Tag: Himachal Pradesh

Categories
Foodie Travel Tips

Unforgettable Cafes and Restaurants in Shimla

Other than being a place full of amazing visuals and sights, Shimla is also known to cater the tourists quite well. Say thanks in part to the amazing locales here who left no stone unturned in making the tourists feel like home. However, a place as beautiful as Shimla, one would not really expect it to be a foodie’s paradise. But as it happens to be the case, there are many places in Shimla that cater to the foodies quite well. So, here we are, listing the places to go whenever you are tired from a day of sightseeing.

Embassy – This happens to be one of the oldest coffee shops in the entire hill station and also the most popular one at that. Other than serving some delicious cakes, sweets, and pastries, this place is known more widely for the amazing coffee that they make. In the spine-chilling cold weather outside, nothing seems more soothing than a hot cup of black coffee along with a delicious chocolate cake right? The place is being run by a couple and is located on the Mall road. The embassy is located on the famous Mall Road, Shimla.

Embassy, Shimla

Baljees Fascination – This is one of the few cafes cum restaurants located on the famous Mall Road, Shimla that serves some of the most delicious Indian snacks along with coffee and other beverages. As you step inside the place, located in the middle bazaar, you are met with a very delicious aroma of the Indian snacks such as paneer pakoras, samosa, among other things. Most tourists being the north Indians, this place also serves as a great place to chill and hang out. With the slow Hindi music playing in the background, it doesn’t get any better than that. The specialty of the place is hot and deliciously served Gulab Jamuns. Is your mouth watering right now?

Wake and Bake Cafe- Shimla wasn’t known for having good restaurants where you could taste the best international cuisines. But that was the case only until two years ago. Now there is Wake and Bake Cafe, which specializes in the Indian and the international cuisines alike. This can be touted as Shimla’s reply to the high-end restaurants located in Dharamkot and Old Manali. The food here is excellent and the prices are surprisingly low as well. Located on the Mall road right opposite to the municipal office, this one is a must-visit the place.

Dimsum- Getting bored of all the sightseeing and craving for some Chinese food eh? Don’t worry; we have got just the right place which is located somewhere on the mall road. However, the service is a bit slow over here, but the blame goes to the heavy crowd in here thanks to the amazing food and popularity of the place. Soups, curries, and noodles are the specialties here and the mouth-watering taste will make you come back here again and again.

Cafe Sol- The foodies and the lovers of baked food have this place listed as one their favorite in the hill station. Cafe Sol is located inside the hotel Combermere and the place is open for the visitors as well. The great interiors are the highlights here, and the great menu, of course, full of Mexican food items and pizzas.

Well, there you have one more reason to visit the beautiful hill station. The food here is excellent. And there are many more places other than we have mentioned that caters to the tourists and give them something other than the natural beauty to remember.

Categories
Adventure Corporate Outings North India Staycation

Walk in the clouds in the hills of Kuthar

Located in the royal estate of Kuthar in Kasauli, this resort is 25.7 km from Shimla. Chandigarh airport is the nearest one and is 37 km away from the resort. The Spa and resort are a new construction within Kuthar Heritage Fort which is an 800-year-old property.

Location:

The main highlight of the place has to be the location. We literally got to stay inside a royal estate and though, we weren’t lucky enough to meet the current Rana Mr Arun Sen, just knowing that we were in presence of royalty was enough. Amidst the fresh Himalayan air and beautiful architecture, how can one not be happy? Plus the beautiful garden area, arches, pillars, temples and colonnades are a nice cherry on top. However, the Tanya, part from current management team has been really helpful during our entire stay.

Accommodations & Dining

The room had elegant interiors of the place with modern amenities and a spacious bathroom. There were wonderful paintings on the wall and traditional looking chairs and table. The cream and brown contrast in colour was soothing to eyes and we spent our night comfortably in the room. The window opens to a garden view and with the fresh breeze, it was a refreshing experience. The nicely furnished room with LCD TV, WiFi (at the reception), Tea and coffee maker, toiletries included made us feel pampered. Glimpses from our room

Story Behind the Scenes

Though the resort is a new construction, it derives its inspiration from the 800-year old fort with wonderfully carved wooden ceilings. That mixes luxury and simplicity in one. The Kuthar ambiance is present throughout as you walk to the games room or the tea lounge. In fact, the main building has been built over what was used as the horse stable years ago and you can sense it from the architecture. Management has ensured the place keeps the essence of heritage and this is why even furniture of the rooms has been adapted from those times.

