Travelling to the Beautiful Mountains- Manali

The tall mountains and luscious green forest surrounding Manali are the most colourful hotspot for tourists and nature lovers

The tall mountains and luscious green forest surrounding this quaint town are the most colourful hotspot for tourists and nature lovers. The breathtaking view of Manali tucked in the upper Himalayas is a fabulous place to spend time away from the humdrum of the cities. The town, a prominent location on the hippie trail of Himalayan bohemians, has laid back to be a part of the vibe.

The divine beauty has been luring travellers to its forbidden slopes. Rightly to be praised, the Valley of Gods by idealizing its tranquil landscape. Manali is a complete go-to-vacation having some hide and seeks with the flavour of romance on a canopy.

After exciting trails of adventure, I halted at Rampur Bushahr, unplanned, as my next trip to Sikkim was postponed. I took it as an opportunity and started gathering details to reach Manali. The fabulous hill station is a go-to vacation spot for leisure seekers on a budget with active night events and festivals. The state has already intrigued me with its beauty and solace.

I was fortunate when I reached Manali as the surrounding mountains had already experienced snow which makes the breathtaking view of tall distant snow-capped mountains. The buzzing Beas river with fairytale-like fog surrounding the small hidden cottage and the lingering sweet scent of pines put me under the magic spell. Let’s bask in the blissful weather in a paradise of mountains with your backpacks.

Short Tale of Manali

The history of Manali is quite a mythical story that dates back to when Manu recreated human life after the Holocaust. The presence of temples and shrines is associated with evidence of mythological stories. During ancient periods it was surrounded by dense forest and the home of nomad hunters. Later, shepherds came to settle in Kangra Valley and gradually adopted farming as an occupation. The town flourished during the British era when they established it as a hill station. They introduced apple, pine tree and trout fish to the grandeur of this hill station.

Checklist of Things To Do in Manali

Manali is a popular tourist destination beckoning travellers from all over the world. The Beas River giggles down the gorges surrounded by snowy peaks of the Himalayas, striving to touch the sky. All the backpackers and tourists use it as a base to loosen up at the plethora of funky cafes, restaurants and bars to hang out. The place was ideal for me to take a break and enjoy the solitude in peace with seeking some adventure. The endless options suit the needs of people from all walks of life, who have a travel mindset. Here is a travel guide to probe the activities suitable for newly-wed couples, adventure-loving friends, families with kids and solo wanderers to plan a comfortable and happy trip.

Stroll around Mall Road

Mall Road, the heart and soul of Manali, is a perfect place to purchase souvenirs and handicrafts for your loved ones. The Tibetan shops with shawls, rugs and woollen caps offer plenty of prospects. I moved around to taste some local cuisines catching the pulse of Manali. The ambience provides a more Westernized and hippie setting with colourful cafes, restaurants and food corners.

The cobblestone streets of Mall Road are precisely different as there are two parts to the world of Manali. The place buzzes with tourists, backpackers and locals in the evening. If you are looking for a budget alternative, then Tibetian Market is better to buy handicrafts – shawls, prayer wheels, and Buddhist paintings.

Jogini Waterfalls

The Jogini waterfalls is a 160-foot cascade located near Vashisht village in Manali. As I love to walk around mountains and the waterfall is well-marked on GPS, I opted to take slow to enjoy a roadside view with mesmerizing surroundings of shops and traditional houses through the small, narrow passage between houses. I bent in front of the Vaishist temple for blessings before starting the trek to the Jogini waterfalls.

The route passes through the alley of the village crossing a few fenced apple orchards and finally through the forest. It is the only way to reach one of the best waterfalls in the area. The refreshing view of the natural pool with the beautiful rainbow created by Nature adds splendid beauty to Jogini waterfalls.

Hidimba Temple

This 15th-century temple is associated with the narrative of Mahabharata, the great Indian epic. Hidimba and her son Ghatotkcha are two important characters of Mahabharata. The temple devoted to Hidimba Devi is fascinating and rare as she is praised only in this town. A walk through the forest to the temple gave me a vibe of an oasis of tranquillity surrounded by towering groves of Deodar trees.

