Incredible Himachal Pradesh

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Manali

The valley of gods, as the Kullu valley has come to be known, is perhaps the most delightful region in the western Himalayas. The main river valley is only 80 km long and 2 km at its broadest.

In the spring Kullu is at its most colourful with pink blossoms and white flowers while the higher slopes are aglow with gorgeous rhododendrons. With autumn, clear blue skies return and fields and forests alike show wonderful tints of crimson and ochre. By December, there is no greenery except the majestic pines and cedars in the forests. In winter the hillsides are flanked in white.



Places to see in Manali

Kothi (12 km)
A quiet but picturesque spot. The Rest House overlooks the narrow valley and commands views of the mountains. Below Kothi, for more than a kilometre the river Beas flows through a deep gorge, almost a subterranean passage, 30 metres or more in depth, and the cliffs which flank both sides of the canyon are a favourite haunt for rock pigeons. The site of the bridge provides an interesting historical episode in the early annals of Kullu.

Rahla Falls (2 km from Kothi)
Here the river Beas hurtles down from a height of about 50 metres. Charming spot for picnics.

Solang Valley (13 km)
A splendid valley between Manali and Kothi which offers views of the glaciers and snow-capped mountain peaks. The plateau is frequently used for holding camps by the trekking parties. Good skiing slopes of the Mountaineering Institute. Venue of annual winter carnival from February 10-14. Bus service upto Palchan village (10 km) and then by jeep or on foot.

Manali Sanctuary
A bridle path from the Manali log huts goes past the Dhoongri Temple and wanders into the dense deodar, kail, horse chestnut, walnut and maple forest which is a part of this sanctuary. Camping overnight in tents at Lambadug or Galiani Thatch is possible.

Lush green alpine pastures and glaciers lie beyond Galiani Thatch. Musk deer, monal and brown bear are often spotted. For those who venture still further into the glacier zone in summer, there are herds of ibex.

Around Manali

Rohtang Pass (51 km, 4,112 m)
On the highway to Keylong, the pass affords a wide-spread panorama of mountain scenery. In place of the pinnacled hills, sheltered valleys and cultivated tracts, the eye meets a range of precipitous cliffs, huge glaciers and piled Moraine, and deep ravines. Almost directly opposite is the well defined Sonepani glacier, slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypang, jagged pyramids of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.

The Beas river rises near the crest of Rohtang from a block of Mica-Schist. The pass normally opens for traffic after mid-June and officially closes in November. To its left, 200 metres higher, is the little lake of Sarkund (Dashair) visited by a number of people, the general belief being that a bath in these waters effects a cure of all bodily ailments-real or imaginary.

Keylong (117 km)
A fair sized village amidst green fields of barley and buckwheat, Keylong is the headquarters of the Lahaul and Spiti district, surrounded with brown hills and snowy heights. Karding Monastery overlooks Keylong and is 3.5 km across the Chandra river while Shashur Monastery is about 1 km from HPTDC Tourist Bungalow.

Triloknath and Udeypur (166 km)
These are two important places of pilgrimage in Pattan Valley. At Triloknath is a six armed image in white marble of Avalokiteshvara, Bodhisattava. Visitors will enjoy crossing the Chandra-Bhaga river and the trek of 3 km to reach the destination. The temple of Marikula at Udeypur is highly remarkable for its wood carvings.

Places to see in Kullu

Raghunathji Temple (1 km)
In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh installed here an idol of Lord Raghunathji, which he brought from Ayodhya. As a mark of his penance he placed the idol on his throne and it became the presidind deity of the valley.

Vaishno Devi (4 km)
A small cave enshrine an image of goddess Vaishno.Other temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Rama and Krishna.

Jagannathi Temple (3 km)
A stiff climb leads one to the shrine from where one gets a panoramic view of Kullu town.

Bijli Mahadev Temple (11 km)
The Bijli Mahadev temple one of the most striking temple is set on a spur, and is famous for its 60 ft high staff which periodically attracts lightning that shatters the Shivalinga. Each time this happens, it is pieced together by the temple priest.

