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
.
India
Tour Packages