Chitkul: Journey to the Last Village of India
Chitkul by Oyo Sometimes, we all just want to pack our bags like Bunny from Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani and go on an adventure trip with our best friends. But unfortunately, unlike the movie, our friends never make plans. And when they do, we can never find a good destination with equal parts adventure and fun. Isn’t it? But, don’t worry! Even though we won’t be able to help you with your friends who often ditch us last minute, but we can help you with the perfect destination for your next adventure destination, i.e., Chitkul. Being the last inhabitable village of India and close to the mountains, the place experiences some extreme weather conditions but provides with the best and adventurous trekking trails to choose from. Read on to know all the stories about each place at Chitkul and what will you find at each stop, because Chitkul will leave you mesmerized for sure. Mathi Devi Temple Chitkul Fort Hydro Flour Mill Karchham Dam and Lake Rani Kanda Meadows Lamkhaga Pass Trek Borasu Pass Trek Batseri 1. Mathi Devi Temple Mathi Devi Temple by Dreamstime.com Mathi Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mathi, the Goddess of Kinnaur. The temple houses three shrines. The oldest of the three is about five- hundred years old and was built by a Garhwal resident. The temple is very different from other Hindu temples as unlike other temples, Mathi Devi Temple has an ark of walnut wood covered with clothes and a tuft of yak tail. There are two poles inserted in the ark to hold it properly. The temple has a very sacred legend behind its existence. According to the legend, Lord Badrinath’s wife Mathi once found a land divided into seven different parts after Baruakhad, during their journey from Brindavan to Baruakhad via Garhwal, Sirmour, Sarahan in Bushar. When passing through the place, Mathi found that her nephew Narenas was the deity of Shuang Village, so she appointed him as the guard of the village to save the village from any impending calamities and provide the residents with care. When she moved further, she reached Chasu Village, she found that Narenas was also the deity of this village and was worshipped by the entire village. Therefore, she appointed him as the guard of this village also and gave him the responsibility to save the village from any impending calamities and provide the residents with care. When she moved forward, she reached Kamru Fort, where she found that Lord Badri Nath was guarding the Thorne of Bushahr. So, she leaves it as such and moves forward to the other divisions of the seven divisions. In this manner, she covered all the divisions and appointed different people to take care of the villages as well as the village residents while assuring them a nice living. She appointed Lord Badrinath to take care of Dhumthan subdivision, Shanshares to take care of Rakchham and Barang Nag to take care of RupinGhanti. After securing the seven divisions, she further moved forward. Finally, she reached Chitkul and made the Mathi Devi Temple as her final abode and settled there forever to take care of Chitkul while also supervising all other divisions from there. After her arrival at Chitkul, the village began to prosper, making the villagers thrive with success because of abundant crops, flora and fauna. This made the villagers worship her with high reverence and it is believed it’s the Goddess who takes care of the villagers and she is the reason that the village is doing so good. 2. Chitkul Fort Chitkul Fort by Flickr Going a little ahead of the Mathi Devi Temple is the Chitkul Fort. The fort looks more like a watchtower actually. The Fort is the tallest building in the village, other than the newly opened hotels. Chitkul Fort is a three- story structure that towers over the village. It is also referred to as ‘quila’ by the locals. Though it is also a shrine, it is commonly called fort because of its tower- like structure. 3. Hydro Flour Mill Hydro Flour Mill by way2traveller.blogspot.com While it may not sound like a very touristy place but the Hydro Flour Mill in Chitkul is one of a kind and is quite interesting to see. The water from the Baspa River is used to power the Mill as well as to grind wheat flour. 4. Karchham Dam and Lake Karchham Dam and Lake by Vargis Khan The road towards Sangla and Chitkul divides from the main highway near Karchham. Karchham is best known for a huge dam located near the town and is named after town. The dam is built over the Sutlej River. The place presents a beautiful view and is a great place to click some pictures and soak into the view. 5. Rani Kanda Meadows Rani Kanda Meadows by Raacho Trekkers A campsite which also serves as a base camp for Lamkhega Pass trek, Rani Kanda Meadows offers a beautiful site to pitch your tents and enjoy the stunning view of the place. The place looks breath- taking with mountains surrounding the area as well the green meadows which are spread in the whole area. 6. Lamkhaga Pass Trek Lamkhaga Pass Trek by Discovery Hike One of the most popular trek choices in Himalayan Mountain trek routes, Lamkhega Pass is located in the Indo- China Border area in the Dhauladhar Mountain Range and connects the north- eastern Garhwal with Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at a height of 5326 meters and offers an adventurous and breath- taking trekking experience. History has it that the beautiful Lamkhega Pass Trek, which comparatively remote, was first crossed by Marco Pallis in 1933. The trekkers can choose between the two routes, either from Harshil, a stunning hill- station in the Garwhal region and end at
Sangla Valley- A Peaceful Weekend Getaway
Breath- Taking Sangla Valley by TripAdvisor Sometimes, all we want to do is just pack our bags and go to a peaceful place with beautiful scenery and peace. But then the reality hits and we are all sitting in the office chairs and thinking about the weekend and how we all just want to escape the hustle bustle of the city and just relax in the mountains. Sangla Valley is one such place, surrounded by evergreen forests, mountain slopes and snow- clad peaks. You can visit the place and just relax with a beautiful view of the valley or sit near the banks of the Baspa River and look at the clean waters and enjoy yourself for hours. And if you are in for some adventures, Sangla Valley also offers some beautiful trekking trails which you can do within a day and soak in all the beauty that the valley has to offer. Read on to find out more about Sangla Valley and plan a relaxing trip for the upcoming weekend: Kamru Fort Sangla Buddhist Monastery Bering Nag Temple Sangla Kanda Rakchham Tibetan Wood Carving Centre Baspa River Rupin Pass 1. Kamru Fort The Ancient Kamru Fort by Wikipedia An ancient wooden fort located in the Sangla Valley, Kamru Fort was the original seat of the Bushehr dynasty. The Fort was built thousands of years ago by Lord Badrinath and is situated at a height of 2600 meters. Kamru Fort is one of the oldest forts in Himachal Pradesh. Set in a picturesque location, the Fort offers a beautiful view of the Sangla Valley, streams, apple gardens and much more. When entering the Fort, one can see a series of entry gates, while the main gate has a stunning statue of Lord Buddha. One of the key highlights of the Fort is its wooden balcony. At the top of the Fort one can see the idol of Kamakhya Devi, which is believed to have been brought from Guwahati and is of great importance to the people of Sangla. According to some of the folklore, there are 33 crore Gods and Goddesses present inside the Fort premises. 