Spiti, which literally means the 'middle land', is a grey and barren landscape situated to the north of Shimla. It is the Trans-Himalayan land with Tibet to its east, Ladakh to its north, Kullu to its west and Kinnaur guarding the south. Due to restriction of inner line and difficulties of travel not many have visited this fascinating land. Now with all the restrictions removed Spiti is the most sought after tourist destination.
SPITI: Adventure in the Trans Himalaya
Written by- Harish Kapadia
Pages: 239 + 10 maps + 59 col. & b/w plates
There are many a mountains to be climbed, valleys to be trekked and passes to be crossed. Isolated from civilization, the monasteries in Spiti are unique and remotely placed. Some of them, like the Tabo Monastery, are almost 1000 years old.
This book is based on author's several visits to Spiti, exploring its valleys and climbing peaks. It concentrates most valuably on the wealth of extremely rewarding summits, unknown passes and remote valleys, which have been hitherto neglected due to lack of information or difficulty of access.
Complete with several maps, illustrated with many photographs, tables of road distances and trek routes this book is the only available exhaustive reference work on this area. The author's experiences in Spiti takes one to transformation of Spiti from a protected civilisation to a tourist destination.
The book will be essential reading for all travellers, trekkers, mountaineers and historians interested in Spiti or as a simple armchair travelogue.
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Trek the Sahyadris, a popular book on the range for past three decades, contains practical directions to hundreds of trekking routes in the western Ghats. It guides about travel routes, trekking trails, climbing possibilities, roads and driving routes, camping and staying places and much more. This guide will be of help to all lovers of outdoor life -- the trekker, the climber and the nature lover.
Trek The Sahyadris
Written by- Harish Kapadia
Pages: 176 + 13 maps + 66 plates.
The Sahyadris, with their rugged topography, historic hill forts, rocky mountains and pinnacles, huge lakes, extensive forested regions are a virtual paradise for trekking, climbing, camping and simply driving in the inner ranges. The Sahyadris provide a wide choice of enchanting spots which can be reached by delightful routes, easy or difficult, to suit one's taste.
This fifth edition of the book is thoroughly revised. It includes many new places, an update of information, 13 maps, and 66 photographs. This is the most popular book of its kind of this range.
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Ladakh for tourists and Ladakh for trekkers and climbers are two different worlds. There is nothing in this world like Pangong lake or Tso Moriri lake which change colour every hour with the sun, and the brown hills behind make it appear as if from a Tolkein story world. The experience of walk across the valley of Ladakh, Zanskar and Kishtwar over high mountain passes is quite near to nirvana.
Across Peaks & Passes in Ladakh, Zanskar and East Karakoram
Written by- Harish Kapadia
Pages: 271 + 17 maps + 62 col. & b/w plates
Leh, the headquarters of Ladakh, is at the crossroads of Asia. Being the central place of Ladakh and on the trade route, caravans met here in the past. Today even with plane-loads of tourists landing here, it has not lost any of its charms. There are many unknown places in the valley for trekkers and mountaineers. Across the highest motorable pass, north of Leh, lies the Nubra valley which is now easily accessible due to new roads. It is a paradise for tourists and climbers. The new trekking and climbing areas are just a couple of days away. Ahead lies the East Karakoram range with the historic Siachen glacier and trade route across Saser la.
This book, based on author's several visits to different areas of Ladakh, Zanskar and East Karakoram, tells you how to proceed about for trekking and climbing peaks. It concentrates most valuably on the wealth of extremely rewarding summits, unknown passes and remote valley, which have been hitherto neglected due to lack of information or difficulty of access.
Complete with several maps, sketches, photographs, tables of road distances and trek routes, this book is an exhaustive reference work on this area. The author's experience in Ladakh takes one to transformation of this region from an ancient civilisation to a tourist destination. The book will be essential reference for all travellers, trekkers, mountaineers and historians or as a simple arm-chair travelogue.
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The Himalayan range, onwards from Garhwal, enters what is loosely called the western Himalaya or Himachal Pradesh. Immediately to the north are the valleys of Kinnaur. Ahead Spiti has been barren valleys with the occasional patch of green to remind that there is always some fun, something novel away from the hustle-bustle of city life.
Across Peaks & Passes in Himachal Pradesh
Written by- Harish Kapadia
Pages: 240 + 16 maps + 60 col. & b/w plates
If you are within 48 hours' distance from the Himalaya, as a visitor or a resident, then Himachal Pradesh holds the best attraction. Within a week or two you can climb and trek to your satisfaction. And it can be challenging too. To the north of Kullu valley, lies Rohtang, the most accessible and most frequented of the Himalayan passes which leads to Lahaul.
