tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53165796633474102962024-03-14T02:45:02.363-07:00Ghoomna(Traveling)"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain.
"If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it’s lethal." - Paulo Coelho.
This blog contains the travel stories, most of them from the Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh.Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-41451592452366146012018-07-04T22:34:00.000-07:002018-07-04T22:44:51.843-07:00Photos from the recent visit to Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake at sector 1 Chandigarh on 3rd July 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi,<br />
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Chandigarh city in itself is a place to wander around, no matter if it is sunny or a winter day. There are plenty of trees along the roads and pedestrian paths which save you from the sunlight. They can save you even in rains, that is the denseness of these trees. After taking two three bike and cycle trips along the arterial roads of the grid pattern city, I decided to visit the most famous places in the city.</div>
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Rock Garden</h3>
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This place was said to be a jungle, but it changed into the Rock Garden when late Sh. Nek Chand started to make these creatures out of the waste material that he collected from all around the city.<br />
These dolls are created with the waste or the cement mortar and steel fibres. Garden is in the first sector of the Chandigarh, very near to the Sukhna lake. Here are some of the photos I clicked with my cellphone.</div>
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(The famous waterfall of Rock Garden)</div>
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(Garden Paths are like this)</div>
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(Please Save your head, because the entrances and exits are narrow and low)</div>
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(Water got muddy due to rains)</div>
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(Dolls depicting the village culture, inside the dolls' museum)</div>
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(Some kind of tree (perhaps cactus) made of concrete and steel - inside dolls' museum)</div>
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Here are the short video clips I captured, one at the Dolls Museum, and another the swing garden.<br />
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(Man behind the whole creation - late sh Nek Chand with his creations)</div>
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(See the army)</div>
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(A peacock out of broken glass bangles)</div>
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(Entry tickets was INR 30 rupee, it is lesser for kids)</div>
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Sukhna Lake</h3>
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One can take a kilometers walk from Rock Garden to Sukhna lake. Both of them are in the 1st sector of the Chandigarh.<br />
Here is a short clip I recorded for you at the Sukhna Lake Chandigarh. The weather was pleasant and therefore people were roaming around the lake along the path. Some people were boating. I took a small stroll and sit for a while. there.</div>
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And here are some photos.</div>
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(See the Shivalik hills of Himachal in back)</div>
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(All young and old people come here)</div>
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(Boating)</div>
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Thanks!</div>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-31992892599291380692018-07-02T21:06:00.001-07:002023-11-21T23:44:42.052-08:00Best of Kinnaur and Spiti Travels- part 9 - Chandertaal to Manali via Rohtang Pass - a Bike Ride<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-primary); font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hello again,</span></p><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: var(--text-primary); font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In this post, I'm excited to recount my adventure riding my 100cc motorcycle on one of the wildest and most challenging roads in India—from Chandertaal lake to Manali. If you haven't been following the journey from its origin at the Shrikhand Mahadev trek, I recommend checking out the preceding eight parts of this travel series. These earlier segments delve into my explorations in Sangla, Chhitkul, Tabo, Kaza, Kibber, Komik, and the most recent one focused on the mesmerizing </span><a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2018/05/best-of-kinnaur-and-spiti-travels-part_24.html" target="_blank">Chander-Taal lake</a>. </span><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Chander-taal to Batal - </span>11 kms </h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Eleven kilometers from Chander-Taal to Batal, the journey continued. As mentioned in the previous post, our day began early, a decision explained in detail earlier. The 11 km stretch of the connecting road posed its challenges, with its terrain proving a bit hazardous for our ride. </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Negotiating this path, we encountered a significant water stream where our attempts to keep our legs dry proved futile. Fortunately, having companions like Naren and Rahul proved invaluable in such treacherous terrains. Riding alone in such places can be risky, and their company provided an added layer of safety. Remember, in such circumstances, it's always advisable not to travel alone as you never know when assistance might be crucial.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Breakfast at Batal</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NNiy7azRF0/Wzre09GOhXI/AAAAAAAAII4/e-UCaAr7EngwpOQJbOCcOr6mXWVpyPf7gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170714_065935.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NNiy7azRF0/Wzre09GOhXI/AAAAAAAAII4/e-UCaAr7EngwpOQJbOCcOr6mXWVpyPf7gCK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170714_065935.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dhaba of Chacha-Chachi at Batal</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">At Batal, you have the opportunity to savor local delicacies such as Paranthas and daal chawal. Notably, the place is renowned for Chacha-Chachi, an elderly couple who gained widespread acclaim for their heroic efforts in rescuing a stranded group from Mumbai back in June 2010. Despite the passage of time, Chacha-Chachi, now likely in their 60s with well-earned wrinkles on their faces, continue to embody a generous spirit. Their large-heartedness extends to helping those in need, with no concern for financial gain.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQXZEMOR5LA/WzriZvqJxrI/AAAAAAAAIJE/x-GU2ghoTgwGPjKtzSLvXDTsot3yyPpsACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170714_070435.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQXZEMOR5LA/WzriZvqJxrI/AAAAAAAAIJE/x-GU2ghoTgwGPjKtzSLvXDTsot3yyPpsACK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170714_070435.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Batal, Chandra river in the back - clicked by Rahul</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Unfortunately, we couldn't request a photo opportunity with them as they were engrossed in preparing food, and I hesitated to disturb their work. Nevertheless, we relished the Paranthas, biscuits, and tea they graciously offered, all at the most reasonable prices considering the remote location.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><h3 style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-primary); font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">Batal to Gramphu:</span></h3><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-primary); font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-weight: 400; margin: 1.25em 0px 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Navigating this stretch proved to be the most challenging part of the journey. The primary obstacle was the numerous crossings of both small and large wild water streams along the road, requiring riders to wade through them. Among the infamous ones, Paagal Nala and Chota Dara stand out in discussions. We managed to capture a video of the crossing, although I cannot definitively identify whether it's Paagal Nala or Chota Darah. I invite you to watch the video and share your insights if you can help identify the specific stream.</p></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This particular nalah was the only spot where we decided to take a brief break. We also seized the opportunity to capture a few photographs.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xX2KoRYAlz8/Wzrw6zWXEpI/AAAAAAAAIJQ/bZTWGDtnrik9Bkgv_hQ_SkZDm05mhsWHgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170714_081648.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xX2KoRYAlz8/Wzrw6zWXEpI/AAAAAAAAIJQ/bZTWGDtnrik9Bkgv_hQ_SkZDm05mhsWHgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170714_081648.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the happines on Batal Gramphu road at Pagal Nalah (or Chota Dara?)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; white-space-collapse: preserve;">After navigating through several challenging nalahs and a dusty, pebbled road, we finally arrived at Gramphu, where our route converged with the well-maintained Rohtang-Kelang road.</span><br /></span>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Gramphu to Manali via Rohtang Pass</b></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKrqXzNXu6Y/WzryOoLFhKI/AAAAAAAAIJc/ASQw2bpS4Nko55Ykr9cpgsv9d2qWcCIwACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170714_093432.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKrqXzNXu6Y/WzryOoLFhKI/AAAAAAAAIJc/ASQw2bpS4Nko55Ykr9cpgsv9d2qWcCIwACK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170714_093432.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaaza road meeting at Gramphu</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; white-space-collapse: preserve;">After an arduous ride that left us with some discomfort, the transition to the metalled highway felt like gliding on butter. The road, adorned with numerous hairpin bends, ascends sharply from Gramphu to Rohtang. In just half or one hour, you find yourself at the pass. Unfortunately, the foggy conditions limited my ability to capture clearer photos.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Helvetica Neue, Arial, Apple Color Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Symbol, Noto Color Emoji;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rohtang Pass in my front.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RFkHpjdFQZM/Wzr0hwgDYKI/AAAAAAAAIJ0/xzOnYwV_EF82NhzdNHUPvFWRNvWvZAkYgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170714_101027.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RFkHpjdFQZM/Wzr0hwgDYKI/AAAAAAAAIJ0/xzOnYwV_EF82NhzdNHUPvFWRNvWvZAkYgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170714_101027.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view on my back.</td></tr>
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yQTahp7Z3a8/Wzr1Rr3mUcI/AAAAAAAAIKA/M7Swmowr21cm4tKm-f-Mt4sg676l_loGACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170714_102319.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yQTahp7Z3a8/Wzr1Rr3mUcI/AAAAAAAAIKA/M7Swmowr21cm4tKm-f-Mt4sg676l_loGACK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170714_102319.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NHXWB_00WV0/Wzr1r0CqP_I/AAAAAAAAIKM/rut69YXgemUDvKO-IDnqg7gQdxr_QXlbACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170714_102348.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NHXWB_00WV0/Wzr1r0CqP_I/AAAAAAAAIKM/rut69YXgemUDvKO-IDnqg7gQdxr_QXlbACK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170714_102348.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father of Manali Leh Highway</td></tr>
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<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-primary); font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-primary); font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">The descent from Rohtang to Madhi (Marhi) matches the steepness of the ascent from Gramphu to Rohtang. Subsequently, the journey features a somewhat gentle descent until reaching Manali. While the road conditions are excellent, caution is advised, especially around the sharp blind curves.</span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-primary); font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; margin: 1.25em 0px 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for reading thus far. Stay tuned for the next post!</span></p>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-75214000657144184282018-05-24T20:31:00.001-07:002018-05-25T00:59:12.783-07:00Best of Kinnaur and Spiti Travels- part 8 - Yoga at Chander-Taal (Moonlake) in Spiti<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hi dear friend,</div>
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(For the details of this photo, you have to read till the end)</div>
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Story has reached almost at its end. If you are new to my blog, let me give you a quick recap of this adventure. Himalayan hinterlands are a major tourist attraction, but because of the required permit and limited access period, not many are able to have this once in lifetime adventure, which I recently had. Therefore I started to share my story and experience with you here, so that it is beneficial for you and me and the community as a whole.</div>
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As told in my earliest post, my journey starts at <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2017/07/shrikhand-kailash-yatra-2017-details-of.html" target="_blank">ShriKhand Kailash Peak Trek</a>, where I met 2 brothers Naren and Rahul, who later became friends from this trip. On our first day we visited <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2018/05/best-of-kinnaur-and-spiti-travels-part.html" target="_blank">Sangla and visited Chhitkul,</a> the last Indian village.<br />
On second day we took a long bike ride back from Sangla to <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2018/05/best-of-kinnaur-and-spiti-travels-part_6.html" target="_blank">Nako lake</a>.</div>
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3rd Day was spent on reaching Tabo, and further visits to <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2018/05/best-of-kinnaur-and-spiti-travels-part_7.html" target="_blank">Dhankar monastery</a>,<a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2018/05/best-of-kinnaur-and-spiti-travels-part_10.html" target="_blank"> Kaza, Kee, Kibber village</a> and <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2018/05/best-of-kinnaur-and-spiti-travels-part_12.html" target="_blank">Langza Village</a>. On 4th day early morning we visited <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2018/05/best-of-kinnaur-and-spiti-travels-part_16.html" target="_blank">Komik village- </a>the highest motorable village in the whole world, and crossed the <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2018/05/best-of-kinnaur-and-spiti-travels-part_18.html" target="_blank">Kunzum Pass</a> near to the evening. This is where our story was ended in the last part.</div>
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Reaching the Chandra-Taal</h2>
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We were not sure, if the Batal would come first, or the diversion to the lake. Descending down from Kunzum Top was easy and costed us nothing but the free gravity. The road is wide, but dusty, and with curves and curves after each 50 metre. Have a look.<br />
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(zig-zag descent from Kunzum Top)<br />
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(Rahul and Naren on their Pulsar, Kunzum temple on left in the backsight)</div>
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I had heard about the crazy streams that we had to cross on the road leading to Chandra-Taal lake, but we wouldn't know how much crazy they were until we really cross them. We rested for few clicks at the diversion point. This is the point where road again comes close to a river, not Spiti, but Chenab river. Spiti river runs on the other side of the Kunzum pass, and we had left her behind.</div>
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(board showing the diversion from Gramphu-Batal-Kaza road to Chandra-Taal, river below is Chenab)</div>
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(Look at the glacial erodes, the road diversion to left)</div>
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The road is wide enough only for small vehicles, like cabs, moreover one can topple over if don't remain on the ruts formed with tyres. They were so deep, enough to get a jump if crossed from one to the another. The first major stream was only about a kilometer distance, made my shoes and pants wet. One has to be very much careful while crossing the streams, look for the water level, don't risk if it reaches 2 feet.</div>
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(Crossing the water stream)<br />
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Thankfully Naren took these pictures of me, and I am able to share with you. He clicked a selfie as well.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 19.2px;">Stream flows few metres down and merges with the Chenab river. A small valley is formed due to the river, and it is very beautiful. Total peace, wow! have a look.</span></div>
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Booking a Tent for Night Camping at Chandra-Taal base Camp</h2>
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So after this 11 kilometer stretch is covered one reaches at the base camp of the Chandra-Taal. Tents were pitched at various spots on this plane ground of not more than 150*150 square metres space. A police man was on duty, after making our entry he suggested one camp to us.</div>
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The price was 600 rupee per person, night and morning meals were included. Toilet was combined for all, and totally a temporary arrangement. There were camps who charged about 2000 rupees and had separate toilet facility inside the tent itself. Also electricity was available in those tents. We needed not to worry about that, because we had a power bank, also stars are more beautiful without electric bulb, anyway.</div>
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We booked the tent at around 4:30 PM, and we had enough time to visit the lake 2-3 kilometers further from the base camp. We put our heavy bags inside the tent, and rode above through a zig-zag dustier road. There were 10-12 vehicles at the stop. One has to walk about 300-500 metres distance from the stop to the lake. Read about the lake in the board, that I clicked at the stop.<br />
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At Chandra-Taal, tried Yoga, and thankfully didn't break my neck.</h2>
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(First look of lake)</div>
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As you see in the picture above, there were about 20 tourists, mostly Indians. The lake water appears blue, same as the sky above.<br />
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We lied flat at the lake bank and waited for people to disperse. Then a sparrow kind of bird came near to me. He was fearless, I had never been so close to a bird in my life. I felt thankful to this bird. It graced me with its closeness and made me feel as if I was safe enough to be trusted. Feeling trusted by a strange bird was definitely a big compliment.<br />
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We observed that the number of people was not decreasing, a big group had arrived for filming some video for some song perhaps.</div>
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Yoga at Chandel-Taal</h2>
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I had this idea of doing Shirsha-asanaa, and wanted to be clicked at this beautiful place. It was once in lifetime opportunity. Also Naren is near to master of the Yoga, you won't believe me, what I am going to show you here. Few clicks were clicked at the place where we were lying, but the sun was setting in the same direction, so pics were not that good, except they would make wonderful silhouettes. Please don't try it for yourself at such places, because if you break you neck or back, there is not much of help available. So, make sure that you are confident about whatever you are doing.</div>
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(thanks to Naren, for clicking my yoga poses, see his yoga poses below)</div>
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We walked to the other side of the lake, so that we could click some pictures without other people. Now sun would be in the back of the cameraman.</div>
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Resting for a while and few more clicks.<br />
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Back to Base camp and Night</h2>
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As the sun was moving down towards the mountain, temperature dropped further. One can not stand outside without a jacket. We tried to soak the last rays on the way down to the base camp.</div>
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A view of the base camp from higher vantage point on the road to lake.</div>
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A biker group looked amazing on that zig-zag road leading from lake to base camp down below.</div>
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Tents at the base camp.<br />
We were offered simple rice and daal at dinner. It felt suicidal to get out of the tent at night, cold wind was furious. Sky was overcast with the clouds so no luck with the stars. We were given Kambal and Quilt, so night was quite comfortable inside the tent.</div>
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We started early in the morning at around 5:00 AM. Reason was that our next destination was to return back to our normal life, but this last stretch of about 40 kilometers from Batal to Rohtang would be the toughest among the whole trip. There would be numerous water streams to cross, and they swell up in the noon. Let's keep that part for the story for the next post.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 19.2px;">Thanks for visiting.</span></div>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-88785493943618065052018-05-18T20:44:00.003-07:002018-05-18T20:44:44.083-07:00Best of Kinnaur and Spiti Travels- part 7 - across Kunjum Pass <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hi</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmcx9jrf68hGWV8N7Q8LExo2Eh8TSvkKK16FFhWJAMLNuk/Kunzum6.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; font-size: 19.2px; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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I am continuing my story from the <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2018/05/best-of-kinnaur-and-spiti-travels-part_16.html" target="_blank">last post of this series, in which I wrote our visit to Komik- the highest motorable village in the whole world</a>. </div>
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After filling our bike tanks at Kaza we started to Lossar at around 10:30 AM on 13th July, of 2017. This was our 4th day this Kinnaur Spiti national highway.</div>
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Kaza to Lossar</h2>
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In earlier post, I mentioned Lossar. Lossar is the major station that comes in between Kaza to kunzum Top. Its distance is about 55 km from Kaza, and only 18 km from Lossar.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmekidjoJpPCBXVfpA5yz9xLP5xko5cq1nEBnE6txFFjBK/Kunzum%20google%20map.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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This 55 km of distance has pakka and katcha road stretches almost in equal proportion, but the road is simple and also runs low and parallel with the Spiti river. In between you cross few wooden or steel bridges across the streams of fresh, yet violent water coming down from the barren slopes of the mountains.</div>
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<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmRP6BfUfXRKjSjYcT7d9mDAioq69DHuECM6uP5nMnem7S/Spiti%20valley.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(Spiti river valley)</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmTkWiyiXEZekzUyCtEup7hwYN7ug1q8qesSWx1aMKUSuW/Spiti%20Valley1.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(Road from kaza to Lossar)</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmSC49W8yqW4mtyFoPbJcH14gE5NUZb3ej5X8fPCuUzySx/Spiti%20valley2.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(Some stretches has this greenish layer)</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmVwyPpkwxybb2BWdgfCiG8XZEeoNjr6HPaq5DoVMXFfMz/Lossar1.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(Stream)<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmZZcqi8bE2cEeWyaBvkVRiRjqaTi1PfxJKNHyTodoqTUB/Lossar2.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(closer view)</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmWYzm3uR9Z9ZTskGg6qWcraGYpSoWcDdiyck7uBa2fHme/Lossar3.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(Lossar village, as seen from the wooden bridge)</div>
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We reached Lossar at about 1:00 PM. There were 2-3 Dhabas(restaurants) which served the Indian and some chinese dishes as well. Me and Naren ate rice, kidney beans and curry, while Rahul ate about 3 parathas, a copious amount. In those 20 minutes of stop, we got the opportunity of talking to co-travellers on the route. First, 3 bikers stopped at the Dhaba and then two cabs, one with young boys and girls and other with the aged people.</div>
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Lossar to Kunzum Top</h2>
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Just at the end of the village a small checkpost makes your entry in register. We started at around 2:00 PM from Lossar. This stretch of 18 km after Lossar to Kunzum Pass is dusty and one has to cross and rise above the elevation of Spiti river, and therefore many curves on the slope of the mountain are to be tackled safely. A major stream is crossed via yet another wooden bridge similar to the one we saw a kilometer back from Lossar. Both of these streams merge with the Spiti river.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmYU3rscvERLhrxjHP1ea8xUGwat7dPT2MdEDbXCDW79Yr/Komik35.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Upstream - just after crossing Lossar)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmSuNkHzPBZyZtjDXy6U9FFMjVNLXBwPPPeFhcvnM4CTD2/Spiti%20Valley4.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; font-size: 19.2px; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">downstream</td></tr>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmU8Pr3PxDW6i6193doQ2yMYGDLjextrqASdZm4Gwz5mfG/Kunzum1.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(Photo session on the bridge)</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmVEt71Z6Fg6CZw7zfNrmMpMvuqK9hK5JahkrrMTnvAXVr/Komik33.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(Rise)</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmVgAfZTPXEHXh6etkZoUKBvEcp1ZtxMAkeC8Nge1GBhCK/Komik36.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />my 100 cc bike, was enough for a 60 kg person(I)</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmYbRoADGugvAnXBDnmsGt1jjbYsMVbFcnxXQN8hZn9uHr/Kunzum3.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(have another look)</div>
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There is no village or a single home on this stretch, and also wouldn't be possible for them to be, the reason is the snow and elevation. At the mid heights before reaching Kunzum, this beautiful strut(maybe worshipped by Buddhists, I wouldn't know.) picked my attention. The weather was so refreshing, look at the sky color. The small patches of glaciers on the mountain tops appears like the ice on the cake... lol. I know bad analogy.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmTBXSwzXSHXcSFsWD8gQjfwLSYia72Xk72kWWyMPDbhwG/Kunzum4.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />It provided a lovely view of the mountain peaks in the back.</div>
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Road further deteriorates after this point. And rises like a mountain trek.</div>
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At Kunzum</h2>
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Kunzum Pass/Top was only about 4-5 kilometers(as per my faint memory calculations) from this point. Pass has an elevation of around 4590 metres above mean sea level, and therefore this route gets closed in winters. It opens only for the summer months, therefore this spiti valley gets cut off from Manali or Lahaul. In winter buses run from Kaza to Reckong Peo which remains connected with Shimla.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmQEMogax75pU2m87odXKxaWGfvc4LoiXgaKHBCuFLExrN/Kunzum8.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(look at the beautiful peaks in back)<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmRuguhWgbfYsRVpJxSHnjqnCDp1mB9j2w8MYpv8Jb3pw9/Kunzum7.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(Road at Kunzum Pass)<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmeM2dZi3RMk7ncUYRX489AsxxNpg9sA9iJFnfZGUduE4x/Kunzum10.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(The informatory board at Kunzum Pass)</div>
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A big banner gate welcomes you, there is no roof and therefore the temple is open air. When we reached, a HRTC bus was stopped next to the temple dedicated to goddess Kunzum. Bus services are available from Kullu and Manali,and they run in the morning time only, because they tend to reach Kaza before the noon, because water in the streams gets swelled after noon. This happens due to the high rate of melting of ice due to more heat in the afternoon.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmZKn55FA3BY4bCXKr3A8uuhTAxp78VDz71LFpD9kBS5A4/Kunzum9.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(See that circle of road around the open air temple of goddess Kunzum, a bus to the right)</div>
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People pray here for a safe journey on this dangerous route. We also went in there, made a circle around the temple. Till then first that cab with youth and then a biker group which was behind us reached the pass. They started doing same. We were done, so we started further towards our next destination.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmcWMMcHp5iW2ytixiuxiWdYd1uEQQBgFiVLRLur42KRMX/Kunzum12.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(Naren in front)<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmcniWazvDGWNe4hGeYuNeqQ4VWwGWVMQ3jdrurf7Lj33k/Kunzum18.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(The open air temple, somehow the image won't turn left in steemit)</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmdKmCMFqEKkV1WiugF8PXiXwAYCpEGNKR9B6a3j243KkM/Kunzum17.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(Mantras stone relief outside the temple)</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmNbuuZJC4p98HD5Aa6jfxpWJxNygrB1ZYQ6AZR3VdzU1w/Kunzum19.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(closer view of the Kunzum temple)</div>
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Riding towards Chander Taal Lake</h2>
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The road descends down very steeply in a zigzag manner. We managed with gravity and saved some petrol in our tanks. Our next destination was Chander-Taal lake, so before reaching Batal, which is at about 11 kilometers from Kunzum top, we have to take a right turn on this single lane road that is solely constructed as a connection to Chander-Taal Lake.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmSmWFUQhizybCLKDtPLWncFXSVBhwkHhCCLP828ZUTDn1/Kunzum113.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(the link road to Chander-Taal Lake)</div>
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We would have descended about 7-8 kilometers until this board is reached, which reads the information about the diversion towards Chander-Taal lake. Our plan was to camp at the Chander-Taal lake base camp and visit the lake. That would completer the 4 days and 4 nights of this long trip. Let's keep that part of the story for the upcoming post of this series.</div>
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Thanks for the kind visit.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Browse the other parts of the story in my blog.</div>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-48512088332398970942018-05-16T02:11:00.000-07:002018-05-16T02:11:25.005-07:00Best of Kinnaur and Spiti Travels- part 6 - At the Highest Village in the World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmQTjJ4Kiv5ALyZwjdFvu5LBXf7j1DJSyxRoAgsWRiBDrP/Komik4.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; font-size: 19.2px; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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In the recent 5 parts of this series of posts, I took you through Kinnaur into the highlands of Spiti valley in Himalayas.<a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2018/05/best-of-kinnaur-and-spiti-travels-part_12.html" target="_blank"> In last post I explained how I and two of my friends visited the beautiful Langza village.</a></div>
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So, what we learned so far from my previous posts is that visiting these places is a full of adventures and amusing experience. Also the people here are the nicest in the world. The beauty of the place is out of the world, and if you visit, it would be your once in a lifetime kind of experience. Now lets move further with the story. After staying at Langza, our next day was also quite happening. We were filled with energy and love, and this enthused us to carry ourselves to another famous village nearby to Langza.</div>
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Road to Komik village</h2>
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The single lane Katcha road from Langza to Komik village is just about 6-8 kilometers, and it didn't took us more than 20 minutes to reach there. There are no trees or even shrubs albeit few place somewhat depressed and below the ridge had this greenish carpet.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmWE7DGqZgLp39Kr1fnA1dpppnPrUBgMvxu7jkL1sHbHkz/Komik14.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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There we spotted some cows and black colored himalayan donkeys grazing.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />If you only want to visit Komik, then you can come along other katcha road from Kaza, no need to come to Langza first. It would be no more than 9-10 kilometers. But I would suggest that you visit Langza and the reasons I explained in my previous post.</div>
