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BY  Sibashree Oct 28, 2024

Do you know where the name of the Zion National Park came from? The name has come from the Bible, as the Old Testament calls the City of Jerusalem Zion.  This national park has the most diverse landscape, with plateaus, forests, and deserts. Further, it is home to over 800 plant species and 290 bird varieties.  “A visit to a river, a canyon rim, and a pine forest will give you a chance to see plenty of different birds. Birds are very active at dawn and dusk. They sing more at these times, making them easier to locate than midday. Nocturnal birds like owls are also active at dawn and dusk, making them easier to locate than at night.” Ally O’Rullian, Ranger, Zion National Park. Hiking is the best activity in the park to enjoy a close encounter with the wildlife and geology of the park. Also, camping here and living under the stars will be an amazing experience. So, let’s be familiar with the hiking trails and campgrounds.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps) Hiking In Zion National Park, Utah View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps) Hiking is the most popular outdoor activity in Zion National Park, and kids also love the flat riverside walks. Moreover, trails like the one to the Emerald Pool are family-friendly.  Further, the park has more than 90 miles of hiking trails, and the number of trails is more than 100., I have curated some popular day hiking and backpacking trails for you here.  Day Hikes In Zion National Park The short day hikes in Zion National Park will take you to the wonderful views southwest of the park. Some hiking trails can be completed within one hour, and some will take an entire day. Further, these trails will take you through lush valleys and meadows and make you visit rugged mountains and deserts.  So, let’s explore the trails. 1. Watchman Trail Difficulty Level: Moderate Distance: 2.7 Miles Trekking Time: 2 Hours Pet-Friendly: No Trailhead: Zion Canyon Visitor Center Watchman Trail is one of my favorites in Zion National Park because it is peaceful. Also, it is a kid and family-friendly hiking trail with a beautiful view of the lower Zion Canyon.  You will further enjoy the view of the Towers of the Virgin and the town of Springdale from this trail.  Moreover, this trail is a great path to learn about the desert plantation in the park.  2. Lower Emerald Pool Trail  Difficulty Level: Easy Distance: 1.2 Miles Trekking Time: 1 Hour Pet-Friendly: No Trailhead: Zion Lodge The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is one of the easiest trails in the park, and you can explore the route with your family thanks to the gentle terrain.  Further, walking through the woods of pinyon and juniper is comfortable for children. Moreover, the hike ends with a refreshing view of the Lower Emerald Pool and waterfalls. These waterfalls are ephemeral.  However, if you want to explore more challenging trails, you can try the connecting Upper Emerald Pool and Kayenta trails.  3. Observation Point Difficulty Level: Difficult Distance: 8 Mile Trekking Time: 7 Hours Pet-Friendly: No Trailhead: Weeping Rock The Observation Point trek through the East Rim Trail stands out because it offers the best view of the nearby attractions. Further, you will especially love the view of Zion Canyon’s lower end.  However, this trekking route comes with 2200 feet of steep elevation. So, ensure that you have the right physical endurance and proper hydration.  4. Pa’Rus Trail Difficulty Level: Easy Distance: 3.5 Miles Trekking Time: 1 Hour Pet-Friendly: Yes Trailhead: Visitor Center If you want to watch the best sunset in Zion National Park and capture beautiful landscape views, Pa’Rus Trail is the best hiking route for you. Further, it is the only national park trail allowing dogs and pets.  It is an easy trek. You can explore it with your kids and family. You will begin the trek listening to the serene sounds of the Virgin River. Then, as you advance, you will get the best view of the Watchman.  Backpacking Hikes In Zion National Park Overnight hiking or backpacking trips are very popular in Zion National Park. Despite being strenuous hikes, these trails offer the most scenic views.  If you are willing to explore any of the following backpacking trails, you must have proper food, water, and supplement arrangements.  La Verkin Creek Trail Trail Distance: 14.4 Miles Trail Head: Lee Pass Difficulty Level: Challenging The La Verking Creek Trail takes you to the Kalob Arch. It is one of the biggest free-standing arches in the world.  As you start the trek from Lee Pass, you will walk through open canyons, and the route along Timber Creek will offer you the best cliff views.  If you want to extend your hiking trip further, you can continue your walk to the Bear Trap Canyon or the Willis Canyon. Summer and fall are the best seasons for backpacking trips to the La Verkin Creek Trail.  The Narrows View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps) Trail Distance: 16 Miles Hike Start: The Temple of Sinawava Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (Based on the River Volume) Despite having an easy-to-moderate difficulty level, The Narrows is one of the most challenging hikes in this national park.  