Trek to Roopkund, Skeleton Lake Uttaranchal

After 4 months of planning and preparations finally we accomplished our Roopkund Trek, heard lot about this trek read loads of blog to get proper guidance, as the days were coming near this Nepal earthquake brought us more trouble, few of our partners better halves started objecting for the trek.  But somehow we convinced them.

Roopkund, a lake at 15,600 feet in the Chamoli district, Garhwal, Himalayas of Uttaranchal, also known as skeleton lake.  Some call it Mysterious Lake, but recent investigations concluded that many centuries (1200 years) ago, a group of pilgrims died due to horrendous hail storming.  But this part is frozen for most of the year, one can see those skeletons only in the month of September-October.  This destination has become a great trekking trail for the nature lovers.  The trail to Roopkund passes through spectacular landscapes, oak forest, alpine meadows, green pastures and snow fields.  Roopkund offers everything, forest, mountain, river, meadows, snow what else you need in a single trail.  From Roopkund trail view of Trishul (7120 meters) and Nandaghunti (6310 meters) are mesmerising.

From Kharagpur to Howrah and then from Howrah to Kathgodam only convenient train is Bagh express.  Journey was long but with friends around it wasnt that boring.  After 38 hours chuk-chuk-chuk we reached Kathgodam.  We already booked a cab from Kathgodam to Lohajung by phone. The cab was waiting for us as soon as we came out of railway station the driver was waiting for us there were three more people who were also supposed to travel upto Lohajung.  We left Kathgodam at 1130 hours and reached Dewal at 1930 hours, this was the place where the cab belongs to.  The cab owner was greeted us offered some tea and snacks.  Then it took just one hour to reach the base camp Lohajung, it was 2030 hours when we reached Lohajung.  There were many hotels and guest houses in Lohajung, many means not many 4-5.  We stayed in Patwal Guest House.
Next morning we started our trek.

DAY 01-

3rd June 2015 - Lohajung to Didna - 12Km

0800 hours Lohajung
1400 hours Didna Top

We pitched our tents in Didna and after lot of problems in lighting the stove we made dinner for that night and lunch for next day.  

DAY 02

4th June 2015 - Didna Top to Bedni Bugyal

0730 Hours from Didna Top
 
    Toughest trail of this trek, bit difficult to hike this part. but believe me trail after this will make you forget all the difficulties you face in this part.  We reached the top known as "Khobla" of this mountain around 1145 hours.  This train is just 3Km but it took us 4 hours to reach the top, from the time we took you can calculate the difficulty level.

We had some food at that top and from this top there was no sign of trees over there only grass green grass all over.  After having some food we left.


Didna top -- To  Khobla 3 Km

This was the toughest trail.  The height we gained in these few kilometers made us breath heavily.

Khobla

Khobla to Aoli Bugya 2Km

We reached Aoli Bugyal at 1250 hours.  There is small krishna temple and there is a stone over there which is said to be god's stone, devotees lift that stone.

Aoli Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal  2Km

Beautiful meadows, green grass all over its mesmerising.

There was a hut where we decided to stay and cook our dinner.  Bedni Bugyal is one of the best part of this trail.  It is Asia's biggest meadows.

DAY 03

5th June 2015 - Bedni Bugyal to Pathar Nachawni 3.5 Km

This was the shortest trail covered by us in a single day.  We had Maggi in our breakfast and left Bedni Bugyal at 0725 Hrs.  In this trail we started getting glimpse of snow at few places and the view of Nandadevi and Trishul was getting more clear.  At 1000 Hrs we reached Pathar Nachawni.As per our itinerary we decided to stay at Pathar Nachawni.  After Pathar Nachawni only place where you can pitch your tent is Bhagwa Basa.   But there is a problem with pitching tent in Bhagwa Basa, its totally covered with snow.  If you love to enjoy the stay there then you can proceed to Bhagwa Basa instead of staying at Pathar Nachawni. After whole day rest at Pathar Nachawni we were supposed to start at midnight for our final destination.

