AMARNATH YATRA-2011

Dear trekkers,

Green valley trekking club is very thankful for great response for Amarnath yatra.There are 20 participants enrolled there name. We have finalized our programme & booked confirm tickets. Do not take print of tickets we will give at time of journey. Pl. keep ready 2 passport size photograph. We will inform further information time to time even though if you have any doubts pl. contact us.

Programme details:

DATE	FROM	TO	REMARKS
08/07/11	ANUMALA(18:00 hrs.)	SURAT
09/07/11	SURAT (01:05 hrs.)	JALANDHAR CANT (04.00HRS.)	GOLDEN TEMPLE MAIL(CONFIRM)-SL
10/07/11	JALANDHAR CANT	JAMMU TAWI (09:00 HRS)	JELUM EXP.(res. Not required)
10/07/11	JAMMU TAWI	KATRA (1100 HRS) & START FOR VAISHNODEVI (12:00 HRS)	40 KMS.
10/07/11	VAISHNODEVI DARSHAN & BACK(N/H)		13+13 KMS.
11/07/11	KATRA	JAMMU TAWI (1000 HRS)	40 KMS.
11/07/11	JAMMU TAWI	PAHALGAM (N/H)	12 hrs JOURNEY
12/07/11	PAHALGAM	CHANDANWADI	By JEEP-16 KMS.
12/07/11	CHANDANWADI	SHESHNAG(N/H)	YATRA START -14-KMS.
13/07/11	SHESHNAG	PANCHTARNI(N/H)	14 KMS.
14/07/11	PANCHTARNI	AMARNATH CAVE	03 KMS.
14/07/11	AMARNATH CAVE	PANCHTARNI(N/H)	03 KMS.
15/07/11	PANCHTARNI	SHESHNAG(N/H)	14 KMS.
16/07/11	SHESHNAG	PAHAGAM(N/H)	14 (+16 BY JEEP)
17/07/11	PAHAGAM	JAMMU TAWI(N/H)	285 KMS.
18/07/11	JAMMU TAWI (14:30Hrs.)	DELHI (OLD) (04:35)	MURI EXP. (CONFIRM)-SL
19/07/11	DELHI (09:30)	SURAT (04:35)	GARIB RATH-AC 3A (CONFIRM)
20/07/11	SURAT	ANUMALA (06:30)
***********BACK TO HOME AGAIN***********************

AmarnathTrekking-cum-Yatra

PO. Anumala, Via-Vyara, Dist-Tapi(Surat) Gujrat State. PIN - 394651 Web : http://greenvalleyanumala.blogspot.com

Dear Friends,

Green valley trekking club is happy to invite for Trekking-cum-Yatra of Amarnath. Interested Trekkers/Pilgrims may give their names to Sh. Sanjay Modi till 01/05/2011.

Details are:

DATE :     09/07/2011 ( Details of  the programme will be announce later)

DURATION: 12 days approx.

 

Regards,

J. R. Jadav - 9428822351

Sanjay Modi - 9427158262

for GVTC

Detailed information:

This year's Amarnath Yatra has been the official announcement. Tour will begin from June 29. Is certain that this time period to travel two and a half months have been reduced. Tour will end on August 13. Friday 20th of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board meeting it was decided. The meeting chaired by Governor NN Vohra and chairman of Amarnath Shrine Board.

Amarnath Yatra When To Take UP Yatra : The Amarnath Yatra is organized every year by the J &K Govt. during the month of shravan (July and August); the dates however, vary every year looking at the weather conditions and according to Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) in the month of Shravan (Vikrama Samwat). This year yatra will be taken up from 29th June, 2011 to 13th August, 2011. The first convey of yatries shall leave Jammu on26th July, 2011 and last on 9th August, 2011 Yatra to Baba Amarnath Holy Cave for which one has to trek a height of about 14,500 ft is full of thrill and joy. The  feeling  of divine which is always beneath  ones' heart,  burst out and one realises ‘Moksha’  as one attends  the Cave   and   perform the  prayer  before the  Shivlinga. Surrounded by beautiful valleys, mountains, one  will  always  feel  His presence on the paradise of the earth, the memory of which hardly vanishes with time    A  journey  which  will  rediscover the nature and its love  which  is always  inside but one has never felt. CLIMATE The climatic conditions are very uncertain. Rain or snowfall may take place at any time or place during the Yatra. It is to be particularly noted that abrupt changes in temperature might occur. Sunny weather may turn into rain / snow fall in a short time.  The temperature may fall up to -5 degree C.  How to Perform Pilgrimage  For performing this Yatra, one is required to get registered. The registration is done by J & K Govt. Tourist Offices, located at Delhi , Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Jammu and Srinagar. Applications for registration in the prescribed format which is reproduced here .You can get the print out of this form and this can be used for registration .The filled in form should be sent to the registration office nearest to you, along with two passport size photographs duly affixed at the indicated places, a self addressed pre stamped envelope (for speed post) and a medical fitness certificate from an MBBS doctor.   Each yatri has to submit a separate application for registration.   Every yatri will be issued a registration-cum-identity slip by the registration authority. Yatries are advised to carry this identity slip   during the Yatra period to ensure a smooth passage.

