Beautiful Himachal

Shakti Maror trek of GHNP

2011-07-07T19:16:00.006+05:30

View of Raktiser area from Gugnadhar

Shakti and Maror are the remotest villages of Kullu District . Shakti is around 17 km and Maror about 24 km from road head . Due to their isolation a distinct culture has been developed in the area . Devta ( Local deity ) is very powerful and govern almost all the aspects of local people's life.

Entire 17 km trek from Niharni to Shakti passes through dense forest along the Sainj river ( Great Himalayan National Park and Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary )

Area is also heaven for bird watchers , we recorded more than 40 bird species along the trek .

Water fall near Shakti village

view from Shakti trekking Hut

Temple at Shakti village

Dhale peak in Rainbow ....

2011-06-01T19:59:00.000+05:30

Different kinds of Rainbow - During my recent tour of Sainj valley, I met with an old lady of about 100 years old . But she was full of life with any physical inability. She was like a lively rainbow full of colors . It reminds me that a true rainbow is not in the sky , it is in your heart , share it with others and it will burst with vivid colours in the sky.

Shangarh area of Sainj Valley .....

2011-05-20T13:07:00.005+05:30

Recently I visited Shangarh village of Sainj Valley . At present this place is not connected with proper road ( there is one forest road but it is very risky ) and after trekking 7-8 km when one reaches at Shangarh a spectacular view of nature awaits him .

Old temples of Kullu Valley ......

2011-05-09T01:01:00.004+05:30

Basesara Mahadeva Temple , Bajaura

Baserara Mahadev temple which is dedicated to God Shiva is one of the most ancient temple of Kullu valley . It was built in ninth century AD . Due to its beautiful stone carvings and architecture it has been declared as protected monument of national importance.

Besesara Mahadev temple , Bajaura

Gauri Shankar Temple Naggar

This beautiful temple dedicated to God Shiva was built during eleventh century AD .

Krishna Temple Near Naggar

This beautiful temple is situated near Naggar and probably only Krishna temple in Kullu Valley . History of this temple is unknown however priest of this temple informed that temple was initially built by Pandavas and afterward Kullu king renovated this temple in seventeen century AD .

Parashar Lake

2010-07-01T22:14:00.006+05:30

Parashar lake is situated around 45 Km from Mandi town and 75 Km from Kullu . It is a high altitude lake ( altitude is more than 9000 ft ) . Near the lake is a three tiered pagoda like temple dedicated to Parashar Sage who is the patron god of the area . It is believed that sage Parashar meditated at this place . There is a tiny island in the middle of lake which floats from one side to another .

Parashar temple

Forest Rest House near Parashar Lake

Dhela Thatch ( alpine pasture) of Great Himalayan National Park

2010-06-22T20:17:00.006+05:30

Dhela Thatch area of Sainj valley is one of the most beautiful places of Great Himalayan national Park. Though it is a bit difficult to reach there because one has to trek 40 Kms from Neuli (road head) .

Pong Wetland

2010-02-07T18:23:00.003+05:30

Recently I visited Pong Wetland . It is a heaven for bird lovers . About 350 bird species are found here and every year around 1,50,000 migratory birds visit this wetland during winters. Pong Wetland has been declared as an International Ramsar site in the year 2002.

My recent trekking in GHNP

2010-01-26T22:56:00.008+05:30

First Day
We started trekking from Gushani and my first halt was at Rola . .When we arrived Rolla , all of us were very tired and hungry too after walking whole day (around 12 km) . The helpers in our team made the surrounding comfortable by making fire and serving us hot food. Though it was simple but we found it very delicious… After discussing the details of next day programme we all entered our tents and slept in our cozy Sleeping bags. We could hear the howling sound of Tirthan River which often made us difficult to sleep….But we were very tired…so don’t know when all of us…closed our eyes and went into deep sleep…Though It was a very cold and chilled night .

