Tirthan Valley is easily one of the most breathtaking places in all of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), this beautiful untouched valley is located right next to the Tirthan river. Spring is easily the best time to go, with blooming flowers all around. For an escape from the city, but also an escape from the more-crowded Himachali getaways, it doesn’t get much better than Tirthan.

You will hardly meet anyone during your two to three days here, not counting the charming, hospitable locals of course. People usually stay one night in the valley before going off on a trek in the GHNP, since Tirthan falls in the so-called buffer zone of the Park. But if you’ve only got one (preferably long) weekend, you can also do one-day treks or enjoy the many adventure activities.

The distance from Delhi is a bit more than 500 km, which makes it the perfect three-day getaway. It is also feasible within two days, but will inevitably be a bit tiring (something that can be salvaged by some of the stay options of course). You can go by car, by bus or even by air. By bus, it takes around 13 hours from Delhi, through Aut and Banjar, with Gushaini or Mungla as your final destination.

A place for trekkers, hikers and nature lovers alike, the Great Himalayan National Park provides one of the finest trekking opportunities in the country. Note that it takes a minimum of two days’ trekking from Tirthan Valley to even enter the park; an overnight two-day trek is therefore the minimum. But for those craving more action, your stay can be extended up to seven days.

Excursions within the GHNP include the Rolla Trek (two days), Shilt Hut Trek (three-four days), Maranhi Trek (three-five days) and Raktisar Trek (five-seven days). Himalayan Ecotourism (himalayanecotourism.com) organises treks through the year. It is best to go with them, as tourists aren’t allowed to venture without professional guides.

One of the incredible things about the park is the fact that not a single person is said to reside within it; even the villagers who live at the border are not allowed inside, presumably to retain the delicate ecological conditions of the park. Only some trails have been carved out and maintained by park management. Rest assured, though, that even a planned itinerary for GHNP will guarantee beautiful vistas and excellent trekking terrains.

Tirthan Valley is also a great starting point for one-day treks in its verdant surrounds, through small, quaint villages and towards beautiful vistas.

The Dingcha and Tinder Hike starts from Gushaini, and goes up till the local village of Tinder. The trek to Dingcha is slightly steep and can take about two hours to complete. But it is worth it, as Dingcha offers a fantastic panoramic view of the Tirthan Valley. On the way back, you can cross the village of Ropa, and stop by for lunch in Tinder.

The Nohanda-West Hike, also called the Himalayan Villages Hike, starts from the village of Pekhari, and the trail goes through several other villages, including Lakcha and Nahin, with spectacular views of the GHNP.

The hike to the Park gate goes along the Tirthan River, crossing a few traditional villages and deep forests, and can last up to five hours, so it is best to head out early and plan out your breaks. At the park gate, there is a campsite where you can have lunch.

Serolsar Lake is feasible via Jalori Pass. Hence, for this one-day trek, you will first need to take a jeep to Jalori Pass, and then walk for two-three hours till you reach the mountain lake. Upon your arrival, the trip will seem immediately worth it when you gaze out at the crystal-clear waters. The sight is nothing short of heaven.

In the 8th century AD, the great Guru Adi Shankaracharya is said to have tread on these fields. The temple built by him at Joshimath still exists. For hundreds of years, the colorful semi-nomadic tribes of the Bhotiyas, of the Mongolian stock, traversed the trails at Auli, locally called Thatauli. Their longhaired yaks, laden with an assortment of goods, assisted them in conducting a flourishing trade with nearby Tibet.

Before Auli was developed as a ski resort, its slopes were the training ground for men of valor and courage-the ski-equipped men of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force. Among the awesome, legendary peaks ranged round Auli, the 23,490-feet-high Trishul (literal meaning, the strident of Lord Shiva) was the scene of a unique expedition in 1958. The mountaineers took four days to climb the peak and only 90 minutes to ski down to the base camp.

Auli can be visited anytime during the year. However, since Auli is the skiing destination and is famous for its peaked snow mountains, it is better to visit this beauty during the winter season. Reaching here during the winters might get difficult though due to road blockages, so before leaving for this place do ask for the road conditions.

