Category: Uttarakhand

 Rishikesh’s 90-year-old suspension bridge, Lakshman Jhula, constructed during the British Raj over the Ganga, was closed on Friday as experts feel it can not sustain more load. Built in 1923, the 136-metre bridge on the Ganga is used by pedestrians and two-wheelers.

The Lakshman Jhula is a 136-metre suspension bridge on the Ganga river connecting Tapovan village in Tehri district with Jonk in Pauri district. Built in 1923, it is one of the main attractions for tourists and devotees in Rishikesh. The bridge is used by pedestrians and two-wheelers. It was named after Hindu mythological character Lakshman as it is believed to stand where he is said to have crossed the river with the help of jute ropes.

This is a trek that will test anyone’s patience and endurance. It has a mix of different terrains ranging from medium to difficult levels. It also requires you to have a certain level of physical fitness. If you are a person who is not physically fit and mostly leads a sedentary life, then it is advisable to indulge in some form of physical activity like exercises or sports to make yourself fit for the trek.

Legs and calf muscles need to be worked upon especially as they are used the most. People who are not very comfortable with treks at such high altitudes can do some form of yoga as it helps in building mental and physical confidence.

Carrying basic first aid kit with yourself during the trip is also compulsory. Consult your doctor before coming to this trek and ensure that you are medically fit to go for this trek as the trek does have some difficult terrains and climatic conditions.

It is also a must to buy raincoats and umbrellas prior to the trip if you are going during the monsoons. Also, make sure you have sufficient warm garments for the trip and buy them. Do research well everything on the internet or ask friends who have come here to get a proper understanding and information about the place.

Dificulty Level

The Rupin Pass trek is a medium to difficult level trek. It does have a mix of different terrains including muddy, slippery, snow and rocky. However, there is also an immense amount of adventure and excitement that you will experience while doing this trek.

It surely will test your endurance as well. People who love adventure and are up for new challenges will surely love this experience. Sights on the trek are absolutely stunning.

Although the trek is quite frequented by many trekkers, there are portions which are not so well defined. There is a fair mix of gradual and steep ascent during the whole trail.

If you are leading a rather sedentary life, then make sure you workout or make yourself physically fit a month prior to this in order to do this trek. Making yourself mentally prepared for this will also help. You can use a walking stick during the trek. The trek passes through some high altitudes and there might be low levels of oxygen.

Some people might experience difficulties with that, so they should come prepared. Also the temperatures high up there might be very low, proper woollen clothes and gear should be carried.

The best time to do the Rupin pass trek  is either the summer season ( May and June) or the post-monsoon period( Sept to October). The summer months are the best times if you want to witness snow on the trail.

The temperatures also remain relatively normal during these times. You can also expect some light showers. This is also the season when rhododendrons bloom all over along this trail.

Planning a trip during monsoons should be avoided as heavy rains can cause rivers to overflow and cause landslides. Also, the terrain becomes muddy and slippery.

The post monsoons period is absolutely hassled free if you are planning the trek.The sky is clear and the weather is perfect. The monsoons transform the landscape, making it verdant and green. Wildflowers that grow in the valleys along the trekking route also remain till September.

Ideally temperatures during the day range from 13 to 18 degree Celsius and 0-7 degrees Celsius during the night. During winters the temperatures drop further.

The Rupin Pass Trek is challenging and a fun.  Good for adventurous people. The trek starts from Dhaula in Uttarakhand and ends at Sangla in Himachal Pradesh. Rupin pass trek is a high altitude trek and almost covers 15,454 feet of altitude.

The Trail

Well the trek starts by passing through the rhododendron woodlands besides the tons river, As the trek proceeds forward experience of  walk through the walnut and deodar trees to reach  hanging village is enchanting. Trek through the dewy and charming meadows and enter the Rupin waterfall.  Later the trek will  ascend through snowfields as well as a rocky path to arrive at the Rupin Pass.  A lot of snow can be found during the ascend.