2. Sangla Buddhist Monastery Sangla Buddhist Monastery by NativePlanet Sangla Buddhist Monastery, popularly known as Brelengi Gompa, came into existence in 1992 and was founded by the Mahabodhi Society to provide assistance to the Dalai Lama for observing the Kalachakra ceremony. A modern Buddhist Monastery, it has the 10-meter-high status of the highly revered Buddha. The sight is a treat for the eyes. The top attractions of the Monastery are its wooden walls. The roof of the Monastery has a very beautiful and delicate design which will take your breath away. 3. Bering Nag Temple The Architectural Wonder Bering Nag Temple by Flickr Dedicated to Lord Jagas, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, the temple is a popular attraction for tourists, especially during the months of August and September. Often known as an architectural wonder, the Bering Nag Temple is considered as one of the most important temples for Hindus. The locals visit and worship in the temple for the wellbeing of the village and its inhabitants. The temple is especially a must visit during the Fulaich fair, which is celebrated between the months of August and September. The festival is celebrated to honor the deceased and is done by offering them food items like wine and rice. 4. Sangla Kanda Serene Sangla Kanda by Ixigo A relatively unheard trek, Sangla Kanda is a 6-hour long trek. Often considered a close competitor for Chitkul. Sangla Kanda is a small village with a handful of people and a beautiful lake, known as Kanda Lake. Kanda Lake is a gorgeous lake, situated at a height of 3,568 meters and is surrounded by snow- capped mountains whose reflection in the algae encompassing water just adds to the beauty. The snow- capped mountains surrounding the lake are believed to be Kailash- Lord Shiva’s Home. According to the locals, no person who dares to climb the Kailash Mountains ever returns, as it is not easy to find God. At the base of the hill is a meagre river flowing and is called Black River, which merges into the Baspa River upon reaching the Sanga Valley. The river has a slight black color and is rumored to be cursed, hence the name, Black River. The place is a great site for camping and even provides the basic camping needs like food and washrooms. It is advisable to reach the top of the Sangla Kanda by afternoon because as the day goes by, the place becomes cooler. Also, if you have planned a day trip, then arriving early will give you the benefit of time to soak in the beauty of the place and return during the daylight, as trekking at night can be difficult. 5. Rakchham Picturesque Rakchham by Holidify Rakchham, pronounced as Rakshaym by the locals, is quite a remote village 14km from Sangla Valley. The place is blessed with beautiful gardens, snow- capped mountains and lush green trees. The place has only 800- 1000 people and offers an uninterrupted peace and solitude in the town. Being a quiet and solitary place, Rakcham is not visited by many travelers. However, those who choose to stop over here get to witness the picturesque beauty, the mountain peaks, the fresh atmosphere and the way of life of the people of Rakcham. The people here are very warm and friendly and always welcome everyone with a smile. One can come here or just trek to the town. The place also offers some thrilling sports, like river crossing, nature walks, etc. 6. Tibetan Wood Carving Centre Tibetan Wood Carving Centre by Savaari Blog One of the most famous attractions of Sangla is the Tibetan Wood Carving Centre. The place, as the name
Narkanda: Your New Weekend Destination
Snow Covered Narkanda by Outlook India A beautiful town in the lap of nature, Narkanda is a small village in Himachal Pradesh, located about 65 kms from Shimla. A place which is mostly skipped by a number of people, it offers a scenic view and a calming experience for anyone who chooses to visit. In the past few years, towns like Shimla and Manali have been bombarded with tourists, even though we are happy for the people as the business is growing. But sometimes, we all just need some kind of peace and that is not possible when there’s a lot of people around. I mean, haven’t we all dreamt about living in a small, cozy cottage in the lap of nature away from all the hustle- bustle of the city, traffic and people, even if it’s just for a weekend. Narkanda is that cozy place for you. While being a small village, it doesn’t have a lot of tourist destinations but it definitely has some of the most beautiful picturesque views that you’ll fall in love with. So, read on to find out what to see and what to eat in Narkanda and have a relaxed vacation. Places to check out: Hatu Peak Hatu Temple Bheem Chulha Jor Bagh Sutlej View Point Tani Jubbar Lake Mahamaya Temple at Kacheri Kotgarh Stokes Farm St. Mary’s Church 1. Hatu Peak Hatu Peak by Holidify One of the biggest tourist attractions of Narkanda is Hatu Peak which is the highest point not only in Narkanda but in the entire Shimla district. The Peak is situated at a height of 3400 meters and is surrounded by a dense forest of trees like conifers, oaks and maples. Even though the forest has a variety of trees, it is mostly known for its apple orchards. The trek to the top of the Peak stretches for 7km and has been a very popular trekking spot for many. The trek trail is also a very beautiful trail as the stop overs offer you some picturesque locations. The Hatu Peak was of great strategic importance for the rulers of the erstwhile hill states because of its commanding position and was accepted as a boundary between the states. In the early 19th century, the Peak was captured by the Gorkhas and a fort was established at the top of it. The Gorkhas were later dismissed from the Hatu heights. Best Time to Visit: The best time to go to the top of Hatu Peak is from April to September, but it is advised to skip the trek during the rainy season due to the slippery path. 2. Hatu Temple Hatu Mata Temple by The Apple Crest When you reach the top of Hatu Peak, you see the Hatu Mata Temple. The Temple is dedicated to Hatu Mata, the Goddess of the Narkanda region, as well as the