Asia's largest and heavenly alpine meadows above 10,000 feet | Ali Bedni Bugyal

You may have encountered meadows (bugyals) on your hiking trail, but did you know that India has the most beautiful, picturesque, biggest alpine meadows? The Bugyal (Auli bugyal, Bedni bugyal) in Uttarakhand, India, is Asia's biggest high-altitude meadow. If you walk via Didina village on your Roopkund or Bedni Bugyal hike, you will be able to glimpse beautiful high-altitude meadows. Check out my earlier postings about the Roopkund trek via Didina village to learn more about it. The Auli, Bedni, Dayara, Tungnath, and Gorson bugyals are among the prominent alpine meadows. The majority of these bugyals are above 10,000 feet tall.

Auli Bugyal Meadows, Uttarakhand, India

Where is Bedni Bugyal located?

Ali Bedni Bugyal's magnificent swirling meadows are among Uttarakhand's most picturesque alpine meadows. It's in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, on the boundary of Garhwal and Kumaon. There is no direct access to this location. This walk takes two days and maybe started from either Lohajung or Wan. To go to Roopkund this is the common point whether you start from Wan or Lohajung via Didina village.

The fascinating hikes lead you through beautiful valleys, quiet hamlets, and coniferous and oak woods. One of India's most beautiful meadows is Bedni Bugyal. The Trishul peak is visible from Bedni Bugyal, and one cannot not but capture the gorgeous snow-covered peak with their camera. Bedni Bugyal provides several options for wildlife and nature photographers to capture nature at its finest.

Why are these bugyals significant?

The treacherous walk to Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal winds through velvety grasslands and heavy coniferous woodland clinging to the steep slopes and peaks. The villagers revere Bedni Kund in Bedni Bugyal for its sacred significance. Even an old temple and a few religious artifacts may be seen in the centre of Bedni Kund (pond).

Auli bugyal is considered the most beautiful meadows in Uttarakhand, India by National Geographic and Bedni bugyal is the most beautiful campsite on the entire trail. This place is like paradise for trekkers and looks more like a golf course.

The landscape is just too good and cannot be described in words, you need to be there to get a feel of it. Also, this is the last place where you get something to buy. There is a small hut serving local buns, maggie, egg, biscuits, hot tea, snacks, etc. Try this food if you are sick of the food provided by the trekking group. Most of us just entered this place while coming back from Roopkund.

From Auli bugyal, you get to see the snow-covered Himalayan mountain range. The view is just too good. You get to see government-built bunkers soon after you leave Auli bugyal and enter the Bedni bugyal. You can camp there or at Bedni Bugyal. There is an old man-made structure, old temples, and a huge pond. Sunset is spectacular and the sunrise is, even more, making the snow-covered mountains change their color to bright orange and Mt. Trishul's plume high above is the god of all mountains in this region.

Camping in Ali Bedni Bugyal

On the hike to Roopkund, Ali Bedni Bugyal, one of the largest and most beautiful meadows, is met. Camping on meadows is not permitted at a height of more than 3,000 metres, thus locating a guest home or lodge is impossible. Previously, trekkers would camp on the meadow, but today they must camp in the forest or in adjacent communities such as Didina or Pattar Nachauni. It is recommended that you pack or hire a tent before beginning your walk.

Exploring around the lake

We continued to explore the place around the campsite. We climbed the ridge which was to the right of our camp. It was approx one hour climb and was steep, but was worth the climb. We could see the top view of Tarsar lake and also, the other side of the pass. This was the highest point in the entire trek.

Don't forget to capture the panoramic shot from this place. Spend some time on top and enjoy the view. If you continue further, it will take you to Sundarsar lake. You can also see the trail from Tarsar to the pass on the other side of the lake. From that point, you can see Marsar lake far away which is another half-day trek from that place.

View from the ridge next to Tarsar lake. The lake is almost 2 km long.

