Adventure in himalayas and sahyadri mountains.

Roop Kund in Uttarakhand Himalayas.

2008-09-04T10:02:00.001-07:00

Roop Kund became famous when large numbers of human bones were reported. After that, explorers and scientists have tried to explain the mystery but it helped in deepening the mystery rather solving it.

read more | digg story

Bird-Like Dinosaur Discovered

2008-08-26T17:15:00.001-07:00

A gigantic bird-like dinosaur weighing as much as a car towered over its relatives about 70 million years ago, a new finding suggests.

read more | digg story

Satellite Images of Himalayan Treks

2008-08-24T06:54:00.001-07:00

Satellite Images of Himalayan Treks - an attempt to add as much treks and peaks as we could. More contributions from viewers is welcome. You can send your work at info@himadventures.net or post at outdoor forum.

read more | digg story

Sar Pass- Himachal Pradesh

2008-08-23T21:42:00.001-07:00

Sar Pass- Himachal Pradesh

read more | digg story

Himalayan Video

2008-08-23T20:28:00.001-07:00

A good video shot by a adventure lover.

read more | digg story

Popular Indian Destinations

2008-08-21T18:26:00.001-07:00

The states of India with much tourism potential are Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala and Rajasthan. Goa is another tourist which is very popular.Madhya Pradesh is popular for Khajuraho Temples and Indian tiger reserves.

read more | digg story

Punjab flooded - more to come.

2008-08-17T05:04:00.001-07:00

Three main breaches in river SATLUJ caused havoc in Punjab where more than 100 villages had been submerged in water. Situation was so tense that ARMY help was sought and today CM PUNJAB had taken aerial view of situation.

read more | digg story

I am a foreigner. Now I will dance.

2008-08-14T12:54:00.001-07:00

Because I look Indian and have a name like Sanjeev, the Indian Consulate in San Francisco gave me the mysterious “X” visa for persons of Indian origin — valid for five years with multiple entries allowed.Only catch? If I want to stay for longer than 180 days at a time, I have to “register.”Beware of simple-sounding words like “register.”

read more | digg story

How to choose a summer activity.

2008-08-13T06:17:00.001-07:00

Article on how to choose a summer activity.

read more | digg story

Nane Ghat & Jivdhan Killa

2008-06-19T00:49:00.000-07:00

History: In ancient time Nane Ghat was used as a pass of transportation and vital linkage to Konkan ( Sea Side Area ). Thus stregitic importance of Nane Ghat was felt and a levy was introduced for merchants and caravans which used this Ghat ( A Pass) for penetrating upper region of Pune and further. This practice was so successful that a huge stone dime-collector was built which amazingly, still is intact. Rulers which kept on changing with passage of times-but almost everyone felt need and importance of this vital GHAT and a well built staircase was built and managed which enabled heavy loads to come from Konkan plains to Upper region which is approximately 700-850 m high.

Planing& Departure : As we were not interested in very high tech adventure-it was a family and friends affairs only. We were nor carrying even rope. My hometown being enroute of Pune-Nashik road( Sangamner). We boarded bus for Narayan Gavn and from there we boarded another bus for Chunner. A long jeep travel took us in almost different world. A poorly managed jeep road but seems jeeps are getting good business as all villages are connected with outer world through them.

Ghat Ghar: Ghat Ghar is name of village where our jeep journey ends. We were divided into group of two as one group had already had been to Jiv Dhan Killa but those who were new to this region wanted to climb and see the whole plateau from up there. We three started our climb but very soon found ourselves on wrong foot. High bushes and landslides had damaged the way and now we were on our own to find small stairs going upside. A little bit of safe rock climb, we made our way to find stairs and climbing these huge stone stairs came to a 40-50m patch where Mughals/English had blown up stairs to cut passage to up side.

This section was done carefully as mistake means only rolling down to 80-90m which can be very very fatal. We had some rest but decided against taking our pack-lunch here. Climbing further we saw tactically built construction of great Maratha warriors-specially Shiva Ji who played pivotal role in shaping history of Indian struggle with invaders. We scanned and saw almost all aspects of this construction-specially where ration was kept and also where Maratha's keep their gun powder but we could not find any suitable trek to reach on back, other side of this small plateau where we had planned to descend down.

Our walk through high bushes starts and soon we found that rains had developed these high grasses which can be very comfortable home for reptiles and insects but there was no other way out except to find a way to trek down and in this attempt may times we find ourselves on the 'edge' of plateau and it was drastic to have look on clouds downwards.

BACK OF THE MOUNTAIN: We reached back and saw it's secret door which was bombarded in some war/raid and now you can only go out/come in through a small 'chimney' opening. We followed a well laiden trek which was going down but very soon we found ourselves, standing on a very exposed region where we were balanced on our paws and slip could have made us'airborn'.

We went back and tried another way out to go down but again get struck up and it was here that one of us went to KHARA PARSHI.

