Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Kevon - Ladakh to Nepal
"Where are you going to?" I asked him.
"I am walking through the Himalayan Valleys and my destination is Nepal'. He amazed me with his words and a smile on his lips.
"What is your name?' I wanted to know more about him.
"Kevin and I am from Australia'" said he.
I could not ask anything else but did not forget to catch him in my camera. He had carried all items that he required in the cart that he dragged all the way. Wherever he got tired he pitched his tent and ate from his stock that he kept. Perhaps one day he would see this blog and see himself, he would be glad.
I am sure he will get in touch with me if he sees this.
Golf In Shimla
The relation of the game of Golf with Shimla is very old. Originally introduce by Lord Curzon in 1903, Shimla has the oldest Golf Course in Northern Hills and the highest in Asia. Naldehra is famous for its scenic beauty. When Lord Curzon visited this place in the beginning of the last century he immediately fell in love with the place. Then during the summer, as the entire sub continent was controlled from Shimla, so Lord Curzon, on every weekend would camp in Naldehra along with his office an his family.
His third daughter was conceived there and when she was born, Lord, out of joy, named her after the place. She was called Lady Alexandra Naldehra. Lord Curzon got the Golf Course designed and played there every time he went there.
Alexandra was also in love with the place and in sixties, even after the Independence of India she would come here and regularly visited the place. Today every tourist visiting Shimla make it a point to visit Naldehra at least once. The course is set on the lofty slopes and is surrounded by a number of towering Cedars. There is a restaurant that serves all sorts of food to the visitors. Non members can also play there by paying fee on spot.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Bhima Kali Temple at Sarahan
Temple are an esential part of a Hindu's life and almost every Hindu once in his life goes to a temple of other. Himachal Pradesh in the north of India is called as "Dev Bhoomi - The Land of Gods" and is famous for its scatered temples all over the state. Some are famous for its dieties where are others are more famous among foreighn tourists due to their legends and architecture.
Bhimakali temple at Sarahan is one of them. Perhaps this is the most beutiful temple among all in the Himalayas and attracts not only Indians but foreighn tourists also due to its architectural aspects, woodwork and its grand size. Perhaps there is no other tmeple that has the similar aspects and is so attractive. It is not only the building of the temple but also its placement, the surroundings, the snowclad peaks and its approach from Shimla to its main complex.
As per the legend this area, then called Shonitpur, was ruled by a Demon King called Banasur. He was devotee of Lord Shiva but was a crule king so the people of the area are scared of this Demon and would speak nothing against him. His daughter once saw a youngman, in her drea, approaching her for her hand. She narrated this story to one of her friend cum who found out that the handsome youngman was, Prduman, the son of Lord Krishana who was the ruler of Mathura Dwarika. She went to Dwarika and kidnapped the youngman and brought him here. When Lord Krishana came to know about the kidnaping of his son, he attacked this area and Killed Banasur and buried his head right at the gates of the main complex of the temple. Later Praduman ruled this area.
Since then this Kindom was governed uninterruptedly by the descendants of this dynasty till the end of the princely estates in independant India. This ruling family got constructed a splendid temple in the State Capital and recoganised Mother Goddess Bhimakali as the presiding deity of the ruling family.
A religious festival called Udyapan Jag is celeberated here after a gap of 100 years or more. Last time it was done in 1904 that lasted for 6 months. 600 goats were sacrificed and 11 Brahamins - The holy men had housed the fed. Navratras are celeberated twice a year, all over the country and it lasts for nine nights, during Chaitra and Ashvin months of Hindu Calender, April and October respectively. During these Navratras the dieties from all over the area are brought up here and thousands of local people also throng the complex.
How to Reach : Reach Shimla by rail or road and drive to Sarahan. Taxies are very easily avaiable at Shimla. Stay here overnight and next day start driving via Kufari, Fagu, Theog, Narkanda, Nogli, Rampur, Jeori and form here turn right to Sarahan. This place form Shimla is 175 kilometers and is 17 kilometers right uphill from Jeori after Rampur. The road to the temple is in excellent condition and the beauty of the Himalayan Forests does not give you any chance to get tired.
Where to Stay : The temple complex has a guest house with very neat and clean rooms with attached toilet and bath facilities, fitted with hot water gysers. There are a number of guest houses in Sarahan and a Hotel Srikhand Mahadev run and managed by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department offers very good rooms with excellent view and a restaurant.
Bhimakali temple at Sarahan is one of them. Perhaps this is the most beutiful temple among all in the Himalayas and attracts not only Indians but foreighn tourists also due to its architectural aspects, woodwork and its grand size. Perhaps there is no other tmeple that has the similar aspects and is so attractive. It is not only the building of the temple but also its placement, the surroundings, the snowclad peaks and its approach from Shimla to its main complex.
As per the legend this area, then called Shonitpur, was ruled by a Demon King called Banasur. He was devotee of Lord Shiva but was a crule king so the people of the area are scared of this Demon and would speak nothing against him. His daughter once saw a youngman, in her drea, approaching her for her hand. She narrated this story to one of her friend cum who found out that the handsome youngman was, Prduman, the son of Lord Krishana who was the ruler of Mathura Dwarika. She went to Dwarika and kidnapped the youngman and brought him here. When Lord Krishana came to know about the kidnaping of his son, he attacked this area and Killed Banasur and buried his head right at the gates of the main complex of the temple. Later Praduman ruled this area.
Since then this Kindom was governed uninterruptedly by the descendants of this dynasty till the end of the princely estates in independant India. This ruling family got constructed a splendid temple in the State Capital and recoganised Mother Goddess Bhimakali as the presiding deity of the ruling family.
A religious festival called Udyapan Jag is celeberated here after a gap of 100 years or more. Last time it was done in 1904 that lasted for 6 months. 600 goats were sacrificed and 11 Brahamins - The holy men had housed the fed. Navratras are celeberated twice a year, all over the country and it lasts for nine nights, during Chaitra and Ashvin months of Hindu Calender, April and October respectively. During these Navratras the dieties from all over the area are brought up here and thousands of local people also throng the complex.
How to Reach : Reach Shimla by rail or road and drive to Sarahan. Taxies are very easily avaiable at Shimla. Stay here overnight and next day start driving via Kufari, Fagu, Theog, Narkanda, Nogli, Rampur, Jeori and form here turn right to Sarahan. This place form Shimla is 175 kilometers and is 17 kilometers right uphill from Jeori after Rampur. The road to the temple is in excellent condition and the beauty of the Himalayan Forests does not give you any chance to get tired.
Where to Stay : The temple complex has a guest house with very neat and clean rooms with attached toilet and bath facilities, fitted with hot water gysers. There are a number of guest houses in Sarahan and a Hotel Srikhand Mahadev run and managed by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department offers very good rooms with excellent view and a restaurant.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Amazing Banjar Valley
Mr. Rana – owner of Dolly Guest House in Jibhi, recommends Chaini fort the most, for half day’s hike, to his guests. Chaini Fort – locally known as Chaini Kothi, is the highest tower in that area. These types of towers were made in the ancient times to place the soldiers on the top storey and keep a watch.
A day’s visit to Seolsar lake is also not a bad idea. One just has to reach Jalori Pass from Jibhi and walk for five kilometers through the dense Himalayan Oak forest. Almost a leveled walk takes you to a small circular shaped holy lake. There is a small temple of ‘Boodhi Nagin’ – an old female snake, at the banks of the lake and before that a shepherd serves tea and biscuits to the visitors at a reasonable cost. He has created a small hut with stones and wood. This hut has a small charcoal stove in the middle of the room with a pipe taking its fumes out and a sitting place has also been created with slate stones covered with rags of gunny bags. He has placed a few benches around his shop but he does not mind if on a rainy day you enter his shop and get warmth from his charcoal stove.
