High Altitude Jognis of Great Himalayan National Park

Dhela Jogni

Tirath Jogni

Because of the remoteness and inaccessible mountain terrain a distinct culture and religious practices have been developed in this part of Himachal Pradesh and high altitude areas are often associated with many sacred places .

In Great Himalayan National Park , there are many JOGNIS ( outdoor prayer sites ) which are associated with mother Goddess . During summers local deity ( Devta of the area) and villagers visit these places . Some of the prominent Jognis in GHNP are –

Tirath Jogni

Raktikhol Jogni

Raktiser Jogni

Supakuni Jogni

Sara top Jogni

Thini top Jogni

Socha thach Jogni

Rakhundi top Jogni

Socha thach Jogni

Shupakuni Jogni

Raktiser Jogni

Raktikhol Jogni

Rakti Jogni

Rakhundi Jogni

Shakti Maror trek of GHNP

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 ....

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 .....

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 ......

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

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

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) .