Monday, 28 August 2017

Situated at an altitude of 4300 m above sea level, Chandratal Lake in Himachal Pradesh is a true camper’s paradise. Being surrounded by mountains and rocky terrains, the mystical lake resembles a lot to the Pangong Lake in Ladakh. 
It is the source of river Chandra that flows in the upper regions of the state and is 7 km away from the Kunzum Pass in Spiti. This makes Spiti the nearest checkpoint to reach Chandratal.
It is said that the lake was discovered by nomads who were traveling from Ladakh and Tibet to the valleys of Spiti and Kullu.  There is also one interesting legend associated with Chandratal. As per Hindu mythology, the lake is the spot from where King Yudhistra, the eldest of the Pandavas was picked up by the chariot of Lord Indra during their quest to the Himalayas.
The high altitude and closeness to the greater Himalayas gives travelers only a short window to make their visit to Chandratal (only summers). During that time, the meadows of this immensely blue colored lake gets completely covered with wildflowers. This flowery carpet along with panoramic mountains in the backdrop and the blue patch of the lake gives a picture perfect impression. 
How to Reach
The high altitude Chandratal lake is situated in the Spiti part of Himachal Pradesh. Thus, to reach this paradise, one has to travel first travel to the Spiti valley, and then trek to the lake, which goes through the Kunzum La.
Following are the ways to make it to Spiti in Himachal Pradesh:
By Air: If you want to travel to Spiti, the maximum you can get close to the valley via air is till Kullu. Kullu’s Bhuntar airport is 54 kms away from Spiti. Once there, you can make use of the bus service or hire a cab for your onward journey to the valley.
By Train: Train travelers have to make the entry from a different location. Closest railway station to Spiti valley is at Shimla. Shimal railhead connects various parts of Himachal Pradesh and India. However, tourists can also make use of the Chandigarh railway station(330 km away) as it has a wider rail network and is well connected from the metropolitans and major cities of India.
By Road: As there is no direct access to Spiti valley via train and flights, travelling via road is by far the best mean to explore Himachal Pradesh. Himachal State Transport runs regular bus services to Spiti from the various parts of the state. Tourists can also hire taxis or cabs to make it to their destination.
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Chandratal,Himachal pradesh,India

Saturday, 26 August 2017

Literally meaning a pass where many roads meet, Baralacha La in the Zanskar region of Leh Ladakh is one of  the highest mountain pass. Baralacha La pass connects the two prominent mountain ranges of India, Pir Panjal and Zanskar valley, besides the great Himalayan ranges. Located around 73 km from Keylong on the Manali-Leh highway, the high mountain pass meets Chandra, Bhaga and Yunan river at some point.
As the mountain pass is nestled deep at the end of lower Himalayas in India,  it serves as a commencing point to some of the most famous trekking routes in the region. This includes trekking to the highly popular Chandra Tal and Suraj Tal. Looking at the topography of the renowned Baralacha La Pass, it is advised that one should make a visit in this Himalayan region during the summers. Under this, the months from June to November are best suited for the visit. Officially also, the mountain pass stays open during that time as winters bring heavy snowfall here.
If you are planning to undertake road trip to Ladakh through Leh-Manali highway then you will have to cross this pass. If you are going towards Leh from Manali then it is always advisable to cross this pass before Noon. The melting of snow and formation of water stream on the high altitudes of this pass makes it difficult to cross as the day advances. If the current is too strong then one should return to Jispa as crossing water stream could get really dangerous.
The best time to visit Baralacha La is during the months of April to November when the snow melts and road is open for travelers.
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Baralacha La,Himachal pradesh,India

