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Western Himalayas : Himachal Pradesh
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
• September to October and April to June
 Kullu
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
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