Ashwin Muralidharan

Dreamer, listener, and a curious soul. I indulge influence and leave my impressions behind. If you have something to say, I am all ears. PS: you can call me "Macha"

Articles by this Author
Experiential The Burning Tree of Har Ki Dun
12 January 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Be it a sleepover, party, or even a charcha over chai, this story can turn some heads and get some attention. On December 5th 2020, a group of mountain lovers and I started trekking towards the mounta

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Informative How to reach the famous base village Sankri?
13 January 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Sankri is a versatile village located in the Garwhal region of Uttarakhand. Every year hundreds of trekkers come to Sankri to explore the Himalayan mountains and wildlife. It serves as a base camp for

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Informative Highlights of Har Ki Dun Trek
15 January 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Clear your mind, relax and tune in to “Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin. If Led zeppelin would have visited the valley of gods, this song would have been a perfect match made in heaven. Way b

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Informative Har Ki Dun – Who is this trek meant for?
19 January 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

  Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayan Range of Uttarakhand, Har Ki Dun is one of the most sought after treks of India and not without reason. Set at a height of 3500 meters, the trail takes you thr

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Informative Markha Valley Winter Trek – Who is this meant for?
21 January 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

  In the dictionary of offbeat experiences, Markha Valley in winters is a distinct trek of Ladakh hosting unconventional trails and astonishing scenic beauty. The trail runs along the Markha Riv

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Informative Highlights of Markha Valley Winter Trek
22 January 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

We are all in constant search of people, places, and experiences that fulfill us. We want to be somewhere special, experience something new, meet someone who can indulge and influence us with their un

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Experiential A Visual Ode To Markha Valley Winter Trek
01 February 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

When you fall in love with a place, several descriptions come to your mind. Dreamland, heaven, wonderland, and even a second home. Markha valley winter trek is one of the frozen paradises located in L

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Informative The Flora and Fauna of Markha Valley
04 February 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Nature has its own way of balancing things. On one hand, it allows us to explore and experience obvious and evident splendor like the mountains and oceans. On the other hand, it also allows us to enga

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Informative Brahmatal - Who is this trek meant for?
22 February 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Situated in the interiors of the Uttarakhand region, Brahmatal is one of the most popular and beautiful treks of the Himalayas. Its simple trails and changing landscapes make it an ideal cho

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Informative How to reach the famous base village Lohajung?
23 February 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Lohajung is one of the famous adventure hubs of Uttarakhand, the Garhwal region. It serves as the base village for unique treks like RoopKund, Ali & Bedni Bugyal, and Brahmatal. Placed at the heig

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Picture Blogs Why does time slow at Brahmatal? – A photo story
02 March 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

When we truly experience a moment, time either accelerates or slows us down. We never notice it. We realize it as an after taste that lingers for a long time. Things like happiness, sports, exams, sta

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Experiential My first trek in the Himalayas – Har Ki Dun
03 March 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

First times are always the best.They are fresh.They create eternal impressions.They blossom with excitement. They find a place in our hearts. They never fade with time.They put a smile on our faces. T

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Experiential Markha Valley – A journey from the summer land to the winter capital
03 March 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Contrasts of life-1 In extreme heat, we tend to eat something cold. In extreme cold, we tend to eat something hot. Under scorching heat, when the sun smiles with shining flares, my friends and I use

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Informative What is the Life of a Trek Leader like at Bikat Adventures?
22 March 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Hear it directly from our Trek Leaders themselves. Wakeel Ahmed: Head of Expeditions and Training, Bikat Adventures I am proud to say I am the first employee of Bikat.  My entry into the world

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Informative How is the Snow Leopard Expedition different from our usual Treks?
12 April 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Though we have categorized the Snow Leopard Expedition under the adventure category, the itinerary is very different from our usual treks and mountaineering expeditions. The very nature of t

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Informative Snow Leopard Expedition - Who is this meant for?
12 April 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

There is a world within our world, filled with exotic landscapes sliced through by a frozen Indus river, hosting some of the rarest flora and fauna and miraculous experiences. We are talking about non

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Informative All You need to Know about the Snow Leopard Expedition
12 April 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

The Snow Leopard Winter Expedition in Rumbak Valley, Ladakh, is one of the most distinct experiences for all wildlife fans and trekkers out there. It does not have the greenery of the grassl