In the evening we spent time going around the campsite and the lake. You are not allowed to take bath or clean your cloth or vessels at Tarsar. You may use the water that goes out as a stream for cooking. We hardly spent time inside the tent and at night it is an ideal place to do some astrophotography. I managed to get some timelapse of the galaxy and a few galaxy shots. If you have plans to do timelapse then don't forget to carry some additional batteries.

An award-winning shot of mine at Tarsar lake

The next day morning was a perfect one. The sunrise behind the Kolahoi peak, the shadow of the nearby mountain, the sun rays, the clear sky, etc made it the perfect day to start our hike back from Tarsar to Jadsar. Follow my blog to know more about what we did on day 6. Check out the video below.

Where is Tarsar Lake and how to reach Tarsar Lake?

Tarsar Lake is located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the western Himalayas. It is situated in the Aru Valley of the Anantnag district. Tarsar Lake is at an altitude of 2,400m/7,950ft.

• Pick-up location - Tourist Reception Center, Get into a bus or shared taxi.
• Drive:- 4 hrs, Srinagar to Aru via Apple valley.
• Srinagar to Pahalgam 100 km to Aru 12 km.
• Aru is on the bank of the Lidder River.

If you have not gone through my previous four days of the Tarsar trek, then check the following links:

Tarsar Trek – Day 1 – Srinagar to Aru drive
Tarsar Trek – Day 2 – Aru to Lidderwat
Tarsar Trek – Day 3 – Lidderwat to Shekwas
Tarsar Trek - Day 4 - Shekwas to Tarsar

Tarsar lake camp is ideal for galaxy photoshoots as there is hardly any light pollution and is away from the city. Hope you liked this incredible hike to Tarasar Lake, if you have liked this post then consider subscribing to my newsletter and follow me on Instagram - @ravindrajoisa.

Hike from picturesque and gorgeous Dudhsagar waterfall to Kuveshi - Goa Trek - Day 5

Day five of the Goa Trek organized by the Youth Hostels Association of India was, in my opinion, the most anticipated of all. We had covered more than 12 kilometers of the trek, including the very famous Dudhsagar waterfall, tunnels, crossing the bridge that goes right across the waterfalls, then the steep climb to the tip of the waterfall and swimming nearby, followed by a long walk all the way to Kuveshi, which is in Karnataka. On day five, we begin our walk in Goa at the Dudhsagar campground and finish in Karnataka at Kuveshi.

How can I go to Dudhsagar waterfall?

We walked for the Dudhsagar waterfalls after receiving stern instructions from our camp leader at Dudhsagar camp (related: how to approach Dudhsagar campground). But first, we had to cross a brook and then follow the jeep trail. We get our first view of the upper section of Dudhsagar waterfall on the approach, right before the main entrance to Dudhsagar. Continue walking until you reach the end of the jeep path. You may either climb to the overlook for a better view of the falls or continue the route to the waterfalls.

Can I swim at Dudhsagar waterfall Goa?

This is a well-kept tourist attraction. Cross the two iron bridges until you reach a vantage point from where you can see the entire cascade. Take a few photos and continue walking until you reach the foot of the waterfalls. This location may be a little congested. Swimming is permitted inside the designated safe zone area at this location. Wait a bit till you see the train crossing the bridge high above, and don't forget to take the classic photo that you've seen on the internet. The place may remain closed at any time (usually during monsoon because of heavy rain and it's dangerous to swim).

Crossing the bridge right across the waterfalls

Return to the spot at the viewpoint where there is a split to the left after spending some time at the Dudhsagar waterfalls. The following 30 minutes of the route are filled with thorns and palm palms, with a sharp ascent to the railway track. Continue walking to the left until you reach the tunnel. You may need a torch because it is very dark and a snake-infested area, however, I did not spot any.

Trains travel through the tunnel typically every 20 minutes, so move swiftly through it. Some individuals may feel suffocated within the tunnel, and there isn't much room to stand on the sides while the train passes. The first tunnel, number 12, is around 90 meters long, while the second tunnel, number 13, is 45 meters long, with a sinkhole appearing between the two tunnels.