Locals visit this sacred lake and the temple frequently. This trek does not end here. One can also walk down to village Ghiyagi near Jibhi through some located villages, pastures, fields, waterfalls and a small rivulet. and to other end of the trek is other option is to Jibhi is a small hamlet in Banjar valley, district Kullu in Himachal Pradesh in the North of India and Rana has converted his small village house at the bank of a small rivulet, to a guest house. Originally this traditional house was built by his ancestors. Every winter they came to live in this and returned to their native village up on the mountain top during summer. Rana spent few years of his life in Germany where he learnt to deal with foreigners and when he returned to his native village his vision had widened enough to introduce tourism in the valley. He became the first one to take initiative and proceeded to convert his traditional house to a guest house.
It was not an easy job as he had to face the strong objections of his family and village fellows. No one from his area favored him, but Rana had taken a step ahead to complete his mission and there was no looking back for him. He kept the structure in its original style and added western style bathrooms and toilets to every room. Along with geysers he also added showers and covered the walls of bathrooms with modern tiles. In small cozy rooms he kept the mud walls, traditional ceiling, white washed them, fitted them with basic electricity bulbs and switches and decorated rooms with soft beddings and clean linen. He kept the wooden doors as originally they were but overhauled them up to the better appearance.
He was already rich with the knowledge of the historical and natural places in the valley so he did not have to bother about what his guests would do in that region. He collected information about the history, accessibility and treks so that he could keep his guests busy.
He named his place as Doli Guest House and spread awareness about his place to some of his old friends in Shimla who were deeply involved in tourism business. His vision worked and he was able to open gates of Banjar Valley for budget class foreign travelers. Banjar valley gained the name as a new tourist destination.
Many times people have suggested him to dismantle the original house and erect a new building but Rana has decided to maintain the real ambience of the house. “Frankly speaking I am not very keen to advertise my place, since would like to keep the valley secret for special people and for myself at large” says he.
Jibhi one of the greenest valleys in Himalayas is famous for Himalayan architecture, temples, forts, remote villages, smiling faces, hospitable villagers and thick Himalayan forest. There are waterfalls, rivulets, streams, lakes, an old fort a kilometer above Jalori Pass, a vertical 11 story watch tower called Chaini and peace.
I walk down to the stream next to the guest house and stretch my legs on a rock. The murmuring sound of jade blue waters of stream slightly bothers the silence around. Behind me there is a small traditional Himalayan house where I stay every time I come to Jibhi. There are a few European young boys and girls staying in the house. They are back packers and spend along time of their travel here, in Rana’s guest house. They read, meditate, walk around, paint, write or just stay here and sometimes return to this place after visiting other places in Himalayas.
A day’s visit to Seolsar lake is also not a bad idea. One just has to reach Jalori Pass from Jibhi and walk for five kilometers through the dense Himalayan Oak forest. Almost a leveled walk takes you to a small circular shaped holy lake. There is a small temple of ‘Boodhi Nagin’ – an old female snake, at the banks of the lake and before that a shepherd serves tea and biscuits to the visitors at a reasonable cost. He has created a small hut with stones and wood. This hut has a small charcoal stove in the middle of the room with a pipe taking its fumes out and a sitting place has also been created with slate stones covered with rags of gunny bags. He has placed a few benches around his shop but he does not mind if on a rainy day you enter his shop and get warmth from his charcoal stove.
Locals visit this sacred lake and the temple frequently. This trek does not end here. One can also walk down to village Ghiyagi near Jibhi through some located villages, pastures, fields, waterfalls and a small rivulet. and to other end of the trek is other option is to Jibhi is a small hamlet in Banjar valley, district Kullu in Himachal Pradesh in the North of India and Rana has converted his small village house at the bank of a small rivulet, to a guest house. Originally this traditional house was built by his ancestors. Every winter they came to live in this and returned to their native village up on the mountain top during summer. Rana spent few years of his life in Germany where he learnt to deal with foreigners and when he returned to his native village his vision had widened enough to introduce tourism in the valley. He became the first one to take initiative and proceeded to convert his traditional house to a guest house.
It was not an easy job as he had to face the strong objections of his family and village fellows. No one from his area favored him, but Rana had taken a step ahead to complete his mission and there was no looking back for him. He kept the structure in its original style and added western style bathrooms and toilets to every room. Along with geysers he also added showers and covered the walls of bathrooms with modern tiles. In small cozy rooms he kept the mud walls, traditional ceiling, white washed them, fitted them with basic electricity bulbs and switches and decorated rooms with soft beddings and clean linen. He kept the wooden doors as originally they were but overhauled them up to the better appearance.
He was already rich with the knowledge of the historical and natural places in the valley so he did not have to bother about what his guests would do in that region. He collected information about the history, accessibility and treks so that he could keep his guests busy.
He named his place as Doli Guest House and spread awareness about his place to some of his old friends in Shimla who were deeply involved in tourism business. His vision worked and he was able to open gates of Banjar Valley for budget class foreign travelers. Banjar valley gained the name as a new tourist destination.
Many times people have suggested him to dismantle the original house and erect a new building but Rana has decided to maintain the real ambience of the house. “Frankly speaking I am not very keen to advertise my place, since would like to keep the valley secret for special people and for myself at large” says he.
Jibhi one of the greenest valleys in Himalayas is famous for Himalayan architecture, temples, forts, remote villages, smiling faces, hospitable villagers and thick Himalayan forest. There are waterfalls, rivulets, streams, lakes, an old fort a kilometer above Jalori Pass, a vertical 11 story watch tower called Chaini and peace.
I walk down to the stream next to the guest house and stretch my legs on a rock. The murmuring sound of jade blue waters of stream slightly bothers the silence around. Behind me there is a small traditional Himalayan house where I stay every time I come to Jibhi. There are a few European young boys and girls staying in the house. They are back packers and spend along time of their travel here, in Rana’s guest house. They read, meditate, walk around, paint, write or just stay here and sometimes return to this place after visiting other places in Himalayas.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Visit to Moonland
Do you want to have Moon as your next holiday destination, Yes? But sorry you cannot go there. Right? Ok, then take my suggestion and go to Spiti Valley.
A drive of 350 km from Shimla through breathtaking scenery of Himalayan landscapes takes you to Spiti Valley. After crossing Narkanda, 64 km, and then driving opposite of River Satluj from near Rampur, 130 km, you stop for a night each at Sarhan, Kalpa and Pooh. Then you cross a bridge at Khab where river Spiti meets Satluj. Now you are in Spiti Valley.
Astounding, right? You may not be able to blink your eyes as the barren landscape, here, keeps you hold your tongue and your eyes wide open. You are above the tree line and standing at the elevation of nearly 13000 feet.
Spiti valley shares its borders with Tibbet, so has the Tibbetian influence with the oldest ‘Gompa’ - the Monastery called Tabo, famous as Ajanta of Himalayas. Tabo was established in 996 AD by a Tibetan Scholar Lotsawa Rinchen Tsang Po. He travelled all the way form Lhasa and established this monastery here in order to translate Indian Buddhist scripture to Tibetan Language. It holds the second position only to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet in the entire Himalayan region. It was developed as an advanced centre for learning by the great teacher and translator, the king of western Himalayan Kingdom of Guge -- also known as Lha Lama Yeshe O'd or Mahaguru Ratnabhadra. The Chos-Khor at Tabo remained one of the most important Buddhist establishments during the time of Lotsawa after the Chos-Khor at Tholing, the capital town of Guge. To date, it is the preserver of the Buddhist Legacy and is one of the most important Gompa of the entire Tibetan Buddhist world.