The unique style of architecture resembles Japanese pagodas – roofs shaped as shingles with beautifully carved-out wooden doors and a base made up of whitewashed stone. Inside it is an enormous rock worshipped as Devi Hidimba with a small 3-inch-tall brass idol.

Timing: 8am – 6pm.

Rohtang Pass

The stunning Himalayas, pristine white snow into the Eastern Pir Panjal lies Rohtang Pass, a beautiful place 50 km to the north of Manali. The pass connects two valleys of Himachal Pradesh – Manali and Lahaul & Spiti. Fans of Bollywood must have spotted this place on the screens as Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, Jab We Met, Highway, and the list continues.

The moment for its mind-blowing landscape with snow-covered mountains is the perfect place for a vacation. I felt the absolute pleasure of having a hot beverage in the cold weather with people who wanted to explore snow in a spell-binding nature. Sledge ride, snow scooter riding, skiing and tyre dropping are a few of the most famous activities in Rohtang Pass.

Solang Valley

One of the adventurous places lies between Solang village and Beas Kund. The beautiful valley is lavished with a sports institute that conducts various courses on adventure sports. The steep slopes of the valley are perfect for skiing during winter and as the snow melts in summer, one can enjoy paragliding, parachuting, and horse riding.

I took a cable car to reach the top of the hill at the cost of Rs.650 to witness the beautiful panoramic view. It was a pleasant place to walk around with the crowd buzzing along with the hawkers. The valley has gained popularity over time for its adventure sports activity surrounded by stunning and mystical hills.

Timing: 9 am – 6 pm

Best Time to Visit?

Classic mountain weather with chilly and snowy winters and pleasant, warm summers remains packed year-round with tourists. April to June is when tourists from most Northern parts of India invade this place. If you plan to hit for skiing, December to February is the best time. Heavy rainfall and floods are witnessed in July and September, causing landslides and roadblocks. The spring-summer months are better to enjoy all outdoor activities when the temperature is very conducive.

01/11/202205/10/2022

Trek to Chandranahan Lake and Buran Ghati Pass

trek in Chandranahan Lake and Buran Ghati Pass in Shimla

“May your dreams be larger than mountains, and may you have the courage to scale their summits. “
– Harley King

Trekking is perhaps the only activity that gives you a glimpse of a world full of surprises. An adventure sport is as good for your soul as it is for the body. The trails that pass through the different sections of some regions are mostly beautiful, but some parts grudgingly admit the imperfections. However, the shepherd trail of Chandranahan Lake and Buran Ghati Pass trek is hard to spot a moment where you are disappointed. It seems as if the best parts of the Himalayan treks entwine to make them a perfect trail. The experience is hard to define in words, barely in terms of memories and leisure time.

The purpose of visiting Himachal Pradesh was for the expedition engulfed by thrill, adventure and mystery. A few days break at Shimla with refreshing local sights recharged me for the new challenge. I solicited to explore the offbeat expedition with Hike in Himalaya. The routine arrangement for the route with a well-known guide to take you through the trail will make it memorable. The alpine zones have vast meadows, a high altitude lake and finally, one of the difficult passes in India. The emotions on the trail enlightened me about the absolute mystery of the mountains and weather. So less to talk about trekking, I try my best to explain the magic makes it a whole different adventure.

About the Trek

an alpine lake is at an altitude of around 14,000 feet in the Pabbar valley

Chandranahan, an alpine lake flanked by high snow peaks, is a holy place for local people. It is at an altitude of around 14,000 feet in the Pabbar valley region of Himachal Pradesh. The lake is the source of the Pabbar River which later merges with the Yamuna. The expedition starts from the ancient village and bursts into the Dayara meadows on the southeastern slopes of the Himalayas. The track to the lake feels like magic, almost being part of a delightfully deep forest, which further leads to the Buran Ghati Pass. The trek is about 42kms from the snout, but every step is like an expedition as it is an arduous route.