KHARA PARSHI: In Marathi, it means 'Guarding Sepoy'. This is a 60m rock pillar which has attracted many rock attempts from people who thought they can' do it'. Some accidents has also been reported by villagers. Some got spared by some fatal or vital injury and some were not that much lucky and deaths had been reported also. It took us 4 hrs. and almost 30-40m of free hand, exposed rock climbing while descending down. We still remember how much fearful and dangerous it was to descend on a vertical rock having 2-3 overhangs, without any rope or security. We all landed safely-but tired. It took us another one hr. to come out of dense jungle and another one hr. to reach that cave overlooking Nane Ghat where our parents and friends were anxiously waiting for us. We told them this tale and it still rans chill in my spine while I was struck up like a trapped lizard and tired and afraid......this had helped in getting confidence both physical and mental to go through stress and tough times !!.

High altitude sickness - Problems and diagnosis

2008-02-17T05:18:00.000-08:00

High altitude sickness - Problems and diagnosis
Human body, either working or exposed to working at high altitude can face changes which could be fatal.

The information provided here is designed for educational use only and is not a substitute for specific training or
experience.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is High Altitude?:
-----------------------
Altitude is defined on the following scale High (8,000 - 12,000 feet [2,438 - 3,658 meters]), Very High
(12,000 - 18,000 feet [3,658 - 5,487 meters]), and Extremely High (18,000+ feet [5,500+ meters]). Since few people have been
to such altitudes, it is hard to know who may be affected. There are no specific factors such as age, sex, or physical condition
that correlate with susceptibility to altitude sickness. Some people get it and some people don't, and some people are more
susceptible than others. Most people can go up to 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) with minimal effect. If you haven't been to
high altitude before, it's important to be cautious. If you have been at that altitude before with no problem, you can
probably return to that altitude without problems as long as you are properly acclimatized.

What Causes Altitude Illnesses:
-------------------------------
The concentration of oxygen at sea level is about 21% and the barometric pressure averages 760 mmHg. As altitude increases,
the concentration remains the same but the number of oxygen molecules per breath is reduced. At 12,000 feet (3,658 meters)
the barometric pressure is only 483 mmHg, so there are roughly 40% fewer oxygen molecules per breath. In order to properly
oxygenate the body, your breathing rate (even while at rest) has to increase. This extra ventilation increases the oxygen
content in the blood, but not to sea level concentrations. Since the amount of oxygen required for activity is the same,
the body must adjust to having less oxygen. In addition, for reasons not entirely understood, high altitude and lower air
pressure causes fluid to leak from the capillaries which can cause fluid build-up in both the lungs and the brain.
Continuing to higher altitudes without proper acclimatization can lead to potentially serious, even life-threatening
illnesses.

Acclimatization:
-----------------
The major cause of altitude illnesses is going too high too fast. Given time, your body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen
molecules at a specific altitude. This process is known as acclimatization and generally takes 1-3 days at that altitude.
For example, if you hike to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters), and spend several days at that altitude, your body acclimatizes to
10,000 feet (3,048 meters). If you climb to 12,000 feet (3,658 meters), your body has to acclimatize once again. A number
of changes take place in the body to allow it to operate with decreased oxygen. The depth of respiration increases.
Pressure in pulmonary arteries is increased, "forcing" blood into portions of the lung which are normally not used during
sea level breathing. The body produces more red blood cells to carry oxygen, The body produces more of a particular enzyme
that facilitates the release of oxygen from hemoglobin to the body tissues.

Prevention of Altitude Illnesses:
---------------------------------
Prevention of altitude illnesses falls into two categories, proper acclimatization and preventive medications.
Below are a few basic guidelines for proper acclimatization.

If possible, don't fly or drive to high altitude. Start below 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and walk up.
If you do fly or drive, do not over-exert yourself or move higher for the first 24 hours.
If you go above 10,000 feet (3,048 meters), only increase your altitude by 1,000 feet (305 meters) per day and for every
3,000 feet (915 meters) of elevation gained, take a rest day. "Climb High and sleep low." This is the maxim used by climbers.
You can climb more than 1,000 feet (305 meters) in a day as long as you come back down and sleep at a lower altitude.

If you begin to show symptoms of moderate altitude illness, don't go higher until symptoms decrease (& Don't go up until
symptoms go down").

If symptoms increase, go down, down, down!
Keep in mind that different people will acclimatize at different rates. Make sure all of your party is properly acclimatized
before going higher.Stay properly hydrated. Acclimatization is often accompanied by fluid loss, so you need to drink lots of
fluids to remain properly hydrated (at least 3-4 quarts per day). Urine output should be copious and clear.

Take it easy; don't over-exert yourself when you first get up to altitude. Light activity during the day is better than
sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep, exacerbating the symptoms. Avoid tobacco and alcohol and other
depressant drugs including, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills. These depressants further decrease the
respiratory drive during sleep resulting in a worsening of the symptoms.

Eat a high carbohydrate diet (more than 70% of your calories from carbohydrates) while at altitude.
The acclimatization process is inhibited by dehydration, over-exertion, and alcohol and other depressant drugs.

