When we talk about Himachal Pradesh the first thing that comes in our mind is Shimla and Manali. But these places doesn’t even feel like a tourist destination anymore. Both these towns have gotten so populated and crowded off-late that a trip here feels like you went from one city to another.
We recently had a trip to Himachal Pradesh, exploring the hidden treasures of Himachal and covered Narkanda, Sangla, Chitkul and Kalpa. We got our flight from Ahmedabad to Chandigarh and got tempo traveler from Chandigarh to cover all these places.
Narkanda: Yeh!!! Our first destination, the entire drive is on a breathtaking landscape. The road gains altitude gradually while running almost near the crest; offering a bird’s eye view of the valleys around. Narkanda is a small peaceful village and its natural beauty is its primary attraction. You will be spending some time in the lap of Mother Nature; away from the busy and rushed city lives. It is at an altitude 2708 meters. It falls on the road to Kinnaur.
The major attraction of Narkanda is trek to Hatu Peak. Hatu Peak is one of the places one must visit in Himachal Pradesh. Hatu Peak is a treat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. From the top, it offers a stunning panoramic view of the valley around and the snow-capped Shrikhand Mahadev peaks. If you wish to, you can either drive to Hatu peak or trek all the way. It is a beautiful temple located at top of Hatu Peak. There is an ancient stove-like formation of rocks nearby the temple. Locals believe that it was used by the Pandavas to cook their food during their Agyaat Vaas.
Our Next Destination was Sangla Valley: Sangla valley is surrounded by forested slopes and is rich in apple orchards, apricot, Wall-nut & Cedar trees. Apple farming is one of the main livelihoods of people here. This region boasts of growing the world’s best quality apples. Sangla Valley, also known as Baspa Valley, the place is easily accessible, yet never crowded and perfect for spending a few days with nature. The small town of Sangla on the banks of Baspa River and has all modern-day amenities. Surrounded with white snow-capped mountains and the Baspa River flowing right through it, it is a heaven for anyone with interest in trekking, photography, wildlife, or for someone just wanting to spend some time in peace.
The road from Shimla to Karcham is challenging in its own way but it takes a whole new definition of challenge once you enter Sangla Valley. The road will get much narrower and steep. Mountain wall on one side with a risk of landslide and a straight drop into a gorge on the other side. Yes, the road will turn difficult but the landscapes will turn incredibly beautiful. The altitude will increase drastically and you will feel a cool in the wind. Even the wind will catch the pace. The sights you will get for the next 30 – 35 kilometers will make you want to stop at every turn and click pictures.
Kamru Village and Kemru fort one must visit during your trip to sangla. Kemru is a small village outside Sangla, It was once the capital of the Bushahr Dynasty. Kamru village is best known for a tower-like structure at its highest point, known as Kamru Fort. The fort is believed to be almost a thousand years old and was built by Lord Badrinath himself. It is said that the fort is a temple that is home to 33 crores Gods and Goddesses. Inside the fort campus, there is another temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya Devi that is said to have been brought here from Assam.
The natural beauty of Sangla Valley will surely charm you and you will enjoy every minute you spend here. The scenery is like nothing that you had ever seen. In short, Sangla is what you can call a perfect offbeat destination.
The same narrower and steep road will lead towards Chitkul. Our Next destination Chitkul – blessed with natural beauty. The entire route from Sangla to Chitkul takes you through a paradisiacal landscape and you will find it hard to not stop at every turn and click hundreds of pictures. The road ends at Chitkul, making it the last village on the border. After that, it is just the mighty mountains in front of you and beyond that, Tibet.
Chitkul is a small village situated on the banks of Baspa River, it is the first village of Baspa valley and the last village on the old Indo-Tibet trade route. Chitkul is best known for its extremely beautiful and picturesque location. On one side of the Baspa River are snow-clad mountains; and on the other side, the whole terrain is full of apple orchards and wooden houses.
Chitkul is a perfect destination if you want to spend some time away in peace and harmony; away from the crowd at an offbeat destination. It is a place where you can slow life down for a few days; feel every hour of the day; listen to the birds, the river, the trees; listen to the silence; soak in the warm and walk along a river while watching the snow-capped mountains. Chitkul is a place where you come to relax and rejuvenate yourself.
From the apple orchids to the steep roads, from Kinner Kailash on one side to the Beas River flowing on the other, Kalpa our next destination. Kalpa is a charming little village in Kinnaur district, at an altitude of 2960 meters is a gift from nature at every step, every sight. It is a hidden treasure for both kinds of travelers – peace lovers and adventure seekers.
You will find followers of both, Buddhism and Hinduism here, and thus the land is full of monasteries and temples, monks, and pandits. And everywhere you see, you would see snow-clad mountains overlooking you
The prime attraction of Kalpa however is the outstanding view that it offers of the imposing Kinner Kailash, this is by far the biggest attraction that brings people to Kalpa. Kinner Kailash is a mountain that is considered sacred by both Hindu and Buddhist people of the region. It is a 79 ft tall Shiva linga, which is said to change color every hour of the day. The view that you get from Kalpa cannot be described in words. This is something that can only be experienced. The sunrise and sunset views are even more magnificent.
Some other attractions:
Roghi Village is another attraction. Roghi is located on the slope of a mountain and is known for 2 things. The first is that this village is a true reflection of the Kinnaur lifestyle. You get to see traditional houses, temples, and how the people live their lives in such simplicity. The second thing is the apple orchards that add to an already beautiful setting of the village.
Narayan Nagini temple Built in the traditional Pagoda style of architecture, the temple is primarily dedicated to Goddess.
Durga. Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar Gompa – This is a small monastery located in Kalpa that is another fine example of local craftsmanship.
Suicide point – is at the height of 9711 feet or 2960 meters from sea level It is one of the most deadly cliffs in India.
Lavie Market at Reckong Peo. Enjoy shopping of woolens and winter wears in a street market
Our 7days trip came to an end with beautiful memories to cherish and we started our return journey from Kalpa and got our flight from Chandigarh.
If you have any further questions; or need any other details; please feel free to write to me: sunil@positive7.in