Second Day
The morning was also very cold …after taking our quick breakfast we moved to our new destination …It was shilt. After trekking for 6 hrs we reached Shilt at 4 PM but there was no water so we moved further and reached Chhordwar. It was also very cold ( Altitude was more than 10000 ft) There we spent whole night in open sky as there was no shed. and tents were limited and all of us could not be accommodated. That night was very cold and I could not sleep and spent whole night gazing the sky , which looked darker and stars seemed brighter . In the moonlight, Asurbagh area of the GHNP was looking magnificent .

View of Asurbagh area from Chhordwara

View of tirthan sanctuary from Shilt

Third Day

We started our journey at 8 AM and went upto Rakhundi top area and during our trekking we recorded many direct and indirect evidences of wild animals . our plan was to visit the Guntao but due to paucity of time we could not visit that area and returned back to Chhordwara camp . Around 4 PM sky was very cloudy giving us alarm of snow…so we started our return journey to Rolla camp immediately and reached Rolla at around 7 PM .

Rock engraving near Chhordwara

Near Rakhundi

Fourth Day
Around 7 AM in the morning when we were planning to visit/trek Vasu forest suddenly snow flakes starting touching our head and faces and we took pace to reach the gate of GHNP before the poor weather could make our trekking/returning difficult..

Kullu Dushehra

2009-10-07T20:19:00.003+05:30

The week long Kullu Dussehra festival was concluded on 4th October . I got a chance to visit the closing ceremony. Here are some photos of the colorful festival which I captured in my camera while watching the great procession of Rath Yatra of Raghunath Ji along with more than 200 local deities of Kullu valley. It is an amazing view to see all local deities covered in colorful clothes together on the famous Dhalpur Ground where the festival is organized

Great Himalayan National Park

2009-07-19T22:05:00.006+05:30

Last one month was very busy and I was too tired to update my blog as often as I want to. However during this period I visited so many areas of Great Himalayan National Park and other areas of Kullu and Mandi district . Last month I along with field staff of National Park trekked Tirthan area ( origin of Tirthan river ) of Great Himalayan National Park . It was 5 day trek and we travelled around 125 km in the interior areas of park . It was nice experience as terrain was difficult but it was very beautiful and full of surprises . We also spotted few wild animals including Western Tragopan but I could not take their photos

However I captured various shades of nature in my camera .

Gusaini Temple

Temporary bridge Near Rolla

view from Nada thach ( Altitude 3200 mt )

View from Majhoni ( 2nd day camping place , altitude 3500 mt )

Bhimdwara ( near tirthan )

Origin of tirthan river

View from Rohtang Pass

2009-06-10T10:36:00.001+05:30

Recently I visited Rohtang Pass area , a very famous tourist destination . View of trans- himalayas from here is breathtaking .

Banjar Fair

2009-05-28T18:39:00.010+05:30

The Banjar Fair is the biggest fair of Banjar Valley and is held on the 2nd of Jyestha (Hindu month, which falls between second half of May and first half of June) every year and it is dedicated to the Shringa Rishi , patron deity of the Banjar Valley. A day before the festival begins, the idol of Shringa Rishi is carried in a palanquin to his original abode and moved back to Banjar the next day. Earlier this fair was also famous for the trading of minor forest produce

Eco-Tourism in Himachal

2009-05-03T21:36:00.003+05:30

Eco Tourism Site of Forest Development Corporation

(Near Jalori Pass)

Recently I visited Sojha , Jalori pass, Saryulsar lake and Khanag areas of Kullu district . These are one of the most beautiful spots with scenic beauty scattered all around. These places have potential for good Eco- Tourism sites.

Sojha

This place is about 70 kms from Kullu in the tranquilty of Himalayas. Here Forest Rest House is surrounded by beautiful Deodar forests and Forest Department is developing this site for Eco - Tourism.

View from Sojha

Jalori Pass ( Altitude 10,000 ft.)

