ROHRU
If you look for a road less traveled, if you want to experience an indefinable blend of myth and reality, fact and fiction, ancient and towering temples, legends, charming architecture, if fishing and trekking set your pulse racing, soaring mountains excite you, if you plan your vacation in the scrutiny of picturesque hamlets, fruit-laden orchards cradled by thick woods and set by swift streams experience the bewitching spell of Pabbar valley, welcome to Rohru!
Rohru is a small but bustling town located by the banks of river Pabbar. The valley near Rohru has a garland of attractive spots. This stretch has long been on the anglers beat after trout was introduced to the Pabbar's water in 1938-48. Raja Bajrang Bahadur Singh of Bahadri popularly known as Raja Bhardi, was particularly found of this region for its natural gardener and scope for trout fishing. He developed this area as an angler's paradise.
ACCESS: 70 km from Narkanda the road passes through one of the best Himalayan Tropical Forest offering breath taking scenery on way through Baggi, Tikkar and numerous small hamlets and streams. Fuel Station is available at Rohru.
CLIMATE: In winter, the temperature can hover around freezing point when heavy woolens are recommended. During summer it remain sunny and the temperature reaches 35 degrees.
HPTDC Hotel Chanshal named after the high Chanshal Pass has been designed with all modern facilities. The valley view of the room overlook the river Pabbar. The proportion of the building and the roof style harmonizes with hill topography which makes the places a perfect setting for the tourists. The Restaurant at the hotel serves Indian, Continental and Chinese
Contact number for the hotel is 01781 - 240661
PLACES OF INTEREST
Hateshwari Temple (1400m): The classical Shikhra style temple is dedicated to goddess Mahishasurmardni (locally called Hateshwari). This dates to 7th-8th century and in 1885 was given a Pagoda Roo. The central image is exquisitely molded in brass. The adjoining Shiva temple is of the lattice type and has same remarkable wood carvings. It is believed that Pandavas are regarded to have lived here for a while.
Jubbal (1892m): 30 km from Rohru once held the ruling seat of the princely state. Jubbal has a superbly maintained palace which was designed by a French architect in the 1930 and is remarkable mix of European and indigenous styles.
Shikru Devta Temple: This is a beautiful temple located in the heart of the town, Shikhru Devta is held in high veneration and is the sight of on annual fair which is celebrated during the month of April every year.
Chirgaon: 15 km from Rohru. Scenically enchanting, Chirgaon has the trout hatchery. Good fishing spots in the area are Seema, Mandi, Sandhsu, Tikri and Dhamari. Larot is another attractive spot near Chirgaon. This is the base for treks to Dodra Kwar, the Baspa (Sangla) Valley, to Rampur of Sarahan via Taklech and to Nichar.
Chanshal: Like the resplendent crown for a noble face, the snow clad Chanshal range rises above the Pabbar Valley. At 4220 the Chanshal Pass- which remains open from May to October is the link to Dodra Kwar. The Chanshal area also has some excellent ski slopes.
Dodra Kwar: The villages of Dodra and Kwar are separated by a few kilometers. Now connected by a motorable road, this packet retains a pristine beauty. There are countless wild flowers and medicinal herbs, thick woods of flowering rhododendron, cedar and birch, waterfalls and fast-flowing streams and all this is set against a majestic backdrop of high peaks like the Sharangcha. The villages and their temples, are remarkable examples of local wood-working skill - and come packed with fascinating legends.
RAMPUR
Once the capital of the princely State of Bushehar, Rampur presently is one of the biggest commercial town of Himachal Pradesh. It is located on the left bank of river Sutluj. The town was once a major center on the old trade routes to Kinnaur, Tibet, Ladakh and China. Even today the tradition is as vibrant as ever. Famous International Lavi Fair is held in November every year.
ACCESS: 65 km from Narkanda, Rampur is connected by regular Bus/Taxi services. Fuel Station is available at Rampur
CLIMATE: In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. In summer the temperature is hot with temperature shooting upto 35 degrees
HPTDC run Hotel Bushehar Regency is a flagship hotel at Rampur, named after the princely state of Bushehar. The Hotel is located on main NH-22. The building has been designed in a Pagoda style. The architectural style reflects the Kinnaur style of building. The rooms of the hotel overlook the river Sutluj. The hotel also have a Restaurant serving Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes. The hotel offers 20 rooms with tariff range of Rs. 600 - Rs. 1500.
Contact number for the hotel is 01782 - 234103 and cell phone number is +91 98165-66636
PLACES OF INTEREST
Rampur Town (924m): There are many places for sight-seeing. It has old Hindu and Buddhist Shrines include the Ragunath Temple, the Ayodhya Temple, the Narsingh Temple and Dumgir Budh Temple which has a large prayer wheel and hold important scriptures. In an interesting colonial and traditional styles, the Padam Palace is one of Rampur's major attractions.