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We were back in Dudhsagar, but at a different elevation, somewhere in the middle where the railway runs, shortly after passing through the second tunnel. The view from here is quite spectacular. The deep, dense rain forest that we've been exploring for many days is on the left, and the tallest half of the waterfalls is to the right. The waterfall's base is to the left, and it is considerably lower than what we had walked earlier in the morning.

There is little camping space near the bridge, and this camping location is generally closed, so you may be out of luck if you want to stay near the Dudhsagar waterfalls. Check with the local forest service for permission before camping, since the region is periodically prohibited.

The waterfalls were dry when we came during the Christmas holidays. This area has been abandoned, and you may see the ruins as well as the badly maintained vistas and steps leading under the bridge. Most sections have red flags because this region is extremely dangerous, and no one should attempt to enter the water near the railway track. There were nearly 100 fatalities reported.

Continue walking down the track until you reach Tunnel 14, which is a curving 110-meter-long tunnel. An ancient abandoned railway post with accommodations may be found at the other end of the tunnel. Enter this area and escape from the other side as we continue to climb upward through the forest above the tunnel to reach the waterfall's peak/mouth. Continue for another hour or so. As you travel up the route, you receive a mobile signal in between.

As we neared the summit, we were denied access to the waterfall's mouth for unknown reasons, and we were fortunate to come across a hawker selling chilly beverages and bananas at three times the typical price. We didn't mind paying because it was much needed after a long uphill journey.

We continued further for a while till we reached the stream where we took a long break. We hWe carried on for a bit until we arrived at the creek, where we had a long break. We had a lot of fun in the water and ate our lunch near to the stream. We kept walking for another hour into the Karnataka jungle till we arrived at the Kuveshi camp, the highest point of our entire hike.

You may see a few human villages and paddy fields here. We set a tent in one of these paddy fields. This campground is connected via a jeep trail. We arrived early and spent the night at the campground. On the next day, we go from Kuveshi to Anmod via Castlerock.

Commonly asked questions

What is the cost of Dudhsagar waterfall?

The admission fee to Dudhsagar Falls from Castle Rock is around INR 400. The best spot to grab a ride is the Dudhsagar Falls jeep booking center, or the Dudhsagar jeep taxi stand, where you can book your jeep the quickest.

What is the best time to visit dudhsagar?

During the monsoon, you will behold nature's ultimate splendor. So, from July to October, or during and after the monsoon, is the best time to see this waterfall. Can we take bath in Dudhsagar Falls? - The above pictures are from the end of December and the water level is low, ideal if you want to swim at the base of the waterfall.

So, Is Dudhsagar waterfall worth visiting? - The 'Dudhsagar Falls' is worth seeing, especially during the rainy season. It has its own unique beauty. Check the complete details of 10 days Goa trekking expedition. Hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. Buy me a coffee to support my work or you can go to my store to buy some of my images. Also, do not forget to join my FriendZone by signing up for my newsletter. Consider subscribing to my YouTube channel.

Tarsar Trek - Day 4 - Shekwas to Tarsar

Day four of Tarsar trek is a gradual climb up the trail from Shekwas to all the way till Tarsar crossing grassland, valley, streams and boulders. The amazing landscape around as you climb up is just awesome. It's about five kilometers of hike and you gain about 500 meters in height. Finally, you reach the heaven on earth, the Tarsar lake.

If you have not gone through my previous three days of Tarsar trek, then check these out:

Tarsar Trek – Day 1 – Srinagar to Aru drive Tarsar Trek – Day 2 – Aru to Lidderwat Tarsar Trek – Day 3 – Lidderwat to Shekwas

Shekwas campsite early in the morning may be very beautiful if you can wake up early in the morning. The fog covered mountain peaks, sun rays appearing like some godly rays. We had our breakfast and were ready for the trek with our backpacks. You can spend more time at Shekwas campsite in the morning and leave the camp a bit late as the trek on day four is for hardly five kilometers and will not take much time. The valley to the left takes you to the Tarsar lake. But, the trail is a gradual climb initially followed by crossing over the huge boulders and then the ice cold stream and then the ridges. Don't forget to turn around and capture few photos as you can see the amazing landscape around and the valley that goes far below. There are few local shepherds huts on the way. The Shekwas campsite looks like a small dot from this place. Continue to trek further till you see the lake. Cross the stream again and you will be at your campsite.