Strength and Endurance

Rupin Pass Trek is a trek which let you know your strengths and weaknesses and will definitely help you gain endurance and stamina for future treks. 

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Pictorial views

Rupin Pass trek is one of the most beautiful treks with provides panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. The trekking route to this high altitude pass passes through lush green forests of fir, rhododendron and pine, glacial meadows and waterfalls. The treks goes through the walnut and deodar forest. Enjoy the stay of beautiful hanging village. 

Rivers along the trek

The Rupin river flows along the trail from Dhaula. From Dhaula, the Rupin and Supin rivers merge to form the Tons river. River Tons is one tributaries of Yamuna river. 

Remote Villages

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The route also has a number of remote villages where you will see houses with architecture common in the Kinnaur region. You can also witness the simple lifestyle of the local residents here.

• Wholesome trek: Within the 2 days of trekking to Nag Tibba, hikers experience most the things that a much longer Himalayan trek has to offer – Rhododendron forests, ankle-deep snow, and amazing views of some of the highest peaks of the Himalayas.

• Short duration: Depending on the route, the trek duration may vary between 2 – 3 days. It takes about 7 hours (10 km) to reach the hilltop from the base camp.

• Absence of step terrains: The Nag Tibba trek is one of the easiest winter treks in India. The terrain is very gentle without long stretches of steep climbs. This makes it perfect for those with little or no trekking experience.

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HISTORY OF KEDARNATH DHAM

Kedarnath Temple is located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state of India. Kedarnath Temple in 12th Jyotirlinga, in the lap of the Himalaya mountain in Uttarakhand, is also one of the four dham and Panch Kedar. This is the largest Shiva temple in Uttarakhand, which is built by adding huge boulders of cutlestones. These boulders are brown in color. The temple is made up of about 6 feet high. Its sanctum is ancient, which is considered to be around the 80th century.
Kedarnath Dham and temple surrounded by mountains on three sides. On one side is Kedarnath, about 22 thousand feet high, on the other side is 21 thousand 600 feet high cost and on the other side is 22 thousand 700 feet high Bharatkund. Kedarnath Temple is not just three mountains but also the confluence of five rivers – Mandakini, Madhiganga, Kshiranga, Saraswati and Swarnagauri. Some of these rivers did not exist anymore, but Alaknanda’s assistant Mandakini is still present today.

According to the history of Kedarnath Dham, Shivling is located in Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Only from the sight of Jayotirling, salvation from all sins is attained. Kedarneshwar Dham is situated on the banks of Kedarnath Temple. It is said that the history of Kedarnath temple, made of stone-made Katyrui style, was built by Janmayjaya of Pandav Dynasty. But it is also said that it was founded by Adiguru Shankaracharya. The priest of Kedarnath becomes the Jangal Brahmin of Mysore.

Story about Kedarnath Dham

On the Kedar mountain of the Himalayas, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Mahapatva Nar and Narayan Rishi used to perform penance. Lord Shankar appeared pleased with his worship, and according to his prayer, he gave the bride to be eternally in the form of Jyotirlinga. This place is situated on Kardar, the Kedarnath mountain range of the Himalayas.

Story of Panchkedar (Kedarnath)

It is believed that when Pandav was victorious in the war of Mahabharata, Pandavas wanted to get rid of the sin of fraternity (the killing of family members). For this, he wanted to get the blessings of Lord Shiva. But Lord Shankar was angry with Pandavas. Pandavas went to Kashi for the visit of Lord Shankar, but Lord Shiva Pandu did not get there. Those people came to the Himalayas while searching for them. Lord Shankar did not want to see the Pandavas, so they went from there to Kedar and settled there. Pandav, on the other hand, was also strong enough to persevere, and he followed Kedar after him.