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Komik Village</h1>
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The road ends at a old monastery. It is rectangular in shape. Lamas were seated on the verandah of the hut resembling houses next to monastery. A board reads the name of the village and its elevation and the tag of 'World's highest village.'<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmTdC1658KyjgbEFkdDfKJdUQwtxEjPtYnNaHr6R9hcNk8/Komik5.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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Village homes are somewhat down below this board. There are only 6-8 homes in Komik. The homes are made similar to those at Langza, the dry grass on the roof can be seen here as well. That grass is the surplus for their livestock.</div>
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When we entered this double storeyed monastery. Here is how the entrance face is.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmTMmSPTjVMRtDm5PC52MfM2dBYU6uq1fwKnqACWk9BgUM/Komik10.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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I saw a group of 8 foreigners, 2 ladies and 6 gents, in a process of setting up their huge cameras and drones.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmYpACUgAXaRhzfZHgYekDjK6BW8vnVyVRHoM7nFM1HrTr/Komik7.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 19.2px; line-height: 28.8px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">
<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmZ75hiFGby9zxaPRsT6KAAArg9Kt8eeH6eWShYFXww8qQ/Komik8.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />I paper pasted at the entrance read that the people were making a series of documentaries on the monasteries. In the far front of the entrance was the main chamber of the monastery where the lamas were seated in a somewhat rectangular formation. They were reciting some mantras in their deep voices. I felt lucky to witness this scene, it was divine and I captured it all in my cellphone camera, have a watch.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 19.2px;">I came outside and then went to this small tea and perhaps snacks restaurant next to the monastery.</span><img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmUeXnQMSdTkMHhg3ApKG9TWKU4y4gDgwZ6vYbLN1bceYd/Komik11.jpg" style="background-color: white; border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; display: inline-block; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 19.2px; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 19.2px;"></span><br />
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The team's cab driver was seated and we chatted for a while. He told us that he drove them from Delhi to this place. For next 15-20 minutes we stood in the open trying to capture every bit of beauty into our mind, and there I shooted this small video, which shows the outsides of the monastery and the nearby ridges of the this Himalayan desert.</div>
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The slopes contain a tinge of green at places.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmUk1U1BpRmLP2BwtMwHfXeGXNe72zF7E1TnxS3paT4kXo/Komik12.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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Back to Kaza</h2>
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Similar road diverges down from the same road nearby to Komik. It passes via yet another similar village which is visible from the Komik itself.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmZAZUQY5C4HoqTuGGsnNWWumbPUpxyzLVPdyTwThXbmNy/Komik2.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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It runs through this gently sloped area near to the village and then follows the a steep gradient with number of curves to cross the cliff like face of the mountain to reach Kaza down below.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmRTbtGSznubdCDYr4KApdMwwzDFDKCqU3Cw2KFYf2Auoj/Komik15.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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Kaza town and Spiti river both are visible from half of this road length. We turned off the engine and saved some fuel, thanks to the gravity.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmWRzQiaXpSiXz411VJQuNThXPaMqRvuDA5CdgCZj4eDQY/Komik16.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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At kaza we filled the motorcycle tanks and without losing much time we started on yet another beautiful stretch of the road along the Spiti river.</div>
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From Kaza towards Lossar</h2>
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This was our 4th day after the 3rd night halt at Langza. I would say the road is dusty at many stretches but serves you the most spectacular views. Have a look.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmUPzUJrPykmKrFUQnZqppWA5gkTzqbqYMvq1kGsujFK8S/Komik31.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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You will meet very few villages on this more than 50 kilometers of stretch from Kaza to Lossar.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmaaDn1S9akLmJLRT4DHJj4LYW4PdZ1fUnQkpoV79bV8Ws/Komik22.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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On the way Rahul and Naren met a lady who was very ill and wanted a lift up to her village on the way. So I had to carry Naren on my 100 cc bike for a stretch of road of about 8 kilometers. I feared about a tyre puncture, but thank God, it carried us well.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmb4dxRDiTuG7EeB5g8Dy4CUJPcCYB3kMbCnXpE5oXvHVR/Komik28.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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We rested few minutes at many small halts amidst nothing but the mountains and river.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmaHxwpWZi36cfa9ePstP9JWLTjMAU38WXSnhvRvuzhog4/Komik29.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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We rode our bikes until afternoon when we reached Lossar and had a plenty full of lunch. There are only 3-4 small Dhabas(restaurants) which serve mostly Indian and few chinese dishes. There is a check post at Lossar, and if demanded you have to prove your identity. While taking our meals, another group of riders stopped at the same dhaba. They were three young men who rode on their Thunderbird bikes from Delhi.</div>
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They were headed to the same place where we were. After crossing the Kunzum pass we would reach Chander-Taal base camp on the same day. Let's keep that part of the story for upcoming posts.</div>
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Thank you!</div>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-36002368604921672892018-05-12T19:34:00.001-07:002018-05-12T19:37:34.675-07:00Best of Kinnaur and Spiti Travels- part 5 - Homestay at Langza Village,also captured the Blue Sheep in Camera<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmZkiApvh9zeMVTCuvFEz9tsdAPfxjBEQJKg1vUsRebyij/Langza1.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(For details of photo, please read till end)</div>
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Hi Dear Friend,</div>
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Two nights and two days had already passed, and we had reached in the heartland of Spiti valley in the cold Himalayan desert- the most beautiful land that I had ever seen.<a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2018/05/best-of-kinnaur-and-spiti-travels-part_10.html" target="_blank"> In the last post I told you how I reached Kaza. Also I showed you the beautiful Kibber village through the photographs that I took on this trip.</a></div>
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Kibber village once had the highest motorable road in the world, but as of today another nearby village holds the rank. Langza and Komik village are now connected by roads and are at higher elevation than Kibber, but yes, unlike road to Kibber, these roads are not metalled yet. Now let's carry on with my story. While coming back from Kibber, we were planning to go towards Lossar, and we would have gone, but a surprise came along.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmVuaudcQqS4CMfcGqz4kT2NxKAHyiJMb2YzT8X3z7F1ii/Langza0.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(coming back from Kibber to Kaza)</div>
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When Motorcycle gets a break-down</h2>
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When you are riding your motorcycle in some barren land with the scantiest population density in India, you definitely won't expect a mechanic to be present for helping you. But this wasn't the case in Kaza. On the way back from Kibber, Rahul's motor-cycle was giving some problem with the gears, and Kaza didn't disappoint us. It took about half an hour for the mechanic to dismantle the gear parts and reassemble them with the needed fix.</div>
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Plan of Visiting the Langza village</h2>
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While waiting for the repair Naren and I seated on the parapet on the other side of NH-5, where this mechanic shop was. He had heard about this village named Lagza, and told me that there is this beautiful Buddha statue. Also the village is famous among archaeologists due to some fossil fuels findings.</div>
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An immediate acquaintance- a cab driver, who stood next to the shop was asked for the confirmation about all the information about Langza village. When you are in Kaza, you don't see the skyscrapers or trees either, leave the population. There are bizarre sandy mountain slopes of two sides, spiti river in the middle and a blue sky in the top. Hoping to find some beautiful village on the other side or at the top of mountain seems an absurd idea, so we had to confirm.</div>
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Enroute Langza village - Saw Bharal(Himalayan Blue sheep)</h2>
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Road up to Lagza village is a non-tarmacked or Katcha road, and rises up from the NH at just about half kilometer from Kaza town towards Lossar or say Rohtang pass. With a number of rising curves that we we crossing, the sun was dropping further in the dark in the back of the mountain. We hadn't yet met those wild animals of the wildlife sanctuary of the region, but this time we got lucky.</div>
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(bharal - Himalayan blue sheep)</div>
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Bharal or so called blue sheep is a high altitude animal that is found in abundant in this region. I had to stop on the road and shoot a video of their evening play. They were jumping and chasing each other, not just for play but a male was chasing a female for sex or say reproduction. Some of them gave their attention to me, perhaps were trying to sense if I was a danger to them. Please watch in the video.</div>
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Thankfully they were not in butting their horns to each other, because I don't like violence, even among animals. They do not have that big hair mass cover on their body, but the horns match somewhat with those of sheep. Even the body is lean and somewhat taller than sheep. And they definitely were faster with quick reflexes.</div>
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Between Langza and Kaza, there was not a single house or a man to find. We were skeptical if we had lost the correct road, and Naren even suggested to go back. Even when we felt that we had reached almost at the ridge of the mountain, the village was no where in our far sights.</div>
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But the geography has created this deception, we didn't knew what we would see next. The village remains hidden until we reach only about a kilometer's distance from this somewhat plane small plateau where the Buddha statue becomes visible.<br />
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmYDWaXxm6GjFGZWyRY3wUHwBScFo7xjiwc7UjhvfJ1Lwk/Langza00.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(First sight of the village and Buddha statue- such planes are very rare in this high altitude region. elevation - 4420 metres)</div>
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Entering Langza Village</h2>
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Few boards read the names of the homestays and their owners' phone numbers. The only telecommunication facility available in this region is from BSNL. So if you are having a BSNL SIM card, you can connect with them immediately. But remember the signal is not at every corner, you have to find the corners where it is.</div>
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(A typical mud and stone home at Langza)<br />
There are fields in the front of the houses, and the white and red colored houses stood like guards to them. The Buddha with half closed eyes seated in the middle of the plateau seems to be conscious of each and every activity not just in this region, but the whole universe. This was a magnificent sight, and I think the impression in my mind is for lifetime.</div>
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Meditating Buddha at Langza</h1>
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We wanted to see it from near before it gets complete dark. The road continues and ends at the feet of the Buddha, where it makes a circle around the statue. Bigger vehicles have to stop at 100 metres back, where a cafe is erected, where one can drink the tea and eat snacks.</div>
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(Buddha Statue and mountain in front of it - clicked next morning)<br />
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The mountain peaks in its front would glitter in the golden orange color, if sun would shine in the evening. But sun was already in hide behind the other mountain peaks in the back of the statue.</div>
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We tried to make the similar meditative posture as of Buddha and clicked few pictures before it would get complete dark. It was fun.</div>
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Homestay at Langza Village</h1>
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We met two young bikers who had come from Delhi on bikes. Despite me telling them about the homestay facility at the village, they headed back to Kaza. At that moment even we didn't know what they would miss. We descended to the village via the road, and spotted a board on the first home on the way.</div>
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It read 'Anjaan's Norkhil Homestay, Langcha.' It also read, food, stay, free information about Spiti, and recharge your phones and camera and water bottles. Everything was included in just 500 rupees(about $5 per person.) Also guide service was available if you want that too. One would expect something cheap for this cheap price, but the surprize waited us.</div>
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Anjaan was the his name, his wife and two kids were inside.</div>
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Toilet Facility</h3>
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Staircase took us to the first floor, while the ground floor only has one door which was closed. Outside the entrance to the rooms of the 1st floor, a toilet door was to the right. They have this Spiti toilet, specific to this region. It was nothing like an English toilet.</div>
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There was a hole in the middle with space around it to place your feet, and beside it was a bucket full of sheep and goat's dung. Instead of using water, after defecating one has to through a small shovel full of dung into the hole.<br />
Then I understood the purpose of the ground floor, and why the door was shut. Yet the house was not fetid at all, except inside the toilet room, where hole was always open. It is well known fact the water is scarce at that place, and more in winters when even the pipe water becomes ice. Beside saving the water, it produced a very good organic manure for their fields.</div>
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At the Dining Room</h3>
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No tables and chairs, but a rectangular arrangement of the mats along the corner lines of the wall to sit in a squatting position. Next to mat were stools arranged in similar manner. A special type of oven, which is found only in this Manali or Spiti region was put in the middle.<br />
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( Oven in the middle)</div>
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(Water purifier)<br />
On one corner some green plants were rooted inside the plastic pots made out of reused plastic cans. On the kitchen side of wall were hung a small photo gallery. Anjaan worked as a guide with some agency, and therefore had hiked many routes. He had pictures of himself with his number of clients.First a lemon, ginger tea was demanded and they made it very well. He offered us a locally made fermented rice wine, and I tasted it with few sips as I don't like the wine that much. A soup made with some flour chips and some green leaves was offered as dinner, I forgot the name, sorry!</div>
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<span style="font-size: 19.2px;">His younger child was sick, and his sister was trying to sooth him. Naren advised him about the tablet, because they carried a pocket full of variety. We started to chat with the girl, and tried to learn the new language, and I learned some lines. But after one month, while I am writing this article, I remember only one word 'Julley' - means Hi or Hello, or Namaste in my own language. Anjaan told us about the village komik, whose name we hadn't heard yet. Komik is now the world's highest motorable village.</span></div>
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We inquired him about the fossil fuels, and he told that one has trek further back into the mountains, maybe half an hour or more. We thought, maybe some other day, we would see them.</div>
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Hot water available for bath in a spacious bath-room. You can carry your own fancy shampoo if you don't like 'Lifebuoy' soap.</div>
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Good Night Sleep</h3>
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This would be our 3rd night halt since we entered Kinnaur and Spiti region. He gave us new bisleri bottles, and told us that foreigners demanded them, so he made it a routine to keep them in surplus amount. Bed room contained double bed, enough for three of us. There were 3-4 fresh and soft quilts, enough to keep us warm in the cold of this 4420 metres elevation. We put our cell phones to charge.<br />
<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmYT9KBiyaf1H3TQWYdZ4qM5p2SmP5NLYdTTCFyT3A1CXk/Langza3.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(colorful sheet on the ceiling surface)<br />
Just like in dining room, the ceiling surface was covered with some colorful cloth sheets.</div>
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Morning and the Break-Fast.</h3>
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(break-fast)<br />
I can never forget that plate with a bing chunk of home made butter that they kept on the stool. They didn't tell us how much to take, it was our own wish. They made very nice rotis, and we ate them with that.</div>
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Overall Rating of Homestay</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Right, Anjaan(home owner), Rahul, Naren, and I</td></tr>
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In one sentence- Out of the World. I would say that if you wanted such a food and service at such heights, it would not be less than 2000 rupees if it was some kind of good hotel. Yet the price was so less, only 500 rupees per person, everything included except the bisleri bottles. Wow!</div>
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Leaving for Komik</h2>
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As Anjaan had told us about the route to Komik and then a shortcut to Kaza, we left the homestay in early morning. I clicked a selfie with his home and him, because I knew perhaps it would be only this one time in my life while I am at his place.<br />
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmXHLjGwJ9bhNZ4RzLrjNyJJ5YLFGhngeXsdLXaBB3h7Xm/Langza11.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
( On the way to Komik)<br />
Let's keep the story of our visit to Komik village for my next post.</div>
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Thanks for visit, and don't forget to visit earlier parts of this travel story series.</div>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-47477135197901378472018-05-10T09:33:00.001-07:002018-05-10T19:55:05.471-07:00Best of Kinnaur and Spiti Travels- part 4 - Kaza, KEE monastery and Kibber village<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I hadn't thought that the story would make so many parts, but as I write a new part the length increases beyond my expectation. It is hard to keep out the words that come in my mind. I will try to keep this concise.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aTA40IxQYxs/WvR0AkTjrOI/AAAAAAAAIEw/t8X2wktz_n09n3Rgx-z2iONAfsc6U_XqwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/DSC01095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aTA40IxQYxs/WvR0AkTjrOI/AAAAAAAAIEw/t8X2wktz_n09n3Rgx-z2iONAfsc6U_XqwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/DSC01095.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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Kibber village</div>
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In my <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2018/05/best-of-kinnaur-and-spiti-travels-part_7.html" target="_blank">earlier post</a>, I told you about our short chit-chat with the Lama of the <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2018/05/best-of-kinnaur-and-spiti-travels-part_7.html" target="_blank">Dhankhar monastery</a>, and I think it is a beautiful post, but I am not happy, because the post didn't catch the attention of any whales here. Yet I am glad that few people complimented my efforts and motivated me to write this next part.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmY3v1XjriJfW6r2Z1oAPqkaKwuXGeRnHQYezNMupRF6B1/Kaza1.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(On the way to Kaza from Tabo, look at the formation on the hill to the right)</div>
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Reaching Kaza from Dhankhar monastery was an easy job. This is how the road is. Good enough for bikers.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmT29EWAooQd9MpcukvD2mixQftB54HtJWmZbAZ6Mcd1HR/Kaza2.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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Kaza</h2>
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Kaza is a small town and has the sub-divisional headquarter of the spiti region. We didn't have the time to roam around the small market it has, but we were hungry, as we hadn't eaten anything much since the morning when we were at Nako. Even at Tabo we hadn't found good options, except that tea at the Tabo monastery(as told in second part.)</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmUVG8Bp1m7m5WM8xybA6g2K4eqTjKBjeTbZonMhCj7okH/Kaza4.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(Kaza town)<br />
We found this traditional dhaba next to a fancy cafe in mid of the town. I ordered 2 parathas, Rahul 3 and Naren 1, and the numbers were proportional to our body weights. On the mountain slope on the other side of river spiti, some students of Jawahar Navodya Vidyalaya Kaza had decorated the whitewashed stones into the word 'NAVODAYA' in big letters, and it was visible from almost one kilometers of the road stretch and the town itself.<br />
<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmRtLWA4CH2RBVSEorpDkoE7nebUUFETsjnkR4hx4kLfuT/Kaza5.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(word 'NAVODAYA' decorated using whitewashed stones, Kaza)</div>
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Navodaya schools are central govt funded boarding schools where children from the rural areas are brought to study after they qualify the entrance exam at the age of 10. Being an alumni of such one school, I felt nostalgic, and therefore clicked this picture. Earlier Kaza didn't have the school buildings and the students were sent to my school in Mandi district.</div>
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Kaza has hotels, petrol pump, schools, and even mechanic shops to repair you motor-cycles and other vehicles. I think it is a good place to spend some days here and explore the area around.</div>
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KEE monastery</h2>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmSN9Ut1cLzpYjPwgpHqrybFaf56orUPaMJS7WYo518WPq/Kee%20monstery.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(Kee monastery, clicked from road below it)<br />
Our Next destination was Kee(Keeh or Ki) monastery. A single lane metalled road diverges to the right after one kilometers from Kaza. Distance of Kee monastery was not more than 5 kilometers, as per my rough estimates. When we were below the monastery we read the name of 'Kibber' in a side road stone. Instantly we decided to go to Kibber first and then if the time allows, we would visit Kee.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmRgd55zWyj8fxkN58Fj292sTRfyPm6gzogFGjrMfPYA6L/Kibber1.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(Road to Kibber)</div>
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The road to Kibber is totally good. It didn't take more than half an hour to reach Kibber up at an elevation of 4270 metres above mean sea level. Kibber got famous because it was the highest elevated motorable road.</div>
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At Kibber village</h2>
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After crossing several hair pin bends, when we reached almost at the top of the mountain, finally the Kibber village was in our sights. We stopped for a while and clicked some pictures.<br />
<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmPz2mYKyPiG4T6CnFso9Y1mDUoPTDW5JzvkucB5CFKNhh/Kibber3.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(Naren and Rahul in front, Kibber in back)<br />
There is this wildlife sanctuary board next to our bikes. Photography of the wild animals in the sanctuary is not allowed, but we didn't find any anyway. A board we found few metres back informed about Bharal, Ibex related to sheep and goats, snow leopard and himalayan wolves.<br />
<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmRMptUCLhTzLtj9CNCwaDPj5hxgTeS5atAq5HbSTJdkAK/Kibber4.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(Our bikes look so beautiful when there is such a beautiful background)</div>
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We rode another 1 kilometer and finally we were at the 0 Km road stone, erected next to an old deteriorating stupa. In total it was about 16 kms from Kaza to Kibber. One can opt for the one 4:00 PM bus service from Kaza. The bus returns back to Kaza in the same evening.<br />
<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmVBPFwQWHFve4MspBzpJENdKuBTrCiPGPrPVN4gwcWEw7/Kibber5.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(Kibber 0 km)</div>
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A group of youngs from south India was already seated on the parapets which gave the perfect view of the Kibber village. We sat on the empty ones to take a feel of the place and click some more.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmQsZ2q8wt9y4nWrDcJeF9UsW3p5kEZMDcUQjeb6JMYbnM/Kibber6.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(A pose and view of the village)</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmRWviSeteHa8GdRviLFe66XLUx2qsJmJzTf8xNLqzxbS6/Old%20Stupa%20Kibber.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
Old Stupa, Kibber village)</div>
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There were fields next to the village, and along with the cloud shadowed mountain ridge in the back, they made a hypnotic spectacle.<br />
<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmfQPBdKLUJAfrTNf9P5RVCyJKgQN3eN5bnwhNNTexNnii/Kibber7.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(lush green fields of Kibber and the limestone mountain summit)</div>
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The agriculture is the major backbone of the villagers and it is said that they make a 3 day trek to Ladakh to sell their horses for money or yak. The village has about 80 houses, and are made of stone. Not of mud, as we would see in my next post where I would take you to some other nearby interesting villages of Spiti.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmUNzRCrQJCgVsHgXgc6gTncCKD7PNr8HQP5wJkx6nY8Mn/Kibber8.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(In front of the wildlife sanctuary board)</div>
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We returned back to Kaza, hoping to reach Lossar at night, but the plan made yet another turn, and we would visit Langja and Komik village. Let's keep that part of story for another post.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9I7Q7p_wTbQ/WvRz2F166QI/AAAAAAAAIEo/_TOXWQiXq0kpDiOwwvdOxQU_yAJLVohEwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/DSC01090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 19.2px;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9I7Q7p_wTbQ/WvRz2F166QI/AAAAAAAAIEo/_TOXWQiXq0kpDiOwwvdOxQU_yAJLVohEwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/DSC01090.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks for your kind visit!</div>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-44142259291118468122018-05-07T20:08:00.001-07:002018-05-07T20:08:36.995-07:00Best of Kinnaur and Spiti Travels- part 3 - Dhankhar Gompa(monastery)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hi,</div>
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After <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2018/05/best-of-kinnaur-and-spiti-travels-part_6.html" target="_blank">visiting Tabo monastery</a>, as I told you in my<a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2018/05/best-of-kinnaur-and-spiti-travels-part_6.html" target="_blank"> previous part of this story</a>, the excitement had almost doubled, because we had reached just at the start of the pure deserts of Spiti. None of us were on this land before, yet we had heard a titbit about these wonderful places that we would visit.</div>
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<img height="480" src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmcCmZSwAH33BYXyYtzQMDbYtT7dZ3w6mq9K6tdDYquvzn/Dhankhar%20monastery3.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="640" /><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">(For details of the pic, please read till the end)</span></div>
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Some interesting facts about Spiti</h2>
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Before proceeding further with my story let me tell you some interesting facts about this district of Himachal. The word Spiti means The Middle Land, because it is the middle land between the Tibetan plateau and lower Himalaya in India. And being the driest region of Himachal Pradesh, but with a plenty full of snow fall in the winters, the place has the lowest population density in Himachal Pradesh.</div>
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It holds the 2nd rank in India after Dibang valley of Arunachal Pradesh at 1st place. It is also known as the land of Lamas, because there are a number of monasteries at almost every far scattered places you visit, and you will find the lamas there. Given to the dangers associated with the falling stones and dusty roads, you will read this in warning boards "Don't be a Gama in the Land of Lamas."</div>
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Naren wanted to see the structure of the age old monastery built upon an eroded hill. Rahul was less concerned about anything, so far he had acted in a narcissist way. But it was fun and safe to be together.</div>
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Dhankhar Monastery</h2>
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Reaching Dhankar can be another job if you don't have your own vehicle. Remember to take a right turn just after about 20 kilometers from Tabo towards Kaza, a 6-8 kilometers single laned metalled road diverses to take you to the Dhankhar monastery. If one wants to trek, it would be a 2-3 kilometers steep hike from the NH-5 to Dhankar monastery.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQme1d1dL1yiUbxe9dvxEcQ54d3DbY9fKbbtGqw77b9BEZn/Dhanker%20monastery2.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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There are no shrubs or trees after the road rises above the river elevation, yet a beautiful flowered plant manages to bloom here and welcomes you to the breathtaking spectacle of the cluster of the the monasteries and homes.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmV38hJPXBD6Sh5cdw79PME6rcaMeRjz3cyabhK8weGbKX/Dhanker%20monastery3.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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I was so fascinated, that I had to stop my bike and click few pictures. In the above picture, you also see the merging of the Pin river with the straight flowing Spiti river. Pin river originates from the Pin valley national park, on the other side of which lies <a href="https://steemit.com/travel/@sanjay91422/wild-himalayan-treks-4-kheer-ganga-kullu-abode-of-shiva" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1fbf8f; cursor: pointer; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out;">Khir Ganga and Manikaran</a>.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmVFfsBVN4dPGfpPWzvDEuk9s7gZ22BdZbCzZMdqQAcaaH/Dhankhar1.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(newly built monastery and the famous Dhankhar monastery visible through the gap in between)</div>
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We took a look at the newly built monastery which comes first on our way and the metalled roads ends there. A further half kilometer of dusty road took us to the famous Dhankhar monastery.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmZvg9awXPPUdphAj48kD34EYD19tb7JTeRhgZbFKtd6nN/Dhankhar%20monastery2.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmRfHHwA5UtrAkoiB1vwxep54GNmvU3ndg7tUg55ZGqdHM/Dhankhar%20monastery2.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />As we entered from below, some RCC work was under way on the sides of the path. At the entrance was a kind of cafeteria, where some foreigners had taken the seats for tea. One can read a small history of the monastery written on this black board.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmbPv1cmRTKU3XzpdZcztsy9FYSyUQJyMeQGqkR6dc3bB7/Dhankhar%20monastery.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(somehow the image is coming horizontal, originally it is saved vertical with me, don't know how to fix it, sorry!)</div>