Milky way captured at Tarsar Lake campsite in the Himalayas, J&K, India. In the foreground is our dining tent, in the... Posted by Ravindra Joisa Photography on Tuesday, September 8, 2015

The water at Tarsar lake is crystal clear. You may camp right next to the lake. Go in and around the campsite and have a wonderful evening, walk around this beautiful lake. Expect cold breeze at night and you get to hear the waves hitting those boulders. We had a wonderful experience at this campsite. Awesome place for some night time photography, Astro or galaxy shots. There is hardly any kind of light pollution in this area and an ideal place for those Milkyway shots. Check out the video below and subscribe to my channel.

Wonderful experience hiking the Dudhsagar trail full of streams - Goa Trek - Day 4

The fourth day of our Goa hike is the Dudgsagar trail from Cansaulim to Dudhsagar camp was a lot of fun. After spending the entire day on day 3 in Benaulim, Cansaulim beach, and so on, day 4 was very different because the entire Dudhsagar trail was in the forest. The first 45 kilometers were via railway, followed by a muddy jeep route and seven stream crossings in the forest. On this day, we don't get to view the Dudhsagar waterfall, but we do arrive at the campground, which is quite near to the Dudhsagar waterfalls.

The entire 10-kilometer route runs beside a railway track, and even if you can't see the track, you can clearly hear the freight train honking and making loud noises from its engines. On the fourth day, you will pass the most streams. The water in the streams comes from the Dudhsagar falls, and our hiking zigzag trail runs parallel to the stream, railway track, and jeep road.

Hike from Colem railway station

We arrived at Colem railway station and proceeded to cross the track to the opposite side. Most visitors drive a jeep from here all the way to the Dudhsagar waterfalls. This is the final shopping area as well as the last residential section. We took the jeep track and went through the dirt. The first stream crossing was only a ten-minute walk away from the taxi stand. There are far too many jeeps carrying visitors over this brook. We continued on the muddy jeep path after crossing the stream until we reached the main entrance.

Dudhsagar trail - Multiple Stream crossing

Purchase a forest entry ticket. You are entering the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park. Our path weaved in and out of the jeep route, alongside a railroad track, and through various streams. As you will be crossing seven streams in the Dudgsagar trail, it is best not to wear hiking shoes and to wear something that can be readily removed. Along the route, you'll witness a few viewpoints along the stream, as well as man-made check dams and wooden bridges.

Dudhsagar waterfall campsite

Continue on the Dudgsagar trail till you reach the campground in Dudhsagar. We saw a Hornbill bird and a large brown squirrel with a whitetail in the campground. This campground has an antique home as well as beetle nut farming. The brook where you may take a bath is right next to the campground (remember not to use soap when you hike with YHAI or even otherwise).

It may be chilly here at Dudhsagar campground at night, and you can hear the train making too much noise and using its Doppler effect when it enters the tunnel and travels far away. The train does a U-turn around the campground and begins to ascend. The train may be seen moving far above and entering and exiting the tunnel. It used to be completely silent for a time, then there would be a boom of sound from the engines when the train exited the tunnel.

We heard a peculiar noise late at night that was thought to be deer. We were fortunate to have an LED light in our tent since someone in our hiking party brought a 5-kilogram battery all the way. It was entertaining. To get a sense of the hiking path, watch the video below. The hiking trail shown here is also known by the name Dudhsagar hiking trail or Dudhsagar trekking route, as people come here just to hike the Dudhsagar.