The meandering trekking route will take you through various canyons. However, you must first walk through the Virgin River as there is no alternative loop.  Here, you must note that the water level in the Virgin River keeps fluctuating. Based on the amount of rainfall and snowfall, the varying water levels of the Virgin River will pose challenges. The table below gives you a clear picture of the probable difficulties.  Water Level of Virgin RiverChallenges/Consequences Below 70 cubic feet per second (CFS)Moderately difficult walkingKnee-deep waterSlippery terrain Above 70 CFSChallenging walkingMid-thigh deep waterWater in some pools can be chest-deepAbove 150 CFSThe Virgin River and The Narrows are close for hiking.  The Narrows remain closed even when there is an announcement for Flash Floods. So, check with the park authority about the “present water current level” and announcements.  West Rim Trail Trail Distance: 14.2 Miles  Trail Head: Lava Point  Difficulty Level: Strenuous  The West Rim Trail is one of the most challenging treks in Zion National Park. The elevation change here is close to 3500 feet, and you must make a steep ascent toward the Wildcat Canyon rims. Then, you will make a descent.  In addition, the West Rim Trail offers the best views of the Phantom Valley. If you are in for a backpacking trip to the West Rim Trail, late spring, summer, and fall will be the best seasons.  Camping In Zion National Park, Utah Though 2023 saw a dip in visitors to Zion National Park, it is still one of the most visited parks in the USA. In 2023, the park had less than 4.65 million visitors compared to 4.69 million visitors in 2022.  The red rock formations and canyons carved by water are some of the biggest attractions in this US national park, and camping is surely the best way to get to know the park better.  Zion National Park has three campgrounds, but the South Campground is closed for a long-term rehabilitation project. So, here I will discuss the Watchman Campground and Lava Point Campground.  Watchman Campground https://www.instagram.com/p/C84eLoOtJP8/ This campground is very close to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, and if you are entering the park from the  South Entrance in Springdale, you will have to go only ¼ miles to find this campground.  Each campsite in the campground has a picnic table, a place for a tent or RV, and fire ring access. Further, here is a detailed picture of the amenities and fees at the camping ground.  Amenities and FeesAvailable/Details Cell Phone NetworkYesInternet ConnectivityNoCamp StoreNoIce for SaleNoLaundryNoAmphitheater SeasonalFirewood for Sale NoTrash CollectionYesDump StationYesPotable WaterAvailableFood Storage LockerYesStaff on SiteYesShower TypeNot AvailableFlush ToiletYesFeesElectric Campsites: $45Non-Electric Tent Only Campsites: $35Group Campsites - $90-130 per personAccessible Sites: According to the Price of a Particular Site with Special Discounts for Access Pass Holders Watchman Campground sites are available on a reservation basis. You can book six months before your trip to secure a preferred spot.  Lava Point Campground It is a seasonal campground, operating only from May to September. Further, located at a 7890-foot height, this campground is closest to Kolob Terrace Road.  Also, if you enter the park from its southern entrance, you must drive for one hour and 20 minutes to reach this campground.  However, with 6 primitive camping sites, Lava Point Campground does not have most of the amenities of the Watchman Campground. Therefore, you will only get the following facilities here. Pit toilets Trash cans Seasonal trash collection Staff on site on a seasonal basis Moreover, you will have to pay a fee of $25 to reserve a spot in this campground. Further, it cannot accommodate vehicles longer than 19 feet.  Zion National Park At A Glance  Zion National Park Location: Utah, The USA Area: 232 Square Miles Visitor Centers: Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyons Entry Fee: Standard Entrance Passes Highest Point: Horse Ranch Mountain Established: 19th November 1919 So, it’s fall here, and Zion National Park is gearing up for winter. When are you planning a visit?  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

So, as a parent, you have taken up a challenging task. It’s about finding the best places to travel with kids! Every child is different. So, while a slice of wildlife or outdoor activities is enough to win their tasks, some of them may look for a destination like Disney Land, presenting the world of fantasy before them.   Further, some may be fascinated by more luxurious experiences, and one of the best examples of this will be the Dubai Parks and Resorts. Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo Disneyland are some such destinations, taking your kids on a tour of the fantasy world.  