View from Jalori Pass

Saryulsar Lake

It is situated around 7 km from Jalori pass at an altitude of 11000 ft . It is a religious place and water of lake is very clean and there was not even a single leaf . There is an interesting story about it that if any leaf falls in lake it is immediately picked by the birds around. So the lake water is always clean and transparent.

Budhi Nagin Temple near Saryulser Lake

Lambri Pass - View from Saryulser Lake

Khanag P.W.D. Rest House

Shikari Devi Temple and Sanctuary

2009-04-26T09:22:00.000+05:30

The Shikari Devi temple is devoted to Shikari Devi , the Goddess reverred in the form of stone idol. 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". Interestingly, the temple which is said to have been in existence since the time of the Pandavas, has no roof . Temple is situated at the top of the hill and surrounded by thick Oak and Coniferous forests . The altitude is more than 3200 meter . From Janjehli , a picturesque village the distance of temple is 16 km and road passes through Shikari Devi Sanctuary .

Shikari Devi temple

view of Shikari Devi Sanctuary

Janjehli village

Rewalsar Lake

2009-03-27T18:56:00.009+05:30

Rewalsar lake is sacred to Buddhists, Sikhs and Hindus . For Tibetan Buddhists, Rewalsar is one of the places visited by Acharya Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) on his mission to spread the dharma, while for Sikhs it’s associated with the life of Guru Gobind Singh. Shiva temple is holy place for Hindus

Rewalsar Monestry

Rewalsar is very important place in Tibetan Buddhism and this place is famous for the temple of Great Guru Padmasambhav or Guru Rinpoche who occupies a highly respectable place in Tibetan Buddhism as the second Buddha . The story of Rewalsar lake is like this - In the beginning of 8th century AD Acharya Padmasambhav was teaching dakinis and his devotees on how to achieve the liberation through the supernatural power at the bank of the lake called Dhanakosha in Odiyana. Through his eyes of Dharamkaya , he saw that Sahor , the prosperous kingdom in the western Himalayan region could be developed into a centre for yogas . One day , he in order to initiate the princess of the kingdom into Buddhism reached Sahor . But , then the king simply relying on the rumours , burned Acharya Padmasambhav alive at Rewalsar in Sahor .However Acharya transformed the raging flames into a clean and deep lake and he manifested himself seating on the lotus petals. The king who was extremely impressed by his supernatural power came with his minister and public and accepted his divine teaching .

It is firmly believed that those who visit this holy lake and pays reverence towards Acharya Padmasambhav , his or her life certainly become meaningful by gaining wisdom, and eventually the state of Enlightenment.

Rewalsar Gurudwara

Rewalsar Zoo

Great Himalayan National Park

2009-03-22T18:45:00.011+05:30

I recently visited remote areas of Great Himalayan National Park. Here are some photographs of these areas.

Wildlife of Himachal Pradesh

2009-02-25T14:24:00.009+05:30

The Himachal Pradesh provides spectacular and magnificent diversity of wildlife and it is an integral part of Himachal's culture and landscape .Varying altitudinal forests of Himachal harbour several rare and threatened faunal and floral species . Prominent species found in Himachal are Snow leopard , Brown bear , Black bear , Himalayan ibex , Himalayan tahr , Serow , Musk deer , Western tragopan , Monal , Cheer pheasant etc .

Bio- geographically Himachal Pradesh can be divided into three distinct regions , the trans himalayas , the greater himalayas (high and middle mountains ) and the semi arid zone . Thses all four zones support very rich wildlife .

Avifauna - About 383 birds species are found . Of these 324 are terrestrial habitat birds and remaining 59 are wetland habitat birds

Mammals- About 74 species of mammals are found in Himachal Pradesh

In addition to above Himachal forests and rivers are home of numerous insect , reptiles and fish species .

In Himachal Pradesh there are nuber of Protected areas ( 2 National parks and 32 wild life sanctuaries ) and these areas are the keystone for biodiversity conservation .

