It was a first whole day local trek that CATS ventured out on a fine Sunday morning. As has become the CATS custom, we started off with a prayer and then quickly changed tracks towards an impromptu 'Antaakshri' session. Some of the CATS discovered their singing talents for the first time.
The chill that hit us at Datyar prompted CATS to pull on all the layers they had brought with them. However, a sumptous packed breakfast accompanied by hot masala chai served courtey Atulaya at Datyar warmed many a heart and belly. The views were breathtaking from the open verandah of Atulaya. That's were the easiest part ended!
Led by two guides provided by Atulaya, we set ourselves for the first leg of the journey from Datyar towards Timber Trail Heights in Banasar. Though originally we were supposed to take a shorter but much steeper, tougher (and slightly riskier) trek, given there were few kids and some first timers with us, a last minute decision was taken to take a longer but relatively easier path to Banasar.
As usually happens, the whole group of 32 automatically divided into groups as per their fitness, speed and other personal reasons. I had the opportunity to ask CAT Gurinder as to why he was literally running towards the top? His response had me in splits, 'If I slow down, I will simply fall backwards!'
It was fun all the way, being chased by the cows, exchanging MEOWs with a little cat, trying hands at farming, spotting the toy train going to Shimla in the backdrop, being laughed at by the locals, 'Here comes another pack of urbanites!' It was simply great to be out in the lap of Mother Nature again.
Unfortunate part was that despite having two guides, three sub groups lost the way and had to trek longer and harder to find their way back to the road! I will never forget the call I had from CAT Uday with a little concern in his voice, 'Have you come across the hay stacks yet!'
We all finally managed to converge at the terrace of Timber Trail Heights to have a quick drink. We took a break longer than we should have at this point. Nevertheless, this is where the downhill journey started along a dusty and at times treacherous trek. Infact, all of us had to keep our eyes glued to the track in order to see where our paws were landing!
Despite the various trips and falls we were having along the narrow path, there was plenty of laughter too. As CAT Rita slipped, I instinctively said whilst pulling her up by her sleeve, 'Careful Rita or we would end up looking for you in the farm below.' CAT Gurinder broke into his typical Brit-English-Punjabi laced Hindi, 'Sure otherwise we would be saying, Oh dekho woh chauthhe khet mein payi hai'
Another good thing we did on the way down is that we ensured the whole group stayed together to avoid the problem of getting lost again. Sensing that legs were giving way, I tried to call our bus driver and the resort manager to send our bus up to fetch us. Unfortunately, the mobile signals also conspired against us. CATS had no choice but to keep walking down in a hope that the phone would start working after the next bend ahead.
Now this is another matter that the way down simply refused to end and the phones refused to work! It was like having school kids in the car who impatiently ask at every turn, 'Aur kitni door?' CAT Navpreet and CAT Rahat had connived to pull me around the bushes for a sound beating. I was lucky they did not find a stick!
Whilst only about 1.5km was left, there came a local bus shuttling down the road. Our resolve to finish the trek broke when we found one of our guides sitting in the bus! We all hitch hicked our way back to our base for lunch. CATS, the picture of politeness that we are, thanked the bus driver and the conductor from the bottom of our hearts. Whilst I was doing the head count to ensure we had not lost anyone on the way, I heard the conductor asking, 'Paise??' Oh dear, we were too tired and too hungry by that time to care that we were being fleeced by the conductor for the tickets he did not give us!
Best part was hot food served to us in the sprawling lawns of Yorks Health Resort in Nolta. The simple vegetarian fare was nothing less than a feast for the hungry CATS, who pounced upon the kill. We put our feet up with a hot cuppa masala chai after a well deserved and required late lunch. There was pin drop silence on the way back to Chandigarh in the bus :-)
There are a few things which came to the fore on this trek. It set apart the experienced trekkers from the beginners. It taught us to stay together rather than walking away in our own little sub-groups. It has encouraged us to develop methods of signposting the route for others to follow. It's very easy to loose time by having longer, unscheduled and unexpected breaks. It has taught us what trekking is about; unpredictable adventure, sometimes at the expense of our knees and calves!
See you all on the next trek on 23rd of Dec at Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary.