Lahaul is on the western side of Kunzum la and trekkers visit Chandra tal often and now the Manali-Leh highway passes through Lahaul, a popular jeep-safari route. Thus Himachal Pradesh has something for all.
This book is based on author's several visits to different areas of Himachal Pradesh, exploring its valleys and climbing peaks. It concentrates most valuably on the wealth of extremely rewarding summits, unknown passes and remote valleys, which have been hitherto neglected due to lack of information or difficulty of access.
Complete with several maps, illustrated with many photographs, tables of road distances and trek routes this book is an exhaustive reference work on this area. The author's experiences in H.P. takes one to transformation of many areas of H.P. from a ancient civilisation to a tourist destination. The book will be essential reference for all travellers, trekkers, mountaineers and historians interested in Himachal Pradesh or as a simple armchair travelogue.
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Garhwal is called Devbhoomi-land of the gods. The temples in Garhwal attract many pilgrims. For those interested in its mountains, bugiyals and passes, the location of these temples allow easy access. Nowhere it is more evident than in Garhwal where unexplored valleys exist side by side with places visited by generations of the devout.
Across Peaks & Passes in Garhwal Himalaya
Written by- Harish Kapadia
Pages: 237 + 15 maps + 59 col. & b/w plates
The area of the Western Garhwal can be called 'Gibson territory' as a testimony to his training of young Indian mountaineers there. They also learnt about the flowers of Har-ki-doon, the birds in the Tons valley and the culture of Garhwal. A lost is yet to be explored in Garhwal. Several valleys await visitors in spite of the rush of pilgrims, like north of Badrinath. Popular routes, as to Rupkund or Har-ki-doon, or very high peaks, Garhwal has them all. The memories of climbing peaks like Bethertoli Himal, or camping on Bedni bugiyal or boating on the blue water of the Gona lake, had fuelled interest of many in the Garhwal Himalaya.
This book is based on author's several visits to Garhwal, exploring its valleys and climbing peaks. It concentrates most valuably on extremely rewarding summits, unknown passes and remote valleys, which have been hitherto neglected due to lack of information or difficulty of access.
Complete with several maps, illustrated with many photographs, tables of road distances and trek routes, this book is an exhaustive reference work on this area. The author's experience in Garhwal takes one to transformation of Garhwal from an ancient civilisation to a tourist destination. The book will be essential reference for all travellers, trekkes, mountaineers and historians interested in Garhwal or as a simple armchair travelogue.
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Kumaun is often confused with the other parts of Garhwal--indeed there is no official border to demarcate the region. Its eastern boundary runs along the Kali river which separates India from Nepal. The tributaries, Kuthi, Darma and Lassar, flow into the Kali at different points. The Kali valley is now a standard trade route from India into Tibet over the Lipu Lekh pass. There are many famous valleys like Milam, Pindari and Sunderdhunga. There are beautiful peaks like Panch Chulis, Chiring We and Hardeol.
Across Peaks & Passes in Kumaun Himalaya
Written by- Harish Kapadia
Pages: 229 + 13 maps + 61 col. & b/w plates
The centre-piece of Kumaun region is, without doubt, the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Until 1934 the gorge of the Rishiganga and the immediate area around Nanda Devi was the least known and most inaccessible part of the Himalaya. The early Indian surveyors and mountaineers alike were unable to penetrate the Inner Sanctuary. The book details the entire history of exploration and climbs into the Sanctuary.
This book is based on author's several visits to Kumaun, exploring its valleys and climbing peaks. It concentrates most valuably on extremely rewarding summits, unknown passes and remote valleys, which have been hitherto neglected due to lack of information or difficulty of access.
Complete with several maps, illustrated with many photographs, tables of road distances and trek routes, this book is an exhaustive reference work on this area. The author's experience in Kumaun takes one to transformation of Kumaun from an ancient civilisation to a tourist destination. The book will be essential reference for all travellers, trekkers, mountaineers and historians interested in Kumaun or as a simple armchair travelogue.
Rs.560.00 ORDER NOW Inclusive of Courier charges
The Sikkim Himalaya were one of the first Himalayan range to be explored during the early period. It contains some magnificent flora and fauna and that was the first attraction to visit the valley. Many of the pre-war Everest expeditions passed through nothern valleys of Sikkim en route to Tibet. The valleys and peaks of Sikkim are lovely to trek in.
