AGORA VILLAGE

State : UTTARAKHAND
Experience Village Life, Garhwali Style Above the Valley of the Asiganga, at 2,250 meters lies Agora, a remote village in Garhwali setting.

Agora village lies at the top of a 6km trek from the Kalyani trout hatchery, the road head that is a further 14 km beyond the district headquarters town of Uttarkashi in western Garhwal.

At 2,250 meters, the village contains a cluster of about two dozen houses in secluded spot directly above the valley of the Asigan-ga. The deep gorge of the stream is dominated by Bakria peak and the village is the starting point both for its summit as well as the trout-filled Dodital.

From their lofty perch, the family members of village elder Jyoti Singh will gladly narrate the tales of earlier visitors headed for the heights above. Or how they have hung in here year after, tilling the hardly soil for that one crop and tending their flocks.

Accommodation can be booked in the forest rest house where the long glazed verandah affords stunning views.
Here is one village where one simply must smoke a hookah! In the central courtyard, as the chillum is prepared and passed around, men, women and children gather to sun themselves. The atmosphere is relaxed. Soon it is time for the women to step down to the fields-for it is they who till while the men sit back. The visitor is welcome to test his confidence with the scythe as a gentle breeze rustle through the fields. When the shadow lengthens, the temperature drops and it is time for the shaggy Bhotia dogs to emerge from the days slumber. The friendly villagers might even let you in to sample their evening meal followed by a final hookah!

A five day trek up the valley ends with the gradual ascent to Dodital. The altitude here is 3,310 m and the location, as peaceful and quiet as one could possibly wish. The flaming red rhododendrons and the colourful Monal pheasant may be seen. The lake is tranquil, tucked away in deep hollow that has been gouged out by early glaciation. For those properly equipped, an overnight stay can be provided in the log cabin or the forest rest house on the edge of the lake. The village is accessible throughout the year, though the trail beyond gets snowed under in winter when Dodital freezes-a great getaway in the season!

More Tourist Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

FAST FACTS

GETTING THERE :

By Air and Rail : The closest airport and railhead are at Dehradun.
By Road : From Uttarkashi(20 km away)

WHERE TO STAY :

Forest rest house or log cabins are available at Agora.