CAT Supreet
Showing posts with label Trek 4 - Datyar - TT Heights - Nolta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trek 4 - Datyar - TT Heights - Nolta. Show all posts
PHOTO GALLERY... Datyar - TT Heights - Nolta
Saathi haath barhaana Getting a taste of the difficult trek that lies ahead... right from the very beginning
An unexpected twist in the tail... CAT Dilawar trying his hands at farming :-)
A frightening twist in the tail...CAT Supreet being chased by a cow...
Mooo - Meow - MOMMY !!
CATS resting their tired paws at the Timber Trail Heights...Poor things dont know what lies ahead of them.. Gee :-)
CATS finally hit the road for the last leg of their trek....
And scrowl down if you want to see what these CATS are looking at with their jaws open...
CAT Anuradha had had enough of walking..
So she decided to take a shortcut... LITERALLY !!
God knows what CAT Abhijit was thinking...
CATS finally hit the road for the last leg of their trek....And scrowl down if you want to see what these CATS are looking at with their jaws open...
CAT Anuradha had had enough of walking..So she decided to take a shortcut... LITERALLY !!
God knows what CAT Abhijit was thinking... Have a better view of the valley?? Keep an eye on the Catty Flock??
He surely could not commit suicide from that height :-)
Trek 4: Datyar - TT Heights - Nolta
CATS is organizing its next Trek in the wilderness of lower shivalik hills. This time the destination for the trek is Datyar-Timber Trail Heights-Nolta.
Surrounded by wooded hills, the kaushalya river meanders its way between the two hills. Hills where the clouds pause to rest and time stands still. The air, full of pine scent and bird song, Timber Trail takes one's breath away. A world of spectacular sunsets, nature paints the sky in unbelievable colours. And as darkness creeps in, the distant lights of Chandigarh take over to create the shimmering magic of a million stars.
This would be our starting point of Datyar, a village just 300kms ahead of Timber Trail Resorts on the main Kalka-Shimla highway. Our journey would take us down the valley to Kaushalya river and then will begin the steep climb to the TT Heights through the villages of Paneva, Sandhog, Banasar (TT Heights), Jodhpur, Pagharni and then finally to Yorks Health Resort based in Nolta, where we will have our lunch and then board the bus to reach back to Chandigarh.
Interesting aspect of this trek is that we will be starting from Himachal Pradesh but finishing off in Haryana!
Trek Code 004/chd/parwanoo/nolta
Name of the Trek Datyar – Timber Trail Heights - Nolta
Date of Trekking Sunday, 09th of Dec’07
Trek Moderate but some steep heights to trek
Terrain Lower Shivalik Hills
Maximum Height Datyar app.3000ft and TT Heights app.5000ft from sea level
Total Trekking Distance Approximately 9kms
Experience Required Since the trek will get quite steep from Paneva to Banasar (almost flat from Banasar to Jodhpur and then downhill till Nolta), good physical health is an absolute must. This trek will get strenuous on occasions and is not recommended for beginners
Equipment Required None apart from your knap-sack to carry water bottle, some high energy food, small towel, spare sweater/fleece etc.
Period Anytime during the year, except for monsoons
Duration Little over half day
Minimum no. of people 20
Maximum no. of people 30
Distance from Chandigarh 35 Kms each way
Permissions None, but do ensure that your bus has permit to enter Himachal Pradesh if you are traveling in a bus. Private vehicles need no permissions. Parking at Datyar is on the road side, unless a restaurant/hotel/resort owner allows you to park at their property.
Accommodation No night stay is required for this day trek. Otherwise Timber Trail Heights resort in Banasar or Yorks Health Resort in Nolta are good options.
Sustenance on Trek Since it’s a short trek cooking can be avoided. Packed breakfast and buffet lunch would be provided. We will stop for some tea on the way up to Jodhpur in one of the villages. Trekkers are advised to carry packed food, some dried fruits, chocolates, couple of packets of namkeen or biscuits and bottled water. Though water is available but it’s always advisable to carry your own water. Ensure you don’t leave any litter behind.
Civil Amenities Washroom facilities would be available at Datyar, Timber Trail Heights in Banasar and Yorks Health Resort in Nolta.
