Things You Need to Know to Do the Mawryngkhang Trek!

BY  sagnika Aug 11, 2023

Want to learn more about the mountains of Kenya? A geographically and topographically diverse country, the Republic of Kenya has beautiful mountains that are more than just a geographical feature! Please read this article to learn about the features of the mountains, their cultural significance, as well as their beauty. There are almost 3888 mountains, out of which 3856 are named mountains. Mount Kenya is the highest peak of all these mountains, with an elevation of 5199 meters. It is one of the second-highest mountains in Africa and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kenya is located in the eastern part of Africa, more towards the southern horn of Africa, with diverse geographical features ranging from towering alpine peaks to mangrove swamps. The mountains' beauty adds to the country's natural features, making it a perfect place to visit! Explore The Beauty Of The Mountains Of Kenya! As a country with a topographical contrast, Kenya is located in the eastern section of Africa. The equator crosses the country across Nanyuki, Maseno, and Timboroa. These features highlight Kenya as a stunning destination that many wish to visit! Being a topographically diverse country where the forests offer diverse wildlife, it is perfect to visit if you love taking safaris. There are also coasts and grasslands, making the location more diverse. The nation is also highly agricultural, with diverse produce, including vegetables, fruits, and animals, even though the location is remote and can be difficult for regular travel. An African safari holiday is a dream for every hodophile, and Kenya offers the perfect backdrop. With spectacular wildlife, astounding landscapes, and a melting pot of culture, Kenya ranks at the top of the travel list of everyone! Moreover, the beautiful mountains play an important role in making Kenya a fascinating place! The country borders nations such as South Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Somalia. So want to know more about the up-warped giants of the earth? Read along! Highest Mountains Of Kenya The total area of Kenya is 586,000 square kilometers, with high-rising regions such as high plateaus, mountains, arid deserts, and low-lying coastal areas, including islands and coral reefs. 7 freshwater and salt lakes are creating the Great Rift Valley cutting the country in half! Kenya has two of the tallest mountains on the continent. There are several other mountains, most inactive or extinct volcanoes. The landscape is diversified, yet the mountains are as beautiful as ever! Read more on some of the noteworthy mountains in Kenya. Mount Kenya The highest mountain in Kenya is Mount Kenya, located in the center of Kenya, approximately 100 miles northeast of the Capital, Nairobi. The mountain has several summits. Nelion, Lenana, and Batian are some. Bastian is the highest, with 17,058 feet, indicating the mountain's peak. The mountain formed about 3.5 million years ago. A well-known tourist destination, the Mount Kenya National Park surrounds Mount Kenya at the base. You can see elephants, buffalo, as well as colobus monkeys in the park. You can trek the mountain's peak of Lenana Summit as it is feasible without any mountaineering expertise. The rock kente is only available on Mount Kenya as well as the Antarctic, situated at the South Pole. The Spiritual Connection Of Mount Kenya Riuki is found on Mount Kenya, which in a spiritual context is considered the symbolization of the throne of God. Riuki is regarded as the pathfinder by the Gikuyu medicine men. They also believe it therapeutic as they put pebbles at risk as seers. The history of Mount Kenya is interconnected with the Egyptians, Jews, and Ethiopians. Mount Kenya is called Ta-Neteru by the Egyptians, which means the abode of the gods. The God Hapi or lotus, the gods of the Nile Floods, lived on the mountain. The farming communities that settled in Egypt in 7000 BC before the inundation of the Nile corresponded with "Isis," the heliacal rising of the star. It was after the water from the Nile flooding receded, leading to rich dark silt across the Central African countries and highlands. The land is called "Kemet," which is fertile land ready for planting. They consider the lands around Mount Kenya as one of the fertile lands. It also believed that the goddess Isis hid her son, her husband Horus, to raise him from the dead. They say the mountain has medical properties, and the locals consider it amazing. They pray to the mountains for protection and