TREKKING IN INDIA 03

TREKKING IN INDIA 03

ASSAM

So long hidden behind red tape, Assam's beauty is a fact that defies imagination. The rarest of flora and fauna, blue hills and green tea, a bustling capital and black oil, it is a beauty that soothes even as it disturbs. Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan bound Assam in the north, Nagaland to the east, and Manipur and Mizoram to the south. In the southwest, Assam touches the borders of West Bengal and Bangladesh.

In Guwahati, the commercial capital of Assam, the tour starts from Kamakhya temple, Basistha Ashram, Zoo, Gita mandir, Nabagraha temple, Assam State Museum. Assam is very rich in wildlife. There are three national parks and 12 wildlife sanctuaries of which Kaziranga and Manas are most well known. Gateway to the Northeast: Guwahati, the industrial and commercial hub of Assam is revered for its ancient Hindu temples. It spreads at the edge of the vast moving, river-sea of the Brahmaputra. It's the service center for the oil industry and tea plantations. The world's largest tea auctions are held in the nearby city Dispur, the official state capital. The People: The Assamese are a mixture of Mongolian-Tibetan, Aryan, and Burman ethnic origins. Their language is akin to Bengali, spoken in West Bengal and in Bangladesh. Since the late 19th century a vast number of immigrants from Bangladesh have entered the valley, where they have settled to cultivate the almost empty lands, particularly the low floodplains. The hill tribes of the Garo, Khasi, and Hajong inhabit the hilly margins of the plain. The Bodo are the largest minority group in Assam and are concentrated in the northern areas of the Brahmaputra River valley. Occupation: Agriculture is basic to Assam's economy. Rice is grown on about two-thirds of the cultivated area; tea and jute are also important crops, and their sale accounts for a major portion of Assam's income. Other significant crops include oilseeds, peas, beans, canola (rapeseed), sugarcane, and fruits. Oil and coal are found in upper Assam, and the state produces about one-sixth of India's petroleum and natural gas. Handicrafts: Artist and sculptors, masons and architects, and others practicing minor crafts such as weavers, spinners, potters, goldsmiths, artisans of ivory, wood, bamboo, cane and hide flourished in Assam from ancient times. Every household possesses a handloom used to produce silk and (or) cotton clothes of exquisite designs. The Eri, Muga and Pat are the important silk products of Assam. CLIMATE: Assam has mild winters and warm summers. Summer is March to June and monsoon from July to August. November to February is winter. Average temperature is moderate, about 29 degrees C in the hottest month of August. The average valley temperature in January is 16 degrees C. The real force of the monsoon winds is felt from June onward. Rainfall in Assam ranks among the highest in the world; annual rainfall varies from 70 inches in the west to 120 inches in the east. Best season: February to May. TRAVEL KIT Population: 25 million

Festivals: Assam observes Bhogali Bihu, Rongali Bihu, Kati Bihu, Janmashthami and Durga Puja festivals. Rangali Bihu, the main Bihu festival, is in April. This festival is essentially in celebration of a good harvest and is accompanied with lively dances, music and feasting. Guwahati also celebrates the Ambuchi Festival in July.

FESTIVALS OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH

FESTIVALS: Festivals are an essential part of the socio-cultural life of the people. The festivals are connected with agriculture and celebrated with ritualistic gaiety either to thank God for his providence or to pray for a bumper harvest. The large fairs and festivals are linked with the people and religions. The festivals celebrated by the Arunachalees mirror the people, culture, their artistic genius and skill in music and dance, which is a vital element in the life of every tribe.

In one sentence - Arunachal Pradesh is a must visit destination for the cultural tourist.

Festivals are an important part of the socio-cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh From agricultural festivals, celebrated with ritualistic favor to thank God for a good harvest, to the festivities such as Torgya and Losar that show deeper religious emotions and Buddhist influence in this part of the world. Animal sacrifice is still quiet a common ritual among the tribal festivals.

CLIMATE: Due to the great variety in topography, climatic conditions change within short distances. The southern part of the state has hot and humid sub-tropical climate. In the central areas, the climate is cooler, and in the inner or higher reaches, the climate is alpine. The rainfall too, though an almost year-round features, is uneven. The best time to visit this state is October to April.

