Views from Tingling Point

View from Tingling Point 

"Named after a Kenyan adventurer, Sardar 'Pinder' Singh Bhangra, who felt this tingling sensation as he came over the ridge to this breathtaking spot, which revealed such a spectacular view of the Bandarpunch Massif (6316 mtrs) and the Great Himalayan range. Inspite of having grown up in these hills, this awesome spot gave him a 'nervous reaction' unlike he had ever experienced in his life."

So reads the sign at this special spot atop the Nag Tibba ridge. "Tingling Point" is also called 'Morana' or 'Morana Top' by people who live nearby. In my youth, the top of the Nag Tibba ridge could only be reached after a strenuous hike on foot. Today, the ridge is crossed by the main motor route from the Uttarakhand state capital of Dehradun to Uttarkashi, a major centre on the banks of the Bhagirathi River.

I may not have tingled, but as I wasn't expecting it, the sudden spectacular view was literally breathtaking. The views were enhanced by the many blooming rhododendron trees in the area, and by the wonderful birdsong. I have embedded a slide show that shares some of the views from the ridge, as well as a variety of scenes along the road.

Below the slide show are two videos I shot at Morana Top. The first is a panorama, and the second shows the mules whose bells can be heard in the first video. For the record, the sacks on the mules' backs are full of potatoes.