Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, in Chandni Chowk, Delhi is the spot where Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji sacrificed his life, whereas, later his head was brought to Anandpur Sahib for cremation by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Anandpur Sahib is a pilgrimage site in Sikhism and is the venue of largest annual Sikh gathering & festivities during Hola Mohalla. But, there is always more to look forward once you’re in this holy city. Here are some of the must-visit places and events in Anandpur Sahib for a spiritually immersive experience.

A holy city in Punjab whose historical significance to the Sikhs is second only to Amritsar. Hundreds of Sikhs once embraced martyrdom here. Two Gurus and families of four Gurus lived here for many years. Sikh history is deeply marked by their struggle for survival in a volatile land, especially during the peak of Mughal persecution under Aurangzeb, which radicalized the Sikhs (many paintings in the museum at the Golden Temple, Amritsar, record the horrifying persecution stories retold across the land).

The mystical faith of Guru Nanak transformed into the fiercely spartan and nationalistic faith of Guru Gobind Singh, who also committed the Sikhs to the five Ks. In early 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh further militarized the Sikh nation, creating the first modern army in the subcontinent. Reversing the dominant historical trend, he went west to conquer new lands (which later fell in the British lap).

This transformation is still reflected in the iconography and practice of Sikhism. Swords, spears, shields, and daggers are a centerpiece display in all Gurdwaras, besides the Guru Granth Sahib covered in finery. Even today many Sikhs become Nihangs, an order founded by Guru Gobind Singh himself as the fighting body of the Khalsa. The Nihangs-in distinctive blue robes and armed only with traditional swords, spears, daggers-renounce worldly possessions and commit to embracing martyrdom should the need present itself. Even today a disproportionate number of Sikhs enter the Indian defense forces.

]]> https://tripadvisorexpert.com/churdhar-conquest-a-road-trip-and-trek-to-himachals-peak-of-bangle-snow/ Sat, 10 Sep 2022 18:46:26 +0000 https://tripadvisorexpert.com/?p=2604 The asphalt jungle of Chandigarh was calling for an escape. The constant honking and the suffocating fumes yearned for a breath of fresh mountain air, a challenge for the soul. This time, the call came from the mighty Churdhar Peak in Himachal Pradesh. Nicknamed “Choor Chandni Ki Dhar” (Peak of Bangle Snow), Churdhar promised an adventure unlike any other. Here’s my story of conquering this majestic peak in my own car, a journey that combined the freedom of the open road with the exhilarating challenge of the trek.

Hitting the Road: A Scenic Drive to Sirmaur

With the anticipation of adventure buzzing in my veins, I packed my car, a trusty companion for countless journeys. Leaving the city behind, I hit the open road, the first rays of dawn painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The highway transformed into a scenic route as I ventured deeper into Himachal. Lush green fields unfurled on either side, gradually giving way to rolling hills that promised a dramatic change in scenery. The crisp mountain air filled the car with a refreshing fragrance, a stark contrast to the city’s pollution.

Reaching Nahan: A Charming Town Steeped in History

The drive led me to Nahan, the gateway to Sirmaur district. This charming town, nestled amidst the foothills, offered a glimpse into Himachal’s rich history. I wandered through its narrow lanes, admiring the colonial-era architecture and soaking in the laid-back atmosphere. A local recommended a quaint cafe, where I savored a steaming cup of tea and freshly-baked cookies, fueling up for the adventure ahead.

The Final Stretch: Navigating to Nauradhar

Leaving Nahan behind, the road narrowed and snaked its way through the mountains. The scenery became even more breathtaking, with towering peaks piercing the clear blue sky.  Following the directions I had meticulously gathered, I navigated the winding roads, my car navigating the terrain like a seasoned explorer. Finally, after a thrilling drive, I reached Nauradhar, the base camp for the Churdhar trek.

A Warm Welcome: Unveiling Nauradhar’s Beauty

Nauradhar was a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nestled amidst verdant hills, the village exuded a sense of serenity. Local women in colorful attire greeted me with warm smiles, and the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air.  I checked into a cozy guesthouse, a traditional wooden structure with a breathtaking view of the valley below. The sight of the mountains bathed in the afternoon sun was a perfect prelude to the adventure that awaited.