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Experiential Snow Leopard Winter Trek – An Episode from the Cartoons
12 April 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Before we get into the experience regarding the Snow Leopard Trek, I need to take a moment to explain the inner workings of my mind. Imagine the pink panther and its quirky soundtrack. Without an

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Experiential My experience as an On-Field-Writer at Bikat Adventures
17 May 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Most of our lives, the streams of Fantasy and Reality run parallel to each other. When these streams decide to branch out and blend at some places, dreams happen. Dreams, which we desire to

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Informative Highlights of Brahmatal
24 June 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Brahmatal is a divine glacial lake situated deep inside the Gharwal region of Uttarakhand, Himalayas. Ancient stories say that the creator Brahma meditated on the shores of this lake to get spiritual

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Picture Blogs The Classic Assets of Hampta Pass – A Photo Story!
02 September 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

If the Himalayan Mountains are a significant asset of India, the Hampta Pass occupies an indispensable spot on the Himalayas. Positioned at a height of 4200 meters, this wonder holds a variety of spec

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Adventure Camps Hampta Pass – A Big Box of Assorted Chocolates
03 September 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Life is like a box of chocolates! You never know what you gonna get! -Forrest Gump   As a child, summer holidays have always been about chocolates to me. I had a special uncle who used to vi

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Adventure Camps KGL – A double dream come true!
06 September 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

When you go closer to your wishes, they run away! When you move away from them, they come closer to you!  

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Informative Hampta Pass – Who is this trek meant for?
29 September 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Just like an assorted box of chocolates filled with delectable surprises at every bite, Hampta Pass is a tantalizing trek in Himachal Pradesh with landscapes set to astonish you at every step and stop

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Experiential One Pass, Endless Adventures: What trekkers have to say about Bikat Pass 2020
18 November 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

We are back with the third season of the much-awaited Bikat Pass. And it is better than ever! The Bikat Pass is a one of a kind Annual Trekking Pass that gives you exclusive access to 80 free and disc

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Experiential When I thought about the Brahma on Brahmatal Trek!
29 December 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Think about an unfished story, an incomplete painting, or even a piece of music without a rhythm.  What do you think happens to them?  Why do they never get closure? Where do they go?&nbs

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Informative Highlights of Kashmir Great lakes
29 December 2021 | Ashwin Muralidharan

If Himalayan beauty had a standard or a metric for rating, the greatest and the prettiest of them all will be The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. The KGL trek is a celestial paradise on earth that has large

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Informative How to reach Jobra - The Base Village of Hampta Pass trek!
31 January 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Hampta Pass is a stunning crossover trek that connects the lush green Kullu valley on one side with the bold and barren Lahaul range on the other side. Situated at a height of 4200 M in Himachal Prade

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Informative Highlights of the Hampta Pass Trek
14 February 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

If there is a Himalayan mirror to tell us which is the most unique Mountain Pass of them all, it would be the versatile Hampta Pass. The Hampta Pass is a mini haven that holds all the surprises a trek

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Informative Warwan Valley Trek – Who is This Meant For?
13 May 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Warwan Valley trek is one of the ultimate treks of Himalayas for 3 reasons – firstly, it is less traveled and the trails are unexplored. Secondly, it offers all the Himalayan wonders like glacie

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Picture Blogs The WOWs of Warwan Valley Trek
13 May 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Let’s say after YOLO, FOMO, and LOL, the millennial short form of wonder is WOW. The Warwan Valley trek is a magical destination that is sure to cast a spell on you with its wonders. Every day i

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Informative How to Reach Gulaba
24 May 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Gulaba is the legendary winter village of Himachal Pradesh. Bordered by Rohtang Pass on one side and Solang Valley on the other, this beautiful hamlet attracts thousands of tourists from across the wo

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Experiential The Lives of Leaves in Phulara
24 May 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Kung Fu Panda comes from the Panda village.  He-man lived in Eternia.  Smurfs had their own Smurf village.  Aladdin became the king of Agrabah. Harry Potter went to the magic world

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Informative how to reach panikhar
24 May 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Panikhar, a charming hamlet settled at the height of 3,300M in Suru valley, Kargil district, is an exceptional Himalayan hotspot with snowcapped mountains and crystal-clear rivers. Adventure lovers co

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Picture Blogs Phulara Ridge Trek – A Photo Story
24 May 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

In a stint to explore new Himalayan destinations, we stumbled upon Phulara Ridge which is a unique and untouched wonder from the Sankri Range in Uttarakhand. For those with an insatiable thirst for so