The Great Himalayan National Park
Vast areas of alpine pasture and glaciers cap this park. Among the animals found in this part of the western Himalayas are musk deer, ghoral, thar, bharal, sewor, brown bear, leopard and snow leopard. Bird life includes a variety of colourful pheasants - monal, khalij, cheer and tragopan.

Kanawar Sanctuary
This sasnctuary located in the Parvati Valley of the Kullu District is the habitat of the Himalayan thar. A splendid trek is possible along the Garahan Nalla from Kasol through dense deodar and fir forests.

Around Kullu

Bajeshwar Mahadev Temple (Bajaura, 15 km)
The pyramidical temple (9th century AD) is embellished with wonderful carvings in stone and sculptural decorations. The three large image slabs on the exterior are all of a high order of sculpture in the Indian classical (Shikara) style.

Manikaran (45 km)
On the trekking route to Pulga and Pin Parvati pass, Manikaran is famous for its hot springs. Thousands of people take a dip in its hot waters. The water is so hot that dal (pulses), rice etc. can be boiled in it. It is also a well known pilgrimage centre and there is an ancient Hindu temple and a gurdwara here. According to a legend, Manikaran is also associated with Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Parvati, who lost and recovered her ear-ring here.

Pulga and Khirganga (16 km)
A stiff march takes one to the restful solitude of the Forest Rest House whose immediate environment affords a sylvan and peaceful retreat for body and mind. The Tos nullah, which branches off from the main Paravati valley is well worth exploration by those who favour the wilder aspects of natural scenery and are prepared to camp out. 10 km from Pulga lies Khirganga which is well-known for its hot springs.

Banjar (58 km, 1,534 m)
It is an excellent spot for trout fishing in Tirthan river. The famous temple of Shringa Rishi is located here in whose honour a fair is held every year in May. Accommodation is available at a PWD Rest House.

Shoja (13 km from the Banjar PWD Rest House at 2,650 m)
On the Kullu side of the Jalori pass, it is located in a setting of marvellous scenic surroundings.

Raison (16 km, 1,433 m)
On the way to Manali, it is an ideal site for spending a quiet holiday in solitary splendour and for holding youth camps and rallies. On the gurgling banks of the Beas there are 14 wooden huts of HPTDC.

Katrain (20 km)
Apple orchards, a Fruit Research Station and a trout hatchery lend prominence to the place.

Naggar (28 km)
On the left bank of the Beas and about three hundred metres above the river, Naggar is delightfully situated on a wooded slope and commands an extensive view, especially of the north west of the valley. It is an excellent place for a longer stay. Naggar was the capital of the Kullu Rajas for about 1,400 years. There are a large number of famous temples in and around Naggar. Artist Nicholas Roerich's art gallery is also worth a visit. Cars and jeeps can easily go up to the Naggar Castle which is now Himachal Tourism's well furnished Hotel Castle.

Malana (2100 m, 28 km)
To Naggar (30 km from Kullu) by bus and trek to Chanderkhani pass via Rumsu Thach (3650 m, 5 hour, views of White Sail (6446 m) and Papsura (6451 m), 12 km) then to Malana village (7 km) via Nagruni. 5 hour trek to Jari. Travel to Manali via Manikaran by bus : 4 days.

A little ahead off the beautiful Chandrakhani pass lies the tiny village of Malana, famous for the temple of Jamlu and its distinct social and cultural life. Reputed to be the oldest democracy in the world in existence where all the inhabitants of the village take part in managing its affairs. An exciting place for trekking.

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Lahaul & Spiti : Kaza (3050 m, 180 km from Manali)

This is a mountainous area that is located between Ladakh and Tibet in the north and the Kullu valley in the south. Lahaul begins 51 km north of Manali, right after crossing the 3978 m Rohtang Pass. The road further climbs Kunzum la (4560 m) before reaching Kaza. It is approached from Zanskar by going over the Shinga La Pass and from Ladakh by going over the Baralacha la Pass (4,870 m). A good word to know is "jule," which means hello, thank you and goodbye.