Preventive Medications:
-----------------------
Diamox (Acetazolamide) allows you to breathe faster so that you metabolize more oxygen, thereby minimizing the symptoms
caused by poor oxygenation. This is especially helpful at night when respiratory drive is decreased. Since it takes a
while for Diamox to have an effect, it is advisable to start taking it 24 hours before you go to altitude and continue
for at least five days at higher altitude. The recommendation of the Himalayan Rescue Association Medical Clinic is 125 mg.
twice a day (morning and night). (The standard dose was 250 mg., but their research showed no difference for most people
with the lower dose, although some individuals may need 250 mg.) Possible side effects include tingling of the lips and
finger tips, blurring of vision, and alteration of taste. These side effects may be reduced with the 125 mg. dose. Side
effects subside when the drug is stopped. Contact your physician for a prescription. Since Diamox is a sulfonamide drug,
people who are allergic to sulfa drugs should not take Diamox. Diamox has also been known to cause severe allergic reactions
to people with no previous history of Diamox or sulfa allergies. Frank Hubbell of SOLO recommends a trial course of the drug
before going to a remote location where a severe allergic reaction could prove difficult to treat. Dexamethasone (a steroid)

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS):
-----------------------------
AMS is common at high altitudes. At elevations over 10,000 feet (3,048 meters), 75% of people will have mild symptoms.
The occurrence of AMS is dependent upon the elevation, the rate of ascent, and individual susceptibility. Many people
ill experience mild AMS during the acclimatization process. Symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after arrival at altitude
and begin to decrease in severity about the third day. The symptoms of Mild AMS are headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness
of breath, loss of appetite, nausea, disturbed sleep, and a general feeling of malaise. Symptoms tend to be worse at night
and when respiratory drive is decreased. Mild AMS does not interfere with normal activity and symptoms generally subside
within 2-4 days as the body acclimatizes. As long as symptoms are mild, and only a nuisance, ascent can continue at a
moderate rate. When hiking, it is essential that you communicate any symptoms of illness immediately to others on your
trip. AMS is considered to be a neurological problem caused by changes in the central nervous system. It is basically a
mild form of High Altitude Cerebral Edema (see below).

Basic Treatment of AMS:
-----------------------
The only cure is either acclimatization or descent. Symptoms of Mild AMS can be treated with pain medications for
headache and Diamox. Both help to reduce the severity of the symptoms, but remember, reducing the symptoms is not curing
the problem. Diamox allows you to breathe faster so that you metabolize more oxygen, thereby minimizing the symptoms caused
by poor oxygenation. This is especially helpful at night when respiratory drive is decreased. Since it takes a while for
Diamox to have an effect, it is advisable to start taking it 24 hours before you go to altitude and continue for at least
five days at higher altitude. The recommendation of the Himalayan Rescue Association Medical Clinic is 125 mg. twice a
day (morning and night). (The standard dose was 250 mg., but their research showed no difference for most people with the
lower dose, although some individuals may need 250 mg.) Possible side effects include tingling of the lips and finger tips,
blurring of vision, and alteration of taste. These side effects may be reduced with the 125 mg. dose. Side effects subside
when the drug is stopped. Contact your physician for a prescription. Since Diamox is a sulfonamide drug, people who are
allergic to sulfa drugs should not take Diamox. Diamox has also been known to cause severe allergic reactions to people
with no previous history of Diamox or sulfa allergies. Frank Hubbell of SOLO in New Hampshire recommends a trial course of
the drug before going to a remote location where a severe allergic reaction could prove difficult to treat.

Moderate AMS:
--------------
Moderate AMS includes severe headache that is not relieved by medication, nausea and vomiting, increasing weakness and
fatigue, shortness of breath, and decreased coordination (ataxia). Normal activity is difficult, although the person may
still be able to walk on their own. At this stage, only advanced medications or descent can reverse the problem. Descending
even a few hundred feet (70-100 meters) may help and definite improvement will be seen in descents of 1,000-2,000 feet
(305-610 meters). Twenty-four hours at the lower altitude will result in significant improvements. The person should remain
at lower altitude until symptoms have subsided (up to 3 days). At this point, the person has become acclimatized to that
altitude and can begin ascending again. The best test for moderate AMS is to have the person "walk a straight line" heel
to toe. Just like a sobriety test, a person with ataxia will be unable to walk a straight line. This is a clear indication
that immediate descent is required. It is important to get the person to descend before the ataxia reaches the point where
they cannot walk on their own (which would necessitate a litter evacuation).

Severe AMS:
-----------
Severe AMS presents as an increase in the severity of the aforementioned symptoms, including shortness of breath at rest,
inability to walk, decreasing mental status, and fluid buildup in the lungs. Severe AMS requires immediate descent to lower
altitudes (2,000 - 4,000 feet [610-1,220 meters]).

There are two other severe forms of altitude illness, High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary
Edema (HAPE). Both of these happen less frequently, especially to those who are properly acclimatized. When they do occur,
it is usually with people going too high too fast or going very high and staying there. The lack of oxygen results in
leakage of fluid through the capillary walls into either the lungs or the brain.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE):
------------------------------------
HAPE results from fluid buildup in the lungs. The fluid in the lungs prevents effective oxygen exchange. As the condition
becomes more severe, the level of oxygen in the bloodstream decreases, and this can lead to cyanosis, impaired cerebral
function, and death. Symptoms include shortness of breath even at rest.

TAPAN PANDIT - DISCOVERS NEW ROUTE BETWEEN KEDARNATH-BADRINATH

2008-01-14T00:05:00.000-08:00

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

Full Moon Effect ?

