Tapan Pandit, a teacher from kolkatta has discovered a new route of only 58kms by trek between KEDARNATH and BADRINATH. Old route was 186 kms and was not easy where new route is short and goes through moraine, bushes but can be enjoyed by trekkers.
Caution is required from wild animals, reptiles and mountain hazards.
A myth that in old times, a single pandit used to perform rituals in both temples gave him clue to find possibility of a route which he finds ultimately.
Tapan Pandit - a experienced trekker spend lot of time in reseach on google earth. Thanks to google earth which provides him a topographical view of this route and rest required was dedication and belief in himsel.
His students helps him in this crusade. A humble soul- trekked al this length with his students and wife USHA PANDIT.
Couple along with a student managed this tough trek without much difficulty through NEELKANTH region.
ROUTE: Kedarnath - Chopta- Mana-Badrinath
Monday, January 14, 2008
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- ► 2007 (9)
About Me
- Aparna Deshpande
- Trekking, camping, climbing and traveling in himalayas and sahyadri since years...associated with www.himadventures.net
3 comments:
Hi Aparna,
Dont know if you watched the program on the Bengali TV Channel (Star Ananda) on this story that was telecast yesterday. Surprisingly I missed this news in the newspapers in July'07.
Like many other mountain lovers and trekkers I have taken a keen interest in this route ever since I read the exciting account of Shipton and Tillman who crossed into the Gandharpongi Gad while searching for this route and spent a week in the deep forests withouth fighting with bears for bamboo shoots. Martin Moran managed to do the first crossing but not before a serious mountaineering venture over the icefalls of Panpatia Bamak.
The fact that it was modern technology of google earth along with the belief of a simple humble mountain lover that made this possible makes the story even more exciting.
As was said by John Keay, "Great things happen when men and mountains meet" - I guess this saying in the age of google can be modified to "Great things happen when men and mountains and technology meet".
Take Care
Warm Regards,
Arindam
Thanks for posting this valuable information. Congratulations to Mr. Tapan and his team.
I do have one question, why would he goto Mana and then go south to chopta ? Isn't Neelkanth region hilly ? If he did goto Mana, did he pass Satopanth Tal ? I guess if someone knows his detailed path can they post it please.
Thanks.
I agree with you that it was Google earth and belief which led a trekker to such a adventure. Yes- I saw whole telecast on ZEE and he was not alone as couple of his students were also with him.
Anyway- it was wonderful show and I liked it as it was portrait of courage and commitment for being Indian- because not only finance but social stigmas are also a factor to such attempt.
As for as I remember - he crosses through PANPATIA BAMAK - I will find time myself someday, to find his route.
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