Narkanda Tribe. According to a local belief, the temple is said to be that of Mandodari, wife of Ravna. Mandodari, apart from being the wife of Ravna, was also one of the Panchakanya. It is also believed that Draupadi breathed her last after she fell from the mountain while on her way to heaven. The picturesque temple is built in the Pagoda style of architecture, which is a very typical Himachali style with bands of wood and stone. The temple has exquisite wooden carvings depicting stories from the Hindu scriptures. One can also see the influence of Buddhism from certain carvings of dragons and other auspicious symbols. While the temple is open throughout the year, people visit the Haku Mata Temple in large numbers on the first Sunday of the Jyeshta month, i.e., or during the Gemini period/ mid- May to mid-June. Best Time to Visit: The best time to go to the top of the Hatu Mata Temple is from April to September, but it is advised to skip during the rainy season as the path leading to the temple can be slippery and dangerous. 3. Bheem Chulha Bheem Chulha by BCMTouring Just near the Hatu Mata Temple is Bheem Chulha. It is believed that during the one-year period of the Agyaat Vaas, the Pandavas arrived at the court of King Virata of Matsyadesh and lived there in incognito mode, taking up various duties in the King’s court. Arjuna became a eunuch and tutored dance and music to the King’s daughter, Dharmaraja became the King’s administration counsellor, Nakul became the caretaker of the horses and other animals of the King’s army, Sahdev took care of the cattle of the palace, Draupadi became queen’s maid and Bheem took up the duty of the cook. It was at this time that Bheem used the place as his chulha or a fireplace where he used to cook food. Bheem Chulha is a pair of hearthstones that are still found near the Hatu Mata Temple. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Bheem Chulha is from April to September, but it is advised to skip during the rainy season as the path leading to the temple can be slippery and dangerous. 4. Jor Bagh Jor Bagh by TripAdvisor A picture-perfect place, which is also an ideal campsite, Jor Bagh is a beautiful meadow which also offers a soothing view of the great Himalayas. The Bagh is about an hour’s trek away from the Hatu Mata Temple and has views of the majestic mountains, trees like deodar, blue pine, oak and spruce. The trek to Jor Bagh is through a dense forest, which is a beauty on its own, but one needs to be very cautious as the trail is quite dense, making it very easy to lose your way. You can just sit back and relax while watching the beautiful scenery that Jor Bagh offers. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Jor Bagh is from April to September, but it is advised to skip during the
Spiti Valley: A Backpack Full of Necessities
Beautiful Spiti Valley from Wikipedia We are almost always ready for that “Mera falsafaa kandhe pe mera basta” moment, but we are often questioning what to take with us in that basta (bag). While we are thankful for the various apps and the internet which help us know the weather of the place that we have selected for our holiday, it’s still awesome to know as to what to take with us for our trip to be as smooth like butter. The “mera falsafa kandhe pe mera basta” moment While Spiti is a beautiful place, it comes with its own difficulties. Being a cold dessert, the weather can be too cold for a number of people. Being an almost remote area, the electricity and network connectivity is low, which might become an issue for many. For someone travelling in their own vehicle, there will be questions about car/bike accessories that one needs to take with them. But why fear, when we are here. We will help you make your Spiti Valley trip easy and smooth by giving you a checklist to refer to as to what you can add to your basta and enjoy your trip without worrying about the access baggage or forgetting your phone charger on your side table. Find your perfect rucksack Backpack Handbag Clothes Important Documents Medicines The Gadgets Toiletries Let’s Munch Miscellaneous 1. Backpack Before starting with what to take in your bag, decide what bag to take. Though that usually depends upon the type of trip you are going for, it is highly advisable to choose a rucksack over a trolley bag. The backpack that you take should be comfortable for you to carry in case of a difficult trek and wouldn’t make your trip a task. A rucksack of 60- 70L will do the trick. Keep it comfy 2. Handbag You can also take a smaller backpack of 10L for essentials like documents, wallet, laptop or things like snacks or water. You can also take a fanny pack depending on your needs. Pack your bags 3. Clothes As Spiti Valley has a relatively lower temperature, it is advisable to carry enough warm clothes. (a) Take some fleece-lined clothes like jackets and lowers as they will keep your warm. (b) Take a pair or two of thermals so that the body heat is locked in and you are warm throughout. (c) The pants that you carry should be light- weight as well as extremely comfortable. Taking track pants instead of denims is a good option. (d) Add some quick- dry t- shirts as well as lower for water sports activities like rafting. You don’t want to carry heavy wet clothes which will take eons to dry up. (e) Take some raincoats for the unannounced rain. Also, choose a raincoat over an umbrella as holding an umbrella can be a tedious task while trekking. (f) Take some good quality light- weight warm jackets. (g) Pack some woolen socks to keep those feet warm. (h) Take a windbreaker jacket to save yourself from the winds. (i) Take a good quality warm cap to keep your head as well as your ears warm at all times. (j) A woolen scarf will keep your neck from getting cold. (k) Take some good quality boots/ shoes which are comfortable to trek in as well as dry up quickly in case of getting wet due to rain, snow, etc. 4. Important documents As Spiti Valley lies very near to the border of Tibet, some documents for identification and address proof are needed for an easy-going trip. Do carry the originals and a few photocopies of everything. (a) Take your Aadhar Card/ Driver’s License. (b) If you are a foreign citizen, then you must carry your Passport, Visa as well as a Permit to visit the Protected Areas. (c) One must also carry the Double Vaccination Certificate as well as a negative RTPCR test report. 