Thursday, 24 August 2017

An important stopover on the Leh-Manali highway, Sarchu lies on the boundary of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Situated at an elevation of just over 14,500 ft between the Himalayan mountain passes of Baralacha La and Lachlung La, Sarchu is of great importance mainly due to its location on the Leh-Manali highway.
The beautiful pastel-colour brown and barren terrain of mountains is the first thing that will strike you about Sarchu leh ladakh. And a mention of its beauty goes long back to accounts from the time of the ancient Silk Route. So, in case you were wondering how popular it is, well, it has always been a beehive for traders, nomadic tribes and adventure seekers.
When visiting the region of Sarchu, one can also indulge in long walks alongside the river Tsarap Chu located close to Sarchu.
Between May and September, Sarchu becomes the starting point for treks to Zanskar in Ladakh. A trip to Sarchu has its own challenges; altitude sickness being the foremost among them. Travelers often ascend from lower altitude to acclimatize to the rarefied atmosphere; traveling from Keylong and traveling up to Sarchu is the preferred route.
An important trading point in the ancient Silk Route, Sarchu is still a hot favorite with traders, nomadic tribes and adventure seekers.
The most ideal time to visit Sarchu leh ladakh, is between May and September, as it functions as the starting point for treks to ZANSKAR in LADAKH. The summers in Sarchu are hot and are generally avoided by the tourists. The month of April marks the start of summer season and it lasts till July. Sarchu temperature ranges between 4°C to 25°C during these months.
How to Reach
By Air
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport at Leh is the nearest airport. Leh is connected to Delhi, Srinagar, Chandigarh and Jammu. You can hire cabs from outside the airport to reach Sarchu.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi which is about 600 km from Sarchu. Jammu Tawi is connected by trains from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and many other cities. You can take a JKSRTC bus or a jeep to reach Sarchu.
By Road
Sarch is well connected to Leh, Manali and Spiti. There are regular bus services from Leh and Manali during May to September. You get the most number of buses to reach Sarchu from Manali.
Book your Sarchu holidays with our affiliate partner Booking.com

Sarchu,Himachal pradesh,India

Tuesday, 22 August 2017

Jispa is a small town located in the Himalayan Valley in Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh. The place portrays the best features of the state of Himachal Pradesh and anyone can get mesmerized with the scenic beauty of the town. 
The monasteries of Yarji and Photang where Dalai Lama gave the Kal Chakra lecture are the most interesting spots of the place. A sizeable Buddhist crowd is found in the town all throughout the year because of the presence of holy monasteries in this tranquil environment.
Jispa is usually promoted by travel operators as a necessary halt on the way to Ladakh when coming from Manali. Jispa is located at a height of 10,890 feet above sea level in the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh.
To be fair to this town, or village, it could well be a destination in itself. When you sleep at night, and all you hear is the Bhaga river along which this village is located, you will know the reason why. But for an occasional vehicle passing by, including some oil tankers at three in the night, Jispa is as quiet as you can hope an inhabited place in India to be. With views as beautiful as you can wish them to be.
The town has become very renowned in the recent years and tourists are showing a lot of interest about Jipsa. It is gaining popularity as one of the most attractive areas of the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Jipsa is at a distance of just 20 km from Keylong beside Manali-Leh Highway on the banks of Bhaga River. There is a guest house and mountaineers hut along with a huge camping ground situated on the bank of Bhaga River at Jispa.
How to Reach
Best way to reach this city is through train as you can find Joginder Nagar Railway Station, Ahju Railway Station, Baijnath Mandir Railway Station and Panch Rukhi Railway Station close to this city. These railway stations are near to the place where you can get trains to various other major cities and states. For more comfortable ride you can hire a car on rent which makes your journey easier. Taxi services are also available. Government run buses and private buses are easy to get. Road are well connected to important cities and states. While planning for vacations, first concern of visitors is how to reach Jispa. But with the availability of public transport you can easily reach your destination.
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Jispa,Himachal pradesh,India