Below I am listing down the months in which you can expect what kind of weather.

Summers: The summertime in Auli is from March to June. However, you won’t be able to find snow during this time. Since the mountains here are barren, the mountains will have a brown shade, with a little snow on the top of the peaks. The temperature stays about 15 degrees, which is ideal for beating the heat of the city. You can go on many treks and enjoy the sight-seeing activities due to the pleasant weather.

Monsoon: Monsoon stays between July to October in Auli. During this time, the temperature falls a little further and might go down to 10 degrees. While visiting the place during this time, do check if landslides are happening since mountains are prone to this. I would suggest you to avoid visiting Auli during this time since due to rain you might get stuck in the hotel rooms itself and exploring the place might get difficult.

Lying at the height of 2,800 meters, Auli offers the most captivating views of mighty Himalayas. It lies in Uttarakhand, which in itself offers an abundance of natural beauty. It lies in the Garhwali district and lies in the upper ranges of the Himalayas.

Auli offers amazing views with high peaks of the Himalayas. One can see Nanda Devi from here. The mighty Nanda Devi is at the height of 7800 meters. From far you can see the snow-clad mountains, and it is so relaxing to have a cup of tea while watching these mountains. The colors become even more enchanting during the sunset time when the entire sky lit up in a shade of pink color. This time is when you will get the “peace of mind.”

The high peaks can be seen in all the four corners and this panoramic view will always be stuck in your eyes.

This is a perfect place for trekking and there are many trekking spots that are located here. The village of Mana can be visited as day trip from Badrinath. There is a waterfall called the Vasundara Falls that is located nearby and this is also a good place to see while travelling to the village of Mana.

There is small passage called the Bhim Pul that is located here and the River Sarawasti plunges headlong into the path and this is a sight to behold. The local population of the village lives in small cottages that are decorated and carved exquisitely.

One can visit the temple of Mata Murti that is located near the town and the temple holds an annual fair, visiting which can be an interesting experience.

A 10 minute drive on a well-kempt tarmac road from Badrinath led us to Mana. Sight of the well-bred mountain dogs running towards us, the noise of the gushing Saraswati, rows of army camps on either side of the road and that one massive village gate that read ‘The Last Indian Village’, everything around us seemed like an intimation about how far away we had come.

This village at an altitude of 3115 metres in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand introduced us to divinity in a rather peculiar way. The kids of the village narrated the stories from Mahabharata as they guided us from the gate through the congested village street all the way up to Vyas Gufa, the cave where Ved Vyas compiled the four Vedas and narrated Mahabharata for the first time.

Visiting Mana village is in itself a very awesome and satisfying experience. This term, “India’s last village” overcomes both your mind as well as your heart, and giving that adventurous spark in you, with a sense of accomplishment too. The moment you step foot on its ground, the vividness of nature as it is surrounded by the Himalayas and is on the banks of the river Saraswati grasps your attention.

These destinations namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, collectively known as Char Dham. These pilgrimage centers draw the maximum numbers of pilgrims each year, thus becoming the most important hubs of religious travel in the whole of Northern India. Traditionally, the pilgrimage begins from the West and ends in the East. Thus, the Char Dham Yatra commences from Yamunotri, then proceeding to Gangotri and finally to Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Each of these four sites is devoted to a specific deity. Yamunotri is dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna who goes along the pilgrims to the high altitudes of the picturesque Rawai Valley. It is believed that a bath in the waters of the Yamuna protects the devotee from untimely death. Gangotri is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga. The shrine overlooks the River Bhagirathi, another name of River Ganga – the name having been derived from the myth of the ancient King Bhagirath’s penance that succeeded in bringing her upon the earth from the heaven. Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also a part of the Panch Kedar. It is the northernmost Jyotirlinga and is close to the source of the holy River Mandakini. Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated on the bank of the River Alaknanda. According to legend, Lord Vishnu meditated here while his consort Lakshmi took the form of a berry (Badri) tree to offer him shade.