Every Morning a ‘Traditional Puja’ is performed here by the Buddhist Monks who live in the complex. A guest house, in the monastery, provides accommodation to the travelers at very cheap rates. Tabo is also famous for its 700 to 900 years old wall paintings, still preserved and they depict the meaning of Buddhism. Old scriptures are still preserved in the Monastery. Nearly 36 almost life-size clay statues perch on the walls of the assembly hall. Here again, the temple complex is a National Historic treasure of India and protected as such by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Next morning you drive to Kaza but do not forget to visit Dhakar Monastery on the way. The drive is through the breathtaking landscape and the effects of the air erosion can be seen all over here on the slopes and river side. A number of rocks have been carved, by air, to take a pointed shape. Take right from Shichiling and ascend towards Dhakanr Gompa. Dhankar means "A place in the mountains unreachable for strangers" Dhankar was traditional Capital of Spiti valley kingdom during 17th century and is set picturesquely on a clay hill above Shichilling village. There is a castle on the hill top, which was once under rule of Spiti kings. The Dhankar monastery belongs to Gelugspa School of order. Set against a lunar landscape of crumbling cliffs, the ' Lha - Opa Gompa' dates back to the 12th century. It has over 150 monks, some fascinating 'thangka' sculptures and a statue of the 'Dhyan Buddha'. Some of the Gompas were destroyed during a particularly harsh winter in 1989. The present monastery is under threat of the geographical calamities so the monks are fighting to save it.
A further drive form Dhankar takes you to Lalung Village where a small monastery in Lingti Valley is situated built nearly 600 years ago. Lhalung Gonpa was certainly founded by Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo in 10th century, as there are signs of Lotsava's paintings in the Serkhang.
From here, to stay overnigh, Kaza is your next destination. Kaza, a small town that saw development recently and still improving, is the headquarter of Spiti valley and has a number of hotels, guest houses, a bazaar, a petrol pump, all kinds of low budget restaurants, cyber café, telephone shops and vehicle repair shops. The old houses here are getting buried under the new concrete construction and a rain fed stream that flows through the town towards Spiti River to its south, when dried is full of plastic and other kind of rubbish. It has the influence of the empty packets of junk food, empty bottles of mineral water and soft drinks and other non bio degradable material.
If you want to enjoy the most breathtaking Moonlike landscaping, a half days visit to the villages of Komic, Langcha and Damul should not be skipped at any cost. Here you are at the elevation of 5487 meters and would be astounded to see people living here. Locales work in their field where they grow pea crop and village boys run towards you with age old fossils in their hands. They intend to sell them to you as a negotiable cost but it is requested not to buy them as this way you take an essential part of the wealth of this area, away.
While visiting Kaza one can enjoy a trip to Kibber Sanctuary. This sanctuary is about 20 Km away from Kaza and is linked with road via Lalung, Langcha & Kibber village. One can see herds of Blue Sheep, Ibex and panoramic views of Shila Peak, Parang La & many other enchanting views of sanctuary. On way to Kibber one must enjoy the glimpse of famous Kee Gompa.
Kibber sanctuary is the only sanctuary in the country which is situated in the cold desert area. The sanctuary is covering an area of 1400.5 sq km. There are about 13 villages situated outside the periphery of the sanctuary. Only two households in one village Kibber exist inside the sanctuary area.
Just above the, on a hill, village Langcha there is a small monastery and the view of peak ChaoChao dominates the entire region. Next to the Monastery a huge statue of meditating Buddha has been established. The barren landscape has some rare medicinal plants such as Junglee Lahsun, Ratanjot and Ginger.
Next morning a full day drive takes you to to Manali over Kunzon Pass (4600 meter) and Rohtang Pass (4090 meter). Before you ascend the Kunzum Pass declare your passport at Losar. On top of the pass there is a temple of Goddess Kunzuma. Everyone must register his/her presence here at the temple. You try to stick a coin to the idol of the goddess and if you are a clean hearted fellow the coin sticks to it. From here starts the trek to Chandertal - The Moonlake, 9 km. A dust road good enough for small jeep can also take you to Chandertal from the other side of the pass. You must have your tents with you, in case you plan to stay there overnight.
Manali is busy town that survives on tourists completely, Indians and foreigners as well. This is full of life’s humdrum and offers all quality hotels, restaurants, bus station, taxies, airport that is 50 km away, rafting, bazaars, sightseeing, clubhouse and much more.
A drive of 350 km from Shimla through breathtaking scenery of Himalayan landscapes takes you to Spiti Valley. After crossing Narkanda, 64 km, and then driving opposite of River Satluj from near Rampur, 130 km, you stop for a night each at Sarhan, Kalpa and Pooh. Then you cross a bridge at Khab where river Spiti meets Satluj. Now you are in Spiti Valley.
Astounding, right? You may not be able to blink your eyes as the barren landscape, here, keeps you hold your tongue and your eyes wide open. You are above the tree line and standing at the elevation of nearly 13000 feet.
Spiti valley shares its borders with Tibbet, so has the Tibbetian influence with the oldest ‘Gompa’ - the Monastery called Tabo, famous as Ajanta of Himalayas. Tabo was established in 996 AD by a Tibetan Scholar Lotsawa Rinchen Tsang Po. He travelled all the way form Lhasa and established this monastery here in order to translate Indian Buddhist scripture to Tibetan Language. It holds the second position only to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet in the entire Himalayan region. It was developed as an advanced centre for learning by the great teacher and translator, the king of western Himalayan Kingdom of Guge -- also known as Lha Lama Yeshe O'd or Mahaguru Ratnabhadra. The Chos-Khor at Tabo remained one of the most important Buddhist establishments during the time of Lotsawa after the Chos-Khor at Tholing, the capital town of Guge. To date, it is the preserver of the Buddhist Legacy and is one of the most important Gompa of the entire Tibetan Buddhist world.
Every Morning a ‘Traditional Puja’ is performed here by the Buddhist Monks who live in the complex. A guest house, in the monastery, provides accommodation to the travelers at very cheap rates. Tabo is also famous for its 700 to 900 years old wall paintings, still preserved and they depict the meaning of Buddhism. Old scriptures are still preserved in the Monastery. Nearly 36 almost life-size clay statues perch on the walls of the assembly hall. Here again, the temple complex is a National Historic treasure of India and protected as such by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Next morning you drive to Kaza but do not forget to visit Dhakar Monastery on the way. The drive is through the breathtaking landscape and the effects of the air erosion can be seen all over here on the slopes and river side. A number of rocks have been carved, by air, to take a pointed shape. Take right from Shichiling and ascend towards Dhakanr Gompa. Dhankar means "A place in the mountains unreachable for strangers" Dhankar was traditional Capital of Spiti valley kingdom during 17th century and is set picturesquely on a clay hill above Shichilling village. There is a castle on the hill top, which was once under rule of Spiti kings. The Dhankar monastery belongs to Gelugspa School of order. Set against a lunar landscape of crumbling cliffs, the ' Lha - Opa Gompa' dates back to the 12th century. It has over 150 monks, some fascinating 'thangka' sculptures and a statue of the 'Dhyan Buddha'. Some of the Gompas were destroyed during a particularly harsh winter in 1989. The present monastery is under threat of the geographical calamities so the monks are fighting to save it.
A further drive form Dhankar takes you to Lalung Village where a small monastery in Lingti Valley is situated built nearly 600 years ago. Lhalung Gonpa was certainly founded by Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo in 10th century, as there are signs of Lotsava's paintings in the Serkhang.
From here, to stay overnigh, Kaza is your next destination. Kaza, a small town that saw development recently and still improving, is the headquarter of Spiti valley and has a number of hotels, guest houses, a bazaar, a petrol pump, all kinds of low budget restaurants, cyber café, telephone shops and vehicle repair shops. The old houses here are getting buried under the new concrete construction and a rain fed stream that flows through the town towards Spiti River to its south, when dried is full of plastic and other kind of rubbish. It has the influence of the empty packets of junk food, empty bottles of mineral water and soft drinks and other non bio degradable material.
If you want to enjoy the most breathtaking Moonlike landscaping, a half days visit to the villages of Komic, Langcha and Damul should not be skipped at any cost. Here you are at the elevation of 5487 meters and would be astounded to see people living here. Locales work in their field where they grow pea crop and village boys run towards you with age old fossils in their hands. They intend to sell them to you as a negotiable cost but it is requested not to buy them as this way you take an essential part of the wealth of this area, away.
While visiting Kaza one can enjoy a trip to Kibber Sanctuary. This sanctuary is about 20 Km away from Kaza and is linked with road via Lalung, Langcha & Kibber village. One can see herds of Blue Sheep, Ibex and panoramic views of Shila Peak, Parang La & many other enchanting views of sanctuary. On way to Kibber one must enjoy the glimpse of famous Kee Gompa.