Nirath (950m): 18 km before Rampur on NH-22 is famous for ancient and unique Sun Temple the second in entire India.
SARAHAN
The Gods were generous when they have gave Sarahan (7145 ft) its settings. Located halfway up a high mountain side, the road to Sarahan winds past flowering Pine trees that give way to stately Oaks. Dozens of small streams rush past with water for sparking snowmelt. The fields and orchards that surround the small villages with their slate-roofed houses, compose pictures of pastoral perfection. Above Sarahan, a many of deodar trees are rides the slopes and higher still, encircling the Bashal peak, are trees of smooth birch and variety of wild flowers and rare medicinal herbs. This sparsely populated tract is steeped in ancient legends and here is the famous Bhimakali temple regarded as one of the fifty one sacred Shaktipeeth. The temple's unusual architecture and wealth of carvings have made it a resplendent example of what is loosely called the Indo-Tibetan style. Deep down in the alley flows the river Sutluj and across lies the snowclad Srikhand peak.
Saharan is the base for numerous treks and is the gateway of Kinnaur. It is a place of Pilgrimage, a heaven for nature lovers and the temple complex attracts a variety of admirers. Here is a place that offers extra ordinary travel experience.
ACCESS: 105 km from Narkanda and 40 km from Rampur. The route is on NH-22 upto Jeori, from where the road bifurcates to Sarahan. Fuel Station is available at Jeori.
CLIMATE: In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. The summer temperature is warm but pleasant and light woolens/cottons are recommended.
HPTDC Hotel Srikhand is named after the majestic mountain that faces the hotel, the Srikhand peak. The building has drawn inspiration from the fascinating forms of the Bhimakali Temple and its location and design enables every guest to experience Sarahan to its best. The rooms of the hotel over looks the majestic view of Srikhand peak and apple orchards. The hotel offers accommodation in two bedroom Cottage also. The hotel has a Bar and Restaurant serving a variety of cuisine. The hotel offers 15 rooms with tariff range of Rs. 700 - Rs. 1350. The tariff for full cottage is Rs. 2500 with an option of hiring individual room for Rs. 1100.
Contact number for the hotel is 01782 - 274234
PLACES OF INTEREST
Bhimakali Temple: This historical temple is multistoried structured building fusion of Hindu and Buddhist architecture, the tall-tower like structure and unusual roof lives of the two temple dominate the complex. The centuries old temple is now locked and in the new build temple the goddess Bhimakali is portrayed as a maiden and as a woman. This temple complex includes other temples such as Narsingh Shrine of Bhairon and Lord Raghunathji.
Bird Park: Above the temple complex there is a pheasant breeding centre. It has also the state bird Monal which is a great attraction.
KALPA
Kinnaur, the land of fairy tales and fantasies, has a spectacular terrain of lush green valley, orchards, vineyards snow clad peaks and cold desert mountains, it is the border district of Himachal Pradesh. Kinnaur is also rich in flora & fauna and its culture and language is different from other parts of the state. Kinnaur, the tribal district of Himachal Pradesh. The landscape of the area varies from the lush green orchards of the scenic Sangla Valley to the stark magnificence of the Hangrang Valley. The massive snow clad ranges that provide a regal dignity to the scene are dominated by the peak of Kinner Kailash, Kalpa is one of the biggest and beautiful villages of Kinnaur district. You can enter Kinnaur district at Village Cshora and follow a straight line road constructed in vertical rocklike and it is a rare treat to travel on this road which is great engineering feat.
Situated at the height of 9,735 ft above the sea level, Kalpa is beautiful village of Kinnaur across the river facing majestic mountains of the Kinner Kailash range. The mountains are a spectacular site early in the morning as the rising son touches the snowy peaks with crimson and gold light.
ACCESS: 185 km from Narkanda, the route is on NH-22 (Hindustan Tibet Road) which bifurcates to Kalpa from Powari. Fuel Station is available at Powari and is the last fuel station on Hindustan Tibet Road (NH-22)
CLIMATE: In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing point when heavy woolens are required for summer light woolens are recommended.
HPTDC offers a range of hotels in Kalpa. There is a Kinner Kailash Cottage and the magnificently built Tourist Complex. Rooms at the Tourist Complex overlook the Kinner Kailash peak. Kinner Kailash Cottage offers 6 rooms with a tariff range of Rs. 900 - Rs. 1300. The Tourist Complex offers 13 rooms in the price range of Rs. 1500 - Rs. 4000. Restaurant facility is available at both the hotels.