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The monastery as a whole is perched on this stronger remains of the hill, but it looks as if the hill would crumble down some day. I don't know how much safe it is.</div>
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As is written in the history board, the repairs were made to the monastery in the 11th AD, but the date of its first built is not given. But the information is sufficient to suggest that this mud wood and stone built monastery has sustained itself for more than a millennium.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmVmpBaofhiQkjrq9jW3476i4HouVFooGrrWK28PWidzXT/Dhankhar%20monastery%20entry.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" />(entry to the monastery chambers/rooms)<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />One has to take out the shoes and wear the slippers provided at the gate. The rooms are very short in heights, and even a 5'5" person like me has to bend to half to enter them. A closed chamber had this notice plate.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmeREuy7w1Lxqbpi1F4RgfFgqQ5wHpjPkqPyPQmerRmvU1/20170712_140351.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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All other chambers were having these flames(perhaps eternal) which you can find at almost any monastery.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmcGNGLMbx35gqZFhidRk77pfK9afZmUxbYC9A4QmQva6K/Dhankhar%20monastery1.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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At the top floor of the building, photography was not allowed. A Lama was seated on the chair and recited something from a book he held in his hands. He asked about our places and said that Himachali people don't have to pay for a visiting ticket, others have to pay somewhere less than a dollar. Thankfully I saw a RCC beam retrofitted at the side of the top slab, and that made me feel a little more safer with the building.</div>
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There were these four chambers in this top floor dedicated to different purposes.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />We descent back and then I tried to capture the beauty of surroundings from this perfect vantage point. Have a look at the Dhankhar village as a whole in the picture below.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmaid1Ljo7CvDY1B1FfUq2Mjsoobn5GrgFugKvpnBhVjXi/Dhankhar%20monastery1.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(dhankhar village)</div>
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Leaving for Kaza</h2>
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This dusty road via Dhankhar makes a short stretch of an alternative to NH-5, and merges back with NH-5 at its two far ends distanced about 15 kilometers(including the initial 8 km metalled road on the other side.) We started on this dusty road<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />towards Kaza, which would merge with the tarmacked double laned NH-5 after a stretch of about 6-8 kilometers. A road goes towards Lallung, and if you don't intend to go there, take a left.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmZ2pHxxAPfnfDR4kW3571DcDBGurhGQF2Y4EwP8HwS3bN/dhankhar%20monastery5.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmePQ6LdXYPjtcHfrafmHotcyeWDSaAgGWABRc1sGzbcXM/Dhankhar%20monastery4.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(Rahul giving a biker's pose)</div>
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As we were new to the road, I stopped for the information when I spotted the only group of ladies working on the road. They were happy to see me and were from Lallung. They asked me if I visited Lallung, and told me that it is beautiful. I said maybe some other day, and thanked them for the confirmation of the route to Kaza. It is said that the ladies in the area work the most, both at homes and outside, and these women worked as labors in PWD, thus served an example.</div>
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When this dusty road merged with the NH-5, we spotted a small meadow just above the road, but with not more than just a tinge of green. We stopped for taking rest, and clicked some picture. The 1st picture at the top shows the same place.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />We ate some dry fruits and drank water and just sat there for about 15 minutes. Our next destination was Kaza, which has a distance of about 30 kilometers from Dhankhar monastery. Let's keep that part of story for some next post.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmbXwtSMm5pBubqTDqp6dEtUBZAUv7DiFA6zHxHA5Cwth4/Dhankhar%20monastery6.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(Naren and Rahul busy with their thoughts)</div>
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Thanks for the kind visit!</div>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-24086429740775273662018-05-06T21:49:00.000-07:002018-05-06T23:03:39.077-07:00Best of Kinnaur and Spiti Travels- part 2- Nako Lake and Tabo Monastery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hi friend, </div>
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As promised in <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2018/05/best-of-kinnaur-and-spiti-travels-part.html" target="_blank">part 1</a><a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2018/05/best-of-kinnaur-and-spiti-travels-part.html" target="_blank">(visiting Sangla and Chitkul),</a> here I am with the 2nd part of the travel story.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmRTCusy2s9z6FBivdrizaU3R3ktEnjuGma5HinwenMQuo/Tabo%20monastery.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(for details of this photo, read up to last part)</div>
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Reaching Nako</h2>
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Distances are fun when there is beauty all around you, and it becomes a thrill as well, when there are some dangers involved. Distance from Sangla to Nako village was quite a long one given that we started at around 3:40 PM on 12th July from Sangla and we had to cover about 130 kilometers of the half tarmacked and half dusty and pebble road.</div>
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Moreover, one has to constantly fear the shooting stones. Shooting stones are the stones which fall from the upside slope of the mountain onto the road with a speed. The reason is that there are no trees and the soil is silty and sandy- an avid evidence of the Tethys sea from the past.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmUKh8peJAAmZm668uyXkSBHNECDop2yydpx1FhGdZEktc/Nako1.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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The road alternated its color from the tarmacked to dusty, and I had to keep my eyes both at the road and the upsides slopes. Anyway it was adventure, and I found that I was a good biker. Whenever a potential-pain-in-the-ass-pothole would come, I would pull up my ass in the air.</div>
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When we were on the NH-5 just below Pooh, the night had spilled its colors. The journey up to Nako village took about another 1.5 hours. We were in total darkness with no traces of any kind of life. Clouds had curtained the stars and sprinkled the cold water but in insignificant amount. Here is what google map shows about the route.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmTGLQy14agshb5NXuZi5p51BBbGbgZj5n4qoyUZWA5sHG/Nako%20village0.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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In that darkness we lost the view of the confluence of the Sutlej and Spiti river at Khab. You get very close to India China border at Khab. Thankfully just at the diversion to Nako village we got a room for the night stay. Village is somewhat off the road to the right side when going towards Kaza from Kinnaur, and we kept this in mind because we could have missed it in the dark. We ate dinner and slept hoping for a bright morning next day.<br />
<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmX3ppACvh1MugFcmvTFaoCHrU8Gp3TrU388GpERDvvpQJ/Khab.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(The tinge of group of white on left, are houses of Nako village, and somewhere in the back in those deep valleys is the confluence point of Sutlej and Spiti river)</div>
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Nako Village</h2>
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Nako village serves two things, one is the beauty of village and a lake in the mid of the village, and perhaps a good halting point between Kaza and Kinnaur. The morning was shadowed with clouds.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmYbCzPftU1UCF2rszkNnGRybHcpcZdLhCmAsu6whv5GsW/Nako%20village.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(Nako village, July 2017)</div>
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We roamed on our bikes, first reached the monastery hoping that lake was at this part of village, and then with asking a local, we reached the lake. Lake was nothing much of a spectacle, it sized comparable with that of a pond. The water was still and green probably due to not much of an outlet.<br />
Given to this still lake water, there are number of trees that circle the lake. Given the same reason, the village even with an elevation of about 3600 metres has got few green fields to grow some vegetables. Else in this part of the world you would see the greenery only at the village very close to the river.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmRiCcWnSdQNceULeNSUXb76GWnoDruuqF1QwX5AYNh8mk/Nako%20lake.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(this is how the lake looks from a close view)</div>
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One gets a whole view of the village and lake from a higher vantage point at a road that ends just few hundred metres from the village. Somehow I would know this only after coming back from the place, when I searched google images.</div>
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Nako village to Tabo</h2>
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Road is in very good condition with few stretches of dirt road. Just as we leave Nako village, roads descends back abruptly with number of hairpin bends to get closer with the Spiti river.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmNSugSYgAd8YefYfDrGjq6F91QRe1Jt7HoLm4Z4E69rBx/Nako%20road.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br />
<br />
From there onwards it runs parallel with the river throughout this journey.<br />
You will experience a complete solitude and stillness(except Spiti water) at this place. A number of formations along the mountain ridges and on its slopes make the whole view just awesome.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmUC62kJymq1NfCzh9zUdeub6SuZY872VfXDudtxGUZJEB/Nako%20village3.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(Look at that formation on right)<br />
<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmQvyXcVnUmgdy9T3qpr7j81FkktCpwZ34WJWLnjmzodFo/Nako%20village5.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(Spiti valley, a closer view)</div>
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We kept riding like this for this 60 kilometers stretch and in noon at around 11:30 AM, we reached Tabo.</div>
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Tabo</h2>
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You see this big informatory board, and below it is a diversion to left that takes you to a small market of Tabo.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmZGk3SSAaW4c1TAYA7fx8pTt53rLWdpQ1Ri4NkEBzJheZ/Tabo1.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /></div>
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There is food facility, ATM and the famous age old Tabo Monastery. The description of the Monastery is given in the image. The monastery is dedicated to main four mythical deities of Tibetan Buddhism. I tried to ask about the deities from a couple visiting the insides, and they explained that the four deities are similar to the three main deities Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh of Hindu religion. Maybe this all was inspired from the Hindu puranas only, who knows! Photography is not allowed inside the monastery, so I had to be contented with the outside only.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmd56DDAuaFEaMA4GVaL2PvvZmj1FktCrUF9XWA9RB9o4z/Tabo%20monastery4.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(Gate of Tabo monastery)<br />
Read in the image below for the history of the Tabo monastery. Clicked at the entrance to the monastery.<br />
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(History of Tabo Monastery)</div>
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(Free cup of tea was being offered in the varandah of the monastery, yet I didn't like the taste much)</div>
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Soon a guide of the monastery voluntarily joined us and took us to another chamber where a big statue of half standing (just about to rise) Buddha was kept under the roof. He represented the future incarnation of the Buddha. Then he told us about the stupas made of mud and perhaps stone beneath the layers, which were the monuments created to memorate there influential gurus from past.</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmQqV31RoYxqyH8r6AZmqxB9Ur82XSkuTwGDEkbBswaBnS/Tabo%20monastery3.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(Stupas - monuments for the past gurus)</div>
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Our Tabo visit ended in a local shop run by a tibetan woman, who offered the small artifacts at somewhat higher prices. We could tell because she offered a thread with a plastic ring with the inscribed sanskrit letter 'Aum' at 100 rupees. In our local markets at temple, one can get such locket for 20 rupees. I checked a hat, and clicked(See the first image at top) myself to check the wear up.</div>
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We also cashed out some money using the SBI ATM there. At around 1:00PM we started towards Dhankhar Monastery.</div>
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In next post, I shall cover the visit to Dhankhar, Kaza, Kibber and if length permits me, Langjha and Komik as well.</div>
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Thanks for the kind visit.</div>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-20963749184657195312018-05-05T22:35:00.002-07:002018-05-05T22:49:43.318-07:00Best of Kinnaur and Spiti Travels- part 1- Sangla and Chhitkul - The Border Villages of India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hi friend,</div>
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Kinnaur and Spiti are the driest regions of Himachal Pradesh. You can judge the statement with the fact that Dharmshala gets the highest annual rainfall of about 1500 mm, while Spiti gets about 50 mm, and the two places are few coordinates away from each other.</div>
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In <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2017/07/shrikhand-kailash-yatra-2017-details-of.html" target="_blank">my previous post</a>, I wrote about my trekking experience through the toughest trek of India which takes you to the holy <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2017/07/shrikhand-kailash-yatra-2017-details-of.html" target="_blank">Shrikhand Kailash peak</a>. As I told you in that post I met two guys Naren and Rahul from Solan, and we thought of riding our bikes in the deserted land of Kinnaur and Spiti.</div>
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There was nothing pre-planned. First of all I could not think of taking a 100 cc bike to those sandy dusty roads of this cold desert, and second I didn't know much about the place. But somehow it came first out of my mouth. You know, there is always excitement in doing something unplanned and dangerous. In this post I am taking you with me to this beautiful cold region of Lamas.</div>
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Our first destination of this trip i.e. Sangla valley and Chitkul village has a lot of greenery, while others only have silty sloped mountains, but man they are beautiful. So follow on.</div>
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Chhitkul - the last Indian village on India-Tibet border</h2>
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It was 11th July, already 5:30 PM, we had 2 bikes, mine was 100 cc, so Rahul and Naren were on the 220 cc pulsar. We fueled our tanks at Rampur(Shimla), and our target was to reach Sangla till evening. The main highway through the Kinnaur region is double laned and tarmacked till Karcham, but with few stretches of Katcha road. River Satluj flows very ferociously and also close to this road.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rampur and Kinnaur Boundary region</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Satluj/Setluj and the National Highway - towards Karcham (Kinnaur)</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 19.2px;">Please stay away from Satluj, it is very infamous for its vindictive nature. At Karcham a single lane pakka road offshoots from this arterial double lane road, and after riding about 22 kilometers on this, you reach Sangla. The Baspa river flows parallel but at a lower elevation, and valley becomes narrow and deep. The valley is named after it as Baspa valley but popularly known as Sangla valley. Have a look in the image below.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sangla-Baspa Valley (Kinnaur)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "source" serif "pro" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19.2px;">Sangla - A Small Village</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "source" serif "pro" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19.2px;">There is a small market, that I would see tomorrow. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 19.2px;">When we reached Sangla it was already 8:30 PM, reason for late was the bad road. It is heavily potholed in the last 4-5 kilometers and along with the night factor dust was disturbing. The snow and ice is to be blamed for the road condition. We rented a hotel room which was nice as per our standards. We didn't want a TV or internet, and it didn't have. We just needed 2 beers and that we got.</span></div>
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They charged only rupees 600 for that room. We were tired off by the 40 kilometers Shrikhand Kailash trekking, and we just wanted to sleep. Geyser was available, so we took bath, ate the meals, and slept a good night sleep.</div>
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Towards Chitkul</h3>
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In the morning we rode our bikes to the Sangla village. It was another 20 kilometers of Kutcha and single lane road. Valley gets wider and mountains become a little shorter as we reached near to Chhitkul. This is the sign of getting nearer to the tibetan plateau.</div>
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Chithkul - The Last Indian Village</h3>
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We reached the last village of India in about one hour. In between we met a ITBP checkpoint where one has to prove his identity. A big gate welcomes you in Hindi to this border village.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Chithkul on the bank of river Baspa</td></tr>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmXsHZtiXnR8X12ic49tKEHhCJYNjSBU1qLT86Jf4mceg1/Chhitkul1.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(HPWD Govt. rest house in my backsight at Chhitkul)</div>
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Along with the govt. rest house one can stay at other private hotels. Charges would be between 1000-2000 rupees.</div>
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(Rahul and Baspa valley expanding its horizon at Chhitkul)</div>
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<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmVDXz3V6oDbLW2zmwGip6HRWyPYGnWDfV6Pb9pStSMbEu/Chhitkul2.jpg" style="border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; height: auto; max-height: none; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" /><br />
(Chhitkul village from a distance)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roofs</td></tr>
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You can see that the village has new and old homes. Old ones are made of stone, wood and slate roofs, while newer ones are of RCC and tin. There is a very good sanitary system that runs through houses. A guided stream runs through the village, which is used for day to day works, such as washing cloths etc. The village has a temple dedicated to their deity, where people gather weekly or monthly for the prayer.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple at the center of Chitkul village</td></tr>
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Village has a strict code of clothes. Men and women both have to wear this Himachali cap.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interaction</td></tr>
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They wear it even when they work in their fields. Have a look at the woman working in a field seemingly planted with mustard plant.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woman of the Chitkul (Chhithkul)</td></tr>
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One can go only 3-4 kilometers beyond Chhitkul village, where another ITBP checkpoint checks your identity and sends you back if you are without a special permission to go beyond. We chatted with them for a while, they were friendly when we told them that we were natives of Himachal Pradesh. The border must be only about 15-20 kilometers from here, but people are not allowed to pass.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guardians of Borders</td></tr>
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We came back and rested for a while at the govt rest house Chhitkul. I also met one of my acquaintance and together we sipped a cup of tea. We reached back Sangla in after noon, and we would not stay at hotel. Our next destination would be Nako village. That part of the story I would cover in the 2nd part, so wait for it. I hope you enjoyed.</div>
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Thanks for the kind visit.</div>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-10211606870414915872017-07-17T23:47:00.001-07:002017-07-21T10:02:09.886-07:00ShriKhand Kailash Yatra - 2017 - Experiencing the toughest trek in India.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Standing with a participant of Chhadi Yatra 2017 at ShriKhand Kailash, 2017</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hi,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This is the time of the year when you can hike the steepest treks and reach the mountain peaks, which are ice cladded throughout the year. July is the month when people take the arduous journeys to reach the Kailash peaks devoted to the lord Shiva, the Mahadev. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Recently at the end of the first week of July, I did what I have been planning since last one year. Same month, last year, I hiked along a 17 kilometers trek to <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2016/09/camping-at-manimahesh-lake-bham-bham.html" target="_blank">reach the Manimahesh Kailash in Chamba</a>, and I enjoyed it so much that, then and there I wished of climbing to another Kailash Parvat(Mountain.)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Manimahesh Lake and Kailash, July 2016</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> I couldn't do it that time, because of unpreparedness of my body. That thought remained with me throughout these 12 months, and finally this month I reached the ShriKhand Kailash peak. It has an elevation of around 5200 metres from the Mean Sea Level. </span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Brief Introduction</span></strong></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Almost at 1000 metres higher elevation than the Manimahesh Lake(4300 metres,) ShriKhand Kailash is very much different in terms of the trek length, the steepness of the trek, the ice glaciers, and the connectivity with the world. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A downward view up from close to Nain-Sarovar, Shrikhand Kailash yatra 2017</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Shrikhand Kailash lies in the Kullu district of the Himachal Pradesh, and you can climb from three different locations.The other two being very difficult most of the pilgrims hike from Jaon in Nirmand tehsil of Kullu.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Preparations:</span></strong></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Please note that this trek is almost 35-40 kilometers long on one side, and it is near about 90 degrees ascend at more than 60% of the trek length, and this is the reason that this trek is known as the toughest trek of the India. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Other may suggest that it is less than 30 or more than 40 kms, but mind that the hike is not on the smooth floor and neither is it straight. One has to climb the big boulders and serpentine ridges. Don't underestimate or overestimate. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Do's</strong> </span></h3>
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<li style="line-height: 18px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Attempt only if you are in good shape and strength. If you want to attempt, please start running and other exercises months ahead.</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 18px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Do not take the chance with the altitude sickness, it can take your life. If you are not accustomed to higher altitude the lack of oxygen can be a very big problem, therefore either must have already trekked up to elevations above 4500 metres or take 3-4 days night halts at different locations along this trek. These halts will allow your body to acclimatize to this higher elevation climate. </span></li>
<li style="line-height: 18px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Diamox is a must, because altitude is very high and you must not take chances with your body. Take one tablet, one day prior to the day you will reach the top. You may not need it if you already have been at such heights.</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 18px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Take warm clothes with you, assume that it is a cold winter season up there, and it really is. </span></li>
<li style="line-height: 18px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Keep a cash of about 4-5 thousand rupees for buying the camping and food facility along the trek. </span></li>
<li style="line-height: 18px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Always keep a water bottle of about 2 litres with you, you will not get any water in the last 5-8 kilometers of the steep pebbled trek. You will get ice, but it does not melt in the bottle and it is harmful to eat it. </span></li>
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<li style="line-height: 18px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Keep the dry fruits with you, such as almonds and cashew nuts, they are your light weight energy packs.</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 18px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Keep the rain coat with you, also can take the umbrella, but that can become inconvenient to engage one hand to hold it, or resist the fast blowing winds. </span></li>
<li style="line-height: 18px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sun-glasses and sun screen cream are also required, else just like I got it, you may get the sun-burn on your face.</span></li>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Don'ts</span></strong></h3>
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<li style="line-height: 18px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Please don't litter the place with plastic bags or bottles, carry them back with you and dispose them in dustbins or give them to the local shopkeepers to dispose. </span></li>
<li style="line-height: 18px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Don't hurry, keep a pace which becomes a rhythm of your heart, whenever you feel uncomfortable with the breathing, please do take rest, it is not a competition. Have a sip of water, catch your breathe and then start again.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <strong>How to Reach</strong></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To reach Nirmand, come to Shimla either via bus, train or Air-plane. Then go to Nirmand(very close to Rampur,) via bus or your private vehicle. Travel another 12 kilometers along a single lane road to reach Jaon. Jaon is a small village from where you can use only your feet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Park your vehicles at Jaon, a motor-cycle and helmet can be parked safe at the shop adjacent to the road, I paid 200 rupees. </span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Trek From Jao to Shrikhand Kailash</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Intial 8 kilometers trek from Jaon up to the Barathi Naala forms a sine wave, with ups and downs, and is mostly gentle. The 90 degrees ascent starts and ends at Kaali Ghati after a distance of about 10-12 kilometers. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">View Barathi Naala from the trek reaching up to Thachru, Shrikhand Kailash yatra 2017</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This is the most difficult part, as considered by many, but thankfully you get to rest at the local tent shops and also can take a comfortable night halt at Thachru, at about 8 kilometers up from Barathi Naala. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Boards suggest it only to be a 5 kilometers of hike, but the legs and mind suggest differently, not less than 8 kilometers. You will not get any phone signal till Thachru, so inform your loved ones well in advance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Signal may or may not be there at Kaali-ghati and Kunsha, the halt point at further along the trek. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I got JIO signal at Kaali-ghati and Thachru only, not at Kunsha. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From Kaali-Ghati, at around 3900-4000 metres elevation, you have to take a descent of about 2-3 kilometers to reach Bhim Talai at about 3700 metres elevation. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Temporary tents and camps, on the way to Kunsha, Shrikhand Kailash yatra 2017</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With other so many sine waves of ups and downs, another 8 kilometers takes you up to Bhim Dwar at around 3800 metres of elevation. After the Bhim Talai, Bhim Dwar was my second halt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In between, you can take a night halt at Kunsha, where there is the possibility of getting signal into your cell phone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One can climb up to Parvati Baag which is at higher elevation at around 4200 metre. They charged us 300 rupee per person for night stay with one time meal at night. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vEHqTHqvCCI/WW2uV50DrUI/AAAAAAAAHxQ/WZNDaUUhJmQJMx3MfkZppJj5JSxJhPkdwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170708_100225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vEHqTHqvCCI/WW2uV50DrUI/AAAAAAAAHxQ/WZNDaUUhJmQJMx3MfkZppJj5JSxJhPkdwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170708_100225.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Inside a typical temporary tent, on the Trek to ShriKhand Kailash - July 2017</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They gave two blankets, but if less people are there, you may get three or four also. At least two night halts are must for the acclimatization.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Up to Parvati Baag one can find the carpet of the grass and flowers, but above that the mountains are covered with stones and pebbles up to Nain Sarovar. Start early in the morning from Bhim Dwar or Parvati Baag. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="Shrikhand3.jpg" data-mce-src="images/10658/Shrikhand3.jpg" src="https://www.boddunan.com/images/10658/Shrikhand3.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A bright moon shining upon the white clouds at 4:00 AM on 9th July 2017 - Shrikhand Kailash Yatra 2017</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I and two of the new found friends, Naren and Rahul, w</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">e started at 4:00 AM in the morning from Bhim Dwar, the moon was shining bright, and the clouds appeared as if the Inder-darbar from the old DD1 serials. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">At around 5:00 AM I reached at Nain Sarovar. Please mind that I have done a number of treks in Himachal Pradesh, so time is a relative term here.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="Shrikhand5.jpg" data-mce-src="images/10658/Shrikhand5.jpg" src="https://www.boddunan.com/images/10658/Shrikhand5.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nain Sarovar - a close view - ShriKhand Kailash Yatra 2017</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It depends from person to person. After Nain Sarovar starts the most arduous part of the trek. Very steep, narrow and glacial with deep gorges on both sides, stoned and curved path tests your balance, acrobatic skills and mind strength. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Keep the water at your hand's reach and keep taking the sips. You don't know how fast you get dehydrated at heights, so make it a rule to take another sip after 15-30 minutes. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A click with newfound friends - Shrikhand Kailash Yatra 2017</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Clouds and rains are very common part of the climate up there, so wear the raincoat whenever needed. To have the video experience of the Kailash, please watch the following videos.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Descending from Shrikhand Kailash</span></strong></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Keep a stick in your hand if possible, reason is that the knee joint may give you a pain that you have never felt before. Just as the ascent is at 90 degrees and along the stones and glaciers, the descent can be more painful than the ascent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Reason is that while descending the knee coil has to bear a force of almost three times our body weight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A hand stick helps a lot in such condition. You won't reach anywhere near to Jaon on the same day. Take the night halt where-ever you can reach, either at Bhim Dwar, Bhim Talai, Kunsha or Thachru. