reached LAMJURA pass (Gateway to Mountains) – weather was getting bad decided to descend to reach TAK TOR through a thick forest of fixed fir to reach AM Lodge one of early batch friend Mr. GP Sherpa of TAK TOR – Had lunch – As soon as we left the TAK TOR heavy rain started on the route to junbesi downhill reach camp JUNBESI at 4.30 PM – because of offseason we couldn’t get the accommodation because all the lodges in junbesi village were closed finally we got one lodge and stayed JUNBESI – (2575M) – A large Sherpa village with its monastery and school built by Sir Edmund Hillary. We can have a view of JUNBESI KHOLA to the south of NUMBER Range (6959m).

DAY IV JUNBESI to MANIDINGMA (Nunthala)

Crossing a small bridges at 5.30 AM – an uphill upto PHURTYING – Valley of Beni Khola – reached Solung plain trek upto Ringmo (2,005m) – a steep climb upto the lank of Kenche Danda till TRAKSHINDU pass – had lunch at trakshindu village- a Gompa (Monastery) 50 years old set up in 1946 and a school downhill to rach Nunthala (Manidingma).

DAY V MANIDINGMA to BUPSA

Downhill through thick forest and terraces – view of langur monkeys – crossed suspension bridge across river DUD KOSHI – climbed and uphill to Juving (A RAI Settlement) path meanders through stands of bamboo near the house – trail continued to reach KHARI KHOLA – Had Lunch-predominentally a village of of Sherpa and Magyar inhabitants. An uphill and tough steep climb to reach BUPSA – in the last stretch to reach our camp a landslide occurred, village people are clearing the place to the use of trekkers – met UK National – visited old monastery

DAY VI BUPSA to CHAURI KHARKA

Left BUPSA to reach Phakding – a stream and thick forest with a mixture of oak, pine bamboo and pirch-trail continued and reached Puyivan (2,800m) slowly rising on the flank of the Sebuk Dhanda to Chutok La – pass accessed to Hinku Valley – a descending nearly 600-700 mts to reach SURKYA (2,300m) – Rain started heavily while getting down to SURKYA – Had lunch-minor injuries to all in the rainshed area- towards north we moved on the main trail which traverses a gorge with a waterfall- again rain started heavily before we reached CHAURI KHARKA (2,652m) and decided to halt at this point because of the bad weather and all the members of the team were tired and exhausted.

DAY VII CHAURI KHARKA to NAMCHE BAZAAR

Reached Cheplung all along the river Dudh Koshi – the trail for Lukla joins here from Chaurikharka and them we moved to Phakding-plain trek crossing rickety, cantilevr bridge – a fine view of TAMSHERKU peak. Had breakfast – reach Tak tok- a gradually uphill climb not so steep to reach Benkar- to reach Namche the trail continues to a Benkar and eventually cross back to the east bank on a makeshift cantilever log bridge and new suspension bridge built by HMG under the Swiss – then trail continued upto the east bank crossing again Dudhkoshi by a large Sagarmatha National Park – reached Jorsale had lunch – very tough climb starts to reach Namche crossed again a wooden bridge joining another river along with Dudhkoshi- tiresome trek to reach NAMCHE (3446m). Hired Sleeping Bag, Jackets and other needful for higher camp.

DAY VIII NAMCHE to THYANGBOCHE

Path forks left from the Sagarmatha National Park- north east of Imja Khola – valley is heavy deforested and grazed with cultivation – open hillside covered with somewhat sweet smelling dwarf rhodendrons, alpine trees and berberies – reached KYANJUMA – we had a iew of TAMSHERKU, Kusum Kanguru and Kangtage way to striking form of sitting phantom – MOUNT AMA DABLAM – the mountain is at her benign, snding down the ridges like welcoming arms. Crossed a small wooden bridge below the river – we descended through past large boulders- crossed stream dn meet the path – reached Sanasa – the place to pass to peak GOKYO – then continued through all along the pine and past forest nursery funded by Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation under SPCC – crossed a small bridge near Phungi Tanga – n army base to protect Sagarmatha national Park – met jawans nearly 500-600 m steep climb through a marvelous and fantastic woods of pine, juniper and fir with rhododendron – reached THYNAGBOCHE(3875m).