Pathar Nachauni camp

DAY 04

6th June 2015 - Pathar Nachawni to Roopkund to Pathar Nachawni  20Km (10Km + 10Km)

It was chilled morning or I should say midnight 12:00 when I woke up my headache was at its best playing drums all over my head.  After finishing daily chores everyone was ready.  We left Pathar Nachawni at 0230 Hrs. It was amazing to walk in that darkness.  From Pathar Nachawni to Kaluwa Viayak is 3.5 Km, we reached here at 0400 Hrs.  This trail is little rocky.  So while walking you must be little careful.  At Kaluwa Vinayak there is a Vinayak Temple, where number of conche and bells are kept for devotees and trekkers.  Everyone who passes this point blow conche.

From Kaluwa Vinayak to Bhagwa Basa the trail is covered with snow.  From here you have to walk carefully as the trail is just half feet wide.

We were very excited with this trail as first time we saw so much of snow and in that excitement we forgot the risk factor.  But one must be careful while walking here if you have Krampons then there is no problem, you can walk over easily.    We reached Bhagwa Basa at 0505 Hrs.  We had some omelette and tea before leaving for Roopkund, this is the last camp before Roopkund.  Our guide Mohan arranged Krampons for all of us.  Normally it rents Rs.1000 per pair but our guide did some what we say JUGAAD and arranged 6 pairs for just Rs.200 that 200 bucks was for the boy who gave us this.  We were very happy and excited with those Krampons on.  We left Bhagwa Basa at 0600 Hrs.  And this final trail is just awesome, snow every where.  But as we left Bhagwa Basa day light came in but it was little cloudy morning which made us little worried, but still the guide said no need to worry lets go.  An hour after we left Bhagwa Basa it started thundering we were all worried although we were all having our Ponchos with us.  After few minutes it started raining, the rain brought smile on all our faces,  it was snow not water.  The guide said "Dekha sir aya na mza, yahan pani nhi baraf girta h"...he said how is it sir it snows here not rain water.  We enjoyed the trail, you have to walk slowly as the breathe is not enough at that altitude.  I was the last one to reach in our group.  It was 0900 Hrs when I reached the point, where as Gajedra first guy top reach the point was there at 0850 Hrs.  That place is awesome there is a kund (pond) but we were not permitted to go down, little disappointment but its OK the view all around was so beautiful that that disappointment was nothing.  Clicked lot of snaps, Our friend Probhas Mondal made history at that point HOW??... dont ask... we cant reveal it.  Its a secret among us only.

Now its time to return.  At 0935Hrs we left Roopkund and started descending.  While descending I enjoyed alot, wherever I used to find declined place I used to sit and skit.  It was really amazing to slide down.  At 1105 Hrs we were at Bhagwa Basa. Had a small break and left for Pathar Nachawni.  We were supposed to return those Krampons at Bhagwa Basa but somehow we managed to convince the guy and take those krampons upto Kaluwa Vinayak.  At Kaluwa Vinayak we found some local guys whom Mohan (our guide) gave those Krampons to return  at Bhagwa Basa.  We reached Pathar Nachawni at 1300 Hrs.  Everyone was very happy and tired as well.  We were in our sleeping bags around 1400 Hrs and came out next morning around 0500 Hrs.

DAY 05
7th June 2015 - Pathar Nachawni to LohaJung (30Km)

 Longest sleep ever.  Today we were supposed to return to our base camp. We left Pathar Nachawni at 0800 Hrs and reached Wan at 1330 Hrs.  From Wan you will get Vehicle upto Lohajung.

From Pathar Nachawni to Bedni Bugyal (5Km)

From Bedni to Gairoli Pathar  (4Km)

From Gairoli Pathar to Neel Ganga (2Km)

Shortcuts are amazing use them you will enjoy it.

From NeelGanga to WAn (4Km)

Little difficult trail at the begining but after 1.5 Km its village trail so u will enjoy it, keep some choclates with you for this part of trail as you will find lot of kids playing around in those villages, your choclates will add little more smile to their faces.

At WAN you will get vehicles upto Lohajung, we had our lunch here at WAN,

From WAN to Lohajung (15Km) In an hour we were back to our base camp.  An awesome journey, another chapter in my life which brings smile on my face whenever I remember it.  Gajendra an old friend we met after 16 years thanks to him, an amazing athlete to accompany.  How can I forgot my all time partners Sumanta Biswas, Susanta Mudi and and Probhas Mondal the all rounder, the Bat Balatkari our darling. Most active fellow.  Thanks Bhai...