Embracing the Challenge: The Trek Begins

The crisp mountain air invigorated my spirit as I embarked on the trek. The initial climb led me through a dense Deodar forest, its towering trees adorned with emerald moss creating a natural cathedral above. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. The trail, carpeted with soft pine needles, offered a cushion underfoot, and the chirping of birds provided a delightful soundtrack to the journey.

Encountering the Gujjars: A Glimpse into Nomadic Life

As I ascended, the forest gradually gave way to verdant meadows dotted with colorful wildflowers. Here, I encountered a group of Gujjar nomads, a semi-nomadic tribe known for their rich culture and close connection to nature.  Their colorful tents, pitched amidst the meadows, added a vibrant touch to the landscape. I interacted with a friendly elder who shared fascinating stories about their nomadic way of life and their deep respect for the mountains. Their stories added a layer of cultural richness to my trek, reminding me of the diverse tapestry woven into the fabric of Himachal.

Reaching Tesi: A Campsite Under the Stars

After a few hours of moderate trekking, I arrived at Tesi, a small campsite at an altitude of around 3,000 meters. Surrounded by rolling meadows and breathtaking mountain vistas, Tesi offered a sense of serenity. As dusk approached, I pitched my tent, savoring the feeling of accomplishment and the anticipation of the summit climb that awaited me the next day. Under a dazzling canvas of stars, I huddled around a crackling bonfire with fellow trekkers, sharing stories and forging new friendships. The camaraderie and warmth of the fire  added to the magic of the night.

Conquering the Summit: A World of Unsurpassed Beauty

The final ascent to Churdhar Peak was a test of physical and mental endurance. The steep terrain, covered in loose scree, demanded a steady pace and unwavering determination. But with every step, the breathtaking views unfolded, fueling my motivation.

Chitkul is a village located in the Baspa Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is a frontier village and the last settlement before the Indo-Tibetan border. It is also the last northward point in India that one can travel to without a permit. Chitkul is known for growing some of the finest quality peas and potatoes in India.

It is religiously important as it is considered the last point in the Kinner Kailash Parikrama .

The town of Sangla is the nearest tourist destination. People travelling to Chitkul usually stay at Sangla and plan a day trip to Chitkul as accommodation in the village is neither in plenty nor cheap, compared to Sangla. It is suggested that those travelling to Chitkul, carry adequate money and fuel, as neither ATMs nor petrol pumps are found along the 28 km route from Sangla to Chitkul.

Chitkul height is about 11,319 Ft in altitude, which is staggering enough to make it a hard-to-reach paradise. As they say, all things worth having in life never come easy, so I say, add Chitkul to that list. If traveling to offbeat places is what gets your rhythm going, Chitkul is the bass! The lack of a mobile signal in this hamlet, makes you disconnected from the world and complements your connection with the surroundings.

With Kinner Kailash visible in the backdrop, Chitkul brags of unmatchable views, from its soft spot on the Baspa River. On the left bank of the Baspa lie snow-clad mountains that you can look at till pigs start flying and on the right bank lies an expanse of orchards.

The slopes of this magical land are flaunted by the majestic Deodars and the dignified Chilgoza, Chitkul also boasts of abundant orchards, catering to the world some of the finest’ Golden Delicious’ apples. Also, this settlement is famous for its high-quality potatoes, given the accommodative weather and the fertile soil. I kid you not, the quality of these potatoes is unmatchable, and justify the high price!

The villagers are either Hindus or Buddhists, speak a Tibeto-Burman dialect known as Kinnauri and wear distinct green pahadi caps. In ancient mythology, the people of Kinnaur were known as Kinnaras, the halfway between gods and humans. This further lends to the belief that Kinnaur is the land between heaven and earth!

Chitkul is situated in Kinnaur Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Kinnaur, the land between paradise and earth, is surrounded by Tibet on the east, Garhwal on the south, Spiti Valley on the north and Kullu on the west. Interestingly, Uttarakhand border is just 20 km from Chitkul. If you choose to, you can walk into Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary after crossing Borasu Pass (17,880 ft).

The distance of Delhi to Chitkul is 569 km, and the nearest settlement of Sangla Valley is at approximately 28 km. Rakcham village is the midway point between Sangla and Chitkul and the drive from Rakcham to Chitkul is breathtaking, adventurous and just pure gold beautiful!

