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Kullu Valley Explorer
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LONGER TREKS AROUND KULLU FEATURING CHANDRAKANI PASS. MALANA, PARVATI
VALLEY,MANIKARAN, KHIRGANGA
Walking around the Kullu
valley enables you to get up into the pine forests away from civilization
andexperience the true flavour of this remarkable region at first
hand. The features of this trek include three different valley systems
and the 12000 ft Chandrakani pass with marvelous views to Lahaul,
Kinnaur and Spiti. The village of Malana is especially interesting
- the inhabitants speak their own language and are supposed to originate
from the lost armies of Alexander the Great. At sulphur - filled
Manikaran you can cook meals in the hottest springs.
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Day 1. Fly to KuIlu, scenic 50 kms
drive through terraced fields and orchards of Manali 16000 ft.
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Day 2. Rest. ; explore Manali bazaar, Old
Manali, Hadimba temple.
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Day 3. Morning free, afternoon by road to
Naggar castle. Explore nearby Krishna temple. Magnificent views
of the Kullu valley.
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Day 4. Walk to Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery
for display of mountain painting.' Continue climbing up a meadow
for lunch. Leave the tree line and camp belo~ Chandrakani pass,
( 6 hrs ).
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Day 5. Over Chandrakani Pass stop at top for
snack. Steep descent to Malan village - camp on bluff ( 5 hrs ).
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Day 6. Explore the village. Malana claims
to be the oldest democracy in the won with an upper and lower parliament,
its own laws and customs. Afternoon walk beside Malana river to
Choki - the entrance to the Parvati valley ( 5 hrs ).
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Day 7. Walk beside Parvati river to Kasol.
Camp on sandy beach beside the river. Possibility of trout fishing.
Afternoon free or stroll to Manikaran for a hot bath
( 3 hrs).
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Day 8. Through Manikaran on a reasonable track,
cross river for an hour climb
to Pulga village. Stay in or near a charming forest rest house (
5 hrs ).
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Day 9. A narrow trail leads to the open air
pool at Khirganga. Takes approx.
6-7 hr,
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Day 10. Return to Manika ran for bath. Afternoon
by road to Manali ( 4 hrs ).
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Day 11. Rest, explore Vashist, Jagatsukh -
site of the ancient capital.
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Day 12. Day trip to Rohtang Pass 13,050 ft.
Optional walk down to Palchan village through carpets of wild flowers.
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Day 13. Sightseeing by road through the Himachal
Pradesh foothills to Nalagarh Overnight palace hotel.
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Day 14. By train to Delhi.
- Grade : Moderate
- Best time : April to June and September to October
2. JALORI PASS PONY TREK
Through densely forested Himalayan cedar trees, the peaks Trail,
Khannag, Takrari and Shoja provide spellbinding views. The Sorleskar
lake above the pass is at approx. 3500 m. This area was known as
Inner Seraj and is largely what Lady Penelope Benjamin, daughter
of Field Marshal, Lord Chetwode has written in her famous book on
Kullu - " A fascinating and magnificent country".
- Duration
- Average Trek
- Maximum Height
- Grade
- Best time
- 2 Days Delhi to Delhi
- O to 72 kms per day
- Easy :May to October
3. CHANDRAKHANI / MALANA ESCAPADE
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Day 1. MANALI I NAGGAR / TELLING : Transfer
from Manali to Naggar by road. Trek starts from Naggar with a visit
to the famous Roerich Art Gallery and legendary Naggar Castle. Climbing
steadily past Rumsu village, the trek enters a thick cedar forest
and opens out at an alpine meadow in Stelling.
- Trekking time : 3 hrs
- Grade : Easy
2. STELLING / GHAN KALARI Trekking begins with the
trail winding up through a fir, oak and walnut forest. Passing enroute,
the meadows of Chaklani and Parol, with views of Kullu valley below
and spectacular peaks of Bara Bangal and Pir Panchal ranges in the
horizons. After the initial climb, the trek levels off with a slight
ascent before Ohan Kalari. Ohan Kalari has a magnificent view of
the Chandrakhani Pass. This area is rich in Rhododendren trees and
Juniper bushes.
- Trekking time : 5 hrs
- Grade : Moderate
3. GHAN KALARI / CHANDRAKHANI PASS / NAGRUNI : The
trek to Chandrakhani is a pleasant climb. We reach the highest point
of our trek here at 11600 ft. The Pass itself is a flat ridge, providing
a 360 deg. panorama of surrounding giants like the Greater Himalayas,
Pir Panchal and Bara Bangal ranges. Famous high peaks, some towering
above 20,000 ft, are all visible from this vantage point. The trek
to the camp initially follows the ridge line and then descends into
the meadow of Nagruni which is known for its wild pheasants.