Things to Do

The resort has all facilities to keep you engaged during your stay. There is a Games room where we spent some of our time playing Darts. There were also other games like Table Tennis, Carrom Board, and Billiards. But since we felt more adventurous, we decided to go Mountain biking afterwards. The resort had some on-site cross country trails, incredible road cycling areas, and downhill biking trails.

Another highlight was the jungle walk in the lush vine forest where we spotted beautiful birds. We saw a few people shooting cans as well though we weren’t specifically interested in it ourselves. We were lucky to visit small 800-year-old Vishnu temple during our jungle walk. You may also opt to take a walk to the organic farms too.

This small video will definitely tempt you to pack your bags for Alcor resorts in the upcoming weekend.

Relax, Rejoice & Rejuvenate

After the tiring day, it was all we could do to control ourselves before jumping into the pool. The time spent soaking in the pool truly rejuvenated us and took the tiredness away.  And then a Thai Massage and body scrub soothed our skin. The pampering body scrubs made our skin glow afterward. The fresh teas in the tea lounge also added to the calming and peaceful experience.

You can also opt for Yoga and meditation or like us, just sit on the garden benches enjoying the scenery and just living in the moment. The view of mountains and trees from here was just breathtaking.

Highlight

The best part about the resort had to be the package system that includes meals and all activities, so afterward; you don’t have to pay a dime. The staff was always courteous and welcoming. They greeted us with warm smiles and polite words always. The food itself was delicious as well. Each meal was freshly prepared and up to mark. Not to miss, spa & feet, reflexology was indeed the highlight of the stay.

Ghoomophiro Verdict

Alcor Spa & resort is the perfect place for relaxing and rejuvenating. The best place to stay if you are in Kasauli. We had our fun and there is no place that you can do better than this. Take a respite from your everyday life and come here for luxury and comfort.  Stay in the bar lounge on comfy sofas, walk in the garden, get a massage and enjoy being treated royally.

Categories
Adventure Deserts Himalayas North India Treks

5 things you must do in Spiti Valley

Himachal Pradesh, the north Indian state has been the center for the north Indians to sneak in for a weekend or longer. There is some reason for that, and that reason being there are places that are more beautiful than the rest. Everybody knows about it. Why else would it be known as the most favorite tourist destination for the Indians? Spiti Valley is one other hilly area in the state which caters to tourists in great ways. Whether it’s food, sightseeing or to have pure unadulterated fun, there is everything which one can expect to have to a holiday destination. So, Here is a quick checklist of items one should not miss out while being at Spiti.!

This should definitely inspire you to travel to Spiti

Rafting- River rafting is always a fun activity to do especially if done amidst the vast landscapes, high ridges, glaciers, pastures and mountain tops. Pin and Spiti rivers offer some of the most awesome rapids that can be the ride of your life. As you move through the narrow passes and heavy glaciers you come to know that what sort of fun rafting is capable of providing. The rafting in these rivers gives access to beautiful places that can’t be reached otherwise. The best rafting spots are on the Pin River. From January to June, the river rafting can be enjoyed from 09:00 am – 05:00 pm. whereas from September to December, the rafting experience can be enjoyed from 09:00 am – 05:00 pm.

Visit Giu Village- A village located at a height of about 10,000 feet above the sea level promises a lot of things in general. Located between the towns of Sumdo and Tabo, the village is quite ancient and historical. The Tibetan mummy placed in the museum is over 500 years old the thing it has becomes known for largely and quite rightly. The mummy was discovered by workers of Indo-Tibetan border police constructing a border surveillance post near Sumdoh. It is believed that the mummy represents a Lama mediating. The long preserved dead human bodies are in fact the things that scare you to death and amazes you at the very same time. Whatever might be the truth, it’s worth visiting the mummy once.

Camp at Chandratal- Chandratal is a lake, and not just any other high altitude lakes, it is said that this has always been the most photographed lake in the entire world. Well, that says a lot. The beauty of the lake is mesmerizing and once you enter the place, you will see hundreds of camps set up there. The location is perfect for camping and in the early morning hours, the place looks nothing less than magical.

Visit the world’s highest post office- The post office located as the place is popular to be known as the world’s only post office that is located this high. Hikkim is located at a height of about 4400 metres above the sea level. So, never forget to say hello to the staff as they sit proudly and do their work honestly sitting at this height.