5. Medicines As Spiti Valley is situated at a higher altitude, some people may find it difficult to acclimatize to the place, some might get food poising because of the relatively different kind of food or some might just get leg pains because of long and difficult treks, so it is advisable to keep a small medical kit with you. The kit should include: (a) Diamox- to reduce chances of AMS (b) Digene/ Eno- for when you have acidity (c) Camphor Tablets- to ease breathing difficulties (d) Pain Relief Spray/ Gel (e) Keep some OTC (over the counter) medicines for fever, nausea, headache, cold, cough, motion- sickness, pain- killers, etc. (f) Take your prescribed medicines for issues like diabetes, blood pressure, etc. (g) Do carry menstrual products like pads, tampons or period cups. (h) Band- Aids for those cuts that arise from nowhere. (i) Betadine antiseptic solution, cotton and dressing bandage for any unfortunate event (j) Vicks Vapourub (k) Bug spray for all the nasty bugs that bite you when you sleep 6. The Gadgets Carry the gadgets according to use and not clutter your baggage.: (a) Power Bank- Depending upon your usage, one should carry a power bank in case there is an issue with the electricity and you can’t charge your phone. (b) Torch- As there are chances of night treks or just strolling during the night, carry a torch for those extremely dark routes just to be safe. (c) Camera- For all the Instagram-worthy pictures that you are going to click. (d) Memory Card- Do carry a memory card for your camera and a spare one depending upon your needs. (e) Chargers- Carry chargers for all the gadgets that require charging. (f) Extra batteries- Carry some extra batteries for the camera as well as a torch. (g) Headphones/ Earphones- Who doesn’t like some music! 7. Toiletries Though we usually get the basic toiletries in our hotel rooms, it is highly advisable to go prepared. You can get
Spiti Valley Checklist: 15+ Tips So You Don’t Get Tricked
Whenever going to a new destination for a holiday or a weekend getaway, a lot of people tell you what to see there or what to taste or where to buy, or where to stay. But nobody really tells you about how to save yourself from spending money when it isn’t needed, or from people who might trick you, or things that you might have found for cheap from a different shop. All they ever do is make you regret it then, by saying,” Oh ho! You could have bought it from that shop instead of this one. That shop offers the best quality products at a better price.” And the regret that haunts you for life at times is the worst. Spiti in Summers. (Photo by Spiti Adventure) When planning a trip to a place that you haven’t visited before, it becomes a nightmare thinking about every possible way that it might go wrong. And when someone gives you some tips which help you ease the tension, it is just a blessing. And like any other place, Spiti Valley has its fair share of tricksters that may thug you for extra money. Spiti Valley in Winters. (Photo by Devil on Wheels) So here are some tips for you to follow to make your trip a tension-free one and not something that you’ll regret later. Check for availability/ permissions Health certificates required Documents required The acclimatization issues A no-network zone Emergency calls only The best month to visit The colder, the better. Time for some showers from heaven A longer stay Stock up money Fossils everywhere but no fuel? The adrenaline rushes What to take and what not to take. That is the question. Some new friends Local guide to be an expert Spiti Valley Checklist: 15+ Items 1. Check for availability/ permissions Do carry your driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or any other identification card to have a smooth trip. As the place is near the Tibetan outskirts, some places do require certain permissions. 2. Health certificates required Some places, where trekking is involved, require health certificates. 3. Documents required Do carry your driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or any other identification cards to have a smooth trip. 4. The acclimatization issues Spiti Valley is situated at a height of 3300 meters and hence requires each explorer to have significant acclimatization as going on such a height, especially for a person who lives in the plains or coastal areas, might become risky. It is usually advised to influence your adventure gradually, either by starting from Shimla or Manali. Those with lung or heart conditions should consult their specialist before planning the trip. 5. A no-network zone Due to the location of Spiti Valley at such a high altitude, there is almost no to zero phone network. Sims like BSNL and MTNL do work and hence it is always advised to take them for your trip to Spiti. Even then, during the winters, as the network poles might get covered with snow, the connectivity drops to zero. 6. Emergency calls only You can also use satellite phones at 2rs per minute at STD booths at Batal and Mudh villages for emergency calls. 7. The best month to visit Visit during the summer months from April to September as the cold is quite bearable and all the roads are open. The valley is picturesque, lush green, and beautiful to look at. 8. The colder, the better. The winters are very harsh and the valley looks like a cold dessert that is covered with snow from all sides. You can definitely visit if you are a fan of cold climates. Though you must keep in mind the extreme winters, (at times) closed roads, and a lot of closed tourist places. 9. Time for some showers from heaven If traveling during the monsoon season, be prepared for landslides, roadblocks, and overflowing rivers. The water from the rivers sometimes flows towards the roads, making it difficult to drive. Carry rain-appropriate clothes and luggage like rain jackets, water-repellent clothes, and open footwear like crocs or rain boots. 10. A longer stay As the weather is pretty surprising, especially during the monsoons and winters, do keep some buffer days as the roadblocks, landslides, snow, etc may extend your trip than you had originally planned. 11. Stock up money The availability of ATMs is pretty rare as you may only find them at Kaza. So, stock up on enough cash which lasts you throughout the trip. 12. Fossils everywhere but no fuel? Another rare sighting in Spiti Valley is the petrol pump. The only available petrol pump is in Kaza, so, fill your tanks enough to make your trip an easier one. 13. The adrenaline rushes Don’t plan a trekking trip out of peer pressure or the adrenaline rush, as some of the treks are extremely difficult for even experienced people. Keep in mind your stamina and health before going on a trek. 14. What to take and what not to take. That is the question. As some villages like Langza Village have an abundant number of marine fossils, as the village came into existence when the Tethys Sea dried up. Even though the fossils look very attractive, you must remember not to take them with you as this disturbs the natural balance of the place. At the same time, beware of the local people selling your fossils. Though it is always advised not to take the real fossils home in any form (bought or found), there may be people selling you replicas made of clay, in the name of real fossils, and that too, at a much higher price. While it is okay to buy replicas, do make sure that you are buying them from an