- Trekking time : 5 hrs
- Grade : Gradual to steep
4. NAGRUNI / BARA GAR HAN : This trek starts with
a continuous descent through an oak forest passing enroute Dadru,
the summer cultivation grounds of Malana village. From there, it
follows the river Malana upstream. an area rich in wildlife, the
trek alternates between forests and meadows till it reaches the
Bara Garhan camp.
- Trekking Time : 5 hrs
- Grade : Easy
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Day 5. BARA GAR HAN / KIKSA THACH :
The valley' at this point widens up considerably as it is a U-shaped
glacial creation. The Ratna peak towers majestically over the area.
The trek follows rich alpine meadows and gradually ascends to Kiksa
Thach. Kiksa Thach is a huge glacial amphitheater. It is sealed
at its head by the Dudana Glacier.
-Trekking time 6 hrs
-Grade : Moderate. Steep
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Day 6. KIKSA THACH Day at leisure with an
opportunity to observe and explore a quarry lake.
7. KIKSA THACH / CHOTTA GARHAN : Descent to Chotta Garhan
trek follows the river downstream passing through thick oak forests
and meadows.
- Trekking time : 3 hrs
- Grade : Easy
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Day 8. CHOTTA GARHAN / MALANA We descend
to the mysterious ~ village today. The people of Malana are thought
to be the descenders Alexander The Great's army. They have their
own judiciary and parliamentry system, and think themselves to be
the highest caste in the world. Hen strangers or outsiders are allowed
to touch them as they believe that th be thus defiled. Their God
is Jamlu, the ruling deity of the Valley of the The camp site is
located on a beautiful spur overlooking the Jan valley. A Alternatively,
a night's stay in a local traditional cottage can be arranged
- Trekking time : 6 hrs
- Grade Easy
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Day 9. MALANA / JARI : Follow
the narrow river Malana's gorge to Jan descent starts steeply to
the valley floor and levels off when the river ~ and Parvathi meet.
- Trekking time : 6 hrs
- Grade Easy
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Day 10. JARI I MANIKARAN IJARI : Day at leisure
with trip to Manikara a holy place for Sikhs and Hindus. Bathe in
the waters of the hot - sulphur springs - a luxury especially after
a long trek. Return to Jan for the night
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Day 11 . Transfer to airport or onward drive.
4. Beas Kund Leisure Trek
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Day 1 . MANALI I DHUNDI : Transfer from Manali
to Solang valley along a short scenic route. Solang is a popular
alpine meadow which is transformed into a superb ski run during
winter. The trek begins with an initial walk long the wooded bank
of the river Beas. Our first night halt is in Dhundi, after crossing
the river Beas. Dhundi is a beautiful meadow from where we get the
front view of Hanuman Tibba peak.
- Trekking time: 4 7,2 hrs
- Ascent : Gradual
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Day 2. DHUNDI I BAKKAR THACH : Today's trek
starts from the coniferous tree-line to the high altitude pastures.
Rhododendron shrubs are abundant and river Beas is crossed over
a snow bridge. Night halt in Bakkar Thach, a shepherds' camp.
- Trekking time: 4 hrs
- Ascent : Gradual to fairly steep
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Day 3. BAKKAR THACH I BEAS KUND / BAKKAR
THACH : With Bakkar Thach as a base, we make a steep ascent
to Hanuman Tibba Glacier and return via the amphitheater of Peas
Kund. Peas Kund obtained its name from the legendary poet Ved Vyas
who mediated at this point and wrote the epic Mahabharat. Surrounded
by hanging glaciers and waterfalls, the source of the river Peas
I or the Kundi is indeed awe inspiring Encounters with pilgrims
are not uncommon here as it is believed that to bathe in the waters
of the Kund is a very rich blessing. Night halt again at Bakkar
Thach.
- Trekking time: 6 hrs
- Ascent : Steep only up to the glacier.
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Day 4. BAKKAR THACH / LADYLEG : We
start with a gradual descent and cross river Beas from where the
trek ascends steeply to the spur of Ladyleg. Ladyleg is the base
camp for Friendship Peak and provides a panoramic view of Ladakhi,
Shitidhar and Hanuman Tibba peaks. Night halt in Ladyleg.
- Trekking time: 6 hrs
- Ascent : Mostly steep
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Day 5. LADYLEG I DHUNDI : The
trek now descends by an alternative route on the opposite bank of
river Peas. The trek initially steeply descends on the spur of Ladyleg
and then gradually skirts the hillside towards Dhundi. Night halt
in Dhundi which is reputed to be full of wildlife
- Trekking time: 6 hrs
- Ascent : Steep to gradual
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Day 6. DHUNDI I MANALI : From Dhundi, trek
to Solang and we return to Manali by road.
- Trekking time 3 hrs
- Descent Gradual
- Best time April to June and September to October
5. DEO TIBBA GLACIER TREK
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Day 1. MANALI IJAGATSUKH / KHANSUR: Our
trek starts from the old village of Jagatsukh. After passing the
summer farm houses of Sharon, there is a moderate ascent through
the gorge of the Jagatsukh stream.The gorge is flanked by gigantic
fir, oak and chestnut trees. As the valley widens at Khanaur, we
reach our first campsite. The Khanaur carnpsite is picturesquely
cradled by high altitude cedar forests and maple trees.The river's
roar and a faraway waterfall completes this idyllic spot.