Wildlife in Great Himalayan National Park

The true friends.....

2009-02-17T19:46:00.001+05:30

Tota Myna

Manali Sanctuary

2009-01-25T14:54:00.006+05:30

This beautiful wild area is situated only 3 Kms away from Manali town which is a very famous tourist destination. For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts this area offers great opportunity. Important wildlife found in the sanctuary are Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan, Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard, Monal,Koklash and Kalij. During winters Snow Leopard was also spotted once near Dorni area.

View of Old Manali Town

Simply Beautiful.....

2009-01-24T22:05:00.004+05:30

To be happy, One must have a Child's Heart !

This photograph was taken during a function near Bandli Sanctuary. These girls are saving themselves from sudden rains which interrupted the programme.

Jiwa Valley of Kullu

2009-01-17T18:47:00.009+05:30

Kandi Galu area of Great Himalayan National Park

Yesterday I visited the Jiwa valley of inner seraj area of Kullu . From the roadhead Majhan village is around 4 km and tract is covered by broad leaved forest and entire area was very calm and quiet. It appeared that nature was in hibernation mode .Trees had shed their leaves and they were sleeping, there was no bird sound to disturb them . When I reached Majhan village no body was there and it gave me a feeling that I was in early 20th centuary of the Himalayas . However above Majhan village Taxus forest was again lively with call of Monal and other birds . Earlier I had never seen pure Taxus forest ( taxus is a threatened species and its leave and bark are used for preparation of cancer drugs ) . Opposite to this area Kandi Galu area of Great Himalayan National Park was looking marvelous . After around 4 hour trekking I found another sleepy village Kunder which is surrounded by beautiful coniferous forest .

Majhan village

Beautiful Taxus forest

Kunder village

Shalinga Nag temple of Kunder village

Kullu - The Valley of God

2009-01-14T19:49:00.004+05:30

Old temple of sage Manu in the Sainj Valley of Kullu

The Kullu valley is rightly known as “The Valley of God” .In the entire valley there are about 360 Gods and Goddesses .Every village in the valley has a deity with a temple shrine .These Gods and Goddesses are the central figures of the village societies and the social gatherings , festivals , celebrations, marriages and other social functions are usually presided over by the deity .The temples and the deities infact control the social and religious norms of the people of Kullu .These Gods are taken to other villages or for sacred ablution to a holy river /spring or to attend the famous Dashehra festival at Kullu in nicely decorated palanquins in a lively procession of men , women and children . The Gods and Goddesses in Kullu valley own their lands, and with respect to their land holding some are very rich and some are poor .The land belonging to the deity is distributed amongst different categories of people engaged in the deity’s service. The music players, priest and kardars have share of land in lieu of services to the Gods.

Tirthan Valley of Kullu

2009-01-11T19:40:00.008+05:30

I am updating my blog after about ten days as I was very busy . Last week I visited Basleu Pass and Tung Village of Tirthan Valley. This area has historical significance because it is the shortest route between Kullu and Shimla and before the roads were constructed it was used by army and traders. Villagers of Tung village recall a historic lore that during war between the Kullu king and army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Tung Village played a very important role, people of Tung Village defeated the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and saved the king of Kullu .However later Ranjit Singh took revenge and defeated the king of Kullu and entire area was destroyed. This story is very popular and its reference often sung in folk songs of Tirthan valley area.

End of the habitable world - Tirthan Valley of Kullu

2008-12-30T16:16:00.000+05:30

In old scriptures and Hindu Mythological literature Kulantpitha ( the end of the habitable world) is the name of Kullu which is known for its scenic beauty and distinct traditions and customs. Yesterday I visited Tirthan valley area of Kullu district. From Kullu the distance of Gushaini village which is situated on roadhead , is around 60 kms which is surrounded by beautiful coniferous forest . One can see here unexplored beauty of Himalayas and experience the real wilderness .Inside the Great Himalayan National park which is around 8 km from Gushaini village it really appears that it is the end of the habitable world

Queen of Hills - Shimla

2008-12-25T14:48:00.006+05:30

Happy Christmas !