Climbing the Dudhsagar waterfall

The Dudhsagar waterfall path will be covered on Day 5 of the Goa trip. The walk begins with a visit to the foot of the waterfall, which is a popular tourist destination. We hiked up to the railway track and entered the middle section of the waterfall, then continued the hiking route along the railway track, traversed a few caves, and climbed up to the waterfall's mouth. For more details check - Day 5 – Dudhsagar camp to Kuveshi.

Check the complete details of 10 days Goa trekking expedition. Hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. Buy me a coffee to support my work or you can go to my store to buy some of my images. Also, do not forget to join my FriendZone by signing up for my newsletter. Consider subscribing to my YouTube channel.

Power of Light to get stunning images - 4 things to keep in mind

Understanding the power of light is an important aspect of photography to consider. Light is crucial because it has the ability to transform an ordinary image into something amazing. To capture those stunning photographs, one must be able to sense light, comprehend light, the direction of light, the moment the image is captured, and understand the camera sensor so that the same is caught in the final image output. Well, that's the power of light or the importance of light in photography.

What is the significance of light in photography?

Power of light has the ability to turn light and time into something tangible. We all speak the same universal language, and amazing images express so much in an instant, without the need of words or sound. We think in static pictures, and they help us remember things. Strong lighting gives a shot more depth and emotion. Soft light allows you to photograph subjects in a calm, peaceful environment. The direction of a light source has a big impact on how we perceive it and how an object in a scene appears. Front lighting, for instance, does not disclose shape.

What are the characteristics of light photography?

Power of light - Quantity 

The amount or power of light is also known as the intensity of light, and the concept is simple: how much light is there when you enter into a room where you plan to take a photo? Similarly, everything is underexposed when you step into a dimly lit environment. A camera operates in a similar manner. However, unlike the human eye, which must adjust to its surroundings naturally, we can regulate the intensity of light within our camera by adjusting the ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.

If you're photographing a scene in bright sunlight, your ISO will be lower than if you're capturing the same picture at night. Similarly, in broad sunshine when the power of light is high, you'll want a quick shutter speed or a tiny aperture to go with your low ISO to avoid a blown-out shot.

Golden hours - Natural light Photography

The time of day when the photograph is recorded is quite critical. When compared to photographs acquired during the daylight under strong light, you obtain the greatest results when you capture images during the golden hours, in the morning at dawn and in the evening at sunset. What I like about the light during golden hour is that it gives my photos a dramatic feel. Photography feelings and emotions can be expressed in this kind of images.

The beautiful orange hue in the Arabian Sea is due to the sunset, as seen in the above photograph, and the reflection of light is caught. It's crucial to find the correct light for your image, and the time of day counts a lot when it comes to capturing that spectacular shot. Typically, images taken during the day or at midday are flat and too bright. The use of a polarizer will undoubtedly aid in the creation of those glare and reflections.

Your camera may also be used to regulate the strength of light. Although the aperture, ISO, and shutter cannot replace golden hours, you may manage the amount of light that enters the sensor by adjusting the aperture, ISO, and shutter. Warm light seems nicer and has a more attractive impact on the human eye, which may be achieved by changing the kelvin value from colder (blue) to warmer (yellow/orange) in post-production or by changing the white balance in the camera settings.

Only during the golden hours will you be able to catch the natural warm light on your camera. As a result, be prepared with your image's composition and catch it when the light is warm. Understanding the power of light can greatly assist you in capturing those amazing "Wow" moments. Checkout my article on Golden Hour – A truly magical hour to get the best of best photos.

Here is an image of mine captured at Dal Lake, Kashmir, India late in the evening soon after sunset published by 'Lonely Planet'.

Quality of light

The quality of light is more difficult to judge than the amount of light. Instead, it is determined by our perception of light. Hard lighting is a type of lighting that is harsh, directed, and can throw long shadows. It may make photographing conditions challenging, such as portraits taken outside. Hard light, on the other hand, isn't always a bad thing; it may be employed creatively to give dramatic flair to your photos.