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Take two or three night halts if you can't descent fast, it is okay to listen to your body. Reportedly, last year 4 people died, and in the year previous to that 6 people have died. So, don't play around, it is not the place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Just keep hailing the lord Shiva in your head, keep saying JAI SHIV SHANKAR, BUM BUM BHOLE, JAI BHOLENATH..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">JAI BHOLE</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">SANJAY KUMAR SHARMA</span></div>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-75906904214078378872017-07-02T00:43:00.001-07:002017-07-02T05:14:14.737-07:00Visit to Gompa at Sharabai, Kullu, June 2017<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hi,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whenever I visit a temple, or monastery, I feel like that lost soul trying to find the purpose of the life. I don't talk to many people, I simply go there, sit for a while, and just try to breathe the air. Each new visit helps me a bit more when it is a peaceful place with not much of the crowd around. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AXiIrkfNFR8/WViSBHRexTI/AAAAAAAAHuw/4pJXnusf9As-sb3aD6P0GXaXOxYVcsbbwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Akhil%2BSainj%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AXiIrkfNFR8/WViSBHRexTI/AAAAAAAAHuw/4pJXnusf9As-sb3aD6P0GXaXOxYVcsbbwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Akhil%2BSainj%2B2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Akhil and I, pic credit: Ankush Rouhan. June 2017</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday was fun, and very nice to meet Ankush and Akhil again. I am holding a guitar in the picture above, oh yes! I can sing! please watch some <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atpfjsAJh-s" target="_blank">videos here </a>if you like. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Visiting the Gompa at Sharabai in district Kullu was suggested by them only, whom I <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2017/06/dev-pashakot-to-bajaura-via-diana-park.html" target="_blank">said good bye in the morning</a>. We tried to make some plan together, but nothing seemed </span><span style="font-size: large;">feasible, so I went on to spend my day alone by wandering these sites I hadn't seen yet.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_NLClXzUrw/WViPrKdVdvI/AAAAAAAAHuk/iP3XEwTGFvYr_bSzINBYAKTJAh57J2qrACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Gompa%2BSharabai%2BKullu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_NLClXzUrw/WViPrKdVdvI/AAAAAAAAHuk/iP3XEwTGFvYr_bSzINBYAKTJAh57J2qrACK4BGAYYCw/s640/Gompa%2BSharabai%2BKullu.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gompa, Sharabai Kullu, June 2017, clicked from the main gate entrance to the complex.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reaching the Gompa at Sharabai</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As the name suggests the Gompa is on the right bank of the river Beas in Sharabai(<i>pronounced as </i>Shadabai or Sarabai). Sharabai is the place just at a distance of 4-5 kilometers from Bhunter along NH-3(earlier NH-21.) </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ydv8BfWgzpw/WViYb5BeOeI/AAAAAAAAHu8/e1QSfXdq92EFJu1JxpUNhi110W9mm-92QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Gompa%2Bgate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ydv8BfWgzpw/WViYb5BeOeI/AAAAAAAAHu8/e1QSfXdq92EFJu1JxpUNhi110W9mm-92QCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Gompa%2Bgate.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main gate of the whole complex, outside view, Gompa at Sharabai, Kullu, June 2017</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From Sharabai a metaled, </span><span style="font-size: large;">single laned road of length not more than two kilometers</span><span style="font-size: large;"> links it with this Gompa. </span></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Inside the Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara Monastery, Sharabai, Kullu</b></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I reached, the monastery was closed for the lunch hour in the mid noon. Few lamas( I guess the students,) draped in their dark red robes, were chatting on the outer gallery of the dormitory. A young couple(I assumed) was seated in front of the closed main door.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I removed my shoes at the steps rising to the varandah and sat on the smooth floor with my back supported by the big column. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tarungoel.in/2015/02/12/srabhai-kullu-dechen-choekhor-gompa/" target="_blank">Mr. Tarun Goel has written very good details about this Gompa</a>, and others in Himachal Pradesh, so please visit the link for details.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will write only what I observed there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">About five minutes later, couple started to leave, I stood and I requested for a click of myself, and he complied. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vwdd1WLwvRI/WViZKu9QK1I/AAAAAAAAHvE/89smhmQrtWw27DC-7DkPwxMKDVPUeqBxgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/At%2BGompa%2BSharabai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vwdd1WLwvRI/WViZKu9QK1I/AAAAAAAAHvE/89smhmQrtWw27DC-7DkPwxMKDVPUeqBxgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/At%2BGompa%2BSharabai.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sanjay Kumar Sharma at Gompa at Sharabai, Kullu, june 2017</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Again I sat for next half an hour, observing few lamas moving from the left building to the right building or the other way around.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Left building clearly was a dormitory, but the right one, I couldn't comprehend. In front the big lawn surfaced with </span><span style="font-size: large;">green grass all over it and</span><span style="font-size: large;"> with few rows of planted shrubs was initially empty at my arrival. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mxfe12yQzOU/WViaeyoeJ-I/AAAAAAAAHvM/feEbzGQ9bycp-oLUY-ZMPO15y3oCK1sNwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Main%2BGate%252C%2Bgompa%2BSharabai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mxfe12yQzOU/WViaeyoeJ-I/AAAAAAAAHvM/feEbzGQ9bycp-oLUY-ZMPO15y3oCK1sNwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Main%2BGate%252C%2Bgompa%2BSharabai.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main gate, a click towards the exit, Gompa complex at Sharabai, Kullu, June 2017</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After few minutes, few visitors and few workers sat with different purposes. Some were eating lunch, some taking pictures, and few others just chatted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Toward the last ten minutes of that half hour, a big family had also arrived in the varandah, they carried some good cameras and all related stuff. At last, door at the right of the main temple was opened for visitors. Others two, one on the front face and other on the left, remained closed.</span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Inside the Gompa</span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNP_OFCmo8M/WVibxRnPAXI/AAAAAAAAHvU/ddtRInQ26CAncbc3KO3wxZwZvZQHGSVGgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Inside%2BGompa%252C%2BSharabai%2BKullu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNP_OFCmo8M/WVibxRnPAXI/AAAAAAAAHvU/ddtRInQ26CAncbc3KO3wxZwZvZQHGSVGgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Inside%2BGompa%252C%2BSharabai%2BKullu.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Dechen Choekhor Gompa, Sharabai, Kullu. June 2017<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Everything was decorated in the bright colors. In front of the golden statue of Buddha, small wooden tables were arranged in straight lines meeting to form a rectangle with the front leg missing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">They carried some pooja stuff which the lamas would use while the Aarti or pooja hour in the morning and evening. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpaDhNsv5kU/WVid6ZaxhaI/AAAAAAAAHvc/yNY9-7SudnY0jJcYYD6i2XIpefwF1SPXgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Buddha%2Bat%2BGompa%2Bat%2BSharabai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpaDhNsv5kU/WVid6ZaxhaI/AAAAAAAAHvc/yNY9-7SudnY0jJcYYD6i2XIpefwF1SPXgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Buddha%2Bat%2BGompa%2Bat%2BSharabai.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the gompa, Sharabai, Kullu, June 2017. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Buddha is seated with a black colored bowl(rice bowl as they say) in his left hand, held at a space from his right foot resting on the left leg. Right hand simply rests on the right knee. His curly hairs are arranged to form the precious bun at the top (Ushnisha.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Adjacent to Buddha are the two small statues and next to them are two bigger ones. One of Padmasambhava on his right and Tara Devi on his left. Latter I didn't know about, the lama attending the visitors told me. I know a bit about Padmasambhava more by <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-visit-to-naina-devi-riwalsar-and.html" target="_blank">visiting the Riwalsar lake</a>, the monastery and the <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-visit-to-naina-devi-riwalsar-and.html" target="_blank">37.5(some say 36 ) metres high statue of him</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I took a glance at the wall paintings similar to I saw in most of the other tibetan monasteries in Himachal Pradesh, and stepped out of the door. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My next destination of the day would be the Nature park at Mohal, and then the Triyogi Narayan temple at Diyar, both in Kullu district. Let's leave them for the upcoming posts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for the visit!</span></div>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-10728586722940366492017-06-27T23:31:00.000-07:002017-06-28T01:12:56.657-07:00Jhatingri to Bajaura via Diana park, Kamand and Kandhi - on motor-Bike.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hi,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2017/06/visiting-dev-pashakot-temple.html" target="_blank">Visiting Dev Pashakot </a>was a fueling experience. Then I came to know that there is a road that diverges from Jhatingri and connects it with the Diana Park and further with Katindhi and Kamand(IIT Mandi.) This was a wonderful bike ride. Please read on for full story.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oSbh2tVkPjo/WVMyMx4kSBI/AAAAAAAAHsw/TUd6Qb8dX3wvlyV6Z6GNBt4R-qAVgeW_wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170612_114403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oSbh2tVkPjo/WVMyMx4kSBI/AAAAAAAAHsw/TUd6Qb8dX3wvlyV6Z6GNBt4R-qAVgeW_wCK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170612_114403.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potato farm and Dhauladhars further back, On the way to Diana Park, Mandi, HP, 2017.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Planning at Jhatingri</span></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4wpZhOPbJcU/WVMv3WRh69I/AAAAAAAAHsk/gSpRLaR7L34zPTJecRkbx-pQ9wn-ChO8gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170612_113224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4wpZhOPbJcU/WVMv3WRh69I/AAAAAAAAHsk/gSpRLaR7L34zPTJecRkbx-pQ9wn-ChO8gCK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170612_113224.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jhatingri, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, June 2017</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Jhatingri is just about 4-6 kilometers from Tikken. There was no initial planning of going to Bajaura via this route connecting Diana Park, Katindhi and Kamand to Jhatingri. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I used to watch this mountain ridge visible from my home village, but wouldn't know that a road exists on it.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What I could see from home was a mountain running parallel with the mightier Dhauladhar peaks at its back, and the small town of Padhar and its valley that lies in visible(from home) base of the mountain slope. Most of the mountain slope are without trees in this visible part of the mountain. Today, I would see it all from a very very close distance. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">From home, I would be looking in a northeast direction, but today I would try to locate my home by looking in the south west direction from the ridge itself. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kDjpVUCXJjc/WVMzediAoMI/AAAAAAAAHs8/ClASOWFxhfkelw8Xl366Q1YQQBP_YGyOQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170612_114416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kDjpVUCXJjc/WVMzediAoMI/AAAAAAAAHs8/ClASOWFxhfkelw8Xl366Q1YQQBP_YGyOQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170612_114416.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sight towards south-west, where my home lies in one of those mountains. I would have spotted it, if a telescope was with me. Clicked from the road to Diana Park. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I inquired about the route from the policemen I met at Jhatingri. All I needed to know was that the road was metaled, because a motor-cycle doesn't really need a double lane road. Jhatingri is a kind of small mountain village with few shops and surrounded by mountainous pine trees forest.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Take few eatables and water if you are on a cycle, because for next 20 to 30 kilometers shops are very much scanty, and also no natural water is available. Reason is that road is almost on the ridge, so you will meet almost zero number of springs or water streams. </span><br />
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<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Reaching Diana Park</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was a very beautiful bike ride, the road is single laned, but thankfully there are almost no vehicles running on this route, so you will enjoy the solitude on wheels. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">At start the road, </span><span style="font-size: large;">surrounded with the oaks and pines, </span><span style="font-size: large;">runs below the ridge mostly on the southern slope of mountain. </span><span style="font-size: large;">But then </span><span style="font-size: large;">After about 3-5 kilometers, the forest gets thinned out and you get the view of the two valleys on the two sides of the mountain ridge.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYRxZJRg8pQ/WVM2yvENUcI/AAAAAAAAHtI/mi_Io7k54Foxv99l470CCTqLR5nJbuvYACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170612_114409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYRxZJRg8pQ/WVM2yvENUcI/AAAAAAAAHtI/mi_Io7k54Foxv99l470CCTqLR5nJbuvYACK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170612_114409.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't remember the name of this beautiful village, on the way to Diana park from Jhatingri, mandi (H.P.), 2017</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Road elevates to mountain ridge itself and you experience a totally</span><span style="font-size: large;"> new kind of scenery. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Until you reach Diana park, at places you witness few clusters of houses surrounded by fields with the potato plants or other vegetables such as cauliflowers etc. Barot valley is famous for its potatoes and apples also. Please have a glance of the mountain ranges and the valleys in the following video.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4jWs2n4OyTg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4jWs2n4OyTg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jhatingri to Diana Park, view of Dhauladhars and Padhar valley.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Diana Park</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Diana Park's name is attached with some legend that tells that a war between the Devtas and Demons(Dayan-> diana) happen at this place, so from Dayan it became Diana. Also a conjunction point of the three roads, one have many options for further destination. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6iwbxlhND14/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6iwbxlhND14?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">One road connects with Jhatingri, other to Padhar or Drang, and third one connects with Katindhi and to Balh, latter via a left diversion from a half kilometer distance along the road to Katindhi/Kamand. You can eat snacks and have drinks at the slate roofed local dhaba located adjacent the junction. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-DHwxoMzNM/WVNJRkkl-EI/AAAAAAAAHtY/vRh8gImbVjk293eXzXyejnfM589aaFsUwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170612_123127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-DHwxoMzNM/WVNJRkkl-EI/AAAAAAAAHtY/vRh8gImbVjk293eXzXyejnfM589aaFsUwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170612_123127.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">junction at Diana Park, Padhar, mandi, HP, India, 2017</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">After Diana Park, the road is similar until it starts to descend at its last stages near to Katindhi. </span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Kamand</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Soon I was at Kamand, where I rested a while for taking lunch at the local dhaba. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Remember to wear the full sleeves because the sun-rays can burn your skin, as they did to my arms' skin. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I realized this at Kamand, because while you are running on bike, you get these cool gust of winds, and you don't feel the burning. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">It was near to 3:00 PM and sun was still high, but I moved on and climbed the mountain on two wheels to reach the top place called Kandhi. </span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Kandhi</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">In between I crossed few places such as the Tihri, and shayari, which I and Tarun Goel have visited for the famous temples - <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2014/04/bhuntar-to-sunder-nagar-part-3a-visit.html" target="_blank">The Adi Brahma of Tihri</a> and <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2014/04/bhuntar-to-sunder-nagar-via-kataula.html" target="_blank">Kundakari narayan of Shayari villages</a>. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOOq61FPQAw/WVNMbMGlPOI/AAAAAAAAHtk/VR6e1af2sNMywgT8V6kqL0_NnDjEb9v4ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170612_153627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOOq61FPQAw/WVNMbMGlPOI/AAAAAAAAHtk/VR6e1af2sNMywgT8V6kqL0_NnDjEb9v4ACK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170612_153627.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopped for tea at Kandhi, near to Bajaura, Himachal, 2017</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Kandhi is having few homes and one or two tea stalls. Surrounded by Pine trees, it provides the pass from one side of the mountain to the other. In less than 30 minutes, you can descend the road to Bajaura. Tonight I would visit my two friends from college, Ankush and Akhil. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We celebrated our meeting at Akhil's place in Sainj by singing songs till 12:00 PM. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Have a look at some inspiring travel books:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">thanks for the kind visit!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-23435087543431660022017-06-25T23:32:00.003-07:002017-06-26T02:21:10.806-07:00Visiting Dev Pashakot temple Tikkan(Chauhar Ghati)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hi,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Last time, when I went to the chauhar Ghati, was in April of 2016. That time we climbed the mountain rail track(haulage way) from <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2016/04/trekking-and-camping-joginder-nagar.html" target="_blank">Jodinder Nagar to Barot via Winch Camp</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This track is the only one of its kind in the whole world. Then we <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2016/04/trekking-and-camping-joginder-nagar_26.html" target="_blank">walked fourteen kilometers along the road from Barot to Badagram</a>. The <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2016/04/trekking-and-camping-joginder-nagar_26.html" target="_blank">stay at Badagram</a> and camping <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2016/05/camping-at-raj-gundha-chota-bhangal.html" target="_blank">at Rajgunda</a> was done respectively on the second and third night of this trip. On the last day of the trip we trekked from <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2016/05/trekking-from-raj-gundha-to-biling.html" target="_blank">Rajgundha to Bir-Biling-the world paragliding station</a>, where one of us glided in the air. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Check the links given above for all of these past stories. Today, I am going to share with you the story of my visit of Dev Pashakot temple in Tikkan. Dev Pashakot is known as the PAHADI WAZIR (mountain minister), who does the justice. Dev Hurang Narayan and Ghaddoni Narayan are the other famous Devta of the valley.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJKpnRcDh_w/WVCfOBCdPQI/AAAAAAAAHrw/kOU9JBxclIgTJ_8VRUDc2S7G61K8fAOgACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170612_094401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJKpnRcDh_w/WVCfOBCdPQI/AAAAAAAAHrw/kOU9JBxclIgTJ_8VRUDc2S7G61K8fAOgACK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170612_094401.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark green mountains visible from road to Tikkan, Chauhar Ghati, Himachal Pradesh, 2017</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Reaching Pashakot Temple</b></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I started from my home, and reached Joginder Nagar where you meet the national highway from Mandi to Pathankot. Go 14 kilometers towards Mandi and then take a left turn from Ghatasni to reach Tikkan. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The road is single lane but metaled, and surrounded by the pine trees all along. You first cross the Uhl river at Tikkan itself. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nGkWmpoq1Uo/WVCgvcHWs4I/AAAAAAAAHr8/4tExSbfzZ8s0HEkIMRET8f-jVnRO3CYywCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170612_101326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nGkWmpoq1Uo/WVCgvcHWs4I/AAAAAAAAHr8/4tExSbfzZ8s0HEkIMRET8f-jVnRO3CYywCK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170612_101326.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge on river Uhl at Tikkan, Chauhar Valley, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, 2017</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At Tikkan ask locals for the location of the temple, you can go by feet to reach the temple at 2 kilometers distance, or you can opt for the road diversion and then walk down from the road along the half kilometer of concrete footsteps. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This temple is not the main temple, you have to trek further up along the hill to reach the main temple. But let's keep that one for another day. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w5t2WuCJcYc/WVChgsD2rdI/AAAAAAAAHsI/RwlW0RekmwM34Rp8luAv5B-1OkLh0pQiwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170612_104930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w5t2WuCJcYc/WVChgsD2rdI/AAAAAAAAHsI/RwlW0RekmwM34Rp8luAv5B-1OkLh0pQiwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170612_104930.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reached just outside the temple of Dev Pashakot, Tikkan, Chauhar Valley, Himachal Pradesh, 2017</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Temple is at the bank of the uhl river which contains the transparent water. Being at depression, you can not look at the peaks, but can sight the villages on the slopes of mountains at an elevation angle of more than 60 degrees. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Temple was closed, no priest or anyone, except two other visitors who came after me. We talked a little bit, our faces peeked from between the gate bars to get the closed look inside the temple, but it was dark in there, and nothing much was visible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Temple walls mostly made with woods were adorned with other things like red flags, garlands and the goat and sheep's horns. Watch the video for visual experience of temple's outer appearances.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The serenity of the place is addictive, you can feel it in the video itself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Taking a Dip in Uhl's divine water.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just a few metres away is the crystal clear water of the Uhl river, which can be muddy in the rainy season, but today Sun was shining bright and water was totally inviting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First I thought not to go inside it, but then I couldn't resist and all alone, I practiced a little swimming after a years of gap.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The water was cold, but I enjoyed it. Early, I get tired by swimming, but the river was shallow and I would easily touch the river bed 3 feet below the water surface. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I tried to shoot the video of myself swimming with my cellphone, but couldn't. </span><span style="font-size: large;">However I captured the beauty of the river in my handycam</span><span style="font-size: large;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a look at some inspiring travel books:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for the kind visit!</span></div>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-68103103389928657682017-06-24T01:43:00.002-07:002017-06-25T23:50:42.639-07:00Panarasa to Tunga Mata - Single Day Trekking<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hi,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here I come after a gap of almost eight months to write another short trek story. In september of 2016, I told you about our four day <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2016/09/manimahesh-yatra-2016-trekking-and.html" target="_blank">trip to Manimahesh Kailash in Chamba</a> district of Himachal Pradesh. The story of Manimahesh Yatra was told in four parts, you can visit all parts by going through the part 1 link <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2016/09/manimahesh-yatra-2016-trekking-and.html" target="_blank">given here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Recently, I visited few new places in Kullu and Mandi district, and in this post I will tell you about a single day trekking from near Panarasa to Tunga temple in Mandi district. Last time I had heard about Tunga mata temple was from my friend and avid traveller Mr. Tarun Goel, who had written about his trekking from <a href="http://tarungoel.in/2015/04/07/parashar-lake-to-tunga-mata-winter-trek-confluence-of-the-mountains/" target="_blank">Parashar to Tunga</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reaching Panarasa. </span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Parashar to Tunga trek looks like a gentle walk to me, but the one that I and my friend Mr.Vinod Sharma took was a very steep one. Reaching Panarsa is very much easy. I reached there on my motorcycle via the national highway, which connects it with Manali and Chandigarh at its two far ends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One can also opt for the airways as its distance from Bhunter, the place with one of the only three airports that Himachal has, is less than ten kilometers. After reaching Panarsa, take a road that diverges upwards to reach a village named Sharan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please ask the locals, they will guide you very well along this single lane 8-10 kilometers road.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is the</span><span style="font-size: large;"> last village that road can reach. From here starts the trek. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trekking up to Tunga Mata temple.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we reached Sharan, we parked the motorcycle under the shed of an apple tree at the edge of the apple orchard which lie at the bottom of the village. There are plenty of orchards to see if one wants to see along the road.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEJ4HUJ5ruM/WU4QL0PGDgI/AAAAAAAAHqQ/jM860fVKs7Y-Oe5M1ixIcC45mDRhIh-6ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/motorcycle%2Bparking%2Bat%2BSharan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEJ4HUJ5ruM/WU4QL0PGDgI/AAAAAAAAHqQ/jM860fVKs7Y-Oe5M1ixIcC45mDRhIh-6ACK4BGAYYCw/s640/motorcycle%2Bparking%2Bat%2BSharan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple Orchard at Sharan village, Himachal Pradesh.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps the most famous in the area is that of Sukh Ram- the former union communication minister of India.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWnhSUBmTBw/WU4pNAGPfvI/AAAAAAAAHrI/NDtR2DiH7eEV89ogRd8lTPY0S5qiya4OACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/DSC00356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWnhSUBmTBw/WU4pNAGPfvI/AAAAAAAAHrI/NDtR2DiH7eEV89ogRd8lTPY0S5qiya4OACK4BGAYYCw/s640/DSC00356.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sukh Ram's farm house surrounded by his apple orchards in Panarsa</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The apple orchard and the farmhouse of Sukh Ram has a very good road connectivity. Recently</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Salman Khan is said to have visited this farmhouse. After coming back from Tunga we would </span><span style="font-size: large;"> also reach the farmhouse to overlook the house and apple trees which were </span><span style="font-size: large;">gu</span><span style="font-size: large;">arded by a 5 feet fence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trek from Sharan village starts in a steep manner. After crossing the houses, apple orchard and lastly a govt. primary school building, one would embark on a wild trek. There is this oak trees' jungle between Sharan and other village at higher altitude along the trek. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Children of Khalwash village have to walk down along this jungle to reach the primary school at Sharan. I shot a short video at Khalwash to show you the whole scenery around the village. Please have a look.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The serpentine beas river and the white Pir Panjal peaks, both are visible in this video. After witnessing a very fine craftsmanship of two craftsmen, who were carving out the images of Hindu Gods on the wooden doors and pillars that were to be erected in the nearby under-construction-temple, we climbed on to the remaining trek, more steep 6-8 kilometers of Deodar surrounded dangerous trek. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ8xntw7Cn8/WU4YAGUVSYI/AAAAAAAAHqg/Uiuxj_S6g8gnLJF0NK9GzHqkOgFlZsOKwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Sitting%2Bon%2BDeodar%2Broots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ8xntw7Cn8/WU4YAGUVSYI/AAAAAAAAHqg/Uiuxj_S6g8gnLJF0NK9GzHqkOgFlZsOKwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Sitting%2Bon%2BDeodar%2Broots.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting on the Roots</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reason I call it dangerous is that the path is not much defined at places and can be slippery if it rains. The last one kilometers through this jungle is very much steep and the dense jungle makes it a bit scary if you are alone. One has to be careful of the snakes, we spotted two snakes along the trek.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4LpX7qJSjM/WU4Yf0JtydI/AAAAAAAAHqs/BB6dMdjSCw8diLozCcHMs14WIgKaNxX3ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Jwalapur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4LpX7qJSjM/WU4Yf0JtydI/AAAAAAAAHqs/BB6dMdjSCw8diLozCcHMs14WIgKaNxX3ACK4BGAYYCw/s640/Jwalapur.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jwalapur - view from Tunga Mata Temple trek.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had started our trek from Sharan at 10:30 AM, and at 2:00 PM our trek merged with the trek that comes from the Jwalapur. After the merge, only one more kilometer was left, and we were welcomed by a herd of goats and three dogs. They were harmless, and walking by them, we sat under the tree shadow to eat the paranthas that we carried in our bag, since the morning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">At Tunga Mata temple.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now that we had regained some energy, after short climb we reached the top of the mountain where resides the abode of the goddess Tunga. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The gate was made of woods. Watch the video for complete view: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Toilets are next to gate. At top four stone-wood-slate huts with no man were standing. We visited them after visiting the main temple. Two of them are shelters for night stay. One at the centre was locked and the next to it was empty except it contained the musical instruments called Karnal and Dhantura. Also hanging on the wall was the hairy outer goat skin. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jo0boVi18tc/WU4lQCPo_7I/AAAAAAAAHq8/OcV7jFVBeDIcvy4dmCKOIDTYX7lcC7kIACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Tunga%2BTemple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jo0boVi18tc/WU4lQCPo_7I/AAAAAAAAHq8/OcV7jFVBeDIcvy4dmCKOIDTYX7lcC7kIACK4BGAYYCw/s640/Tunga%2BTemple.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tunga Mata temple. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The main temple is very small, large enough only to let two people sit in a lotus posture. Black colored(painted perhaps) stone idols(statues) stood supported by the wall. Take a look in the video itself. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5jtFRz89rpA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5jtFRz89rpA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">One can look over ridge like trek that goes to Parashar lake. The Parashar lake ridge which carries green grass with no trees is very well visible from the temple. Apart from this, one can have a good look at the Pir Panjal peaks. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Buy some trekking Gears:</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Bag-Age-Hiking-Trek-65Litres-Rucksack/dp/B00YUCCJ26/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1494918523&sr=1-6&keywords=trekking+bag&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=94707c488d8315f282216933b500d0da" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00YUCCJ26&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpreviewboo-21" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-in.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=httpreviewboo-21&l=li2&o=31&a=B00YUCCJ26" style="border: none; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Gadgetbucket-PORTABLE-PICNIC-CAMPING-OUTING/dp/B015EF93YO/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1494919086&sr=1-1&keywords=trekking+tents&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=6f55ca0f6c1d6a4143cd957dc0e0d9db" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B015EF93YO&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpreviewboo-21" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Lee-Cooper-Leather-Trekking-Hiking/dp/B06XFXMS52/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1494918915&sr=1-6&keywords=trekking+shoes&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=8762a625f4bbd76abfa23891bc87cea0" style="clear: left; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B06XFXMS52&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpreviewboo-21" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">From here one can opt for another trek up to Parashar, which will be a gentle walk of about 8-10 kilometers. Or can walk down along half an hour trek to a road that extends itself from Jwalapur to the village nearest to the temple. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eiMVQU8Wqiw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eiMVQU8Wqiw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">When Vinod tried to converse with the temple priest, I tried to make another video of them. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Soon after, clouds started pouring, and we took our bodies into the shelter inside the hut. It stopped after about half an hour and it was already 4:15 PM. We started back, but stopped at the tent made by the Gaddi(Shepherd), one who owned the goats and dogs. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sahil, his name, made the tea for us. He used the goat milk, which was available to him in abundance, as the number of the goats was near to 50. He was from the Jwalapur region, but he would stay with the goats in this jungle. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">He talked very high about the goddess Tunga, claimed that his goats are safe when the goddess is happy with him. We thanked him for the tea and took the leave, walked the same way back to Khalwash and Sharan. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This was a wonderful one day trek, easy for people with good fitness, but can be tough for people with bellies. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Have a look at some inspiring travel books:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for kind visit!</span></div>
