A destination on every Mountain Junkie's wish list. Was it on your's too? Right! Still is? Perfect!
The area starting from Kheer Ganga, and its surrounding Villages and extendsright up to Ladakh can be considered to be the territory of an Ideal Early Retirement Plan.
You can spend as little as 4 days to enjoy a part, or as many as several months to explore the entire place, and still stay skeptical if there is still more to see.
Here is how to plan it
Key Places :
1. Manali
2. Kullu
The local sightseeing of Manali can be completed within half a day to one. Since Manali stays crowded, there is limited fun in Manali. You can see the Nicholas Art Gallery, Hidimba Temple, Gayatri Temple, Raghunath Temple, Vashishth Bath, Monastery, Van Vihar, and check out the Mall Road in the evening. Mall Road is where the urban part of Manali comes to Life. The real fun lies outside the crowded regions of Manali. You can find cars with a driver for as cheap as Rs. 3500 from Chandigarh, for 4 days 3 nights.
2. Kullu
Kullu is the central destination when you want to cover many destinations on the Manali side as well as the Kasol side. Within Kullu you can go see the Jagannathi Devi Temple and Hanogi Mata Temple. They won't take many hours. Rafting in the Beas river is a worthwhile option in Kullu. You can also try Paragliding in Kullu, but Marhi, near Rohtang Pass, is a better option.
3. Bijli Mahadev Temple
4. Solang Valley
5. Jana Falls
Although it lies within Kullu, it is worth mentioning separately because it requires a 3 km trek to reach the temple, which is absolutely worth the effort considering the panoramic view it offers to the trekkers. It is said that the Shivalinga here is shattered to pieces every year by being struck by lightning, and is kept together using butter and sattoo. It is counted among the famous temples of Shiva in India.
4. Solang Valley
It is a beautiful picnic spot, where you can sit and relax. Many outdoor adventure activities like Paragliding (Rs. 900 and Rs. 1200 depending on height), skiing (Rs. 300), zorbing (Rs. 350), cable car ropeway(Rs. 450), snow scooter(Rs. 500), animal rides(price depending on the animal), and helicopter rides(Rs. 2500) are possible in this area based on the season and weather. The prices are approximate and vary depending on the season, and your bargaining skills. Till March/April, when Rohtang Pass is closed, Solang Valley serves as the Zero Point, while in Summers, there is no snow in the area.
5. Jana Falls
This is one of the most peaceful and beautiful falls you will come across in a long time. Although a part of Manali, it is about 20-25 km from the Mall Road, and the road leading to it will soothe your mind to peace. Although many tourists and travel agencies are oblivious about this place. It is a must visit if Manali is a part of your itinerary. The waterfall is located in a remote & peaceful place away from the crowded Manali. The food joints serve amazing food, and have placed chairs in front of the waterfall, where you can peacefully sit, with you feet immersed in the flowing cold water from the waterfall, and relax. Unless the weather is cloudy, walking to the falls from the lst bus stand is a worthwhile option, with an amazing Panoramic view. However, if you are traveling by bus, do note that the last bus leaves around 5 o'clock, and finding transportation back to Manali is a hard task.
6. ChandraKhani Pass
Chandrakhani Pass is what connects Kullu with the infamous village of Malana.You can also get private cabs which can take you to the highest point of the pass from where you get an amazing view of the entire Parvati Valley. The road is very narrow, muddy, and difficult to drive on.
7. Lahaul-Spiti
Lahaul-Spiti, formerly 2 separate districts, is usually a part of the Ladakh plan. It derives its name from 'The Middle Land', owing to its location which lies between Tibet and India. Lahaul is more easily accessible as compared to Spiti, which mostly comprises of the barren mountains. Lahaul and Spiti are famous for various Monasteries, especially, Kye and Tabo monasteries. Keylong is the administrative center for Lahaul-Spiti. Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass segregate the regions of Lahaul and Spiti. It is also known for the Hampta Pass Trek and Chandratal Trek starting from Manali, which shall be covered separately in upcoming blogs.
