After a gap of four years, I visited Darma Valley again earlier in the month. This well known trekking destination is situated in the Kumaon Himalaya of Uttarakhand. With me were a bunch of nature lovers eager to understand the geology of the Himalaya. This was a geology tour organized by Deep Dive India. I accompanied the group as the geology expert.
We spent most of our time in the high grade metamorphic terrain of the Greater Himalaya and the low grade metamorphic Tethyan realm. The Panchachuli Glacier and its deposits provided for discussions on climate change and a more recent geologic past. Reaching these remote locations meant a day long drive through the winding roads of the Lesser Himalaya. We made quite a few stops to observe different types of strata. The highlight was a road cut that exposed a synclinal fold, a beautiful example of the nature of deformation pervading the Lesser Himalaya.
I'm sharing a few images of the landscapes around the Panchachuli Glacier, which is the main attraction of this region. Although, as our group discovered, there is more exciting and varied geology to observe here.
Dantu, our base village was cold when we arrived in the evening. A light snowfall made for a memorable experience. Permanent link for this video- Dantu Snowfall.
A dusting of white lingers on the forest tops after the night's snowfall. A view from Dantu.
A stand of Bhojpatra (Himalaya Birch) lights up the High Himalaya slopes.
The weather had cleared up by the next day and we were treated to majestic views of the Greater Himalaya.
A burbling icy stream made for a soothing break on the high walk towards Panchachuli base camp. In case you are unable to view the video in the post, click on this link - Icy Stream Panchachuli.
The Post Master's home in village Naagling. For decades this beautiful home doubled up as a guest house for weary trekkers. The family no longer lives here. I hope there is a way to maintain this heritage structure.
Explaining Miocene granite intrusions and Himalaya mountain building. Can anyone ask for a better classroom?
Join me next time!
I'll also be writing about some conglomerate and sandstone boulders that I keep observing in these high Kumaon valleys. The outcrops are not accessible to me, but I have some ideas on what these rocks signify.
The images are pleasing but more importantly, I can't even imagine the kind of experience this trek would have been. Really wish I'd the fitness level to do something like this...
ReplyDeletethanks. we had a few participants who walked at their own pace and enjoyed the landscapes.
DeleteThat gives me some encouragement. Hopefully, the next year!
Deletei was one of them dawdlers ..... sure the trek was ardous but quite doable , the group cohesion , and coordinators kept us moving ....and there was encouragement all round and a lot of experienced support .... Wildrift guys were so humble and helpful ....and such a well oiled machinery ....
DeletePPS - Do join!
DeleteBhanu- Wildrift does make the experience smooth :)
Congratulations on a very well-written blog. Suvrat’s personality belies his depth of knowledge.
ReplyDeleteHis presence turned the trek into an enjoyable outing. It became more than an indulgence and added meaning to the scant knowledge of our environment and the changes that have happened in deep time and where we stand in this moment of Churning of the magma ocean of the star material under us.
The stunning visual treat that we can now fathom some meaning into the spectacular beauties of the mountains. Thank you very much.
glad you enjoyed the experience Bhanu. Thank you for your enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the trek!
DeleteThanks for sharing this experience with us .It must have been a majestic sightseeing as I can see from the images that you have shared.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Anushree
thanks Anushree. Try to join us next time :)
ReplyDelete