safety. Communities such as Maasai and Samburu are semi-nomadic people who use the northland of the mountain as a paying ground. Mount Elgon The second tallest peak in Kenya is Mount Elgon, located on the country's western side, closer to the Kenya-Uganda border. The mountain has distinguishing characteristics, such as having one of the largest volcanic craters. The top of the mountain is a flat-topped plateau made of basalt. The total height of the mountain is 13,852 feet, with lava tube tunnels across the mountain. Elephants and buffaloes often visit the lava tube tunnels. A national park surrounding Mount Elgon also has rhinos, eagles, leopards, and duikers. Mount Longonot Mount Longonot is an inactive volcano that last erupted in the 1860s but is not completely extinct. The height of the mountain is 9108 feet, and the mountain's slopes are filled with ridges. Mount Longonot is a mountain in Kenya. A park nearby has plenty of wildlife, such as zebras and giraffes. The mountain is situated approximately 60 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. Travelers can visit the park by car, and the base of Mount Longonot has a lot of forest, even around the top crater. Compared to many stony mountains, this one is thickly wooded across the slopes and the summits. Satima Mount Satima is also "Ol Donyo Satima," which roughly translates to "Mountain of the bull calf." It is one of the Kenya mountains! It is the highest mountain across the Aberdare range, with a height of 13,127 feet, and is located on the northern side of the mountain range. The mountain has tussock grass and rocks in some areas and rainforests. There are bamboo forests and Moorland across a section of the mountain. The mountain has a collection of 150 species of plants, such as Podo and Cedar. The mountain is part of the water catchment area for both the Sasumua and Ndakaini dams. The two dams for Nairobi City are the primary source of water. Kinangop Kinangop is a dormant volcano in the Great Rift Valley and the west of the Kinangop Plateau. It is also situated in the Aberdares, with extensive bamboo forests across the mountain in the lower portion. The height of the mountain is 12815 feet. Moreover, the higher sections of the mountain are covered with tussock grass. The top of the mountain is rocky with open moorlands. The top of the mountain is quite chilly and turns freezing at night. Ngiro Mount Ngiro is located in the northern region of Kenya, with a height of 9344 feet. The mountain is part of the Great Rift Valley to the west overlooking the Suguta Valley. The upper slopes have forests, while the mountains is popular for cultivating bees. The mountain falls under the territory of the Samburu people, while the Lmasula phratry performs bee cultivation. The clan claims exclusive rights to the water and the land. Several other mountains and hills are situated in the nation, creating an exciting place for vacationing. If you are a hiking person, Kenya is the perfect place to visit as there are several advantages. There are enough mountains in Kenya for you to go hiking, as well as trails. It is a perfect spot to share holidays as well as weekends with your hiking partners. Some of the tallest mountains are situated in East Kenya. Kulal The mountain Kulal is identified as a biosphere reserve with lava fields, and the origin of the mountain is a volcano. The moisture in the biosphere leads to rain as well as mist, providing hydrological services to the people in northern Kenya. The mountain is located in the middle of East Africa, with steep slopes while deep canyons go across the mountain. It is also one of the driest places in Africa. There are forests across the mountain, a habitat for black rhinoceroses and elephants. Marsabit Mount Marsabit is surrounded by Mt. Marsabit National Park and Reserve, with a height of 1703 meters above sea level. The mountain has many craters, while the hills around it highlight the mountain. Across the mountain are many low-lying arid plains with elliptical shapes 70 km long on the northeast-southwest as well as 45 km wide on the northeast-southwest. The mountain comprises weathered lava flow. Mogila Mogila is one of the mountains of Kenya with a height of 1698 meters. A local relief of 300 meters, steep slopes, and a small summit area characterize the mountain. Moreover, it is located in the Turkana, creating the Great Dividing Range. Namanga Hills The mountain is in the southern part of Kenya. It is located on the borders of Tanzania, with the highest point being 2548 meters. The Great Rift Valley has four peaks: Suswa, Paka, Namarunu, and