</div>
Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-63232276077883771652016-09-11T03:58:00.002-07:002017-05-16T00:36:15.111-07:00(Manimahesh Yatra 2016) part-4. Camping at Manimahesh Lake -Bham Bham Bhole!! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hii </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">How you doing? Well, </span><a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2016/09/bharmour-to-hadsar-and-bhanchho.html" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Part 3</a><span style="font-size: large;"> covered the story of our trekking up to Dunali, where we took our night stay. Earlier in <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2016/09/manimahesh-yatra-2016-trekking-and.html" target="_blank">part 1</a> and <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2016/09/chamba-jot-to-bharmani-devi-temple.html" target="_blank">part 2</a>, <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2016/09/manimahesh-yatra-2016-trekking-and.html" target="_blank"> night stay and Chamba Jot</a>, and <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2016/09/chamba-jot-to-bharmani-devi-temple.html" target="_blank">holy bath at the Bharmani Devi </a>temple were narrated respectively. So, we slept as if we had sold all our horses. </span><br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-in.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=httpreviewboo-21&l=li2&o=31&a=0812992180" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Vagabonding-Uncommon-Guide-Long-Term-Travel/dp/0812992180/ref=as_li_ss_il?&ascsub&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=dcb2fa324f95582102f1a4fd22d7fcab" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0812992180&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpreviewboo-21" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Walden-Henry-David-Thoreau/dp/9350330776/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=1KEVXGX4SNKMC81WK67K&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=7cf66811549a5c721167d0688b509593" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=9350330776&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpreviewboo-21" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Apprenticed-Himalayan-Master-Yogis-Autobiography/dp/8191009609/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1494919791&sr=1-1&keywords=Apprenticed+to+A+Himalayan+Master+A+Yogi%27s+Autobiography&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=8b4193dfaf882c74d192e1d66a95e7db" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=8191009609&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpreviewboo-21" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Walking-Himalayas-Levison-Wood/dp/1473626242/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1494919706&sr=1-4&keywords=Himalaya&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=158dda83cafbe8cc8a068fd1496c21eb" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1473626242&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpreviewboo-21" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/9352643925/ref=as_li_ss_il?pf_rd_m=A1VBAL9TL5WCBF&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-6&pf_rd_r=0FBF9F7ECCM20D4ZNYKY&pf_rd_r=0FBF9F7ECCM20D4ZNYKY&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=796065ef-9f2b-44e0-ba9e-f25a84e2054e&pf_rd_p=796065ef-9f2b-44e0-ba9e-f25a84e2054e&pf_rd_i=7145567031&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=85f967f638cd1473e26c0edd7e578a5b" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=9352643925&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpreviewboo-21" /></a><br />
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<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-in.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=httpreviewboo-21&l=li2&o=31&a=B003R0LSMO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Morning at Dunali</span></h3>
<a href="https://www.amazon.in/Gerber-31-000751-Survival-Ultimate-Serrated/dp/B003R0LSMO/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1494919086&sr=1-11&keywords=trekking+tents&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=e65d097af2407ddecf74bcde8f45b153" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><br /></a><span style="font-size: large;">At night the only sound that one could hear was the roaring rivulet 'Dhancho khad,' which runs downwards, parallel and very steeply along the trek. When we woke up at around 7:30 AM, the air was vibrating with the chants for Shiva. Pilgrims had crowded the path, some of them climbing up to the Manimahesh lake while others descending down to Hadsar. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Dhancho water is ice cold and clean, but dangerous in case you slip into the powerful stream. I picked up my toothbrush with paste, and went near the spring water next to the shop, channelized with a pipe but untapped as there was no need to do so. The water was clean like distilled water, or perhaps purer. Toilet facility was not available at Dunali, and that is why that I spotted stools in the open in surrounding bushes. </span><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">At Dhancho</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">We decided to climb up to Dhancho and use the toilet facilities there. After climbing amidst the dense Deodar jungle that on a ninety degrees sloped face, Dhancho was not far than one kilometer from last shop at Dunali. Gopal and I were ahead of Ashu bhai and Shankar, and as were hungry, we stepped into one of the many Langars and ate some poori-channa. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Lee-Cooper-Leather-Trekking-Hiking/dp/B06XFXMS52/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1494918915&sr=1-6&keywords=trekking+shoes&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=8762a625f4bbd76abfa23891bc87cea0" style="clear: left; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B06XFXMS52&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpreviewboo-21" /></a></span><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Gerber-31-000751-Survival-Ultimate-Serrated/dp/B003R0LSMO/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1494919086&sr=1-11&keywords=trekking+tents&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=e65d097af2407ddecf74bcde8f45b153" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B003R0LSMO&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpreviewboo-21" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Bag-Age-Hiking-Trek-65Litres-Rucksack/dp/B00YUCCJ26/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1494918523&sr=1-6&keywords=trekking+bag&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=94707c488d8315f282216933b500d0da" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00YUCCJ26&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpreviewboo-21" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Gadgetbucket-PORTABLE-PICNIC-CAMPING-OUTING/dp/B015EF93YO/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1494919086&sr=1-1&keywords=trekking+tents&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=6f55ca0f6c1d6a4143cd957dc0e0d9db" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B015EF93YO&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpreviewboo-21" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Soon w</span><span style="font-size: large;">e entered the second Langar and then we ate something else. Eating too much is not advised so we took small meals only and tea. Dhancho had a temporary settlement of the Langar Bhavans and other shops, but had the permanent toilets. Perhaps we spotted more than fifteen langar bhavans at Dhancho itself.</span><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-in.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=httpreviewboo-21&l=li2&o=31&a=B06XFXMS52" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UoiNdjKpNF0/V9UYQOz-2UI/AAAAAAAAHOA/4KlaN9vXc08zYDRqRB6Q8I03KGQl-BitgCK4B/s1600/Dhancho%2B-%2BSulabh%2Binternational.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UoiNdjKpNF0/V9UYQOz-2UI/AAAAAAAAHOA/4KlaN9vXc08zYDRqRB6Q8I03KGQl-BitgCK4B/s400/Dhancho%2B-%2BSulabh%2Binternational.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A talk with supervisor of Sulabh International </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">While we rested and refreshed Ashu bhai and Shankar started some discussion about the cleanliness of the place with a supervisor of the Sulabh International. The same NGO that maintains the toilets and bathing facilities at various bus and railway stations throughout the India. Supervisor told that they maintain the cleanliness everyday till the end of official yatra dates i.e. 9th Sep 2016 for this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hodwox_RDSc/V9UWE_i9PDI/AAAAAAAAHN0/cyJJ0KZXWsouBIvLIdMtz-EmIhylK9riwCK4B/s1600/Dhancho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hodwox_RDSc/V9UWE_i9PDI/AAAAAAAAHN0/cyJJ0KZXWsouBIvLIdMtz-EmIhylK9riwCK4B/s640/Dhancho.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dhancho - a temporary market. Clicked from the steep mountain trek of Manimahesh lake, 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">After that the shopkeeper who leave the place later, do not carry the plastics and garbage with them, and that creates the problem. Soon the snow fall occurs and all the debris remain here itself. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was a problem for real and government should keep the eye on this. From Dhancho one can take the usual trek or a steeper one along the Bander-ghati. These two meet again after about two kilometers of climbing, near the Shiv-Gharats. </span><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
From Dhancho to Sunderasi and Gauri Kund </h3>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Dhancho Khad (stream) has to be crossed few times after variable stretches along the trek. Crossing are mostly the small temporary bridges, and police helps in crossing them if its susceptible to danger. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1Pj5Zga_Rs/V9Udm47iqQI/AAAAAAAAHOQ/wk8hLjQGXA0JGItu4pWH6wa71dtKchwXgCK4B/s1600/Manimahesh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1Pj5Zga_Rs/V9Udm47iqQI/AAAAAAAAHOQ/wk8hLjQGXA0JGItu4pWH6wa71dtKchwXgCK4B/s640/Manimahesh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pilgrims trying to the find the footsteps along the Manimahesh trek, 2016.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Langars would were also available at Sunderasi and Gauri Kund, and would be available at lake itself. Drizzling had started when we reached the Gauri-kund, and there we waited for Ashu Bhai and Shankar who had taken another steep path along the Bhairo-ghati. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At Gauri-Kund</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Path for the Bhairo-ghati diverges from the main path after Sunderasi, and two meets again at Gauri Kund. It looks like a shortcut but it can be very tiresome due to the steepness and less width. Gauri-Kund is the place where ladies take the holy bath. Kailash peak becomes visible from Gauri Kund. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Dhancho Khad looks in its infancy here. Another narrow diversion takes to the Kamal Kund, which lies at the base of the Kailash mountain. </span><span style="font-size: large;">And another one kilometer hike along the main trek takes us to the holy lake of Manimahesh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">A miracle?? -Camping at Manimahesh Lake </span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After climbing the last stretch of the trek, we were welcomed by a gate on the northern side of the lake. Lake was surrounded by the temporary shops and pilgrims. On the opposite side of the lake were erected the number of tents of different colors. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpbKgalDAmE/V9UlAqVMV2I/AAAAAAAAHOg/RyV8La19w9gobQ0DaCLgEqxSITsqWL-NACK4B/s1600/Manimahesh%2Blake%2Btents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpbKgalDAmE/V9UlAqVMV2I/AAAAAAAAHOg/RyV8La19w9gobQ0DaCLgEqxSITsqWL-NACK4B/s640/Manimahesh%2Blake%2Btents.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tents at the Manimahesh lake, 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a dream to sleep around the lake in one of those tents. Therefore the first thing we did was to book a tent. After we inquired, the shopkeeper lurked out his head and pointed his finger towards three blue tents. He asked to chose any of them. The price was about 500 rupees per tent, in which we all four would accommodate comfortably.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Below the tents were the shops which completed the circle of the shops around the lake. In between of the shops and lakes, was the two to three meters wide stone paved path, along which pilgrims were circling the lake. It was raining, yet few people were inside the lake, pouring the buckets of the holy water on their body.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We walked a half circle and then we reached for the tent, and threw our bags inside it. In front of us was a cloudy sky, with nothing much visible other than the lake itself. Soon Ashu bhai and Shankar joined us. Shankar had dared to take the bath in the lake, as he was hungry and wouldn't eat anything until he would take the holy bath. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hv_D3yuxRY/V9U8vsewKDI/AAAAAAAAHP8/HNDML4yn-Mg3vMhOyxOiw4dwLrwZHSpLACK4B/s1600/IMG_20160829_160533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hv_D3yuxRY/V9U8vsewKDI/AAAAAAAAHP8/HNDML4yn-Mg3vMhOyxOiw4dwLrwZHSpLACK4B/s640/IMG_20160829_160533.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Evening at Manimahesh lake, August 2016 - clicked by me. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is a pilgrimage of difficult kind, as walking up along this steep trek without anything in stomach is not the job of the weak. Soon they went to eat something at the Langar while we stayed in the tents. Now and then we would hear the chants of"Bham Bham Bhole" or "Har Har Har Mahadev," which did materialize the epic drama scenes from many TV serials. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In those scenes, generally the Shiva-gan or the Indra-gan are shown coming to Kailash Parvat, where Shiva would be sitting in the meditation pose. These ganas would be either in pain or need of protection from some kind of demon. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Lee-Cooper-Leather-Trekking-Hiking/dp/B06XFXMS52/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1494918915&sr=1-6&keywords=trekking+shoes&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=8762a625f4bbd76abfa23891bc87cea0" style="clear: left; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B06XFXMS52&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpreviewboo-21" /></a></span><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Gadgetbucket-PORTABLE-PICNIC-CAMPING-OUTING/dp/B015EF93YO/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1494919086&sr=1-1&keywords=trekking+tents&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=6f55ca0f6c1d6a4143cd957dc0e0d9db" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B015EF93YO&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpreviewboo-21" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today it was the time to see this scene in reality. Manimahesh Kailash parvat was in front and ganas were standing near the lake some praying for blessings, some chanting while walking, and some while bathing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The difference between the reel and the real scene is that Shiva is shown in the human flesh in the TV serials, while not here. Yet it seemed as if he was there, everywhere, in every soil, cloud or in the water particle. We could feel the aura. Later while we all were seated with a guest who called himself a Gaddi basically from the Bharmour region, the air was still heavy, and those clouds had not left the peaks of the Kailash Parvat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our ears got punched by louder chants of 'Har Har Har Mahadev' or 'Bham Bham Bhole.' Without the delay of single second, we stretched our heads out of the tent, and saw that, miraculously, a beam of sunlight had touched the feet of the Kailash parvat. It was exactly 6:42 PM, and soon the rays would disappear. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--GVFkjhOpHY/V9UqJM8mvFI/AAAAAAAAHO0/Dsuo61crs7AxdfwZfs9vZCnci_-sYrGNACK4B/s1600/Manimahesh1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--GVFkjhOpHY/V9UqJM8mvFI/AAAAAAAAHO0/Dsuo61crs7AxdfwZfs9vZCnci_-sYrGNACK4B/s640/Manimahesh1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miraculous beam of Sunlight on the feet of Manimahesh, Chamba 2016.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have seen the sun-rays falling on the Dhauladhar range </span><span style="font-size: large;">after a cloudy or rainy day,visible from</span><span style="font-size: large;"> my home, but it looked different and divine. Sun-rays can not look more beautiful and divine at any other place than at the feet of the Kailash mountain. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-doXcNBQN2Eg/V9UskcCIDwI/AAAAAAAAHPE/IGAymovF30wJ6irpXbahofljFA71d4VOQCK4B/s1600/Manimahesh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-doXcNBQN2Eg/V9UskcCIDwI/AAAAAAAAHPE/IGAymovF30wJ6irpXbahofljFA71d4VOQCK4B/s640/Manimahesh2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun-Rays midway to the heart of the Manimahesh Kailash, Chamba 2016</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.in/Bag-Age-Hiking-Trek-65Litres-Rucksack/dp/B00YUCCJ26/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1494918523&sr=1-6&keywords=trekking+bag&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=94707c488d8315f282216933b500d0da" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00YUCCJ26&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpreviewboo-21" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-in.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=httpreviewboo-21&l=li2&o=31&a=B00YUCCJ26" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Gadgetbucket-PORTABLE-PICNIC-CAMPING-OUTING/dp/B015EF93YO/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1494919086&sr=1-1&keywords=trekking+tents&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=6f55ca0f6c1d6a4143cd957dc0e0d9db" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B015EF93YO&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpreviewboo-21" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Lee-Cooper-Leather-Trekking-Hiking/dp/B06XFXMS52/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1494918915&sr=1-6&keywords=trekking+shoes&linkCode=li2&tag=httpreviewboo-21&linkId=8762a625f4bbd76abfa23891bc87cea0" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B06XFXMS52&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpreviewboo-21" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Slowly rays ascended up the mount, and touched the "Aum" symbol formed at the heart of the mount and then disappeared. Thankfully I was able to get a selfie with this divine scene at the Manimahesh Kailash. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-brzUwpmr4NI/V9UtbelHmCI/AAAAAAAAHPM/gVGrPG_8Y1c5dLffFIxcADqbvWKO6OGHgCK4B/s1600/Manimahesh4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-brzUwpmr4NI/V9UtbelHmCI/AAAAAAAAHPM/gVGrPG_8Y1c5dLffFIxcADqbvWKO6OGHgCK4B/s640/Manimahesh4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That night we talked about Shiva, shouted Shiva, chanted Shiva and sang Shiva. There were other small gatherings who sang the devotional songs at night of the Chambyali, Kangri and Mandyali regions. We slept inside the camp </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">at midnight </span><span style="font-size: large;">with five blankets and two sleeping bags. It might have rained at night, but we were safe and sound asleep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Holy bath in the morning at Manimahesh Lake:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Morning was cloudy, but energetic with the shiv bhagts' chanting and roaring around the lake. Manimahesh kailash was hidden behind the clouds. I couldn't dare to take the bath without sun-rays, moreover it was drizzling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We waited, and finally at around 11:00 AM, sun showed its shine. till now it was hidden behind the clouds along its path from the Manimahesh peak to the zenith. After packing the blankets and packing our bags we rushed towards the lake. One by one we took the bath. It was cold, and after taking two complete dips inside the lake, I was off the lake. Shankar took a dip and Ashu bhai managed with the bucket. I didn't notice Govinda, but might be he did the same. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L4mgJ1_ju1s/V9U3CYK1zyI/AAAAAAAAHPg/v7W0tp1GiRwsC9TKHf7W27HizAuz4O6ZQCK4B/s1600/Manimahesh6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L4mgJ1_ju1s/V9U3CYK1zyI/AAAAAAAAHPg/v7W0tp1GiRwsC9TKHf7W27HizAuz4O6ZQCK4B/s640/Manimahesh6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holy bath at Manimahesh lake, August 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I felt a rush of heat after coming out of the lake water. It happens that we don't feel cold after dipping in the colder than the surrounding air water. Soon we were packed inside the clothes again. It was time to say goodbye to Kailasha parvat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Way back down the Manimahesh Trek</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I left with my heart contented to its depths and filled with new energy. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roaring water of Dhancho Khad, Manimahesh trek 2016.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We covered the fifteen kilometers descent in less than four hours, including few minutes rests and lunch at one of the langars.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-94RTpA_Z3Tw/V9U4GglxQQI/AAAAAAAAHPo/NMYYnGbxUtIrvR12lKUp55exx7MKffxkQCK4B/s1600/DSC02726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-94RTpA_Z3Tw/V9U4GglxQQI/AAAAAAAAHPo/NMYYnGbxUtIrvR12lKUp55exx7MKffxkQCK4B/s640/DSC02726.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from left - Ashu bhai, Shankar, me, shopkeeper and Govida - Inside a shop on Manimahesh trek, 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks!!</span></div>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-52131577273446419092016-09-09T04:24:00.002-07:002016-09-13T09:35:57.601-07:00 (Manimahesh Yatra 2016) part -3. Bharmour to Hadsar and Dhancho<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hii there!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In this three parts personal story of the Manimahesh yatra 2016, the last two parts covered our story of our <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2016/09/manimahesh-yatra-2016-trekking-and.html" target="_blank">night halt at Chamba Jot </a>and then the <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2016/09/chamba-jot-to-bharmani-devi-temple.html" target="_blank">holy bath at the Bharmani Devi temple of Bharmour</a>. Being young and full of energy, four of us decided to climb at-least half of the Manimahesh trek on the same day. Bharmani Devi temple trek couldn't make us tired.</span><br />
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Back Bharmani Devi temple to Bharmour</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">The last statement was testified when I saw Shankar walking down the Bharmani trek like a tyre of a bicycle. This path was paved and different from the one that we took while climbing. It was the common path, and therefore we could see more people climbing and descending in a number which we can see on a noon in the market street of Hamirpur town on monday or Tuesday.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CiJnDdsFQS0/V9KVoaWJHmI/AAAAAAAAHNQ/1Ys7UYOKSyESjYtYBKNati7tZ7qUWzpIwCK4B/s1600/Bharmani%2Btrek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CiJnDdsFQS0/V9KVoaWJHmI/AAAAAAAAHNQ/1Ys7UYOKSyESjYtYBKNati7tZ7qUWzpIwCK4B/s640/Bharmani%2Btrek.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Along the trek to Bharmour from Bharmani Devi, Chamba, Manimahesh yatra 2016.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Soon we crossed two villages, and frequently saw small children with baskets of apples on either side of the path. Some offered "Dus ke teen"(three apples for INR 10) and some "Dus ke chaar"(four apples for INR 10). Though apples were not ripened, still it was a big bargain for people who come from plains, because they will get four apples for about INR 100 at plains.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When we crossed these wooden, stone and concrete houses, our path ended near to the helipad, from where the helicopters take off to the helipad at the Parvati Kund, which is about 1 kilometer down from Manimahesh lake. This year price of the flight was near to INR 2000/- while last year in 2015 it was higher than INR 2500/-.</span><br />
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Chaurasi Temple of Bharmour</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Just few meters below the helipad is the complex of the Chaurasi temples of Bharmour. We entered through a concrete gate and witnessed a huge gathering. It looked like small fair, and soon we would read a banner with "Jatar Mela 2016." Someone was selling the ornaments while other offered the tattoo service. Some people were lined up behind the gate of the main temple at the center while others were seated at its back, watching a traditional dance of Chamba.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lvV5DCoBrmQ/V9KUmDHZsxI/AAAAAAAAHNE/sYIz6LNkWR8m9Fvq259L3ZwuNzEAX_FWQCK4B/s1600/Jatar%2BMela%2BBharmour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lvV5DCoBrmQ/V9KUmDHZsxI/AAAAAAAAHNE/sYIz6LNkWR8m9Fvq259L3ZwuNzEAX_FWQCK4B/s640/Jatar%2BMela%2BBharmour.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jatar Mela 2016, Chaurasi Temple, Bharmour, Chamba</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Behind the dancers were the musicians playing their traditional instruments so </span><span style="font-size: large;">rhythmically and </span><span style="font-size: large;">smoothly such that no Hard Rock Cafe or a MTV musician could match the calmness and purity of the aura that was created there. Though the dancers were not dressed in the traditional dresses, which indicated that they were not the professionals, but still their steps matched with each other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Instead of lining up behind that big line in front of the main temple, we sat at the back of the temple, and watched this live dancing and music show. Sun was about to hide behind the mountain ridge, and we could have sit there, and watched the dance for whole of the evening, but then we could get another day behind from reaching the Manimahesh lake.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWJgbYshP30/V9KW0xjVp3I/AAAAAAAAHNc/NlRT2uGFLGA_GpF4V2QOBFA6oRCmyaSAACK4B/s1600/Bharmour%2BChaurasi%2BTemple%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWJgbYshP30/V9KW0xjVp3I/AAAAAAAAHNc/NlRT2uGFLGA_GpF4V2QOBFA6oRCmyaSAACK4B/s640/Bharmour%2BChaurasi%2BTemple%2B2016.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Chaurasi Temple, Jatar Mela 2016, Chamba, Manimahesh yatra 2016.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We walked one kilometer back to the car, and then ran towards Hadsar. Hadsar is at a distance of 12 kilometers from Bharmour and along this lengthy stretch we could see the vehicles parked on the available corners along both sides of the road. Ravi flows parallely only few hundred meters down the road.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some advised us not to go to Hadsar, else we would not find the parking space, but they didn't know our plan to climb the half trek on the same night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Hadsar to Dhancho - Night stay.</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">We reached Hadsar when it got completely dark. Parking space was available only after we went about one kilometer further from the main gate of the trek, for which we crossed two steel bridges, one on a rivulet called 'Dhancho Khad' whose origin is the Manimahesh lake itself, and the last one on the river Ravi itself. We took our bags, filled with nothing but few warm clothes, and with the torch in the hand, we walked back towards the main gate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We ate the food at the langar service near to the main gate, and then walked towards the gate. We already had seen a number of young and beautiful lady police that day, and yet another one asked us to drop our bags for checking at the main gate. It was the drugs and alcohol that they were checking for. On the wall of the gate was pasted a notice with picture of a person from Bihar who had got lost somewhere along the Kugti pass four days earlier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Crossing the Kugti pass is work of at least four to five days, and should not be risked alone by newbies. It connects Chamba with the Lahaul Spiti region of the Himachal Pradesh which is on the other side of the Pir Panjal range. It can be foolishness to go on this trek without experience. Four of us were enough experienced to tackle the steepness of the Manimahesh trek.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When we reached Dunali at three to four kilometers along the Manimahesh trek, we started asking for the sleeping facility. It already </span><span style="font-size: large;">was </span><span style="font-size: large;">midnight, but we were not afraid as we were sure to find the space for the night stay at Dhancho. Thankfully just at the end of the Dunali, while other shops had closed, we found a shop open which offered the space for INR 100. We were tired and as per the watch time, another date had started. We slept there with no conscience at all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Note: No photos could be clicked, because it was already dark when we reached Hadsar and Dunali. But few were clicked while coming back, which I shall share in the part 4 of this Manimahesh Yatra 2016.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks!</span></div>
Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-23658703024462988752016-09-07T00:03:00.000-07:002016-09-13T09:37:25.242-07:00 (Manimahesh Yatra 2016) part-2. Chamba Jot to Bharmani Devi temple<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hii again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2016/09/manimahesh-yatra-2016-trekking-and.html" target="_blank">part 1 of the story of our Manimahesh Yatra 2016</a>, we had reached at the Jot, where we slept at night. In the morning we clicked some photographs of the ridge, and the surrounding peaks at Chamba Jot. Sky was still dark with the clouds. At 8:00 AM, the tea shop was open, and even a green vegetable shop was open too. But, as we had not even brushed our teeth, so decided to first reach for a spot where we could refresh ourselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jot to Bharmour</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ashu bhai sat on the driver's seat and soon the car started running down the Jot towards Chamba. I picked up my Guitar and together we sang few of the Ashok Kumar's songs, such as 'O Mere Dil Ke Chain, chain aaye mere dil ko dua kijiye.' </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Road from Jot to Chamba mostly has a descending gradient, and steep curves. Still we enjoyed the road because of the beautiful mountains and the terraced green fields, on which corn plants were still standing. Deodar trees could easily be spotted on the slopes, though they were not clustered together to make the dense forests like those along <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2016/05/trekking-from-raj-gundha-to-biling.html" target="_blank">Rajgundha to Bir-Biling trek</a> or along the <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2015/06/visiting-shringa-rishi-chehni-kothi.html" target="_blank">trek to Shringa Rishi temple and Chehni Kothi in Banjar</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There was a rivulet that followed us tediously and finally would merge with Ravi in Chamba. We crossed the Ravi at Chamba at around 9:45 AM, and then the road ran parallel with Ravi up till Bharmour. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The reservoirs' water of the Chamera stage I and Chamera stage II almost touched the road. I couldn't understand why these river projects were named in reverse order. The project at the downstream is given stage I, while at the higher stages its III and II. </span><br />