2007-11-27T04:16:00.001-08:00

For thousands of years it has been believed that the fortunes of men and women move in cycles. The ancients depicted the concept as the great Wheel of Fortune, eternally turning and spilling off the winners on top while bearing up the wretches beneath and giving them their time in the limelight before they, too, get dumped. The trouble was that no one knew for sure what powered that wheel or exactly what speed it was turning for any given individual. People knew their days were numbered, but they didn’t know the number.

Until recently the situation hasn’t improved much. For hundreds of years we have known that it is the regular and predictable cycles of the moon and sun that regulate the ocean’s tides, but the tides in the affairs of humans have not been so easily forecast. It was almost as if they moved erratically of their own accord, unmotivated by outside forces.

The extensive cycle research of the past thirty years has proved otherwise. It has established numerous links between regularly occurring human behavior and external natural cycles ranging from weather and solar radiation to phases of the moon and planetary cycles. Here are some dramatic examples.

MURDER TIDES
At the University of Miami, psychologist Arnold Lieber and his colleagues decided to test the old belief of full-moon “lunacy” which most scientists had written off as an old wives’ tale. The researchers collected data on homicide in Dade County (Miami) over a period of 15 years — 1,887 murders, to be exact. When they matched the incidence of homicide with the phases of the moon, they found, much to their surprise, that the two rose and fell together, almost infallibly, for the entire 15 years! As the full or the new moon approached, the murder rate rose sharply; it distinctly declined during the first and last quarters of the moon.

To find out whether this was just a statistical fluke, the researchers repeated the experiment using murder data from Cuyahoga County in Ohio (Cleveland). Again, the statistics showed that more murders do indeed occur at the full and new moons.

Dr. Lieber and his colleagues shouldn’t have been so surprised. An earlier report by the American Institute of Medical Climatology to the Philadelphia Police Department entitled “The Effect of the Full Moon on Human Behavior” found similar results. That report showed that the full moon marks a monthly peak in various kinds of psychotically oriented crimes such as murder, arson, dangerous driving, and kleptomania. People do seem to get a little bit crazier about that time of the month.

That’s something most police and hospital workers have known for a long time. Indeed, back in eighteenth-century England, a murderer could plead “lunacy” if the crime was committed during the full moon and get a lighter sentence as a result. Scientists, however, like to have a hard physical model to explain their discoveries, and so far there isn’t a fully accepted one. Dr. Lieber speculates that perhaps the human body, which, like the surface of the earth, is composed of almost 80 percent water, experiences some kind of “biological tides” that affect the emotions. When a person is already on psychologically shaky ground, such a biological tide can push him or her over the edge.

BLOODY MOON
Crimes and violence aren’t the only things affected by the 29½ day full moon cycle. In the Journal of the Florida Medical Association, Dr. Edson J. Andrews writes that in a study of 1,000 tonsillectomies, 82 percent of postoperative bleeding crises occurred nearer the full than the new moon — despite the fact that fewer operations were performed at that time! Clearly, the full moon is a dangerous time for surgery, and the dissemination of this knowledge should result in planning operations for the new moon.

MOON DOLLARS
Practical economic use of the lunar cycle has been going on for a long time. In tropical rain forest countries in South America and Southeast Asia, where most of the world’s hardwood comes from, tree-harvesting contracts are linked to the phase of the moon. The trees are only cut down on a waning moon, as near to the new moon as feasible. This is because on a waxing or full moon, the sap rises in the trees and extensive sap bleeding attracts hordes of deathwatch beetles, which will devastate a crop. Awareness of this cycle means the difference between making or losing millions of dollars every year.

LUNAR BABIES
One future use for the monthly lunar cycle may be in choosing the timing and gender of babies. Curtis Jackson, controller of Southern California Methodist Hospital, reports that more babies are conceived on the waxing moon than on the waning. He quantified 11,025 births over a period of six years and found that nearly 1,000 more children were conceived during the waxing moon. Apparently, successful conception is easier at that time. More interesting are the results of German researcher W. Buehler. In an analysis of 33,000 births Dr. Buehler found that there was a significant preponderance of male births during the waxing moon. This knowledge, combined with medical techniques known to affect fertility and sex, may well help people in planning for their children.

HARNESSING THE SOLAR WIND
The moon isn’t the only body out in space that produces human cycles. The sun, the basic source of all life on earth, has its own rhythm, which produces cycles in humans and non-humans alike. Since the 1800s astronomers have noted that there is an eleven and a twenty-two-year sunspot cycle; that is, for some years there would be hardly any sunspots, and then for some years the sun’s face would be as blotchy as a teenager with acne. It wasn’t until the 1930s, however, that it occurred to anyone that something going on that far away from earth could affect us. During the sunspot peak of the 1930s, Dr. Miki Takata found that human blood serum was affected by the solar radiation put out by sunspots. During the same period it was discovered that sunspot emissions affected a wide variety of other things, such as the size of tree rings and the amount of radio interference on certain bandwidths.

