http://WWW.SHIMLAONLINETRAVELS.COM/LOWBUDGETCorbett Tiger Reserve has captured the imagination of many with its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. The natural uniqueness of the area was recognized long ago as a result of which in 1936 Corbett attained the distinction of becoming the first National Park to be established in mainland Asia. The park was then named as the ‘Hailey National Park’ and was later renamed as ‘Corbett National Park’ after James Edward Corbett the noted hunter turned conservationist of the area. The area came under ‘Project Tiger’ in 1971 when Gov. of India launched this ambitious conservation project.
Today after addition of areas into the originally declared National Park, the total area of Tiger Reserve extends 1288.31 sq. kms spreading over three districts of Uttarakhand viz., Pauri, Nainital and Almora. Corbett National Park covers an area of 521 sq. km and together with the neighboring Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve Forest areas, forms the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Geographically it is located between the Shiwalik Himalayas and the terai. The streams, rivers and ridges crisscrossing the terrain, present Corbett with a remarkable variety of landscapes. This vivid mosaic of habitats wet and dry, plain and mountainous, gentle and rugged, forests and grasslands supports numerous plant and animal species, representing Himalayan as well as plains ecosystem. The most famous of Corbett’s wild residents are the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic Elephant. In addition to that with over 550 species of avifauna Corbett is one of the richest bird regions of the Country and has been declared as an ‘Important Bird Area’ (IBA) by Birdlife International.
The Park attracts a large number of wildlife tourists and is divided into six ecotourism zones:
Bijrani | Dhikala |
Jhirna | Sonanadi |
Durgadevi | Dhela |
If you are stepping into Himalayas for the first time then Kuari Pass is the trek to do. It is almost crafted perfectly for the beginner.
To begin with, Kuari Pass is an easy-moderate trek, which makes it easy enough for someone starting out in the Himalayas. But more than anything else there are three things about the trek that stay with you.
First, are the beautiful forests on this trek. These forests are very old. They are mostly of oak and rhododendrons. Somehow, the forests are laid out perfectly. It is never too thick, never too thin. Every time you walk through the forests, you can see into the distance, which gives you a sweeping view of the forests. This is what makes the forest spectacular. There is something else magical about the forests. Every now and then, you get out of the forests to a clearing or a meadow and then get back in. This interplay of two different kinds of landscapes is something to watch out for.
Secondly, the campsites. Undoubtedly, you must look out for them. While we have many treks in the Himalayas, there are very few treks with campsites with such spectacular settings. Trekking is not always about going from place to place. It is also about the camping experience. Be it the Chitrakantha campsite in the heart of the forest or the Khullara campsite with Mt Dronagiri rising in the background. This is where the Kuari pass trek really makes it superb for someone starting out in the Himalayas.
Finally, the mountain views. Even from the first day of the trek you get to see superb mountain views. Mt Nanda Devi, Dronagiri are right in front. As you go higher, more mountains reveal themselves. They span the horizon making it a spectacular show.
Even if you leave these aspects out, the Kuari Pass trek is a superb trek. The beautiful sights and challenges of the trek make it a trek worth doing – whether it is your first time to the Himalayas or not.
The Kuari Pass trek is perfect for anyone who loves views of the Indian Himalayan ranges. Right at the start of the trek, you see the classic north face of Nanda Devi from Auli. As you enter Gorson Bugyal, more peaks from Garhwal Himalayas open out in front of you – Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Kamet, Mana, Hathi Ghoda forming a grand amphitheatre. This is an easy-moderate trek and is a must for any mountain lover. Anyone above the age of 8 is fit to go for this trek.
The 4 day trek to Kuari Pass and back is graded as an easy-moderate trek. You trek for 4-5 hours on most days. The only long is one on which you trek on Kuari Pass. However, given each day’s trek trekking on inclines it is absolutely essential that you are physically fit.
It’s not often that you come across a well-rounded trail that poses just the right amount of challenge for trekkers. As the trail to Pangarchulla Peak turns from green to a snowy pristine white, trekkers can treat their eyes to few of the highest peaks of the Garhwal region.Added to that, trekking during spring makes the lower trail a colorful one, with rhododendrons in full bloom!
If timed right, the summit climb to Pangarchulla is out of the world! You make your way to 15,069 ft in deep snow, with some boulder sections and views grand enough to make you stop in your tracks!
The trail takes one through a landscape that changes with each uphill heave and downward scurry. From the meadows to breath taking Oak forests and the grasslands.
The Pangarchulla trek passes through the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. So the trail is blessed with views of Mt.Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Dunagiri, Hathi Parbat, Ghori Parbat and more. These are a true treat for the eyes!
Whom is this meant trek for?
Are you a mountain lover? If you want to trek through snow, climb to a 15,069 ft summit and get fantastic mountain views of surrounding peaks; this is the trek for you. A physically active person of 12 years and above can do this trek.
Pangarchulla is a moderate to difficult trek. The summit day is long. You trek for close to 12 hours at a stretch. This required decent amounts of stamina and physical fitness. Click here to learn how to prepare and get fit for the trek.
The biggest reason to do the Goechala trek is the grand views of big mountains that you see. You don’t just see one summit — the Kanchenjunga. But 14 other big summits. That’s a lot for any trek — especially as close to the eyes as on the Goechala trek. It is no wonder that trekkers consider Goechala to be the closest to the big mountain treks of Nepal.
To see the big mountains you need clear views. It is only in Oct-Nov, with the haze out of the way, that you get the best views. The mountain views are razor sharp; the sunrises and sunsets jaw dropping. For photographers it is always Oct-Nov. Like any season, there are flip sides too. Oct-Nov is early winter in India. The air is crisp and cold. Temperatures dip to negative beyond Thansing. Early winter snow could block the final access to Goechala on some days. Yet, with all its flip sides, Goechala is best done in Oct-Nov.
Whom is the trek meant for?
If you are looking for adventure and beauty in equal proportions, the Goechala is for you. You get to trek into the lap of the mighty Kanchenchunga. So close that trekkers often stretch their hands out as if, in a daze, to touch this grand mountain.
Goechala is a difficult trek. You need to be very fit in order to complete this trek. Most days are long. Some begin at dawn and end at dusk. On the Goechala Pass day, you trek for over 12 hours. The climbs are steep and the altitude gained is significant. High altitude trekking experience is advised. The minimum age requirement for this trek is 10 years.