Spiti Valley’s Roads Not Taken
Beautiful Roads to Spiti Valley by Yayavar Club When Jamal Crawford said, “Sometimes it’s more about the journey than the destination”, we all agreed. Yes, we do plan holidays to a particular destination, but we all will be lying if we say that we don’t enjoy the journey to our destination. Journey from Pinterest Remember the overnight train journey that you took with your joint family? Do you recall all the puri- aloo- achaar that your dadi packed for the way? Or the card/ board games you packed to play with your cousins? Or when you forgot about the whole of the digital world and divided the family into two teams just to play dumb- charades or antakashari? Train Ride by Intrepid Travel Or the first weekend road trip you took with your college friends? It was a different kind of freedom altogether. Singing along with songs on the radio or just laughing over each other’s silly jokes. Stopping in between just to soak in the beauty that the journey is showing you. We all do miss those times. Road Trip With Friends by Tour My India And oh! The first long bike ride with your significant other was the perfect date that we all must have dreamt of. Just breathing in the love that we felt that the air has brought with it and feeling like you are in some Yash Raj movie. Ohh! What a feeling! Romantic Bike Ride by Screencaps and Moe And Oh! My! Gawd! The first solo flight you took! You got all the feelings at once. The sense of freedom that you had for going on a solo ride. The nervousness of losing your passport or ticket. And the feeling of being content that you had when you were in the middle of clouds and everything looked so beautiful that you forgot all your worries and just got lost in the moment. First Solo Flight by Jakaranda FM Hence, we can all agree with Arijit Singh for saying, “Safar khoobsurat hai manzil se bhi”. One such beautiful journey is to the Spiti Valley. Amidst the beautiful Himalayas, this small place and its serene beauty is something that one should experience at least once in your lifetime. There’s always a road that is less traveled, and that makes all the difference. There’s always a story that the journey tells. Beautiful Route to Spiti by Devil on Wheels Now, there are a lot of routes that will take you to your destination, i.e., Spiti Valley, but there are some routes that make your travel a memorable one. So, let us help you discover a new road to your favorite holiday destination. As Spiti Valley has no airport or railway station, the only way to reach here is via road. If you live in the northern parts of India, which are relatively closer to Himachal Pradesh, you can go for that long-awaited road- trip. But, if you are starting from some place which is considerably far, you can always use the modes mentioned above of transport and then take a bus or hire a taxi as per your convenience. You can also go for a longer route or start from the nearest airport from Spiti Valley. A beautiful route starting from Shimla and ending at Manali is one of the routes that take you to almost all the villages of Spiti Valley and shows you some other beautiful parts of Himachal Pradesh along the way. The trip may last up to 8- 12 days, but it can be adjusted according to their preferences. Shimla — Narkanda — Chitkul — Sangla — Kalpa Village — Nako Village — Tabo Village — Dhankar Village — Mud Village — Pin Valley National Park — Kaza — Kibber Village — Gette Village — Tashigang — Hikkim Village — Komik Village — Langza Village — Kunzum Pass — Chandratal Lake — Batal — Rohtang Pass — Manali Route Map from Shimla to Spiti Valley by Google Maps Shimla is a beautiful and famous town in Himachal Pradesh and is a great starting place for your Spiti trip. Stay here for a few days and visit the more popular tourist destinations like Jakhu Hills and Temple and see the Mall Road. You can stay overnight at Shimla or start for the next stop, i.e., the town of Narkanda. Shimla by Club Mahindra Situated at a height of 2708 meters, Narkanda is a small town in the Kumarsain subdivision of Shimla and is 61 km away from Shimla Mall Road. While Narkanda is a skiing resort during the winters, you won’t be disheartened in the summers as it has some beautiful stops to check out like the Hatu Peak, Stokes Farm, Tanni Jubbar Lake, etc. You can have an overnight stay or continue driving for another 182km to the next destination called Chitkul. Narkanda by Shimla Tourism Chitkul is usually covered in snow during the winters and is generally closed at that time. Still, when visiting in the summers, you can surely enjoy the places like Kamru Fort, Batseri, Sangla Meadows, and eat at the Akhri Dhaba. Chitkul by Oyo 23 km away from Chitkul is Sangla. Camp at the beautiful Sangla Valley situated at the banks of Baspa River. Take a walk in the valley, look at the serene greenery of the orchards and the cedar trees, and just get lost in the beauty of the Valley for a moment. Sangla by Tour My India Driving for 31km to our next stop is Kalpa Village. Situated in the Sutlej River Valley, Kalpa is located at 2960 meters and is the base of the Kinnaur Kailash snow-capped ranges. Kalpa has a lot of history of ancient temples, among which one is the pretty famous Kothi Temple dedicated to the Goddess Chandika Devi. Kalpa Village by Wikipedia
Majnu Ka Tila: Delhi’s Mini Tibet
Photo of Majnu Ka Tila Entrance by Tibetan Journal Majnu Ka Tila, commonly called MKT by the cool kids, is also known by names such as New Aruna Nagar Colony, Chungtown, and Samyeling. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in the North Delhi District, the place is called Mini Tibet of Delhi because of the culture that the people living here follow. Photo of Majnu Ka Tila Gurudwara by India Times The name Majnu Ka Tila was taken from the Gurudwara which goes by the same name. The Majnu Ka Tila Gurudwara was built in 1783 by the Sikh Military Leader Baghel Singh Dhaliwal to recall the stay of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The area was given this quirky name by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who was very pleased by the services of Majnu, thus immortalising the place in the name of Majnu. A local Iranian Sufi singer, Abdulla, was nicknamed Manju and he was seeking enlightenment from Guru Nanak Dev Ji during the 1500s. Majnu used to help the villagers with crossing the Yamuna River for free and this pleased Guru Nanak Devi Ji. When Aruna Nagar was still developing during the 1950s, Tibetans came to Delhi from Tibet in March of 1959 and took refuge as the Dalai Lama went into exile to Dharamshala. It was in the year 1960, that these people were allotted land by the government, hence making them permanent residents of the place. Photo by Lipakshi Seedhar Upon entering the lanes of this Tibetan Colony, you