During World War II, the potential communications blackout that sunspots and solar storms might cause was of great concern to the armed forces, so a radio engineer at RCA named John Nelson was asked to come up with a method of predicting when the storms would occur. Nelson figured that the only major variables that might conceivably affect the sun’s turbulent surface were the planets surrounding it. He devised a system of charting their relationships to the sun and to one another and found that when certain angular relationships between planets occurred, sunspots and solar magnetic storms broke out. To date, his system of prediction has been 95 percent accurate, and the hypothesis that the planets cause solar “tides” was proved by Professor K. D. Wood at the University of Colorado.

More recently, many scientists have been suggesting that the sunspot cycle is critical in the formation of our weather patterns. Indeed, during a seventy-year period in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries when the cycle was interrupted and sunspots stopped for no apparent reason, Europe was plunged into its coldest period on record, nicknamed the “Little Ice Age”. Astronomer John R. Gribbin and astrophysicist Stephen H. Plagemann even speculated that sunspot and planetary cycles are linked to earthquakes, and a future unusual planetary alignment may trigger a devastating California quake. The more the subject is investigated, the more important these cycles appear.

MASS HYSTERIA
The amount of solar radiation we receive, which is determined by the sunspot cycle, may have profound historical significance. Soviet professor A. C. Tchyivsky has correlated the eleven-year cycle with what he calls a worldwide “mass excitement cycle”. He found that throughout history events such as wars, migrations, crusades, uprisings, and revolutions have clustered around peak sunspot periods. In the three years surrounding these peaks 60 percent of such events occurred, while only 5 percent occurred in the troughs. It would appear that tides govern the affairs of nations as well as individuals.

GOVERNMENT COVER-UP
But can planetary cycles directly affect individual human events? If the answer is yes, then cycle research begins to look pretty much like astrology, a subject most scientists aren’t too fond of.

An Atomic Energy Commission-funded project at Sandia Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, came up with a report entitled “Intriguing Accident Patterns Plotted against a Background of Natural Environmental Features”, which correlated on-the-job accidents of government employees over a period of 20 years with various natural cycles. This preliminary report (the researchers suggested further study was in order) found that accidents peak with the sunspot cycle and — even more intriguing and “astrological” — that people were more likely to have accidents during the phase of the moon the same as or opposite to that under which they were born.

Some really hard and startling evidence might have come out of this research had it been allowed to continue. But alas, that was not to be. Shortly after its completion, the report fell into the hands of Time magazine, which did a spoof on it in its January 10, 1972, issue, under the heading “Moonstruck Scientists”, complete with an old woodcut of maidens dancing in a frenzy under the rays of the full moon.

That was all the Congress needed to kill the project and suppress the report. When I wrote to the Atomic Energy Commission and Sandia in 1972, I was told that the report was not for distribution and that I, or any other taxpayer, could not see it. The report remained classified until 1977, when I again requested a copy, this time under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. At first, I was told that all extant copies had been lost, hut through the efforts of a persistent Energy Research Administration officer, Sandia was finally pressured into coughing up a copy — accompanied by a somewhat terrified disclaimer telling me I really shouldn’t believe what was in it.

J. E. Davidson, who wrote the report with a team of fellow scientists, told me over the phone that he was sad the research had been canceled. The team felt they were on to something and, except for a nosy journalist and premature publicity, might have made a significant contribution to cycle research. Instead, their work was thrown down the drain. But that’s the breaks when Congress is your boss.

STATISTICS DON’T LIE;
ONLY STATISTICIANS DO
Probably the most distinguished work connecting planetary cycles with events and trends in the lives of individuals has been that of French psychologist and statistician Michel Gauquelin. In the mid-1960s he set out to disprove astrology statistically by analyzing planetary positions at the births of professionals, using samples as large as 10,000, 15,000, and 20,000. Astrologers have always believed that certain planets coming up over the horizon, or directly overhead at a person’s birth, guide that individual toward a certain profession.

To Gauquelin, the task he had set for himself seemed like a piece of cake. All he had to do was prove that the planet associated with athletic achievement, Mars, fell at random points in the nativities of 10,000 or 15,000 athletes, and that would be that — astrology would be debunked. To emphasize his point he also investigated groups of doctors, lawyers, writers, and others in jobs associated by astrologers with specific planets.

To Gauquelin’s surprise, the results turned out to be exactly the opposite of what he had expected. Mars did appear to be rising or culminating in a vast number of athletes’ birth charts. Similarly, Jupiter appeared for bankers, Saturn for doctors, Mercury for writers, and so on. Gauquelin was astounded. Had he accidentally proved the case for astrology when he had meant to debunk it?

Actually, he had done a lot more than that because his data not only confirmed traditional astrological assignments, they uncovered new ones. For writers, for instance, the traditionally associated planet is Mercury. Gauquelin found that Mercury was indeed significant in writers’ natal charts, but he also found that the moon was equally important, something astrologers had never posited.

Gauquelin's work established the fact that planetary positions do affect human disposition, talent, and direction and that these effects can be specifically determined by scientific methods such as statistical analysis and probability.

SOURCE: www.innerself.com

Role of Nasa- in hiding moon landing and UFO

2007-11-27T04:16:00.000-08:00

NASA and US govt. had been constantly under scanner for hiding truth from public. If news from internet is correct-recent declaration from NASA that it has lost original tapes of MOON LANDING by APOLLO and tapes of 5 more landing on moon after it.

Is this rings some bell ??