Trek- Where there is a mountain or a hill, trekking is unavoidable. Trekking here in the valley is one of the most tiring and the longest ones maybe, but high on the excitement level. There is not an inch of the place that will get you bored. Trek to Dhankar and back is one of the most crowded treks in the Spiti valley.

Located amidst the majestic Himalayan range, Spiti valley is as exotic a place can get. Never forget to give it a try during your next trip to Shimla or Manali. Once you enter the Spiti Valley, it’s not so easy to take an exit from this beautiful place. You could easily plan to stay for 11-12 days in this cold desert. The best time to visit Spiti is in between July and September.

Categories
Adventure Treks

How I triumphed the hardest trek-Sar pass!!

Sar Pass is one of the most challenging treks and one of the main reasons I took it upon myself to experience it because I wanted to go through these different terrains and let me tell you, it was all worth it. For every obstacle that we faced and every twist and turn, there was a reward to be found in terms of sheer beauty that I saw.

The most wonderful thing about Sar Pass trek was that I saw so many different kinds of people there. There were beginners, thrill junkies, people who had already done it multiple times and of course regular trekkers like me. I was glad that out of all options, I picked YHAI (Youth Hostel Association of India).

The beginning is at base camp in Kasol, in Himachal Pradesh. The base camp itself was very good and informative. I got to interact with many interesting people and other trekkers to prepare for the day. Even the food served was good. Day first had no activities, so just settling in. The next day started with a bit of exercise in the nearby ground and some rock climbing to make us used to the climate and the hike.  Then we get to sit through a round of instructions. Next day, I left the Kasol base camp .

The first hike was just incredible with the thrill and excitement running in my veins. We walked through forests and the river flowed alongside. From base camp to Grahan, it was just greenery all around, mountains, plateaus, and beautiful flowers. Before reaching the Grahan camp, we met some children and I shared some candy with them. After reaching the camp, I just soaked my feet into the river and relaxed for a while. (The water was cold though). The food was ready along with the tents and the view was just incredible. Must Try: Piddus with chutney (local cuisine)

Next hike is to padre, the terrain is relatively easy and it is fun. The foggy woods just give off an adventurous vibe and afterward, the camp at the base of valley gives you a breathtaking view. The next day we had to walk uphill towards our way to Ratapani. The flowers on the way are just so beautiful and it actually started raining on the way. Fortunately, there were tea stalls near the camp and by the time it started raining, we were already inside. It would be have been one uncomfortable walk otherwise. By now, we were already close to the snowline.

The next stop was Nagaru and we were informed that it was going to the most difficult trek till now. With harsh wind blowing and snow, I did not think that I would love it so much. For most of the way, the snow nearby was just melting patches. I loved looking down; the sight just filled my heart. When we finally approached the snowy area, it was so slippery and I had to be really cautious but it was fun. The second we reached the camp, I was exhausted but the sights from there made me fill up with energy once again.

I thought most of the difficult part, we had endured but that was nothing compared to what was about to come. From Nagaru to Sar Pass and then further to Biseri, walking in snow was so difficult, I kept hoping I don’t fall. The stick helped and moreover there was something splendid about the struggle as well. The sights wouldn’t be worth it otherwise. What blew my mind is that we still got our usual tea and stuff. This trek is something to be experienced and not just explained in words. The feeling of sliding and sitting on snow, watching the majestic mountains and sun setting through the peaks.

Moving on to the last campsite, the path to Bandaktach was downhill and while the path may not be your usual beautiful, lying under the starlit sky during night time made it my favorite part of the whole trek. Then it was time for our journey back and there was a melancholic feeling about leaving such a beautiful place.

Categories
Corporate Outings North India Rejuvenate Uncategorized

Tranquil Mashobra – Getaway from Shimla

Home to two presidential retreats, Mashobra is a small town in Shimla and while the architecture of the building of presidential retreat attracts many tourists, the president himself is helpless to its charm.

Known for its beautiful hills and trees, this small suburb fills you with the rustic beauty as you find your way exploring undiscovered hills and treks. The sun-kissed mountains and views of royal summer houses give you a certain delight. How wonderful is it to look upon a wooden house among the hills and even if you are an admirer of architecture, the damage done to these hills in the name of ‘development’ will be inevitably visible even to you.

