Baskadia

Pakistan, the seventh largest country by area with abundant natural creations and wonders, can fill one’s heart with joy. It has to offer bountiful stretch of untapped scenic landscape, valleys, majestic sea, snow -capped mountains, diversified flora and fauna. One must have traversed across many such entrancing destinations but I bet there are many hidden gems which are still little known within this country and are yet to be explored by mass.

So to all travellers, wanderers, hikers and trekkers !! Let’s explore the untapped destinations in India, which will leave you spellbound with every step you take towards the journey.

1.Varsey Trek, Sikkim

Varsey, also spelled as Barsey, is called the “Valley of Rhododendrons” (large genus of about 1,024 species of woody plants) available in all kind of shades one can imagine. With an altitude of 2000 mtr, weather remains quite cold and moist but with onset of springs, the whole terrain blooms with its colourful flora. Visitors will find themselves amidst the enchanting landscape which runs through Singalila Range in western Sikkim and has a nature preserved wildlife sanctuary –Rhododendron Sanctuary. One cannot take off eyes from the majestic view of Kanchendzongha which is quite visible while trekking to Varsey. The whole one way trek covers approx 4-5 kms of stretch within 2 hours a day with easy steps and is considered to be one of the easiest trek in the world. It’s a perfect holiday destination for trekking lovers who enjoy village home stay and local food.

Best time to visit: March to May

How to reach Varsey?

One initially needs to reach NJP railway Station or Bagdogra airport, Siliguri. From here Okhrey is around 125 kms away and the journey takes almost 6 hrs to VarseyOkhrey trek in Varsey Valley (PC: Rishad Saam Mehta)

What all to explore?

Peaks of Sikkim including Pandim, Rathong, Kabru group ,Kumbhakarna , Tinchenkhang and more

Okhrey Village – One of the gateways to Varsey

Damthing and Hilley -Last Motorable road

Holy caves of Khandu and Samphu in Pur Cha cho

What are you waiting for? Get yourself pepped up for Varsey !!

Recommended Stay: Barsey Guras Kunj, Royal Barsey Homestay , Gonday Village resort , Pine village Retreat kaluk, Barsey Inn,Barsey Retreat ,Eshab Homestay Cottages & Menchu Spa ,Bodhi Villa

Must try food – Sinki, Thukpa, Gundruk,Bamboo Shoot Curry, Churpi-Ningro Curry, Phagshapa. Gurez Valley, Kashmir

Also well known as Gurais, is a valley ,remotely located in high himalayas, about 123 Km from Srinagar. Its snow capping view in winters gives a dreamlike experience vis a vis its lush green lovely gazing land and the emerald green river Neelam is a treat to an eye making it a picturesque landscape for visitors. Journey to Gurez gives an opportunity to explore the culture of the Shina-speaking Dards- one of Kashmir’s oldest tribal people.

On the other hand, traveling to Gurez during July and August will have you experienced its local festival which is a total 3 days event including dance performances, people singing folk songs and so on.

Best time to visit : June to September when Gurez remains snow free

How to reach Gurez?

If you are travelling by train, you can get off at Srinagar and then take a bus or cab to Gurez Valley. There is no direct bus service from Srinagar to Gurez.

A view from Habba Khatoon Mountain- Gurez (PC Imad)

A wooden hut in the middle of a field in gurez, kashmir (PC wirestock)

What all to explore?

Peer Baba Shrine (Dargah)- Worth visiting the spiritual aura and the breathtaking snow filled mountains throughout the journey

Habba Khatoon Peak– One of the most enchanting and beautiful peak named after Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon

Tulail– One of the remotest valley of Gurez, can be accessed via hiking trails

Wular Lake-2nd largest fresh water lake of Asia, one must visit to view the restfulness

Dawar – Its a country side village gives the calm life of the locals

This has to be in list before you get retired from travelling !

Recommended Stay– Kaka Palace Guest House and Hotels, Gurez Retreat , The Wood, Vibes

Must try food – Wazwan (Kashmiri Thali) , Tabak Maaz (non -veg), Aab Gosht (non- veg), Harisa (nov- veg),Rista (non-veg), Nadroo Yakhni (Veg), Kashmiri Saag (Veg),Kashmiri Chai and Kahwah. Gurez Valley, Kashmir

Also well known as Gurais, is a valley ,remotely located in high himalayas, about 123 Km from Srinagar. Its snow capping view in winters gives a dreamlike experience vis a vis its lush green lovely gazing land and the emerald green river Neelam is a treat to an eye making it a picturesque landscape for visitors. Journey to Gurez gives an opportunity to explore the culture of the Shina-speaking Dards- one of Kashmir’s oldest tribal people.