BELIEFS OF KEDARNATH DHAM

1. Kedarnath Temple is the largest Shiva temple in Uttarakhand. Which is made by adding large stone blocks of cutworms. The color of the boulder is brown, its sanctum is very old, which is considered to be around the 80th Century.
2. This Dham is the third leg of the Char Dham Yatra. The recognition of Kedarnath Temple is also that the person who travels to Badrinath without seeing Kedarnath. His journey becomes sterile (incomplete, meaningless). History of Kedarnath Dham along with the beliefs of Kedarnath Dham! Must read about it.
3. Many people have different stories about the construction of this temple. According to Rahul Sankrityan, this temple is 12-13 century. Historian Dr. Shiv Prasad Dabral believes that the Shaivites have been going to Kedarnath before the Adiguru Shankaracharya. It is believed that there is a pilgrimage in Kedarnath temple for 1000 years. It is also said that Pandavas had made the ancient temple of Kedareshwar Jyotirling. Later, Abhimanyu’s son Janmajaya had renovated it. But what is most famous is that this place was named after Kedar, who ruled in Satyuga.
4. Kedarnath in the mirror of the beliefs of Kedarnath Dham: According to Ling Purana, a person who resides in Kedarkkund, who retired, becomes a pariah. It is said in Karmapuran that all the sins are destroyed due to bathing in the holy place and pilgrimage to Kedarnath. It is said in the Param Purana that, “When Sun and Guru’s Planet is located on Aquarius, then Kedarnath’s philosophy and touch gives salvation”. In our eternal religion, there is a special Mahapurana, Skanda Purana, in which Kedarnath’s greatness has been told.
5. Regarding the Kedarnath temple, Shivpura has said that the pilgrims who come in Kedarnath. They get heaven and are also free from all their sins. Water of Kedarnath is highly religious, because the people say that if a person in the temple is water after his prayers. Then that person will get rid of all his sins.
6. The recognition of Kedarnath temple is that Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. “Jyotirling ” philosophy in Kedarnath Dham” has great recognition. About this place it is believed that Jyotirling’s philosophy is to be liberated from all sins.

“Uttarakhand” which is famous for many such religious and mythology. Many of the sites here are not only as tourist sites but also as sacred pilgrim centers. One of the Panchapragagas of Uttarakhand, “Rudraprayag” has its own importance. Mandakani coming from Kedarnath Dham and the place where Alaknanda is coming from the other side. That place is known as “Rudraprayag”. Lord Shiva was also addressed as “Rudra”. Hence the name of this Sangam by the name “Rudra” has been named “Rudraprayag”. The ancient temple of Lord Rudranath is also located in the area at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers. Kedarnath is also located in Rudraprayag district. The famous shrine “Kedarnath Dham” is located 76 kms away from Rudraprayag.

Rudraprayag district was constructed on September 16, 1997. This district was created by combining parts of Chamoli and Pauri. About the history of Rudraprayag district, the authentic script is found only in the 6th AD. Before independence, this place was under the control of the Tehri region. The main area of ​​Tehri is called Nagpur. Regarding Rudraprayag, it is believed that Nagvanshi king used to rule here. Later, the Pandwar Vansi ruler established his rule. In 1804 this area was under Gorkha and in 1815 under the British rule. In the Puranas, Kedar-Khand was called the house of God. It seems from the facts of the Vedas and Indian mythologies, Ramayana and Mahabharata that these Hindu scriptures have been written in Kedar-Khand.

MYTHOLOGICAL BELIEFS OF RUDRAPRAYAG

1. According to Skandapuraan Kedrkhand, Pandav left his state and went to Kedarnath on the banks of Mandakini river to regain his Kaurava brothers’ murder after the victory of Pandavas in the time of Mahabharata. And from this place, Pandav departed from heaven by his heavenly ancestor.
2. According to Kedarkhand, Maharishi Narada in Rudraprayag stood on one foot of Lord Shiva and worshiped and pleased with his worship, Lord Shiva presented Maharishi Nard in Rudra form and Maharishi Narada gave music to Lord Shiva in Rudra form Education and Lord Shiva rendered him harness. It is said that since then this place was called “Rudraprayag”