I reached Mashobra during night time by bus from Shimla and then stayed at Tranquil Countryside Homes to get the gypsy feel. It is surrounded by forests giving you a great view. Moreover, there is a bonfire during an evening and the food is delicious.

Mashobra has a history with the British. It was built by Lord Mountbatten and Lady Edwina during the British Raj and even today no person can deny the beauty of The Wildflower Hall at Chharabra. Yet personally, I would rather look at the majestic charm nature has to offer than the usual tourist spots. As I took a climb through Mashobra valley, I came across several regional trees and even crossed Hamlets. Among it all lay, a ‘sacred grove’ whose magnificence had been undisturbed by the cruelty of time.

Mashobra also houses a temple of deity Seep at Deothi.  The deity’s persona is believed to be merged with that of Lord Shiva and there is an urban legend regarding the temple. It is believed that the temple was first in Nehra but the deity talked through its followers and conveyed that there will be a march of ants who would circle a mound and that is the place where he shall reside. Such instance occurred and that is the reason behind the temple’s current location. Hearing the story by a local gave me goose bumps and belief in his tale. The temple wasn’t the only thing that caught my interest as there was also a room for folk musicians nearby.

While I was engulfed by such cultural heritage of these small hamlets, the natural magnificence of this valley also did not evade me. I visited the summerhouses and Presidential retreat and other such spots in Mashobra mainly just to satisfy my curiosity. I stopped at Krishna Bakery a few kilometres ahead of Wildflower Hall because I could not resist those delicious baked goods. The cream rolls and pastries that I tried were just perfect.

As I tried to absorb all the charisma from the place, I decided to capture some shots which might not be as glamorous as being in that moment but would still do the necessary job to refresh my memories of the place once I looked upon it. But after the views from the valley, every time I tried to click a picture of the mountain or just the simplicity of this suburb, the ugliness of brick houses caught the lens. No, I do not wish to say that they were ugly in the literal sense but to me, they looked ugly as they defaced the natural charm of the place.

To me, a naked mountain with nothing but grass and trees would woo me more than one with a cement house built on it. Years ago when I had visited Mashobra as a child, I was mesmerized not just by the valley and this teacup shaped town but also the wooden houses that blended right in with the feel of the place. I would look out the window and the placed felt like a true retreat from the city. But unfortunately, now the city has crept up and disturbed the calm of the place.

You can still find certain untouched beauties and small areas where you can sip your tea in peace and let the surroundings do wonders to your soul.

Walk upon Jakhu Hill to see the breathtaking picturesque views or plan a picnic at Annandale.

Categories
Corporate Outings North India

As we walked down Kandaghat!!

Kandaghat is a small hillside hamlet that is known to be a popular getaway from Chandigarh (which is 100 km away). We started on our journey on road and reached Kandaghat that is just 35 km before Shimla. It was a getaway from the Kalka-Shimla National highway and we stopped there for a few days before our trip to Chail. Since the road to Chail leaves from Kandaghat which is just 29 km away, we thought why not stay here as well? It is a wonderful place in itself and we are always on the lookout for incredible hillside adventures.

We rested at “The Destination resort” which was as luxurious as it can get with great views of mountains from the window, good staff and delicious food. Mostly, it seems like a place for corporate meetings but it is a resort and all you would want to do is relax.

Then we took off for a bit of sight-seeing and were delighted to see the mountains and trees nearby. This is what getaways are for. Such beautiful scenery that takes your mind off all the stress and problems and nothing does the job quite as nicely as nature. Just being there in the lap of nature, listening to birds chirping and feeling the wind on your face is an ecstatic feeling.

We went to Tara Devi Temple which is a temple set on a hilltop and the views from there were breathtaking. The hike upwards is a little difficult for older people but for us, that 2 km went by like it was nothing. Once we reached the top, we could see the nearby town of Shimla and other nearby areas. Inside the temple was an idol of Maa Ambe and it just filled us with such tranquillity and peace. The whole atmosphere is that of peace and calm. We ate the food in the form of prasad at the Bhandara there.

Since Kandaghat is a small town in Solan and unknown to most people, not many people make a pit stop here. Mostly, they just move on to Chail. But those who do stay, like us, get to enjoy the cool weather, the serene sights and such beautiful spots that are popular among the locals.

