Category: Opinion

5 reasons why Kanamo Peak is not an attractive alternative to the popular Stok Kangri

June 24, 2016

There is a reason why Kanamo Peak is not considered as a worthy Himalayan trek-able Summit. While of late some Guided Trek Operators have been trying to position it as the next big summit trek in India. We find this as a questionable deal wrapped in pretty paper. Read more about why Kanamo Peak trek is not as attractive as the most popular trek-able summit in India, Stok Kangri. … More 5 reasons why Kanamo Peak is not an attractive alternative to the popular Stok Kangri

16 never seen vivid illustrative pictures of Kashmir that will enthral you

June 3, 2016

It is a treat picking up rare books on early travels in the Himalayas. An overzealous English Major T.R. Swinburne documentation of Early Kashmir needs a special mention. His Book, “A Holiday in the Happy Valley with Pen and Pencil” has 24 colored illustrated artwork. We share a few of his best sketches from his book. … More 16 never seen vivid illustrative pictures of Kashmir that will enthral you

6 most vulnerable Himalayan Wildlife that needs your help

May 28, 2016

The Himalayas have captured people’s imaginations for centuries. It’s a region of stunning landscapes and incredible diversity. Stretching over 2,500km, the Himalayas is home to millions of people and hundreds of unique species. Despite its rugged reputation, the Himalayas is a mosaic of fragile environments that face a range of challenges. On this week preceding the World Environment Day, we focus on the most endangered Himalayan Wildlife. We list 6 most vulnerable species that reside in the Himalayas that needs special mention (and your attention). … More 6 most vulnerable Himalayan Wildlife that needs your help

6 lessons to learn from Uttarakhand Forest Fire

May 8, 2016

India witnessed the most severe forest fires in a decade this year. Frequent surface fire is a matter of concern. These Forests of Uttarakhand have been repeatedly burned and is subjected to severe environmental damage. .With fresh rainfall, the fires have been completely doused in Uttarakhand. A total of 1,681 forest fires incidents in Uttarakhand, has claimed nine lives and ravaged 3,739 hectares of forest land. Now that the Forest Fires are under control, let’s reflect on 6 important lessons learned from this natural catastrophe. … More 6 lessons to learn from Uttarakhand Forest Fire

Why Guided Trekking in India needs regulations

April 6, 2016

The popularity of Guided Trekking in India has seen an upward trend. While many trek organizers have learned the importance of keeping the trail clean, it has not translated into a success. Roopkund Trek is one that needs a breather from commercial trekking. Blatant big sized trekking has taken the shine out of this trekking hotspot. Do we need to rethink the way we trek? Read more to find out. … More Why Guided Trekking in India needs regulations

5 reasons why Royal Enfield Himalayan appears the right entry bike for Himalayan Touring

February 14, 2016

When Royal Enflield launched the flagship ‘Continental GT’ bike, we asked to ourselves. “Can we get one built for the Himalayas?” Two years later RE (Royal Enfield) has heard the call. ‘Himalayan’ the first “Made in India’, adventure tourer bike is set to roll out in March 2016.

So what makes ‘RE-Himalayan’ a unique bike? Is it’s high ground clearance, strong suspension with long travel, and a torquey engine. Or is its capability of crossing river-banks, negotiate rocky, dirt road in the Himalayas.

High on anticipation, we share our thoughts on 5 reasons why this bike can be the best Himalayan tourer bike. … More 5 reasons why Royal Enfield Himalayan appears the right entry bike for Himalayan Touring

4 lessons to learn from the current season of Chadar Trek

February 7, 2016

Chadar got a new level of notoriety for being a difficult trek for everyone. This year January was warmer than usual. The river had a low density of Ice. Water seeping over the Ice was a common sight on many stretches. Trekkers faced a harrowing time negotiating a poorly formed Chadar.

Historically, Chadar develops into its full glory from January on forth. For past couple of years, the trend has changed. Its formation is best seen from last week of January until end of February.

While we hope things to improve at Chadar, we list 4 lessons learned from the current season of Chadar Trek. … More 4 lessons to learn from the current season of Chadar Trek

How Depi Chaudhry Digital Maps Project can help trekkers in exploring the unexplored Himalayas

January 19, 2016

The magnanimity of mapping the Himalayas by a veteran explorer is turning out to be of a great help to trekkers. Difficulties faced in finding a detailed trekking Map of Indian Himalayas is going to be a thing in the past. This gives a good reason for Independent Trekkers in India to rejoice.

The first free version of the downloadable Map got a tremendous response. The anticipated launch of a GPS-aided Mapping software is going to be a game changer for explorers. Read more. … More How Depi Chaudhry Digital Maps Project can help trekkers in exploring the unexplored Himalayas

Why a product recall of a hiking boot is a good call by Decathlon

January 7, 2016

Decathlon India has come out in open and acknowledged a manufacturing defect in one of their Hiking boots. As per the Product Recall post on their website and stores, ‘Forclaz 500 High’ hiking boot owners are entitled to a full refund if the defect is detected. We investigate further on the matter. … More Why a product recall of a hiking boot is a good call by Decathlon