Leopard in Sargakhet

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.

welcome to my new guest house

WELCOME TO OAK CHALET!
Well defined as a cosy or secluded retreat, this is the newly built guest house at Gahana Orchards. The walk to Oak Chalet takes 10 minutes from the mountain road, through a rocky path and a trickling spring. You will then reach this haven, our very private and exclusive set of four rooms nestling deep in the woods. 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

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.

Mukteshwar Times

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

Mukteshwar Times

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, especially for this festival, in the past 11-22 days. The village community will cook food and have lunch together at the temple.

Manoj

Motorbiking in the Himalayas - April 2009

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