Chhiplakot Bugyal Trekking || The Hidden Treasure

 Chhiplakot Bugyal Trekking || The Hidden Treasure

Introduction:

Chhiplakot Bugyal view from Askot

"Bugyal" are simply the terrace or extended fields of soft grass. It refers to high- altitude grasslands (meadodw) in the local dialect. Chhiplakot Bugyal (meadow) is situated, at the height of 3600 meters but the highest peak called Najurikot which is about 4700Meters above sea level in district Pithoragarh, (Uttarakhand), India. It is the Hidden Treasure of Kumaon. Though there are many burials in district Pithoragarh but Chhiplakot Bugyal is one of the most beautiful bugyals, of Uttarakhand. The main bugyals in district Pithoragarh are Chhiplakot Bugyal, Panchachuli Bugyal, Namik Bugyal, Ralam Bugyal and Askot Bugyal. The mountain lovers prefer trekking in Chhiplakot Bugyal to experience biodiversity, the lush green meadows and surrounding forests.

How to Reach Chhiplakot Bugyal  From Delhi/ Kolkatta

 Chhiplakot Bugyal offers excellent trekking opportunities to the adventure seekers from every part of India and abroad. Mostly people from Delhi and West Bengal are seen trekking there.ised To reach Chhiplakot Bugyal in district Pithoragarh from Delhi, Bombay,Kolkatta and from north, east, south, west and abroad are advised to reach Delhi first comfortably. To reach Chhiplakot Bugyal, district Pithoragarh from Delhi, you have two routs to approach Pithoragarh. One route goes from Tanakpur via Champawat and the other route is from Haldwani/Kathgodam.

1- By Road

- Delhi to Haldwani/ Kathgodam

• Distance: about 310 km
• Time Taken: 7-8 hours
• Condition of Roads: Good- National Highway
• Means of Transport: Uttarakhand Transport Buses. UP State transport buses frequently movement

2- By Train

     Delhi to Haldwani/ Kathgodam

• Shatabdi Express: Departure - 6 AM
• Ranikhet Express: Departure- 10 PM
• Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express: Departure- 4PM (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
• Anand Vihar Terminal: Anand Vihar to Lalkuwan, Departure- 6.20AM

By Air

1- Delhi to Pantnagar:

Time Taken: 1 - hour flight

Mode:Take a flight from Delhi to Pantnagar Airport.

2-Pantnagar to Pithoragarh:

Distance Covered: About 190 KM

Travel Duration: 6 - 7 hours

Haldwani to Pithoragarh- Didihat- Chhiplakot bus point Route'

1- Bhawali- Kainchidham,- Almora- Ghat Pithoragarh- Didihat

2- Bhawali - Almora- Dhaulchhina- Seraghat- Berinag- Thal- Didihat

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8662303117282595480/3586049087427323613

Topography and Location:

Chhiplakot Bugyal is known fo its natural beauty and easy approach rather than other Bugyals in high altitude like Badini bugyal. It's a grassland with an enchanted meadow that exemplifie the untouched beauty of the Himalayas. Chhiplakot Bugyal is situated at an elevation of approximately 3500 meters above sea level. The bugyal is surrounded by towering peaks, lush forests of deodar, oak, utish,birch, rhododendron and blue pine. The meadows themselves are covered with a variety of grasses and herbaceous plants which shelter wildlife and various bird species,insecets and mammals. A tall pine species with long, bluish needles looks charming and enchanted. Journey from Didihat or Askot can vary slightly depending on the specific route taken.Both journeys involve mountainous terrain which can effect travel timing and hardship.

• Distance from Didihat           - 75 KM
• Distance from Askot              - 45 KM
• Distance from Pithoragarh   - 85 KM
• Distance from Munsari          - 95 KM

Flora and Fauna: 

Chhiplakot Bugyal is a paradise for trekkers and tourists.Varities of plants and animal species are found around the lush meadows and surrounding forests. This is why Chhiplakot Bugyal is known as a heaven for biodiversity. The plants and trees of oak, deodar and pine are in abundant.  In spring and summer, the bugyals bloom with alpine flowers such as blue poppies, primulas, and asters.