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<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5316579663347410296" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Generally stage projects with the same name are numbered as stage I, II and III, starting from the upstream. Such as the river projects Uhl stage I, II and III on river Uhl are numbered with stage I at the higher elevation of the river. The river water was silty, and roaring. </span> </span></div>
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Bharmour to Bharmani Devi temple</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">After reaching Bharmour, first task was to find the parking for the car, as the road up to the Bharmani Devi temple was slippery and police on duty suggested not to take car up there.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is said that without taking the bath in the cold water at the Bharmari Devi temple the Manimahesh yatra remains incomplete. Due to the surge of the pilgrims in a large number, we couldn't find the place to park the car in one kilometer of the stretch along the road earlier to the Bharmour market. Then we first reached the market along the road, and then we started ascending uphill towards Bharmani Devi temple. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Instead of taking the motor-able road which would be more than 5 kilometers of length, we took a left diversion along a steep path. We witnessed the apple trees loaded with the green and reddish apple fruits, though not completely ripe. They followed us along half of the trek. When the apple orchards line finished, we spotted the motorable road on the upper reaches of the mountain face. We climbed the terraced uncultivated fields and spotted a woman near to a fresh water pipe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First obvious question we asked her was about the remaining distance up to Bharmani devi, which she told to be only about 1.5 kilometers. I and Ashu started to talk in Mandyali(local language of district Mandi), because its not much different from the Chambyali (local language of Chamba district). Along with her a very old woman and two others of mid fourtees joined us in the chit chat.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Bharmani Devis of Bharmour, Manimahesh Yatra 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We sat on one of those grassy fields and within half an hour we were comfortable enough to sing the "Kunju and Chanchlo" - a very famous Chambyali song. We wanted to listen it from them, because lyrically we were weak, but they only helped us with the lyrics. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was a wonderful experience to have introduction with them, and being elders they advised us to remain away from drugs and alcohol. It is very common to spot the people coming from outside with smoke and drugs. They knew it very well. They offered one apple for each four of us, and if help was necessary invited us to their home. We felt as if we met the real Bharmani Devi. We touched their feet and started along the remaining trek. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last part of the trek is very steep, but we reached Bharmani Devi temple at around 3:00 PM. It was a small place with a large gathering of the pilgrims. Located on the grassy meadow at the base of the mountain peaks covered with the Deodar trees, it carried a spiritual aura. The other mountain peaks on that side of the river Ravi looked of higher elevations. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IbSlu7cUaX0/V8-5lcNpqNI/AAAAAAAAHMM/HLdTZK7XnosBf3M50ZbgO3nuRbJB2n5zgCK4B/s1600/Bharmani1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IbSlu7cUaX0/V8-5lcNpqNI/AAAAAAAAHMM/HLdTZK7XnosBf3M50ZbgO3nuRbJB2n5zgCK4B/s640/Bharmani1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pilgrims ready to take the dip into the bath at Bharmani Devi Temple, Bharmour, Chamba, Manimahesh Yatra 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Though with limited space but separate bathing facilities were provided to the ladies. A pond of about 4 m * 2m* 1.5 m size looked small for the number of the gents crowded there. One by one we took dips into that ice cold water and then we tailed along a long line to take the blessings of the Bharmani Devi. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a stone carved sculpture of Bharmani Devi put under the open sky, that people were lined up to touch. It took about half an hour for our turn. As nothing had entered our stomachs except the small apple that the women had offered us in the afternoon, we went to the Langar. It was organised by the Devbhumi Langar committee Samela, Hamirpur. Ashu's father was with this committee and soon we met him. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Ashu with his Father and Govida, Bharmani Devi, Bharmour, Chamba, Manimahesh Yatra 2016</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The meal was the average chawal, dal and curry, but we knew that the efforts to organise such free food service for the pilgrims at such heights would be extra-ordinary. Along with his father, there were about five other persons who were involved in this Langar. There were 4-5 other Langars from different places with different dishes. At around 4:15 PM, we left Bharmani Devi and descended back to Bharmour. Plan was to reach Hadsar in car and then reach Dhancho on our feet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">to be contd in <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2016/09/bharmour-to-hadsar-and-bhanchho.html" target="_blank">part 3</a>... </span><br />
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-48376459167544397312016-09-05T11:02:00.001-07:002016-09-13T09:37:07.317-07:00(Manimahesh Yatra 2016) part-1. Reaching Chamba Jot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hiii,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />It seems like a long time since I took a hike along the hills and told you its yummy experience. In the last post, I introduced you with the <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2016/05/trek-from-maigalthona-to-murah-mata.html" target="_blank">trek from Maigal to Murah Mata temple</a>, located on one of the peaks of the Janitri Dhar in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The tough trek went through the dense oak trees jungle, and moreover it is explored by very few people. Almost after five months, I finally went on to another but very important trek of my life till now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Quick info about Manimahesh </b></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Kailash yatras to the five Kailash of lord Shiva are among the most famous pilgrimages which are taken by the most daring and faithful people, mostly Hindus. Manimahesh lake located at the base of the Manimahesh Kailash peak, is at an elevation of about 4115 m from mean sea level while the peak itself is at 5775 m.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As per the locals and my overall knowledge, nobody has reached this peak due to the difficulty involved in climbing. It is said that this Kailash was discovered by the Gaddis, the shepherd tribe that is found mostly in the Chamba and Kangra region. The Peak remains covered with white ice for whole of the year, and therefore the yatra </span><span style="font-size: large;">up to the lake i</span><span style="font-size: large;">s feasible in the month of the July and August each year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Though the trek gets open earlier for trekking, but the official yatra dates are chosen on the religious as well as weather basis. This year it started on Janmashtmi(25 Aug) and yet to end on the Radha Ashtmi(9th September). The advantages of following these dates- first is linked with the religious beliefs of maximum blessings from lord, and second is the free food and accommodation facilities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With the help of Khachar(mule),</span><span style="font-size: large;"> v</span><span style="font-size: large;">arious rich people and committees, mostly from Himachal and Punjab take all the necessary items for cooking and night stay to the different locations of this 15 kilometers long trek. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This facility is called 'Langar.' Therefore Langars are available at almost every 2 kilometers of a stretch along the trek. Others who don't get the spot at these heights, set up their Langars along the road up to Hadsar. This way, Langars starts a long way back, from Nurpur or Chamba. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessed with such facilities, a person doesn't need to spend a single penny to take the blessings from lord Shiva, all you need is, to reach Chamba and Hadsar and then the determination and strength to reach the Manimahesh lake. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I even saw few physically handicapped people, with crippled legs or arms, but their hearts are stronger than gold. That is all you need. Few people ride on the mule's back, and few take the helicopter services, but that doesn't seem like a proper yatra to me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think if you </span><span style="font-size: large;">really </span><span style="font-size: large;">want to have the blessings and joy of the trek then you should reach the lake on your own feet. I assure you that it will benefit you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Personal Story - Chamba Manimahesh Yatra 2016</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was twenty days earlier that I had left for my village. It rained days and nights, and therefore plan got postponed. It was the trip to Manimahesh that Ghosh(Shankar Ghosh) and I were planning since past few weeks. Second obstacle was the final viva for the M.tech. degree, that I would take at NIT Hamirpur on 26th of August. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the evening of 26th a plan was made and Ashu Bhai(as Shankar calls him ) might join us the next day. Ashu bhai would tell us that he already have the three times experience of trekking up to the Manimahesh lake. Second most important thing that he had was his Alto car, which would prove to be very comforting and necessary in the rainy season. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ashu Bhai, Shankar and I are friends, met due to our jobs at different times and locations. With few intermediate communication gaps in last two three years, this trip would be my only one trip of its kind with all three of us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a pleasure to go together on such a blessed journey. Next day Govinda, a carpenter who worked at Ashu bhai's home, was seated in Ashu's car that approached the dedh gate(three gates of NIT Hamirpur are name as 1st gate(main gate), 1.5(dedh) gate and 2nd Gate) in front of the Himgiri hostel at NIT Hamirpur. It was about fifteen minutes since we stood there waiting for them. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PSvdUOfIVI" target="_blank">Guitar</a> and sleeping bag were other things that I carried on this trip, though they were not the abs</span><span style="font-size: large;">olute necessities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Road Journey from Hamirpur to Jot at Chamba</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ashu bhai drove while Ghosh sat on the adjacent seat. Guitar was kept in the lap, while all other things were in the luggage box. Hamirpur to <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-shiva-ratri-holiday-at-two-mahashakti.html" target="_blank">Jwala Mukhi temple</a>, was a quick ride, and was full of discussions about each other and the place we were going to visit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was the first time for Govinda, so we showed him the gate to the <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-shiva-ratri-holiday-at-two-mahashakti.html" target="_blank">Jwala Ji temple</a>, and told him the story of Akbar's gold umbrella. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mostly, stories are told to refresh our memories, and learn some more, so bigger the number of the persons in a car, better it is. Govinda shared his experience about Bol Bam Yatra(Kanvar yatra) that he had completed with a bare feet walk of 100 kilometers from Sultanganj in Bihar to Baidyanath temple at Deoghar in Jharkhand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The aim of this yatra is to fetch some holy Ganga water from Sultanganj and take it to the lord Shiva temple Baidyanath at Deogarh in Jharkhand. This was his main source of confidence which showed itself while tirelessly he would climb the fifteen kilometers Manimahesh trek. Shankar also had few trekking experiences such as the <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2015/06/trek-to-kheer-ganga-walk-along-parbati.html" target="_blank">Kheerganga</a> , Kamrunaag, Bijli Mahadev, Sarahan(Bhima Kali), <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2015/07/visiting-shringa-rishi-chehni-kothi.html" target="_blank">Sareolsar</a> <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2015/07/visiting-shringa-rishi-chehni-kothi.html" target="_blank">lake</a> and <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.com/2014/04/hi-this-was-motor-cycle-ride-from.html" target="_blank">Murari Devi</a> treketc. so he was confident too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By the time we crossed Kangra and reached Shahpur, sky got overcasted with darkness, and it was the time to eat the dinner meal in the dhaba. Shankar had switched to the driver's seat, and our next stop would be over the mountain ridge at Jot. It was already around midnight, so we thought to take few hours sleep in the car itself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Night at Chamba Jot</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Road crosses the mountain ridge at Jot, leaving the Kangra's plains and entering into the more zig zag and steepy roads towards Chamba. At jot, it could be cold in nights even in the months of July and August. Our jackets and caps were of very much help. On the right of the road there was a two storey concrete building that looked like a home, but lights were already off. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another one was just few meters down the ridge, but its lights were off too. Ground floors were shuttered, so not even a tea shop was open.While making the arrangements and turning the car to the right stable spot, we chatted loudly. Lights got on for a while, but again everything went silent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ashu bhai took the sleeping bags and spotted an empty carriage van, with open roof, but under the rain shelter. He is the one with the longest legs and height among us and it was not comfortable for him to sleep in the car in a single seat. Remaining three of us managed to close our eyes and get subconscious till the morning. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wgU0MX4wWgI/V82ylGlaqhI/AAAAAAAAHLk/ALGltEGe7GcBJM-IBR-fejK1FUVmXQdRQCK4B/s1600/jot4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wgU0MX4wWgI/V82ylGlaqhI/AAAAAAAAHLk/ALGltEGe7GcBJM-IBR-fejK1FUVmXQdRQCK4B/s640/jot4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clouded morning at Chamba Jot, Manimahesh Yatra August 2016</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qpIN0vVG81U/V82yrALimdI/AAAAAAAAHL0/3CDMCdh_b9AhDC8ULCGNgChmbVAQtdzMQCK4B/s1600/jot2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qpIN0vVG81U/V82yrALimdI/AAAAAAAAHL0/3CDMCdh_b9AhDC8ULCGNgChmbVAQtdzMQCK4B/s640/jot2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Roof at Chamba Jot, Manimahesh Yatra August 2016</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9pmiUXrsOw/V82yjolI5EI/AAAAAAAAHLc/Xpj-eTV8mmApSi83Lc9CT37Szk-_esSqACK4B/s1600/jot3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9pmiUXrsOw/V82yjolI5EI/AAAAAAAAHLc/Xpj-eTV8mmApSi83Lc9CT37Szk-_esSqACK4B/s640/jot3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From right - Ashu Bhai, Govinda, Shankar and I.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3fkJcUDNF8/V82yqG5-irI/AAAAAAAAHLs/vQzeppJcmoQwFRQVgfpBMBGPggX68QlfgCK4B/s1600/Jot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3fkJcUDNF8/V82yqG5-irI/AAAAAAAAHLs/vQzeppJcmoQwFRQVgfpBMBGPggX68QlfgCK4B/s640/Jot1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5316579663347410296" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
A view of Kangra valley from Chamba Jot, Manimahesh Yatra August 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">to be contd in<a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2016/09/chamba-jot-to-bharmani-devi-temple.html" target="_blank"> part 2</a>......</span></div>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-75805508403853258562016-05-29T07:45:00.002-07:002016-06-01T10:20:20.530-07:00Trek from Maigal(Thona) to Murah Mata Temple(Janitri Dhar), Mandi H.P.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hi,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Visiting this temple was just an excuse for getting the adventurous experiences of hiking up into the wild mountain slopes and reaching the peaks, where this Murah mata temple is built.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> In last four posts the story of<a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2016/05/trekking-from-raj-gundha-to-biling.html" target="_blank"> trekking from Joginder Nagar to Bir-Biling via Winch Camp and Rajgundha was covered</a>. Few weeks later I would trek up to Murah-Dhar temple that is located on the peak of the Murah dhar (part of the Janitri Forest Dhar). Plan was also to eat the Kaafal(Bayberries) while coming back from the peak in the evening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The temple has a beautiful location, which gives an amazing view of the nearby areas of Sarkaghat and Dharampur on west, and Mandi and Kotli to the east. On the north side, the Janitri ridge leads our eyesight towards the ice capped peaks of Dhauladhar and on the south we get a very beautiful view of the <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-visit-to-naina-devi-riwalsar-and.html" target="_blank">Naina Mata Temple</a> located on the mountain peak of <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2014/07/a-visit-to-sar-ki-dhar-7-sarponds-made.html" target="_blank">Sar Ki Dhar</a>. But the <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2013/08/a-visit-to-naina-devi-riwalsar-and.html" target="_blank">Rewalsar lake</a> hides itself on the other side of the mountain containing the Naina Mata temple.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ury7YYwTlfY/V0epH3gKeoI/AAAAAAAAG8g/rw4U2YBqavYVsEALKK-9268P6MQMmm1vACLcB/s1600/Murah%2BMata%2BTemple%252C%2BSarkaghat%252C%2BMandi%252C%2BH.P..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ury7YYwTlfY/V0epH3gKeoI/AAAAAAAAG8g/rw4U2YBqavYVsEALKK-9268P6MQMmm1vACLcB/s640/Murah%2BMata%2BTemple%252C%2BSarkaghat%252C%2BMandi%252C%2BH.P..jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Location of Murah Mata Temple(31.730188, 76.829173) w.r.t. Naina Mata Temple of Riwalsar, in Sarkaghat, Mandi, H.P.courtesy: google Maps </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To the north west, you can get a clear view of the lower Shivalik peaks and ridges, one of them holds the famous <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2014/04/a-visit-to-kamlah-fort-of-sarkaghat.html" target="_blank">Kamlah fort</a> at a very steep but lower height. There is no road or even a well defined path to reach the temple, so don't try to go there on your own. The nearest village to this peak can not be located easily. It could be Thona or any of the nearby village, or one from the east from the Kotli or Tungal areas of Mandi Tehsils. As per my rough estimates, all of them are more than three hours(nine to ten kilometres steep wild non defined paths) away from the temple. of Janitri Dhar. The path that we followed from Chori(Maigal) was known to Shashi -my relative younger brother. Naresh and his friend from Una would make four of us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Preparations: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I had instructed them to start at 8:00 AM, because that was the earliest time possible due to the other works constraints. We were gathered at a function at Parasla at Shashi's home, and there were other things to do. However the Sun rises from behind the same mountain and takes time to reach the slope that we hiked, but still in the month of May, one should start at 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM, otherwise chances are that you can get a sunburn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Water is a must to carry, at least one-two litres for every person for a single day, because there is no good facility of any kind of water at the top or in-between the trek. There is not even a single home, and therefore also take the food, don't take any chances, no chances at all. One good thing was that, due to the lower elevation, cell phone networks were available. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Reaching the Kafal(Bayberry) and Baan(Oak) tree line:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We started late at around 9:00 AM, and Sun had reached enough heights to sweat us. One third of the hiking was along a tree less, but the grass lands, which were useful for the local shepherds or cow owners. Two animal shelters were met in this part of about ten kilometres of total hiking. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gzqu2-lh_Ag/V0zxW5_bwpI/AAAAAAAAG9k/z_5LJSSgME4g4emtj8WtiyfsEN07tZGHQCK4B/s1600/IMG_20160518_095421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gzqu2-lh_Ag/V0zxW5_bwpI/AAAAAAAAG9k/z_5LJSSgME4g4emtj8WtiyfsEN07tZGHQCK4B/s640/IMG_20160518_095421.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree line still not met, On trek from Maigal(Thona) to Murah Mata temple, Janitri Dhar, Mandi (May 2016)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The deciduous pine trees were met when we reached at the ridge line of the mountain, that we would follow to reach to peak. After hiking another kilometer we met a lady on the Kaafal tree. Trees were loaded with the green and pink yummy bayberries. We greeted the lady, and ate the berries from the branches reachable from ground. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OOJ-nJ_bzQE/V0zyUGVaVEI/AAAAAAAAG9w/Crkvn_38VOgqu5Yd2MCwz4pw2lQ7KxzIQCK4B/s1600/IMG_20160518_104750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OOJ-nJ_bzQE/V0zyUGVaVEI/AAAAAAAAG9w/Crkvn_38VOgqu5Yd2MCwz4pw2lQ7KxzIQCK4B/s640/IMG_20160518_104750.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That is our beloved Kaafal tree with green and pink Kaafals(bayberries) on it, Murah Dhar(Janitri Dhar), Mandi May 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Reaching the Murah Temple of Janitri Dhar</b></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">We met many such trees through the rest of the hike. Though oak trees dominated the jungle, few rhododendron trees could also be spotted. It is a dense jungle and we spotted few junglee birds, no doubt there would be another animals such as rabbits, junglee bears, pigs and leopards etc. Path is spotless at places, and one should not go alone, as the temple is also not visible from most of the journey. We met two teenage boys who had halted for a while below a big stone boulder. This boulder could easily shelter ten to fifteen persons in case of rainfall. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">They gave us a bad news that there would be no water for drinking at the temple. Even Shashi was unaware of this, and we carried on two litres of water which was already finished. He had told us that we can fill up the bottle at the temple. This was a misinformation, but now we had to deal with it. As the boys were descending, we got a small amount of water from them, and in return we offered them few remaining sips of coca-cola (soft drink).</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJiQFnDvw0c/V0z0G1-AnCI/AAAAAAAAG-E/aUzdv3Twx2QFVPYQqfMukAPXB0e4fgzqgCK4B/s1600/IMG_20160518_120953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJiQFnDvw0c/V0z0G1-AnCI/AAAAAAAAG-E/aUzdv3Twx2QFVPYQqfMukAPXB0e4fgzqgCK4B/s640/IMG_20160518_120953.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First glimpse of temple, Murah Mata temple, Janitri Dhar, Mandi May 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>At Murah Mata Temple of Janitri Dhar</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We reached the temple while Sun was at the zenith, thankfully the cold air breeze soothed the flesh. Sarayas were constructed at the base floor, while the first floor was still under construction, but slab was constructed above it with columns. On the top of the slab was this small temple, which was dedicated to Hindu goddess Murah Mata. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUVWFAMBp1E/V02pqacAEEI/AAAAAAAAG-Y/OAZoT38B1Xo7ypOaYiHNLQywO3MCa1UEACK4B/s1600/IMG_20160518_121828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUVWFAMBp1E/V02pqacAEEI/AAAAAAAAG-Y/OAZoT38B1Xo7ypOaYiHNLQywO3MCa1UEACK4B/s640/IMG_20160518_121828.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Murah Mata temple, Janitri Dhar, Sarkaghat, Mandi H.P. May 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">An empty clay pot was kept at the base floor, and also few blankets both needed for a night stay. As of the day of the visit, no water pipe had reached this place, so one has to bring his own water. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the vicinity of the whole temple, there were animal shelters, and few metres away was a small Shiva temple. The ridge line of Janitri Dhar divides the Sarkaghat and Kotlu tehsils, one to the west while latter to east. Whole of the ridge line is visible, and also that of the adjoining Baglu forest. All the four of my partners chanted the holy Sanskrit Mantras to praise the Goddess, while I filmed that with my cell phone camera.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7rR7Rxs9Sxk/V02q_Ue4hJI/AAAAAAAAG-k/y3d7fFbtH0kAA3K1UjABvEJ5DFRiTt6kgCK4B/s1600/IMG_20160518_131608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7rR7Rxs9Sxk/V02q_Ue4hJI/AAAAAAAAG-k/y3d7fFbtH0kAA3K1UjABvEJ5DFRiTt6kgCK4B/s640/IMG_20160518_131608.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Animal shelters and Shiva temple in back, Murah Mata temple, Janitri Dhar, Sarkaghat, Mandi May 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We spent about one hour, at the place, took pictures, ate the rotis(chapatis) that I had brought from my aunt's home and then started our journey back down. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8ZQE4lZh6U/V02sRLNOZdI/AAAAAAAAG-w/089_iV02fdkqHSdWd9bZFfM_IwZVjR2IwCK4B/s1600/IMG_20160518_121849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8ZQE4lZh6U/V02sRLNOZdI/AAAAAAAAG-w/089_iV02fdkqHSdWd9bZFfM_IwZVjR2IwCK4B/s640/IMG_20160518_121849.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baglu Forest, view from Murah Temple, Sarkaghat, clicked on May2016</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JrlEO4gDCbQ/V02tWlUD4mI/AAAAAAAAG-8/Eg19DivZSx0aWS6f8xQY1XqzN_qkw3pdwCK4B/s1600/IMG_20160518_125302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JrlEO4gDCbQ/V02tWlUD4mI/AAAAAAAAG-8/Eg19DivZSx0aWS6f8xQY1XqzN_qkw3pdwCK4B/s640/IMG_20160518_125302.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Kotli area from Murah temple, Janitri Dhar, Sarkaghat, Mandi - May 2016</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ozfwLKFvv6w/V02vONowmvI/AAAAAAAAG_I/upsYqsopb1IhC6JFRhpkAmi2o3GhXQKoQCK4B/s1600/IMG_20160518_121837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ozfwLKFvv6w/V02vONowmvI/AAAAAAAAG_I/upsYqsopb1IhC6JFRhpkAmi2o3GhXQKoQCK4B/s640/IMG_20160518_121837.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Thona and nearby areas, from Murah temple, Sarkaghat May 2016</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-na4ecovVXCY/V02wS4H40MI/AAAAAAAAG_U/ekkO9N0LQ8050DHj8bFRBZmfS_nz_7NKACK4B/s1600/IMG_20160518_121844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-na4ecovVXCY/V02wS4H40MI/AAAAAAAAG_U/ekkO9N0LQ8050DHj8bFRBZmfS_nz_7NKACK4B/s640/IMG_20160518_121844.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Naina Mata temple, Sar Ki Dhar, Rewalsar from Murah Mata Temple, Janitri Dhar, Sarkaghat, May 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We collected the Kaafal in the bags or bottles whatever we carried, and reached the village at around 5:00 PM. I drank about one litre of water when we reached the first home near to the road at Chori(Maigal). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">thanks for visit!</span><br />
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-48832166903010923382016-05-13T20:08:00.002-07:002016-05-13T20:59:43.466-07:00Trekking from Raj-Gundha to Biling - A World Paragliding Site (Part 4)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hi,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was day four of this long trekking cum camping trip. For previous days' story, please read the last three posts on this blog. Till day three we had covered the trek from Joginer Nagar to Winch Camp and to Barot, with
one night’s camping halt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> From Barot we walked along the road to Nalhota, in
Chota Bhangal, where we stayed in a rented room for the second night. Story of
the third day trek from Nalhota to Rajgundha, crossing the Uhl River and
<a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2016/05/camping-at-raj-gundha-chota-bhangal.html" target="_blank">exploring Rajgundha was covered in the last post</a>. Morning was biting-cold, and
after coming back from the brook, I had to slip back into my sleeping bag.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Be1CtvG-Arg/VzaQ4Yfo-QI/AAAAAAAAG58/yTj0S0snlXMZS3lvySIy8WSP8C33Mwy5gCK4B/s1600/RajGundha12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Be1CtvG-Arg/VzaQ4Yfo-QI/AAAAAAAAG58/yTj0S0snlXMZS3lvySIy8WSP8C33Mwy5gCK4B/s640/RajGundha12.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Morning Sun-rays at peaks visible from Rajgundha, Chota Bhangal, Kangra - (April 2016). Pic courtesy: Deepak</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Morning at Rajgundha
Camping Site<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sun would appear after 7:00 AM, and without a jacket it was
unbearable. No one was on the fields, but within one or two hours, people would
start working. At 6:45 AM, sun rays appeared at the ice capped peaks around the
Thamsar pass. Deepak clicked these moments, and these photographs are the
source from where I am writing the exact timings.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjoLGn9o_bk/VzaQi6IViRI/AAAAAAAAG50/IMMMsWLDDG8Lys-bT10wjegcvsCpJ7ETwCK4B/s640/Morning%2BViewRaj.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sun-Rise at RajGundha, Chota Bhangal, Kangra (Pic courtesy: Deepak)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Light descended slowly down from the peaks and reached at our camping site at around 7:15 AM, and that is when Sun with its round shape started to emerge from behind the mountain. An old couple came to the nearby fields with a pair of oxen, a plough and yoke. We acquainted with Sh. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Ashok Kumar
who wore a Himachali cap, and asked whatever we could ask about his farms. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Potatoes and vegetables are the two things that mostly are grown. To sell they
have to carry them manually to Badagram on the other side of the Uhl. He also
told about his son who had been pursuing a degree in Engineering at some
private engineering college at Kangra.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ptxjBcqs9E/VzaRXjfInQI/AAAAAAAAG6I/cMTNWLodl084TW6CoxgsHtKpgpiYWFg7QCK4B/s1600/Ashok%2Bji%2BRajgundha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ptxjBcqs9E/VzaRXjfInQI/AAAAAAAAG6I/cMTNWLodl084TW6CoxgsHtKpgpiYWFg7QCK4B/s640/Ashok%2Bji%2BRajgundha.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sh. Ashok Kumar with the yoked oxen at Rajgundha, Chota Bhangal, Kangra April 2016 (Pic courtesy: Deepak)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Soon it was about 8:15AM, and we had to pack our tents and
get our break-fast meal. At 9:00 AM we were back to the Nepali Brothers’
kitchen to have another meal of Chapati with Potato Sabzi. Also my Cell phone
and camera batteries got charged, that I had plugged into the current slots at
their house. We paid them about nine hundred rupees for the dinner, break-fast
meal and around ten cups of tea. We said good-bye, picked our backpacks, walked
just steps up from this house and we already were on the trail that leads to
Biling. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aY0yRiFP44U/VzaSAz6YypI/AAAAAAAAG6U/BMo4fDZgjbcxiG5FXKpEllQvbQqAKuoewCK4B/s1600/RajGundha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aY0yRiFP44U/VzaSAz6YypI/AAAAAAAAG6U/BMo4fDZgjbcxiG5FXKpEllQvbQqAKuoewCK4B/s640/RajGundha.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail towards Biling from Rajgundha, at Rajgundha, Chota Bhangal, Kangra (April 2016)</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">On the 12 km long Trail
to Biling-Bir from RajGundha<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a long gentle walk along this two to three
metres wide tack, that was traced back in 1970s or 80s. It was damaged at some
places and therefore not even small vehicles run on it. Sometimes mountain
biking events are organised, in which bikers from all over the world
participate. Some videos are available on the Youtube where they ride along
this wild mountain track from Biling to Rajgundha or further below to Barot and
lower areas. Deodar trees shadowed the
track, therefore it could be very cold to walk in the mornings. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxtl5bDRgLw/VzaSWm7kJpI/AAAAAAAAG6g/G3TAj8BOpxsyP-EQ_RW4Z35GDAmIJMfXACK4B/s1600/Rajgundha_Trek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxtl5bDRgLw/VzaSWm7kJpI/AAAAAAAAG6g/G3TAj8BOpxsyP-EQ_RW4Z35GDAmIJMfXACK4B/s640/Rajgundha_Trek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Origin of Uhl, Rajgundha, Chota Bhangal, Kangra - April 2016 (Pic courtesy: Deepak Singh)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sun was now higher up from the horizon, and beautified our
experience. The ice capped mountain peaks were clearer, and so was the view of
the Uhl valley that extended down from these peaks towards Barot. We got a
bird’s eye view of Bada-gram and Nalhota and they looked silent but beautiful.