can hear the faint sounds of the Dalai Lama’s preaching and the sweet sounds of the tinkling prayer bells that surround the area. Majnu Ka Tila has a lot to offer, be it food or shopping, or hotels, etc. You name it and you probably might find something more than that. Photo by Lipakshi Seedhar Thanks to social media, the place has attracted more Delhiites in recent years and since then, MKT has been offering something new each time. Now, it’s a hub for college students, tourists, etc to explore the very different face of Delhi. So, what all can you do at Majnu Ka Tila? The lanes of Majnu Ka Tila have tiny kiosks where you will find mostly everything at very affordable rates. You can buy Hippie jewelry like beaded bracelets, different types of studs, various styles of neck pieces for men and women, both starting from as cheap as ₹20. Some kiosks also offer Korean music CDs and you may also hear Korean music playing at some kiosks. Walking up to the next stall, you may find a variety of silver jewellery. Some are basic earrings, while some huge rings with colourful stones or skulls, different types of anklets, bracelets of all types, and everything under the sun. There are kiosks for clothes, be it for men, women or children. You can buy clothes like basic co-ord sets, different types of kurtis and kurtas, sundresses, jumpers, scarves, etc, available in a variety of colours and patterns. During the winters, you will see a wide variety of sweaters, jackets, and shawls, which are as soft as the softest teddy that you have and as warm as a winter cup of hot chocolate on a winter evening. The abundance of colours in every piece of garment is top- notch as you will definitely find something for yourself and the affordable range of everything just adds to the charm of the place. If you are a fan of Korean foods that are a hype on the internet these days but you can’t find them anywhere near you, then look no further as you’ll definitely find almost every Korean snack like the famous Kimchi or the extra spicy Korean noodles here and a lot of other international snacks like the Flaming Hot Cheetos. The street- food at MKT is very different from the rest of the Delhi street foods. A visit here would be incomplete without having a bite of the authentic Tibetan Momos or the Laughings, which are served sometimes dry and sometimes with cold soup, as per your liking. Photo by LBB The stores on either side of the MKT lanes also offer a lot of different things of a slightly better quality. You may find clothes in different styles. There are shoe stores where you may find some good quality sneakers and boots at a fairly good price and good quality. Some stores have very beautiful brass statues, Thangka paintings, different flavours of teas, handmade soaps, attar in a plethora of different fragrances, and knick- knacks like keychains, dolls, crockery with beautiful patterns and what not. Photo of Thangka by Lipakshi Seedhar Last but not the least, Majnu Ka Tila offers an array of cafés to choose from. Each café offers different types of cuisine at very reasonable prices. A little bit of information about some must- try cafés is given below: AMA Café Nor Yak Café and Restaurant MKT Hub Dolma House Yamuna Café Rigo Coffee House Busan Korean Restaurant Tee- Dee Restaurant Kham Coffee House Koko Restaurant 1. AMA Café Photo by LBB One of the first cafés that pulled the crowd to the lanes of Majnu Ka Tila, is without a doubt the highlight of the place. With some tasty food, AMA Café offers books to the diners. The ambience of the café is so welcoming and warm that one can sit for hours at length sipping their drink without getting bored. There is a very pretty balcony on each floor of the café, which has become one back drop for a lot of aesthetic Instagram posts. Cuisine: Italian, English, Tibetan, Fast Food Timings: 8am- 10pm Cost for 2: ₹500 Address: House no. 6, 1st Floor, Majnu-ka-tilla, New Aruna Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110054 2. Nor Yak Café and Restaurant
The Pristine Waters of Spiti Valley
Photo by The Statesman Spiti Valley is one of the most beautiful places in India. From the peaceful monasteries to the adventurous treks, from the oh- so- tasty local food to the restaurants with a variety of cuisines, from the luscious green mountains during the summer to the breath-taking snow- covered mountains of the winters, Spiti Valley has it all. One cannot ever get over this cold desert. Each person who visits Spiti will fall in love with it and then, whatever they do, Spiti will definitely have a place in their hearts. One will only see a splendid view as far as the eyes can see. Once you visit Spiti Valley, you cannot stop gushing about it during all of your travel stories. Spiti does offer you everything on a platter. And if that wasn’t just enough, Spiti Valley has something more. You may ask, will this place ever stop taking us by surprise? And the answer to it will probably be forever unknown. But what was that something more, you might wonder? The interesting thing is its lakes. Spiti Valley has numerous lakes that one should see when in Spiti Valley. So, to make your next trip a little bit easy, here’s the list of lakes that you must visit. Read on to find more about them and some other interesting stories associated with them: Chandratal Dhankar Lake Suraj Tal Deepak Tal Sopona Lake 1. Chandratal Photo by TripAdvisor Chandratal literally means the moon lake. It is the origin point of the Chandra River, which is a tributary of the Chenab River. The lake is situated at an altitude of 4270 meters and is surrounded by snow-covered mountains on all sides. It is also believed that Chandratal was the point from where Yudhistra (the eldest of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata epic) was taken to heaven. The lake is situated on the Samudra Tapu plateau. The colour of the lake changes from reddish to orange to blue and to emerald green as the day goes on. The lake is surrounded by greenery all around. The spring season brings in an array of different wildflowers. The Chandratal Wetland Reserve falls under the Ramsar protected site under the Wildlife Act and thus camping is prohibited in the area around the lake. The crescent shape of the lake does justice to the name of the lake. At night, the Chandratal looks pitch black and reflects the moon, making it appear breath- takingly beautiful. One can soak in the beautiful view for hours without getting tired. The lake should be visited during the summer months as the winters here are very harsh due to heavy snowfall. The roads get blocked during the winter. During the months of May- June, the snow starts to melt, while during the months from July to September, the place gets heavy rainfall and hence it gets quite dangerous to travel without proper supervision. By October, the temperature drops too low and the