Soft lighting, on the other hand, is diffused and comes from a non-directional source. It can aid in the creation of smoothness and the elimination of those sharp shadows that are common under harsh lighting. Soft lighting may be found in the natural world, such as when the sky is cloudy or when sunshine rushes in through a window.

Direction of light

The way light falls on your subject has an impact on its overall look and, as a result, the final shot. Experimenting with light direction in a studio situation may help you fine-tune your subject's appearance and bring your distinctive vision to life. Things get a little difficult if you're filming outside.

When the sun is your primary light source, you can't shift it about as easily as you can with artificial lighting. However, you may move your subject about until you achieve the desired effect. With a rudimentary grasp of light and its qualities, you can work to control the environment and acquire the exact shots you want as a photographer.

Hope you enjoyed reading this blog post on power of light and how important it is to consider to get some stunning images. Buy me a coffee to support my work or you can go to my store to buy some of my images. Also, do not forget to join my FriendZone by signing up for my newsletter. Consider subscribing to my YouTube channel.

 

Hiking in the beautiful Benaulim Beach - South Goa Trek - Day 3

The third day of the Youth Hostel Goa trekking consists of a long flat 11-kilometer walk from Benaulim beach to Cansaulim beach. In between, we visited some well-known most beautiful, and cleanest south Goa beaches. This location is great for spending time with friends while on vacation.

What to expect on day 3 of Goa trekking?

We packed our belongings and walked the rest of the way. In little time, I had seen the majority of the so-called famed beaches in southern Goa. Sernabatim Beach, Colva Beach, Betalbatim Beach, Sunset Beach, Majorda Beach, Utorda Beach, and Arossim Beach were all visited. For a variety of reasons, this is a perfect location.

I saw pricey water activities, parasailing, surfing, boats, kids playing, fishing, beach volleyball, and intoxicated people. I even noticed family photoshoots and destination wedding celebrations taking place on the coast. The majority of Goa's resorts and fine hotels are concentrated in this region.

South Goa beach is a beautiful location with a clean beach that is less congested, making it perfect for New Year's Eve celebrations. A lovely location for water sports such as speed boats, parasailing, and a variety of other water sports.

Few commonly asked questions

Is Benaulim beach safe to visit?

Absolutely! One of the cleanest and safest beaches in South Goa. This location attracts a large number of international tourists and is less congested. Beach hotels in Benaulim are popular in this region.

Does Benaulim Beach have shacks?

When visiting Benaulim Beach, stop by this picturesque beach hut for some delicious steaks and mashed potatoes. Thursday nights are especially lively as well-known DJs spin vintage, techno, and rock oldies. If you want to dance to the music, there's also a hardwood dance floor.

Which beach is better colva or benaulim?

Beaches in and around Colva-Benaulim. Benaulim is around 2 kilometers distant from Colva and is more tranquil and serene than Colva. Benaulim offers a retreat to experience nature in all its splendor with few people who do not disrupt its quiet. The historic Portuguese homes may still be seen.

Is Benaulim beach in North or South Goa?

Benaulim is a hamlet in the Indian state of Goa. It is located in the Salcete taluka of the South Goa district, and it borders Colva village to the north, Margao to the northeast, and Varca village to the south. More on Benaulim beach can be found in Wiki.

Camping overnight and the next day

Even though it was a long flat walk, the beach was a lot of fun and we camped overnight at Campal Sports Complex. The next day, day 4 of the Goa trek saw us enter the rain forest of the western ghats, beginning with the train ride and continuing with the climb to Dudhsagar basecamp, which required us to cross many streams. More info here - Day 4 – Cansaulim to Dudhsagar Camp. The place is known for some endangered wildlife.

Check the complete details of 10 days Goa trekking expedition. Hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. Buy me a coffee to support my work or you can go to my store to buy some of my images. Also, do not forget to join my FriendZone by signing up for my newsletter. Consider subscribing to my YouTube channel.