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Informative Phulara Ridge: Who is This Trek Meant For?
24 May 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Phulara Ridge is a heavenly corridor that gracefully extends between lush meadows, valleys, and peaks of the Sankri Range in Uttarakhand. Set at 3,700M, this unusual ridge is still untouched. It has s

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Informative Bhrigu Lake – Who is This Trek Meant For?
24 May 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

We all seek different kinds of terrain in different regions of the Himalayas. Bhrigu Lake is the shortest and most popular monsoon trail for those who love to trek in mild showers and a pleasant weath

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Experiential Lost & Found on Bhrigu Lake
24 May 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

What comes to your mind when you read this title? Let me guess: An expensive watch? Maybe a golden ring? My wallet?  Or A trekking gear?   None of the above.   As we grow up a

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Informative Highlights of Bhrigu Lake Trek
24 May 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Of the many high-altitude lakes in the pristine mountains of Himachal Pradesh, Bhrigu Lake is, without a doubt, one of the most easily accessible, beautiful, and serene alpine lakes. While for the oth

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Picture Blogs The Spectacles of Bhrigu Lake Trek: A Photo Story
24 May 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

From legends to folk tales, mystical places always have a unique ambience around them. Just like the movies, when the main character enters, special effects take over to produce a grand effect. Be pre

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Informative Know your Kayak: A Beginner's Guide to the Different Types of a Kayak, their parts and the Functions they Serve
16 June 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Are you figuring out how to beat the summer heat or you are looking for a personal connection with nature away from the chaos of crowded cities?  Either way, kayaking is the perfect solution for

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Know How How to Attire for White Water Kayaking
17 June 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Looking for ways to experience nature from the front seat? If yes, kayaking is your answer. However, before you decide to jump into the waters, the most important thing to learn is what to wear. Right

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Experiential THE PITSTOPS AND SCENERIES OF GANGA
23 June 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

What makes traveling long-distance fun? It's the window seat, billboards, munchies on small breaks, and the interesting characters we meet on the way. Long-distance travel has always been an integra

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Informative KAYAKING – MYTHS, FACTS, TIPS & TRIVIA
23 June 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

In the world of water sports, kayaking is a mystery box filled with facts and stories. Curious beginners surf through different blogs and articles to know more about the itinerary and the techniques t

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Know How HOW TO SIT INSIDE A KAYAK: A BEGINNERS’ GUIDE
23 June 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Getting inside a kayak is not a complex task. Beginners tend to tumble and fall in the beginning. But, it’s only a matter of getting proper guidance and practice. Kayaking is a sport of balancin

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Know How HOW TO PADDLE IN KAYAKING: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE
23 June 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Paddling is the primary motion that lets a kayaker move freely on different kinds of water. The techniques and the strokes of paddling are the same in all forms of kayaking like white water, recreatio

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Know How HOW TO LAUNCH A KAYAK INTO WATER: A BEGINNERS’ GUIDE
23 June 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

After learning how to attire and how to sit, the third step you will learn in the basic kayaking course is how to launch a kayak in water. The term ‘launching’ means, smoothly entering the

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Know How HOW TO DRAIN WATER FROM A KAYAK: A Beginners’ Guide
23 June 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Rolling over is very common in the sport of kayaking. Specifically, when it comes to white water kayaking, we use sit-in-kayaks designed to keep us warm and dry. Only pro kayakers know advanced techni

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Know How HOW TO GET OUT OF A KAYAK- A BEGINNERS’ GUIDE
23 June 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Getting out of a kayak is slightly different from getting into one. Almost all beginners fall on their first attempt, which may not look graceful. But it’s okay. Even pro kayakers lose their bal

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Informative HIGHLIGHTS OF WARWAN VALLEY
14 July 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Warwan Valley, home to versatile landscapes and exotic experiences, is the pinnacle of Himalayan beauty. Imagine all the unique features of the Himalayas from different regions offered to you in a sin

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Experiential Warwan Valley – A Personal Story!
14 July 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

The Conversation Hostel vibes are always cheerful and loud. But, surprisingly, on a Monday evening, a couple of trek leaders and I were immersed in silence and our phone screens. We were waiting for

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Informative BASIC KAYAKING COURSE – A BRIEF GUIDE
15 July 2022 | Ashwin Muralidharan

Kayaking is an amazing way to get out of home and beat the heat. It is a unique water sport to experience fun and thrill while moving through the pristine waters of nature. The sport has something for

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