We got directions from some of the locals and went on to exploring the hiking routes as well to catch a glimpse of , of the Greater Himalayas. Since Kandaghat is going through a green revolution, we enjoyed our walks through herb gardens with lush greenery all around. And to top it all off was the view of the sunset.

We were filled with awe as the sky turned pink and then majestic orange as the sun set. These little experiences that end up making you feel too much are what makes travelling worth it. Another thing that we absolutely loved about Kandaghat was the food. It offers such delicious cuisines. We stopped to eat at Sunny da Dhaba which was a good decision and then later got desert at Lakshman Sweet shop.  Their Besan barfi just melts in your mouth and is such a yummy delicacy. If you ever visit Kandaghat, it is a must-try.

Even after we left Kandaghat to move on with our journey, those picturesque views of this little hamlet atop the hills did not leave our minds and hopefully, we will visit Kandaghat again someday and it would still feel just as good. It was perfect for a relaxing do-nothing holiday where you just wander around soothing your eyes and heart with scenic beauty.

Categories
Itinerary North India Rejoice

Trippy Chail

After our last trip to Mashobra, we were excited about further exploring more hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. So we took a bus from Delhi and headed to another one of the places influenced by the British Raj- Chail which is also the summer capital of Patiala. We will share with you the story as told to us by a local Chai wala as we enquired about the history of Chail as soon as we stepped there. It turns out that Maharaja Bhupinder Singh had made Lord Kitchener angry over some matter and he refused him entry into Shimla. But hey, who wouldn’t want to stay at such a beautiful place but instead of bowing down to the Lord, the Maharaja decided to build his own summer retreat. That’s how we got Chail View Palace. But as Irony would have it, the place was gifted to the Maharaja by Britishers earlier.

After hearing that fun tale, we moved on to my Hotel (Ekant Chail) as we were hoping it would be isolated like the name suggests. Good thinking because we got a good room with great view and total calm. After relaxing, I decided to keep the sightseeing for the next day.

The cricket and polo ground built by Maharaja who was an avid cricket fan himself (isn’t that a trait of every Indian?) is the world’s highest cricket ground at an altitude of 2250 meter. The next thing on the list was Palace Hotel view which was built by Maharaja in Victorian style (probably to make the Britishers jealous). Though the palace has been turned into a luxury hotel, it still has the vintage artwork that reminds you of the time it was built in. People can stay here at a normally priced rate and have the luxury of living like a king.

Next, we visited a place of great significance among the locals. It is believed that the king’s palace was supposed to be built where Sidh baba Temple is but the saint came in King’s dreams and told him that it was his resting place. The king stopped the construction of the palace and built a temple dedicated to the saint instead. It is a place of religious significance but all is well since the King’s palace turned out to be spectacular anyway.

While the Maharaja’s hunted the wild animals at this next stop, it was made into a Wildlife century later on and we saw a variety of beautiful birds there. I stayed there for two hours marveling at the beauty of the place. we asked around to find some more wonderful places to see and some other traveller told me that they were travelling to the Kali Mandir.

Trekking to Kali Mandir was not a difficult job but the view from there was breathtaking. The temple itself was beautiful as well but watching the sunset from there is what won me over. While there isn’t some big mall or grand markets there for shopping in Chail, we did find places that sold handmade Pashminas and rugs and shoes there. But I was more interested in trying the apple wine which was delightful. I also bought some jellies and jams to take home.

This beautiful hill station surrounded by deodar forests and valley beneath it, hills covering it and where the river flows down is truly a marvellous place to spend your time. Chail is one holiday destination that you will want to revisit. From a British territory to a gift, to a royal retreat and then finally a tourist resort, Chail has come a long way.

Categories
Himalayas North India

Chitkul village- The last inhabited village near the Indo China border

At a height of 3450 meters, Chitkul stands tall as the proud crown of India to the Tibet border side. This exotic destination in the heart of Himachal Pradesh is blessed with the Baspa River, which travels with you on your right as you mount the Chitkul valley. One of the major attractions of the village is its apple gardens surrounded by several camping sites.

During winters, the place remains covered with snow and the inhabitants creep down to lower regions of Himachal. You can discover one of the best-grown potatoes in the world here but they are very costly. Situated on the banks of Baspa River, Chitkul is the first village of the Baspa Valley and the last village on the old Hindustan-Tibet trade route. Houses with either slate or wooden plank roofs, the Buddhist temple and a small tower are the things which are of particular interest for the visitors.

