Kagbhusandi Tal
Set in the lap of Hathi Parvat (6730 m) Kagbhusandi Tal can be reached from Ghangaria or Visnuprayag. The approach from Ghangaria is a little easier but longer. From Govind-Ghat there is a 18 km bridle path which runs through the Bhiundar valley and Bhiundhar village up to Ghangaria.
Start your trek from Govind-Ghat. The trek has two major gradients, one from the Alaknanda suspension bridge at Govind-Ghat to Pulana village. Walk up the Bhiundhar Valley to Ghangaria.
After trekking 3 km from Ghangaria, a bifurcation point is reached. The routes to the Valley of Flowers and Lokpal (Hemkund) are well marked here. This is also the pilgrim road for Sikhs who make a summer pilgrimage to Hem Kund. Ghangaria is a camp before the arduous climb to the 4,000m high altitude lake.
The walk up to Ghangaria (14 km) is beautiful despite the ample evidence of the passage of the Sikh multitude. The path rises steeply through rich forest with eventual views of some of the great peaks around.
Camp in or around Ghangaria, which is deserted in spring and summer. Next day 's trek passes through thick bear-infested forests. Two huge rocks on a spur of Hathi Parvat are described as a crow (Kaga) and an Eagle (Garuda). The locals believe that the crow is animatedly conversing with Garuda on the affairs of the universe. Another version has it that a learned Brahmin of Ayodhya once incurred the wrath of the sage Lomas who lived here and was changed into the form of crow by the sage.
The only shelter here are the shepherd huts. The trek also involves walking long distances across glacial moraines and over slippery rocks. Good shoes are a must. Arrive at Khagbusandi Tal and enjoy the myriad blossoms which decorate its banks during the season. The wildest profusion of colours make the trekker forget the hardships and the exhaustion of the trek. This is a highly magnificent place.
Onwards we travel ...
Valley of Flowers (4km)
From Ghangaria it is a 1 km gradual ascent to the Valley of the Flowers, following the path at the left fork a little after Ghangaria. You then descend steeply into a narrow gorge. After crossing the bridge over the Bhiundhar Ganga, you climb for about another 1 km. The entrance to the valley is officially at the bridge over the Bhiundhar, though the full view down to Rataban opens up after 1 km or so. The valley in spring is a sight to be seen and it will be an unforgettable experience. In autumn the turning leaves on trees to the south side of the valley entrance produce the colors. The valley extends for 10 km and through the centre there is a path, and the day can be spent exploring up towards the glaciers at the far end. Return trek to camp at Ghangaria. Camp overnight.
Road: Govind Ghat to Joshimath 19 km,
Govind Ghat to Srinagar 166 km,
Srinagar to Rishikesh 109 km.
See Also
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