lake as well as the surrounding area experiences heavy snowfalls. One can take the early morning public transport from Manali which drops you off at the Chandratal diversion, after which you can either hike the remaining 14km to the lake or hitchhike. You can also hire taxis or take up a rented bike to reach the lake. Best time to Visit: May- September Entry fee: Free Timings: 6am- 6pm 2. Dhankar lake Photo by TripAdvisor Dhankar lake is situated in the Dhankar Village and is located at a height of 4,140metres. The lake lies above the Dhankar Monastery. It is made both with the help of nature and man. While half of the lake was formed by nature, the other half was constructed by King Puran Lal in the year 1462. The lake has a lot of myths revolving around it, like Lord Shiva, on his way to meet Lord Vishnu, rested at the lake when Nandi drank some water from the lake and hence Lord Shiva blessed the lake to be always filled with water. It is also believed that upon seeing the dryness of the area, Lord Indra requested Lord Shiva to do something about it, but Lord Shiva was busy searching for Lord Vishnu. This angered Lord Indra and he threw his axe, by whose impact water came out and thus a lake was formed and, since that day, the residents of the are celebrate the Mouni Amavasya. The lake offers a spectacular view as it changes colours to different shades of blue and green throughout the day, due to the sunlight when viewed from different angles. The highest peak of Himachal Pradesh, the Maninrang Range, is visible from the Dhankar Lake. It is a glacial lake, which means it freezes during the winter and is only accessible during the summer months from May to September. One can take public transport to Dhankar Village and it takes a 45 to 60 minute trek to Dhankar Lake. You can also hire a taxi or take/ rent a bike to reach the lake. It is advisable to take your own food and water as the trek route doesn’t have any shops for the same. Best time to Visit: May- September Entry fee: Free Timings: 6am- 6pm 3. Suraj Tal Photo by India.com Suraj Tal is situated at the top of Baralacha La Pass and is located at an altitude of 4,890 meters. The lake is also known as Surya Tal and Tso Kamtsi and is an 800m long lake. Suraj Tal is the third highest lake in India. Suraj Tal is considered the lake of the Sun God. The lake is surrounded by mighty mountains on all sides which are completely covered with snow during the winter. The lake offers such a beautiful view for nature lovers who just can’t get enough of the place. Suraj Tal originates from the Bhaga tributary of the Chandrabhaga River. It is believed that one
Cafés in Spiti Valley- A Fusion of Flavors
Spiti Valley While going to a new place for a trip, what do we generally check out for? Places to see? Where to stay at? Where to do shopping? And the most important question: where to eat? What is a good budget-friendly place to eat? Where to try some local food? Where to find a good vibe with good food? How to know which café is better? Because, as they say, food can make or break your mood for the day. Spiti Valley has an array of restaurants and cafes with a variety of options available for cuisines and offers different seating options, like outdoor seating, terrace seating, etc. Some offer early morning breakfasts, while some have a late-night movie planned for their guests. Some even have a homestay where guests can rest for the night. It is interesting to see a fusion of local foods with international tastes. For most cafes, you might notice that Sea Buckthorn is a pretty common ingredient for the dishes, smoothies, juices and tea alike. So, here we list 5 cafés which you must try on your next visit to Spiti Valley: Sol Café Spiti Organic Kitchen Tara Traveler’s Café Taste of Spiti Himalayan Café 1. Sol Café Photo by TripAdvisor With a very interesting concept of volunteers running the café from different parts of the country, Sol café is slowly becoming a good breakfast café for tourists. The café offers free filtered water for visitors to fill their bottles with and go with the day, which helps them with saving the money that they would have spent on water bottles throughout the day. The café is run by Ecospehere volunteers and donates to various community issues in different villages of Spiti Valley. They offer a wide variety of breakfast and brunch food options, including vegan food options, and are open from 8:30 in the morning to 9 in the evening. The café even has movie nights every evening at 6pm except for Sundays. Price: ₹500 for 2 Address: Main Market Kaza, Kaza, Himachal Pradesh 172114 Timings: 8:30am- 9pm 2. Spiti organic kitchen Photo by Tripoto Spiti Organic Kitchen is a cute café which offers local food options and offers a beautiful view of the mountains and the clear blue sky. They offer different varieties of teas. Some people also feel that it is the highest café in the world because of the height that it is situated at. The café is located in Komic Village, which is also the highest motorable village in the world and has a breath- taking route to the village and the café altogether. People can also stay at the café as they offer rooms to stay, but it is subject to availability. So, if you are lucky enough, you may get accommodation at the homestay/ café. The café offers breakfast, brunch and dinner as it opens at 8 in the morning and closes at 4 in the evening and people can have a good meal at ₹300 for two people. Price: ₹300 for 2 Address: Near Bus Stand, Kaza Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India Timings: 8am- 4pm 3. 3. Tara traveller’s café Photo by Restaurant Guru A small café located in the Mudh Village has a very beautiful vibe to it. The café provides beautiful views of the Pin Valley. Tara Traveler’s Café offers a multi- cuisine experience. One can taste cuisines like Chinese, Indian, Asian and Tibetan and is open 24/7. Even with the facility of so many cuisines to offer, the food at Tara Traveler’s Café is very homely. The café also has a homestay facility. One can see the beautiful night sky full of stars at which one can stare forever. One should visit the café during the summer season to experience a home-like vibe with a wide variety of cuisines to choose from. Price: ₹300 for 2 Address: Pin Valley Mudh Village, Mud, Spiti- 172117 Timings: Open 24/7 4. Taste of Spiti Photo by TripAdvisor Another café which joined hands with Ecosphere is Taste of Spiti and it has been donating to fifty villages in Spiti Valley for their various community services. With a pocket-friendly menu, which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks from different cuisines like Italian, Tibetan, Indian, etc, the café also offers some musttry fusion foods. The café also provides a wheelchair facility. Taste of Spiti has outdoor seating for people to enjoy the view of the mountains. The motive of