All Yatries are advised the following:  Insurance : In view of the hazardous nature of the Yatra, pilgrims are advised to get themselves insured suitably. It is advisable that insurance cover may be got done before leaving their place of residence.  Accommodation:  Bhole Bhandari Charitable Trust provides tented accommodation & Community Kitchen (Langar) to the pilgrims TOTALLY FREE OF COST. This year this service will be made available at Panchtarni. Your valuable suggestions are solicited by filing up the form provided here on the website. Free accommodation is also being provided by other Non Government Charitable Organizations. However, J&K Tourism Development Corporation too provides tented accommodation and shelters at nominal charges. Personal requirements :  Because of the unpredictable  weather conditions, which  often are  wet and extremely cold during the Yatra period, pilgrims are advised to carry rain coat, woolen clothing, small umbrella (with head elastic band and strap around chin), walking stick , dry fruits, torch and  personal medical kits etc.

Route Map

Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of the Lidder Valley, Amarnath Holy Cave stands at 3,888 mtrs. And is 363 kms. From Jammu Via Pahalgam and about 414 kms. From Jammu Via Baltal. The detailed description of the two routes to the Holy Cave is given below: How to Reach  One can reach the first part of journey through; Air:  The nearest aerodrome is Srinagar. Srinagar is a beautiful valley having world famous sights to see, such as Dal Lake, Nagina Lake, Shankaracharya Temple, Mughal Gardens and what not. It is the most sought after tourist place. It is also known as "Paradise on earth". Srinagar is summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. There are daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi and Jammu. On some week days flights also pickup passengers from Chandigarh and Amritsar.  Rail:  Jammu is the nearest Railway Station. Jammu is winter Capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Jammu is a beautiful city and is also known as "CITY OF TEMPLES". One may visit old temples such as Raghunath Temple, Mahadev Mandir and other temples. It is well connected with all stations of India. The various trains coming to Jammu are listed here below.  Road :  Jammu and Srinagar are also connected through road. Buses and Taxies are also available for this part of the journey .These can be hired on daily as well as full tour basis.  How to Reach Amarnath Holy Cave :  Though it is tough route still nearly one and a half lac pilgrims visit every year. The number of pilgrims is increasing every year. The journey from Jammu onward is by road and there are two routes. The details are given here. 1) JAMMU – PAHALGAM – HOLY CAVE. (Traditional Route) Jammu to Pahalgam (315 km) – The distance between Jammu to Pahalgam can be covered by Taxi / Buses. These are  available at Tourist Reception Centre, J & K Govt., Raghunath Bazaar only early in the morning. But one can also come to Srinagar by air and then move to Pahalgam by road PAHALGAM  –  HOLY CAVE. PLACE ALTITUDE DISTANCE FROM MTRS FEET CHANDANWARI 2895 9500 16.0 KM PAHALGAM PISSU TOP 3377 11000 3.0 KM  CHANDANWARI SHESHNAG 3352 11730 11.0 KM PISSU TOP MAHAGUNAS 4276 14000 4.6 KM SHESH NAG PANCHTARNI 3657 12000 9.4 KM MAHAGUNUS TOP SANGAM  - -  3.0 KM PANCHTARNI HOLY CAVE 3952 13000 3.0 KM SANGAM 1. PAHALGAM :  It is 96 KM from Srinagar .This distance can be covered by car,bus or taxi. Pahalgam is  known all over the world  for its beauty. It is small town situated on the banks of Lidder River. It is surrounded by high mountains. All essentials can be bought here. Good Hotels are available for accommodation. However the arrangements for stay and Langar are also made by the Non Government  Service Organisations.  2. CHANDANWARI:  The distance from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is 16km. The route is good .It can be covered by road transport also. Mini buses are also available from Pahalgam to reach Chandanwari. The trail runs along the Lidder River. The route is scenic. Food is available here. Pilgrims camp at Pahalgam or Chandanwari on the first night. 