- Trekking time: 2 1/2 hrs
- Ascent : Moderate
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Day 2 KHANAUR / CHIKHA : The initial
climb takes us closer to the foot of the lagged cliffs. Ascending
through dense forests where pine needles form a soft carpet underfoot.
Looking back, the magnificent view of the Bara Bangal range with
Kaiheni pass is a reward. Zigzaging upwards, the narrow valley suddenly
opens up into alpine meadows fully endowed with brilliant yellow,
violet, dazzling blue and pink flowers. The camp site is located
on a flat meadow of Chikha
- Trekking time: 5 hrs
- Ascent : Steep
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Day 3. CHIKHA I SERI : The trek stays
close to the cliffs today, climbing gradu ally through beautiful
birch and maple forests. A profusio~ of flowers greet u.' as we
go higher up - rhododendrons, irises, anemones, marsh marigolds
an~ primroses. Our campsite at Sen commands a superb view of the
snow-cov ered Norbu peak which overshadows the valley. The campsite
is close to green flat which was once a glacial lake.
- Trekking time : 5 hrs
- Ascent : Steep
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Day 4. SERI / CHANDERTAL / Base of Deo
Tibba peak) : The day's trek start,' with a casual stroll into
the amphitheater of Sen. Reminiscent of an arctic tundra this vast
expanse of space surrounded by dramatic cliffs of glacial ice and
mcI is a place to be drunk in slowly. After a level walk around
the basin, the steel climb up to the actual lake, Chandertal is
tackled. Our campsite commands breathtaking view of the Deo Tibba
peak and its surrounding glacier.
- Trekking time: 4 hrs
- Ascent : Steep short climb
5. CHANDERTAL / SERI : The return route to
Sen is somewhat easier considering that it descends all the way,
following the earlier day's route.
- Trekking time : 2 7/2 hrs
- Descent : Steep to gradual
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Day 6. SERI : Day at rest in Sen with an optional
tour to the base of Norbu Pea~
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Day 7. SERI I CHIKHA : Following the same
route as before, the trek descend. to Chikha.
- Trekking time : 4 hrs
- Descent Steep
B . CHIKHA / JAGATSUKH :
A fairly easy trek although the descent is long From Jagatsukh,
it is only a 20 minutes drive to Manali.
- Trekking time : 6 hrs
- Best time : May to October
6. SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMP I CORPORATE SHAPEUPS
• Day 1 .
MANALI / CAMPSITE : From Manali, transfer by jeep to
starting point of trek. After a short trek we reach campsite No.1
and hot lunch will be served. Our course director will give a briefing,
issue equipment and start with a tent - pitching class.
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Day 2 . CAMPSITE NO.1 : After morning bed-tea
, acclimatization exercises start. After breakfast nature walk and
study of Alpine flora. On return, introduction to mountaineering
equipment. After lunch, class on rope-knots. After tea, free time
till dinner. Campfire after dinner.
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Day 3. CAMPSITE NO.1 ICAMPSITE NO.2: Our trek
to the next campsite starts after breakfast. Packed lunch will be
provided today. River crossing training at campsite no.2 and campfire
after dinner.
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Day 4. CAMPSITE NO.2 / CAMPSITE NO.3 :
After breakfast, trek to camp-site no.3. Packed lunch will be provided.
At campsite no.3, class on map-reading after tea. Acclimatization
walk and night navigation with stars before dinner.
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Day 5. CAMPSITE NO.3 : Lecture, training and
practice of ice/snow walking in the morning. After lunch, class
on Himalayan geology and glacial formations. After tea, expedition
planning class. Dinner and campfire at night.
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Day 6. EXPEDITION : The expedition trek is
accomplished today. We will encounter a natural amphitheater of
awesome hanging glaciers and waterfalls. Packed lunch will be provided.
In the afternoon, discussion on outdoor survival techniques.
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Day 7. RETURN FROM EXPEDITION : After breakfast,
return to campsite no.
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Day 3. After a hot lunch, class on
outdoor cooking and campsite selection.
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Day 8. CAMPSITE NO.31 CAMPSITE NO.2 : Return
to campsite no.2 and groups will be subdivided into teams for night~ut
treasure hunt exercise.
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Day 9 . CAMPSITE NO. 2 : After breakfast,
introduction to rock climbing and abseiling. After lunch, course
assessments begin. Participants will be tested on the following
1. Group cooking
2. Test of knots
3. Name of the equipment
4. Quiz
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Day 10. CAMPSITE NO.2 / MANALI : After
an early breakfast, demonstration and class on unarmed combat. Later
descend to roadhead and return to Manali by jeeps.
- Best time: Mid April to June and September to October
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