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Showing posts from August, 2023

Chiang Mai and Samoeng Circuit, Thailand

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The city close to nature, foodies’ paradise, grand temples of intricate architecture, dotted with quaint villages and a scenic mountain road circling through villages, jungles, waterfalls, and farms, Chiang Mai is a balanced blend of urban life and peace of mind. I stayed in a homestay run by a very courteous couple in one of the by-lanes close to the Old City. Pancakes cooked by the host were so delicious that I made them my regular breakfast every morning. I explored the Old City and night market for 2 days and dedicated the rest of the days to traveling to nearby villages and completing the scenic drive of the Samoeng Circuit. Wat Chedi Luang Varaviharn The Old City, walled on four sides, is the most happening place in Chiang Mai, bustling with cafes, restaurants, pubs, street food carts (one of them being Michelin Star!), hotels, tourists, and not to forget grand temples, and there are lots of them, each one equally beautiful in its own way and charming. The most popular among them...

Tungnath Chandrashila Trek, Uttarakhand

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  How far can one push themselves to experience the smugness of summiting this beautiful peak?  This story is the answer to the question. Chandrashila Peak Standing tall at around 4000 meters, Chandrashila peak lies in the quaint little village of Chopta 30 kilometers ahead of Ukimath in Uttarakhand. My first acquaintance with this trek was when I read about it in Ruskin Bond's book 'All the roads lead to Ganga'. The write up describing the place and a quick google search was enough to set my mind on it. But I never thought it would take me three attempts to materialize it ! My first attempt was in February 2018 with my cousins. We reached the base village Chopta late at night around 10 pm after driving for 10 hours due to construction of all weather road. But to heavy snowfall that continued day and night, the whole area was wrapped in thick white layers of snow and the trek had to be cancelled. Never the less, Chopta looked beautiful. The second attempt was in April 2020 ...