Before embarking on this journey, one has to be prepared to experience physical as well as mental hardships on the Himalayan roads. The Char Dham Yatra is one of the quite accessible yet most arduous journeys. The Yatra route in the state is usually bustling with activity, especially during the summer. The scenic beauty of the mountains solemnly provides strength to the pilgrims as they move towards their destination.

बद्रीनाथ धाम से जुड़ी रोचक बातें

1. पुराणों के अनुसार बद्रीनाथ धाम में पहले भगवान शिव अपने परिवार के साथ वास करते थे। एक बार भगवान विष्णु तपस्या के लिए एक शांत स्थान की तलाश कर रहे थे लेकिन उन्हें कोई ऐसा स्थान नहीं मिला और अंत में वह बद्रीनाथ धाम में आए और इस स्थान को देखकर मोहित हो गए । लेकिन उन्हें यह नहीं पता था कि यहां भगवान शिव अपने परिवार के साथ वास करते हैं।

2.इस स्थान के लिए भगवान विष्णु ने एक बालक का रुप लिया और जोर -जोर से रोने लगे । एक बालक को इस तरह रोते हुए देखकर माता पार्वती उन्हें चुप कराने लगी।लेकिन वह बालक चुप नहीं हुआ।

3. भगवान शिव इन सब के बारे में जानते थे । उन्होंने माता पार्वती से उस बालक को छोड़ने के लिए कहा। लेकिन मां ने शिवजी की बात नहीं मानी और उस बालक को सुलाने के लिए चली गई।

4.उस बालक को सुलाने के बाद माता पार्वती बाहर आ गई । जिसके बाद भगवान विष्णु ने अंदर से दरवाजा बंद कर लिया ।

5.जब भगवान शिव वहां आए तो उन्होंने शिवजी से कहा कि मुझे यह स्थान पसंद आ गया है। आप केदारनाथ चले जांए।

6. जिसके बाद बद्रीनाथ भगवान विष्णु का धाम बन गई।

7. इससे जुड़ी एक और कथा का शास्त्रों में वर्णन है । एक बार माता लक्ष्मी भगवान विष्णु से रुठकर अपने मायके चली गई । जिसके बाद भगवान विष्णु ने माता लक्ष्मी को मनाने के लिए कठोर तप किया।

8.भगवान विष्णु को ढुंढते हुए मां लक्ष्मी उसी स्थान पर पहुंची जहां वह तपस्या में लीन थे।

9.भगवान विष्णु एक बेर के पेड़ पर बैठकर तपस्या कर रहे थे। जिसके बाद से ही मां लक्ष्मी नें उन्हें बद्रीनाथ का नाम दिया।

10. बद्ररीनाथ धाम में की जानें वाली आरती को एक मुस्लिम शायर ने लिखा है। यह शायर फकरुद्दीन (बदरुद्दीन) था जो चमोली जिले के नंदप्रयाग के रहने वाले था। फकरुद्दीन यह आरती केवल 18 वर्ष की उम्र में लिखी थी।

The exact age of the founding of the Key Monastery is not known but it is believed to originally date back to 1100 CE, although many believe the site is even older. Now sitting on top of a mountain foothill, the early structures built by the original monks would have been much lower. However as the peaceful Buddhists were attacked by the area Mongol barbarians the reconstruction efforts would simply build upon what had gone before, eventually creating the erratic patchwork of rooms, tight hallways, and hidden courtyards that exists today.

Much of the monastery bears a distinct Chinese design influence like many similar structures in the area, dating back to a period in the 14th century when the style came to the area. The interiors are also rich with historic murals and documents precious to the orders which have lived in the ever changing monastery.

Today Key Monastery is still a fully-functioning training ground for lamas operated by a Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhist monks. Around 250 monks reside on the site at any given time, training, farming, and generally keeping the thousand year old wonder alive.

