Matterhorn

Zermatt, Valais, Switzerland.

Hiking Trail : Riffelalp to Gornergrat (no., 23 and 21)

I spend most part of the evening after work editing the photos captured during the last weekend and preparing for the next weekend trip - rather let me call it hike, as i almost hike every weekend being captivated by the nature around here in Switzerland. One fine day when i was searching for pics in flickr by filtering the groups / sets (yes ! i am paid user of flickr even after its awful redesign) by Switzerland, recognized there was a pattern. Every one in five photo contained this gigantic pyramidical mountain - 'Matterhorn'. As it is claimed in zermatt.ch, this of-course is the most photographed mountain in the world - a symbol of Switzerland. 

It was in my long wish list to witness this. Having got the swiss day pass on concession, decided to explore the Zermatt to Gornergrat hiking trail last saturday (14 Sep 2013). Zermatt is 3 hours from Zurich and the hiking trail is for almost 4 hours hence there was a need for me to catch the first train from Zurich. From Zurich reached Visp via Bern and then reached Zermatt in Matterhorn-Gotthard Bahn. Decided to start the hiking trail from Riffelalp and onboarded the Gornergrat Bahn which connects Zermatt (at 1690m) and Gornergrat (at 3089m). Both Zermatt and Gornergrat at tourist attractions and the journey between the two places is absolutely scenic. 5 mins just after Zermatt, Matterhorn was visible. A clear sky helped witness the beautiful peak in its true sense. 

After 20 minutes, i got down at Riffelalp and started my hike towards Gornergrat. There are a lot of options for the hike, i selected the Swiss top walk and decided to deviate towards Riffelsee. Best part of this hike is the view of Matterhorn all the way. It will be like you just keep moving as close as possible towards the mountain. The path is quite easy and not much challenging. With ease, reached Riffelberg in an hour an then continued towards Riffelsee. After an hour, reached an unnamed lake and couldn't resist but to admire the reflection of the peak in the crystal clear lake. Heard some fellow hiker in a group whisper - 'Welcome to Africa', as he finished explaining the geology of this giant pyramidical Matterhorn. Matterhorn was formed several million years ago when Africa moved closer to Europe causing folding of rocks and land forcing their way upwards thus resulting in the birth of Matterhorn.

For High Resolution, please visit PrK |photography

As the description in zermatt.ch claims - there may be no better-known mountain in the world whose natural shape comes so close to a pyramid as the Matterhorn. Located on the border between Switzerland and Italy, it towers 4478m, one of the famous mountains in the world. It got its pyramidal structure by snow glaciation and formation of cirque resulting in constant erosion of rocks over centuries of years. The four steep faces (North, South, East, West), culminate in two distinct summits - Swiss and Italian summit. The north and east faces overlook Zermatt in Swiss. The mountain is referred as Monte Servino in Italian and Mont Cervin in French. German name Matterhorn means Matte - Meadow, horn - Peak.

Uniquely associated with this peak is the 'banner cloud' formation. When the air flows above and around the summit with sufficient speed, the wind speed increases accompanied by the fall in pressure. The low pressure causes the air flow in the lee side of the peak. When the air is humid, clouds are formed. When clouds come close to the air stream that blows over the top it gets swept away by the wind speed thus forming the strips of banner cloud.

When it comes to Matterhorn there are lot of write-ups on how climbers achieved climbing to the peak. This was one of the last peaks to be climbed in the alps. It posed enormous challenge and consumed a lot of lives. The links provided in the reference have descriptive references on how this monster was conquered.

After admiring the reflection of Matterhorn, i continued my hike towards Riffelsee - another alpine lake just 20 mins from the first lake. The view of Matterhorn and Riffelhorn with its reflection on Riffelsee was even more captivating. From here i continued my hike to explore the view of 5 glaciers that merge along the sides of Gornergrat.

How To Reach

Via Train - 

From Zurich HB > Bern > Visp (train towards Brig)

From Visp > Zermatt (Matterhorn - Gotthard Bahn)

From Zermatt > Riffelalp (Gornergrat Bahn)

References

This blog refers the below links -

Wikipedia

Banner Clouds

Zermatt.ch

Victoria Peak, Hong Kong

Victoria Peak - one of the highest peaks in Hong Kong, that offers a 360 degree view of the Island.

Attraction - Victoria Peak

Location - The Peak

Victoria Peak

A must see attraction in Hong Kong island, the victoria peak, often referred to as 'the peak' offers a spectacular view of the skyscrapers in Hong Kong island, the victoria harbor and kowloon in new territory. Standing at 552 meters above sea level, the Peak is the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island. Combined with the experience of traveling in one of the world's oldest and most famous funicular railways since 1888 and the 360 degree vista from the highest viewing platform in the city, this is an attraction not to miss, though weather permitting.  The Peak has been one of the hot residential property since the 19th century. Early settlers were mostly British, though gradually the restriction was relaxed.

