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Himalayan Walks

Through the enchanting Baspa Valley and the district of Kinnaur, this fascinating region of the Indian Himalaya fringes the Tibetan plateau in the north-east quarter of the state of Himachal Pradesh.

It's geographical inaccessibility has resulted in attracting sporadic attention of only the most tenacious of travelers.

This means the trails are void of western travelers and one can experience authentic interaction with local villagers.

Foreign travelers have not been permitted into the districts of Kinnaur and Spiti Valley until just five years ago.

Sarahan - Wangtu 13 Days (Easy Grade Trekking)
Best Time: April-June and August-October

This is an easy and pleasant trek of 4-5 days along the old Hindustan-Tibet Road. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful walks in the world.

From Sarahan the trail leads through the villages of Sungra and Nechar where a few ancient temples are located. There are several Rest Houses along the route, some dating back to 1890, which provided shelter to travelers and explorers on their way to Tibet. One of the main attractions of this trail is the local color and the traditional way of life of the inhabitants.

Day 1 Arrival in Delhi. Transfer to Park Hotel.

Day 2 Delhi Morning rest; afternoon half day sightsee Old & New Delhi including Red Fort, India Gate, Qutab Minar & riksha ride thru the market in Old Delhi.

Day 3 Delhi-Chandigarh Shatabdi Express Train Dep: 07:30 Arr: 10:30. Drive to Simla

Day 4 Simla-Sarahan (174 kms) From Simla drive to Sarahan, a beautiful village surrounded by apple orchards and dominated by Shrikhand Mahadev Peak (5155 M) which resembles the "Shivling," and is famous for the Bhimakali Temple, a wonderful mixture of Buddhist and Hindu architecture. It is very sacred to both the communities. The Bhimakali goddess idol is approximately 200 years old. In ancient times, human sacrifice was prevalent here, but now only goats are sacrificed.

Day 5 Sarahan-Chaura (16 km), the path leads through forests of Pine, Horse-chestnut, Oak and Rhododendron along the old Hindustan Tibet Road. The trail is fairly level to start with but after a few kilometers it descends and crosses two streams, then continues down gently to the Chaura Forest Rest House. An ancient temple of Hirma Devi is located 300 meters below the Chaura Forest Rest House. Overnight camp.

Day 6 Chaura -Tranda (8 km), again the path is a fairly level walk for the first 6 km after which it climbs steeply for 2 km to reach the Forest Rest House of Tranda, situated on the top of a ridge. Overnight camp.

Day 7 Tranda -Paunda (10 km), a pleasant walk through the thick Pine Forests. The trail goes along the edge of a precipice as far as Solding Nala, which it crosses by a bridge. The Trail then crosses another stream before climbing gradually to meet a road that links the new Hindustan-Tibet Road with the villages of Sungra and Nechar. Paunda Rest House. Overnight camp.

Day 8 Paunda-Nechar (12 km), an easy walk. After 3 km one comes to the ancient temple of Sungra, which is built in the Pagoda style and stands amidst dense pine forests. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Ukha. Overnight camp.

Day 9 Nechar-Wangtu (5 km) and to Chitkul (120 km), drive for about 4 hours to join the New Hindustan Tibet Road at Wangtu and continue the journey through the breathtaking gorges of the greater Himalayas to Baspa Valley (also known as Sangla Valley). It is by far the most beautiful valley of Himachal Pradesh, full of wooded slopes as far as Chitkul (3435 M), the last inhabited village in this valley. Surrounded by green fields and high mountain peaks, Chitkul is a fairyland. The quaint houses, temples, gompas, and the people of Baspa Valley conjure up the perfect image of Shangri-la. The bewitching scenery and the eternal snow view from here is an unforgettable sight. Timberline Camp.

Day 10 Full day for visiting the ancient and exquisite villages of Chitkul, Rakcham & Kamru. Timberline Camp.

Day 11 Kalpa-Recong Peo Drive to Kalpa (80 km), enroute visiting Recong Peo and the new Buddhist Monastery built to commemorate his holiness Dalai Lama's 'Kalchakra Sermon." Looming in front of Kalpa is the impressive Kinner Kailash (6050 M). This mountain changes colors every day with the change of weather conditions. Enroute visit the ancient villages of Kothi, Telangi & Pangi. After tea at Timberline Camp Kalpa, walk to the ancient Chini village. These villages offer a wonderful opportunity to observe the traditional and unchanged lifestyle of the inhabitants. Overnight at Timberline Camp.