Trek type: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 7 days (with a buffer day)

Winding in the Trails of Chandranahan Lake and Buran Ghati Pass

The beauty of the Himalayas had already enchanted me, and the mountains reminded me of the expedition that engrossed me to Himachal Pradesh. The big day was here- a cab was waiting for me at Shimla with my other teammates for the trek. We left early in the morning for our Base Camp at Janglik village. The road was smooth till Rohru, but soon we were on the dirt road. The apple orchids cover the entire valley, and we learned a lot from our driver.

Winding in the Trails of Chandranahan Lake and Buran Ghati Pass

We reached the quaint village, inhabitant of the shepherds that boasts carpeted wildflowers, alpine forests and verdant grasslands. A lesser traversed trail for the adventurers to walk over high passes through Pabbar valley, frequently visited by local shepherds. Our team had 14 members guided by Hike in Himalaya and its associates.

Distance: 120km from Shimla to Jhanklik Village
Time: 8 hours

Day 01: Buffer Day at Janglik village

The first day at Janglik village started with the glimpse of a beautiful sunrise, gradually covering the glares around the valley. Our teammates decided to take a buffer day before the expedition. So far, the journey was rough on the dirt road, reasonable to take a break at the village reminiscent of old, untouched by prelation. We utilised the day to bond among ourselves, sharing our previous trekking experiences.

We went through a narrow trail to glimpse an ancient temple, greeting locals with Namaste and trying a few fresh apples from their orchard. The beautiful huts with stone roofs surrounded by the backdrop of great Himalayan mountains make the entire place the fable. Shortly, we returned to the beautiful homestay for lunch and spent the remaining quality time walking around the village.

Altitude: 9,400 feet

Day 02: Janglik Village to Dayara Thatch

Day 02: Jhanklik Village to Dayara Thatch

The whistle of our team leader indicated for us to be prepared and pack our belongings. We assembled in a circle introducing ourselves with a positive note of team leader. The most magnificent trail came alive by seducing eyes with wonders building our dreams. One can notice- the rapidly changing scenery after leaving the village as the trail climbs into an oak and pine forest. The walk into the dark, moist earth with a brown carpet of leaves takes time to soak the moment.

Almost an hour later, the view of the climbing meadows and the dark shadowy tree line of the pines descends gradually with a pure blend of picturesque snow-capped mountains opposite the Pabbar valley complementing the view. We reached our tents to keep our rucksacks and roll around the beautiful Dayara Thatch.

Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 11,100 ft
Distance: 6 km
Trek type: Moderate

Day 03: Dayara Thatch to Litham

A beautiful night with endless glittering stars was a wonderful feeling of the magic of being so calm and peaceful. Slowly, I moved inside my shelter and pulled up my sleeping bag to take a rest. Soon it was morning though the sun was yet to rise in the meadows. I moved out to witness the glamour as it soaks up the golden glow of the morning sun. After having breakfast as a great saviour, we gently ascended the trail, entering another clump of pine forest.

Across leaping the stream, we moved out of the pine forest and passed a curve to regain the sight of the snow-capped mountains of the Dhauladhar range and Gunas Pass. The scenery of the grasslands leading down from the trail folded to the first clear view of Litham. The trail dips to cross Chandranahan Lake stream before reaching the campsite worthwhile to settle down for the days.

Time: 4 hours
Altitude: 11,800 ft
Distance: 5 km
Trek type: Easy

Day 04: Excursion to Chandranahan Lake

My heart was fluttering in anticipation of the great adventure of trekking to the lake and feel like being part of a big climbing expedition. Hike in Himalaya had already arranged breakfast before leaving the campsite. Chandranahan lake is a glacier tarn deep inside the alpine valley surrounded by snow flanked mountains. We continued upstream on a shepherd’s trail marked by stone cairns from where the stream emerges.

Chandranahan lake is a glacier tarn deep inside the alpine valley

It is a high moment for many trekkers to climb the top of the towering Pabbar waterfalls to get at the snout. We crossed almost five other alpine lakes that took about two hours to get to the final Chandranahan lake. The turns are arduous when you need to traverse loose boulders and muddy terrain that you trek most of this journey. We spent time near the lake, witnessing the sights of the setting before heading back to the steep descent to Litham.