Overlooking Kaza from a height of about 13,500 ft, the Kye monastery is the largest in the valley and holds a powerful sway over the most populous part of the valley around Kaza. The gompa is an irregular heap of low rooms and narrow corridors on a monolithic conical hill. From a distance is resembles the Thiksey monastery near Leh in Ladakh. The irregular prayer chambers are interconnected by dark passages, tortuous staircases and small doors.

Hundreds of lamas receive their religious training in the monastery. It is also known for its beautiful murals, thankas, rare manuscripts, stucco images and peculiar wind instruments that form part of the orchestra whenever Chham is enacted in the gompa in summer. Another interesting aspect of the gompa is its collection of weapons which may have been used to ward off marauders as also to maintain its control over people betraying a church-militant character.

Thousands of devotees from all over the world were attended the Kalachakra ceremony which was performed in August, 2000 by His Holiness Dalai Lama.Kalachakra initiation (Skt. Abhisheka, Tibetan Wang) is not just an elaborate puja or a religious congregation.

It is a workshop in a grand scale to make an earnest effort by both the teacher and disciples to awaken their Buddha nature by the combined forces of teaching, prayer, blessing, devotion, mantra, yoga and meditation. It is an effort by every participant to try to discover the true and permanent peace for the sake of all others. The Buddhists believe mere presence during this elaborate initiation ceremony stretching over a few days, liberates the participant from suffering and bestows on him the bliss of Enlightenment.

The ceremony focuses on five main subjects – cosmology, psycho-physiology, initiation, sadhana and Buddhahood. A Kalachakra mandala and Viswatma deitiy in union with his consort are at the centre of this ceremony guiding the disciple through the tedious process of initiation.

The gompa is approached by road from Kaza (only 12 km). However, it is only 8.5 kms trek from Kaza.

According to some texts I purchased at the monastery’s book shop, the Tabo gompa came up under the patronage of the ancient Tibetan royal dynasty of Purang-Guge; it was one of the 108 constructed between the tenth to twelfth centuries AD, when the second diffusion of Buddhism was supposed to have taken place. These were spread across the Lahaul-Spiti valley, Kinnaur region and Ladakh, all a part of present day India, as well as what is now Western Tibet.

These were located along the trade routes of the time and involved heavy financial outlays; traders could take night halts here securing their lives and possessions from bandits. The monastery is currently home to about 50 lamas or monks, many still very young.

Tabo Monastery is an ancient monastery that was established in 996 CE. It is considered to be an important monastery and is often referred to as the Ajanta of the Himalayas. The complex has 9 temples and many stupas—all of which are made in mud and have been standing like this for more than 1000 years.

The main temple is an assembly hall where monks used to pray together. This hall has all its walls painted with Buddhist stories. There are stories of the life of Shakyamuni (the Buddha) and various Bodhisattvas. There are also 33 stucco sculptures of Bodhisattvas on the walls with their names mentioned for recognition.

You can go around the hall and admire the paintings, some of which date back to the time when the monastery was built, but most of them are from a later period when probably conservation and restoration work was carried on. The paintings do seem to be inspired from Ajanta paintings though the style of is a bit different. Other temples are usually closed, but monks might open them for you on request.

These temples belong to Buddhist deities like Tara and Buddha Maitreya. No photography of the paintings is allowed at Tabo Monastery though you can take pictures of the complex outside. However, picture postcards of these beautiful paintings are available with monks for sale.

Nako is the last point of the Kinnaur district if you travel from Sarahan to Spiti Valley and this quaint village is also the most remote village.

In fact it’s that remote that you can’t expect any mobile range during the day and Internet is still a huge commodity!

Yet, I fell in love with Nako village, from head to toe, so that we even ended up staying one more day there then what we had initially planned.

Situated above 3 kms above the Hangrang valley road and is 119 kms from Kalpa on the western direction of the huge mountains of Pargial. This is the highest village in the valley and the existence of lake formed out of the masses of the ice and snow above adds beauty to the village.The lake is fringed with willows and populars. Yaks, kine, horses and asses are reared here in abundance. Local village deity is Deodum and another Lagang temple with several idols exist here.There is a staying hut for visitors.There are small, but significant Buddhist temples and a rock is regarded to have the imprints of the saint Padmasambhava. This is the base for the trek to pargial peak and is en-route to the Thashigang monastery, where an image is said to grow hair.

