Exploring the Himalayas

Leopard in Sargakhet

2010-05-16T16:06:00.002+05:30

May 10, 2010: The serene calm of the cool summer evening was suddenly shattered by the loud shouts of shepherdess in the Sargakhet village today.
There was a leopard on the prowl, and it had attacked one of her goats grazing nearby. As the shepherdess was joined by those cutting grass for fodder along the mountain side, we heard rustling of leaves in the woods just 100ft away from our new guest house, and in a flash, a leopard came in sight. It was a simply breathtaking view. We were awestruck by its wild beauty as the leopard causally walked away from the commotion, along the rocky hill to the left of our place only to disappear on the other side of the hill.
“Aaj toh gazzab ho gaya,” said my man-Friday Bahadur, who was excited having seen a leopard for the first time in his life. It was an adult leopard, nearly 10 ft in length, 3 feet high.
The wild cat had broken into a light jog as a result of all the commotion, however was not in a rushing hurry to oblige the villagers by dashing into the oblivion, away from its prey, the unlucky goat.
And this proved to be our good luck. We had the handsome creature in sight for nearly 5 minutes, a once in a lifetime opportunity because leopards are known to be very stealthy creatures.
Known as “Tendua” in Hindi, leopard – genus Panthera, is the smallest of the “big cats”, i.e. the lion, jaguar and tiger. It is found in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and China. Leopard can chase their prey at the speed of nearly 60 kilometres per hour and climb trees too.
Thanks to the protected jungles around Mukteshwar, we still get an occasional glimpse of leopards around or hear them growl or roar in the silent of the night.

Somerset Lodge

2010-05-07T07:07:00.001+05:30

A home away from home

Built in 1921, Somerset Lodge, a cosy mountain retreat was once the family home of ADC Bacchi Singh Mehra, aide to the Maharaja Jind of Patiala, from 1942-55. Some twenty years ago, it was opened to travelers who wanted enjoy the tranquil environs of higher Himalayas. The lodge located in Gahana Orchards which is spread over several acres. Today it is run by his grandson, that is me, and a dedicated staff of four. It oozes an old world charm of a hillside cottage while being equipped with the modern wherewithal to make yours a stay that is comfortable and relaxing. It has two suites and 3 rooms, with attached rest rooms. Common dinning area doubles as a conference room, with a modern running kitchen on the side.

welcome to my new guest house

2010-05-07T07:00:00.002+05:30

Well defined as a cosy or secluded retreat, this is the newly built guest wing at Gahana Orchards. It takes a 10 minute walk from the lodge through a rocky path and a trickling spring, to reach this haven, our very private and exclusive set of four rooms nestling deep in the woods, down the hill. Built painstakingly over a span of three years, using indigenous materials and traditional masonry, it emits the charm of a typical hill home with an uninterrupted view of a Himalaya valley.
The deep woods around are home to wild cats, none other than shy leopard it self. During the day, you are bound to hear the chirping of mountain birds such as the chakor, magpies, maynas, jungle fowl, whistling thrush, babblers, while the night is reserved for the wild. Growls of prowling leopards nearby interspersed with warning sounds of barking deers closeby. Not for the faint hearted, this is a place for those seeking adventure on one hand and artists who want to get close to nature, to explore the nature outside and connect with their true self inside, who want to wake up to the sound of the mountain birds twittering on the window sill, with rays of the morning sun streaming into the room, announcing the dawn of a new day!

outdoors at mukteshwar

2010-05-07T06:52:00.001+05:30

Away from the hustle and bustle of daily urban living, come and unwind with us.
The beauty of the vast expanse of the Himalayan range, makes you realize the divinity around. The divine expresses itself on the physical plane through beauty.
Take time out to explore nature’s bounty, the rich flora and fauna of Uttarakhand, by joining us for mountain walks, across the leopard trails, through the hill village of Sargakhet.
Come for a picnic near the brook that runs through our village. The sound of water rushing over the pebbles, will sooth your nerves, give you time for mental contemplation.
The beauty of the waterfall located at a distance of 1 and ½ hour trek down the hill will mesmerizes you, who knows, even inspire you to paint or pen down poetry.
Star gazing is a favourite with our guests at night, as you sit around the bonfire in front of the lodge, exchanging stories of your day time experiences with your friends and other guests. The Milky way and other constellations are all their waiting to draw your attention to the vastness of life and universe around.
Bird watching during the day is equally interesting a hobby you can indulge in. The chirping of the chakor, singing of the magpies, the maynas, jungle fowl, whistling thrush, babblers and not to miss the hill crow, all make you realize the beauty that is Nature.
Set your blood racing:
If the thrill of adventure is what you are seeking, stick with us. There is more.
Come for silent night walks through the woods in our property that is spread over several acres, keeping your ear to the ground for the sound of a leopard on the prowl or boar chasing its bedtime meal.
Test your nerves and body strength, with rock climbing (40-80 feet) at the famous Chauli ki Jaali at Mukteshwar, rappelling down to 150 feet or jumaring, practice archery -- some of the day time thrills we organize for our guests on regular basis.
We also organize motor-biking expeditions through Uttarakhand.