8. Ladakh
Lahaul-Spiti and Ladakh rightly deserve a page of their own and will be covered in an upcoming blog. Ladakh, also known as 'Little Tibet', 'The Last Shangri La', and 'The Moon Land' is a dream destination for people around the Globe, known for its unique geography consisting of desert Mountains, and unique biodiversity. It is known for its various monasteries, Lakes like Pangong and Tso Moriri, Drang-Drung glacier, and numerable treks namely, Chadar Trek, Markha Valley Trek, Stok Kangri Trek, Lamayuru to Alchi Trek, Padum to Darcha Trek, Lamayuru to Darcha Trek, Lamayuru to Hemis Trek, Lamayuru to Chilling Trek, Ripchar Valley Trek, Jhunglam Hemis to Padum Trek, Kang Yatse and Dzo Jongo Trek, Rumtse to Kibber Trek, Saspotse to Skuru Trek, Saboo to KhaltsarTrek, Sham Valley Trek, Kang Yatse Trek, Hemis to Tsomoriri Lake Trek, etc.Each of these treks shall be incorporated in other upcoming blogs
9. Parvati Valley
Parvati Valley, named after the Parvati river that flows through it, is a famous destination for nature lovers, people finding peace from the busy city lives, and Hashish lovers. It can get quite hot here during the summers. Few famous villages in the Parvati valley are:
Kasol is a scenic village, which serves as the central point for all the locations of the Parvati Valley. The place is famous for it's good quality Hash. You just have to ask any shopkeeper or hotel employee, and there you have it. Easy access amidst the Green area. People, especially foreigners. are known to spend months in this place, since it provides easy access to all other Hash-producing villages. You can also find accessories related to Marijuana, although, due to monopoly, the prices may seem a bit unfair.
Manikaran is a place next to Kasol, known for its Gurudwara, and the hot Sulphur springs. These Sulphur rings are known to have medicinal properties, and also known to be highly effective on the skin-related problems. Although the water is boiling hot, tourists usually still collect the Sulphur water in bottles to take home with them for future use.
Malana is the most famous village in this area, and is said to produce the best quality Hash in the whole world. But that is not the only thing which makes it famous. It is believed that the villagers in this village are descendants of Alexander, The Great, and consider themselves above all other people. Tourists are not supposed to touch them, and if any contact takes place by mistake, the villager would immediately go and take a bath. There is no place for the tourists to stay in this village. The road to the village is quite bad, and gives a bumpy ride in a car.
Tosh is another village you find just before Kheer Ganga, which is famous for its good quality Hash. You can get a Rs. 50 shared cab from Manikaran to reach Tosh.
Kheer Ganga is where Lord Shiva is believed to have meditated for 3000 years, and is considered to be the final destination of many treks people undertake in the Parvati Valley.
10. Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass, many a times the final destination for people not going ahead to Lahaul-Spiti or Ladakh, is considered the Zero Point during the summers for the tourists. Entry permit (Rs. 500) is needed in order to go to Rohtang Pass, which may vary based on number of days. You can also take your own vehicle to Rohtang Pass, or go to Rohtang Pass using the shared Taxis taking Rs. 500 or less, depending on the rush, or a private taxi (Rs. 3000 onwards). In order to enjoy Rohtang pass, leave Manali early in the morning, as early as 4 o'clock, to evade the crowd. Before Rohtang Pass, there is a village called Marhi. If the weather permits, it is an ideal place for paragliding (Rs. 1200). You can also get boots (Rs. 100) and Jackets (Rs. 300) on rent here. No need to get them from Manali. Once you reach Rohtang Pass, you can also get Bamboo sticks on rent (Rs. 10 - Rs. 20) for walking on ice. Most people don't go much ahead in the ice, but if you are fit enough, and can walk on ice, and if the weather permits, cross at least one mountain to find peace, and real scenic beauty.
When are you going :
There are 3 seasons in Manali :1. Winter season (October to February) - Manali is filled with snowfall. Rohtang Pass is a closed deal here. Ideal for Honeymooners.
2. Summer season (March to June) - Ideal season for all the outdoor activities. The weather is good, with con of having no chances of snowfall.
3. Rainy season (July to September) - You will want to avoid this season and its landslides.The Rohtang Pass is usually only open from Early May to late September. But the dates can be highly variable depending on the weather.
Number of Days :
The plan can be as short as 4 days for a particular area, or as long as several months for the entire region, and still visit each place just once.
It depends on you. You can :
1. Just go to Manali,and if possible Rohtang Pass (4 days 3 nights)
2. Go straight to Ladakh for various treks and places (6 days/6 nights to 14 days/13 nights, per trek)
3. Go to Kheer Ganga, Kasol, Chalal, Malana, Tosh, or on entire Parvati Valley trek (2 Days/1 Night to 10 days/9 nights, depending on the number of areas covered)
4. Cover any two of the above scenarios or all three.
Many Nirvana seekers simply settle in this area for months and even years at Kasol, for being the central location for Cannabis-producing villages, making it their base location for every trip.