this café is to provide its visitors with some insight into the local ingredients and cuisine. It has a wide variety of vegetarian foods to offer. The staff of this café is very friendly and interactive too. Price: ₹300 for 2 Address: 63FC+PWR, Kaza, Himachal Pradesh 172114 Timings: NA 5. Himalayan Café Photo by Restaurant Guru Himalayan Café offers a wide variety of cuisines to try from, like Chinese food, Indian food, Asian food and local foods as well. It also offers vegan options and a variety of teas to try out. The Himalayan Café also has the option of terrace seating which allows the diner to look at the beautiful view of the mountains and the sky. The staff of the café is very friendly. The walls of the terrace have beautiful graffitimurals and it looks enticing at night when it is lit up using lights and lanterns. The café also offers beer and has guesthouse rooms available for people to stay in. Live music is also played at the café in the evening, and it also has wheelchair accessibility which only adds to its beauty. Price: ₹300 for 2 Address: Main Market, near Kangra Co-op Bank, Kaza, 172114 Timings: 7:30am to 10:30pm Spiti Valley offers a wide variety of food options to try, from be it the local foods or international
Spiti Valley: A Place Where the Gods Live
Spiti valley, a cold desert mountain valley, is located in the north- eastern parts of Himachal Pradesh. The word “Spiti” means “the middle land” and thus Spiti is very aptly named as it is situated between India and Tibet. Spiti has beautiful landscapes, picturesque valleys and peaceful villages with a low population. Photo by Anisha Tulika (Unsplash) Spiti has a huge influence of Buddhism due to its geographic location and hence, religion plays a very important role in the day-to-day life of the people living in Spiti. Spiti, an untamed land of solitude and spiritualism, houses a lot of monasteries and temples. The soothing sounds of God praising chants in both temples and monasteries gives one a sense of relief or the “sukoon” that everyone misses in their lives. So, if you want to experience that sukoon and see the serene architecture situated in and around the Spiti Valley, read on the following list of top religious places of Spiti Valley: Trilokinath Temple Key Monastery Tabo Monastery Mrikula Mata Kardang Monastery Giu Mummy Tangyud Monastery Gandhola Monastery Tayul Monastery Kungri Monastery 1. Trilokinath Temple Photo By Government of Himachal Pradesh A temple visited equally by Hindus and Buddhists, the Trilokinath Temple is situated in the Udaipur sub- division of Lahual District. In ancient times, the temple was popularly known as Tunda Vihar. While Hindus consider the temple to belong to Lord Shiva, it is believed that the Buddhists consider the temple to belong to the deity “Arya Avalokiteshwar or Garja Fagspa. This holy temple is very sacred as it is believed to be the Teerath Sthal next only to Kailash and Mansarover and hence is a very important shrine. Though a lot of stories are told about the history of the temple, one of the most commonly heard stories is: Back in the 10th century, seven people used to come out of the lake (presently known as Hinsa Nala) and drink the milk of the cows grazing nearby. One day, a cow herder boy saw this and took one of them to his village. Upon reaching the village, the person turned into marble and since then, a temple has been built around the marble deity. The Hinsa Nala is believed to have milky white water which remains the same throughout the year even with changing weather. Best time to visit: The best time to experience the beauty of the Trilokinath Temple is from April- October. 2. Key Monastery Photo By Yash Raut (Unsplash) Also known as Kye Gompa, it is the largest monastery in Spiti Valley and houses about 250 monks who reside in the monastery throughout the year. It is situated 12km north of Kaza. Founded by Atisha’s (a famous teacher) pupil, Dromtön in the 11th century, but was destroyed multiple times by Mongols, in wars between Ladakh and Kullu, by the Dogra army under Ghulam Khan and Rahim Khan, Sikhs, fire and earthquake throughout history. The monastery has a collection of ancient books and murals which include images of Lord Buddha. The walls of the monastery are covered with paintings, which is a result of Chinese influence. Best time to visit: The best time to visit Kye Monastery is in the summer season, during the months of April- October. 3. Tabo Monastery Photo By Nomad Bikers Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India as a national historical treasure of India, Tabo Monastery was built in 996 AD by the Royal Lama Yeshe- O. It is also known as the daughter monastery of the Tholing Monastery in Ngari (western Tibet). Tabo is the oldest earthen Buddhist monastery in the Himalayan region and is also referred to as the Ajanta of the Himalayas. The temple complex constitutes Stupas, Fittings, Older Temples, Newer Temples and a Main Temple. Tsug La Khang or the main temple, includes an assembly hall, an entry hall, and a recessed area which has a shrine area. The older temples constitute the Mahakala Vajra Bhairava Temple, the White Temple, the Large Temple of Dormton and the Chamber of Picture Treasures. The newer temples include the Golden Temple, the Bodhisattva Maitreya Temple, the Temple of Dormton and the Temple of Enlightened Gods. Best time to visit: As the winters are harsh, the best time to visit is from May to October. 4. Mrikula Mata Temple Photo By Himachal Pradesh General Studies Believed to be built in the 11th or 12th century and is located just above the market at Udaipur in Lahaul and Spiti. A large number of devotees visit the temple each year in summer. Though the temple is under the Archeological Department of Himachal Pradesh, they are least concerned about the temple. The locals say that one of the walls have tilted and may collapse anytime. The temple has a huge significance for the devotees of Goddess Kali. The temple is built in the Kashtuni style. While the temple looks old and simple, the inside of the temple has Deodar wood carvings depicting the scenes from Mahabharata and Ramyana. The temple is also famous as it is believed to be built at the place where Goddess Kali killed Mahishasur and Raktbeej and hence is no less than a Shaktipeeth. The idol of Kali is made of silver and is a mix of Rajasthani, Tibetan and Kashmiri styles and has an oddly proportioned body. The small and simple temple tells so many stories through its carvings and carries a lot of history with it. Best time to visit: One can visit the temple during the summer months i.e., May to October. 5. Kardang Monastery Photo From Holidify A huge white building decked with prayer flags, it’s a very famous and the most important Drukpa Lineage monastery in the Lahaul valley. Believed to be built in the 12th century, this monastery houses