Menengai. The hills have a collection of hyenas, zebras, ostriches, as well as Antelopes. Cultural Relations Of The Mountains Of Kenya According to the Kikuyu tribe, they say the local Kikuyu god, N'gai resides at the summit of Mount Kenya. Mount Kenya is one such place that the local cultures worship. They consider these mountains the home of spirits as well as gods. Mount Kenya is a spiritual mountain, as the local communities think of it as the residence of God. Ethiopians also consider it the home of God and revered in its presence. The belief gains further confirmation because of the snow at the top of the mountain. The mountain is very close to the equator. Hence, it is quite surprising that there is snowfall at the top. There are thick forests around the mountain, and initially, the military dug the woods to flush the Maumau freedom fighters. According to the traditional version of Mount Kenya in Kikuyu, a star fell on the ground with a bang and formed the mountain. The mountain has volcanic ashes and oozing magma which forms the Kenyte. Mount Longonot has its Masai name, "Oloonong'ot," meaning "mountain with many spurs." The mountains are important as well as are traditional sites for worship by the local populations. Some vow in the mountain's name, while some send prayers based on cultural traditions. Both visitors and the natives join in collaborative activities such as mountain climbing and hiking. Are The Mountains Of Kenya A Cult? The high places in Kenya, especially mountains with snow caps, high mountain ranges, and island mountains, are cults. There are psychological roots of the communities who believe that mountains act as a heavenly ladder. Besides the spiritual connection for the community, mountains are also helpful natural elements for humans as they bring rain, while they also have volcanoes. Volcanoes have a fiery side to them, representing the element of earth. According to the myths based on the world's origin, mountains are the first natural element from ancient water. The indigenous people believe mountains are a great phenomenon of the earth, symbolizing cosmic connection. The local communities consider the mountains as shrines or altars for the Gods and worship them. For example, people in Africa often blame an earth deity when there is an earthquake. They also consider snakes to be culprits, a belief that their cult teaches in the cultural practices of Africa. Conclusion Did you notice something unique about the mountains of Kenya? Most of these mountains have physical features giving an Alpine appearance. There are many ridges across the mountains, giving it a ragged nature. So now you know about the beauty of the mountains, especially when it comes to the cultural aspect of it. People worshiping mountains is one tradition that integrates respect and protection of the natural elements. People from different cultures in Kenya believe in spirituality and offer prayers to the mountains. Let us know in the comments below if you see any culture where people worship mountains too! Read Also: Planning A Hunting Trip To Africa – Here’s What You Should Know The Blue Train: A Luxurious Expedition Across South Africa You Won’t Believe The Best Things To Do When In Fiji!

BY  Sibashree Aug 1, 2025

Singapore is a place you won't forget because it has a mix of modernity, rich culture, and a famous skyline. Okay, so—Singapore. If you’ve been there, you probably get it. And if not, just trust me—it’s one of those places that stays with you.  It’s shiny and modern, but at the same time, you turn a corner and there’s a temple that looks like it’s from another century. The food? Ridiculous. The views? Even more so. But here's the thing nobody tells you upfront: your hotel? It's not just somewhere to crash. It's a huge part of the whole vibe, especially if you're going all-in on the luxury experience. But, how to choose luxury hotel in Singapore? That can feel... kinda overwhelming. Let me walk you through how I usually figure it out. How To Choose Luxury Hotel In Singapore? Choosing the place where you are going to stay for your vacation is always exciting. But how to choose luxury hotel in Singapore? You have to consider a lot of things while choosing it. 1. Pick The Best Place For You So first off, you gotta ask yourself, “Why am I even here?” I mean, what are you really in Singapore for? Want to shop? Go somewhere close to Orchard Road—it’s like shopping overload in the best way. More into history and temples and that sort of thing? You’ll probably want Chinatown or Kampong Glam. Travelling with kids or just want some beachy downtime? Sentosa's the move. And if you’re in town for work stuff, or want those crazy Marina Bay views? Then yeah—stay near Marina Bay. Also, and I can’t say this enough, be near an MRT stop. It’s cheap, clean, and insanely efficient. You’ll save yourself so much walking and taxi money. 