Thursday 3 August 2017

Longest living root bridge-Pynursla, Meghalaya


April 2017’ We were four persons on the way to Dawki or the Indo-Bangladesh border, Pynursla district comes on the way, from there we have taken a diversion towards right from a particular point of highway (No signage), driven around 3 Kilometers we have found a village from where we had to walk or trek towards that bridge. There is a villager who has taken us to that bridge. It is said that this bridge is the longest living root bridge in Meghalaya till now. This bridge is not very old and many people don’t know about it. This guide or villager was so helpful to us in many ways.

We trekked around half an hour to reach there, but surely the trail wasn’t easy. Somewhere there are steps and somewhere was slick. It is proved that only few explorers have been there, there is a visitor’s log maintained by the village people or Meghalaya tourism, which will tell you who all came there and when.
After reach the scene, we have found one waterfall which are floating and plunging in the middle of two mountains and this bridge connects these two mountains. It was exhilarating for us to walk, because of height and quivering of the bridge. It was written there that this bridge is around 52meters long and around 75 meters tall from its ground level.
We have spent over 3 hours there; it was tranquil and breathtaking moment for us. We had our breakfast there and had a great time. The landscape and the magnificent view were spectacular and it will be remembered for lifetime.
The keenness of explore new places or offbeat places have taken me there and I am glad that i could go there. For traveler and explorer, it’s a must go place.
For more information please connect @http://achelessanju.blogspot.com   

Friday 30 June 2017

Dzuko valley – An unforgettable journey. Nagaland


It was a group of thirteen people when we started from Guwahati. We all went there by train to Dimapur. After reached Dimapur, we’ve booked zonal taxi to Kohima( the capital of Nagaland). After four to five hours travel, we reached the hotel near Taxi stand. Dimapur to kohima is approx. 75 Kms, but road conditions are so in bad shape due to landslides and heavy rain. In the afternoon we went for grocery shopping and other requirements for Dzuko trek. 
Next morning we started around 7 AM from hotel to Viswama (Dzuko trek dropping point), only Tata Sumo, Mahindra bolero (local taxi) allowed and it was around 22 Kms. Before we start our trek we all had breakfast (Bread, butter, juice, banana, biscuits). We started our trek to around 8.30 AM. There were three to four people, who were naïve and new to the trek, hence we trekked slowly. It was raining continuously and we all wore raincoats and equipped with all gears for trek.  It was slippery too, after 2 hours taut trek we’ve reached the camp(halfway) on the top, from there the base camp was around three to four hours walk, though it was continuously raining and the blustery weather were too heavy. We walked and reached the base camp at 2 PM. everyone was drenched and feeling dead cold, and was searching for fire. Without any delay our porter arranged fire wood and started to lit the fire on our dedicated kitchen, that given to us from base camp. The Dzuko valley is situated approximately at 9000 ft. altitude. 
The day was Saturday and whole base camp was filled with lots of trekker groups from various places. Especially there were three big groups from Manipur, two or three groups from Nagaland and from Assam as well. You can say that there were 250 People at the base camp and we were there for two nights. We all had Pasta in that afternoon and tea. After some time me and the porter prepared dinner for everyone. The temperature dropped down to 5 to 6 degree Celsius at night and the rain did not stop. We all got two blankets each person and compressed foam mattress. There is no electricity at the base camp, hence you need to carry candle or touch lamp. That is the most necessary article you need to carry to Dzuko valley. We all settled and slept on a row, there were lots of other people slept in the same dormitory as well. In the base camp there are two big dormitory and two cottages available. In every weekend there are people from different places. It’s better to go there in week days, consequently the chances are higher to get the accommodation. Otherwise it’s difficult to get accommodation and you can’t come back on the same day. 
The next morning we all had breakfast and started the trek to Dzuko valley from Base camp. It was only 45 Minutes trek to Dzuko valley, on the way we have seen lots of wild lilies blossoming the whole valley and mountains with other wild white and yellow flowers as well. You can see the clear sky sometimes covered with clouds and rain and wind. There is a rivulet drifts between the mountains and the valley, which the stream divides two beautiful states, one is Manipur and other is Nagaland and the treks are goes from Nagaland only. The month of June to August is the blooming time for lilies at Dzuko Valley.  The beauty of that place is speechless and breathtaking, you cannot explain about it with small version of talk; its magnificence view will speak for itself. With lots of photos and memories and time spending we came back to the base camp and spent the whole day talking about the place as group discussion. 
The best part of Dzuko valley is, that you are incoherent from outer world as long as you are there. There is no phone reception and you are actually connected within yourself, which you require time to time.  Our group was so lively and energetic that we’ve played our childhood play as much as we could recall how to play. It was fun and add to that we all thought that we could stop the time and go back to our early age. 
After spending the best time with this group we all settled and completed two nights, then next morning after breakfast we started our trek back to Kohima. We have chosen the alternate trek while coming down. This trek known as Jakhama (a place or a village), we started at 8.20 AM; many came down in no time. Four people out of thirteen came down to pickup point at 11.10 AM (almost 3 hours). Others reached by 1.30PM with five to ten minutes early and delay (almost 5 hours).  This alternate trek is totally downhill with rocky stepladder, and you have to trek approx 3000 Ft. downwards. Going upwards would be really difficult from this side to Dzuko valley. Hence we have planned the other way (Viswama village side) to go there. After accomplish the trek, we all got in the only bus which runs at 3 PM from Kohima to Guwahati. Some people have gone to Dimapur to catch their respected train to their respected homes. 
It was a great experience for me and I hope for every one of us who trekked to Dzuko valley.  Great effort and stay fit……! Hopefully this experience that I’ve shared will help others who read it and want to come to Dzuko valley Nagaland. People can ask or get any information about the place and trek anytime. I specially thank to the group members and with anticipation looking forward to do it again in time. We will be going for Dzuko valley in coming December 2017 during Hornbill festival. 