3. PISSU TOP :   As the Yatra proceed further from Chandanwari one climbs a height to reach Pissu Top. It is said  that to be first to reach for darshan of  Bhole Nath Shivshankar there was a war between Devtas and Rakshas . With the power of Shiv , devtas could kill the rakshas in such large number that the heap of their dead bodies has resulted in this high mountain.  4. SHESHNAG:  This second day’s trek of 12 kms from Chandanwari is through Pissu Top and   spectacular, primeval countryside, and reaches Sheshnag – a mountain which derives its name from its Seven Peaks, resembling the heads of the mythical snake. The Journey to Sheshnag follows steep inclines on the right bank of a cascading stream and wild scenery untouched by civilization. The second night’s camp at Sheshnag overlooks the deep blue waters of Sheshnag lake, and glaciers beyond it. There are legends of love and revenge too associated with Sheshnag, and at the camp these are narrated by campfires. The stillness of a pine scented Himalayan night increases your inner joy. Yatris can take bath and get their fatigue alleviated. It is beautiful and scenic.  5.PANCHTARNI:   From Sheshnag one has to climb steep height up across Mahagunas Pass at 4276 mtrs.(14000 ft) for 4.6 KM and then descending to the meadow lands of Panchtarni at a height of 3657 mtrs (12000 ft). The last camp enroute to the Holy Cave is made here on third day. Here one faces cold winds which cause the skin to crack. Hence cold cream / Vaseline are very useful for protection of skin. Some Yatris are also affected by deficiency of oxygen. Some may get the feeling of vomiting. So dry fruit like Allu Bukhara, sour and sweet eatables like Lemon are useful to control these symptoms.  The route to Mahagunas is full of rivulets, water falls and springs. Panchtarni is a very beautiful place in the feet of BHAIRAV MOUNT. Five Rivers flow here. It is said that the five rivers originated from Lord Shiva's Hairs (Jataon). Pilgrims camp at Panchtarni on the 3rd night.  6. THE HOLY CAVE SHRI AMARNATH:   The Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath is only 6 kms from Panchtarni. As there is no place to stay hence the pilgrims start in the early hours of the morning after their stay at Panchtarni. On the way to The Holy Cave one comes across the Sangam of Amravati and Panchtarni. Some pilgrims take bath at Amravati near holy cave to become pious before going for Darshan. Near the cave is found white soil known as Bhasam. It is the most beloved soil of Shivji. The pilgrims apply this Holy soil to their body and then go for Shivlingam Darshan. There are two smaller Shivlings one of Maa Parvati and other of Shri Ganesh. It may be noted that after having early Darshan of the Shivlinga at Holy Cave one can return to Panchtarni well in time the same day. Some pilgrims camp at Panchtarni while others continue their journey and reach back Sheshnag by the same evening. 2) Jammu – Baltal – Holy cave (414km) Jammu – Baltal (400km). – The distance between Jammu and Baltal can be covered by Taxis / Buses available at Tourist Reception Centre, J & K / bus stand or one can come to Srinagar by air and then reach Baltal by road. The road route followed is :  JAMMU – Udhampur – Kud -  Patnitop – Ramban – Banihal – KaziGund – Anantnag – Srinagar - Sonamarg – Baltal. The journey from Jammu to Baltal which is about 400 kms. is full of beautiful Sites and one can experience of being in Heaven , a  Paradise on earth. Passing through beautiful valleys, steeped mountains, one is sure of forgetting, oneself as a person, for a while. A thrill, which is obviously there in every pilgrim, gets enhanced while passing through this way owing to the Darshan of Holy Cave. In nutshell, a journey which can go down to your memory throughout the lifetime. Baltal to Holy Cave From Baltal Holy Cave is just 14 Kms. This distance can be covered by foot / Ponies. However, Dandies are also available for handicapped and old aged pilgrims. The width of the pebbled (kuchha) road is a bit narrow as compared to the Chandanwari-Holy Cave route, moreover, there are some steep rises & falls on the way, as compared to the Chandanwari route, but pilgrims can return back to base camp Baltal through this route only in one day.

Some interesting facts about birds.....