So, understanding how demanding kids can be, it is difficult to select a particular location out of many options available. Here, I have made a list of countries with the coolest attractions for children. These Are The Best Places To Travel With Kids: 8+ Must Visits For You  Traveling plays an important role in the growth of your child. When children travel, they gather memories and learn things they will never forget.  Further, traveling improves their socializing and problem-solving skills. Moreover, they learn about different human cultures, which is crucial for developing a more inclusive mindset.  Do you want to take your little one on a trip this vacation? Here are the countries you can fly to.  1. Dubai, UAE Best Time to Visit: October to March With the highest safety standards and numerous child-friendly hotels, Dubai is one of the best places to travel with kids. It offers many outdoor and indoor pursuits for the little ones, and the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is, of course, the biggest attraction for them. Located at Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo has as many as 33000 marine animals. Your little one will be enthralled watching the sand tiger sharks, Otters, Piranha, and many other fascinating creatures.  KidZania, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Aquaventure World, and Jungle Bay Waterpark are some added attractions for kids in this beautiful city of the UAE.  2. Malaysia Best Time to Visit: April to October (East Coast) and December to March (West Coast) Malaysia can be a really cool destination if you are searching for the best places to travel with kids. This country offers unique natural experiences and cultural interactions for children.  Here is a brief overview of the activities your little one will love in Malaysia. If your little one is more into wildlife and nature, Borneo and Cameron Highlands will be the best destinations for them. Borneo has pygmy elephants and orangutans. They will also get to learn about the indigenous people here.  Further, Cameron Islands has the Mossy Forest, tea plantations, and strawberry orchards.  The other kids’ favorite destinations in the country are Langkawi, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur has the Petrosains Discovery Centre, Lake Gardens, and KLCC Park to entertain kids of all ages. Further, Penang is a place to learn about the rich culture of the country, and it has the best street food. Moreover, Langkawi is a relaxing hub in Malaysia, allowing you to explore the beaches and cable car rides.  3. Mauritius Best Time to Visit: May to December Mauritius is nothing short of a natural wonder, being a volcanic island with the best beaches in the world. However, Mauritius is often underrated as one of the best places to travel with kids.  The  La Vanille Crocodile Park is the best place in Mauritius if your little one loves animals and is interested in wildlife. The Nile crocodiles are the biggest attractions here. However, you will also find the following animals here. Giant tortoises Phelsumas  Mini tortoises Pigs Deer Bat Fat-tailed sheep Goat Donkeys Among them, goats, donkeys, and fat-tailed sheep are important contributors to the country's livestock.  The Mauritius Aquarium is one of the best places to travel with kids and introduce them to the intrigue of marine life. Along with sponges, fish, and corals, this museum has more than 200 species of invertebrates.  Some other places your kids will love in Mauritius are Casela Nature Park (Watch out for the white tigers.),  Curious Corner of Chamarel and the Blue Bay Marine Park.  4. Australia Best Time to Visit: September to November The diversity of Australia makes it a favorite of children and youngsters. From spending time with the most adorable kangaroos to watching the penguin parade, your little one will surely have a fun time here.  Visit Taronga Zoo Sydney A night safari in Taronga Zoo Sydney is something that you will cherish for your entire life. A kingdom of 4000 animals will unfold wonders before your eyes as you go on a night safari and take part in the Roar and Snore Program. Koalas and red kangaroos are the biggest attractions of this zoo. Visit Phillip Island To See The Most Amazing Penguin Parade  You will see tiny penguins on a parade and a mission for hunting fish at Phillip Island. You can book an underground viewing experience so that your little ones can see the penguins from an eye level. The other place to visit with your kids in Australia is Monkey Mia Reserve (They can feed dolphins here.). Moreover, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Queensland and Tasmanian Devil Unzoo in Tasmania are destinations to get up close and personal with these adorable animals.  Also, Luna Park Sydney offers an amazing spin in a hand-painted carousel, and the Great Barrier Reef is the best place to see colorful corals. 5. Japan Best Time to Visit: September to November and March to May Are you traveling to Japan with your kid? You can take them to Rabbit Island or Ōkunoshima. This scenic inland sea area in Japan is home to thousands of rabbits who roam around freely.  Your little one will love feeding them with their hands. Further, they can visit Silver Pavilion and Gold Pavilion to find lively turtles and fish and feed them.  