How to Reach

The nearest airport to reach Himachal Pradesh is Indira Gandhi National Airport and Palam Domestic Airport in New Delhi. There is a huge bus network for Himachal Pradesh which hails from New Delhi. It is approximately 360 km away from New Delhi.

First, arrive at Reckong Peo which is approximately 60 km away from Chitkul. From there, you can hire a cab or board a bus to the village.

Himachal is well connected by the rail network. There are a number of trains from all major parts of the country to Himachal Pradesh. Pathankot-Joginder railway line is the longest in the state which traverses all the way from neighborhood Punjab. To savor the scenic beauty and picturesque landscape, one can choose to travel by the toy train from Kalka to Shimla.

Places to Visit

Raksham

One of the best places to visit in Chitkul Village is Raksham, which is approximately 11 km from here. This is one of the most exotic places of the country with the abundance of snowfalls in winter. Baspa River flows along and her sound is like music to your ears.

Kalpa

Kalpa is another small town in the heart of Sangla. The town is situated right next to Sutlej River. If you are a nature lover then this is the right place for you. It gives some of the best views of Kinnar Kailash Mountain.

Kagyupa Temple

Kagyupa temple has special significance because it is the home to a rare image of Shakyamuni Buddha with four directional kinds placed on every side. It is believed that the presiding deity of the village, Mathi is alive and must be paid homage to.

Things to Do

Trekking

One of the best ways to explore Chitkul village is by trekking around the hills. The real beauty of the place lies in places where no vehicle can take you. Hence, it is advisable to discover the landscapes of the village on your feet.

Camping

Thousands of tourists from across the country come to Chitkul Village, especially for camping. This village hosts some of the best camping sites in the middle of apple gardens.

Best Places to Eat

There are no luxury hotels in Chitkul village. You can relish the local delicacies of the village at local Dhabas and homestays. Situated right at the Tibetan border, you will find a confluence of Himachali, Punjabi, Easter flavors.

Places to Stay

In Chhitkul, there are wooden houses turned into hotels. These hotels are a bit expensive and most of the tourists prefer to stay at Sangla and plan a day trip to this place.

Hotel Royal Castle, Prakash Regency, and Hotel Rupin River View are some of the best places to stay.

Your discovery of the serene and lesser-known Himalayas begins at the Banjara Camp in the Sangla Valley. The Banjara Camp & Retreat is the pioneer in luxury camping, at a height of 2,700 mts.  The camp is encircled by massive towering mountains on all sides and situated on the banks of the Baspa river that gushes through the valley.

Travel Tips

While you set off for Chhitkul make sure you carry sufficient cash and petrol or diesel for your car as you would not find any ATM facility or fuel stations in this hilly area.

There is also neither a clinic nor any hospital flanking the area and one has to travel back to Sangla for emergencies.

The very cold and windy weather can add to some trouble for those traveling by road. The road usually closes down around November after the first snowfall. So avoid traveling at this time.

Categories
Adventure Himalayas North India

This beautiful lake in the arms of the Himalayas will remind you of the Moon

The Chandra Tal Lake is located in the Spiti part of Lahul and Spiti district of the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The lake got its name “Chandra Tal” from its crescent shape and is also called the Moon Lake. Situated at an altitude of about 4,300 metres in the Himalayas, the place is one of the busiest tourist’s spots in the beautiful state. It is famous for trekking and various adventure sports all around northern India.

Best time to visit

June to September is the best time to visit the amazing lake.

How to reach

A few hours road trip from Delhi via Manali (533 km) will bring you to the beautiful Spiti valley. The place is located at an altitude of about 4000m above the sea level, and no vehicles would get you here. From Batal or Kunzum pass, you would have to walk for a few kilometers to reach the Chandra Tal Lake. The beautiful lake can also be approached from Manali.

About the place

As you walk towards the lake in a trek of about 8 kilometers, it feels like reaching the moon. The total circumference of the lake is about 2.5 kilometers and as you reach there and have a look at the bright blue water of the lake, you feel all your tiredness going away. The lake is the source of Chandra River that flows through the valley.