THYANGBOCHE – There is a Monastery fully surrounded by the mountain peaks and we can view the Mount Everest from this place along with Kalapathar “only” and Mount AMA Dablam with a panoram extends from CHOLATSE and Tawache to massive wall of Lhotse and Nuptse with peeping EVEREST on back-

Monastery: The Gompa was destroyed by earthquake in 1934 and then in 1979 it was again destroyed by fire now at present it was rebuilting with the help of WWF and other individual donors.

DAY IX THYANGBOCHE to DUGHLA

Trail pass down the stream and descend through a haunting wood of juniper curly barked silver birch – we had a view of Musked Deers, mountain goats and pheasants continued our trail through an opening door arch to small notch between large builders- divides path to Pangboche- here a 300 years old monastery had a YETI SCALP then we moved after climbing an uphill and downhill and plain trek to reach Pheriche crossing a small wooden bridge it was very windy – view of Mount Lobjue East – a main street on both side with stonewalls enclosing houses and lodges. It was the last Sherpa village and one large building where HRA exists (HIMALAYAN RESCUE ASSOCIATION) – we decided to visit to know about AMS and other mountain problems, it was winding up the camp there because it was the end of the season. It is a domination of Tawache and Cholatse – extra day is necessary for those who couldn’t get acclimitised for mountain weather to reach higher camps. –trail leads of valley on both sides with snow cap mountains – terminal moraine at the snout of the rubble covered KHUMBU Glacier but it was fully rocky moved all along the rock path to reach DUGHLA.

DAY X DUGLHA to GORAKSHEEP

Trail levels out and chortens (samadhi’s) stands an uphill climb to have scene of memorial to sherpa and other mountaineer killed on Everest –climbed along lateral rocky path again of Khumbu Glacier and reached Lobuje (4887m) – only few hotels were operating because of unseason. Had breakfast – a best and ideal place to climb LOBUJE EAST weather was fine spent nearly one hour in Lobuje – amid huge moraines and grand peaks-last habitation before Base Camp of Everest – then continued our trek with rocky path while we are moved towards Goraksheep – some of HRA aids and Sherpas were bringing one dead body from Everest Base Camp to dig in Lobuje – we are came to know the disaster in Mount Everest that renowed climbers like Scott Fischer of US and Rob Hall of New Zealand and others has been killed after summiting their expediton. Some Expedition teams including from ITBP (Indo – Tibet Border Police) climbers have also died during their descent – we reached Goraksheep at 2.30 a slight headache appeared to all and then acclimitised and decided to summit Kalapathar Next day – the Grand Finale.

DAY XI GORAKSHEEP-KALAPATHAR-THYANGBOCHE

It was came to know that since two days back there is no view of Mount Everest from Kalapathar, the hotel boy has informed to leave at 7.30 AM but we decided to leave at 5.30 AM in the morning as soon as we are climbing Kalapathar peak we got tired and exhausted because lack of oxygen we had 5 minutes walk and 10 minutes rest. Finally reached Kalapathar at 7.00 we had a nice view of Mount Everest took photographs as soon as we are getting down the clouds are moving in valley as if we are in KAILAS PARVATHA. As time is moving EVEREST is covered with full clouds not even our team members are visible on the Kalapathar – we came back very fastly, because we had in mind of getting weather even worse it was very chilled. Had breakfast –left Goraksheep at 10.30 am – reached Pheriche at 12.20 pm had lunch and reached Thyangboche at 6.00 pm.

DAY XII THYANGBOCHE to NAMCHE

DAY XIII NAMCHE to CHEPLUNG

DAY XIV CHEPLUNG to LUKLA

DAY XV LUKLA to KATHMANDU (by Air)