Further, in March, Japan becomes the land of cherry blossoms. Osaka Castle and Ueno Park are some of the best places to spot the beautiful flowers in full bloom.  6. USA Best Time to Visit: September to October and March to May Housing endless best places to travel with kids, the USA will spoil your little one with choices. The country has amazing national parks, including the Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. These national parks have many kid-friendly hiking trails that will allow you to explore the wildlife, geological wonders, and scenic beauty.  Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Along with being the house of Rockies, it also stands out due to its different ecosystems, hiking trails, and mineral richness.  Yellowstone National Park With more than 10,000 geothermal sites, Yellowstone National Park is the hub of the natural geysers of the world.  Grand Teton National Park  Grand Teton National Park is the best place for camping and hiking. Your kids will also love the best views of the Rockies at this national park.  7. South Africa Best Time to Visit: May to September With amazing wilderness, South Africa is one of the best places to travel with kids and see wild animals. For me, the most amazing spots to visit in South Africa with children are: Cape Point Nature Reserve Knysna Elephant Park  Kruger National Park The Cape Point Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site, while the Knysna Elephant Park has amazing African elephants. Further, the Kruger National Park is home to zebras and other amazing wild animals.  8. Finland Best Time to Visit: June to August For children in love with the fantasy world, Santa Claus Village in Finland is the best destination. It is the official hometown of Santa Claus.  Some other attractions for your kids in Finland are Esplanadi Park, Ranua Zoo, and Helsinki Cathedral.  9. Canada Best Time to Visit: September to November Canada is one of the best places to travel with kids, and it offers an eclectic experience with its natural wonders and historic monuments.  For your kids, the best spot in Canada is Marine Land, Niagra Falls. This amusement park in Ontario is the best place to encounter playful dolphins, Beluga Whales, walruses, and sea lions. The La Ronde amusement park in Montreal, the Children’s Museum, the Royal Tyrrell Museum, and the Toronto Zoo are other kids’ favorite destinations here.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Abdul Aziz May 14, 2021

Himachal Pradesh is blessed with plenty of gigantic mountains, Himalayas, mesmerizing waterfalls, captivating forests, and flawless landscapes that can be explored altogether when you are going trekking. Despite being a popular mountaineering destination, many treks in Himachal are still unexplored or less trodden by.   Let’s know about these exceptional trekking destinations in Himachal that are awe-inspiring.  The Best Unexplored Treks in Himachal   Have you ever wondered what you can expect while visiting the unexplored treks in Himachal? You can soak in the pristine of nature. Further away from the hustle-bustle of tourists, trekking on these lesser-known routes ensures an immersive or spiritual experience.   In addition, despite being off-beat locations, these places offer exciting activities like skiing and paragliding. So, get ready to hit the trails.   1. Chanshal Pass, Shimla  Duration: 5-6 hours  Chanshal Pass, the highest peak in Shimla district, is situated at an altitude of 4600 meters (about half the height of Mount Everest). It is a rare, very unforeseen place for trekking. A few years ago, no one knew about this place, as there was not an appropriate road to reach this hidden paradise in Himachal.  Now it is easy to visit this place. If you are looking for such exciting trekking, this is perfect for you. A night stay can be a problem as Larot has very few guest houses. From Larot, you can start trekking towards Chanshal Pass. It offers thrilling views around the valley, suggested for anyone interested in trekking or photography.  May to October is the best time to go on this trek when the route remains open. The small town of Rohru connects the villages of Dodra and Kawar. Here, you can camp overnight, and away from the sounds of the city, you will glimpse many stunning scenic vibes found during the trek that cannot be described in words or sentences! You must stay here and feel this fascinating destination's vibes.  2.Ting-Ting Pathar at Kufri  Duration: One Hour Hike  The Ting-Ting Pathar is a place for those who want to experience the unrivaled and offbeat. So, if you are craving to explore such unexplored destinations, this could be one of your possibilities.  Apart from all the popular treks of Kullu-Manali, the Kufri trek is unique. It is the shortest trek in the Kullu Manali valley of Himachal Pradesh, which is open for the whole year from January to December.  The treks have lush greenery meadows that make the adventure exciting during the summer season from April to August. When you go trekking during the winter season, it gives you completely different vibes, and you can see snowy mountain canals all around.  So, whether you go in winter or Summer, both seasons provide different views and experiences of Ting-Ting Pathar in Kufri.  