The centrepiece of the Sikkim Himalaya is certainly the Kangchenjung range, with the main peak beging the third highest peak in the world. Visits to this range opened up secveral intersting trekking routes.
Across Peaks & Passes in Darjeeling & Sikkim
Written by- Harish Kapadia
Pages: 176 + 11 maps + 67 col. & b/w plates
This book is based on author's several visits to Darjeeling and Sikkim, exploring its valleys and climbing the peaks. It concentrates most valuably on extremely rewarding summits, unknown passes and remote valley, which have been hitherto neglected due to lake of infotmation or difficulty of access.
Complete with several maps, illustrated with many photograhs, tables of road distances and trek routes, this book is an exhaustive referience work on this area. The author's experience in DarJeeling and Sikkim takes one to trans formation of this area from an ancient civilisation to a tourist destination. The book will be an essential reference for all travellers, trekkers, mountaineers & historians interested in Darjeeling and Sikkim or as a simple armachair travelogue.
Rs.560.00 ORDER NOW Inclusive of Courier charges
Whenever one talks about the Himalaya, mighty mountains and deep valleys come to mind. It has been perceived that the Hima-laya can stop any conqueror, and its snow, glaciers and steep trails are too formidable. But there is more to the Himalaya than this. There are people who live there, they have their own culture; there are legends associa-ted with gods and temples; there are people who have travelled across the Himalaya for generations.
Exploring The Highlands of Himalaya
Written by- Harish Kapadia
Pages: 248 +81 coloured & B/w
The Himalaya has witnessed four wars in its ranges. The highest battlefield in the world, the Siachen glacier, is in this range. The explorations that began with the arrival of the British continue even today- the last miles of the explorations of the Tsangpo gorge were trod upon as recently as 2004. There are Gaddis and Gujjars who roam the Himalaya with their flock; there are forests and forestry movements by the people; there are trekkers and tourists who enjoy the Himalayan range; there are indigenous tribes with their age-old traditions. The Himalaya has been a subject of religious travels and has been visited by famous mountaineers and explorers who opened this range for today�s trekkers. The railways in India were first dreamt of in the Himalaya, and narrow gauge trains on its slopes are a wonder.
The Himalaya has been classified in sections for better understanding, observing its flowers and wildlife and various other activities, including mountaineering. The Himalaya has influenced the Indian thought and life for long. This book studies its various aspects to understand and bring to the fore the knowledge about the Himalaya.
With 12 maps, 17 sketches and 81 photo-graphs, the book will be an invaluable guide to trekkers, tourists and Himalayan lovers.
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With development of roads and access deep into the Himalayan valleys, new opportunities have opened up for travellers, trekkers and mountaineers. Many areas, which were hitherto not easily approachable and would have taken months to explore, are now accessible. There are smaller valleys and peaks that allow enjoyment of quick visit.
The author has described his three visits to Tibet, covering a vast area. His observations about tourism, travel and changes in this troubled country give a different insight. He describes his travels in Bhutan with an eye on the history and culture of that country. The unknown valleys of Arunachal Pradesh were visited by him during two expeditions, specially the historic exploration of Tsangpo river as it enters India.
Into The Untravelled Himalaya
Written by- Harish Kapadia
Pages: 256 + 45 plates
The book describes author�s treks and clikbs in many such valleys during the past decade. It contains stories of exploration of the areas in Sikkim, Kumaun, Garhwal, Kinnaur, Lahaul, Ladakh and East Karakoram. Expeditions to the war-torn Siachen glacier describe its different valleys, history of early explorations and present-day war. There are stores of climbing peaks, accidents and reaching passes like Karakoram pass and Indira Col.
The book gives an insight into the Himalayan areas, their history and people. For a trekker there are suggestions for discovering different passes, unknown valleys, nomenclature of the areas, and knowledge about the people and their culture. There are invaluable references to hordes of peaks, both most challenging and easy, between 6000 m and 7000 m range. Now that Everest has been climbed many times, the future of mountaineering lies in these smaller peaks.
With 23 maps and 48 photographs and many references, this book will be an invaluable guide to all present and future mountaineers.
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The Himalayan Club, founded in 1928, is one of the oldest and most prestigious mountaineering clubs of the world.
The Purpose of this book is to excite and inspire the climber and trekker toe take advantage of the vast possibilities the Himalaya has to offer. It ignores the 8000 metre peaks as having been more than adequately covered elsewhere. But it draws attention to the less familiar and more challenging aspects of the know 7000 and 6000 - metre peaks. It concentrates most valuably on the wealth of minor but still extremely rewarding summits, many of them unclimebed and some of them quite unknown, which have been hitherto neglected due to simple ignorance or the difficulty of access. It covers only the Indian Himalaya.