Deodar trees were later joined by the Rhododendron trees when we reached the
ridge crossing. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOHQM065JGI/VzaSyOp5S8I/AAAAAAAAG6s/T9AfV8okijQBF0LtJt8wpg2PHw9oroAYACK4B/s1600/Uhl%2BValley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOHQM065JGI/VzaSyOp5S8I/AAAAAAAAG6s/T9AfV8okijQBF0LtJt8wpg2PHw9oroAYACK4B/s640/Uhl%2BValley.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A click down to the Uhl valley, Chota Bhangal, Kangra, -April 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We could call this a mountain pass, because on one side of it
we could see the Uhl valley, while world paragliding site Biling was
visible </span><span style="font-size: large;">on the other</span><span style="font-size: large;">. We could see the para-gliders flying above the jungle at
different heights. We put our backpacks down to take a small rest. A one room hut
stood on the left of the track.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rIKXusBHpY/VzaU91iD48I/AAAAAAAAG7E/3-ySERRWGAMqKZ2ST4zionYXKI2L_Td5ACK4B/s1600/Paragliding%2Bsite1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rIKXusBHpY/VzaU91iD48I/AAAAAAAAG7E/3-ySERRWGAMqKZ2ST4zionYXKI2L_Td5ACK4B/s640/Paragliding%2Bsite1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clicked just at the crossing from ridge on trail Rajgundha to Biling, Kangra, April 2016.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Someone from Gaddi tribe might be using this as a halt, while
carrying their goats and sheep from one side to the other. The place was
surrounded by the dense jungle on a very steep mountain terrain. On the very
top of this mountain ridge a red flag had caught our attention. It could be the
Hanuman Garh of which Parshuram had mentioned about. This would be another one
day trek experience to reach the Hanuman Garh peak from either side of the
mountain. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0GnW9FQYiA/VzaUcFYYT8I/AAAAAAAAG68/i_KzZwqEvOs2Z7Pwtcny4cHkLZZW7IGzQCK4B/s1600/Paragliding%2Bsite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0GnW9FQYiA/VzaUcFYYT8I/AAAAAAAAG68/i_KzZwqEvOs2Z7Pwtcny4cHkLZZW7IGzQCK4B/s640/Paragliding%2Bsite.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recharging ourselves with view of beautiful paragliders' Biling valley at Ridge crossing on trail from Rajgundha to Biling, April 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our plan was to reach Biling and while Anand would take a flight with
the paraglider, rest three of us would reach Bir in a cab. Another half of the
track followed a descending slope because Biling is at lower elevation. Rhododendrons
beautify this part of the track in these spring and autumn months of the year
with their colourful flowers, which one can eat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Local use these flowers to make the juices and preserve that
for use in summer to make sharbat. It is beneficial for digestion and relieves
from heat, and also good for digestion. This second half of the track was easy
to walk, but if it was a motor-able road, could be dangerous for the vehicles
because the mountain face is very steep. If accidents happen, they would be
fatal.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phbtPgio-jw/VzaVVV597iI/AAAAAAAAG7Q/pUnSUzblA_UNJ0TznRFGs_Ez07Us07kngCK4B/s1600/Biling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phbtPgio-jw/VzaVVV597iI/AAAAAAAAG7Q/pUnSUzblA_UNJ0TznRFGs_Ez07Us07kngCK4B/s640/Biling.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biling just few meters down, Kangra, April 2016</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Biling –A World
Paragliding Site<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was the second time for me to visit this site, but
earlier I was alone and came via road, that ascends from Bir. Anand was eager
to take the flight, though it was his first time. Whole site is established on a
mountain which stretches out from the main Dhauladhar range, like a branch at
90 degrees. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb2zCeYqlB4/VzaVzkojxrI/AAAAAAAAG7c/ZIb-t_Sc3EIlV-_vOgmTo5erSx283H3GgCK4B/s1600/Biling1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb2zCeYqlB4/VzaVzkojxrI/AAAAAAAAG7c/ZIb-t_Sc3EIlV-_vOgmTo5erSx283H3GgCK4B/s640/Biling1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At mid heights of this ridge line is located this paragliding site.
It provides sufficient heights for the gliders to take a flight into air. Given
to the steep descent and elevation difference between the Bir and Biling, a
sufficient air pressure difference gets developed and provides the required
wind flow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In 2010 the road from Bir to Biling was in very bad
conditions, only light vehicles could reach the site, thanks to the recent
world paragliding event of October 2015. The same single lane road now shined
like a wet black serpent in sun shine. It was the peak season for paragliding, around about fifty people could be seen at the site at the moment we reached there. Other than the Indian tourists we saw a group of about ten from other countries, ladies and gents both. The guides who are the professional gliders were taking off into the air with their clients.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We could see more than ten to fifteen gliders in the air. We asked a man who looked as the guide, and he offered a 20-30 minutes flight for INR 2000. Later we would know that a para-glider takes about INR 500 from this 2000 and other goes to the owner of the equipments and glider. Anand was very soon in the air, and we got down to Bir in a cab. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-um4XsyUS6DQ/VzaWNjRMhkI/AAAAAAAAG7o/BktVcMExg648bshCR4rPjysPgieqcH1ngCK4B/s1600/Paragliding_Anand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-um4XsyUS6DQ/VzaWNjRMhkI/AAAAAAAAG7o/BktVcMExg648bshCR4rPjysPgieqcH1ngCK4B/s640/Paragliding_Anand.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anand getting ready for paragliding, at Biling-Bir, Kangra, April 2016 (Courtery: Deepak)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKBrELxYT1Q/VzaWdB5PoKI/AAAAAAAAG70/NIlWXr-23zUgcWhoSJc6TyNeVnVYcFdKgCK4B/s1600/Anand_P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKBrELxYT1Q/VzaWdB5PoKI/AAAAAAAAG70/NIlWXr-23zUgcWhoSJc6TyNeVnVYcFdKgCK4B/s640/Anand_P.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And in air, paragliding at Biling - April 2016 (Pic courtesy: Deepak)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anand had a great experience and we caught him at the landing site at Bir. Together we started our back journey to Hamirpur via Palampur and Sujanpur. Later in the evening, we would have a Chicken meal at Flavors(restaurant) as a treat by Deepak Singh for his birthday. I sincerely want to wish him all the very best for his upcoming birthdays.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-9897028213709348692016-05-09T23:58:00.002-07:002016-05-11T18:39:37.132-07:00Camping at Raj-Gundha, Chota Bhangal, Kangra (Part-3)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">Hi,</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">In last part of this four parts story <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2016/04/trekking-and-camping-joginder-nagar_26.html" target="_blank">we crossed the Uhl river in between Badagram and Rajgundha and hiked up to Rajgundha</a>.
Parshuram parted his way after we walked along the potato farms </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">up </span><span style="font-size: large;">to a one and half meters wide road trace. Later sh. Mangat Ram would tell us that it was traced few decades back, but still it had not turned into road. Though in its early years light vehicles could run on it. Parshuram shared his cell phone number with us so as
to call if any help was needed by us. His home was on the left and we turned right to look for the forest rest house.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDCGhBMtBMw/VzGBFPASO4I/AAAAAAAAG4I/2bLV8hOUq_gs1hVVlULAvhtJb-XCHDU6ACK4B/s1600/DSC02448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDCGhBMtBMw/VzGBFPASO4I/AAAAAAAAG4I/2bLV8hOUq_gs1hVVlULAvhtJb-XCHDU6ACK4B/s640/DSC02448.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clouds over the peaks and fields behind the private guest house, Rajgundha, Chota Bhangal.</td></tr>
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<b><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">Camping
at Raj-Gundha<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">Sun still played the hide and seek, but it was not so cold to wear a jacket, after all it was April month.We crossed the private guest house, a home
and a mountain brook to reach the forest rest house. We knocked the door several times, but
got no response.<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">One of the door was locked and another might be locked from inside.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1irLGn2Ky4/VzGBxDrYJaI/AAAAAAAAG4U/wBONrP9fJhoEiz9wCb1o6zvUlkuLA7zlgCK4B/s1600/DSC02454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1irLGn2Ky4/VzGBxDrYJaI/AAAAAAAAG4U/wBONrP9fJhoEiz9wCb1o6zvUlkuLA7zlgCK4B/s640/DSC02454.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A board of wildlife wing, HP Forest Dept. near to Govt. Rest House, Rajgundha, Chota Bhangal, Kangra</span></td></tr>
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<b><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">Evening
– Preparations for camping<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">We understood that door was locked from
inside but the two rooms might be interconnected so that person came out from the locked door. We decided to sit there and eat the bread pieces with
butter and milk. Few other fields and houses were visible further along the trail
that went towards Palachak. I called Parshuram, and asked for another
arrangements, preferably few numbers of blankets and a dinner meal. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CD8vXPf3_88/VzGCcEhMm2I/AAAAAAAAG4g/yx9Ak05pxcswdqGWCT7LSsVuC82wqRBGwCK4B/s1600/DSC02455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CD8vXPf3_88/VzGCcEhMm2I/AAAAAAAAG4g/yx9Ak05pxcswdqGWCT7LSsVuC82wqRBGwCK4B/s640/DSC02455.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Manure in wooden cone(known locally as Kirda)</span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">We definitely wanted to camp there, after
all that’s why we carried the tents and sleeping bags to spend time with
nature. Finally we came back to the last house we had crossed earlier; a small
shop was established inside this stone and wood house. We inquired the shopkeeper about
the possible arrangements for the blankets and food. And finally it was all set
up.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TYt5Fhc8oyw/VzGGX1HQ22I/AAAAAAAAG5c/SUKFfVFKBQY_dpv-0kFHqmGDEJbD86onACK4B/s1600/DSC02452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TYt5Fhc8oyw/VzGGX1HQ22I/AAAAAAAAG5c/SUKFfVFKBQY_dpv-0kFHqmGDEJbD86onACK4B/s640/DSC02452.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Waiting for the rest house keeper to come back, Rajgundha, Chota Bhangal, Kangra.</span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">Just few meters back from this house was this another small two room house rented by a Nepali person to make a tea and meal shop. Also blankets were
available, which they would provide for free. Even the stay was free if we
wanted to, only meals were charged. It was good to know all this, but soon we
went to the nearby grassy fields to look for the camping site. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xW5khhd-m7w/VzGDDJgrEsI/AAAAAAAAG4s/ZiZCegTOuJoysQhfTMncB5T-3wjqwLnUgCK4B/s1600/DSC02458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xW5khhd-m7w/VzGDDJgrEsI/AAAAAAAAG4s/ZiZCegTOuJoysQhfTMncB5T-3wjqwLnUgCK4B/s640/DSC02458.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deepal and Anand - A click towards east, at Rajgundha, chota Bhangal - April 2016</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">Few non-ploughed fields in between the
other ploughed fields which stretched along the slanted mountain face down
these houses seemed to be the best site. We cleared the surface from any thorne and
unevenness which would damage the tents or our backs. We stretched out the
tents’ sticks, opened up the tents and pitched them with the support of the
sticks and nails. Sun was about to set behind the same mountain face on which
we were. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">Next morning it would rise up from the mountain on the other side of
the Uhl. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Evening</b> at <b>Rajgundha</b></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">After all was set up Sai and Deepak went to have some chit chat and cup of
tea with the shopkeeper uncle. I felt my stomach asking for emptying. I picked
up my cell phone and wallet and went up to mountain, near to the upstream of
the brook (nallah), no other facility was available. At the downstream was the
village and fields. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">Although I didn't find raspberry fallgold(aakha), but a thorny plant Raisin Berberry, that we locally call "Kushmal" </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">could be found almost
everywhere on this wild face of the mountain. This two to four meters wide brook
bed was filled with big boulders, and a in between and under
them a small water stream ran. This was the source of water for this village, for drinking and irrigation of the potato farms of these
village. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-IN"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-IN"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-IN">The diversion of the required water was done with a small concrete structure. It was wise to not go upstream of this structure, so as to not pollute the water. At few meters higher reaches, Deodar trees dominated the
plantation. When I came back to join Sai and Deepak at shop, I noticed that
wallet wasn’t in my pocket. My memory of putting it in my pocket was lucid, and
so I didn’t care much. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">Small
introduction with Thamsar Pass<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">We drank tea, and talked with Vivek and an
uncle - both new acquaintances. Vivek
was a mechanical engineering graduate, a young lad with apple like face, and
belonged to this same village. He wore the Himachali cap, and talked with zeal.
For the time being he had been working with some private firm at Baddi in
Himachal Pradesh. </span></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L6DeOTKHJ1Q/VzGD1qqNpdI/AAAAAAAAG44/pC_4bsM_E0co7BJTdKIqau4IfmN4dlf-gCK4B/s1600/DSC02466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L6DeOTKHJ1Q/VzGD1qqNpdI/AAAAAAAAG44/pC_4bsM_E0co7BJTdKIqau4IfmN4dlf-gCK4B/s640/DSC02466.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A click from shop towards <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">north west-</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">the peaks of Thamsar pass (Rajgundha, Chota Bhangal, Kangra)</span></span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">He talked about the Thamsar pass that was almost visible from
the shop itself. Until then, four of us had assumed that Hanuman Tibba was the
one that was visible to us, but this sharp peak was the one adjacent to the
Thamsar pass. Thamsar pass connects Chota Bhangal region with the Bada Bhangal.
Given to their higher elevations of almost 5000 meters above MSL, all these
mountain peaks and their nearby valleys were white covered with snow. Palachak, the place from where Uhl river originates would be somewhere at the base of these peaks onto our sides of mountains.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">Our plan for the next day was to walk on the Rajgundha to Billing trail, which
originally was traced by government for construction of the road, but work
still not completed, as was complained by Sh. Mangat Ram, whom we would meet at
dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">Dinner
at RajGundha<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">Soon it was dark, and we were guided by
Vivek to the small dhaba run by two Nepali brothers. In evening it was cold and the fire
that was burning inside kitchen chulah(fireplace in kitchen) could be helpful. We were invited to sit around it, and tea was offered when we
asked. Mangat Ram had been working at Potato farms since last approx. 35 years.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">He also wore the Himachali cap, and seemed to be a little proud. Along with
Pahari and Hindi, he spoke Nepali language with the two brothers. He was a funny person, and talked to us with all the gentleness that he could get out
from him. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">While we ate the dinner of Chapati and potato(aloo sabzi), Anand and Sai were most entertained
with his jokes. We all became like friends in just those few hours. He called
the names of Nepali brothers with their names, but as the names were new and strange to
me, I soon forgot them. The younger Nepali brother had joined the place
only a month back, and soon he would go back to his family. While we talked
about the recent earthquake, he told us about his younger girl child that was
killed in the recent last year April 2015's Nepal earthquake. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">Lost
and Found<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">It might not be appropriate to share this personal experience in this blog, but it is unforgettable, and teaches a very common lesson, so I am including it here. After having dinner meal, when we walked in the dark towards the
tent, the record of the whereabouts of my wallet became lucid in my memory. While
trying to light the bonfire, I struggled with my memory and suddenly felt the
urge to touch my wallet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">I searched for the wallet in the tent, but
it was not there. Tents were pitched away from the shop and the house, and
nobody was there since last two hours. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">Anybody could’ve come and checked our
bags inside the tents. Given to the honest and lovely people of the place this last idea seemed absurd. I had no memory of carrying the wallet with me while I
had walked away from the tent for the last time. It seemed illogical to carry
along the wallet while going up to the mountain brook. But as no one would be there at tent to care for it, it was logical too. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">What sounded more difficult to accept was-
the idea of me losing the wallet, at the place where I emptied my stomach. I
couldn’t be that much careless- I thought.</span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FC3jkuQdY8Q/VzGFYtUBwdI/AAAAAAAAG5M/GM5TTn0gwK8nH0p_DOF7x8KwkvrQRrJ2ACK4B/s1600/DSC02461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FC3jkuQdY8Q/VzGFYtUBwdI/AAAAAAAAG5M/GM5TTn0gwK8nH0p_DOF7x8KwkvrQRrJ2ACK4B/s640/DSC02461.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A morning click towards west - mountain brook valley and the house and shop in front, Rajgundha, Chota Bhangal, Kangra, April 2016.</span></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"> I feared for being wrong, therefore
for a moment, I shut my mind to this latter possibility. Deepak and Anand tried
to help me with the search inside my bag and other corners of the tent. But it
was not found, though somehow they got success in lighting the fire in those partially wet
wood sticks and pieces. If I was in good mood, I would have joined very much
happily. Instead I slipped into my sleeping bag, and tried to concentrate on my memory. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">My wallet carried less than one thousand
rupees, but it carried my ATM card and few other Id proofs. Who knew I would be
cursing my memory inside the tent, while I could’ve enjoyed sitting outside
around the bonfire. Friends suggested that possibly I had lost it at the brook.
