Deoriatal - The heaven on earth

Deoriatal is located in Chamoli, a district of Garhwal, in Uttaranchal India. Deoriatal can best be visited between October to December and between March to May. In fact it is a beginners trek and can be clubbed with Kedarnath or Tunganath trek in the Panch Kedar Circuit.
The trek itinerary: Day 1: Rishikesh - Ukhimath by bus or jeep. Day 2: Ukhimath to Sari by jeep and Sari to Deoriatal by trek. Night halt at Deoriatal campsite (tent and food are very well managed by the people of Sari). Day 3: Watch sunrise in Deoriatal. Trek back to Sari. Sari to Ukhimath by jeep. Ukhimath to Rudraprayag by jeep.


Deoriatal is famous for the exotic view of Chowkhamba and its reflection on the Tal. It is said that the Tal's depth can not be measured. Whatever be it, it can be rightly said it is one of the best beginner's trek. The trek may be less tough but the view it offers is mind blowing. It is a true heaven on earth. The attached images were taken by me on October 2005.

Barshey - The valley of flower of West Sikkim

Barshey / Versay: The Barshey Rhododendron Sanctuary lies in the south west corner of the West Sikkim district. Spreading over 104 sq. km, across the razor sharp Singalila Range, which forms the natural international border with Nepal. In the South the Rambong Khola separates it from West Bengal. There are three points of entry, Hilley, Dentam and Soreng. Tourists generally prefer Hilley since it is approachable by road. The bridle path from Hilley to Barshey already exists and is a favourite amongst tourists specially during the Rhododendron flowering season.
Climate: The climate is wet and cold favouring the spread of the dominant genus Rhododendron. July is the wettest month, with the average annual precipitation being in excess of 250 cm. The reaches above 2500m receive regular snowfall in winter. Clear skies can be experienced only from November to May.
Accommodation: A beautiful Tourist Trekker’s hut (Guras Kunj) exists in Barshey, amidst the Rhododendron forests at 10,000 feet, commanding a glorious view of the Singalila Range. Boarding and Lodging facilities are available. For tourists on a shoe string budget, dormitory facility with bedding is also available. Booking can be done from the Tourism Department, Gangtok or directly at Barshey.

Many trekking routes originate from Barshey, e.g Barshey to Falut, Barshey to Uttarey, Barshey to HMI Base Camp etc.

We went to Barshey on April 2006 by 1 hour short trek from Hilley. Though it was April, we faced torrential rain during the journey. We had a prior booking in The Guras Kunj, and got a very warm welcome from the Chowkidar despite of the cold rainy climate. Though mighty Kanschendzongha was behind the clouds till we stayed in Barshey, we got different varities of Rhododendron and Magnolia. Due to tight schedule we could stay at Barshey for only one night, but still that night is a cherishable experience and we are feeling the burning urge to revisit Barshey.

Route: Kolkata - Siliguri by Train. Siliguri - Okhrey / Hilley. Okhrey / Hilley - Barshey and back.