Do keep track on onoging discussion

Water Crisis In Shimla

2007-10-30T00:18:00.000-07:00

With perpetual water shortage plaguing the state capital, the residents will have to put up with it till Diwali as water rationing is likely to continue for some more time.

Although one of the two motors, which had got burnt at the Ashwani Khud pumping station yesterday, has been replaced, the low water levels in the reservoirs is leading to water scarcity even in the winter months. The water supply to the worst affected area of Chhotta Shimla improved today but it was still far from normal. Water supply to many other parts of the town also remained affected.

The water supply position to the city worsened further with the bursting of the main pipeline from Gumma, near Craignano, this afternoon.

The residents will have to go without water for the next two days as the Gumma pumping station provided 30 lakh gallons of water daily, which was around 50 per cent of the total supply. The supply has been severally affected for the past few days due to breakdown of the pipeline from Churat nullah, near Sanjauli bypass. The pipeline is still under repair. Earlier, the pumping machinery at Aswhini Khad had developed snag.

The pipeline had burst at the same point two years ago also and it had taken several days to restore the supply. The daily requirement of the city is 80 lakh gallon and availability had already gone down to 60 lakh gallon due to breakdown of the Churat pipeline. With discontinuation of supply from Gumma, only 30 lakh gallons will be available now.

Important News

2007-10-30T00:14:00.000-07:00

BEING SAFE IN GUJRAT:
Elections are due- and situation of Gujrat may explode anytime due to exposure of involvement of chief minister N. Modi in 2002 riots.

If you are visiting Gujrat- keep an eye on news / TV and if you feel that situation is not correct-try to get our by train/air as soon as possible.

A string operation done by www.tehelka.com has exposed harsh realities behind 2002 killings where thousand of people were burnt alive/raped and killed in open by religious fundamentalist groups active in GUJRAT.

www.himadventures.net Introduces Winter Packages

2007-09-23T07:07:00.000-07:00

SKIING IN HIMALAYAS:

PACKAGE COST : USD: 500 / Person for group of 4
USD: 450 / Person for group of 5-10
USD: 400 / Person for group of 10-14

PACKAGE COST INCLUDES:

1. Takeover from Delhi / Amritsar airport and transportation to Solang Valley near Manali in Himachal Pradesh
2. Hotel stays at Chandigarh which is enroute travel of more than 600 kms from Delhi to Solang Valley.
3. Accommodation in hotel @ twin sharing with hot water supply.
4. Skiing equipment with instructor + passes for ski lift.
5. 3 meals/ Day with additional tea/coffee
6. All relevant taxes and tolls

NO HIDDEN COSTS- CLIENTS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO PAY FOR ANY SERVICE MENTIONED ABOVE.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRIBAL TOURS IN WESTERN GHATS- SAHYADRI MOUNTAIN RANGE

Harishchandragad: This hill top is a irregular table-land about 5 km across. On the top there is Ancient temple of lord Siva, large water reservoir and long chain of Brahmanical caves. The major attraction of Harishchandragad is Kokan Kada which is a huge semi-circular rock wall of about 400 m and a most frightening sight. Its beyond description, one should actually see it to experience the nature's architecture. Konkan kada should be visited in the evening as well as morning. In evening one is enchanted by the sunset where as in the morning one can experience the divine feeling of being in the heavens. Harishchandragad, are also worth visiting as they offer beautiful views of the sahyadri ranges. An ancient temple caves present at the base village Khireshwa r are also worth seeing.

Bhairavgad: It is a small hill having lot of Jungle around and a Temple of Tribal people on the top. There are lot of Bhairavgad in Sahyadri - 'Bhairav' is a God of Tribal people, among 5 to 6 tribal villages there is one Bhairavgad.

Kunjargad: Kunjar means Elephant, this hill looks like an Elephant so local people call it Kunjargad. There are ancient caves on this hill.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Mumbai
Arrive in Mumbai and takeover from Airport, Transfer to the Hotel. Rest day.
Day 2: Khireshwar (Base Village)
Travel to the base village Khireshwar. We will come through Malshej Ghat, stay in this base village and explore it's surrounding
Day 3: Khireshwar - Harishchandragad
Trek to Harishchandragad. This trek is very enjoyable in monsoon and winters. Night stay in camp.
Day 4: Harishchandragad
Explore Harishchandragad - Ancient Temple, Kokan kada, Ancient Caves and much more to see. Night stay in camp. Ancient Temple of Lord Shiva on top of Harishchandragad
Day 5: Harishchandragad - Kothala
Descend from Harishchandragad to another village - Kothala. Stay in this village and explore village life .
Day 6: Kothala - Bhairavgad - Kothala
A short trek to Bhairavgad and back to village.Night stay in camp.
Day 7: Kothala - Kunjargad
Trek to kunjargad. Explore top of this hill. Night stay on Kunjargad in camp.
Day 8: Kunjargad - Kohna
Back to the base village Kohna. Night stay in this village.
Day 9: Kohna - Mumbai
Back journey to Mumbai. Night stay in Hotel. Tour End

PACKAGE COST : USD: 525 / Person for group of 4
USD: 475 / Person for group of 5-10
USD: 400 / Person for group of 10-14

PACKAGE COST INCLUDES:

1. Takeover from Mumbai / Pune and transportation to mountain base village.
2. Tented accommodation with bottled water
3. Guided trekking through tribal area with sleeping bags, mattresses and English speaking guide in ratio of 1:4
4. Support staff like Cook, Porters
5. All applicable taxes and tolls
6. Food and non alcoholic drinks while travel and trek.