Our Team:

From Right to Left: Sumanta Biswas, Susanta Mudi, Probhas Mondal, Jaydhar Chowdhary, Gajendra, Rajendra Ji (Our Muley man)

And the person who made this trek easier for us was Mr. Mohan Singh Bisht,our guide and Mahendra Singh Damu who arranged such a nice guide and other important items for us.

Mohan Singh Bisht, Lohajung, Roopkund Trek

Mohan Sigh Bisht

Ph.: 08126336169

Mahendra Singh Damu
Ph:  08979666837, 09410925427

Even Mohan can arrange everything for you.  For Kunwari pass and Roopkund, Junargali you can cotact them.  They can arrange vechicles for you as well to pick up from Kathgodam.

Charges:

Guide:  per day Rs.800  ( you have to hire them for minimum 6days whether you complete your trek in one day you have to pay them for all 6 days. )

Tent:  per day Rs.200
Muley: per day Rs. 1000  (same as guide you have to hire them for min 6 days and u have to hire those muley in pair, that means two muley for Rs.1000)

No need to carry utensils and stoves with you everything is available their, and the rent is not much Rs50 per day.

This was my experience may be things can change but the feel never.  So enjoy your biggest journey......L   I   F   E....nothing can match this.

Share your solutions!!

Custom Radio Buttons

Client want each and every element on the page in the same look and feel of his theme design.  But when it comes to elements like text box, select box, radio buttons, we used to worry but thanks to CSS3, now we can satisfy the clients with this magic wand.  Following is the syntax for customizing a radio button.

Use Following HTML:

<div class="personalTouch">
  <input type="radio" id="radio01" name="radio">
  <label for="radio01"><span></span>cm</label>
</div>

<div class="personalTouch">
  <input type="radio" id="radio02" name="radio" checked="">
  <label for="radio02"><span></span>Inches</label>
</div>

Use following CSS:

.personalTouch input[type="radio"] {
display: none;
}

.personalTouch input[type="radio"] {
margin: 3px 3px 0px 5px;
}
.personalTouch input[type="radio"] + label span {
    display:inline-block;
    width:19px;
    height:19px;
    margin:-1px 4px 0 0;
    vertical-align:middle;
    background: #141414 url(http://jaydharphics.com/images/radioUnchkd.png) no-repeat;
    cursor:pointer;
    font-size:15px;

}
.personalTouch label{font-weight:normal;}
.personalTouch input[type="radio"]:checked + label span {
    background: #141414 url(http://jaydharphics.com/images/radioChkd.png) no-repeat;

}

DEMO:

.Dilip Kumar

.Amitabh Bachan

.Shahrukh Khan

Logo Ideas for Zoser - a watch winder company

Few logo ideas I came up with for a watch winder company.

Last one was selected.  Sometimes clients are so sure with their requirements that it becomes easier for you to finish it soon.

Share Your Solutions

CSS Style Placeholder Text

Since ages we are using <LABEL> for labelling our form fields, our input fields.  But very few of us use placeholder attribute to label the fields.  Instead of using <LABEL>, its better to use "placeholder".  We can use any text in that attribute and that particular text will appear in that input field.

HTML:

<input type="text" name="name" placeholder="Your Name"/>

Result

Default color of the placeholder text is light grey in color.  Although all browsers doesnt support this, but in the browsers implementing it so far shows light grey text.  Its nice to have the default color but there are situations when your design doesnt support this.  This default color doesnt go with the look and feel of your design.  In those cases you have to look for styling the placeholder text.  Here's the solution.