Kibber sanctuary is the only sanctuary in the country which is situated in the cold desert area. The sanctuary is covering an area of 1400.5 sq km. There are about 13 villages situated outside the periphery of the sanctuary. Only two households in one village Kibber exist inside the sanctuary area.
Just above the, on a hill, village Langcha there is a small monastery and the view of peak ChaoChao dominates the entire region. Next to the Monastery a huge statue of meditating Buddha has been established. The barren landscape has some rare medicinal plants such as Junglee Lahsun, Ratanjot and Ginger.
Next morning a full day drive takes you to to Manali over Kunzon Pass (4600 meter) and Rohtang Pass (4090 meter). Before you ascend the Kunzum Pass declare your passport at Losar. On top of the pass there is a temple of Goddess Kunzuma. Everyone must register his/her presence here at the temple. You try to stick a coin to the idol of the goddess and if you are a clean hearted fellow the coin sticks to it. From here starts the trek to Chandertal - The Moonlake, 9 km. A dust road good enough for small jeep can also take you to Chandertal from the other side of the pass. You must have your tents with you, in case you plan to stay there overnight.
Manali is busy town that survives on tourists completely, Indians and foreigners as well. This is full of life’s humdrum and offers all quality hotels, restaurants, bus station, taxies, airport that is 50 km away, rafting, bazaars, sightseeing, clubhouse and much more.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Trek To Churdhar
A group of twenty executives of City Bank from Delhi office stayed in Himgiri Nature Resort near Rajgarh in Sirmaur – the southern most district of Himachal Pradesh in Northern India. Mr. Maninder Kohli, their Vice President an enthusiastic team leader and a keen trekker himself has made it compulsory for his every team member to go for a trek at least once a year. I think every corporate house must follow this rule. This time he was taking them to Churdhar peak, the highest peak of south Himachal.
I had already been informed by General Ugrasen Yadav, the owner of the resort, to guide his clients to the Peak. So I reached there a day before on my Motor Cycle from Shimla. The duty of transporting all the paraphernalia such as tents, kitchen equipment, sleeping bags, sleeping mattresses and utensils was put on the responsible shoulders of Sunil, the resort manager. It is impossible to complete the trek in one day so they were suggested to camp some where on the way for a night. The best place is Rohandy Nullah a wide meadow after eight kilometer and next stop is the starting end of Tesri.
Next morning things were transported by jeep to Nauradhar, 25 km from Didag and loaded on ponies. Sunil along with Govind – his cook, one camp boy - Satpal started their walk much before we reached Nauradhar by bus. Chandu, our locale guide was waiting for us in the market with his bag wearing in his arms.
Carrying our day packs filled with chocolates, water bottles and biscuits and lunch boxes started our climb and we also reached there. Nauradhar is a tiny town on Haripurdhar road where few buses stop after Rajgarh for a break. About five hundred people live here. Few locals have their own vehicles to transport sacks of vegetable
from surrounding villages to big markets and bring daily supplies to the shops in the market.
Initially for four to five kilometers we walked through few small villages. People have set up their small houses near the trail. These are small hill houses with tiled rooftops and mud plastered walls painted with lime stone water. The doors and windows are made of wood, painted green, brown or sometimes white. The houses are set up away from each other, surrounded by fields in which wheat was still green and Garlic was being sown. Here people do terrace farming and major part of the region is sunny as here we found hardly any trees.
Most of the houses face valley extending towards Garwal – the neighboring state.
We were surprised to see water taps out side the houses where women either washed clothes or taps were connected with plastic pipes taking water to the fields. Later we came to know that taps get water from the natural sources in hills.
As we advanced towards our destination we gained height and more and more open view of Sirmaur valley enchanted our eyes. It was second week of March so rhododendrons were in their full bloom. Green valley was decorated with red flowers everywhere.
‘Is this the flower whose petals are used to make squash?’ asked one of the party members to me.
‘Yes. It is available in the market’.
‘If I pluck all these flowers then how much money I shall earn?’ said some one.
They always want to spoil nature. Everything is business for them. In the name of development we are going to leave nothing for our coming generations.
Little more walk up side and we entered a mixed forest of oak and rhododendrons. The ground is moist and soft here. The view of the valley is obstructed by trees and the dense forest kept us away from the rest of the world. Few of the trees had been uprooted, perhaps due to heavy winds. They lied on the trail and we had to some times jump over them or go under them.
We occupied a slightly wide space on a rock near out trail and opened our lunch boxes. Govind, the cook at Himgiri Nature resort was kind enough to pack our lunch boxes with poori, chana, some pickle, a piece of fruit and salad. It was fun to enjoy lunch sitting on ground with our backs resting against oak trees. The space was surrounded by a dense forest, wind and silence. A doze on the rock with stretched legs after lunch was very refreshing.
Sunil was informed to stop and set up camp at Rohandi Nullah where a wide meadow welcomes travelers. Before we reached Rohandi Nullah a giant size rock was an attraction for all. From this rock Rohandi Nullah is not very far and before we entered meadow we encountered the first small patch of snow a few feet long. Some of them pulled their cameras to click photos.
‘You shall find more snow further?’ I told them but they were not ready to listen to me. Rohandy Nullah was the last destination, every one thought. The wide meadow is surrounded by thick cedar trees. I was the first one to reach with a group of five executives. Rest of them were slow walkers so they took some more time.
The meadow had a large patch of snow where many of them played in snow and got some photographs clicked.
‘Have we reached?’ every one asked me as they saw us stretched on the grass of meadow.
‘Yes, but I do not see any camp here. Sunil must have gone further’.
Why did not he stop here?’ they were tired.
‘He must have not found any water here’ answered Chandu.
‘We have to walk for another two kilometers’. I added to him.
‘That’s ok. We are ready to walk’ said Maninder. After some time we started again.
Sunil had setup camp at a round shaped flat ground in the mid of the forest. Before we reached camp there were enough sources of fresh water. We filled up our water bottles from there got refreshed and reached the camp site. Govind welcomed us with hot tea and biscuits and then we occupied our tents with two members in each tent with sleeping bags and mattresses provided.
As the night fell bon fire was set up in the middle of the camp and everyone sat around the fire. After couple of drinks it was time to sing and dance. Ajit an executive and Rajat - their assistant manager were good singers to make the evening exciting.
Dinner was ready at 08:30. Every one slept early as we had another walk next morning.
After breakfast few of them decided to go back where as Maninder and others walked further with me. The walk from this overnight campsite to the other end of Tesri is monotonous. Much of the area was packed with snow. As we advanced further more snow was found. It was dirty and melting. Tesri offers the view of valley behind Sirmaur from where panoramic view of snow clad Himalayan peaks from west to east can make anyone to take out his camera. Here we experienced two to eight feet snow at some places. The trail to the Churdhar Peak was covered with snow and we saw no foot steps on it.
In spite of our very sincere efforts we could touch only the bottom of the hill from where the trail to the peak was blocked due to snow. At last we were left with no option but to return to Himgiri Nature resort. Unfortunately we came back from a kilometer before the peak.
‘Perhaps the local God – Shirgul Devta, whose temple crowns the peaks was not happy with us so he does not permitted us to reach his temple’ said Chandu, our local guide.
Deities from surrounding villages are brought here when route to the temple opens. They are given a fresh wash, worshipped and taken back to their respective villages.
‘It is always next time. We had a good climb and I am happy that my team was able to make it till this point’ said Maninder and we walked back to Nauradhar where our bus waited for us to take us back to Himgiri Nature Resort.
I had already been informed by General Ugrasen Yadav, the owner of the resort, to guide his clients to the Peak. So I reached there a day before on my Motor Cycle from Shimla. The duty of transporting all the paraphernalia such as tents, kitchen equipment, sleeping bags, sleeping mattresses and utensils was put on the responsible shoulders of Sunil, the resort manager. It is impossible to complete the trek in one day so they were suggested to camp some where on the way for a night. The best place is Rohandy Nullah a wide meadow after eight kilometer and next stop is the starting end of Tesri.