The clear blue sky and the untouched virgin beauty with the rugged brown mountains devoid of any trees are the perfect picturesque locations one can wish for. In the arms of nature, people also come here to seek peace and soak in the natural beauty of the place. The shining Chandra River flowing below and the surrounding green landscapes make the place nothing sort of a heaven.
Activities

Most of the tourists that come here for their passion for travel and adventure, so the place is ideal for adventure seekers. The mountain peaks and dangerous slopes around the place are the idol spot for the most daring of mountaineers to show off their skills. Apart from trekking, some other activities that you can get indulged into are camping and sightseeing.


The Chandra Tal trek is however deemed to be moderate by most of the people. The level of difficulty for trekking here is average as compared to other challenging treks in India. Along with the trekking, other things tourists like about the place is the incredible beauty of the landscape surrounding it which is a great treat for the senses.

The mythological significance

Once a glacier, the lake now lies amidst the wide grassy plain surrounded by all the natural beauty. The legends that go around the lake is that the last Pandava Yudhishthira was taken to heaven on Lord Indra’s chariot from this particular place. This is the reason why Hindus adds so much religious significance to the place.

Where to Stay
There are not much accommodation options in Chandra Tal. A number of PWD guesthouses and rooms are available at Kunzum Pass and Batal that are lent out by villagers. During summers, a majority of the tourists prefer to stay in camps at Chandratal.

Eating Options

Eating options in Chandra Tal are very limited. You will find mostly Tibetan food here. There are some small dhabas at Batal and Kunzum Pass which offer food to tourists. Some restaurants near Chandra Tal lake are Mahabudha Restaurant, Cafe Kunzum Top and Yak Cafe.

Other attractions

Out of the many wonderful passes in Lahaul and Spiti, the Rohtang la, Kunzum la and Baralacha la are worth mentioning. Also located at the place are some monasteries that are worth a visit such as Dhankar, Gandhola, Gemur, Gozzangwa, Guru Ghantal, Kardang, Key, Kibber, Kungri, Lhalung, Shashur, Tabo, Tangyud, and Tayul.

Chandra Tal, along with some other regions in the place forms a picture perfect image of what heaven would look like if it actually existed. So, pack your bags and embark on the wonderful journey.

Categories
Adventure Spiritual Hubs

Manikaran- The Enchantress

The Parvati valley located in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh may be known for its beauty and the spiritual essence that one gets to witness when they arrive here. But there are many little and big places located in and around the valley that is a definite delicious treat to the human senses. One such places are Manikaran, one little enchantress of a place. Located on the Parvati River Manikaran is in the popular Kullu district of the state. A short trip from Kullu or Manali will bring you here in a few minutes if you are fast enough. There are many places around here and many things to do. Let’s just look at the different things Manikaran is known for.

The temples and the religious places- The place basically acts as a two in one package. There are many religious places located here for the Hindus and the Sikhs that calling it a pilgrimage for both the communities won’t be exaggerating. The Hindus hold the belief that Manu recreated the human existence here when it was once vanished from the planet due to heavy floods. The place also holds some very detailed mentions in the Shiva Purana. And as result, Shiva temples are in abundance here. And being located in the Parvati valley, named after Lord’s wife, there has to be some real religious significance about the place.

Trekking- When we talk about the mountains from a tourist’s perspective, one of the very first things that come to mind is Trekking. There are ample places for some adventurous trekking in the area. The most popular one being the trek to Lahaul and Spiti, both are widely popular in their own way. The trek of a few kilometers takes you through the lush greenery and beautiful picturesque visuals.

Hot springs- One other thing the place is famous for is the hot springs. Water from them is known to be holy and known to cure even the deadliest of diseases. The researchers, of course, are against the claim but they have said that the water here is containing uranium and some chemicals which may come somehow handy in curing some skin ailments. The water in these hot springs is sometimes so hot that you can boil rice in it. These things aside, the place looks beautiful as any other place in the area. The enchanting beauty of the place is one big reason for the herds of tourists that come here every year, primarily in the summer time.

Harinder Mountain- The little place is surrounded by the beautiful and snow-capped mountain ranges of Harinder. The view of the place from these mountains is magical and makes you sit down there are keep gazing into Manikaran for hours. In the night hours, the magic reaches another level of surrealism and makes it a spine-chilling treat for the eyes and other senses.

There are many other places located in the place such as the Shiva Mandir and the very famous Gurudwara Sri Nanak Dev Ji that attracts a lot of tourists. Summer is the best time to make a trip here as most of the snow would have been melted and the place would be at its beautiful best.

Exit mobile version