Shimla has been the favourite hill station of tourists since a long time. It is over crowded with tourists during Christmas and New Year time. The pictures shown below capture the beauty of Shimla. The church building is the land mark of Shimla, situated at Ridge . This is one of the oldest Churches of Northern India. The moving clouds can also be seen on famous Mall where tourists take stroll till late night.

The famous Ridge

Church - The landmark of Shimla

The Mall

Great Himalayan National Park

2008-12-24T17:33:00.009+05:30

Located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh the Great Himalayan National Park is one of the most picturesque area in the Western Himalayas , which is well known for its exquisite floral & faunal biodiversity and exceptional Natural Beauty. Because of its complex geography and its great variations in altitude, the limited area of the Great Himalayan National Park encompasses an enormous range of floral and faunal species, which span the subtropical to the alpine zone species .Only few areas in the world present such a variety of wildlife habitat and biological diversity in such a small area.

Beautiful Birds of Himalayas - III

2008-12-20T18:49:00.004+05:30

Indian Eagle Owl - Bubo

This is Indian Eagel Owl - Bubo. It was rescued by wildlife officials and now is kept in Manali Rescue Centre (Nature Park). The facial disc is fulvous - brown to buffy with a prominent blackish rim. Eyes are orange yellow to orange red. Lower parts are fulvous becoming whitish near the centre. Size of adult is more than 50 cms and weight is around 1 kg.

Beautiful Birds of Himalayas -II

2008-12-18T11:55:00.010+05:30

Western Tragopan

With less than 5000 individuals in the world , the Western tragopan is considered the rarest pheasant in the world . It is found in the western portions of himayayas ( Jammu & Kashmir , Himachal Pradesh and wesrern portion of Uttrakhand in India and northern porion of Pakistan . Recently this species has been announced the State bird of Himachal Pradesh .

Male Western Tragopan is large bright coloured with golden breast . Body heavily spotted , black crown , bright red hind neck and cheeks with green throat . Female is greyish brown , spotted white .

Western Tragopan ( Jujurana)

Kalij Pheasant

Male is large blackish with white crest and brown scaling on upper parts , silvery on rump , heavily feathered whitish flanks , red face , long and thick black tail. Female is brown with buff scaling . it is commenly found in western himalayas between 300 m and 3000 m .

Beautiful Birds of Himalayas - I

2008-12-17T14:45:00.011+05:30

Himalayan Monal

One of the most beautiful birds of Himalayas . Male is iridescent green , copper and purple with white patch on back and cinnamon – brown tail and a prominent crest . Female has white throat , short crest , boldly streaked underparts , white crescent on upper tail coverts, and narrow white tip to tail. Himalayan Monals are found in alpine and subalpine regions of Himalayas during summer ( 3200 m – 4500 m) and descends to lower altitudes in winter ( approximately 2500 m) .

Himalayan Monal ( Male )

Cheer Pheasant

Male Cheer Pheasant is black barred , grey above and on breast .Long back swept brown crest and red face. Female is also same but browner and short tailed . Cheer Pheasant is mainly found on steep south facing grassy slope with Chir pine trees or scrub vegetation .Altitudinal distribution range is 1600 m to 2500 m.

Cheer pheasant

Interiors of Shimla district

2008-12-15T22:49:00.007+05:30

Shimla is a very famous hill station but interior part of Shimla which is usually not visited by the tourists are very beautiful . Chopal is a small place situated about 100 kms from Shimla. It is surrounded by Deodar forest with lot of scenic beauty scattered around it.

Dhar Channa area of Shimla district ( Altitude - 2400 meter)

After 3 hours arduous trek I reached Dhar Channa area of Chopal Tehsil I found it very beautiful. This area is not connected by road and from the economic point of view area may be considered backward but its natural beauty is very rich.