Type of Visit :
Your number of days will vary based on how much do you want to travel on foot. In most places, walking will pay you off, not only physically, but treating your eyes to a beauty shall they miss on the bike.
Who are you going with :
Fitness is the key based on the kind of trip you choose. Trekking is more common among the young and the fit. Treks lead you to places, which the artificial roads can't.
Where to Stay :
Depending on the place you are visiting, and the season you are visiting in, the prices may greatly vary.
During the rush season, if you book in advance, you can get prices as low as Rs. 800/night in Manali on Mall Road.
Outside the rush season, the prices in Manali further comes down, and you can even get the whole package including 2 nights, 3days, with 1 day private cab and 1 day shared cab, for as cheap as Rs. 4000, if you are lucky.
In Kasol, you can get rates as low as Rs. 400 - Rs. 500/night, with good bargaining skills, while in Tosh, they further come down to Rs. 200/night.
Do note, you cannot stay in Malana village, and therefore plan accordingly.
Do note, you cannot stay in Malana village, and therefore plan accordingly.
If you are planning to go to the Ladakh, you can spend a night at Keylong, which is the administrative center of Lahaul-Spiti, and can get a room for approximately Rs. 500/night.
Ladakh will be covered in an upcoming blog.
Transportation :
Transportation is not an issue in himachal Pradesh, as you will be able to find many state-run buses throughout the state, or shared cabs. However, you will have to go on your own ahead of Rohtang Pass, unless you have pre-booked a package by a Tours and Travels company.
Pro Planner's Tip :
Unless you are planning to only go to Ladakh, or need to book your tickets months before the journey, here's what is best for you:
Call up the permit authorities of Rohtang Pass, or the local hotels, and find out the expected date Rohtang Pass is opening (The exact date cannot be assured, until the Pass is actually open). Plan your trip around that expected date, so that you can enjoy Parvati Valley while it is still cool and pleasant, and if possible Manali too with the off-season prices.
Once the Rohtang Pass is open, leave as early in the Morning as you can for Rohtang Pass, and, if planned, for Ladakh (and/or Lahaul-Spiti).
Once the Rohtang Pass is open, leave as early in the Morning as you can for Rohtang Pass, and, if planned, for Ladakh (and/or Lahaul-Spiti).
Blogger's Memorable Incident
During my second trip to Manali, I left for Rohtang Pass early in the morning at 4 AM on 30th June from Mall Road, when the Monsoons had just begun, and yet it was too crowded to enjoy, with the ice all dirty and muddy. While others were enjoying sliding on the ice, it was not enough for me to enjoy, so I decided to climb the entire mountain and go to the other side. I had the boots, a walking stick, and a mobile phone with no signal. And hence started my short solo trip, clueless of what lay on the other side. Walking on the ice was not the hard part for me, but the bad weather was. But I, adamantly, kept climbing. On reaching the top, my jaw dropped open!
A ubiquity of serene expanse of utopia covered mostly in ice and a panoramic beauty opposite to the peak I stook on. I let go of my headphones, and lost myself in the peace right there.
After 15 minutes, when I recovered from my tranquil trance, I turned my head and saw two more people climbing towards me. They introduced themselves and told me that they too had no idea where they were heading, but were just following my trail. Nice! Then they asked me if I smoked, and it turned out that instead of two, I had three followers, the third being the legendary Malana Cream, from the village of Malana, which they were carrying. The First Contact. Unexpected things happen at Unexpected times.
A quick mobile camera shot video of the vicinity :
While it was the end of the climb for them, I proceeded on to the next peak. Although the vicinity got even colder and better, the clouds reminded me the season. It was the monsoon season, and the weather became very bad, and it started to rain. Lucky for me, it was just a drizzle warning, else it would have made my return quite difficult.
Now that I think of it, I wonder what would have happened had it rained badly, with me having no safety measures.
Maybe Hypothermia! (The first thought after too much Man Vs Wild on Discovery!)
Time to Sign Off.
Catch you in the next blog. Comment if you liked it or found it useful. Bbye! ;)
*Random Traveler photos are used to provide arealisticexperience to the readers.
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