2. Make Sure The Amenities Fit Your Lifestyle Okay, here’s where it gets personal. Like—what does “luxury” mean to you? Is it a spa that melts your stress away in five minutes flat? Or a rooftop bar where they remember your name and your drink after one night? Or maybe you just need solid Wi-Fi and a quiet room so you can finish that Zoom call and then go disappear into the pool. Some places go really extra with the service—private butlers, curated city tours, chefs who’ll adjust the menu to your dietary thing... all that. But don’t just fall for the photos. Look at what actually matters to you, not what sounds fancy in a brochure. 3. Think About Different Themes And Designs Okay, not everyone cares about this. But I do. I mean, you could stay in some super clean, all-white, glass-everywhere kind of hotel, and that’s fine. Or you could stay in a place that feels like Singapore, like it actually tells you a story. There are hotels with old-school colonial architecture and crazy modern interiors. Or ones where you walk in and it's just this mix of bold colours, funky shapes, and stuff that kinda feels like an art exhibit.  There’s something cool about being in a place that doesn’t feel cookie-cutter, y’know? 4. Get Ideas From Real Guest Reviews Alright. Quick tip: don’t trust only the perfect pics and big influencer posts. Some of those are basically paid ads with filters. Instead, scroll through the messy, ranty, or surprisingly detailed reviews. If ten people say the breakfast is amazing? It probably is. If three folks mention mould in the bathroom, even if everything else looks nice? Yeah, that’s a red flag. I always try to find reviews from someone who travelled the way I am—like solo, or with a partner, or for work. You’ll get a much better read on what your own stay might feel like. 5. Think About How Private And Exclusive It Is Okay, this one’s kinda underrated. Some hotels—especially the bigger chain types—are just... crowded. Even if they’re five-star, it can feel like a luxury version of a mall. But the smaller boutique hotels? Totally different energy. Quieter, slower, more personal. You might not get the giant buffet breakfast, but you will get a front desk person who actually remembers your room number and maybe even your name. If you’re on a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or just don’t wanna deal with tour groups and loud lobby music, go small and classy. Trust me. 6. Look At The Loyalty Benefits And Packages Side By Side Quick money-saving trick: don’t ignore those loyalty programs. Even if you’re only gonna use it once a year, the perks can be solid, like surprise upgrades or free late checkout (a lifesaver if your flight’s in the evening). Also, check if the hotel’s running any random packages. Sometimes it’s stuff like airport transfers, spa credits, or a private dinner for two. It doesn’t always save you cash, but it can make your stay feel a lot more... taken care of. 7. Put Safety And Cleanliness First Yeah, I know. Not the fun part. But since the whole pandemic thing, this matters more than it used to. Most top-tier hotels say they’re clean, but still, dig a little deeper. There are various luxury boutique hotels in Singapore to choose from.  Look for stuff like contactless check-in, solid air filtration (it’s a thing now), and what guests actually say about how well-kept everything is. If the place is sparkling and the staff is on top of things? It’s one less thing to stress about. How To Choose Luxury Hotel In Singapore: Think Of Ypur Priority If you are wondering how to choose luxury hotel in Singapore, you need to think about what matters most to you, like the design, location, privacy, and amenities. At the end of the day, there’s no “best” hotel—just the one that hits all your buttons. It might be the place with the jaw-dropping skyline views. Or the one with a bathtub bigger than your entire apartment. Or maybe just somewhere that’s quiet, clean, and has ridiculously good room service. Whatever it is, when you find that spot that just gets it right, it becomes more than a hotel. It becomes part of the trip. Read Also: What to Expect When Hiring an Meeting Space in Singapore Dark Tourism In Singapore | 5+ Must Visits In The Lion City

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