CHANDRATAL lake (4270 m) - 18 km trek from Batal, which is at the base of Kunzam la (4590 m) on the Kyelong - Kaja road.

Kaza is the main town in Spiti and is of the "old town" and the "new town". Many of the peaks here are over 6000 m, the highest being Mulkila at 6,500 m. It has some interesting Buddhist gompas and secluded villages.



What to See : Pin Valley National Park via Atargo, Kye Monastery, Kibber Village, Komic Village and Langza which is famous for its pre-historic relics in form of fossils.

Trekkers from Manali - Manikaran - Pulga, cross the Pin Parvati Pass and reach Dhankar via Mud and Sangam.

Route : Damphug - Losar - Hansa - Kibber - Rangrik - Kaza - Dhankar - Tabo (374 km from Shimla) - Sumra - Chango - Nako - Puh (Spiti)

Kaza is 180 km from Manali via Rohtang Pass. Follow NH 21 from Manali to Marhi and take the narrow road via Chhatru, Jilang, Losar, Hansa, Pangmo, Moorang, Sumling (Key Gompa is nearby), Rangrik, Spiti and to Kaza.

The road further leads to Lingti (3460 m), Sichling (Dhankar Gompa is nearby), Poh, Tabo (Gompa), Hurling, Sumdo and to the NH 22 (Shimla - Shipki la road) near Khab. Tabo is 47 km from Kaza. The 10th Century Tabo monastery houses more than 60 lamas.

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Kinnaur : Kalpa & Sangla

Kinnaur is situated on NH 22 which is 250 km away from Shimla. The district has trees like oak, chestnut, maple, birch, alder, magnolia, apple and apricot.

Kalpa is a little town situated in the lap of Mt. Kinner Kailash (6474 m), around 240 km from Shimla. Kalpa is surrounded by snowy peak for almost the whole year.

Shimla to Kalpa by bus (244 km) via Rampur. Kalpa to Thangi (2966 m) by bus. Trek to Lambar (12 km) - Charang (12 km, 3500 m) - Lalanti (8 km, 4420 m) - Base camp (6 km, 5000 m) - Chitkul (9 km, 3450 m) via Lalanti Pass (5000 m) - Sangla by bus : 8 days.

Carry on the NH22 to Narkanda (64 km, an easy 2 h drive), then Rampur (another 73 km, 2 h). From Rampur, you pass thru Jeori (23 km), Wangtu (37 km) and finally Karcham (20 km). The road from Wangtu to Karcham is in a bad state and occasionally the road is blocked for a couple of hours due to landslide. At Karcham, a right goes to Sangla valley, take a left towards Recong Peo/Kalpa (35 km). At Recong Peo, take the shorter steeper 7 km route to Kalpa.

Sangla valley starts 57 km short of Kalpa which has been named after a beautiful & populous village Sangla. Sangla (2680 m) is situated on the right bank of Baspa river 17 km from Karcham. Journey from Karcham onwards is enjoyable and adventurous throughout the valley. The natural scenery all around and the eternal snow view are picturesque and charming. It is also known as Baspa Valley since Baspa river flows through this area. This is the most charming valley in the entire District of Kinnaur. A temple dedicated to Nages god is worth a visit & other places are Sapni, Rackchham, Kilba, Kamru Fort which can also be visited.

The road from Sangla further leads to Chitkul (3,435 m, 1 hour by road). Chitkul is covered with snow during May.



Route : Shimla - Theog - Narkanda - Kotgarh - Rampur - Jhakri - Jeori - Wangtu - Karchham - Reckong Peo - Rispa - Jangi - Spello - Puh - Khab.

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Dalhousie (80 km from Pathankot railhead)

Isolated by high mountain ranges, the valley of Chamba is noted for the magnificence of its scenery.Set amidst thickly wooded hills, clothed in deodar and pine, Dalhousie has marvellous forest trails and picnic spots with splendid vistas over the Chamba Valley.