Things to carry for Dzuko Valley. 
Carry your trek gears while you are there, trek shoe especially in Rainy season. Please pack your clothes with plastic covers so that it won’t get wet due to drizzling. Carry torch lamp and try not to carry unwanted heavy load. Please carry slippers or sandal, because your shoe will get wet during the trek. In the month of November till January, it will be better if you carry sleeping bag due to cold. In the base camp you will get only light blankets. 

Wednesday 17 May 2017

Nagaland

 “The Hornbill Festival” you must come and visit this festival in the month of December every year. In this state, you will see different tribes with their own district ethos and lifestyle. Over 18 tribes which are recognized by the government. It is said that some tribes are still in the core forest who aren’t introduced to the civilization. Naga civilization is a well interweaved and cohesive entity living by ancient tenets that play the important protagonist in the contemporary life. The monsoon time here is from June to September. Kohima is the capital of this state. 365 days you can visit Nagaland, but the ideal time is November to March. For explorer and trekker, their ideal time is November to July. Dzukou Valley and Japhu peak are the best attraction for the explorer. There are many festivals happen in Nagaland time to time. 



Dzuko Valley: Once you put your Steps at the Dzukou Valley, you enjoy and Feel the lovely sights of nature; picturesque landscapes, you can do the trekking. It is located at an altitude of 2438m above sea level. This Valley is known as “Valley of the Flowers of the North-East”. The tranquility, the complete silence, the serenity of the surroundings is a complete alteration from the city life and Noise.  The Dzukou Valley is situated right at the border of Nagaland and Manipur, just behind the magnificent Japfu peak. There are two most beautiful rivers run through the valley – the Dzukou and Japfu rivers.  
Japhu Peak: to see the glazing sunrise at the height of 3048 meters above sea level, Japfu Peak you will have to wake up so early(around 3.30AM) and trekking uphill at least 3 to 5 hrs. From this peak, you can see the entire Kohima town with the magnificent sunrise. The peak is the main attraction for many trekkers and it is advisable that only hardcore explorers and adventurers can come here due to uphill trek. The whole valley of the Japfu Peak has flourishing green vegetation whose reflection emerges from a lake full of emeralds covered by the snow-clad Himalayas. The view of the adjoining cities and villages too is breathtaking. The marvelously exotic Blyth’s Tragopan and other hill birds are commonly found in the area and the vegetation profiling here is sub-tropical, with an extensive leaf on the slopes and moderate broad leaves on higher altitudes. The giant rhododendron trees. Indeed a Guinness Record holder tree stands in this valley with a height of 130 ft and 11 ft girth. However, the tree requires a 5 hours trek around the Japfu peak for one glance.
 