I contemplated for about half an hour and somehow assured myself about the same
idea. For 99% of chances, next morning I would find the wallet at the same
place.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">I felt relaxed, but still felt sleepless. I
got up and after pissing at the corner, sat alongside them. Stars had come with
bright lights and it definitely was a divine experience, but it was cold. A
jacket would have been sufficient. I went back inside the tent. It was still
half dark when I got up in the morning, and it was chilling. I asked Anand to
close the tent from inside while I went to search for my wallet. I went from
alternate path, but directly to the place where I had sat. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">I could not expect
to have lost it at any other place. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ksmRAvetwlk/VzGE9yNtFdI/AAAAAAAAG5E/eIZuCEJomuQweUkZ9-OdVkM25aehW8QRwCK4B/s1600/DSC02467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ksmRAvetwlk/VzGE9yNtFdI/AAAAAAAAG5E/eIZuCEJomuQweUkZ9-OdVkM25aehW8QRwCK4B/s640/DSC02467.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Fine morning view of Rajgundha, clicked eastward, April 2016</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">I found it in its pristine state, nothing
was lost from it. I felt like flying with happiness. For the second and last
time, I repeated the stomach emptying process, and came back. It was Deepak’s
birthday too, and I could wish him happily now. All of them got up after 6:00
AM or later. Sun rose up from behind the front mountain face.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-size: large;">In next part :Trekking
from RajGundha to Biling-Bir and Paragliding </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-35768570606407226672016-04-26T07:25:00.000-07:002017-04-10T03:01:48.199-07:00(Trekking and camping) Joginder Nagar Winch Camp Barot Badagram RajGundha Billing (Part 2)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Continued from <a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2016/04/trekking-and-camping-joginder-nagar.html" target="_blank">part1.. </a> </span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> [Barot to Bada-Gram/Badagaran]<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-MWtY2NOiw/Vx9uSxBeruI/AAAAAAAAG2k/EJVXVNSeKHAQWmVKihh9DyjQd6o4rLr0QCK4B/s640/DSC02415.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing a fallen tree on the trail Winch camp to Barot after leaving the haulage track.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In last post I covered the story of our trekking from
Joginder Nagar up to Winch Camp and then down to Barot. This was almost 1:00 PM
when we reached Barot. We skipped the trek along the Khooni Ghati (Blood
Valley), instead we took the trail that diverges from the ridge line of the
mountain. It meets the Barot at the old reservoir. It was illogical to rent a
room, when we carried the tents and sleeping bags with us. But we inquired about
the room rents, which they said to be 500 rupees. We wanted the hot bath, and recharging
of our cell-phone batteries etc. </span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">They told that camping site was available on the right bank of
the Uhl River, only about two hundred metres upstream from Barot reservoir.
Both the ideas were dismissed and instead we planned to walk along the road up
to Kothi-Kohar and camp or hire a room there for night stay. </span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Reason was the twelve kilometres of distance from Barot up
to Kothi-Kohar and then another four to five kilometres up to Rajgundha, both
combined would make a large distance for the next day. From Winch camp to Barot
was an easy descent, but these next seventeen kilometres would all be ascent.
We bought other packets of bread, butter and milks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Barot to (Nalhota) Bada-Gram
– Parallel with Uhl River.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As we started from Barot, sky was getting darker with
clouds. ATM was available at Multhan, perhaps the only one in Barot region.
Multhan is the first station that comes in Kangra district; it is only at
metres distance from Barot which is in district Mandi. Multhan has bigger market and rooms were
available, but the owning lady said ‘it would be ‘only 1000/- to 1500/- rupees
per room,’ and it was not ‘only’ for us, so we kept walking. A fast wind had
starting to blow; I insisted that the clouds would disappear in about half an
hour. </span></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xgnr1dJb3Uo/Vx9y6db4KyI/AAAAAAAAG2w/7m1ZEJ_MfYY37xiMeRUZGkXTbDeyVIp0gCK4B/s640/IMG_20160410_142748.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From right - Anand, Sai and Deepak , Diversion towards Luhardi and Badagram at Multhan, Kangra.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">With each step that we walked on the road towards Kothi-Kohar, Uhl River gets
down inches by inches. Had it rained, it would not be possible to walk down to
the river bank and pitch our tents there, because first we saw rarely any
trails to walk down to the bank, second- river bank was wild and got no good
sites for camping. Clouds sprinkled a
feeble shower, but it was not enough to stop us. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Weather is fickle in mountains, and it is your choice to get
happy or sad about it. Soon the clouds got scattered up from our heads, but
they gathered at the place towards where we were headed. We could tell that it
was pouring down dense rain drops near to the higher reaches of Uhl, somewhere
at Rajgundha. But the fast wind gave us the hope, because it takes away the
clouds. As we walked about six to seven kilometres along the road, Sun showed
its shine, but we were near to exhaustion. As this road ends at Badagram, only
very few private cars or bikes crossed the road and we met only two buses in our
whole of the foot journey of about three hours. </span></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jWw3oEZNtJc/Vx90rmFFNfI/AAAAAAAAG28/6YnMMbflYg8vZZHPzgk7lhqSinTDYBJOACK4B/s640/IMG_20160410_163004.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uhl vs the road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Rhododendron trees covered
fully with pink and another mixed colors could be seen almost everywhere on
the slanted faces of the mountains. River
and road both continuously got elevated, but their mutual elevation difference
increased further. River was now almost at a very steep (almost 90 degrees) two
hundred metres of distance from road. At 3-4 kilometres back from Kothi-Kohar,
we met the second and last bus running towards our very own destination of the
day. It was about 5:30 PM, our legs were paining, and we were not sure about
what we would get at Kothi-Kohar, so we hitched this last bus. We reached
Kothi-Kohar – a small mountain village settled on the left bank of the Uhl
River with a small mountain brook running beside it that stretches its length
from the mountain ridge to Uhl River. </span><br />
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Beside the brook and below the road, a small plain ground with
a greenish tinge seemed good for the camping. Momentarily, more than ten mules
were grazing this plain ground. As we
stepped down from the bus, one person offered us this other advice to go
further to Bada-gram. ‘Room would be available there for rent, and also trek up
to Rajgundha would be short from there,’ advised he. I felt very much exhausted
to walk any further, and there was no bus or cab available, but once we sipped cups
of tea inside the only available tea hut there, I felt re-charged. Four tea
glasses for thirty rupees, but it was worth in that physical state of our
bodies. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">At Nalhota
(Badagaran/Badagram)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQJROdgulqY/Vx93CGcEPbI/AAAAAAAAG3I/p07an9rh-8wqx3C6GiwBfx9FvlZHhcYHACK4B/s640/IMG_20160410_180359.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Nalhota and fields, Badagram, Chota Bhangal, Kangra.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It was day's last two or three kilometres of gentle walk along
the road to reach Nalhota. Main Bada-gram village- the end of the motor-able
road was only at about two-three hundred metres of a road distance from Nalhota.
A small room with wooden flooring was available for rent at Nalhota. “De Dena
Jo dena hoga, is room ke liye kya denge aap?!” means -give whatever amount you
wish to give, said Sh. Amar Singh- the owner of the room. As I write this, there are no hotels at
Nalhota or Bada-gram. It was almost dark; we put our socks outside, and engaged
ourselves with a deck of cards, that was put on the table in the room.
Including some of their personal items, a double bed and one single bed was
available. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Room was in bad condition,
but all we needed was the blankets, quilts and mattresses. A tasty Dinner meal of
chapattis and brinjal etc. was provided. </span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I didn’t get a very good sleep, might be the mattresses and
quilts were colonized by the bed bugs, and guess what? - This would be their
big feast night, Cheers!(for them). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was irritating to try to reach the body parts where I wouldn't reach. It was disturbing, but the warmth
of the blankets and cushioning of the mattresses wouldn’t be available outside
the room. Also there was no good camping site available, only ploughed fields
everywhere around the village.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I woke up at 1:00 AM to take a piss outside. Fear of leopard
etc. stroked me for a moment, but as Deepak was awake so we both went. Sky was all
clear, full of stars now, and looked really wonderful. It would be hard to
believe to see what it had turned into when the morning arrived. People were
already in the fields, some walked behind with their yoked oxen, and some
just with their farming tools. Sky had turned into dark with dense and heavy clouds. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Bathroom facility was not available, and therefore after inquiring for the
suitable place outside. I went to a small mountain brook which was far away from
village and at edge of the fields. Temperature was very low; while walking
along the road, I was almost shivering even inside the sweater. Soon it started to rain;
thankfully the job was done. I almost ran back along a trail in between the fields </span><span style="font-size: large;">towards village.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I smiled and waved to an old man. Holding the plough behind
the yoked pair of oxen, he was having a child like happiness on his face. On the same trail two school going girl children giggled their faces when this old man scolded the lazy
oxen with a loud shout, and they didn’t pay much of heed. It was entertaining, even I couldn’t resist.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> We had tea, breads,
milk and butter as the morning break-fast. It rained continuously till 12:00 PM, and then
it stopped. It matched with the weather forecast that I had Googled earlier. It
was the time for us to leave for Rajgundha. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EiqQJRlojw/Vx94E3WcXhI/AAAAAAAAG3U/ao8-VqLpe6gsPoXVxKwLbC4atUixSpo6gCK4B/s640/IMG_20160411_120108.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Nalhota village, Badagram, Kangra. -April 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Before leaving I went up to
village, found the temple of Ajiyapal- the deity of the village in between
small wooden hut like houses of the village.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> It seemed closed, and I was in a
hurry, so I didn’t try to go inside just clicked myself with the temple and
came back. Amar Singh- the owner of the room asked to pay around 600/- rupees
for our stay, four persons’ dinner, 10 cups of tea and perhaps one or two
biscuit packets. It was the least that we could pay for such a nice dinner and
a night’s stay. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bada-gram/Badagaran
to Rajgundha – Crossing Uhl in her teenage<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">River Uhl starts somewhere up in Bada-Bhangal and merges with
river Beas somewhere between Mandi and Pandoh. Perhaps it would be right to say
that at Badagram Uhl is in her teenage. A bird’s eye view of the river from
Badagram looks like a beautiful imagination of a scenery painter. It emerges
out of a mountain valley and flows down in a serpentine fashion. The valley is
very steep and big, it reminded me of the Parvati River in its teenage near to
Kheerganga in Kullu. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hghePVj9PEw/Vx95fFLxXPI/AAAAAAAAG3g/-8h3wmWrzOIsY1WduCokf1l0wD1iyiLhwCK4B/s640/DSC02424.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing Uhl in her teenage in between Badagram and Rajgundha, Chota Bhangal, Kangra.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We took a steep descent of about two hundred meters to reach
a somewhat safe river crossing. Width was not more than eight to ten meters, and
water was ice cold, shallow but fast. Sun was hinting to come out of the clouds
soon so Sai and Anand put their courage to take few dips. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Deepak and I tried to
get some good clicks. Midst the big Deodar and rhododendron trees trail on the
other side of the river rose very steeply for about another two hundred meters
and then we would reach the terraced fields of the Rajgundha. Parshuram, a
thirty two years old farmer (as he told) had joined us on this ascent. He told us about the Potato farms, the private and govt. rest houses and also gave us
the information about the trail that goes to Palachak and further to
Bada-Bhangal. There were not more than five to ten houses in Rajgundha. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to be continued in part 3...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
</div>
Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-638094489912786762016-04-15T20:47:00.000-07:002016-04-26T07:46:11.598-07:00(Trekking and camping) Joginder Nagar Winch Camp Barot Badagram RajGundha Billing (Part 1)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hi,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Preparations for the
Trekking<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you search the Google for the information about this
trek there are few stories and photos available to tell you the details of the
beauty of this trek. Deepak searched a book called “Trekking in Himachal
Pradesh” written by Minakshi Chaudhry, and we found a map of the trek. It was helpful in trekking, but we found that the uhl river was shown wrongly in the east of Badagram village, which actually was in between Rajgundha and Badagram in Chhota Bhangal. Sai and
Anand both from Andhra Pradesh did not have much of the experience of the
mountains, but they were exhilarated to go on the trek. </span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BrhDxRENXuQ/Vw-fwpnMjcI/AAAAAAAAGz8/b-99iDCOFawyDf2XbK4fiNBHI-im_mJngCK4B/s1600/IMG_20160409_092042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BrhDxRENXuQ/Vw-fwpnMjcI/AAAAAAAAGz8/b-99iDCOFawyDf2XbK4fiNBHI-im_mJngCK4B/s320/IMG_20160409_092042.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Map given in "Trekking in Himachal Pradesh" by Minakshi Chaudhry.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">One day earlier Sai and I, went to market to know the bus
timings from Hamirpur to Joginder Nagar, and to buy mats for our night camping.
We already had two tents and three sleeping bags, so we planned to carry
two-three blankets for the fourth person. Other stuff like, first aid, warm
clothes, food and money were taken care of. </span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Hamirpur to Joginder
Nagar<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We started at 9:30 AM from Hamirpur, and changed four buses
to reach Joginder Nagar via Sujanpur, Palampur and Baijnath. We bought the milk
packets, jam, bread packets etc. as the food items. There I met sh. Vikas Sood, the
photo-videographer and a mutual friend of me and my elder brother. He already
had visited the Winch camp, so advised us to take the trail via” Jim-Jima” to
“18 Number” to meet the haulage track. The track starts from Shanan Power
House, and rises in a very steep way to reach the winch camp at a distance of
about five-six kilometres. </span></div>
</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Joginder Nagar to Winch Camp</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We crossed a huge crowd of mela gathering at the mela ground nearby to the govt. degree college. This was a crowd for "Laghu Shivratri" fair held everywhere in this month. We kept asking whoever we met on the way and accordingly we crossed JimJima and PanchJan villages and reached 18 number hodge trolley at around 5:00 PM. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There was an official of PSEB(punjab state electricity board), who further guided us. We followed the haulage track, which was more than 70 degrees steep at places. We did not reach Winch camp, instead we pitched our camps at plane grass fields, because it was getting dark and it seemed that we won't reach Winch camp before everything would get absorbed in the darkness. A bird's eye view of Harabaag, Joginder Nagar and surrounding valley is available from here. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xGCrGIOLhfI/Vw-kRz0V6LI/AAAAAAAAG0g/vzc8Jhp92HczGL5P4cwMQtM3hSN8Wj2twCK4B/s1600/IMG_20160409_184721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xGCrGIOLhfI/Vw-kRz0V6LI/AAAAAAAAG0g/vzc8Jhp92HczGL5P4cwMQtM3hSN8Wj2twCK4B/s640/IMG_20160409_184721.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last stretch of the track for the evening before camp 1.</span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yF2gn5FBmHk/VxGxlrlxuHI/AAAAAAAAG1Q/P1l_R_I1dpQMOzctP67mJkLvkAfS1j5SgCK4B/s1600/DSC02386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="369" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yF2gn5FBmHk/VxGxlrlxuHI/AAAAAAAAG1Q/P1l_R_I1dpQMOzctP67mJkLvkAfS1j5SgCK4B/s640/DSC02386.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A very early morning view of Hara-Baag from 18 number hodge trolley.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GPujn6xUdaI/VxGxIJtuuzI/AAAAAAAAG1I/DTULpbSoyQssPqUO6CLnlUP_z4N_x2g9gCK4B/s1600/DSC02393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GPujn6xUdaI/VxGxIJtuuzI/AAAAAAAAG1I/DTULpbSoyQssPqUO6CLnlUP_z4N_x2g9gCK4B/s640/DSC02393.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Camping site 1, one stretch up from 18 number hodge trolley.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sai and Anand searched for wood while Deepak and I finished the pitching of tents. Bonfire was lit to feel more safe and sit around it. We slept early, but my eyes opened at around 3:00 AM. It was dark but a fast wind was thumping two of the four walls of my tent. Till then I had a wonderful sleep, and I felt totally fresh. Along with that the fear of animals didn't let me sleep till morning. Once I opened the zip of the tent to check if it really was wind or some kind of animal. Thankfully, it was not any animal.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">‘18 number hodge
trolley’ to Winch Camp<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjDS4H1Mdvw/VxG0pYaNCsI/AAAAAAAAG18/OrYxlT0FOpwnaXISegDOUv7cYyQgrtljQCK4B/s1600/12973425_10206334938635779_5968405019609436379_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjDS4H1Mdvw/VxG0pYaNCsI/AAAAAAAAG18/OrYxlT0FOpwnaXISegDOUv7cYyQgrtljQCK4B/s640/12973425_10206334938635779_5968405019609436379_o.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just Reached the Winch Camp</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One can walk along the side trail or track, which is very
steep at few stretches, only two other houses were met on the way. At the last
house, we met a lady, who offered us water and told us that her husband works
at the Winch Camp. Soon when we reached at Winch camp we met sh. Dina Ram, her
husband, who offered us tea for free of cost. He looked in his fifties, and was
working since last almost thirty years as the fitter under PSEB. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uydn7Pw91xM/VxG0UJCLj1I/AAAAAAAAG1w/HgoQPLWIFSgq-ed8FAQ1FUXXVRZnsUDBgCK4B/s1600/12977181_10206334940755832_7597082544377089852_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uydn7Pw91xM/VxG0UJCLj1I/AAAAAAAAG1w/HgoQPLWIFSgq-ed8FAQ1FUXXVRZnsUDBgCK4B/s640/12977181_10206334940755832_7597082544377089852_o.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Peaks visible from Winch camp</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAxoajVpeV0/VxG0D3lKASI/AAAAAAAAG1o/tiRPo9SEQqEdl3i4qsJFaLidlX4fKpTOgCK4B/s1600/12976704_10206334941315846_8754399719139814137_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAxoajVpeV0/VxG0D3lKASI/AAAAAAAAG1o/tiRPo9SEQqEdl3i4qsJFaLidlX4fKpTOgCK4B/s640/12976704_10206334941315846_8754399719139814137_o.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Winch Camp with Dina Ram ji.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a
delight to meet such a person. Ghatasani, part of Hara-baag, Joginder Nagar,
Chauntra, Ahju Dhar, Khajoor, Basahi-Dhar, Janitri Dhar, Bassi Dhaar, and many
other small mountain ranges are visible from here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the northern side, ice capped peaks of Dhauladhar such as
Hanuman Tibba was visible. The lug valley still was hidden behind the Dhauladhar ridge which we
would cross in the next three to four kilometres of trek. After eating the
remaining breads and jam with tea and milk, we followed the track and trail as
guided by sh. Dina Ram.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Winch Camp to Barot<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was a very comfortable walk of almost three kilometres.
Track runs gently on the steep mountain face of Dhauladhar giving a very fine
view of the lower Joginder Nagar and places near to Chauntra. Rhododendron
flowers make the mountain jungle so colourful that you feel to be on a heaven’s
path. It seems as if nature has made a wondrous path in your welcome. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWMKYQltiQo/VxG1oouPuII/AAAAAAAAG2M/VWxpn_xpd5oGuv_VxAUZFFq1_ZF1_Kg5wCK4B/s1600/12973416_10206334941635854_8295774536291459049_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWMKYQltiQo/VxG1oouPuII/AAAAAAAAG2M/VWxpn_xpd5oGuv_VxAUZFFq1_ZF1_Kg5wCK4B/s640/12973416_10206334941635854_8295774536291459049_o.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The gentle track towards Barot from Winch Camp.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The track
rails were damaged at places, due to the landslides, so it would not be
possible for trolley to go towards Barot.
Track crosses the mountain ridge and runs on its other face that is
visible from Barot side. The remaining three to four kilometres of the track
runs on a very steep descent known as the Khooni Ghaati(blood Valley). As
guided by sh. Dina Ram and a passing lady shepherd, we took a mountain trail
that emerges at this ridge crossing on the left side leaving the track on
right. You have to walk down along this Deodar surrounded trail, which takes you
directly to the reservoir at Barot. There were two reservoirs, one old one
and a new one. Trail diverges into two in between this three to four kilometres
of stretch, you have to take right. We reached Barot and found a small
restaurant where we had a wonderful meal at only fifty rupees of price for
each. Trout fish was not available on Sunday, which you have to get by yourself
from the trout hatchery, because restaurant owners do not keep them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We inquired for a camping site, which is available on the
right bank of the Uhl river, but later we decided to walk up to Kothi-Kohar or
Badagram for night stay, because otherwise it would be a long trek up to
Rajgundha for next day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To be continued in part 2…</span></div>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5316579663347410296.post-82641948861249044312016-04-13T19:11:00.001-07:002017-07-31T00:31:06.083-07:00Trekking from Baggi to Prashar Lake and Camping - part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">C</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">ontinue from<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://mytravelaroundglobe.blogspot.in/2016/01/trekking-from-baddi-to-prashar-lake-and.html"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">part 1</span></a><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Waking up early in the morning is hell of a task for most, but it
can be fun when you have camped at a beautiful place like Prashar Lake. It was
quite dark when I woke up, went up to a public toilet which stood on the
northern ridge of the depression- away from the temple and the sarayas. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Everything was silent, waiting for the morning to arrive. I had my toothbrush
and paste, did all the necessary morning stuff with the ice cold water and came
back to put the things back. The sky was filled with clouds, so the sun would
not appear soon. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Soon we all were up, because there could not be anything
diviner than to take a morning hike on the surrounding ridges and have a
blissful view of lake and the surrounding mountain ranges and
depressions. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iwou02hSS5k/Vw757iV-KgI/AAAAAAAAGyw/vf_OVpxwDw8Jd0YQdCPcaw_aFs3Yr2XqwCK4B/s1600/DSC01306.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iwou02hSS5k/Vw757iV-KgI/AAAAAAAAGyw/vf_OVpxwDw8Jd0YQdCPcaw_aFs3Yr2XqwCK4B/s640/DSC01306.JPG" width="640" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Not taking much time with all that stuff, soon were went up on the
ridges to have a far view of the lake and the surrounding mountain ridges and
peaks. We didn't have the compass or a map, so it was hard to locate the exact
directions of the mountain ranges. I tried to interpret the directions and
places-one mountain ridge went down almost south east, perhaps to meet Pandoh,
this prediction was based on the Google map and my knowledge of place. Other
went almost north and another toward south west. It’s all my judgement, so
please check it for you. Carry a compass or map with yourself to have better
understanding of the topology of the place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There is a trek from Parashar Lake to Tunga Maata temple, which
lies on the ridge that I located towards north. I still have not covered that
trek, so please do your research before going on that trek. Mountain peaks
could easily be spotted towards the northern direction. Slowly the clouds
disappeared and till the time of Sun-rise enough space was available for the
Sun to show up itself. We clicked some beautiful pictures the lake, and
ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4sjaOTSa36k/Vw77QPMIaBI/AAAAAAAAGzQ/qRMjSFYmtPk1dOeI1iYceVeVnMVqwi8jACK4B/s1600/DSC01325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4sjaOTSa36k/Vw77QPMIaBI/AAAAAAAAGzQ/qRMjSFYmtPk1dOeI1iYceVeVnMVqwi8jACK4B/s640/DSC01325.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sun Rise at Parashar Lake</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Wpt7kaxec0/Vw76J04qldI/AAAAAAAAGy4/Ot67d9gHdyswEVpStutmiTjCx5OziNm-gCK4B/s1600/DSC01331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Wpt7kaxec0/Vw76J04qldI/AAAAAAAAGy4/Ot67d9gHdyswEVpStutmiTjCx5OziNm-gCK4B/s640/DSC01331.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bird's eye view of Parashar Lake.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rEQtbdbBjc/Vw76x0A0atI/AAAAAAAAGzE/m9njObbr1fk5FcuNmJq5TnEsMO0WsOaowCK4B/s1600/DSC01363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rEQtbdbBjc/Vw76x0A0atI/AAAAAAAAGzE/m9njObbr1fk5FcuNmJq5TnEsMO0WsOaowCK4B/s640/DSC01363.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shades - courtesy of Sarang. (Parashar Lake in back)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">All of us reached the peak of the ridge-line which gives a bird's
eye view of the lake and temple. Clicked more photos from there, and then I
walked on the ridge going towards the south east, perhaps towards the Pandoh.
Spent few time alone there, with two horses at four five meters distance. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I
tried to meditate myself as on the top of the mountains, inhaled the most
divine air and tried to capture the beauty of the place with impression on my
mind. Vipul had also reached the spot on the same ridge nearer to lake, and I
think he was trying to do the same. Sun rose slowly, sometimes with a feeble
light and sometimes with a bright light, when clouds did not hinder the way of
light. After about half an hour, we descended back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We packed our tents and bags, returned the blankets that we hired
for twenty rupees each from the owners at the sarays and reached the dhaba for
having the break-fast of biscuits and tea. Our plan was to take the bigger
lunch meal at the small restaurant at Bhambla near to Jahu. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the late
morning, Shimpu the cab driver drove us down along a single lane road, which
was surrounded with the Deodar trees at first two three kilometers and then it
opens us to have far views of the mountains and peaks. At Baghi we passed the
starting point of our trekking that we did last last day. Everyone looked
towards that stream, for the last time till another trip to this dense trek
that goes from Baghi to Parashar Lake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Everyone might have felt the proudness to have hiked that steep jungle path;
the happiness would last for lifetime. A smile from deep inside our hearts must
have erupted that would last till our last </span><span style="font-size: 18px;">breath</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">, when we would become the
particles of the soil, trees and air, once again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank You!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ujf0VJcjVV8/Vw78O68vepI/AAAAAAAAGzo/BnEKaIANj0cEwI1mgai1GVGkYldEJ13HACK4B/s1600/DSC00711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ujf0VJcjVV8/Vw78O68vepI/AAAAAAAAGzo/BnEKaIANj0cEwI1mgai1GVGkYldEJ13HACK4B/s640/DSC00711.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Starting point of trek at Baghi (Baghi to Parashar trek)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEI66_rClGw/Vw777dGFDEI/AAAAAAAAGzc/4WGktrZ2-4ETA0DBU10mKly-9yiw4gqnACK4B/s1600/DSC00814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEI66_rClGw/Vw777dGFDEI/AAAAAAAAGzc/4WGktrZ2-4ETA0DBU10mKly-9yiw4gqnACK4B/s640/DSC00814.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whole group - on way back from Parashar to Baghi via road.</span></td></tr>
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Sanjay Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728855310168117244noreply@blogger.com0