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Trekking in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal
offers a virtual bonanza for trekkers. From moderate to strenuous
treks ranging up to 11 days and the best season to trek over here is
during the months of June to October. One of Himachal's classic
routes is the Chandra Bhaga triangle and the Baralacha Pass at a
height of 4,833m. Kullu-Manali region, together with Lahaul and
Spiti areas, offer possibly the best soft, medium and hard trekking
opportunities. Besides, the main Kullu and Parbati valleys, there
are many idyllic side valleys, all leading to passes or snow covered
summits of the Pir Panjal and Himalayan ranges. Some popular treks
include: Batal to Chandra Tal & Baralacha Pass, Dharamsala to Chamba
over Indradhar Pass and Kinnaur Kailash Parikrama, which is also
known as Kinner Kailash Circuit.
TREKKING
Batal To
Chandra Tal & Baralacha La
The
Baralacha La (4,800m) is a double pass. It marks the divide between
the main Himalayas and Lahaul Range, and also between Himalayas and
the Baralacha Range, which extends north to the Zanskar. The
mountain ranges provide an impressive backdrop, and a night's
camping will afford fine views.
Chamba-Udaipur-Sach
Pass
Altitude :
3,600m.
Few
trekkers make it to the spectacular, all but inaccessible Pangi
Valley, sandwiched between the soaring Greater Himalayan Range in
the North and the Outer Himalayan range of the south. Several peaks
have never been climbed, and onward paths lead to Kashmir, Lahaul
and Zanskar. Trekkers already acclimatized can complete this
moderately difficult trek in 9 or 10 days.
Dalhousie-Dharamsala
Over Ghasutri Pass
Altitude :
4588m.
Most of
the routes in this trail are used by Gaddi Shepards, who cross from
north to south in the winter, cradling bundles of lambs and kids in
their jackets, and return to the northern pastures in summer.
Dalhousie
- Manali Over Marhu Pass
Altitude :
4,365m
This trail
again leads the path to Kugti pass and is a very arduous trek. After
enjoying the fine views of the towering peaks of Lahaul and Zanskar
from the summit, one plummets once again to the head of Khardu
glacier.
Killar-Leh
Via Post La (Pass)
Altitude :
5,490m
The wild
and picturesque Pangi valleys subdivision headquarters are situated
at Killar, which is located in the deep and narrow gorge of the
river Chandrabhaga. The foaming river, the high crags of the gorge
and the difficult terrain are a challenge for intrepid trekkers.
Chamba
Circuit
Chamba,
the charming beauty is situated at 996m, on the bank of Ravi River.
This valleys hills and mountains, rivers, lakes, springs and
streams, green meadows and forests are of matchless charm. Chamba is
also the starting point for many of the treks in to the interior of
the hills.
Dalhousie
- Manali Over Drati Pass
Altitude :
4,694m
For
witnessing a lavish display of natural scenery, have a hiking
expedition towards Manali that is the principal show place of Kullu
valley. Another place that coveres in the trek is Udeypur (also
spelt as Udaipur), situated at an elevation of 2,743m above sea
level. This place is also located at the junction of the mighty
Mayar Nallah with the main river Chandrabhaga.
Dharamsala
- Nayagraon Trek
Altitude :
3,693m.
Most of
trail from Dharamsala pass through forests of Deodar, Pine, Oak and
Rhododendron, cross streams and rivers, and wind along vertiginous
cliff tracks, passing the occasional lake, waterfalls and glaciers.
Because the varied altitudes the snowline in this region is perhaps
more easily accessible than at any other hill resort and it is quite
possible to trek upto it after early morning's start.
Kinner
Kailash Parikrama
Altitude :
5,242m
Mount
Kinner Kailash has religious significance for a huge Shiva Lingam
the representation of Lord Shiva. The circuit around the whole range
attracts many pilgrims every year. The Parikrama begins from Kalpa
via Triung and back to Kalpa via Sangla valley. One has to drive up
to Thangi and the actual trekking begins from here.
Manali To
Beas Kund
Altitude :
3,980m.
This easy
trek takes you to the source of the river Beas, near Rohtang Pass.
The walk is an easy one with scenic mountain view till the source of
the river. Even children can undertake this trek too.
The Shali
Trek
Altitude :
4,800m.
Visible from
Shimla and facing Mashobra, is the Shali peak. At 3,200m this is the
highest in Shimla's vicinity. The summit presents an unimpaired view
of the area around and holds an ancient temple dedicated to the
Goddess Bhimkali. A wealth of herbs encircle the peak, and local
belief maintains that breathing their air in early summer or autumn
can cure chronic ailments. Interestingly, spring is not advised as
it is believed that the fumes of fresh shoots emerging from the soil
can render a person unconscious. The stout shrub sat berwa that
grows in the local area was once used by the local area was once
used by the local Kolis to make a kind of papyrus.
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