Activities You may play board games, frisbees, play badminton or volley ball, tug of war etc., but must bring your own equipment. Just respect the flora and fauna whilst indulging in any activity. Enjoy the lovely gardens in the peaceful Yorks Health Resort in your free time. You may even walk upto the temple if you wish.
Cut-off to join the trek 5pm on Friday, 07th of Dec’07.
Joining Instructions Send your request by email to CATS.chd@gmail.com, confirming precise number of your family and/or friends joining the trek by the cut-off date, since breakfast, lunch, tea and transportation arrangements have to be made accordingly. LAST MINUTE WALK-INs would not be entertained
Punctuality of time Adhere to the given times since Team would not wait for any late arrivals
Cost COST TO BE SHARED BY PARTICIPATING MEMBERS
Transportation Cost for 30 people: Rs. 70/- per head.
Cost will go up proportionately if less then 30 members go on the trek.
Packed Breakfast & Lunch Cost & Served tea: app. Rs.190/- per head. So, total approximate cost to pay per member is Rs.260/-
Members to deposit ‘dutch money’ by 5pm on Friday, 07th of Dec’07 with Mr Vishal Kalia (9988729090) at Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management.
Only those members who deposit the trek fee by the given cut off time/date would be able to join the trek. Since, this is a ‘dutch money’ trip, two meals and tea need to be organized, there is no room for last minute walk-ins. CATS will not be able to entertain refunds either. Verbal, telephonic or email confirmations will not be entertained.
Itinerary for the Day
6.30 am Assembly and Registration at Hotel Chandigarh Beckons, Sec.42
6.45 am Departure for Datyar from Hotel Chandigarh Beckons
8.00 am Reach Datyar. Have packed breakfast whilst hot tea would be sponsored by Atulaya Health Care at Havell’s Building
8.45 am Start trekking from Datyar. We shall have tea somewhere in a village to break our trek
1.30 pm Finish the trek at Yorks Health Resort. Time to have lunch in the beautiful greens followed by some free time to chill out.
3.00 pm Board vehicles from Yorks in Nolta for Chandigarh
4.00 pm Depart for home.
Surrounded by wooded hills, the kaushalya river meanders its way between the two hills. Hills where the clouds pause to rest and time stands still. The air, full of pine scent and bird song, Timber Trail takes one's breath away. A world of spectacular sunsets, nature paints the sky in unbelievable colours. And as darkness creeps in, the distant lights of Chandigarh take over to create the shimmering magic of a million stars.
This would be our starting point of Datyar, a village just 300kms ahead of Timber Trail Resorts on the main Kalka-Shimla highway. Our journey would take us down the valley to Kaushalya river and then will begin the steep climb to the TT Heights through the villages of Paneva, Sandhog, Banasar (TT Heights), Jodhpur, Pagharni and then finally to Yorks Health Resort based in Nolta, where we will have our lunch and then board the bus to reach back to Chandigarh.
Interesting aspect of this trek is that we will be starting from Himachal Pradesh but finishing off in Haryana!
Trek Code 004/chd/parwanoo/nolta
Name of the Trek Datyar – Timber Trail Heights - Nolta
Date of Trekking Sunday, 09th of Dec’07
Trek Moderate but some steep heights to trek
Terrain Lower Shivalik Hills
Maximum Height Datyar app.3000ft and TT Heights app.5000ft from sea level
Total Trekking Distance Approximately 9kms
Experience Required Since the trek will get quite steep from Paneva to Banasar (almost flat from Banasar to Jodhpur and then downhill till Nolta), good physical health is an absolute must. This trek will get strenuous on occasions and is not recommended for beginners
Equipment Required None apart from your knap-sack to carry water bottle, some high energy food, small towel, spare sweater/fleece etc.
Period Anytime during the year, except for monsoons
Duration Little over half day
Minimum no. of people 20
Maximum no. of people 30
Distance from Chandigarh 35 Kms each way
Permissions None, but do ensure that your bus has permit to enter Himachal Pradesh if you are traveling in a bus. Private vehicles need no permissions. Parking at Datyar is on the road side, unless a restaurant/hotel/resort owner allows you to park at their property.
Accommodation No night stay is required for this day trek. Otherwise Timber Trail Heights resort in Banasar or Yorks Health Resort in Nolta are good options.
