Hidden Himachal

The main Tourism circuits in Himachal Pradesh are fairly well known and even remote districts like Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur are now coming into the tourist mainstream. Himachal has however many undiscovered spots with unspoilt charm that are worth a visit for a quiet rewarding holiday - spent amidst the splendor of nature, away from the crowds.

Chamba

Bharmaur is linked by road to Chamba and is about 65 km away. Surrounded by alpine pastures, this is the summer home of the nomadic Gaddis. Bharmaur, once known as Brahampur, was between the 6th and 10th centuries, the capital of princely state of Chamba. It is renowned for its cluster of temples - collectively known as the 'Chaurasi'. Though of varying architectural designs, these temples are noted for their fine workmanship. From Bharmaur, the Kugti and Chobia passes and trek routes they offer can be approached. Other interesting places at hand are the temples of Bani Mata and picturesque Khundel.

Bhandal Valley
Bhandal Valley is linked to Salooni (22 km) in the Chamba valley by road. The beautiful Bhandal Valley with its wealth of wildlife is at the western extremity of Himachal Pradesh. Approachable from Chamba, it is the base for a trek routes that connect Chamba to the Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir over the Dagni Dhar. The route begins along the right bank of the river Ravi, goes past Pukhri, down to the Siyul stream, then rises to Salooni on the Prithvi Jor ridge to finally arrive above the valley. From Bhandal via Langhera one reaches Kishtwar. The highest point on the trek is the Padri Gali at 3049 m.

Pangi Valley
Locked between the greater Himalyan and Pir Panjal ranges, the wild and beautiful Pangi Valley is 173 km from Chamba. Its subdivision headquarters at Killar is located in the deep and narrow gorge of the river Chanderbhaga (Chenab). The foaming river, the high crags of the gorge and the difficult terrain are a challenge for intrepid trekkers. The Sach Pass (4428 m) opens the way to several trek routes. Thick forest the habitat of varied wild life surround the Pangi Valley and the numerous side valleys - Saichu, Hunam, Sural Nallah, that are also endowed with remarkable natural beauty. The temple of Mindhal Basan Devi in Pangi is an important shrine. Appropriately, the people of Pangi are as attractive as the tract they inhabit.

Inner and Outer Seraj regions of Kullu. Outer Seraj faces Shimla district and reaches out to touch the river Sutlej and Inner Seraj turns towards Kullu. Anni near Sutlej provides the access point to Outer Seraj from Shimla. Some of the beautiful unspoilt spots in this area include Change, a wide meadow surrounded by thick forests and Takara and Pane which have fine rest houses. Within Outer Seraj is Normandy known for its exquisite wood and stone temples. The 5155 m Shrikhand Mahadev Peak is a part of Outer Seraj. Beyond the Jalori Pass the scenic splendor of the Inner Seraj area unfolds. This area has variety of trek routes.

Jalori Pass
The Jalori Pass which links Inner and Outer Seraj is 76 km from Kullu. Its crest offers panoramic views of the area. The new pass is a man made one and was carved out of the mountain range in the early part of the twentieth century. This is about 150 m lower than the old Jalori Pass. Surrounded by majestic forests, this area is home to the Himalyan brown bear and certain varieties of pheasant - including the Mona and Tarpon. The Shangri Rich Temple is close-by, and 5 km from the Pass is the jewel like Sloes Lake.

Shoja
Shoja in Inner Seraj is close to the Jalori Pass. A charming unspoilt location of exceptional beauty overlooking lush meadows and tall snow-capped ranges, Shoji is 69 km from Kullu via Aut. The Raghupur Fort and Dough Thatch, a lovely grassy meadow very close to Shoja are worth visiting.

Macchiyal Lake, the Bassi Power House, Gumma and the haulage trolley.

Jhantigri
Jhantigri is about 12 km from Joginder Nagar. This enchanting spot on the top of the hill is surrounded by a thick forest of deodar trees. The remains of the summer palace of the former rulers of Mandi are located here. The spot unfolds breathtaking visats of the valleys below.

Barot
Just 40 km by road from Joginder Nagar and 12 km by haulage trolley, Barot packs an enormous range of outdoor activities. The reservoir of the Joginder Nagar Hydel Power Project is located here. A trout breeding centre, makes it a wonderful place for angling. Across the river Uhl is the Nargu wildlife Sanctuary - home to the ghoral, Himalyan black bear and a variety of pheasants. A trek route through thick forests links Barot to Kullu.

Shikari Devi
The trek to Shikari Devi from Janjheli and Karsog is possible. Through woods of assorted trees and shrubs - which include several medicinal herbs - two separate trek routes lead up to this ancient shrine which crowns the top of a hill. One approach is from Janjehli and the other from Karsog. Hunters in the area once prayed to the Goddess for success in their hunt - and here, perhaps, lies the origin of the name 'Shikari Devi'. The Goddess is worshipped in the form of a stone image. Interestingly, the temple which is said to have been in existence since the time of the Pandavas, has no roof - for local legend has it, that all attempts to build one have been unsuccessful.

Tattapani
On the bank of the river Sutlej, Tattapani is approachable from Mandi via Karsog. It is also approachable via Shimla. Resting deep in a scenic valley and surrounded by high hills, Tattapani is famous for its hot sulpher springs- noted for their therapeutic powers.