somerset lodge

2010-04-25T18:28:00.002+05:30

somerset in the spring of 2010

2010-04-24T23:16:00.001+05:30

somerset lodge in spring

2010-04-24T23:14:00.001+05:30

somerset lodge in spring

2010-04-24T23:11:00.001+05:30

somerset lodge

2010-04-24T23:07:00.001+05:30

Mukteshwar Times

2009-07-12T14:59:00.001+05:30

This July 16, 2009 we in the hills will be celebrating the Harela festival – to mark harvesting time. Apple, peaches and apricot plantations are ready to be harvested. All the villagers will bathe, wear clean cloths and get together at the temple of the local deity to pray and thank God for a good harvest. They will make an offering of maize or wheat that they have grown in their homes in a basket, for the past 11-22 days, especially for this festival. The village community will cook food and have lunch together at the temple.
--Manoj, July 12, 2009

Motorbiking in the Himalayas - April 2009

2009-01-31T14:18:00.001+05:30

Spring is here and the spirit is restless. Perhaps it is time for another biking trip. With cool breeze on my face, lush green mountains in view and the famous Hindi song "Suhana safar aur yea mausam haseen..." by Mukesh on my lips, I want to get on my bike to explore what the passing winter has left behind... this April! Starting from Mukteshwar, my home, to Wan, Bedni Bugyal, returning home via old temple town of Jaageshwar. The thought of awaiting adventure, gets my blood racing. Got to pack!

Best

Manoj

Motorbiking in the Himalayas, 2007

2008-10-19T16:13:00.003+05:30

"The beat of my Enfield Bullet reverberated through the mountains as we drove through the mist from Mukteshwar to Wan, the last stop for motorbikers. Beyond this point we started to trek Bedni Bugyal. One of the highest Alpine meadows in Uttaranchal."
Manoj Mehra, 2007.

Manoj

New Year in the Himalayas

2008-10-18T21:09:00.013+05:30

December 25 - 31, 2008

Come December we are planning a 'yoga holiday' in the Himalayas, just in time to ring in the new year!
Here's my blueprint:
We start by unwinding ourselves in Mukteshwar on December 25. My friend Monica Chand, a yoga exponent, has promised to take time off from Studio Abhyas in Delhi, to conduct special yoga sessions designed to de-stress and rejuvenate us daily through the holiday. In Mukteshwar, we use rest of our time to explore the serene beauty of the mountains, take long nature walks. Rock climbing and rappelling near the famous 'rock jaali' in Mukteshwar could be other alternatives. Next day we could go on a trek through dense Oak forest to the ancient 8th century Shiva temple in Kapileshwar. Trek to Almora on way to Jaageshwar is on next day. We stay in Jaageshwar for following four days. Besides the regular yoga sessions, we have an opportunity to explore the mountains around and also go sight-seeing. The ancient 10th century old Shiva temples here are a delight to visit. After a brush with history, the new year's eve sees us back in Mukteshwar to welcome the dawn of the new year in the Himalayas!
Manoj Mehra, Mukteshwar.

Trek to Pindari & Kafni Glaciers

2008-09-28T23:49:00.014+05:30

Majestic rocky mountains, snowy peaks of the Nanda Kote, clear blue sky, one moment, and stealthily rising fog embracing us the next! This was zero point Pindari Glacier.
And like always, the view promised to take my breath away. This was third time I was visiting the much reported, fast receding Himalayan glacier.
Much like the years 2006 and 2007, I was leading a group of American graduate students who were visiting India as part of the study abroad programme of Michigan State University. It was an educational programme where the students studied the ecology of the mountain region and also devised projects to help the local populace.
Below I have uploaded some images and itinerary of our trek from Mukteshwar to Pindari and Kafni glaciers that we followed each year. We would start early every day and trek around 10-11 kms through the beautiful mountain path, at times along Pindar River, and then turning the bend to gaze upon the serene snowy Himalayan peaks. And more often than not, the day's activities would end with a session of Yoga Asana practice conducted by yoga experts who were part of my team.
In communion with nature. Peaceful. Happy. Rejuvenated.
That's what all of us felt as the trek drew to an end!

Manoj Mehra, Mukteshwar, June 2008.