Sunday, 20 August 2017

Located at 1927 m above sea level Kasauli is a small hill station in Himachal Pradesh. It also serves as an army cantonment. Snow-clad mountains, dense forests and a pleasant climate make Kasauli a major draw among tourist. 
Surrounded by dense forests, Kasuali is home to several species of Himalayan flora and fauna including endangered ones. Babblers, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Striated Prinias and Jungle Owlet can be spotted in Kasauli.
The cantonment town is also famous for the Kasauli Brewery, believed to be the oldest functioning distillery for scotch whisky in Asia. Kasauli is also the seat of the renowned Pasteur Institute popularly known as the Central Research Institute. It produces anti-Rabies vaccines.
Kasauli is not about particular attractions or activities, but about the serene environment and enchanting calmness that it provides. If you want to just find a good getaway from the hectic life of your city, Kasauli provides the ideal environment to soothe your nerves.
Explore its quaint cottages and British-era churches and cemeteries over long walks. You can also trek up to the hilltop temple for splendid views of the Himalayas. To match the demand from the inundation of tourists, the area has developed a few good restaurants and cafes  so you'll find several options to meet your cravings. Visit Kasauli and get lost in the beauty of nature!
Located on the way from Chandigarh to Shimla, Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town which makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, away from the rush.
How to Reach
By Air
The closest airport is at Shimla, 35 km away. It is connected by regular flights to Delhi and Kullu. Chandigarh, 65 km away, is also a good option to reach Kasauli. Flights connect Chandigarh to Delhi, Mumbai, Dharamsala, Bengaluru, Srinagar, Kolkata and Indore. Delhi (320 km) is the closest international airport.
By Rail
Kalka is the nearest railhead situated 40 km away. Major cities like Amritsar, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai are connected to Kalka by rail.
By Road
Kasauli is well connected to Delhi and Chandigarh by road. Regular bus services connect both the cities with Kasauli. Chandigarh is an hour’s drive from Kasauli while Delhi can be reached in five and a half hours.
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Kasauli,Himachal pradesh,India

Friday, 18 August 2017

The village also known as Khagling is on the banks of River Chandra. This is a fantastic little village and is surrounded by mountains. The Gyephang peak is visible from this village. The dense trees of willow and poplars on the both sides of the road. 
Behind the Sissu village the famous Gyephang peak. The lord Gyephang is the deity of Lahaul. In the olden days people of Lahaul fought their wars under the banner of Lord Gyephang. The temple of Lord Ghepan is in the village. The temple of Lord Gyephang is not open to outsiders.
The trees are very dense that even sun rays fail to penetrate. The terraces are green with potato, peas, barley and buck wheat. The view of waterfall across the river is beautiful.
The place is magnificent with dense green vegetation and beautiful scenery. The falls can be seen from the road to Manali and visitors are attracted to this place by the beauty surrounding the falls. The source of water is the suspended glaciers on the Himalayan range.
There is a swampy patch on the river side where the siberian wild duck and geese halt when on their way back from the Indian plains. The snow trout is also available in the village near the river side. 
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhunter which is 175 km away.
By Train: There is no railway network. The nearest railway station is Shimla.
By Bus: By road the distance is 115 km from Manali, 188 km from Kaza, 373 km from Leh, 435 km from Chandigarh and 690 km from Delhi. Due to heavy snows fall the region is cut off for six month November to June. Taxies are available from Manali in season.
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Sissu,Himachal pradesh,India

Wednesday, 16 August 2017

Barog is a sleepy little town of Himachal Pradesh. It is located in the Solan district of this state and makes a delightful place to go on a tour, while in Himachal Pradesh. This place, surrounded by lush green locales gets its name from an engineer named Barog.
Early mornings are very beautiful in Barog with the dew on pine trees glistening in light sunshine. Soft rays of the sun paint the snow-capped peaks a bright orange and the morning mist makes the surroundings absolutely divine.
Barog provides scenic views of the Solan valley and is the only hill station in India with a registered camping site with basic facilities, where one can either put up one's own tent or rent one for nominal charges. The long winding roads and exotic scenery are ideal to go on an excellent drive.
Barog also has the longest tunnel on the Kalka-Shimla toy train route. It is a real experience crossing that tunnel to reach Barog as it turns pitch dark and very cool even in broad day light as one reaches the center of the tunnel.
Experience the beauty of untouched natural surroundings when you travel to Barog. These breathtaking views have a dream-like quality to them and make an idyllic setting for the tourists pouring in to enjoy the miraculous beauty of Nature. 
How to Reach
By Air
Barog does not have an airport of its own. If you are planning to come to the city by air, the nearest airports will be those of Chandigarh and Shimla. Both the airports have regular flights to city. Jagson and Deccan Airways cater to Shimla airport, while from Chandigarh; you can avail the services of Simplifly Deccan, and Indian Airlines.
By Rail
Barog has a railway station of its own, which falls on the Kalka-Barog-Shimla narrow gauge. The next nearest railway station will be that of Chandigarh, which is connected with all the key cities of India. If you are thinking of traveling to Barog by train, it will better to come to Chandigarh and from there, take a bus or taxi to the city.
By Road

