A motorized tour of
the Western Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh is critically designed for
those intending to travel leisurely by road through some of the most
fascinating countryside. Spring and early summer is a riot of colours. Early
autumn, the apples are harvested giving way to the glow of golden foliage.
The old towns were earlier British summer seekers dotted with quaint
cottages and churches. The various Hindu rulers have now converted the
properties to heritage hotels and Dharamsala is flocked by many to meet
Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader. Clear mountain air,
lush
meadows orchards dotted with wild flowers, rippling streams and rivers with
old wooden bridges, rustic slate roofed houses with cobbled paths, quaint
friendly people of different cultures that have remained unchanged for
centuries. Cross into forbidden kingdoms over craggy passes, past icy
glaciers and ancient monasteries, into the heart of mightiest of mountain
ranges, the Himalayas. Dhauladhar range divides Himachal into the famed
Kullu, Kangra and Chai regions. To the north lie Lahaul and Spiti, which
have a fantastic range of 5 peaks - a mountaineer's paradise.
1. KULLU VALLEY : The apple valley of Kullu is popularly known as "Valley
of Gods". According to local myth over three hundred "Gods"
preside in the three hundred and sixty five villages of Kullu. During the
Dussehra festival in autumn, grand processions are taken out. Surrounding
forests resound with the sound of kettle drums and horns, heralding the
advent of Gods into Kullu. Short treks in and around the valley provide
interesting insight into the life of the local people. The village of Malana
is of special interest where the inhabitants speak a different dialect and
are supposed to have originated from the lost armies of Alexander the Great.
Treks up to the 4000 Mt.Chandrakani Pass, the Manikaran sulphur hot springs
and Khir Ganga provide an unforgettable experience.
15 Days Delhi to Delhi :12 to 13 kms per day
3OOOft.
Grade: Moderate
Best Time:September to October and April to June
KuIIu Valley Explorer - 1
The district of Kullu lies some 300
miles north of Delhi. It is the source river Beas and its tributaries,
Parvati and Sainj. ln the upper Kullu valley, the mountains stand back on
either side for a couple of miles and fine plateaus run from their bases to
the river below. These plateaus are the gardens of Kullu. They are closely
and carefully cultivated and watered by canals brought out of the mountain
gorges. This part of the country is remarkably beautiful and has gained the
reputation as being perhaps the prettiest part in the whole of India.
The lower reaches are dotted here and there with villages; each
village with groups of houses standing as close together as the ground will
permit, are tower shaped, four-storied high but with one room to each store
sloping roof of stone or wooden slabs with projecting eaves and the wooden
verandahs thrown out around the upper storey, adorned with carving very
picturesque look. Surrounding the villages are terraced fields, planted here
and there with walnut and apricot trees or thick apple orchards. Ever green
oaks fringe the rice paddies providing winter fodder for the animals.
From our base in Manali lying at the head of the valley, we are able
to explore the nearby valleys and villages. We follow the paths and
wandering shepherd trails throughout pine forests, high pastures and
mountain passes. Hot water springs can be found and we visit these where
possible for a very welcome hot bath to round off the days trekking. At the
bazaar in Manali, traders from Tibet bring and sell their jewellery, while
local craftsmen make colorful blankets and sturdy jackets from homespun
wool.
From our previous experiences, we are aware that some
people like the idea of strolling along the easier trails, taking time to
get to know the area in greater detail. They also prefer to return to a
hotel or guest house each night rather than camp. With these criteria in
mind, we have designed these treks for the more mature traveller. They will
be of special interest to nature lovers and photographers, additionally the
culture and customs are unusual and full of variety. If there are any local
festivals we shall see them. We will spend time in villages looking at the
architecture, temples etc. Inside the homes we discover how the people live,
how to spin wool, how to weave, how to cook and prepare Indian food, etc. To
travel on a local bus and train is most entertaining and we could do some of
this too.
DELHI / NALAGARH / MANALI / ROHTANG
PASS / MANIKARAN / KULLU / PALAMPUR / DHARAMSALA / DELHI (14 DAYS)
Grade : Easy
Best
time : September to October and April to June