Next morning things were transported by jeep to Nauradhar, 25 km from Didag and loaded on ponies. Sunil along with Govind – his cook, one camp boy - Satpal started their walk much before we reached Nauradhar by bus. Chandu, our locale guide was waiting for us in the market with his bag wearing in his arms.
Carrying our day packs filled with chocolates, water bottles and biscuits and lunch boxes started our climb and we also reached there. Nauradhar is a tiny town on Haripurdhar road where few buses stop after Rajgarh for a break. About five hundred people live here. Few locals have their own vehicles to transport sacks of vegetable
from surrounding villages to big markets and bring daily supplies to the shops in the market.
Initially for four to five kilometers we walked through few small villages. People have set up their small houses near the trail. These are small hill houses with tiled rooftops and mud plastered walls painted with lime stone water. The doors and windows are made of wood, painted green, brown or sometimes white. The houses are set up away from each other, surrounded by fields in which wheat was still green and Garlic was being sown. Here people do terrace farming and major part of the region is sunny as here we found hardly any trees.
Most of the houses face valley extending towards Garwal – the neighboring state.
We were surprised to see water taps out side the houses where women either washed clothes or taps were connected with plastic pipes taking water to the fields. Later we came to know that taps get water from the natural sources in hills.
As we advanced towards our destination we gained height and more and more open view of Sirmaur valley enchanted our eyes. It was second week of March so rhododendrons were in their full bloom. Green valley was decorated with red flowers everywhere.
‘Is this the flower whose petals are used to make squash?’ asked one of the party members to me.
‘Yes. It is available in the market’.
‘If I pluck all these flowers then how much money I shall earn?’ said some one.
They always want to spoil nature. Everything is business for them. In the name of development we are going to leave nothing for our coming generations.
Little more walk up side and we entered a mixed forest of oak and rhododendrons. The ground is moist and soft here. The view of the valley is obstructed by trees and the dense forest kept us away from the rest of the world. Few of the trees had been uprooted, perhaps due to heavy winds. They lied on the trail and we had to some times jump over them or go under them.
We occupied a slightly wide space on a rock near out trail and opened our lunch boxes. Govind, the cook at Himgiri Nature resort was kind enough to pack our lunch boxes with poori, chana, some pickle, a piece of fruit and salad. It was fun to enjoy lunch sitting on ground with our backs resting against oak trees. The space was surrounded by a dense forest, wind and silence. A doze on the rock with stretched legs after lunch was very refreshing.
Sunil was informed to stop and set up camp at Rohandi Nullah where a wide meadow welcomes travelers. Before we reached Rohandi Nullah a giant size rock was an attraction for all. From this rock Rohandi Nullah is not very far and before we entered meadow we encountered the first small patch of snow a few feet long. Some of them pulled their cameras to click photos.
‘You shall find more snow further?’ I told them but they were not ready to listen to me. Rohandy Nullah was the last destination, every one thought. The wide meadow is surrounded by thick cedar trees. I was the first one to reach with a group of five executives. Rest of them were slow walkers so they took some more time.
The meadow had a large patch of snow where many of them played in snow and got some photographs clicked.
‘Have we reached?’ every one asked me as they saw us stretched on the grass of meadow.
‘Yes, but I do not see any camp here. Sunil must have gone further’.
Why did not he stop here?’ they were tired.
‘He must have not found any water here’ answered Chandu.
‘We have to walk for another two kilometers’. I added to him.
‘That’s ok. We are ready to walk’ said Maninder. After some time we started again.
Sunil had setup camp at a round shaped flat ground in the mid of the forest. Before we reached camp there were enough sources of fresh water. We filled up our water bottles from there got refreshed and reached the camp site. Govind welcomed us with hot tea and biscuits and then we occupied our tents with two members in each tent with sleeping bags and mattresses provided.
As the night fell bon fire was set up in the middle of the camp and everyone sat around the fire. After couple of drinks it was time to sing and dance. Ajit an executive and Rajat - their assistant manager were good singers to make the evening exciting.
Dinner was ready at 08:30. Every one slept early as we had another walk next morning.
After breakfast few of them decided to go back where as Maninder and others walked further with me. The walk from this overnight campsite to the other end of Tesri is monotonous. Much of the area was packed with snow. As we advanced further more snow was found. It was dirty and melting. Tesri offers the view of valley behind Sirmaur from where panoramic view of snow clad Himalayan peaks from west to east can make anyone to take out his camera. Here we experienced two to eight feet snow at some places. The trail to the Churdhar Peak was covered with snow and we saw no foot steps on it.
In spite of our very sincere efforts we could touch only the bottom of the hill from where the trail to the peak was blocked due to snow. At last we were left with no option but to return to Himgiri Nature resort. Unfortunately we came back from a kilometer before the peak.
‘Perhaps the local God – Shirgul Devta, whose temple crowns the peaks was not happy with us so he does not permitted us to reach his temple’ said Chandu, our local guide.
Deities from surrounding villages are brought here when route to the temple opens. They are given a fresh wash, worshipped and taken back to their respective villages.
‘It is always next time. We had a good climb and I am happy that my team was able to make it till this point’ said Maninder and we walked back to Nauradhar where our bus waited for us to take us back to Himgiri Nature Resort.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Amazing Seraj & Dharamsala, Kinnaur with Taj Mahal
Type of Area You are Travelling Through : Your shall be visiting Dharam Sala - The Seat of HH Dalai Lama's Exile Government, Travel through the green area and one of the Most Breathtaking Views in a Hidden Vallye of Western Himalayas, Visit Shimla - Once the summer Capital of India during Raj and end your trip with a memorable visit to Taj mahal. During the drive through Seraj Valley the hieghest pass that you cross is Jalori Pass (3300 m).
This Program has been specially designed to be run during the Easter Holidays. Do not miss the Chance to visit Dharamsala - The Exile seat of HH Dala Lama, Seraj - A Hidden Valley of Middle Himalayas and Taj Mahal before you fly back to your parent country.
Bhimakali Temple at Sarhan
Amritsar / Dharamsala / Jibhi / Sarhan / Kalpa / Shimla / Delhi / Agra
Duration : 11 Days / 10 Nights
For any Furthur Details and Cost Please Contact us at :
Astounding Himalayas
Astounding Himalayas
Kishori Niwas
LongwoodShimla - 171001 -
Himachal Pradesh (INDIA)
Contact No. : +91 9816149102
E Mail : astoundinghimalayas@gmail.com
Day 01 : (6th April - 09) : Arrival at Amritsar : History of Amritsar is really fascinating. According to the legend, when the fourth Guru of the Sikhs Guru Ram Das heard about the healing powers of the pool, he ordered his son Guru Arjan Dev to erect a temple at the site. In 1588, the foundations of a city were laid which later on became an emblem of Sikh culture and history.
Day 01 : (6th April - 09) : Arrival at Amritsar : History of Amritsar is really fascinating. According to the legend, when the fourth Guru of the Sikhs Guru Ram Das heard about the healing powers of the pool, he ordered his son Guru Arjan Dev to erect a temple at the site. In 1588, the foundations of a city were laid which later on became an emblem of Sikh culture and history.
I will come personally to receive you at the Airtport. We shall drive to the Hotel Ranjit Sevasa (A Heritage Hotel) / Similar. On arrival Check in. After lunch we shall visit Jalianwala Bagh where General Dyerof British Army had opened Fire on Hundreds of Hindus and Sikhs who were having a public meeting in the Park. A number of them had been killed and many jumped into a well to save their lives but after some time the well was also full of dead bodies. In the evening we shall visit the Wagha Boarder (45 kilometer) to see the boarder Ceremony. The gates between India and Pakistan are opened every evening to pull the Flags down. The soldiers of both the side perform a Parade together. There is dance, music and Flag Ceremony. Drive back to your hotel. Dinner shall be served in the hotel.