Time: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 14, 000 ft
Distance: 8 km
Trek type: Difficult

Day 05: Litham to Dhunda

Another refreshing morning in the meadows of Pabbar valley. We packed our backpacks after relishing breakfast. As of today, the trail will leave the green grasslands of Litham and loom over a monochrome setting of grey and white. It becomes extraordinary when the Pabbar River is no longer a gently descending stream.

We crossed the virulent stream and continued to a sharper ascent until the trail got into a U shaped gorge valley to get the first view of the Buran Ghati. The most challenging part of the trek is to reach the top of the ridge following the shepherd trail. The beauty of an alpine mountain zone, Dhunda, can be enjoyed after the thrilling climb of around two hours.

There is a clear view of Buran Ghati that takes us to a moment of the splendour of the Pass and the upcoming thrill. We enjoyed the dinner with the sunset as the temperature gradually dipped. Our team leader asked us to take as much rest as possible for the next day.

Time: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 13,400 ft
Distance: 8 km
Trek type: Moderate

Day 06: Dhunda to Manirang via Buran Ghati Pass

Dhunda to Manerong via Buran Ghati Pass — Picture Courtesy: Hike in Himalaya

The campsite of Dhunda offers you the beauty of an alpine mountain zone among the best view with snow-capped mountains on all sides. It was already dark around, we grabbed our head torches to prepare ourselves for the pass. Our target was to reach the summit before the break of sunlight. We folded our tents and grasped our backpacks at 2 am in the night.

The moon had already disappeared under the twinkling stars. We ascended the ridge and hopped over boulders for about three hours till the base of the pass at 15,000 feet. We encouraged each other along the trail for a successful summit and captured the memories of being a part of the celebration with team members. After a thrilling climb with the sun on the horizon, it was time to descend.

A narrow ledge with sharp steep on the left side was risky and took about 2 hours to get to the end. Soon we started to lose altitude, and it took us down a ridge with junipers and crested shrubs. Another hour to get to a stream that needs to be leapt over and stopped for lunch. The trail is remarkable for the variety in vegetation and diversity, is full of surprising changes in scenery that make it an absolute delight.

As far as the eyes can see is a lush green valley- beyond a vast range of mountains the first farmer’s hut appear at Manirang. Hike in Himalaya and its associates had already pitched the tent for the night.

Time: 8-9 hours
Altitude: via 15,000 ft to 9,000 feet
Distance: 9 km
Trek type: Difficult

Day 07: Manirang to Barua Village

We celebrated our last night of the trek with a bonfire at night full of glittering stars. Surrounding the fire, we recalled all the beauties and difficulties we experienced during the whole expedition. The endearing folk songs from the locals made it memorable in the meadows of Manirang.

he endearing folk songs from the locals made it memorable in the meadows of Manerong.

The morning was waiting with a big surprise for us, the weather becoming bad as a huge black cloud started to surround us. The pass we crossed earlier, was covered with snow now, and hence we decided to move early and as quickly as possible to reach Barua village. The miracle of trail with variant nature and ardent pasture were carpeting the pathways.

The miracle of trail with variant nature and ardent pasture

We stick to the broader trail that descends rapidly through the high altitude pines to a large gushing stream. After two and half hours of walking, the first apple orchards and signs of society awaited us. It was a long descent through the village trail that came alive as the simple villagers were happy to see us.

the first apple orchards and signs of society awaited us

It pops out onto the road bridge over the Barua Khud in half an hour from the heart of the village. Hike in Himalaya had already arranged transport to drop us at the big Hydel Project of Karcham.

Time: 4-5 hours
Altitude: 6,700 feet
Distance: 6 km
Trek type: Easy

How to reach Janglik village?

If you plan to use local transport to reach the Jhanklik village from Shimla, you move to Lakkar Bazar for buses to depart to Rohru. From Rohru you have to take another bus for Tangnu that leaves at 8 am, 1 pm and 4 pm. Tangnu is a small village which is 3 km away from Jhanklik village. You have to trek 45 minutes of descends through the broken iron bridge to cross the river with 30 mins of a steep hike to the Jhanklik village.