Khonoma Village expedition (Nagaland) – this village is sited about 20 km from the state capital, Kohima. The village is predictable to be around 700 years old and is famous for its forests and an exceptional form of agriculture, including some of the oldest terraced cultivation in the region. The landscape of this village is hilly, ranging from moderate incline too steep and rugged hillsides. The hills are covered with blossoming forestland, rich in various species of flora and fauna. The state bird, Blyth’s tragopan, a pheasant now in danger of extinction, is seemingly found here.

to travel to Nagaland and surrounding places and to enjoy one of the exclusive festivals in India

please connect with us:  www.jungleideas.com  www.getawayventure.com



















Chandubi Jungle camp

Chandubi Jungle camp is situated in the far west of the Guwahati city. It’s around 65 km from the heart of the city.  It is located in Palashbari range or we can say near Raani /Mirja. This place is filled with a Magnificent Lake which we call the “Chandubi Lake”. This place was a result of an immense earthquake happened back in 1897. Once you reach this place you can see the Meghalaya (khaasi/Gaaro) hills surrounding the whole one side and Hills of Assam surrounded on the other side. 
The specialty of this land is its own magnificence of Nature and the rawness of the jungle. It bequeaths the scenic landscapes and Nature.  You really want to exonerate of your work, city life, Noise, and all sort of city life’s pandemonium for some time?   
The answer is just come here and experiences the tranquillity, incessant meditation and more importantly disentanglement from the city life for a while.  At night you can hear the cadence performance of insects which give you an inimitable quietness to feel or enjoy. This is the place where you can invigorate yourself and feel with nature and relax your senses. Break free from daily monotonous life for a unique experience of natural beauty and wilderness........
We provide our guests with camping experience and various other activities as well. There is outdoor camp/tent for assorted needs from families to Single person. We provide our guests different kind of experiences such as boating (country boat), and Jungle hiking into the wild, interacts with the local villagers who welcomes you affectionately and we serve our guests with purely ethnic food (veg/nonveg) delicacies. 
Guests can customize their own tours during 365 Days. Any customizations please do let us know before you plan the trip. All activities and packages we will share with you wishfully.

for more details log on to www.getawayventure.com

Tuesday 16 May 2017

Meghalaya Chapter – 12th April to 19th April 2017


whole voyage for them during 12 the April to 19th April 2017. So I have made one suitable travel plan for them and they settled to come with it.
on the way to Dawki
On 12th me and my friend went to the railway station at Guwahati to receive them to start the tour. The guests were 8 persons all together and we had 2 vehicles with us. So we have started our journey to Meghalaya. That day the weather was pleasant and cool. We drove down towards Umium Lake which is on the way to Shillong. Before that, we had halted in a restaurant near Nongpo (a place) for breakfast. After a while, we restarted we journey towards our target. On the way, we have seen the magnificent landscape of Meghalaya and the curvy roads with the zephyr were giving us some positive vibes of those places.

After reaching Umm lake we all got down from the vehicle and started roaming there. Some friends wanted to go for Jet Skiing and some wanted to go for a boat ride. With mentioned some went for Swimming near the lake where there is a resort which has a swimming pool. After all these, we have started our journey again. On the way, we've halted in many viewpoints and did some adventurous activity. We all did the Zip Lining which was very adrenaline and it was like putting on all kind of Harness, clamp, and helmet and that actually crossing the one mountain to other and come back in the same way. It was an amazing experience in a lifetime. After that, we were heading towards Cherrapunjee.
By the evening in Cherrapunjee, we all relaxed at the resort and gathered for the bonfire. It was cold in the night and we all shared our experience of the day. Next morning, we started early to see places. So we went to Dainthlen falls which were near to our resort. We drove through mountains and streams and reached there. It was an amazing view of the falls.
After Dainthlen Falls, we went to Nohkalikai falls which were 9 kilometers from the first one. As we were there it was clouded everywhere, so we waited for an hour or so. After some time when the clouds disappeared, after that only we were able to see the magnificent view of the Nohkalikai falls.  We all were stunned to look at its beauty and the boldness of nature. Then wee moved to Seven sister’s falls. The seven falls plunging parallel from the mountain beautifully, that is the reason it is called seven sister’s falls or Nohsngithiang falls. By evening we head back to our hotel.
Next morning, we started early to see double decker root bridge, which I have already shared on my previous post about it. We have finished this trip smoothly just like other tours I did. For more info visit our website.