Day 02 : (7th April - 09) : Drive to Dharamsala (6 hours drive) : Morning after breakfast Visit to Golden Temple. The Temple compound was completed in 1601 and then, Guru Granth Sahib (Also called Adi Granth), holy book of Sikhs was installed in the Temple. The Temple became popular as Harmandir (Temple of God). The temple is situated in the middle of the Pool of Nectar. Amrit – Means Nectar & Sar – Means Pool. The huge complex is made of Marble and here you can see a number of Sikh men and women cleaning the ground, washing utensils, bating in the pool and bowing before the temple. Drive to Dharamshala with packed lunch. Dharamshala is located at the elevation of 6000 ft above sea level but we shall be driving more ten Kilometers upside to reach McCleodganj. This is the seat of H.H. Dalai Lama who is running his Government in Exile from here. Dalai Lama arrived Dharamshala from Tibet in 1959 and since then he has been fighting to get his country free from China. McCleodganj is such a place where you might have a chance to see Faces from all Races. On arrival check into the Hotel Anand Palace / Chonoor. (3*** / Hotel with Thanks Paintings). Dinner at the hotel.
Day 03 : (8th April - 09) : Dharamshala : Morning After breakfast visit to Dalai Lama Monastery. The Monastery was built in 1987 and H.H. Dala Lama lives just opposite to that. The Monastery has a There is a Museum next to the Monastery that explains the life that used to be in Tibet and what is there now. Tibetans are fighting in peace to get their country free from China. Our next visit is to the Tibetan Children’s Village. This is a school where nearly 2000 children ( of all ages – 10 months to 18 years) from Tibet live. They are provided education, accommodation, meals, love, families and a chance to have a good future. Most of them are orphans or have lost their parents. Lunch at the hotel or at a restaurant in the Market.After lunch we visit the Narbulinga Institute where Tibetan Handicrafts are made and displayed for sale. A doll Museum also depicts the life style in Tibet. Dinner with drinks at Mcleo Restaurant.
Day 04 : (9th April - 09) :Dharamshala – Jibbi : (215 km - 8 hours drive) : We start at 0830 am. Jibhi is a sleepy village in Seraj Valley where you shall be staying in a Village House converted into a Guest House with neat and clean rooms with attached toilets and bathrooms. The owners has two more mountain huts up side across the rivulet. The route is through the Tea Estates once set up by British. We shall stop to visit the Tea Estates. A visit to a 6 century old Shiva temple shall be worth before we have Lunch at Visco Resort – at the banks or a rivulet in Mandi. We reach Jibbi in the evening. On arrival check into the Dolly Guest House (A Village House converted into a hotel). Dinner with drinks shall be served at the Guest house.
Day 05 : (10th April - 09) : Jibhi : Morning after breakfast we drive for 6 kilometer from where we hike up to Chaini Fort in Chaini Village. The fort is a 1000 years old vertical tower. These type of towers were built to place soldiers hon the top to keep a watch around. Afternoon visit to Jalori Pass (3350 meters) from where we can trek for 5 kilometer to Seolsar Lake. The view from the Pass is astounding on a clear day. The trek to Seolsar is through the thick Himalayn Oak Forest that give you chance of seeing wild life and Himalayan Birds. The beautiful lake is located at the other end of the trek with a small temple erected in a typical Himalayan style of architecture next to it.
Day 06 : (11th April - 09) : Jibhi - Sarhan : (8 hours drive) : Driving through the Seraj Valley along with a rivers, through the villages, crossing the pass and visiting villages and temples we come out at the other end of the valley. On the way visit to Bhaina Devi temple at Village Bhaina. The drive here is through the Himalayan Villages those are the marvel example of Himalayan architecture, Lifestyle & Culture. Lunch enroute and arrive Sarhan in the evening. Check into the hotel and then visit to Bhima Kali Temple. This temple is the biggest structure made of timber in the entire region. It is famous for its woodwork, location and the Goddess Bhimakali. Hotel Srikhand (A Himchal Tourism's 2*** Hotel) or Temple Guest House (In the Temple Complex).
Day 07 : (12th April - 09) : Sarahan to Kalpa : 2680 M (96 KM – 3 – 4 hrs. drive) : You now enter the Kinnaur district and the beautiful valley of Sangla. It is also known as Baspa valley as Baspa river flows through the valley. The valley offers enchanting view Snow clad Kinner Kailash – The Holy Mountain. On arrival check into Hotel Kinner Villa (An Excellent Guest with Valley facing Rooms). Kalpa is the main village of the District - Kalpa. Across the river, facing Kalpa is the majesty of the Kinner Kailash range. This is a spectacular sight early in the morning as the rising sun touches the snowy peaks with crimson and gold light.
Day 08: (13th April - 09) : Kalpa to Shimla : (250 km – 8 hours drive) : Drive to Shimla is through the forests, along with Satluj River, over Narkanda and through the Apple Orchards. Shimla has been the Summer Capital of British during Raj. The whole of Indian sub continent was controlled form here during summer every year from 1864 to 1947. This is the place where the documents of Independence were prepared in the Viceregal Lodge. Arrive Shimla in the evening and check into hotel.
Day 09 : (14th April - 09) : Shimla : Morning after breakfast we drive to the Viceregal Lodge. This astounding building has been the official residence of the Viceroy of India during British Raj. The building keeps many historical dates in its lap such as Shimla Conference, Meetings of Viceroy with Mahatma Gandhi about the independence and of course the evening parties of Viceregal’s life. After this we visit to Annadale Ground that is the only table land in the vicinity of Shimla. The ground was once used by British for Gymkhana, Polo, fairs and many other public functions. Today it is with the Indian Army who used it as a Golf Course, a part of the ground is used to park the Helicopter of the Chief Minister of the State and a Museum dedicated to the History of Indian army is housed in one old bungalow type building t the entrance of the Ground. Lunch shall be served in Hotel Oberoi Clark’s /at the eastern end of Shimla. Clarkes is the base of the Oberoi Group of Hotels’ Empire. OR Hotel Woodrina (This hotel is located in the outskirts of Shimla and surrounded by a Cedar forest with excellet view from your windows).
In the evening we proceed to a Jungle Resort where a group of Folk Dancers wait for us to perform. Before that you are welcomed by a priest from the nearby temple. The priest performs Hawan (a way of worshipping that is always performed on marriages, birth, before entering a new house, before starting a new business and on may other similar occasions). After the Hawan a Gift shall be presented to all the guest as this is the last day in the hills. This is followed by the program of folk dance performed by the locale artists, dinner with campfire and drinks.
Day 10 : (15th April - 09) : Shimla - Delhi : Morning after breakfast transfer to the railway station to board Toy Train to Kandaghat. (Dep : 1030 – Arr. Kandaghat : 1230). From Kandaghat we drive to Chandigarh to board flight to Delhi. (Dep. 1740 – Arr Delhi : 1845). Met on arrival at Palam airport in Delhi and transfer to the Hotel.
Day 11 : (16th April - 09) : Delhi – Agra - Delhi & Departure: Early morning transfer to New Delhi Railway Station to board Shatabadi Express to Agra. (Dep : 0615 Arrival Agra : 0815). Met on arrival and drive to see Taj. Visit Taj mahal. Followed by the Agra Fort. Lunch at Agra and drive to Fatehpur Sikri (35 km) from Agra. This site was established by the Third Mughal Emperor Akbar to be used as his Capital but he had to shift ot Delhi very soon. Evening transfer to Raiway Station to board shatabadi Express to Delhi. (Dep : 0815 PM : Arrival Delhi at 1015 PM). Met on arrival and transfer to the Hotel / International airport to board flight to your next destination.
Please : Let us know the exact departure schedule of your international flight so that we can make arrangements for your stay in Delhi on the last night.