Contact number for the hotel is 01786 - 226159
PLACES OF INTEREST
Sangla Valley: If a landscape had the powers of casting spells, then the Sangla valley would be a magician-extraordinary. Once seen, it is a place that can never be forgotten. Even the rushing waters of the Baspa river, that flow through its 95 km length, seem to absorb some of the magic and slow down to savor its snow-frame beauty. 2 km from Sangla is the fort of Kamru its tower like architecture resembles that of the Bhima Kali complex and this was the original of rulers of Bushehar. Chitkul (3450 m) is the last village of the valley and beyond lies Tibet. Sangla lies 40 km from Kalpa.
Recong Peo (2670M): Located 13 km from Kalpa, Recong Peo is the Headquarter of the district Kinnaur. provides fine view of the Kinner Kailash.
Kothi: Just 3 km from Recong Peo, Kothi has a temple dedicated to the goddess Chanadika Devi. Set against a backdrop of mountains and graves of the deodar the temple has an unusual architectural style and fine sculpture. An exquisite gold image of goddess is enshrined in sanctrum.
Riba (2745M): Just 18 km from Powari on NH-22 is famous for its vineyards and local wine 'Angoori' that is made from the grapes.
Jangi: 26 km from Powari, the inner border is located here beyond which foreigners require permits to travel upto Kaza. From this point the famous Kinner Kailash Parikrama Trek starts touching Morang, Thangi and Kunocharang villages and entering Chitkul village in Sangla valley.
Puh (2837m): Lush green fields orchards of apricot vineyards and graves of almond trees, are to be seen on the route of Puh. Just 58 km from Powari along the NH-22, Puh has rest house and basic hotel facilities.
Nako (3662m): 117 km from Kalpa. In Hangrang Valley is the largest village above seas level. It is also famous for Nako Lake which has boating facilities in summer and during winter its frozen surface is used for ice skating. Buddhist monastery is located here.
Tabo (3050m): 163 km from Kalpa and 27 km from Sando. Ancient village, Tabo is situated on the left bank of river Spiti. Flanked on either side by hills, it has one of the most important Buddhist monasteries regarded by many as only next to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet. It is also known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas. Tabo is the largest monastic complex of Spiti which has since been declared a protected monument under the EEGs of Archaeological Survey of India. The place is presently not connected from Kalpa by road due to landslide at Malling Nalla. It can be accessed via Manali, Koksar Kunzum Pass road.
Kaza (3600m): 210 km from Kalpa 47 from Rabo. The headquarters of Spiti sub-district, Kaza, on the bank of river Spiti. It has Buddhist Monastery and Hindu Temple. The place is presently not connected from Kalpa by road due to landslide at Malling Nalla. It can be accessed via Manali, Koksar, Kunzum Pass road.
Key Gompa (4116m): 7 km from Kaza. The largest monastery in Spiti Valley. Established in the 11th century, it has ancient Buddhist scrolls and paintings. Also houses the largest number of Buddhist monks and nuns. The place is presently not connected from Kalpa by road due to landslide at Malling Nalla. It can be accessed via Manali, Koksar, Kunzum Pass road.
Kibber (4205 m): 18 km from Kaza. The highest village in the world which is connected by a motorable road. The place is presently not connected from Kalpa by road due to landslide at Malling Nalla. It can be accessed via Manali, Koksar, Kunzum Pass road.
Kunzum Pass (4551m): 76 km: One of the highest motorable passes and a base for the famous Chandertal Lake trek.
INNER LINE PERMIT BEYOND KALPA
The Kinnaur and Spiti area of Himachal Pradesh have been opened to tourists and foreign nationals. While going via Shimla and Rampur - Kalpa, Recong Peo and Sangla Valley can be visited by Indian and foreigners without any restrictions. To travel beyond Jangi in Kinnaur to Kaza in Spiti one requires an inner line permit for foreign nationals which can be obtained from the following offices:
District Magistrate - Shimla, Recong Peo (Kinnaur), Kullu, Keylong (Lahaul)
Sub District Magistrate (SDM) - Shimla, Rampur, Kalpa, Nichar, Keylong, Udaipur
Additional Deputy Commissioner Office in Pooh and Kaza.
The best place to get the permit is at Rampur and Recong Peo. The office of the SDM at Rampur is just opposite the Police Station in the main bazaar and the office of the District Magistrate at Recong Peo is near the bus stand. The permit is free of cost and holds good for seven days. To get a permit, one must have a letter of introduction from a travel agency, three passport size photos, and a photocopy of the front pages of the passport. Make several copies of the permit, as one may have to submit them at checkpoints on the way. Foreign nationals can travel with permits in a group of four or more persons. Foreign nationals cannot stay overnight between Jangi and Kaza.
Indian nationals do not require any permit to travel in this area however retaining a proof of identity is suggested.