The Indo-Tibet border is approximately 90 KMs from the Chitkul village. However, no civilian movement is allowed beyond Chitkul, which is why it is famously known as the last village before the Indo-Tibet Border. The area beyond the village is in control of the Indo-Tibet Border Police.

Banjar located at an altitude of 1416m in Tirthan Valley, is a nice place to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It’s popular for its mountains, solo travel and trekking. It’s somewhat offbeat. You won’t find the place crowded.

Banjar Valley is coverred with light snow during the winters. Very few tourists visit this region and the number is even less in the winters. That doesn’t mean that it is less beautiful during the winter months. The beauty of this place is of the untouched and remote kind which gives you a feeling of being one with nature.

It is the gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park and lies on the road from Shimla to Manali. You have to cross the Jalori pass at 10,240 ft to reach the Banjar Valley. As this pass is not very high it is accessible even in winters.

The road near Jalori pass had some sharp bends and is unpaved at certain places. So, in winter this road can be sliperry and needs some extra expertise to ride through. There are very few tourists and vehicles on this road, so you can enjoy its heavenly beauty as you ride through this area.

The Manimahesh Lake is situated Twenty-six kilometers from Bharmour in the Budhil valley , one of the chief pilgrimage spots in Himachal Pradesh. The lake is situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet at the foot of the Kailash peak (18,564 ft). Every year, on the eighth day of the light half of the moon in the month of Bhadon, a fair is held at this lake, which attracts thousands of pilgrims who assemble here to take a dip in the holy water.

Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this fair / jatra. He is believed to reside in Kailash. A rock formation in the shape of a Shivling on Kailash is considered to be the manifestation of Lord Shiva. The snowfield at the base of the mountain is called Shiva’s Chaugan by the local people.

Mount Kailash is considered as invincible. No one has so far been able to scale this peak despite the fact that much taller peaks, including Mount Everest have been conquered many times. One story goes that once a Gaddi tried to climb the mountain alongwith his herd of sheep. He is believed to have been turned stone alongwith his sheep. The series of minor peaks below the principal peak are believed to be the remains of the ill-fated shepherd and his flock.

There is yet another legend according to which a snake also attempted to climb this peak but failed and was turned into stone. It is also believed that the devotees can have a view of the Kailash peak only if the Lord is pleased. Bad weather, when the peak is hidden behind clouds, is a sign of the Lord’s displeasure.

At one corner of the Manimahesh lake is a marble image of Shiva which is worshipped by the pilgrims who visit this place. After bathing in the holy waters, the pilgrims go around the circumference of the lake three times. The lake and its surroundings present a majestic view. The quiet waters of the lake carry the reflection of snow capped peaks that carry over the valley.

Manimahesh is approached from different routes. Pilgrims from Lahaul-Spiti come through Kugti pass. Some from Kangra and Mandi come via Kawarsi or Jalsu passes. The easiest route is from Chamba and runs through Bharmaur. At present buses ply upto Hadsar via Bharmour. Beyond Hadsar, the pilgrims have to trek for 13 kms to reach Manimahesh.Between Hadsar and Manimahesh is an important halting place known as Dhanchho where pilgrims usually spend a night. There is a beautiful waterfall.

About one and half kilometers short of Manimahesh lake fall two religiously important water bodies called Gauri Kund and Shiva Krotri where as per popular belief Gauri and Shiva bathe respectively. The women pilgrims do take holy dip in Gauri Kund and the men pilgrims in Shiva Krotri before proceeding to Manimahesh lake.

Sanasar is the name given to the two small villages of Sana and Sar in Jammu province, Jammu and Kashmir state, India.

Named after small local lakes, Sana and Sar are located 20 km west of Patnitop, Udhampur district on the national highway 1A. At an altitude of 2,050 metres it is the hub for adventure sport activities in the Jammu region. The area is notable for its scenic views of mountain ranges including the Brammah Massif.

A place for a quiet holiday, the meadow has now been developed as a golf course.There are several walks in the surrounding hills. The resort itself is ideal for paragliding. Tourists with own vehicle can go on to Sansar from Patnitop and return by the evening.

