While in Rishikesh I found out that it is nearly impossible to reach the Gaumukh (meaning "Cow's Mouth") Glacier which continuously feeds the Ganges river. This is a disappointment. I have been talking about this experience for quite some time. It was one of the big things which I really wanted to do while in India, but it will have to wait.
Apparently, the official route to the headwaters was closed about a month ago. I don't know who decides these things- if it is for safety or for Religious reasons or what. Even though it is at a high elevation (13,200ft) I don't think it has received any snow yet. So the challenging hike should still be doable.
One thing is for sure, I am going to keep asking around because you can't take things at face value. These guys here want me to go hiking locally so they will tell me anything to avoid going to Gangotri without spending money on their outfit. I hope they are full of shit! Wish me luck!
Apparently, the official route to the headwaters was closed about a month ago. I don't know who decides these things- if it is for safety or for Religious reasons or what. Even though it is at a high elevation (13,200ft) I don't think it has received any snow yet. So the challenging hike should still be doable.
One thing is for sure, I am going to keep asking around because you can't take things at face value. These guys here want me to go hiking locally so they will tell me anything to avoid going to Gangotri without spending money on their outfit. I hope they are full of shit! Wish me luck!
serious winter cant be too far off at that elevation. Not sure I would want to get caught there once real snow sets in and makes travel even more challenging. When does the moonsoon season start in the spring?
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't think the problem is weather. I think they shut it down for some kind of religious reasons to protect the holy site. Even in season, you have to go through a tedious permit process to gain access to the actual glacier area. Supposedly, the authorities only allow a small number of hikers to visit the site each day. It is hard to find this kind of information out without talking to people locally though or without buying a special trekking in the Himalayas travel book. It is high enough up and cold enough to snow, but the monsoon is off and there is very little moisture in the air. I don't think the area gets any snow until Jan/Feb/Mar and then the route may be open again in May or June according to some local travel agents in Rishikesh. So it goes...!
ReplyDeleteSeems you are becoming well versed in the art of adventure tourism. May suit you well should you go into marketing "special" and "highly sought after" swamp tours!
ReplyDeleteI am certain there is a market for this, especially if you can accommodate differing tastes a la motorboat, kayak, or canoe and whether fishing, hunting, paddling, birding, relaxing, camping etc.
ReplyDeleteI think that the hardest part is getting connected with folks who are seeking this kind of service. Remember the article about luxury camping? We get a butler, a professional storyteller, fresh oysters, local caviar, and some wine and were practically rich! Ha! Just don't let Jeff cook 'em any white gravy sphaghetti!
I know a guy that owned a now defunct canoe livery and has several old metal canoes and trailers. He is kinda a junk collector type guy, honest, earnest, and always hankering for a loooong conversation. Typical East Milton/Baghdad kinda guy. He might be willing to part with a few canoes if you are considering a winter time, low-dollar, low-impact side business. And if you want to borrow non-motorized craft, I have a sturdy, bad ass metal pirate-canoe at my mothers (Aptly named the Voyage of the Damned! Argh).
If you are serious about this, I will get a book about internet marketing and see what we can do... next thing would be to get the place listed in some books or magazines as "special" and "highly sought after." I met, and my mother has a contact with this guy.... John Moran... http://www.johnmoranphoto.com/
Next time he is working in the panhandle maybe you should link up for an expedition and his book is a pretty good coffee table picture book as well. Ask Martha if you would rather just browse rather than buy (I purchased and had it signed by the author for her about 2 years ago as a Christmas gift. While there, gave the guy her email address, and now they have paddled together a few times). She has a lot of ground level knowledge and contacts for "wilderness enthusiasts."
I just came off a 31-year gig, so not too sure about a new one! But the idea intrigues me some. However the swamp is pretty low key during the winter months I spend there. To get the full affect the adventure glamping needs to occur during the summer when the swamp comes alive with foliage and critters to excite the adventure seeker. I think it likely would work, but needs some investment..... and the right BS er. Hey that could be you! I will see about this book when I am there tho.
ReplyDeleteHa... I am NOT in Pensacola brother. Its a gig for a retired man with a lot of free time. Maybe next year you will be ready to get more active! Try Kaz, he is a little closer to the action. Hell, he's your Stump Buddy!
ReplyDeleteYou are right about Kaz as my Stump buddy. But doubt that he would fully implement a glamping business model! Yeah us retired guys, just a series of long naps ya know. Maybe by next year You will have had your fill of Hindu life and looking for a new adventure! Got my summer months petty well full of adventures.
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