"Kinnaur - Hard to reach, harder to leave"
The Hindustan-Tibet Road, also known to us as the National Highway 22, leads to Kinnaur and presents an idyllic picture of life above 12,000 feet. This one conjures up images of a rich past, a valley flanked by the Trans Himalayas and the Kinnaur Kailash range, a road along the river Sutlej, flowing in from Mansarovar Lake in Tibet in gusto through the narrow gorge. Kinnaur, where people are as rugged as the land, and Buddhism prevails alongside Hinduism, is a place dotted with Monasteries and Temples with backdrop of high Himalayan mountains.
Your Himachal expedition wont' complete without visiting Kinnaur. Travel an off-the-beaten path of Kinnaur - Kalpa with like-minded group of cotravellers on a carefully crafted tour exclusively for senior citizens from 50+ Voyagers Travel and Adventure Club !
Serenity and a city are two diametrically opposite concepts, which however, get belied in the 'City Beautiful' – Chandigarh, a rare epitome of modernization co-existing with nature's preservation. In Chandigarh, trees and plants are as much a part of the construction plans as the buildings and the roads.
Arrive Chandigarh by train/flight by noon and check-in to the hotel. Spend afternoon/evening at your leisure visiting famous shopping malls and highstreets of Chandigarh. Enjoy dinner at hotel and good sleep for exciting days ahead.
Post breakfast, we shall begin a lovely drive towards Kufri. On the way, we shall stop for lunch and upon reaching Kufri, check-in to the hotel. Snow-capped Shivalik Mountains and green pastures make Kufri one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. The nature has blessed this magical place with countless gifts - the pine deodar, oak and rhododendron forests, the majestic range of Himalaya, valleys with whispering streams and swaying fields. In the afternoon, go for a leisure stroll on the hilly alleys. Return back to hotel for dinner.
After early breakfast, we shall embark on an enthralling journey to Sarahan, a small hamlet known as 'Gateway of Kinnaur'. On the way we shall visit Padam Palace of Rampur, the last capital of the Bushahr dynasty that ruled Shimla and Kinnaur regions for a long time. The palace is known for incredible wood, stone and glass work and is surrounded by orchards of apple, apricot.
Once we proceed to Sarahan, Pine and cedar forests will give way to lush apple orchards with fruits bending down. It's said 'God was generous when he made Sarahan'. The entire west to east horizon is ruled by snow clad Himalayas. The air from the lush green mountains is pure and clean. From Sarahan, you can witness the snow-capped Shrikhand Mahadev Peak (17150 ft). Once we reach Sarahan, visit 800 years old temple of Goddess Bhimakali, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Goddess Bhimakali is the presiding deity of the rulers of the former Bushahr State. The unusual architecture and wealth of carvings made it a beautiful example of Indo-Tibetan architecture. Later, check-in to hotel and enjoy dinner before retiring for a good night's sleep.
Wake up to the sound of temple bells. As the sweet morning glory wish you wonderful day ahead, post breakfast, drive through two gorgeous river valleys - Bapsa and Sutlej. As we pass through small villages of Wangtu, Tapri, Chooling, the river Sutlej flowing in from Mansarovar Lake in Tibet, gusto through the narrow gorge. At 8800 ft height, Sangla Valley is surrounded by forests of deodhar, pine and birch with an ethereal contrasting view of saw-tooth shaped high, rocky, snow-capped mountains. Not to forget the majestic emerald Baspa river that surges through the valley.
Visit Kamru Fort or tower which is located at most scenic part of Sangla valley and has a temple dedicated to Kamakshya Devi. Locals believe this fort guards the whole valley from evil spirts and helps ensure integrity. It would need 2 km uphill trek for 30 - 45 mins. If you are not interested in trekking, you may just enjoy the gigantic view of Kinnar-Kailash peak. We shall proceed to the magical Batseri village where we will stay in swiss tent camp site on the bank of brilliant, wide, meandering Baspa river. Visit Badri Narayan Temple an architectural marvel. Go for a walk to the village set amongst a backdrop of towering snowcapped mountains. There are apple orchards, small sloping roofed houses with ancient carved wooden door, picturesque wooden bridge, gravelled path with pebbled walls - all straight out of a story book. Sit down, ponder and appreciate the beauty of nature, undisturbed.
In the morning, there is no noise except chirping of birds and gushing waters of Baspa. Post breakfast, we will proceed to a leisurely tour to Chitkul, the last village on the old Hindustan-Tibet trade route. On the way we shall visit Rakcham, second-last village before the Tibet border. The village from the old world has no newspapers, no post office, no internet, no police station, no wine shop, no market-just a couple of shop selling very basic necessities. However the tiny village is blessed with abundance of natural beauty, crops, water and lovely people.
Pristine and untouched Chitkul welcomes you to get the taste of something truly heavenly. Enjoy Meadows, Mountains, Grasslands, River, forests and Apple orchards all around you. Interestingly, potatoes grown at Chitkul are one of the best in the world and are very costly.
Wake up early in the morning and get refreshed with the breath-taking view of majestic Kinnaur Kailash mountain - a spectacular sight as the rising sun touches the snowy peak with crimson and golden light.
In the morning, we shall proceed towards Kalpa, inhabited by Kinnauri. Shortly, once we cross Reckong Peo, majestic view of the Kinner Kailash will grab your eyeballs and don’t let go. Kinner Kailash mountain is regarded as one of the mythical winter homes of Lord Shiva. Stretch your hand out of window pane and touch the majestic snow peaks. The enchanting village of Kalpa, will encapsulate you in its soothing silence of the valley and its virgin charm. The chants from a Buddhist monastery, the Buddhist flags waving as the cold breeze whistle across the pine and spruce woods creating a wind symphony: that's how the morning greets you at Kalpa.
We shall spend our day at the lap of nature in this small village of Kalpa famous for its apple Orchards. Visit one of the most colorful monastery of this region - Kalpa Monastery Hu-bu-lan-kar said to be founded by Rinchen Sang - po. We shall then proceed to Narayan Nagni temple, an example of local craftsmanship. Admire the lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower bedecked meadows, beautiful temples and monasteries steeped in time.
Today, we shall bid good bye to the heaven on earth, Kinnaur valley and proceed back to Narkanda, which offers spectacular view of Shivalik mountain range of Himalayas.
Enjoy a spectacular view of the entire Himalayan ranges, snow clad mountains, dense forests, green fields and apple orchards on the way. We shall check in to Hotel and enjoy good sleep post dinner.When morning rays bring new happiness to you, gear up for a spectacular drive back to Chandigarh. On the way buy fruits strawberry, pears, blackberry and dry fruits. Upon reaching Chandigarh, we shall check in to hotel.
Note: You may also take a flight from Shimla Airport to your home town via Delhi.
After breakfast proceed to Chandigarh airport/railway station for your return flight/train back home. Bid goodbye and take home wonderful memories of Kinnaur - Kalpa in your heart.
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