Contact:

Parvinder: 7018791443
Sanjay: 9816722069
Ranjeet: 7018103286

Special Thanks:

Team Hike in Himalaya- For sponsor

Ashish Negi- Team Leader
Parvinder- Founder Hike in Himalaya

Team Members:

Sunil Kumar Tomar
Anand Singh
Sunil Yadav
Biswajeet
Indradeep
Aman
Manish G
Rohit
Riya

12/06/202106/17/2022

Trip to The Queen of Hill Stations- Shimla

A journey, after all, sets out an opportunity to discover the treasure of the day that never ends when we reach our doorsteps again. I left my true heart at the beautiful hill station in the foothills of the Himalayas with its trails to the backwoods of nature’s soul. The enigmatic glory of Shimla with evergreen forest, deep valleys, pleasant climate and colonial ambience- all consolidate to enfold the charm of its own. The splendours of nature with a wide range of attractions fascinate every tourist with its unique appeal form. When I planned to travel, it was tough for me to finalize the list of things to do in Shimla. So get set and gear up for an exciting trip to one of the most visited places near Delhi.

The enigmatic glory of Shimla with evergreen forest, deep valleys, pleasant climate and colonial ambience- all consolidate to enfold the charm of its own.

My tale of Himachal Pradesh starts from the capital city Shimla. When I arrived, the beautiful hill station welcomed and gave me the thrill of watching the mystical mountains with the fresh breeze. I felt found Nirvana! Fortunately, from Delhi, I got a window seat on the bus that allowed me to relish the beautiful scenes along the well-maintained road surrounded by green valleys. I decided not to book online rooms on this trip rather stay in hostels. Though there are very few hostels, I managed to find one. It was my first time staying in a capsule form of bunkers. The new exciting journey began with making a few new friends in the hostel that led to the memorable experience of the splendid natural beauty of Shimla.

A Short Tale of Shimla

Shimla, also popularly known as The Queen of Hills, is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. The beautiful hill station is at the elevation of 7437feet above sea level in the hills of the Himachal region. It gets its name from Shyamala Mata, a divine avatar of Goddess Kali. The Tibetan script Arya Astha Sahasrikas Prajna Paramita of the 16th century boasts the ownership of a beautiful town. Later, the British founded it as the Summer Capital of India during its reign for its pleasant weather in summer. After independence, Shimla served as the capital of Punjab till the new state Himachal Pradesh came into existence.

Checklist of Things to Do in Shimla

Shimla is a perfect weekend getaway that offers more than elegant colonial buildings against backdrops of the Greater Himalayas. My itinerary for Shimla began with the ride of the UNESCO heritage toy train. It churns slowly up into mountains at winding tracks flanked by age-old trees seemingly playing hide and seek. The route is also famous for the popular Bollywood shooting location as Kashto maza song from Parineeta. It was fun to explore Shimla, the city of walkable distance, the village trails or stairs make the path shorter. As a popular Indian holiday destination, it provides a perfect break from the city with your travel plan, and I like to add a few things which may make your journey memorable.

Heritage walk around The Mall Road

Shimla boasts of preserving the charm of the old-world architecture in its original form. The Mall road is the main shopping street, makes popular for various tourists seeming for clubs, bars, eateries, shopping centres and some budget souvenir. It offers much more with its stories, legends and heritage equally exciting. Beginning with The Scandal Point, the famous narrative for its name has it that Maharaja of Patiala had an attachment with the daughter of Viceroy, eventually exiled from Shimla.

The Mall road is the main shopping street, makes popular for various tourists seeming for clubs, bars, eateries, shopping centres and some budget souvenir.

Be prepared for the entranced by a pleasant colonial walk. Pass Christ Church fresco designed by the father of Rudyard Kipling on the ridge. The existence of General Post Office, 133-year-old, in the form of wild west Swiss-style is a souvenir. Walk past the grandeur century-old Gaiety Theatre, and you will feel the aura of its past. Take a break at the steps of The Town Hall now used by the Municipal Corporation of Shimla. Get a stopover at the neo-Gothic Gorton Castle built amid gigantic Deodars before you move to the ancient Kali Bari Temple.