Nako Lake is a small secluded reservoir which can charm anyone with its pristine natural beauty and cultural innocence. The spiritual lake is the secret hideaway in the mystical land of the Himalaya. The lake is nestled at an elevation of 3662 m, surrounded by willow and poplar trees. Groves of willow trees surround the lake, making for a fascinating sight.

Nako lake is bounded by 4 Tibetan temples. Close to the temple, there are four caves which are believed to be the meditation site of saint Padmasambhava. These were the caves from where Guru Padmasambhava gave disclosure to his followers.

There is a waterfall nearby the lake which as per legends and locals is regarded as the heavenly abode of fairies. It is also said that, it’s not at all easy to find the waterfall as there is no marked trail leading to it. During the month of September, tourist can enjoy boating on the shimmering lake or relish the beauty of the enchanting mountains.

A tour to Nako Lake requires a special permission from the inner line as the place is quite close to Tibet border. If tourist are looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating session on their tour to Himachal then Nako is a must visit site. The natural scenery all around and the view of the eternal snow are picturesque and charming. Explore the strange, exciting lake of Himachal Pradesh, Nako lake.

The north Indian town of Dharamshala (also spelled ‘Dharamsala’, ‘Dharmshala’ and occasionally ‘Dharmsala’) is a true ‘global village’. Perched on a spur of the Dhauladhar range in the foothills of the Himalayas, this bustling town of 35,000 people is a bridge between worlds.

Dhasa, as it is often called (as a compound of ‘Dharamshala’ and ‘Lhasa’), is the exile home of H.H. the Dalai Lama of Tibet and the Central Tibetan Administration (the ‘Tibetan government-in-exile’).

The heart of the Tibetan community of Dharamshala is the settlement of McLeodGanj, which runs along a ridge overlooking the town of Dharamshala proper.

The colonial origin, the tibetan influence and the kangra air make an invigorating cocktail with a unique blend. Dharamshala stands out amongst the other hill-stations of india. It is also an archetypal getaway for the jaded city souls with thatched cottages nestling amidst thick coniferous forests. As one looks up, the green fringes merge with the snow-clad mountains and as your eyes shift downwards, the vast panorama of the kangra valley embraces you. It is a no holds barred battle of the eye with the scenery and one wonders how much the eyes can behold this quiet rhapsody of the nature.

Is it a tale of two cities? The town is divided in flesh and soul into two halves, each with its own character. The lower dharamshala is the main town at 1250 meters. The upper dharamshala or mcleod ganj from dharamshala by road, it is a 10 kilometers drive, which takes almost the same time as you would, walking up the steep path. The only reason that you would like to visit lower dharamshala would be to see the kangra art museum, which has a treasure trove of the art and crafts of region.

The vestiges of the raj dot the town – foremost is the church of st. John in the wilderness. There is a well-maintained, old graveyard. It reminds one of other old graveyards in hill-stations like mussoorie and shimla. These are perhaps the only peaceful places left in the hustle and bustle of these touristic places and your best bet if you are looking for peace!

McLeodGanj is a small but bustling international centre which blends flavours of Lhasa with elements of a modern Euro-American town in the setting of an Indian shepherds’ village.

Dharamshala attracts a diverse assortment of people from all corners of the earth who come to study and meditate and to make contributions to the Tibetan cause.

Some travellers come just for the scenery (or for the ‘scene’), but those who take the time to explore under the surface are usually transformed by their experiences.

Many return home to enjoy life more deeply and positively transform their own lives and communities. But others seem to get ‘stuck’ here for months or even years, finding the beauty of the natural surroundings, the warmth of the people, the wisdom of the Tibetan and Indian spiritual traditions and the urgency of the Tibetan crisis compels us to stay awhile to learn and to serve.