Barog has a good network of roads, which connects it with the major cities in and around Himachal Pradesh. The city is approximately 300 km from Delhi, 60 km from Chandigarh, 54 km from Chail, 21 km from Kasauli, 8 km from Solan and 58 km from Shimla. You will easily get buses as well as taxis for reaching Barog, from any of these destinations.
Book your Barog holidays with our affiliate partner Booking.com

Barog,Himachal pradesh,India

Monday, 14 August 2017

Solan is the largest city of Himachal Pradesh with a total area of 33.43 km2. It has second position in terms of population in Himanchal Pradesh after the capital city, Shimla. It is located on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway that is NH-22 , in between Chandigarh and Shimla
The city is also known as the Mushroom city of India due to its vast mushroom plantations. Besides mushrooms, Solan is famous for its immense tomato production, thereby earning itself another name - the city of red gold.
Striking the perfect balance between peaceful and energetic, Solan is a hilly area that offers plenty of activity options such as camping and trekking. Besides outdoor adventures, things to do in Solan range from visiting the Shoolani Devi Temple and tasting mouth watering Himachal food.
Some of the major tourist attractions in Solan are Kuthar fort, Nalagarh Palace, Darlaghat, Kiarighat, Manjathal Santuary, Shoolini Temple, Solan Brewery and many more.
The outskirts of the city are replete with rare species of animals such as the Himalayan black deer. Located just a few km from Solan, the Gurkha fort and the Kuthar fort are sites you must visit in Solan, and there are several parks here too that you can stroll through in the mornings.
The city is very famous as "City of Red Gold" as the large amounts of tomatoes are produced in this region. Solan is a perfect tourist destination for visitors and an apt place to enjoy the vacations with family.
How to Reach
By Air
Solan does not have its own airport however several flights are connected to Shimla, which is a one-hour drive from Solan. The second nearest airport is the Chandigarh airport that is around one and a half hours away. Domestic airlines such as AirIndia, Jet Airways and Indigo connect Shimla to other major cities in India. There are many flights to and from Chandigarh as well. The Bhuntar Airport in Kullu is another alternative to choose from. Several airlines are connected to the Delhi Airport which is 397 km away from Solan. From Delhi, Solan can be easily reached either by bus or via car. 
Nearest Airport: The closest airport to Solan is the Shimla airport which is around 43 km away. It takes approximately one and a half hours to reach Solan by road. 
By Road
AC Volvos are available from all the major cities nearby. You can expect a comfortable journey from Delhi to Solan. Providers such as Himachal Road Transport Cooperation have several options of AC and non-AC seater. The price range varies depending on the provider and the type of bus. Shimla is connected to several cities via bus. You could book a bus from Amritsar, Dehradun, Haridwar or Noida to Shimla and then take a bus or taxi to Solan. The average cost of AC buses per seat ranges around 800 and upwards although non-AC options tend to be much cheaper. 
By Train
The Solan railway station is one of the highest stations in the world. The trains connect Solan to several major cities such as Delhi. You can get off at Solan as it is one of the stops on several major trains such as the Kalka-Simla passenger.
Book your Solan holidays with our affiliate partner Booking.com