Monday 15 May 2017

Double decker root bridge (village-Nongriat, Meghalaya)

This place is situated in a far-flung area of Meghalaya. The only signs of people you will see are a few outlying village outposts. The treks involve approx. 3000 taut flight of steps which are downhill and uphill, stones, sacred Jungles, tranquil and serene trail, two iron rope pedestrians intersect bridge you will have to undergo adventurous trek. Once reach the Root Bridge you will feel the least breeze from the water flow and heed the magnificence concert of water collide with shingle.  
It's been almost 4 to 5 times that I trekked to The living root bridge. but again it is a new experience for me every time as I am there. you just don't go there, but feel the tranquillity of nature with the sound of the water streams.
please carry raincoat or jacket if you travelling in this season. (May till October every year). wear something comfort and flexible to your body, especially shoe. Wear clasp shoe to avoid slippery and do not carry heavy bags. It is recommendable that you stay for a night in that village. Next day you can trek to Rainbow falls which is 1-hour trek from Double decker root bridge. There are many homestays available in that village, but during the season time it is all occupied by tourists around the globe. Henceforth it is better you take assistance of a reputed tour agency who will arrange every day’s schedule for you in Meghalaya tour. There are many places you can see in Meghalaya. This living root bridge is one of them.
For more information about Meghalaya please connect with us @



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Saturday 13 May 2017

Sikkim -The hidden Paradise

After reached Bagdogra Airport(WB), however it was a starting summer heat about 36 degrees and we've started our drive to Gangtak (Capital of Sikkim). on the way we have witnessed beautiful Landscapes and the TEESTA River stream between the mountains that takes your breath away. “Ney-Mayel-Lyang” it’s called Hidden Paradise that cuddles the Teesta river and the southern borders with Rangit and Rangpo Rivers. This place has its own charm with its magnificent landscapes and the water falls. If you go to Sikkim, you will see many falls on the way and Snow covered mountains and valleys. Colorful prayer flags give life to those serene mountains. Buddha Monasteries are everywhere that fascinate you to feel the beauty of nature. The land is dwelling of intense landscape beauty, saturated with mystic atmosphere, holy lakes, ancient monasteries, condescending mountain peaks and many trekking routes is available. it was a memorable trip for me as well as for my guests. 

Sikkim can be segregated in 3 or 4 parts as you travel there. 

Somewhere in North Sikkim
East Sikkim which will take at least 2 days’ voyage to complete. there you can see Nathula Pass (Indo-China border), Baba temple which is not a God's or Goddess's temple but it’s an Army officer's memorial which is now become a temple for everyone and every individual offers respect and salute. this place is situated an escalation of around 14000 ft. from the see level. the serenity and the tranquility of that place is magnificent and heart taking. you can actually feel the sacrifice of our brave Indian Soldiers who martyred at the border post during war. on the way to Nathula Pass you can see Tsomgo Lake, also known as Tsongmo Lake or Changu Lake, it is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim. Inner Line Permit required for East Sikkim.

Zero point
For North Sikkim you will need at least 3 days’ time, if your schedule allows, otherwise 2 days required to roam in this circuit. From Gangtak you have to drive to Lachung which is Around 6/7 hours’ mountain drive. Sharing taxis are available from Gangtak Stand, but again you have to get the Inner Line Permit for North Sikkim, it is advisable that when you travel get some reputed tour operator just to make sure that your voyage is easier in all factors. This way you can save money and time while travelling. There are Many places you can halt and see during this tour. Zero Point, Yumthang Valley, Lachen, Buddhist Holy Lake or Gurudongmar Lake and many more places you don’t want to miss.

South Sikkim is a simple tour which includes Buddhist monasteries. Temples, Buddha Park, Char Dham (replica of four abodes or sites in India which are revered by Hindu religion). By covering all those places, you can get down to Darjeeling(WB) and spend one or two nights there. In Darjeeing you can visit tiger hills in the morning to see the sunrise and the Kanchanzunga Mountain. Apart from these there are some trek sites where many adventurer and explorer can travel. I hope this information will help people to explore Sikkim. 
more information about places are in the pipeline.
please do connect with us @
www.getawayventure.com 
www.jungleideas.com