You can find further TRIBAL AREA TREKS at http://sahyadri.himadventures.net
We are also introducing lesser known WILDLIFE TREK in SAHYADRI MOUNTAINS and WINTER TREKKING in himalayas on above quote- duration of package is ONE WEEK.

Kinnaur: New Routes in Himalayas

2007-09-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

RECKONG PEO to NAKO
Strenuous trek which requires some high altitude trekking experience . A Unique chance to see tribal culture of Kinnaur. Inner line permit required for Non- Indians and Indians have to register themselves at ITBP check post. A Valid ID is required.

Day 1: Takeover from Delhi airport and 4 hrs of journey for CHANDIGARH. Overnight stay at CHANDIGARH.

Day 2: Reaching SHIMLA -traveling through SHIVALIK MOUNTAIN RANGE.

Day 3: Reaching Reacong Peo-this is long but scenic journey-you will be traveling on OLD SILK ROUTE. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 4: Obtaining PERMIT and visiting short distance to KALPA for full view of high mountains.

Day 5: Rest Day and short walks for proper acclimatization.

Day 6:Reckong Peo to Kashang Kanda via Telengi and Pangi village : 20 Km. : At Kashang one can enjoy the scenic beauty of thick forest & lush green pastures. One glacier viz. Mukim-Chikim from where Kashang nullah orginates, is also situated at Kashang Kanda.

Day 7: Kashang to Lippa via Asrang village : 15 Km. : The trekking route passes through a wild life sanctuary in which various wild animals such as ibex, black sheep etc. can be frequently seen.

Day 8: Lipa to Temcho Lake : 10 Km., Height : 16000 ft.-via Changmang, Santtang : The villagers of Asrang, Lippa, Spilo, Kanam, Labrang, Karla, Ropa, Giabung, Rushking, Sunnam gathered at Changmang Santtang to celebrate Phullach (festival of flowers) on fourth September (20th Bhado). The people of this area believe that Pandavas have made this lake.
Temcho lake to Giabong : 15 Km. : Staging hut at Giobong.

Day 9: Giabong to Hango : 14 Km. :via Sunnam village: Steep climb to cross Hango pass. Beautiful village surrounded by mountains on three sides.

Day 10: Rest day

Day 11: Hango to Nako : 20 Km. : via Chuling, Liyo & Yangthang. At Liyo one has to cross river Spiti.

Day 12: Travel to Manali over Kunzum La

Day 13: Rest day at MANALI.

Day 14: Travel to Chandigarh- 7 hrs of travel by road.

Day 15: Travel to Delhi-hotel stay.TOUR ENDS.

Biking in Himalayas OVER Jalori Pass

2007-09-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

चंडीगढ़- नार्कंदा

नार्कंदा-ओवर जलोरी पास- बंजर

बंजर- मनाली

मनाली- चंडीगढ़

Gastroenteritis reported from Kullu areas

2007-08-13T17:41:00.001-07:00

Areas around Archhandi village near Naggar village have reported about 12 cases of gastroenteritis in the past two days and more than 24 cases of acute diarrhoea. Four cases were admitted to the government Aurvedic Hospital, Katrain, yesterday and seven were admitted to a private clinic, Chand Medical Centre (CMC), Patlikuhal.Dr O. P. Ghandwal, medical health officer, and officiating chief medical officer, here, said a team of doctors and paramedical staff had rushed to the village and taken stock of the situation. He said he himself was also in the village and the situation there was under control.He said the team had treated 10 cases scattered in four-five hamlets, but none of the patients was seriously ill. Ghandwal confirmed that the cause of the disease was the contaminated drinking water, as the people were drinking supplies of the Nullah water, which was not fit for human consumption.He further said the villagers had been advised to take precautions and use boiled water until the Irrigation and Public Health Department cured the water. He said “There is no outbreak or epidemic” as feared and “things are under control”.

Heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh

2007-08-13T17:41:00.000-07:00

More than 50 people dies in Himachal Pradesh where landslides and cloud burst causes heavy human and monitory loss.