Use following CSS:

::-webkit-input-placeholder {
    color:    #999;
}
:-moz-placeholder {
    color:    #999;
}
::-moz-placeholder {
    color:    #999;
}
:-ms-input-placeholder {
    color:    #999;
}

HTML

<input type="text" name="name" id="nameBox" placeholder="Your Name"/>

CSS: 

#nameBox::-webkit-input-placeholder{  color:    #FF0000; }

#nameBox::-moz-placeholder{  color:    #FF0000; }

#nameBox:-moz-placeholder{  color:    #FF0000; }

#nameBox:-ms-input-placeholder{  color:    #FF0000; }

Result

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Coastal Trek from Chandipur (Orissa) to Digha (West Bengal)

My last trek to Sandakphu and Phalut made me more addicted to trekking. Ofcourse addiction is wrong word to use for this.  One of my friend Tilak came to know that I love to go for trekking, he asked me to join their Trekking club.  I said no coz I never wanted to join any club as I dont like all the restrictions and rules of the clubs.  But when I came to know about the list of members in that club I was amazed,  they were all my batchmates.  So I decided to join them. Me and 3 more friends joined them.  We were introduced to the senior members of the club Debu Da, Ashish Da and Manash da.  They were cool bole to masttttt ekdum.  Loads of experience each one of them have more than 12 trek experiences.  But this time they were not coming with us.  Total 9 members decided to go for this trek.

     We boarded early morning train from Kharagpur at 0400 hours Howrah Puri passenger.  Reached Balasore at 0630 hours.  Balasore to Chandipur is about 14Kms. Look for the public transport instead of hiring cabs from the railway station. Don't hire the cabs from railway station they will charge a lot.  Walk towards the main road junction (Station chowk).  We boarded a bus from that junction which charges 15 per head and time around 40 minutes to reach Chandipur.  After few clicks we started, it was exactly 0800 hours.

Summary of our journey:
(time mentioned is for our future reference)

DAY 01: Chandipur to Dogra

Chandipur: 0800 Hours

Chandipur is a well known place and pretty important to our nation also.  There is an Indian Army Integrated Test Range (ITR) at this location.  Many successful missiles like Akash, Agni, Prithvi have been launched from here. Chandipur beach is bit special from other beaches, during low tides the water recede up to five kilometers into the sea exposing the sands of the beach.  After walking around 2.5Km we reach Balaramgudi village, where we have to cross Buribalam river to proceed further.  The ghat was fully crowded with busy fishermen and fish merchants.  After little bargaining with the boatman we boarded on a boat.  Other side of the river is Joshipur. After walking for around 1.2 km we reach Majhichak village.  Our next destination was Bahabulpur, trek to Bahabalpur was awesome.  Beautiful designs on the sand made me stand every now and then and capture them, Hundreds of red crabs and some marine animals can be seen on this trail.  From Majhchak to Bahabalpur is around 9.5 km trail.

At Bahabalpur, Buriamari River meets the Bay of Bengal in two streams forming a Wave-dominated Delta between its two streams.  While floating from Bahabalpur to Koshaphol ghat you start from Burimari river than end up on Dugdugi river.  Boats from Bahabalpur to Kosaphol are not available always, if you are fast enough then try to reach Bahabalpur ghat before 1130 Hours otherwise you have to wait another 2 Hours on the ghat, next boat is on 1330 Hours.  Thats what happened with us half of us reached exactly at 1130 Hours but rest of the team was late by 10 minutes, so we were forced to wait for another 2 hours.  But as they say "jo hota h ache k liye hota h" (whatever happens, happens for something good).  There is a big fish market on this ghat where fishes are auctioned.  We went into the market and bought some fishes (fabhda and ...) for our lunch.  Our boat left on 1330 hours.  We reached Kosaphol at 1430 hours.  We were lucky to get our fish cooked and full apetite lunch.  Our manager convinced a local person to prepare our lunch. After a jhkkkkkas lunch we resumed our trek.

      After walking for around 5.8 km along the shore, we reached a beautiful river Chaulti.  There were boats on the bank but no boatmen. Me and Mudi went into the nearby village looking for some boatmen who can make us cross that river, but adding on to our disappointment we found no help.  We came back had a small team meeting and decided to cross the river.  We loaded all our sacks on the boat and four of us Kiran, Tilak, Mudi and me lifted the anchor and started rowing somehow we reached otherside unloaded all the sacks and then me and Mudi came back for other members.  After lot of shouting, laughing we crossed the river few had big smiles on their faces few were still in shock that we did it finally.

