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.

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.

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

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.

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.