One of the lesser-known hill stations in Jammu-Kashmir region, Sanasar is an adventure enthusiasts’ haven offering various activities such as paragliding, rock climbing, abseiling and trekking. The area is built in a cup-shaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers. Sanasar is named after two local lakes and will offer you a quieter side of Jammu and Kashmir infused with adventure and excitement on demand.

The twin villages of Sana and Sar, need a place in your list if you are in for spending some time in a village and that too an eco-friendly one, with one its step in the past and one in a naturally sustainable future. The area could offer you an ideal extension to your trip to Jammu and Kashmir which is a little less full of activity and will tease the excitement in you with the host of activities it has to offer.

Sanasar comprises two small villages named Sana and Sar, which are located closely to each other in the Jammu region of the state at a distance of about 20 km from the hill station of Patnitop. Therefore, it has become a popular tourist destination amongst locals and offbeat travellers over a period of time. Apart from offering its visitors the awe-inspiring scenery of snow-clad mountains and providing them with a composed and unpolluted environment, it also allows them to savour certain adventurous activities. Even though the exact history of these twin villages is still unknown, they are said to have been established in the Medieval Period of time. Therefore, you can also find a 400-year-old temple within its boundaries. Covered with pine and fir trees and patched with lush grasslands, Sanasar shouldn’t be missed by any traveller.

Situated amid clear lakes and lofty forested mountains, Srinagar has long had a considerable tourist economy. Along its course through the city, the Jhelum River is spanned by several wooden bridges, and numerous adjacent canals and waterways abound with shikara, the gondolas of Kashmir. Srinagar is well known for its many mosques and temples; the Hazratbal Mosque contains a hair that reportedly belonged to the Prophet Muhammad, and the Jāmiʿ Masjid (Congregational Mosque), built in the 15th century, is said to be the largest mosque in Kashmir. Dal Lake, with its “floating gardens,” is a well-known attraction, as are the nearby Shalimar and Nishat gardens.

Srinagar has the distinction of having multifaceted and unique cultural blend, making it exclusive from the rest of the country, not only from the different cultural forms and heritage, but from geographical, demographically, ethical, social entities, which forms a distinct spectrum of diversity.

The Dal Lake which has the length of 8 Km long and a width of 4 Km, spreads over a total of 26 Sq. Km. The fascinating Dal Lake is divided into two smaller ones the Lokut (small) and Bod (big) Dal. The south western part of the lake has a maximum depth of approximately 12 M. the Dal Lake gets some of its water from spring but is also supplemented by water from the mountain lake, Mar Sar. In the western part of the Lake one can glimpse a few islands, some bigger, some smaller. Its shores are very fertile and surrounded by willows.

Mughal Gardens, as the name suggests, built in the Mughal period is a marvel located in Srinagar. These gardens are the major attractions of the tourists to Jammu and Kashmir. These gardens are the nice example of the Mughal style of constructing attractive places.

The name Mughal Gardens is given for the combination of three renowned gardens namely the Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Gardens and Chashmashahi. These gardens are tourists’ paradise and are beautifully decorated with bright flowerbeds, terraced lawns and well maintained cascading fountains. No tourist can miss these three nice marvelous gardens.

The Hazratbal shrine lies at a distance of 25 kilometers from the Badgam district in Srinagar, Kashmir. This pilgrimage destination is known by a number of names viz. the Assar-e-Sharif, Madinat-us-Sani and the Dargah Sharif. Mughal emperor Shahjahan’s brother constructed the Ishrat Mahal at the site of the shrine sometime in the year 1623, later when the emperor himself visited the site he ordered the place to be converted into a prayer house. The shrine as such was built by the Muslim Auqaf trust. Before the Hazratbal shrine was constructed the sacred hair was placed in the shrine of Naqshband Sahib. The architecture of the shrine is a combination of Mughal and traditional Kashmiri.

The Shankracharya Mandir of Kashmir, India is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is thought to be the oldest shrine in the Kashmir valley. The temple, as it stands today, has undergone many repairs throughout its life. The first repair is supposed to have been done under the rule of Lalitaditya. The second repairs were undertaken by Zain-ul-Abideen after the temple got damaged in an earthquake. These repairs were carried out during the Governorship of Sheikh Mohi-ud-Din. Maharaja Gulab Singh, a Dogra ruler, is credited for the stone steps that form a part of the passage to the shrine. The electrification of the Shankracharya temple was done in 1925.