Pathankot - Jogindernagar toy train is another attraction (163 km)

Around Dalhousie

Khajjiar (1,851 m)
While it is possible to go by road, Khajjiar is just a pleasant one day walk from Dalhousie. An emerald, saucer shaped meadow at Khajjiar, surrounded by dense deodar forests, has a lake at its centre with a floating island, a forest rest house, a little temple with a golden spire and a golf course (22 km).



Subhash Baoli (2,085 m)
Not far from the G.P.O. Square is the spring at Subhash Baoli with panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. (1.6 km)

Satdhara (2,036 m)
Sparkling springs close to town, rich in mica and other minerals, are noted for their medicinal properties.

Panjpulla
Beyond Sathara is another pretty spot where the water from a natural tank flows under five little bridges (2 km).

Bakrota Hills (2,085 m)
The Bakrota Mall, a popular walking circuit around these hills has a spectacular view of the mountains.

Kalatope (2,440 m)
An ideal weekend retreat with forest rest houses and beautiful spots for picnics, in a little wildlife sanctuary (8.5 km).
Bara Pather : Enroute to Kalatope is the temple of Bhulwani Matha, in the village of Ahla (4 km).

Dhainkund (2,745 m)
The high peak of Dhainkund offers a bird's-eye view of the verdant valleys of the Beas, Chenab and Ravi rivers (10 km).

Sach Pass is a (4420 m) : It is 175 km from Dalhousie. 127 km from Chamba. Sach Pass is a short route to Leh compared to the Manali route. The pass is open from June to mid October. The road is narrow and unmetalled. It is the gateway to the Pangi Valley. Dalhousie - Chamba - Trella (90 km, 5 hour) - Sach Pass (motorable road) - Killar - Leh.

Trek to Bhanodi (2744 m, 13 km, 6 hour) from Trella, Satrundi (3658 m, 13 km, PWD rest house), to Sach pass (5 km, 3 hour). Start early morning to avoid high winds.



Getting There & Away

Air : The nearest airport is Kangra (Gaggal, 12 km)

Rail : The nearest narrow gauge railhead is Kangra (18 km). The nearest broad gauge station Pathankot, (90 km), is linked to major towns (Jalandhar).

Road : Well connected by road. Delhi 514 km, Chandigarh 239 km, Kulllu 214 km, Shimla 332 km.

General Information

Altitude : Between 1,250 m and 2,000 m
Temperature: Between 35 C in summer and 0 C in winter
Best Season : April to June/September to October
Clothing : (Summers/Winter) Light Woollens/Heavy Woollens

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Dharamsala (1457 m, 90 km from Pathankot railhead, 3 hour by road)

McLeod Ganj is 5 km from Dharamsala where Dalai Lama lives, home of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. Snow and sleet is common during the winter in upper Dharamshala, i.e., McLeodganj, Bhagsu Nag, Naddi etc. Bhagsu waterfall is behind the Bhagsunag Temple (2 km from McLeod Ganj), Dal Lake (2 km from McLeod Ganj) and then a further 3 km walk will lead the trekkers to Dharamkot. The snow line of Ilaqa Got is just a 5 km walk.

Dharamsala is the Headquarter of district Kangra.

Jawalamukhi Temple (54 km from Dharmasala) with shining gas flame is revered as Goddess. Jawalamukhi mela (October).

Distances

Chandigarh 239 km., Delhi 514 km., Nangal 145 km., Jalandhar 166 km., Hoshiarpur 128 km., Mandi 147 km., Jwalamukhi 55 km., Kullu 214 km., Manali 252 km., Chamba 192 km. and Shimla 322 km.

Prayer wheels



Trekking

Triund hill is a one day trek from McLeod Ganj (2975 m, 9 km)

Toral Pass trek (4575 m) which begins from Tang Narwana (1150 m, 10 km from Dharamshala).

There is a 6 day difficult trek across Bhimghasutri Pass (4580m) via near-vertical rocky ascents, steep cliffs and dangerous gorges.