Your trek starts from Kufri and takes one hour to get there. You will reach a place in the meadows with big rocks called Tin Tin Pathar, which echo like a bell when they hit each other. So, its name is Tin Tin Pathar. If you hit these rocks with each other, it sounds like metal.  3. Manatali Lake Trek, Parvati Valley  Duration: 6-7 Days  Situated at an altitude of 4200 meters (about half the height of Mount Everest), Mantalai Lake is a high-altitude trek in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh. One of the unexplored treks in Himachal, the Manali Lake Trek, continues alongside the Parvati River.   This trek can be considered a moderate to difficult trek, and you need some sort of basic trekking experience before you attempt it.  The trek can be done within 6-7 Days, depending upon one’s fitness. The trek starts from Bhuntar, which is approximately 30 kilometers (about 18.64 mi) away from the famous village of Kasol.  The best time to visit Mantalai Lake is mid-September till the first week of October after Monsoon. The trek is not feasible in winter due to heavy snowfall and zero supplies in the upper region.  4. Miyar Valley Trek, Lahaul Spiti Valley  Duration: 4to 5 Days  A less well-known destination, trekking the Miyar Valley in Himachal is a dream come true.  Miyar valley trek is one of the Himalayan treks which mainly consists of a flat walking path.  The Miyar Valley trek starting point is Lahaul, Gumpa. From Yosemite in the Himalayas, the stunning Miyar Valley trekking from Shuoto Village.  Here, you can explore the surrealistic side of nature with the Miyar River in vast pastures. During this trek, you will have a chance to glance at medicinal plants, snow leopards, Himalayan brown bears, and countless migratory birds, along with sapphires, ruby rocks, and seven crystal green glacial lakes.  During this trek, you have to follow the Miyar River, which reunites with the ChandraBhaga River near the Udaipur village. The open valley supports several glacier systems.  The best time to visit Miyar Valley is May to June and September to October. It is ideal for trekkers who want to explore something completely different. The difficulty of this trek is considered moderate to Difficult. Therefore, you need some sort of trekking experience to make this trek.  5. Churdhar Trek, Sirmour District  Duration: 3 days  If you are a person who is always craving for something unexplored and exceptional trekking, then this 48 km long trek is worth your time and energy.  Located in the Sirmour district of Himachal, Churdhar Treks offers you a sight that will never leave your eyes or heart. May to November is the ideal time to trek to this place. It is one of the tallest peak treks, and its height is around 12,000 feet (about the height of Mount St. Helens) above sea level.  It's easily visible from Shimla, Kasauli, and Kufri due to its own height.  There are three main routes for trekking up to Chudhar Peak. The Chopal is the first and shortest route, with a trek distance of 7 km, located in the Shimla district. Nohra Dhar is another best route for trekking, which is 20 km (about twice the height of Mount Everest) from it. Haripurdhar in Sirmaur district has the longest trekking distance, with a trek distance of 50 km (about 31.07 mi). It is a magnificent trek where you can find solitude in the mountains at every point during this trek.  6. Mural Danda Trek Near Shimla  Duration: 1 Day  The Mural Danda trek is another rare, well-known, but one of the best short winter treks in the  Pabbar Valley, which has a maximum altitude of 14,000 ft (about half the height of Mount Everest).  Mural Danda is the hilltop of Singuri, mostly famous for its medicinal herbs with different abilities to cure injuries.  There are various routes to trekking this place, but the most beautiful and approachable is from Sungri. Sungri is a small village situated in the Pabbar valleys. The amazing trek near Shimla is trans-Himalayan, which is the endpoint of the Baspa ranges.  The trek takes you through contrasting colors of the snowy trail, Rhododendrons, Oak forests, and open meadows, making it a stunning trek. Starting from the scenic view of a Singuri village, every mountain range looks amazing while trekking.  This region is unique for its exotic plants and Herbs. You can also get to explore famous caves on the way to the Peak. Enjoy the raw and gorgeous Mural Danda winter trek, which is best visited between December and March due to its magical snow-clothed landscapes.  Bon Voyage!  At various altitudes, the unexplored treks in Himachal offer a chance to see nature, wildlife, and biodiversity. However, you need to consider some extra preparations before you start to trek as these places are less trodden by. You must be careful about the gear you pick and work more on developing your physical and mental endurance levels.  So, are you ready to hit any of the trekking routes I have mentioned here? Or have you been to these less-explored places already? Don’t forget to share your insights with us!   Read Also: 15 Interesting Facts About India That Every Traveller Should Know The Easy Way To Travel In India