Diwali destinations: Atop glaciers and mounts

Diwali is just round the corner and chances are you're already making plans to make the most of the holidays. To help you discover new holiday spots to relax and rejuvenate, we asked readers to send in their favourite vacation desitinations. Here we present two responses we received:

Here, 25-year-old CRM process consultant Yogesh Doshi sends in his vacation destination:

Getaway: Kafni glacier, Uttaranchal Himalayas

Description: I enjoy treks and have gone on many treks in the interiors of Maharashtra. However, I always had this urge to trek the Himalayas, and treks there are the mother of all treks. This being my first trek to the Himalays, I chose the Kafni glacier trek which is relatively easy but no less an adventure. My friend also joined me and two is always better than one when you're on the Himalays.

To reach the base camp we had to travel Mumbai-Delhi-Amora-Loharkhet. This journey was by train and buses over three days. Then started our trek of 40km (ascent) and another 40km (descent) over a period of six days. Each day we would cover an average of 12 km with halts. It was May and the Himalayan weather is known to be unpredictable.

The first day we were caught in a hailstorm and we didnt even have rainwear. Over the next few days we saw all kinds of weather from hot to snowfall to hailstorm to complete darkness at two in the afternooon. We also came across beautiful birds in the Kumaon forests and also spotted some animals -- it was easily the best trek I have done till date.

Sights:

• Nandakot Peak
• A many other snow-clad peaks
• Pindari glacier
• Kafni glacier
• Kumaon forest
• Corbett National Park (a bit off route)
• One of the most beautiful villages in India, Khati village in Uttarachal.

How to get there: Mumbai to Delhi by Rajdhani. Delhi to Katgoam in Uattarnchal by Kathgodam express. Kathgodam to Almora by bus or hired jeep. Almora to Loharkhet by hired jeep. Loharkhet to Glacier via Bus No 11 (which is your legs).

Accomodations: You can stay in KMVN guest houses that are located along the route.

Tariff: Rs 100 per head

To share your favourite holiday destinations, click here!

Next, Jignesh Ghiya shares his favourite holiday spot:

Getaway: Mount Abu

Description: Most economical hill station

Sights: Nakki Lake, Guru Shikar; Dilwara Jain Temple are worth seeing.

Eats: For people visiting from Maharashtra and Gujarat, Hotel Arbuda is the best suggestion to suit their taste. It has a variety of food. It is on the way to Nakki Lake.

Shopping: Near Nakki Lake you will find a cluster of shops for you to choose Kota saris, wooden artifacts and metal crafts.
 
How to get there: The nearest rail station as well as road junction is Abu Road and from there it is almost a 30 to 45 minute drive.

Accomodation: We stayed at Jain Dharamshala. Phone: 223124

Tariff: Rs 150

To share your favourite holiday destinations, click here!