On the other hand, traveling to Gurez during July and August will have you experienced its local festival which is a total 3 days event including dance performances, people singing folk songs and so on.

Best time to visit : June to September when Gurez remains snow free

How to reach Gurez?

If you are travelling by train, you can get off at Srinagar and then take a bus or cab to Gurez Valley. There is no direct bus service from Srinagar to Gurez.

A view from Habba Khatoon Mountain- Gurez (PC Imad)

A wooden hut in the middle of a field in gurez, kashmir (PC wirestock)

What all to explore?

Peer Baba Shrine (Dargah)- Worth visiting the spiritual aura and the breathtaking snow filled mountains throughout the journey

Habba Khatoon Peak– One of the most enchanting and beautiful peak named after Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon

Tulail– One of the remotest valley of Gurez, can be accessed via hiking trails

Wular Lake-2nd largest fresh water lake of Asia, one must visit to view the restfulness

Dawar – Its a country side village gives the calm life of the locals

This has to be in list before you get retired from travelling !

Recommended Stay– Kaka Palace Guest House and Hotels, Gurez Retreat , The Wood, Vibes

Must try food – Wazwan (Kashmiri Thali) , Tabak Maaz (non -veg), Aab Gosht (non- veg), Harisa (nov- veg),Rista (non-veg), Nadroo Yakhni (Veg), Kashmiri Saag (Veg),Kashmiri Chai and KahwahZiro, Arunanchal Pradesh

Ziro is a town and the district in Lower Subansiri district in Arunachal Pradesh. Surrounded by elevated Himalayan range and Patkai range of mountains, this beautiful plateau has awe-inspiring hilly scenic beauty with lush green forest and valleys which will leave one bewitched.

While roaming around in Ziro, one can enjoy the single stem bamboo and blue pine trees which is magical in its own way. Those who love tribal culture, Ziro is one the best recommended location where one can enjoy local “Aptani Tribes” food and festivals. 

Please remember, the festival does not allow any single-use plastic, so carry your own water bottle and you can refill it at water stations on the festival grounds.       

Best time to visit : April to June if one wishes to experience the majestic natural beauty of forest and valleys

How to reach Ziro?

By Railway: The nearest railway station to reach Ziro is Naharlagun. Guwahati to Naharlagun train takes nearly 8 hours to cover the distance. After which it is a 4-hour drive to reach Ziro.

By Road: There are direct buses which are available from North Lakhimpur and Itanagar

Ziro Valley By Thetravelshots

What all to explore?

Talley Valley Wildlife sanctuary – Enjoy amazing trekking trails and wild life species

Kile Pakho – Enjoy the panoramic view by trekking Kile Pakho

Midey– Known for blue pine trees, must recommended for hiking and trekking

Ziro Puto– An army cantonment destination with historical importance, gives an amazing view of Apatani plateu

Nogu Potu– One can take a walk around the Pine trees for a mesmerising journey to enjoy the beauty of pine forest in Nago Putu

Dilopolyang Manipolyang – Also known as twin Hillock and is located at Talley Valley Wildlife Sancutuary. Recommended to nature lovers

Bamboo grooves and Pine grooves– Worth visiting place to witness the unique bamboo and Pine forests

Tarin Fish farm– One can enjoy cropping of rice and fish in Bulla Village

Ziro Calling Ziro !!

Recommended Stay – Vamoose Dogindo, Siiro Resort, Suchusi Homestay, Abasa Homestay

Must try food– Chura Sabji (staple food), Bresi (prepration of sweet rice),Pika Pila (pickle), Koat Pitha (sweet), Ngatok( staple fish curry), Puta (noodles),Kharzi (staple food), Po Cha (beverage)

Mawlynnong Village, Meghalaya

One of the cleanest village in Asia , declared by Discover India magazine , is located in East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya and is 78 kms from Shillong. The road to Mawlynnong has one of the most picturesque view one can find. The village has so much to offer to enjoy its fruit orchards, rushing streams, endless greenery and the well-preserved traditions of the Khasis.The Nohwet Living Root Bridge, created by weaving the roots of the Ficus Elastica tree is one of the main attraction in Mawlynnong , apparently is very important for the villagers to connect with each other and travel to other part of village.

Must recommended to those who seek adventure in serenity.

Best time to visit : April to June

How to reach Mawlynnong?

Take train to Guwahati which is the nearest railway station, from there, cab can be hired to Mawlynnong. By Road, Guwahati to Mawlynnong via NH 6 and NH 206 is th best option to reach destination. Alternatively, flight to Guwahati or to Shillong can be taken and from there, private vehicle to Mawlynnong will can be hired to reach destination which will take approx 5 hours.