Well Preserved The Himachal State Museum

On the way, Mall Road to The Himachal State Museum, I spotted colonial architecture as Vidhan Sabha, the State Library and the spectacular Grand Oberoi Hotel. It is a pleasant walk of around 3kms. Formerly the enormous house of Himachal State Museum was the estate of the old Victorian mansion. The colonial building built in early 1860 was a small mud roofed house. Later in the 1970s, it was carefully altered to adapt to the museum surrounded by sprawling lawns. The museum aims to preserve the state’s culture and archaeological artefacts.

the enormous house of Himachal State Museum was the estate of the old Victorian mansion.

The state museum has a decent collection of rare sculptures and beautiful paintings to old coins and exquisite handicrafts from all over the state and from other places. It is segmented into different galleries that present Indian archaeology, Himachal archaeology, Prehistoric objects, Wood Carvings, Monuments, Arms Gallery, Philatelic, Anthropological, Pahari Miniature Paintings, Contemporary Art, Wall Paintings Gallery and a lot on display. The unique section of the gallery is the collection of Himachali dolls displaying the costume of local people.

Entry Fee:

₹ 10 per person for Indians
₹ 50 per person for foreigners

Timing: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays

Viceregal Lodge Presently The Indian Institute of Advanced Study

A historical mystique building, a marvellous work of Scottish architecture, is now a well-known Indian Research Centre. One of my roommates from the hostel recommended I should not miss this grand architecture of Shimla. I redirected my GPS from the museum to IIAS, displaying a short distance walk of 550 metres. It’s beautiful to explore on your feet as you can take a break to adore each moment. The sudden fog covering the street, rays oozing from leaf makes the enclosure a fairy tale.

GPS from the museum to IIAS, displaying a short distance walk of 550 metres

The prestigious edifice initially was the house of Viceroy Lord Dufferin of India during 1884 and 1888. Later in 1964, it was converted to a research centre by the former president of India, Dr S. Radhakrishnan. The perfect serenity, calm, and peace amidst the mesmerizing scenic beauty of the garden in a pristine environment encircle this centre. It hoasted many historical events as the resolution to separate Pakistan from India was taken here, and the conferences for Shimla Agreement 1947. It was sunset by the time I was about to leave the place. It was spectacular and a memorable one.

Entry Fee:

₹ 40 per person for Indians
₹ 85 per person for foreigners
₹ 20 per person for Garden Visit- additional

Timing: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; Closed on Mondays

What and Where to eat?

Being a popular tourist place, Shimla has an endless lineup of restaurants and cafes. One of my favourite cafes was Wake and Bake having bright yellow shutters opposite Gaiety Theatre at Mall road. The cafe is friendly for budgeteers with a nice chilled out place to relax. I will suggest trying the cafes and restaurants at Mall Road that offers varieties of Indian cuisines. If you are looking for local Himachali cuisines to try, specialities are Sidhu- a sweet dish, Patandey made from a thin paste of wheat flour served with ghee, and then the Shimla apples are always favourite for tourists.

How to travel?

The hill town is well-connected by highways from the different major cities of India as Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh and other regions. There are frequent state and private buses on alternative book a private car or outstation cab from any of these cities for a road trip. The nearest railway station is Kalka station, where you have to take the single-gauge rail for Shimla. The airport is at Jubbarhatti- 22 kilometres from the main town. The interconnected local buses are available for short-distance travel within the city. I will highly recommend leaving the vehicle and exploring by leisurely walking.

Places to stay?

As a solo budgeteer traveller, I always look for the options of hostels or dorms and suggest the same if you like to interact with new people, make new friends and be comfortable with sharing your space with others. I stayed at a hostel near Altruist Technologies Pvt Ltd- difficult to find as it is not on google map. You may surf online to check competitive prices and call directly for cheaper rates. There are many agents on the road who will try to hitch you, be careful with them. It’s safe to have some well-done research before reaching the place.