Exploring The Hidden Himalaya
Written by- Harish Kapadia
Pages: 224 +68 B/w & Maps
Each region is backed up by photographs and sketch maps, supported by a brief outline of the history of exploration and climbing in that area. It attempts to answer two questions that an enthusiastic climber would want to ask. Where shall I go? what should i climb? All this adds up to an immensely valuable source of reference to the range upon range of named and unnamed peaks crying out for attention.
This book was first written to offer suggestions after all higher peaks were climbed repeatedly. Though there are many virgin peaks covered here, many peaks suggested in the book also have been climbed after its first edition was published. Peaks of the middle heights but unknown and high in challenges were the attractions. Many expeditions made successful climbs in the unknown valleys and a whole new concept of mountaineering developed. There are many such peaks in other ranges too: namely Nepal, Karakoram and Southeast Tibet. All these peaks offer many climbing possibilities with a variety of difficulties.
Thus a new paradigm shift in climbing may occur with climbers taking on peaks with still lower in heights but greater in difficulties. These peaks offer challenging routes in unknown valleys without any bureaucratic hassless. In last few years many parties have enjoyed climbing in such valleys as the Pangi valley, Miyarnala, Sainj Valley, Obra gad and others. When such valleys attract the hard core leading climbers(there is a lot to offer them), the true exploration of the Hidden Himalaya will really be achieved. There are many suggestions for such peaks in the book and new areas are added in this thoroughly revised (up to 2007) edition.
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In the age of satellite pictures there exit many valleys in the Indian Himalaya, unseen by the human eye. These valleys, like the peaks around them, have never been trodden. Now that Everest has been climbed many times, the future of mountaineering lies in these smaller peaks, by no means easy to climb.
High Himalaya Unknown Valleys
Written by- Harish Kapadia
Pages: 336 + 29 maps + 17 sketches+ 31 plates
The book contains articles covering the author's treks and climbs in the remote valleys during the past thirty years. It contains stories of exploration of the areas in Sikkim, Kumaon, Garhwal, Kinnaur, Spiti, Lahaul, Zanskar, Ladakh and East Karakoram. There are stories of crossing passes and climbing peaks, accidents and deaths, personal injury and agony. These articles give an insight into the Himalayan areas, their history, its people and the period of development of Himalayan climbing in India during the last three decades.
For a trekker there are various suggestions in this book, for discovering different passes, many unknown valleys, and the history of travel, people, culture and nomenclature of the area. There are invaluable references to hordes of peaks, both most challenging and easy, between 6000 m and 7000 m range. Many of these peaks were climbed for the first time by the author and some of the climbs have not been repeated yet. For an explorer there are suggestions for things to be done, unexplored regions to set eyes on. And for an armchair mountaineer there are personal stories, and interaction with climbers of different nationalities. And all this is based on the experiences of the author.
With 29 maps, 17 line sketches, 32 photographs and many references, the book will be an invaluable guide to all present and future mountaineers.
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The author's first book High Himalaya Unknown Valleys covered his explorations of the Indian Himalaya between 1969 and 1991. Its success emphasised that more information was required as the interest is generated in the smaller mountains and unknown valleys. The present book continues in a similar vein. It covers expeditions and treks undertaken by the author between 1993 and 1997. It includes other writings and those lovely treks he had also done before 1969. The book encompasses almost 35 years of Himalayan travel which allows for a comparison about how it was then and how it is now. And perhaps that migh help predict what the future holds in store.
Included here are serious expeditions with Sir Chris Bonington to Panch Chuli and Rangrik Rang, the accident and rescue of Stephen Venables, climbing Manirang, exploring Spiti, climbing Lungser Kangri in Rupshu, Ladakh, and exploring passes in the Garhwal. For those less seriously inclined there are lovely treks in Kinnaur, Kumaon, Garhwal, Ladakh and Nepal. These treks and climbs are in some of the areas never heard of before, and there are new trekking suggestions to last for a long time.
It is an invaluable reference for trekkers and mountaineers. For an explorer there are suggestions about things to be done. And for an armchair mountain lover there are personal stories about climbers
Meeting the Mountains
Written by- Harish Kapadia
Pages: 400 + 30 maps + 49 plates
Rs.560.00 ORDER NOW Inclusive of Courier charges