Day 12 Shoja-Jalori Pass Drive to Shoja (219 km/9 hr) through Jalori Pass (4 kms) where one can appreciate nature's bounty. A temple of Mahakali called the Jalori Mata attracts many pilgrims from faraway villages. Access to Shoja winds through thick forests of alpine trees which provide an untouched habitat to various species of flora and fauna. At Shoja the landscape opens up to beautiful terraced fields followed by rolling meadows of wild flowers. Day of leisure at Lammergeier's Camp. One can explore the surroundings on bear trail or village trail. The snow clad peaks of Dhauladhar and Rohtang at sunset add to the delight.

Day 13 Drive to Nalagarh Overnight at Nalagarh Palace. Day 12 Drive to Chandigarh to connect to Shatabdi Express. Dep: 1240 Arr: 1540 Delhi.

Kinner Kailash 14 Days (Moderate Grade Trekking)
Best Time: August-October

Mount Kinner Kailash has religious significance for the huge "Shiva Lingam," the representation of the Lord Shiva. The circuit around the whole range attracts many pilgrims every year. The Parikrama begins from Kalpa via Triung Valley and back to Kalpa via Sangla Valley. You will drive up to Thangi where the actual trekking begins.

Day 1 Arrival in Delhi. Transfer to Park Hotel.

Day 2 Delhi Morning rest; afternoon half day sightsee Old & New Delhi including Red Fort, India Gate, Qutab Minar & riksha ride thru the market in Old Delhi.

Day 3 Delhi-Chandigarh Shatabdi Express Train Dep: 07:30 Arr: 10:30. Drive to Simla

Day 4 Simla-Sarahan (174 kms) From Simla drive to Sarahan, a beautiful village surrounded by apple orchards and dominated by Shrikhand Mahadev Peak (5155 M) which resembles the "Shivling," and is famous for the Bhimakali Temple, a wonderful mixture of Buddhist and Hindu architecture. It is very sacred to both the communities. The Bhimakali goddess idol is approximately 200 years old. In olden days, human sacrifice was prevalent here, but now only goats are sacrificed.

Day 5 Early morning visit to the famous Bhimakali Temple. After breakfast, drive through the breath-taking gorges of the Greater Himalayas to Kalpa (290 km). Looming in front of Kalpa is the impressive Kinner Kailash (6050 M). This mountain changes colors every day with the change of weather conditions. Timberline Trekking Camp Kalpa.

Day 6 Recong Peo and the new Buddhist monastery built to commemorate his holiness the Dali Lama's "Kalchakra Sermon," and onward to the ancient villages of Telangi, Kothi and Pangi. Drive back to Kalpa and take a short trek to Village Rogi. Lunch will be served enroute. After tea at Overnight Timberline Trekking Camp Kalpa, walk to Chini Village. Overnight Timberline Trekking Camp Kalpa.

Day 7 Drive to Thangi (50 km). Overnight Camp.

Day 8 A slightly descending trek of 12 kms takes you to Lambar (2896 Mt). Overnight Camp.

Day 9 Trek further continues to Charang (12 km). Overnight Camp.

Day 10 The final day of your Parikrama is a hard climb to Charang Pass (5242 Mt) and then a steep descent terminating at Chitkul (14 km), the last inhabited village in the Baspa Valley, also known as the Sangla Valley. Surrounded by green fields and high mountain peaks, Chitkul is a fairyland. The quaint houses, temples, gompas, and the people of Baspa Valley conjure up the perfect image of Shangri-la. The bewitching scenery and the eternal snow view from here is an unforgettable sight. Overnight at Timberline Trekking Camp Chitkul

Day 11 Full day for visiting the ancient and exquisite villages of Chitkul, Rakcham and Kamru. Overnight at Timberline Trekking Camp Chitkul.

Day 12 Shoja-Jalori Pass Drive to Shoja (219 km/9 hr) through Jalori Pass (4 kms) where one can appreciate nature's bounty. A temple of Mahakali called the Jalori Mata attracts many pilgrims from faraway villages. Access to Shoja winds through thick forests of alpine trees which provide an untouched habitat to various species of flora and fauna. At Shoja the landscape opens up to beautiful terraced fields followed by rolling meadows of wild flowers. Day of leisure at Lammergeier's Camp. One can explore the surroundings on bear trail or village trail. The snow clad peaks of Dhauladhar and Rohtang at sunset adds to the delight.

Day 13 Drive to Nalagarth Overnight at Nalagarh Palace.

Day 14 Drive to Chandigarh to connect to Shatabdi Express. Dep: 1240 Arr: 1540 Delhi.