The over century-old railway station at Koti on the Shimla-Kalka track was washed away in a cloud burst and 19 persons were killed at various places over the past 24 hours as rain havoc continued in the state for the second day today. With this, the death toll due to rain-related incidents over the past two days has risen to 30. Normal life remained totally paralysed as not only the link roads but even the main highways, including Shimla-Kalka, Shimla-Mandi and Hindustan-Tibet road, remained blocked by landslides. People of Solan, Shimla, Kinnaur and parts of Bilaspur and Mandi districts went without newspapers, milk, vegetables and other daily necessities. The transportation from Kinnaur, Rampur and upper Shimla areas was affected due to numerous road blockades.Six persons died in Solan district, which recorded the heaviest rain in the state. Dharampur received 330.5 mm of rain in less than 24 hours during the cloudburst, which brought down Koti station. The massive landslide not only disrupted the movement of trains but also blocked the Shimla-Kalka national highway causing one of the worst traffic jams in recent times. More than 3,000 vehicles remained stranded for about 18 hours on both sides of the blockade. Two persons were killed in Kasuali, two in Nagli and another two in Parwanoo. Nadaun in Hamirpur recorded the highest rainfall of 511 mm over the past 48 hours (280 mm in 24 hours), followed by Bharanj 456.5 mm (142.2 mm), Dharampur 373.7 mm (330.5 mm), Mandi 361.5 mm (174.5 mm) and Guler 356.1 mm (146mm and Sundernagar 340.6mm(147.5 mm).A family of four, including a five-month old child, was buried in a landslide in Nag village near Matiana in Upper Shimla area. The other three deceased, all Nepali labourers, were identified as Prem Kumari, Man Prasad and Bhim Bahadur. Power situation improved somewhat as 300 MW of generation was resumed, improving the grid frequency to 49.4 from yesterday’s 48.7. However, the 1500 MW could not be generated for the third consecutive day though the level of silt in Sutlej came down from 70,000 ppm to 14,000 ppm today. The project can be operated only up to a silt level of 4,000 ppm. The silting of water sources feeding Shimla town affected pumping of water as a result of which taps remained dry in most parts of the town.Four more persons were reported killed the Kangra district. The rescue workers recovered two bodies from the landslide under which some shops were buried in Jwalamukhi. One person died in Dehra and another was washed away in Kotla. A women and an 11-year old boy were washed away in Lot village and an unidentified women was washed away in Suketi Khad in the Mandi district. A couple was buried alive in Lathiani village in Hamirpur district. In Kinnaur landslides at six places blocked the main highway from Reckong Peo to Pooh.

WINTER TREKKING IN HIMALAYAS

2006-10-07T02:31:00.000-07:00

ITINERARY OF UTTARANCHAL WINTER TREK:

Day 1: Takeover from KATHGODAM which you can reach by overnight train from OLD DELHI RAILWAY STATION. This train starts in night 9.50 PM and reaches KATHGODAM at 6.45 AM. After we takeover -journey for mountain base village starts. We will be having snacks/breakfast midway. We shall be walking for 3 kms to spend our first night in mountains.

Day 2: Trekking to DHAKURI pass which will be snowbouded and we shall be spending sometime having FUN in snow before we crossover and reaches TOURIST REST HOUSE at DHAKURI.

Day 3: Trekking to KHATI-this is descending down to valley floor. This village is going to be our base village.

Day 4: Going to DWALI if snow condition is normal-otherwise we will crossover the river and trek to nearby village JATOLI which is famous village on SUNDERDUNGA BASE CAMP route.

Day 5: Jungle camping and wilderness night. Depending upon weather you may be given a full night exposure in jungle-where you will be having campfire and watching stars and peaks in unique combination. This plan can be changed according to weather.

Day 6: Back to DHAKURI-Same route

Day 7: Back to Song-same route

Day 8: Back to Kathgodam to board night train for Delhi-tour ends.

ITINERARY IN HIMACHAL PRADESH WINTER TREK:OPTION 1
Day 1: Takeover from Delhi airpoort and travel to Chandigarh. Shift to hotel.

Day 2: Arrival at Manali (2050m)

Day 3: Trek from Manali to Thumber (Vipasha Valley)

Day 4: Trek from Thumber to Solang Nallah (2834m)

Day 5: Shivling Trek/Fun Skiing at Solang

Day 6: Trek from Solang to Vashisht

Day 7: Trek from Vashisht to Manali/Site-Seeing at Manali

Day 8: Departure from Manali for Chandigarh.Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 9: Travel to DelhiNB:- Fun-Skiing at Solang will depend on natural factors like availability of snow and suitable weather.

ITINERARY IN HIMACHAL PRADESH WINTER TREK:OPTION 2

Day 1 : Takeover from Delhi and reaching CHANDIGARH-overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 2: Travel from Chandigarh to Solang Valley near Manali.

Day 3: Stay at Solang Valley and local walks for proper acclimitization-before we start trekking to higher areas.

Day 4:Trek from Solang Valley to Shivling and back to Solang Valley in evening.

Day 5: Trek TO Bakkar Thach-this is a shepherd field-high up in mountain.

Day 6 :Trek to Kothi

Day 7: Trek to PATALSU

Day 8: After local sighseeing in Manali-we depart from Manali for Chandigarh.Stay at Hotel.

Day 9: Travel back to Delhi

A Fully guided trek will be all inclusive of taxes,tolls and relevant levies ,all transportations,all accommodations,Food and non alcoholic drinks,Fully guided trekking with local mountain guide,ponies and a cook,
** Quote is subject to change as accommodation is limited and shall be awarded on FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS.

PACKAGE FEATURES:

1. Takeover from Delhi airport

2. All accommodations

3. All transportations

4. Guided trekking

5. Food & Non alcoholic drinks

6. Cultural exchange

7. Option of local recepies...

8. All taxes and tolls

9. NO HIDDEN CHARGES

SEASON:

1. November to February

WEATHER:

1. Mainly dry but higher reaches can be snowbounded.

2. Night temperature can be one to four degree celcius.