Most beautiful bird :Pheasant family:1.Pea fowl 2.Himalayan Monal 3.Kalij Pheasant

The smallest bird of India : Flower Pecker-length-8cm

The largest Indian bird: Sarus crane-length-156 cm

Rarest Indian bird: 1.Himalayan Quail 2.Jourden's courser 3. Pink headed duck

How long does bird live:

1. kite: 25 yrs.

2. Pigeons: 22-30 yrs.

3. Peacock: 20 yrs.

4. Sparrpw: 5-8 yrs.

Recrd: 1.Vulture: 52 yrs. 2.Horned owl:68 yrs.

The longest migratory journey is performed by Arctic tern- a distance of over 17000 km each way.

The egg of the hummingbird is the world's smallest bird's egg; the egg of the ostrich, the world's largest.

Pigeons can reach speeds up to 100 mph.

Swifts, doves, falcons, and sandpipers can approach 200 mph.

The only known poisonous bird in the world is the hooded pitohui of Papua, New Guinea. The poison is found in its skin and feathers.

Penguins, ostriches, and dodo birds are all birds that do not fly.

Generally long-distance migrants seem to start out at about 5,000 feet and then progressively climb to around 20,000 feet.The most impressive altitude record is that of a flock of Whooper Swans which was seen on radar arriving over Northern Ireland on migration .

One Day Biking Expedition to Saptashringi Gad, Dist-Nashik, Maharashtra on 27/03/2011...

Dear Friends,

One day Biking Expedition to Saptashringi Gad, Dist-Nashik, Maharashtra is being organized by our club on Sunday 27/03/2011...

Saptashringi Gad is in Maharashtra and 180 KMs away from Anumala. Maharashtra have 3 and half Shaktipeeth. One of the Shaktipeeth (Mataji) is situated here. The place is around 1400 meters (4600 feet) above the MSL and cooler than Hill Station Saputara. This is the second highest peak in Ajanta-Satmala Range of SAHYADRIS. All the peak of this rage are visible from here.

Mataji's temple is located at around 4600 feet MSL. From Base (Nanduri Village), 10 KMs ghat road to reach the temple and 450 stairs at the last..

We will have the following route for our Biking expedition...

Anumala-Vyara- Songadh-Bardipada-Mahal-Lashkarya-Ahwa(Dangs)-Saputara-Hatgad-Kanashi-Abhona-Nanduri-Saptashringi Gad.

And will be back by the following route..

Saptashringi Gad-Nanduri-Abhona-Kanashi-Hatgad-Saputara-Vaghai-Khadkala-Unai-Vyara-Anumala.

Our programme will be :

• Start at 07:00 hrs from Anumala.
• Have a breakfast at Vyara and start for the expedition.
• Reach Saptashringi village by 12:30 hrs.
• Have a darshan of Mataji (450 stairs to climb) and come back by 15:00 hrs. 
• Have a lunch and Start for Anumala by 16:00 hrs.
• One hour halt at Saputara Hill Station and enjoy Sunset.
• Start after sunset and reach Hanumanbari by 21:00 hours.
• Have a dinner at Hanumanbari and reach Anumala by 23:00 hrs.

Rules to join :

• Own bike of 100 cc or more. Scooter will not be allowed.
• Age should be above 18 years.
• Should have driving license and all the papers of bike with PUC and Helmet.
• Should bring : 1 liter water bottle, food, Chocolates, medicines.
• No contribution or entry fee for this programme, all have to bring their own money for Petrol, Food etc..

Those, who are interested to join with us, please contact Jagdish Jadav (9428822351) or Sh. Sanjay Modi (9427158262).

Regards,

Jagdish Jadav / Sanjay Modi

for GVTC, Anumala

YHAI Nature Study Camps for Children - Nice programmes by YHAI for children...

Nature Study- Dobhi (Kullu)

• Combine Adventure with education, camp for eight days in the beautiful Kullu Valley, the abode of gods in Himachal Pradesh
• Nature Study Camp includes bird-watching, star gazing, rock climbing, trekking and first aid training. Children learn about nature during this programme.
• You may also photograph the panoramic views of surrounding areas
• Opportunity of staying in the camps set amidst majestic snow peaks of the Himalayas and meet the youngsters from various parts of the country
• Nature Study is a fun and educational & adventure activity for children. It helps them with their observation skills and gives them a good science lesson.
• Nature Study helps children to increase their awareness and observation skills.

