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.
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.
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