The Tram

Pulled by steel cables, the tram rises from 18 meters to 396 meters (about 1,300 feet) above sea level. Its true as they have specified in the official website that when you travel, the buildings on both sides will look inclined to you. That steep is the travel. The history of the tram dates back to 1881. Since then it has been a icon for Hong Kong. Before the tram existed, people were carried to the peak in sedan chairs. In May of 1881, the enterprising Scotsman Alexander Findlay Smith devised a plan to speed the development of new residences in the hill districts with the introduction of a funicular train that would connect Murray Barracks to Victoria Gap. On May 30, 1888, Governor Sir George William des Voeux officiated at the inauguration of this important transport for the commuters on the peak.

The Peak Tower

With the peak tram growing popular as a main touristic attraction, the Peak tower was built to cater to varied needs of the tourist. At 396m above sea level, the multi storied peak tower encompasses restaurants, shops, tram station and viewing deck. Sky terrace 428, at 428m from sea level is the viewing deck offering panoramic view.

My Experience

Hong Kong Island and New Territory from The Peak

For better resolution of the picture, please visit Prk |photography

Well.. I didn't wanted to miss this at any cost. When i started planning for Hong Kong, this was first in my wish list and in my schedule. Mainly for the view, a spectacular view up from the top. There are a number of sky scrappers and you get a spectacular view of them from here. On my weekend visit, i knew Saturday evening will be raining, hence i opted this for Sunday. Again, evening - as i wanted to get some sun into my shot.

I planned to catch the tram at around 5, as i have to return to airport to catch the flight at 9. After coming out of the Central MTR - get out of exit K on to Statue square. To the right you will see the massive HSBC tower. To its right is the old Bank of China Tower. Walk towards it and cross the bending road in the signal. You will reach the midpoint where you can see modern Bank of China Tower to the left, Cheung Kong tower to the right and Citi Bank plaza in front along the Garden Road. Walk 200m from there (a bit uphill) and you can see the Garden Road Peak Tram terminus. Note that you should reach ahead in time as you have to wait at least 1 hour in the queue if you have not got the tickets already.

After 30 mins in the queue, i managed to get the ticket - HKD 75 for Peak Tram return and Sky tower. There are other combo packs. Even lesser when you use Octopus card to pay. Getting the tickets online is best option to cut the Queue time. After getting the tickets a wait of about 20 mins is expected to onboard the tram. I chose the last portion of the tram and wanted to stand. It was a nice experience - as if you travel up sleeping on the tram door! Don't miss the spectacular view from here and do turn back and see the tracks leading down ! In 10 minutes you will reach the Peak Tram station at the peak. From here my only idea was to climb the multi stories (via escalators) up to the sky terrace 428 (note - you need the tickets to view from sky terrace). It was a dull evening - call it fog, smog - the view was not clear, yet i was very keen to get a good shot. I put my shop in a good spot and started getting few shots until the lights got turned on in the sky reaching buildings. After nearly 30 mins, i decided to get back. You can spend some time shopping - i managed to get few souvenirs. You need to come out of the peak tower to get the tram back. Again, there will be a queue for this. I did managed to get the train to airport and then flight back to Singapore !

How to reach

One of the best ways to reach is to take MTR to Central from wherever you are. From Central MTR - take exit K - walk along HSBC tower, Bank of China old tower and cross the road to get into Garden Road along the modern Bank of China Tower. 200m from here is the Garden road Peak Tram lower terminus. (clearly signed along the way from MTR).

References

This blog refers few information from the below links.

ThePeak

Tsing Ma Bridge, Hong Kong

Lantau Link - Tsing Ma Bridge, Ma Wan Viaduct & Kap Shui Mun Bridge forming the Lantau Link that connects Hong Kong's New territory peninsula with the Lantau Island.

Attraction - Tsing Ma Bridge, Ma Wan Channel, Noah's Ark, Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach

Location - Ma Wan Island, Hong Kong

Lantau Link

Lantau Link is a vital connection in the road and rail transport network joining Hong Kong’s commercial heart with the new international airport at Chek Lap Kok on Lantau Island. It is formed by two bridges — Tsing Ma suspension bridge crossing the main Ma Wan shipping channel between Tsing Yi and Ma Wan islands plus the Kap Shui Mun cable-stayed bridge, which traverses the waterway between Ma Wan and Lantau. The bridges are linked by a high level viaduct across Ma Wan Island. Both the 1,377m main span Tsing Ma Bridge and the 430m main span Kap Shui Mun Bridge carry a six-lane highway on their top decks and twin rail tracks plus two emergency road lanes on their sheltered lower levels, making them the largest bridges of their kind in the world and the first to provide a truly all-weather crossing, even in typhoon winds.

Tsing Ma Bridge

Ninth longest span suspension bridge in the world. It was the second when it was constructed (1997). It connects the two islands - Tsing Yi and Ma Wan and hence gets the name - Tsing Ma. The two decks of transport it has (road and rail) makes it the largest suspension bridge in the world of this kind. The bridge is so vital that it links International airport with other islands and it crosses the strategic shipping route to China. It is the centerpiece of Lantau Link. It has a main span of 1377m and height of 206m. The bridge opening in 1997 was inaugurated by Margaret Thatcher, former UK PM.