     It was perfect sunset time when we crossed the river and you can see the pics below how beautiful the sight was. Few fishermen were busy with their nets we asked them how far is Dogra they said 12 more kms.   They advised us to stay in their village for that night as there was some village fair going on.  But we decided to continue as our target was to reach Dogra. Another ....km and we reached Haskhara Khari..it was low tide so there was knee  height water in that river which ofcourse we crossed without any problems.  But it was getting dark and the trail after haskhara khari was not so pleasant in dark.  It was already dark and the artificial forests of crusians trees made it darker.  Our team leader announced that now we all have to walk in group nobody should leave anybody.  We all lightened our torchlights and headed towards Dogra.  We walked for another half kilometer and it was completely dark.  It was amazing to walk through forest in such a dark night on an   unknown route, truely amazing.  Few more kilometers and things got worse.  No clue where we were heading towards, not sure whether we were going on a correct route or not.  Meantime saw a light in hut, me and our captain Raghu went their to confirm the route of Dogra, there was a old lady cooking on a traditional chulha (stove) and there was an old man sleeping beside her coughing and sneezing, my first reaction was "o teri pura filmy style bhoot bangla type". With my deadly combination of oriya and bengali I converse with them and she confirmed that we are on the correct route.  I asked her whether we can stay anywhere nearby or we have to reach Dogra only.  She said there is a shed after around half kilometer where we can stay else we can go further for Dogra and she said its absolutely safe no need to worry.  We reached that shed there was a tea stall and few locals sitting their.  Had some tea and again back on track for Dogra.  Trail from this point to Dogra was awesome.  Completely dark night with sky full of stars, on our left side black line of forest on our right side black line of sea with sound of waves and wind and thin white line of waves on the shore coming up every now and then.   After a long walk we reached Dogra.  There was a PWD Inspection bunglow where we stayed.  Perfect accommodation and pefect food made by the care taker of that bunglow Mr. Kalu (....name). The PWD Inspection bungalow has two rooms, and can accommodate 6-7 persons at a time.

Dogra PWD Inspection Bunglow

Dogra PWD Inspection Bunglow, Kalu Da: 09937373794


DAY 02: Dogra to Digha

After a apetite food and pleasant sleep at Dogra, next morning we started around 0700 Hours.  Walking along the shore with sun rising slowly and gradually changing its color showing all shades of red to orange to yellow, it was a great experience.  Our next stop was Kankdapal village which is bank of Subarnarekha river.  To cross subarnarekha river you will not get boats every time you show up on the bank.  Boats are scheduled on this ghat so you better reach in time otherwise wait for next scheduled boat. It's around 10kms from Dogra.  Subarnarekha ghat is real scenic beauty cant explain in words, you cant walk with your shoes on you have to walk bare foot.  There was a boat scheduled at 0930 hours so our target was to reach before 0930 Hours.  We reached in time the boatman was yet to come there were few fellow passengers locals who were also waiting for the boatman to come who was going to take us otherside.

The boat takes 35minutes to cross the river.  We reached kirtaniya ghat, completely muddy you have to walk very carefully.   We had a small team meeting and breakfast at Kirtaniya ghat.  It was 1130 Hours when we started from Kirtaniya ghat.  From Kirtaniya Ghat you have to walk through villages on pitch roads.  First village came was Matikacha village its around 3km from Kirtaniya Ghat.  Our next stop was Talsari, trail of 7.8Km from Matikacha village complete village trek you can't see beach on this trail, walk through the forests through burial and burning grounds.  Talsari is a tourist place so you will get hotels and restaurants here.  The moment we reached Talsari our captain Suman da arranged big coconuts for all of us.  That was perfect relief it was already 1330HOurs sun was showering heat at its best.  After a refreshing drink we had lunch at a hotel.  From Talsari Digha was just 4.5Kms.  So we decided to rest for half an hour more.  We left Talsari at 1515Hours.  There is a small river with about knee height water walk across it.  After a walk of 2.5Km along the beach another spot comes Udaypur.  From Udaypur Digha is just 2Km.  It was around 1600 Hours when we reached Digha. We decided to stay at Digha and celebrate our trek.  After fulllllon masti that night next day we boarded train from Digha. 

It was a great experience, when we reported our club seniors that we completed the trek in 1.5 day they were amazed and very happy they said that normally people cover this trail in 2.5 days.  Even we were happy that we made kind of record for this route.

Our team:

Best Of Sandakphu and Phalut

Best Of Sandakphu and Phalut