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Buddhist Safari with Taj Mahal
Kinnaur & Spiti Valley : Buddhist Safari with Taj MahalDuring this trip to the Hidden Valleys of Himalayas the visitors go through the Real Experience to see the Indian Culture in the begining while when start at Shimla. On the first day we organise the Religious Function in which you see the real Worship done by the Priest invited from the nearby temple. That is followed by the performance of Folk Dance and dinner with drinks. But to organise all these we need minimum a group of 10 people onwards.
During the trips you go through the Hidden valleys of Western Himalayas, The Most beautiful scenery of the Cold Desert, High Altitude Lakes, Some of the Hundreds of years old Monasteries, Himalayan Villages and Amazing Landscape. Thos einterested Contact us at :
Astounding Himalayas
Kishori Niwas
Longwood
Shimla - 171001
Himachal Pradesh (INDIA)
Contact No. : +91 9816149102
E Mail : astoundinghimalayas@gmail.com
Website : http://www.astoundinghimalayas.synthasite.com/
http://www.sumitourescortnguide.synthasite.com/
Delhi / Shimla / Sarhan / Sangla / Kalpa / Nako / Tabo / Kibber / Ki Monastery / Kaylong / Trilokinath & Udaipur / Manali / Dharamsala / Amritsar / Delhi / Agra
Duration : 20 Days / 19 Nights
Duration : 20 Days / 19 Nights
Type of Area You are Travelling Through : Your enter from Green to Brown, gradually and cross some of the very high passes such as Kunzum La Pass – 4551 meters and Rohtang Pass (4090 m). Drink lots of water and use aspirin if you suffer Acute Mountain Sickness.
Best Period to Travel : Mid June to September End (subject to the opening of Kunzum Pass, otherwise we change the route and go via Manali).
Please Note : (The following itinerary has been prepared after a deep research and personal visits of the places. The details of the places mentioned in the itinerary and some other places is also given here in this document. You are welcome to discuss with us to add or remove any places, if you want, to the itinerary as per your comfort. It is very much possible to do so as most of the places mentioned in the details are on the way from Shimla to Manali).
Day 01 : Arrival at Delhi : Our representative waits for you at the airport. Met on arrival at the airport and transfer to you hotel.
Day 02:Train to Kalka : Early morning transfer to New Delhi Railway Station to board Shatabadi. (dep : 0630. Arr kalka : 1200). Arrive Kalka and change to Toy Train to Shimla. (dep. 1210. Arr Shimla : 1730). The toy train is linked with Shatabadi Express and does not leave till Shatabadi Express has arrived. Arrival at Shimla at 1730 and transfer to your hotel.
Day 03 Shimla : Half day Heritage walk visiting Christ Church, Jakhu Peak and Viceregal Lodge. In the after noon we shall meet and discuss anything you have in your mind regarding the trip.
Day 04: Shimla to Sarhan : 2165 M (175 KM – 6 hours drive) : Today’s drive takes you through lush green Apple Orchards. On the way river Satluj runs along side the age-old Indo-Tibet road. By early evening you arrive at Sarhan, perched high above the river Satluj. Check into the quaint little Guest House in the temple or Hotel Srikhand Mahadev.
Day 05: Sarahan to Sangla : 2680 M (95 KM – 3 – 4 hrs. drive) You now enter the Kinnaur district and the beautiful valley of Sangla. It is also known as Baspa valley as Baspa river flows through the valley. The valley offers enchanting view of snowclad peaks in the surroundings. On arrival check into a guest house or the pitch your tents.
Day 06: Sangla : Visit to the ancient Kamru fort & temple dedicated to Nag Devta – The Snake God. Afternoon visit to Chitkul, the highest and the last village in this valley.
Day 07: Sangla to Kalpa : 2759m (55 KM – 2 hrs. drive) : Kalpa is the main village of the District - Kalpa. Across the river, facing Kalpa is the majesty of the Kinner Kailash range. This is a spectacular sight early in the morning as the rising sun touches the snowy peaks with crimson and gold light.
Day 08 : Kalpa to Tabo : 2950 M (200 KM – 8 to 9 hrs drive) : Another pleasant day drive to the small village of Nako. On this drive you enter from green to brown area gradually.
Day 09 : Tabo to Kaza : 3050 M (45 KM – 4 hrs drive) Tabo is known as The Ajantas of Himalayas due to its wall paintings in the old Monestery of Tabo. On the way visit to Dhankar Monastery – once the house of Royal Family of the valley, Lalung Monastery in Lingti Valley. Reach Kaza in the evening and check into guest house.
Day 10 : Kaza : 3750 M. : Today we shall visit Langcha (4275 M) and Komic Village and its Monastery (4587 m). the view and the landscape is breathtaking, mind blowing and out standing.
Day 11 : Kaza to Chandertal (4500 m) Today after a hot breakfast, drive to Kibber is the highest village of the world that is connected with electricity, water, road and telephone. Ki Monastery located at the height of 3969 Meter. Visit the ancient monastery built on what is believed to be have been a crater of an extinct Volcano. The Monastery boasts of ancient brass instruments consisting of Trumpets, Cymbals & Drums. Drive to Losar (2.5 hrs drive). Drive to Kunzum pass and walk to Chandertal lake (9 km – 3 hrs walk). Those who cannot walk can drive to the lake. This moon lake is the origination point of Chandra River that becomes Chinab when it enters Pakistan. The lake is located at elevation of 4550 m. Over night stay at the camps.
Day 12 : Chandertal to Kaylong : 3350 Meter (4 to 5 hrs. drive) : Here you enter Lahaul Valley. Drive along the Chandra River, The landscape is barren all around while the valley floor is lush green with fields of Barley, Potato, and Hops spring with trees of Willow & Poplar. En-route we stop at tiny hamlet of Chatru for refreshment.
Day 13 : Kaylong to Udaipur (2650 Meter) and Trilokinath (2760 Meter) : Today drive along the Chandra Bhaga to sacred sites of Trilokinath & Udaipur. Trilokinath is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Perhaps the only place in the world that is revered by both Hindus & Buddhist. Udaipur is famous for the temple of Mrikula Devi, that was built by Pandwas during their exile. After visiting these exquisite temples return to Kaylong after a full days 100 KM drive.
Day 14: Kaylong to Manali through Rohtang Pass (13500ft) and Transfer to Hotel.
Day 15: Manali : Visit to ancient Hadimba Temple, Manu Maharishi Temple, Buddhist Monastery & Solang Valley and back to Hotel.
Day 16: Manali – Dharamsala (280 km - 8 hrs drive) : Drive to Dharamshala, the seat of Dalai Lama. On arrival check into hotel.
Day 17 : Dharamshala : Visit Dalai Lama Monastery, Tibetan Children Village and Narbulinga Institute where Tibetan Handicrafts are made and displayed.
Day 18 : Dharamshala - Amritsar ( 6 hrs drive ): Drive to Amritsar. Check into the hotel and proceed to see the Flag Ceremony to Waga boarder. Evening visit to Golden temple, the holy Sikh Shrine.
Day 19 : Amritsar - Delhi : Morning transfer to railwa station to board Shatabadi Express to Delhi . (Dep : 0515 Arr Delhi : 1115) On arrival transfer to hotel / International airport to board flight to your next destination.
Day 20 : Delhi – Agra : Morning transfer to New Delhi Railway Station to board Shatabadi Express to Agra. (Dep : 0615 Arr Agra : 0815). Met on arrival and drive to see Taj. Visit Taj mahal. Followed by the Agra Fort. Lunch at Agra and drive to Fatehpur Sikri (35 km) from Agra. This site was established by the Third Mughal Emperor Akbar to be used as his Capital but he had to shift ot Delhi very soon. Evening transfer to Raiway Station to board shatabadi Express to Delhi. (Dep : 0815 PM : Arrival Delhi at 1015 PM). Met on arrival and transfer to the Hotel / International airport to board flight to your next destination.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Jeep Safari in The Cold Desert
During this trip to the Hidden Valleys of Himalayas the visitors go through the Real Experience to see the Indian Culture in the begining while when start at Shimla. On the first day we organise the Religious Function in which you see the real Worship done by the Priest invited from the nearby temple. That is followed by the performance of Folk Dance and dinner with drinks. But to organise all these we need minimum a group of 10 people onwards.