Nature Study – Dalhousie (H.P.)• Dalhousie 

(7,000 feet above sea level) is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh.
• Nature Study at Dalhousie is a fun and educational & adventure activity for children. It helps them with their observation skills and gives them a good science lesson.
• Nature Study Camp includes bird-watching, star gazing, rock climbing, river crossing, trekking and first aid training. Children learn about nature during this programme.
• Combine Adventure with education, camp for eight days in the beautiful Dalhousie covered with a thick growth of ban oak, rhododendron, pine and deodar (cedar) trees.
• Dalhousie’s natural beauty, invigorating air, warm sunshine and quiet surroundings add enchantment to the programme

 

Please visit YHAI's web (www.yhaindia.org) for more details.....

Some Important forts of North Sahyadris...

This is Dhodap... famous for milk products.. daily 10 to 15 tonnes Milk Mava is supplied to Mumbai from here.. Last top pinnacle requires rock climbing...

 Mulher..... Mayurpur of Mahabharata.....

Mulher Fort in Satana, on a hill about two miles (3.21 km.) south of the Mulher town and 2,000 feet (609.60 metres) above the plain, lies at the head of the Mosam valley about forty miles (64.37 km.) north-west of Malegaon. The hill is half detached from a range which rises westwards till it culminates in Sather about twelve miles (19.31 km.) further west, The hill has three fortified peaks near one another, Mulher in the middle, Mora to the east, and Hargad to the west.

Mulher, the strongest of the three, and known as Bale Killa or the citadel, is about half a mile in extent. About half way up, after passing three gateways, comes a rolling plateau with the ruins of what must have been a considerable town. There are still some houses, a mosque and some cisterns and reservoirs. The whole plateau is beautifully wooded chiefly with mangoes and banyans. It is defended by a masonry wall which runs along the edge of the lower slope and at each end is carried to the foot of the upper scarp which is about 100 feet (30.48 metres) high. The upper scarp is approached through the usual succession of gateways. The further ascent is undefended until an angle is reached in the natural scarp above, and the crevice leading thence to the plateau above the scarp is defended by a succession of gateways now more or less ruined. The point of the plateau thus reached is nearly at the western end of the western-most of the two plateaus of which the hill-top is formed. There is a more prominent angle and crevice nearer the middle of the hill-top, but the top of this crevice has been closed by a solid masonry wall, which also forms a connection between the two portions of the plateau which are at this point separated by a dip of some fifty to a hundred feet (15.24 to 30.48 metres).

The east half of the plateau is slightly higher than the west half, and is defended at the point just mentioned by walls and gateways, which make the eastern part a citadel or inner place of defence. Near the third gate are three guns known as Fateh-i-lashkar, Ramprasad, and Shivprasad, each seven feet long. There was a fourth gun called Markandeya Toph which the British Government is said to have broken and sold. On the flat top inside the fort are the ruins of a large court-house, and a temple of Bhadangnath in good repair with a terrace in front bearing an inscription. Here and there on the slopes are about fifteen reservoirs, some underground, others open. All of them hold water throughout the year. There are two ammunition magazines and a third with three compartments.

This is Hargad.. unknown... some old built (more than 3000 years old) monuments... no water after deewali.. difficult to find the way to trek... we lost at least half an hour to find the way...

Salher and Salota from Vaghambe... Nothing more to say... This is the Highest fort in India.....

 Salher and Salota from Saptashringi...

Salota... Friend of Salher... Difficult to trek... requires rock climbing...

 Satmala Range of Sahyadris from Saptashringi.... Makandeya, Ravlya, Jvlya, Dhodap, Ikhara..

 Parsuram Temple on the top of Markandeya...

Rajdher... one of the well built fort... lasting since more than 2000 years.. when Mughals attacked and destroyed the stairs.. people living on the top died there itself, without food... after seeing this, people on Indrai killa, which is in front of this, they ran away... ONE 50 MERTERS LADDER HAS BEEN PUT TO OVERCOME THIS.... please trek this fort as this is the biggest example of ruining our ancient India....

Indrai... we found lot of the things here.. an ancient village (at least 2000 years old)... many signs of our ancient India.... please see me Indrai Trek album....

 This is Koldher... Difficult to trek... I have yet to plan.. No water no food.. no stairs.. just rock climbing.. I will upload more information after trekking this fort...

 Mangi-Tungiji.....The religious place... easy to climb.. BUT...THRILLING EXPERIENCE to walk on the ridge between them.. 1 KM long but only 10 feet wide.. 3000 feets both side deep.....

 Mangi-Tungiji, Nhavi and Tambolya.....