It is a heaven for Bird Watchers who come from evey part of the country. The bird watchers have the seight of some of the birds like Himalayan Monal, Hill Partridge, Snow Partridge, Lammergeier, Bearded Vulture, Himalayan GriffonYellow- billed Chough, a high altitude Crow. Himalayan Griffon, Blue Whistling Trush, Golden Eagle, White- capped Redstart, Spotted Forktail  and various other migratory birds frequently seen here. Chhiplakot Bugyal is rich in the matter of  Flora and Fauna. It is a home to a variety of wildlife. Anumber of animals are found here like other high-altitude meadows in the Himalayas. Most of them are:

Yellow-throated Marten, Pika, Indian Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard, Red Fox, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Marmot etc. These animals are well adapted to the harsh environment  and condition of high- altitude environments They are very helpful and contribute to the rich biodiversity of the region.

Cultural  Significance and Religious Aspect:

This place holds a great religious significance amongst the people living in its area. Lord Chiplakedar is a king or guardian or a lord of the kot,the area. He fought many wars against the invaders or evil souls to protect His subject, the people, the flora and fauna of His area. In local dialect it is known as Chhipuldhura. Thus, Chhiplakedar is a local diety whose area is between the river Kali and Gori Ganga. It is bounded on the east by Nepal, on the west by Munsyari, and on the North by the Himalayas mountain peaks, on the South by the Askot. This Mountain is situated to the south of Panchachuli. This area is very sacred and religious for the people of Kumaon. The remains or ruins of an old fort still exist on the top of the mountain. Chhiplakedar also fought a war against the local diety Lord Saim,Haru, Golu devta, latu, Lakaruwa veer and their wariors. This sort of story or legend still narrated in cultural and religious functions inwestern Kumaon.

Trekking and Adventure:

The trekking posibilities in Chhiplakot Bugyals area for adventure seekers is in abundant. The trek to Chhiplakot Bugyal is very challenging but the experienced and new trekkers both feel enjoyment trekking here. The journey starts from the district head quarter Pithoragarh which has a better link and adjoining with all the foot hill railway stations-Haldwani, Kathgodam and Tanakpur as well as the bus stations and well connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand.

The trek takes you through picturesque villages, dense forests,and beautiful and scenic mountain ridges. When you move on the trekking you see the local shepherd tending to their flocks. It gives you a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the  Tribes people in kumaon. As you come near the bugyals the land scape opens up, giving you breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks

Didihat is the last bus point for Chhiplakot Base Point. From  Didihat you have to hire taxi or jeep for Chhiplakot base point. These days the new roads also offer pick up points for  taxi or jeep but often its a off road travel. So, it's good to hire a local guide or local driver by local means of transport' Trekking points vary from road to road.

Camping at Chhiplakot:

The sky is broadly seen from there if it's no cloudy. You watch the twinkling stars, the moon, and some time you get an opportunity to witness the Milky Way in all its glory. Under the starlit sky, surrounded by the amazing nature , you can really forget the hustle and bustle of every day life.

Best Time for Trekking & Visit:

The best time to visit and trekking Chhiplakot Bugyal is during the summer months from May to June and autumn season from September to October. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, and the bugyals are in its most decorated and vibrant glow.  The winter months also have its own speciality, the Bugyals are covered by snow and looks pretty. Those who are interested in skeiting and winter sports can enjoy their life and experience the Bugyals in its winter glory. But it requires equipments and warm wearing of their own.

Conclusion:

In short, Chhiplakot Bugyal is a hidden gem in the heart of Uttarakhand, presenting a complete mixture of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural heritage. The kumaoni people worship this land as the abode of Lord Chhiplakedar, a local diety. He is considered the ruler of this valley. Itis also known as Najurikot, the highest peak in this range.Villagers near the bugyal celebrate various local festivals with great pomp and pride. Really, it offers and calls to visiting here again and again.