During the trips you go through the Hidden valleys of Western Himalayas, The Most beautiful scenery of the Cold Desert, High Altitude Lakes, Some of the Hundreds of years old Monasteries, Himalayan Villages and Amazing Landscape. Thos einterested Contact us at :
Astounding Himalayas
Kishori Niwas
Longwood
Shimla - 171001
Himachal Pradesh (INDIA)
Contact No. : +91 9816149102
E Mail : astoundinghimalayas@gmail.com
Jeep Safari in the Cold Desert
Delhi / Shimla / Sarhan / Sangla / Kalpa / Nako / Tabo / Kibber / Ki Monastery / Kaylong Trilokinath & Udaipur / Sarchu / Leh
Duration : 19 Days / 18 Nights
Delhi / Shimla / Sarhan / Sangla / Kalpa / Nako / Tabo / Kibber / Ki Monastery / Kaylong Trilokinath & Udaipur / Sarchu / Leh
Duration : 19 Days / 18 Nights
Type of Area You are Travelling Through : Your enter from Green to Brown, gradually and cross some of the very high passes such as Kunzum Pass (4551 m) and Tanglang Pass (5328 m). Drink lots of water and use aspirin if you suffer Acute Mountain Sickness.
Best Period to Travel : Mid June to September End (subject to the opening of Kunzum Pass, otherwise we change the route and go via Manali).
Best Period to Travel : Mid June to September End (subject to the opening of Kunzum Pass, otherwise we change the route and go via Manali).
Number of Participants : Minimum : 2, Maximum : 24
Please Note : (The following itinerary has been prepared after a deep research and personal visits of the places. The details of the places mentioned in the itinerary and some other places are also given here in this document. You are welcome to discuss with us to add or remove any places, if you want, to the itinerary as per your comfort. It is very much possible to do so as most of the places mentioned in the details are on the way from Shimla to Leh).
Day 01 : Arrival at Delhi : Our representative waits for you at the airport. Met on arrival at the airport and transfer to you hotel.
Day 02 : Train to Kalka : Early morning transfer to New Delhi Railway Station to board Shatabadi. (dep : 0630. Arr kalka : 1200). Arrive Kalka and change to Toy Train to Shimla. (dep. 1210. Arr Shimla : 1730). The toy train is linked with Shatabadi Express and does not leave till Shatabadi Express has arrived. Arrival at Shimla at 1730 and transfer to your hotel.
Day 03 Shimla : Half day Heritage walk visiting Christ Church, Jakhu Peak and Viceregal Lodge. In the after noon we shall meet and discuss anything you have in your mind regarding the trip.
Day 04: Shimla to Sarhan : 2165 M (175 KM – 6 hours drive) : Today’s drive takes you through lush green Apple Orchards. On the way river Satluj runs along side the age-old Indo-Tibet road. By early evening you arrive at Sarhan, perched high above the river Satluj. Check into the quaint little Guest House in the temple or Hotel Srikhand Mahadev.
Day 05: Sarahan to Sangla : 2680 M (95 KM – 3 – 4 hrs. drive) You now enter the Kinnaur district and the beautiful valley of Sangla. It is also known as Baspa valley as Baspa river flows through the valley. The valley offers enchanting view of snow clad peaks in the surroundings. On arrival check into a guest house or the pitch your tents.
Day 06: Sangla : Visit to the ancient Kamru fort & temple dedicated to Nag Devta – The Snake God. Afternoon visit to Chitkul, the highest and the last village in this valley.
Day 07: Sangla to Kalpa : 2759m (55 KM – 2 hrs. drive) : Kalpa is the main village of the District - Kalpa. Across the river, facing Kalpa is the majesty of the Kinner Kailash range. This is a spectacular sight early in the morning as the rising sun touches the snowy peaks with crimson and gold light.
Day 08 : Kalpa to Tabo : 2950 M (200 KM – 8 to 9 hrs drive) : Another pleasant day drive to the small village of Nako. On this drive you enter from green to brown area gradually.
Day 09 : Tabo to Kaza : 3050 M (45 KM – 4 hrs drive) Tabo is known as The Ajantas of Himalayas due to its wall paintings in the old Monestery of Tabo. On the way visit to Dhankar Monastery – once the house of Royal Family of the valley, Lalung Monastery in Lingti Valley. Reach Kaza in the evening and check into guest house.
Day 10 : Kaza : 3750 M. : Today we shall visit Langcha (4275 M) and Komic Village and its Monastery (4587 m). the view and the landscape is breathtaking, mind blowing and out standing.
Day 11 : Kaza to Chandertal (4500 m) : Today after a hot breakfast, drive to Kibber is the highest village of the world that is connected with electricity, water, road and telephone. Ki Monastery located at the height of 3969 Meter. Visit the ancient monastery built on what is believed to be have been a crater of an extinct Volcano. The Monastery boasts of ancient brass instruments consisting of Trumpets, Cymbals & Drums. Drive to Losar (2.5 hrs drive). Drive to Kunzum pass and walk to Chandertal lake (9 km – 3 hrs walk). Those who cannot walk can drive to the lake. This moon lake is the origination point of Chandra River that becomes Chinab when it enters Pakistan. The lake is located at elevation of 4550 m. Over night stay at the camps.
Day 12 : Chandertal to Kaylong : 3350 Meter (4 to 5 hrs. drive) : Here you enter Lahaul Valley. Drive along the Chandra River, The landscape is barren all around while the valley floor is lush green with fields of Barley, Potato, and Hops spring with trees of Willow & Poplar. En-route we stop at tiny hamlet of Chatru for refreshment.
Day 13 : Kaylong to Udaipur (2650 Meter) and Trilokinath (2760 Meter) : Today drive along the Chandra Bhaga to sacred sites of Trilokinath & Udaipur. Trilokinath is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Perhaps the only place in the world that is revered by both Hindus & Buddhist. Udaipur is famous for the temple of Mrikula Devi, that was built by Pandaws during their exile. After visiting these exquisite temples return to Kaylong after a full days 100 KM drive.
Day 14 : Keylong to Sarchu (4253 Meter) : 115 KM : 6 to 7 hrs drive : Morning after breakfast drive over the Baralacha Pass (4883 meters) and the picturesque Suraj Tal Lake (4800 Meters) slowly entering another cold desert in Himalayas. Overnight at camp Sarchu. Sarchu is the place where we leave Himachal Pradesh Behind and enter Jammu & Kashmir State.
Day 15: Sarchu – Leh : (3450 Meter) : 246 KM – 8 to 9 hrs drive) : On this route we also cross the plateau of ‘More Plans’ for 45 kilometers. The beauty here is unexplainable. Then over the Tanglang La Pass (5328 meter) the highest point of the tour where you stand on the world’s second highest motor able pass.
Day 16 : Leh : A Complete day of visit to the Monasteries (104 Kms) After breakfast drive to visit the Shey Palace, Thiksey, Hemis monasteries and Stok Palace Museum. Packed or Hot Lunch will be provided. Return to Leh in the evening. Overnight Hotel.
Day 17 : Leh – Nubra Valley (120 Kms) : After Breakfast drive to Nubra Valley via Khardungla (Highest Motorable road in the World, 18,380 ft). Arrive at Deskit by Afternoon. Rest of the day one is free to explore Deskit, Hunder Villages and camel Safari in Sand Dunes between Deskit and Hunder Village. Overnight Hotel.
Day 18 : Nubra Valley to Leh (120 Kms) : After Breakfast visit Deskit Monastery and drive back to Leh by same Route, crossing Khardungla Pass. Overnight Hotel.
Day 18 : Nubra Valley to Leh (120 Kms) : After Breakfast visit Deskit Monastery and drive back to Leh by same Route, crossing Khardungla Pass. Overnight Hotel.
Day 19 : Leh – Delhi : Transfer to airport and fly back to Delhi with Sweet Memories of Ladakh. Met on arrival at the airport in Delhi and transfer to Hotel / International airport.
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