Prashar Lake
An interesting 14 km. trek is possible along a steep track from Kataula, which is easily accessible from Mandi. The beautiful Prashar Lake is located high in the mountains, 40 km north of Mandi. It is here that sage Prashar is said to have meditated. On the lake's edge is a three-storeyed pagoda-like temple dedicated to the sage. Capped with a roof of slate tiles, the temple has a wealth of wood carving. It is said to have been built by Raja Ban Sen of Mandi in the 14th centuary. An entire panorama of snowy mountain ranges is visible from this location.

Masrur
Fifteen richly carved, monolithic, rock temples, dating back to the 8th century, are to be found at Masrur, just 22 km from Ranital Railway Station, 40 kms from Kangra and 42 kms. from Dharamshala. Located on a hillock that rises above a well watered and fertile tract of considerable natural beauty - they are framed by the snow-clad peaks of Dhauldhar mountains. These shrines similar to the rock-cut temples at Ellora and Mahabalipuram, are the only monuments of this style in northern India. With rich ornamentation executed over staggering proportions, the Masrur temples brings to mind the remark that Indian temple builders "conceived like giants and had the finish of jewelers". Images of Lord Rama, Laxmana and Sita are installed in the central shrine.

Maharana Pratap Sagar
The Maharana Pratap Sagar can be approached from Pathankot via Jassur, from Chandigarh via Talwara and from Dharamshala via Dehra. The shimmering waters of the Pong Dam reservoir are clearly visible from the heights of Dharamshala. A man-made wetland over the River Beas, the lake, is the habitat of a variety of migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia. Over 220 species of birds have been sighted here. It is also an excellent place to go fishing for mahaseer, there are numerous spots for the angler.

Bir and Billing
Just 16 km from Joginder Nagar and 19 km from Baijnath, Bir is located amidst verdant fields and tea gardens. There is large Tibetan community and beautiful monastery here. Facing Bir is the fort of Ahju to which a trek can be made. Surrounded by an amphitheater of low hills Bir is an ideal landing ground for hang/paragliders. The road to Billing goes past Bir and climbs through thick woods. Billing, 14 km from Bir with its arena of 200 km or more for high altitude and cross country flying is an exceptional site for aero sports. An annual hang gliding festival is held at Billing.

Bahadurpur
Close to the town of Bilaspur (40 km), Bahadurpur range towers over lesser hills of the area. A small forest of deodar and Himalayan oak that spreads over it considerably enhances its beauty. The crest offers panoramic view and the Ratanpur Fort, Swarghat, the Fatehpur Fort, Naina Devi, the plains near Ropar and even the Shimla hills can be seen from here. The Bahadurpur Hill is crowned by the remains of a circular fort which was built by Raja Keshab Chand in the 17th century.

Swarghat
Swarghat is 40 km from Bilaspur on Chandigarh- Bilaspur road and 22 km from Nalagarh. It is surrounded by low rolling hills that are draped by forests of pine. It is an attractive picnic spot, and forms an interesting excursion. The shrine of Naina Devi and the Bhakra Dam are approachable from here. The link road for Nalaragh and Pinjor turns off from the National Highway at Swarghat.

Kot Kehlur
The square structure of the fortress of Kot Kehlur is 3 km from Ganguwal, close to boundary with Punjab. This impressive fort, over 30 m high, has effectively withstood the ravages of time, and is said to have been built by Raja Bir Chand. Legend has it that at the site of the fort, a goat staved off an attack by a lion to protect its new-born kid. This was taken as an auspicious sign and the fort was constructed at the site of the struggle.

Rajgarh
Just 30 km from Solan, Rajgarh blessed with considerable natural beauty, is an unspoilt retreat set amidst apple orchards. Its entry into the tourist circuit is relatively recent. A rest house and eating places made it convenient for a holiday.

Shillai
Approachable by road from Paonta Sahib and Sataun and surrounded by woods, Shillai lies close to the River Tons. It is closely allied with the worship of local deities Shirgul and Gugga and is an important centre of folk culture. A trek to the 3647 m peak of Choor Chandni also called the Churdhar, loosely translated as the 'mountain of the silver bangle', can be made from here via Haripur Dhar. A trek to Chakrata in Uttar Pradesh is also possible from Shillai.

45 km from Pinjore in Haryana, and at the half-way point on the road to Swarghat, Nalagarh was the capital of princely state having the same name. The Nalagarh Valley is a long strip bounded by the heavily eroded range of the Shivaliks in the south and west and the spurs of the outer Himalayas to the north-east. Around the valley are the ruins of the Surajupur, Malaon, Ramgarh and Chamba forts. Nalagarh is best known for its fortified palace and its fine wall paintings. This palace, recently refurbished is now a Heritage Hotel and promises an unusual royal experience to visitors.

legend, the temple complex is a resplendent example of hill architecture. Sarahan is also the gateway to Kinnaur.

Chanshal
Chanshal is the high pass that is closed in October and reopened only in April. This pass hides the fascinating tract of Dodra-Kwar, where time seems to have stood still for several centuries. From here one can descend to the Rupin River. One can also trek on via Natwar and Panog to Haripur Dhar, include the Churdhar and loop around to Chaupal.

Chopal
The little town of Chopal, 100 km from Shimla, has an authentic flavor of the Himachal hills, With wood and slate houses surrounded by forest of deodar tress, with high snow covered peaks in sight, Chopal has a perfect picturesque setting. This is one of the starting points of the trek to the churdhar Peak. Above Chaupal is an old temple dedicated to Lankra Bir (Bhairon), and at Sarain, there is the Bijjat Temple.