11/15/202105/10/2022

Exploring the Hills of Himachal Pradesh- Devbhoomi

The scenic beauty of the state endures from the Shivalik range to the Greater Himalayas. The green meadows, shining rivers, broad valleys, ethnic culture, legendary rituals and thrilling peaks offer Himachal Pradesh a fabulous travel destination. The state is popularly known as Devbhoomi Himachal- The Land of Gods with the context of its spectacular landscape emphasises its essence. The gift of the natural bounty is the merge of religious significance and the origin of mythological legends. The diversity of nature and picturesque mountains is why Himachal Pradesh is the beautiful state of India.

Why visit Himachal Pradesh?

The abode boasting landscape of Himachal Pradesh also has many hidden treasures and unexplored places. There is so much to explore that every place provides you with a unique experience. Its various hill stations are magical and perpetually dressed that can fascinate any tourist. It makes Himachal Prades a destination for all seasons and all reasons. It extends a wide range of tourism potential, ranging from a family holiday to adventure, sightseeing, pilgrimage, to an escape from the busy city life, for a rejuvenating experience. Its appealing topography provides an immense number of destinations grim to keep track of and for the traveller to cover it in its entirety.

Exploring Devbhoomi- Himachal Pradesh

My journey to Himachal Pradesh was all of a sudden, special thanks to Hike in Himalaya for sponsoring my trek of Chandrananhan Lake and Buran Ghati Pass. It was a thrilling experience of watching unexposed nature for a lifetime attainment. I concluded without wasting any second to pack my rucksack with all necessary items and left for Delhi from Howrah Railway station. Mountains were calling for a while now and trekking always excited me. Though, the certain anxiety for travelling to a new place always makes me nervous. The magic spell of the place with friendly locals always makes the journey smooth and memorable.

Shimla

The charming hill town with colonial buildings against the backdrop of the Himalayas has enjoyed the status of most visited travel destination. First, in the 1800s, the Britishers arrived and noticed pleasant summers and snow-covered winters that shaped Shimla as their favourite weekend getaway. Later they declared it as the summer capital of India. It is popularly known as Queen of North hill stations as the beauty of this place still charms as it was centuries ago. It is the perfect desired destination for all kinds of vacations. The hill town keeps its quaint exterior, grand architecture, elegant temples and remarkable churches as enchanting beauty. The fabulous shops around the streets with plenty of cafeterias provide a space to chill out.

Chandranahan Lake and Buran Ghati Pass Trek

Chandranahan lake and Buran Ghati Pass landscape is paradise on the Earth. Its offbeat trek starts along the Pabbar river tucked in meadows with an alpine zone. The lake is the source of the Pabbar river for the inhabitants of the valley relatively unexplored. It is mythological and highly revered by devotees who consider it the sacred abode of Goddess Kali. Trek exposes the landscapes walking through a mountain range and undulated meadows with a pure blend of contrasting campsites. The serene essence of pure air and the hum of fast-flowing brooks treats nature’s music with a blending of picturesque snow-capped mountains in the backdrop.

To book your trek Contact Hike in Himalaya @ 9805203783/9816722069

Manali

Manali is a beautiful terminus of mountains with spell-binding views, charming streams and the fairy-tale-like fog surrounding the town. Valley of Gods is a paradise for mountain lovers surrounded by little hidden cottages, a lingering fragrance of pines and freshness on the banks of Beas River. The place is a charm in itself, and the local people append enchanting to its eminence with marvellous glamour. Old Manali give lots of option for party lovers is the most active place. Temples, hot springs, some of the highest mountain passes in the World, rich culture, adventure sports like paragliding, skiing, river rafting and others make Manali remarkable.

How To Reach?

There are plenty of options to reach Himachal Pradesh as several private and government buses- HRTC ply from Delhi for various regions. Even government buses have options of Volvo A/C and Non-A/C for your journey. I booked a seat at the HRTC bus service, which was a comfortable ride to Shimla. Local and private buses connect the other regions of Himachal Pradesh at a reasonable price. If you love to ride in the valleys, you may rent a bike from the major places of the state as Shimla, Manali and Kasol.

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