Ting Kau Bridge

This is adjacent to Tsing Ma bridge and links Tsing Yi Island and Tuen Mun road. It is world's first 4-span cable-stayed bridge and is 1177m long.

My Experience

Tsing Yi Bridge, a view from Tung Wan Beach opposite Noah's Ark

For high resolution picture, please visit - pk |photography

As part of my Hong Kong visit, this was second in the schedule. From Ngong Ping i took the cable car return to Tung Chung MTR and took the MTR to Tsing Yi which is in the Tung Chung line. From there i boarded the 'Park Island' shuttle and reached Noah's Arc.

The Ma Wan Tung Wan beach is just 20 steps from the bus stop and from there it was just breathtaking view of the Tsing Ma Bridge and a panoramic view of the Tung Wan beach with the view of Ting Kau bridge. It was 4 PM and still fog engulfed most of the island which gave a restrictive yet breathtaking view of the bridges. Its a sandy beach with rocks line along the bridge. A sunny day would have invited a long stroll along the beach. Also the shuttle crossed the Tsing Yi bridge to and from the journey which i enjoyed a lot.

How to reach

Its not only the Tsing Yi bridge that you will see but also witness other attractions such as the beach, Noah's ark etc., I found it useful to take the Park Island shuttle (accessible from Exit C of Tsing Yi MTR, clearly sign posted) and alight at Noah's arc. It takes 10 mins to reach and costs around 9 HKD. You can take the return shuttle from the same stop and the frequency of service is high. Alternatively you can plan and go to Lantau Link visitor center which is reachable by mini bus - 308M from Tsing Yi MTR (Exit A1). Frequency of this is limited.

References

The blog refers below links

Wiki - Tsing Ma Bridge
Wiki - Ting Kau Bridge
Mott Macdonald

Tian Tan Buddha, Hong Kong

Tian Tan - Altar of Heaven
Location - Muk Yue Peak, Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Attraction - World's largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha statue

Tian Tan Buddha is located near Po Lin Monastery in the Lantau Island of Hong Kong. A giant seated bronze statue situated on top of a three story structure which can be reached by claiming 268 steps. Based on the model of Altar of Heaven, Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China the statue has got the name Tian Tan.

History

In 1973, impressed by the seeing the heavenly Buddha statue of Kamakura - Japan, Buddha statue in Zhanghua - Taiwan and statues of Longmen & Dunhuang in China, the monks in Po Lin monastery committed to build a statue in Hong Kong.

The Statue

Seated over a Lotus, the planning of the construction of the statue started in 1976 and construction completed in 1993. Assisted by Beijing institute of Aerodynamics which used wind tunnels created for satellites and rockets to conduct wind tests on the statue. It was named 4th among the 10 Engineering wonders of Hong Kong in 2000 and was awarded 'Merit of unique artistic features by Hong Kong institution of engineers.

The three story podium on which the statue is seated contains the statue of ksitigarbha, the bell and museum. The bell rings 108 times during the day to symbolize '108 troubles of mankind'. Its a breathtaking view from the podium with the panoramic view of Lantau Island and view of south china sea.

There is a buddha relic (bone) , donated by Sri Lanka. It is placed in a protective glass shield.

My Experience

Tian Tan Buddha (engulfed in fog), a view from Ngong Ping village

For better resolution of the picture, please visit pk |photography

I visited Tian Tan Buddha on 02 Mar 2013, first day of my Hong Kong visit. This was my first stop in my long list of To See. I only had my camera kit as the main luggage, so it was very helpful for me to plan this visit directly from Airport.

After arriving at the airport and getting the Octopus card, i took the Lantau Island Bus - S1 just outside the airport. The direction to bus terminus is clearly posted and once you get into the Bus Terminus there is a big map with the location of the bus (numbers). The journey costs HKD 3.50. After boarding the bus it reached Ngong Ping 360 cable car terminus near Tung Chung MTR (underground) station.

Easy way to reach Tin Tan Buddha is to take the cable car from Ngong Ping. It costs HKD 130 for the return trip with a breathtaking view of the Island, Airport and the peaks. It was not 100% clear view when i reached there (11.30 AM) as the whole Island was engulfed in thick fog.

Cable car will drop you in the terminus at Po Lin Monastery and its 10 mins walk to the start of 268 steps to be claimed to see the statue. To go inside the podium beneath the statue where there is a museum and Buddha relic, we need to buy a ticket that costs HKD 30 with which we get snacks and refreshments in Po Lin Monastery.

Fog was so heavy that i was not able to see the buddha without climbing the 268 steps. Once i descended down there was no indication that there is a huge statue - the fog was so dense. It would have been a great experience had there been a blue sky without fog. Nevertheless, it was a fulfilling experience to see such a wonderful architecture and also to witness certain spiritual activities.

I took the cable car return trip to Tung Chung MTR and then headed towards Hong Kong Island (central) from there.

How to reach

Best way to reach is to take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car near Tung Chung MTR (explained above). We also have bus connectivity from Tung Chung MTR or reachable by Lantau Island taxi (blue).

References

This blog refers few information from the below links.

Po Lin Monastery
Ngong Ping 360
Wikipedia - Tian_Tan_Buddha