The structure of this temple gives the hints of the early medieval North Indian style of architecture. This type of structure used to be known as ‘Nagara’ style of temple. The architectural style has been imbibed from Orissan style, which is very much unique in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The exterior walls of the temple have numerous alcoves with images of gods and Goddesses from the Hindu pantheon.

In order to enter the temple, one has to cross the vestibule that has a large ‘Mandap’ in the centre and two huge balconies on either side. The temple has fortifications, leaving space for two entrances in the north and the south. Just before the Mandapa, there is small porch placed on four columns. Here, a huge image of Nandi (the bull of Lord Shiva) is placed. The door leading to the sanctum is speckled with many images of artistic nature.

Lord Shiva is commemorated here as Vaidyanath (the Lord of Physician) and is placed in the form of ‘Lingam’ (phallic form of Lord Shiva). The main sanctum comprises five projections on every side and a tall curved shikhar (spire). The history of Baijnath temple is inscribed on the stone slabs inside the complex. As per the beliefs, Ravana (King of Lanka) had worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple.

The water of this temple is believed to contain medicinal properties, which can cure diseases of people. Due to this reason too, Baijnath Temple receives thousands of people every year. Shivratri is the major festival that is observed at this temple with full gusto and fervor. Devotees visit the temple during this time to seek the blessings from the God.

Besides the shrine of Lord Shiva, there are many other small shrines dedicated to Gods and Goddesses. In the early 20th century, the temple was suffered from an earthquake. Raja Sansar Chand made an effort to renovate the temple after the calamity. The temple complex acquires lush green gardens, which makes a perfect foreground to the ancient and unique structure of this temple. Baijnath temple is considered as a part of Indian Heritage, so security arrangements are made here to avoid any unwanted element.

It is also referred to as ‘Chhota Kashi’ as there are many ancient temples in the city and on the banks of river Beas. The river Beas flows through the town and hills, which makes this town more scenic.

Lying on the banks of River Beas, Mandi also displays some old palaces and temples that can be dated back to the 5th Century AD. Serving as a gateway to some famous valleys such as Kullu, Manali, Spiti and Lahaul, Mandi is must on your north India itinerary which never fails to enchant its visitors. Mandi is also the nearest town to various treks like Prashar lake and Janjheli.

Needless to say, Mandi is a hill retreat that will always surprise you with its exotic wildlife; whether a nature enthusiast, a wildlife photographer or an avid bird watcher, you are sure to be treated with one of the most spellbinding wildlife spectacles of your life.

Not to mention, the famous ‘Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary’ sits as Mandi’s greatest wildlife attraction, offering a close engagement with its proud residents like Monals, Pheasants, Barking Bear, Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Palm Civet and Leopards that often leave the visitors astounded with their sudden appearance and sight. The sacred Shikari Devi Temple en-route to the sanctuary is a site of much religious significance and a place must visit when on an expedition here.

Last but not the least, Mandi is a true shopaholic’s delight. The town is known for its excellent local handicrafts, woollens and exotic silver jewellery crafted to perfection. So, when in this pristine little town, don’t leave before grabbing something for yourself and family back home to treasure for life.

Ajbar Sen was the first great ruler of Mandi. He was probably the first to assume the designation of Raja. He consolidated the territories that he had inherited and added to them new ones that he wrested from the hands of his neighbours. He built a palace here and adorned it with four towers.

He also built the temple of Bhut Nath and his Rani constructed that of Trilok Nath. Down the line of descendants was Raja Sidh Sen, who succeeded Raja Gur Sen in 1678 AD. Mandi had never been so powerful before his reign and after that never was. He captured great areas from the adjoining areas. it was during his reign that Guru Govind Singh, the tenth guru of the sikhs visited Mandi in the close of the 17th century.

He had been imprisoned by Raja singh, the chief of Kullu, from whom he had sought assistance against Mughal troops and his followers believe that Guruji escaped by using miraculous powers. Raja Sidh Sen, who is also considered to be a posessor of great miraculous powers, entertained his with great hospitality. He built the great tank before the palace.