Solan,Himachal pradesh,India

Saturday, 12 August 2017

At a distance of 32 km from Dharamshala and 39 km from McLeod Ganj, Kareri Lake, also known as Kumarwah Lake, is a high altitude lake south of the Dhauladhar range in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
Kareri Lake is situated at an altitude of 3100 m and is a fresh water lake. Snow melting from the Dhauladhar range serves as the source of the lake and a stream, Nyund is the outflow. Since the source is fresh melting snow and the lake is shallow the lake bed can be seen clearly.
Kareri Lake is best known for being a trekking destination in the Dhauladhar range. The trek starts from Ghera village, which is about 22 km from McLeod Ganj. Ghera is accessed either by shared jeep from Dharamsala or on foot from Naddi. It has a few shops from where one can purchase few supplies. The trekking starts from Ghera village. A 9 km dirt road links Ghera to Kareri village which has a Forest Rest House for overnight stay and continue the trek on next day. The 8 km trail from Kareri village leads to the Kareri Lake. Most of this trail is along the Nyund stream right up to the Lake. The trek usually takes between 3-4 days.
The lake remains frozen from early December to early April. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti on a hilltop overlooking the lake. A few Gaddi kothis (stone caves) are present on the other side of the lake, which is used by the gaddis as a grazing ground for their animals. Trekker can carry own tents, or stay in the temple complex on the hill overlooking the Lake.
The trail is mostly well marked, but having a guide is definitely recommended. The trail is long but not a difficult trek like other Himalayan trails. 
How to Reach
By Air: Take a flight till Gaggal Airport (13 km away from Dharamsala) and reach the base station by cab or book a ticket till Chandigarh and then take a taxi to cover 275 km to reach Dharamsala.
By Train: Book a ticket till Pathankot and then hire a taxi to reach 85 km away location.
By Bus: One can also get a direct bus from Delhi or any north India city to Dharamsala. Self-drive is not advisable as it will drain you completely and this can spoil your trekking plans.
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Kareri,Himachal pradesh,India

Thursday, 10 August 2017

One of the biggest commercial centers of Shimla, Rampur town is located at a distance of around 135 kilometers from Shimla. It is one of the most important market and business centers of Shimla. Rampur used to be the capital city of the Bushahr Empire during the 18th century in India. Located near Shimla, Rampur falls along the ancient trade route to Afghanistan, Ladakh, China and Tibet. It is located on the banks of the mighty river Sutlej. The tradition of Rampur is still pulsating as ever and one feels completely rejuvenated on visiting this place.
The main attraction of Rampur is the Lavi Fair, which is supposed to be one of the biggest fairs of North India. This fair is held every year during the second week of November. The fair is quite popular among the people in Shimla and is held for three days. The fair is abuzz with life and activities as it is a major crowd puller. The fair is commercial in nature as tradesmen and craftsmen come from all over Shimla to buy, sell and exchange articles like dry fruits, shawls, blankets, crop produce, handicraft items, fruits, etc. Some people even trade in livestock like sheep, goats, cows and horses.
Rampur is famous for its handspun blankets that are popularly known "Rampuri Chaddar" (Chaddar is Hindi for blanket). The blankets are known for their softness and durability and tourists make it a point to buy atleast one from here.
Rampur benefited from the wide range of economic and cultural exchanges. Today, Rampuris a busting town that retains a substantial measure of its past and is still a melting pot of the cultures of the region and has its historical palaces and temples.
The tradition of Rampur is still pulsating as ever and one feels completely rejuvenated on visiting this place.
How to Reach
By Air
Jubbarhatti Airport in shimla is closest to Rampur. Tourists can avail buses or hire cars that will take them to Rampur. Shimla is well connected to many places in India so it is convenient for tourists to get here.
By Road
Private buses as well as buses of the state Government are available on a daily basis to travel from shimla to Rampur. One can also travel by taxi or hire private vehicles to save time as it takes nearly 3 hours to travel from Shimla to Rampur by Bus.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Kalka which is 132km from Shimla. Kalka is well connected with cities like Delhi, Kolkata and Chandigarh. Direct trains to shimla are not available.
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Rampur,Himachal pradesh,India