My Whirlwind Himalayan Adventure: Kuari Pass, Chopta and Beyond (A New Year's Escape)

A Himalayan New Year’s: Kuari Pass, Chopta, and Unexpected Adventures

Route: Gurugram - Rishikesh - Pipalkoti - Tugasi - Guling Top (Kuari Pass) - Chopta - Tungnath - Chandrashila
Dates: 25th December 2024 to 1st January 2025

Embark on a virtual journey with us as we recount our incredible 7-day Himalayan escapade, a trip that took unexpected turns, leading to a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration. Originally planned as the classic Kuari Pass trek with Trek the Himalayas, this adventure evolved into something entirely different, filled with thrilling moments, challenging weather, and the discovery of new friendships amidst breathtaking landscapes. From the spiritual vibes of Rishikesh to the snow-capped peaks (and snowy base camps!) of the Himalayas, this was a journey of resilience, spontaneity, and the magic of the mountains. Join us as we share the highlights, from the planned treks to the unplanned detours.

The Journey: Day by Day

Day 1: Journey to the Foothills (Gurgaon to Rishikesh - Dec 25th)

Our journey began at 3:00 AM on December 25th with a train journey from Gurgaon to Rishikesh, the “Yoga Capital of the World.” Despite the early start, the excitement for the planned Kuari Pass trek with Trek the Himalayas kept us energized. Upon arrival, we immersed ourselves in the town’s spiritual atmosphere, exploring the iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, making final preparations for the trek ahead.

Day 2: Entering the Himalayan Foothills (Rishikesh to Pipalkoti - Dec 26th)

Day two took us deeper into the Himalayas with a scenic drive from Rishikesh to Pipalkoti. The landscape transformed dramatically as we ascended, with winding roads carved into the mountainsides offering breathtaking views. Pipalkoti served as our staging point, the last stop before heading into the higher altitudes.

Day 3: A Snowy Start (Pipalkoti to Tugasi to Gulling Top - Dec 27th)

The trek officially began! We set off from Pipalkoti towards Tugasi, and then onward to our first base camp at Gulling Top. This day brought a dramatic turn of events: we were met with heavy snowfall that persisted for over 12 hours. The winter wonderland was beautiful, but it was a sign of things to come.

Day 4: Trek Discontinued, New Plans Formed (Gulling Top to Pipalkoti - Dec 28th)

Due to extreme weather conditions and an avalanche forecast, the Kuari Pass trek was unfortunately discontinued. We descended back to Pipalkoti, a disappointing but necessary decision for our safety. However, this unforeseen change led to an exciting new plan. Along with new friends we’d met on the trek, we decided on the spot to head to Chopta and embark on the Tungnath-Chandrashila trek.

Day 5: Reaching Chopta and Stargazing (Pipalkoti to Chopta - Dec 29th)

We traveled from Pipalkoti to Chopta, known as the “Mini Switzerland of India.” The change of scenery was welcome, from the snowy slopes to the rolling green meadows. That evening, with clear skies above, we enjoyed a breathtaking stargazing experience, a perfect way to appreciate the vastness of the universe from this serene location.

Day 6: Conquering Tungnath and Chandrashila (Chopta to Tungnath to Chandrashila - Dec 30th)

This day was dedicated to exploring the area around Chopta. We embarked on the trek to Tungnath, one of the highest Shiva temples in the world, and continued to the summit of Chandrashila Peak. The views from the top were absolutely stunning, a panoramic reward for our efforts.

Day 7: New Year’s Eve and Homeward Bound (Chopta to Rishikesh to Gurgaon - Dec 31st - Jan 1st)

After our adventures in Chopta, we descended to Rishikesh to celebrate New Year’s Eve on the banks of the Ganges. It was a memorable way to ring in the new year, reflecting on our incredible journey and the unexpected turns it took. On January 1st, we began our journey back to Gurgaon.

A Journey of Resilience and Spontaneity

This 7-day journey was a testament to the unpredictable nature of adventure. From the planned Kuari. From the planned Kuari Pass trek with Trek the Himalayas to the spontaneous decision to explore Chopta, Tungnath, and Chandrashila, it was a whirlwind of experiences. We hope this summary inspires you to embrace the unexpected and discover the beauty that lies in every twist and turn of your own adventures. Stay tuned for individual blog posts with more details and photos from each day!

• Kuari-Pass
 
• Chopta
 
• Tungnath
 
• Chandrashila
 
• Himalayan-Trek
 
• New-Year