Sustenance on Trek Since it’s a short trek cooking can be avoided. Packed breakfast and buffet lunch would be provided. We will stop for some tea on the way up to Jodhpur in one of the villages. Trekkers are advised to carry packed food, some dried fruits, chocolates, couple of packets of namkeen or biscuits and bottled water. Though water is available but it’s always advisable to carry your own water. Ensure you don’t leave any litter behind.
Civil Amenities Washroom facilities would be available at Datyar, Timber Trail Heights in Banasar and Yorks Health Resort in Nolta.
Activities You may play board games, frisbees, play badminton or volley ball, tug of war etc., but must bring your own equipment. Just respect the flora and fauna whilst indulging in any activity. Enjoy the lovely gardens in the peaceful Yorks Health Resort in your free time. You may even walk upto the temple if you wish.
Cut-off to join the trek 5pm on Friday, 07th of Dec’07.
Joining Instructions Send your request by email to CATS.chd@gmail.com, confirming precise number of your family and/or friends joining the trek by the cut-off date, since breakfast, lunch, tea and transportation arrangements have to be made accordingly. LAST MINUTE WALK-INs would not be entertained
Punctuality of time Adhere to the given times since Team would not wait for any late arrivals
Cost COST TO BE SHARED BY PARTICIPATING MEMBERS
Transportation Cost for 30 people: Rs. 70/- per head.
Cost will go up proportionately if less then 30 members go on the trek.
Packed Breakfast & Lunch Cost & Served tea: app. Rs.190/- per head. So, total approximate cost to pay per member is Rs.260/-
Members to deposit ‘dutch money’ by 5pm on Friday, 07th of Dec’07 with Mr Vishal Kalia (9988729090) at Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management.
Only those members who deposit the trek fee by the given cut off time/date would be able to join the trek. Since, this is a ‘dutch money’ trip, two meals and tea need to be organized, there is no room for last minute walk-ins. CATS will not be able to entertain refunds either. Verbal, telephonic or email confirmations will not be entertained.
Itinerary for the Day
6.30 am Assembly and Registration at Hotel Chandigarh Beckons, Sec.42
6.45 am Departure for Datyar from Hotel Chandigarh Beckons
8.00 am Reach Datyar. Have packed breakfast whilst hot tea would be sponsored by Atulaya Health Care at Havell’s Building
8.45 am Start trekking from Datyar. We shall have tea somewhere in a village to break our trek
1.30 pm Finish the trek at Yorks Health Resort. Time to have lunch in the beautiful greens followed by some free time to chill out.
3.00 pm Board vehicles from Yorks in Nolta for Chandigarh
4.00 pm Depart for home.
Trek includes:
* Transportation to and fro Hotel Chandigarh Beckons
* Packed breakfast, lunch and tea
Following conditions MUST BE FOLLOWED for the trek
1. No shooting, hunting and teasing of the wild animals, if any.
2. No littering at any stage of the trek.
3. Do not damage the flora.
4. No lightning of fire in the valley area.
5. Trekkers are requested not to consume alcohol and tobacco during trekking.
6. Please be prepared to help fellow trekkers in case of need.
7. Please maintain social decorum and enjoy the trek.
ITEMS RECOMMENDED to be taken for the trek
* Cameras
* Binoculars
* Walking Sticks
* Some packed food/eatables
* Water Bottle
* Waste Bin liners to collect all your rubbish
* Bandana or a handherchief.
* Hat or Baseball cap.
* Sunblock.
Suggested CLOTHING for the trek
* Comfortable walking boots with thick cotton socks to avoid blisters
* Comfortable slacks/tracks/jogger pants with T-shirts or cotton suits for ease of trekking
* Wear lots of light weight fleecy/woolly layers rather than one or two thick layers
* A trekking-friendly jacket, possibly with a wind cheater layering can take care of a light drizzle or misty showers
* A cap or hat offers shade from the sun
* Pair of gloves/mittens in cold weather would be advisable too
* Small cotton handkerchiefs/towels to wipe your brow
WORD OF CAUTION
Since trek includes steep heights, so we would advise everybody to join this trek only when they are in sound physical condition. Being a hilly terrain this will demand some resistance from you.
NB: This trek has been facilitated for CATS; by CATS
EXLORE not EXPLOIT
Guide Map
* Not available.
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