 Monsoon is the time of fresh start and rejuvenation, of lush green and game of clouds. And August - September marks the same season. The cotton candy clouds change into white monsters that fill up the whole sky and covers every space mostly. The villages are all green with dense vegetation all around and trees bear greener leaves with no patch of dust anywhere. It is therefore, in this months of August and September that many a traveler comes to see the Valley in whole different light.  It is a wrong notion that hiking isn't possible in monsoon. In Parvati valley , the trails might be muddy but they are beautiful none the less. The greener landscape makes up for forest walk a soothing experience. The clouds play hide and seek with the forest, as you can see in the above picture. This forest also known as fairy forest looks like a whole different dimension due to the monsoon clouds. Himalayan trails do not have leeches , which is a perfect excuse to hike through the clouds and forest here.  Dust which is generally abundant settles down in monsoon , which clean air and clear views. Homes look wonderful and the backgrounds make up for a ethereal setting. It does not rain through out the day , contrary to mass belief. In Parvati valley generally showers are heavy and spans for couple of hours , then the clouds just hold up settled in the mountain slopes. It gives us ample time to sit outside , play your music and enjoy this nature which can be only found in this valley. And if it rains at all , even sitting inside our hostel or homestay , sipping in coffee makes up for a good experience.  The monsoon means birth , and with the flowers , August September marks the season of apples and pears. It can be found everywhere , in every field and corner. While a lot of our time goes in picking apples from the orchards , you are spoil for choices as you try to pick the most delicious one. The fresh food makes up for our breakfast and snacks, and truly this is the secret of such a healthy body and mind, of people, who live in the valley.  Some of the most beautiful landscapes can easily be found in Parvati valley , the monsoon and its magic adds up to something more magical scenarios. The veil of clouds with fresh farm and dense forest makes up for views you can just sit and watch throughout the day. Since pollution is less , only clouds form the landscape veil, not smog or fog! With time to time , the sky also clears up, and some beautiful lights fall on the far off mountain ranges , giving us joy and a colorful evenings. Hence, August September marks a good time to avoid the rush and see some magical landscapes of the valley , and it does not only mean monsoon and heavy rains, it means mixture of everything that is beautiful and paradise like. A small weekend trip in August September here in Parvati valley will ensure you see all this with your eyes. Let me know if you are planning, so that I can guide you to see all the views in the pictures I clicked. Hope to see you soon in the valley.   Monsoon is one of the least visited season in Himalayas, as rains make life quiet difficult. However , being said that , it also creates one of the magical environment of lush green and mysterious foggy nature all around. While not much treks are operational during this monsoon , the ones that are going on are truly beautiful. Among them my personal favorite is Hampta Pass Trail in Himachal Pradesh. And here are some Experiences from Hampta pass that makes it my favorite.  The Landscape of Monsoon. While we hike through Hampta pass , most days are always cloudy with a romance between the Mountains and clouds everywhere. The vegetation comes alive with shower after shower , and not much sunlight means , no scorching ultra violet Ray's to hamper our skins. It is one of the few treks where sunscreen can be avoided, and the varied vegetation with flowers blooming has so much beauty of it's own.  Experiencing the Shepherds Like most of Indian hiking Trails, Hampta pass too was walked and discovered by nomadic shepherd tribes. This tribes with their sheep, dogs and families move from one valley to other. Meeting them and experiencing their life here on Hampta trail is one of the most ethnic Experience you can do. Eating their food which includes fresh meat and milk, gives a glimpse of primitive nomadic human life that has gone past. Stories of their adventures are quiet interesting, and if you are lucky enough , you might get to share their special smoke.  Camping in Lush Green. Most probably all of you who are reading this are already fond of camping. And camping or spending 3 night here in the wild is also a very sought after Experience for people who are in love with green. Generally most people love snow , but being a person living in Himalayas for so long, snow is very habituated for me , and hence my eyes are more fond of lush green. Waking up with a view that can soothe your eyes , while unzipping your tent is one of the best experiences of life.  Barefeet crossing the Cold Himalayan stream is one of the wildest Experience to do. The almost freezing cold water at it's first touch feels like a sharp knife being pushed in your skin. Toes and feet goes numb as we slowly put our step inside , shivering and feeling the ultimate cold. The fast paced rush of the stream also can make you disbalanced at times , as the water takes up till the knees. While the whole adventure ends , putting on your shoes , gives you a belief that how life is happening even in simplest of moments, and we all learn to enjoy them.  The Moon shaped Lake. Chandrataal is anyways famous for it's ethreal beauty , and nothing much can be put to words to write about this high altitude lake. Everything here is a feeling , rather than notes, and if you haven't seen this moon shaped lake, you will not realize why paradise truly exists. Hampta trail helps you to cross over to Lahaul side and end the trek with a grand view of this lake. Nothing like such an ending.  All in all Hampta pass is one of the best cross over trails from one valley to another. It's difficulty being beginners is ideal for your first experience, and it's stunning landscapes is ideal , if you are already a trek enthusiast. Walking on this trail cloud covered with fog misted landscapes , totally reflects a scene coming out of some fantasy adventure novel. And the best part is we can always be a part of it easily ! SO LIKED THIS TREK ? WANT TO JOIN ? MESSAGE DIRECTLY FOR FREE CONSULTATION. |
Author" Travel made me rich and free. Magic and miracles are true , once you wander on the roads to places different and divine. Sharing you all those memories and stories , and wishing you all , that someday you guys travel far and wide too. I am not a great writer , so ignore my grammar and spellings, read it with feelings, and you might just be affected with the wanderlust " Archives
August 2019
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