Trekking in Darjeeling

Perched at 2134 m directly opposite the Kanchenjunga, the Darjeeling hills at 8586 m, is the world's third highest mountain and India's tallest. The road rises steadily to Kurseong where wisps of cool air affirm an undeniably Himalayan setting. Road and train track follow each other for the remaining 60 kms past the Jorebangla crossing and the Batasia loops to the bustling railway terminus.

The earliest Everest expeditions started their journey from Darjeeling. A profusion of alpine blossoms and orchids can be found on the leisurely trips to the neighboring lakes at Senchal and Mirik and the Lebong racecourse, which is the highest in the world.

This was also the home of the late Tenzing Norgay and has since 1954 housed the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute where he trained a generation of mountaineers. The sunrise over Kanchenjunga as seen from Tiger Hill nearby, is also a great draw. On clear days, Everest is visible as well.

Down to the Teesta and up on the other side are Kalimpong, 67 km away and the main stopover point on the proposed trade route to Lhasa. Along the river, the road ascends once again to Gangtok, 88 km away coursing some very fine water runs. The direct road to Bagdogra is 125 km.
Trekkers to Darjeeling cannot resist a stopover in Sikkim. As in other parts of the Himalayas, the scale of its altitude and the distinct character of its seasons make Sikkim an all-year destination. Low altitude treks in winter and higher level excursions in spring summer and autumn, when the snowline recedes, are possible. The conventional trekking periods are March - May before the monsoon, and after the rains in late September-mid-December.

For foreigners, travel formalities have now been further simplified. For sightseeing and trekking, and for visits to Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodong and Pemayangtse monasteries, permits can be obtained for periods upto 15 days from a number of designated offices including Indian missions overseas, immigration officers at the main metro airports, Bagdogra, Gangtok and other convenient points including the Sikkim tourism office in Delhi. Likewise, for trekking in the currently permitted Dzongri area of west Sikkim groups of 4-20 persons may obtain 15 day permits.
Indian nationals can visit the areas inside the inner line with permits, which can be obtained in advance. Each season in Sikkim is distinct. The periods for outdoor excursions are several. March to May is the best season for flowers. Then on till September, the monsoon moves in with thick mists and heavy rain. The onset of autumn imparts an enduring clarity to the distant views until late December, when snow starts falling in the upper valleys. Meanwhile, the life cycle carries on, adapting to the changing colors of the landscape. In many ways, this deep-seated harmony with nature is a special characteristic of Sikkim going back to the origin of its earliest inhabitants, the Lepchas. In its monasteries, picturesquely dotted across the state, lie the religious and cultural strengths of the friendly Sikkimese.

Getting there: The nearest airstrip to Darjeeling and Sikkim is Bagdogra in North Bengal. Bagdogra is 124 kms and a 5 hours drive from Gangtok. Flights from Calcutta, Delhi and the northeast connect this sector. The nearest railhead is Siliguri -114 km and New Jalpaiguri - 125 km connecting Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati and other important cities in India, to Sikkim and Darjeeling.
Gangtok is connected by road to Darjeeling Kalimpong and Siliguri. These places are well connected with other destinations in India.

Trekking routes: Treks in the Darjeeling area join up with the feeder Sikkim valleys of the Rangit river adjoining the Singalia ridge. Kanchenjunga is the prominent feature, its subsidiary peaks spread alongside with distant Everest also in view. Medium or strenuous grade trekking trips can be undertaken using Darjeeling as a convenient departure point.

Darjeeling-Batasi-Tonglu-Sandakphu -- This is a 6-7 day moderate trek from Maneshanjang, which is 26 km by road from Darjeeling. Ideal for views along a standard trail. The route is famed for its view of Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest and rhododendrons from Phalut and Sandakphu.

Darjeeling / Gangtok - Pemayangtse - Yoksam - Dzongri -- 6 days exhilarating trek with exclusive views of the brilliant Dzongri sunset over Kanchenjunga.

Best Season: The most rewarding season for travelling through Darjeeling and Sikkim is between May to October. The winters are very cold and the region is swamped by fog. The rainy season make trekking unsafe. Plan your trip well in advance and Enquirer about the weather conditions before setting out.

The monsoon in the Teesta valley is heavy, lasting from early June till mid September for Sikkim and Darjeeling. For this reason, winter treks are recommended, beginning with October though the period from April to end May is also preferred.