Explorers Road Trip to Himachal Chamba Region
March 01, 2017
A Fresh Explorers Road Trip to Chamba Region of Himachal
Road Trip in Chamba Region of Himachal at 6500 to 9000 feet above sea level; Walking Tours in Dalhousie; Easy Conifer Hikes to Conifer Forests of Khajiyar (Mini Switzerland of the east) and Kalatop
The Dalhousie is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, established in 1854 by the British Empire's government in India as a summer retreat for its troops and officials.
It is built on and around five hills, Kathalagh, Potreyn, Terah, Bakrota and Bhangora. Located on the western edge of the Dhauladhar mountain range of the Himalayas, it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Dalhousie is situated between 6,000 and 9,000 feet (2,700 m) above sea level. The best time to visit is in the summer, and the peak tourist season is from May to September. Scottish and Victorian architecture are prevalent in the bungalows and churches in the town.
Explorers Tour Plan
Day 1: May 13, 2017 (Overnight Volvo Bus Journey - Delhi to Pathankot)
Day 2: May 14, 2017 Arrival at Dalhousie
4:00 am arrival at Pathankot, onward journey towards Dalhousie (3 hours journey plus the time we spend during break for breakfast)
Check-in to hotel; as per check-in timings (Stay at Hotel rest and walking tours during evening)
Stay: Overnight at Hotel at Dalhousie
Meals: Breakfast on the way, Dinner at Hotel
Day 3: May 15, 2017 Trip to Khajiar (One Day)
Day trip to Khajir, full day exploring Khajir (We will also go for a easy trek in conifer trails of Khajiar 5 to 6 km).
About the place:
Khajjiar is a hill station in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, India, located approximately 24 km from Dalhousie.
Khajjiar sits on a small plateau with a small stream-fed lake in the middle that has been covered over with weeds. The hill station is surrounded by meadows and forests. It is about 6,500 feet (2,000 m) above sea level in the foothills of the Dhauladhar ranges of the Western Himalayas and peaks can be seen in the distance. It is part of the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary.
It has a rare combination of three ecosystems: lake, pasture and forest, it is also called the Mini Switzerland.
Places of interest
The best entertainment in Khajjiar is to walk around the lake or to go for long walks in the thick pine forests. Children enjoy this place because of the freedom of movement and the sloped terrain which permits them to roll down to the lake without getting hurt. Another attraction is horse riding.
Dauladhar mountains:
Dense deodars, pines and lush green meadows are characteristic of Khajjiar. Since Khajjiar is situated at the base of the Dauladhar mountains, the tourists here can get panoramic views of the mountains.
Khajjiar Lake
Khajjiar Lake is a small lake, surrounded by saucer-shaped lush green meadow and a floating island. The dense growth of weed called vacha has made its earth spongy. Now the banks stand covered by a thick layer of earth, formed by the years of dust settling down on the weeds.
Khajjinag temple
A little away from the lake is the temple of Khajji Nag belonging to the 12th century AD made by the king of chamba Preeti Singh . In the mandapa of the temple one can see the images of the Pandavas and the defeated Kaurvas hanging from the roof of the circumambulatory path. The sanctum of the temple has been beautifully carved from wood. This temple is dedicated to snake (Nāga) worship and there are some snake idols inside.
Grasslands of Khajjiar
Trekking
Khajjiar offers numerous trekking opportunities. Khajjiar to Dainkund is a 3.5 kilometre easy to moderate trek. The trek starts 6 kilometres from Khajjiar on the Dalhousie-Khajjiar road and ends at Pholani Devi Temple at Dainkund. This trek with a well-defined trail and moderate ascent is an excellent trek for beginners and children. The trek offers excellent views and a beautiful camping site.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel at Dalhousie
Day 4: May 16, 2017 Trip to Kalatop (One Day with small conifer trail trek)
Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary is a 30.69 km² animal sanctuary at Kalatop and Khajjiar in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The sanctuary area is well laid out for trekking trails both at Kalatop and Khajjiar. There is a dense deodar and fir forest covering 19.63 km² of the sanctuary, which is about 6 km from Dalhousie. Pheasants, serow and black bear are some of the common animals found here. The sanctuary lies in the path of the Ravi River, and is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests.
Kalatop Forest Rest House
The vegetation consists of blue pine and deodar forest, with oak. Undergrowth in the forest area is well developed.
• Mammals- bear, Himalayan Black Marten, leopard, deer, Barking Goral, squirrel, serow, jackal, langur.
• Birds- Blackbird
Birds in this sanctuary many Birds are found some of them are listed below:- 1. Eurasian Jay 2. Whitewinged Black Bird 3. Black Headed Jay 4. Chesnut Billed Rock Thrush 5. Blackheaded Jay. 6. Grey Headed Cannery Flycatcher.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner at Dalhousie Hotel.
Overnight at Dalhousie Hotel
Day 5: May 17, 2017 Dalhousie Site Seeing
Dalhousie is a gateway to the ancient Chamba Hill State, now Chamba District of the state of Himachal Pradesh of India. This hill region is a repository of ancient Hindu culture, art, temples, and handicrafts preserved under the longest-running single dynasty since the mid-6th century. Chamba is the hub of this culture. Bharmour, the ancient capital of this kingdom, is home to the Gaddi and Gujjar tribes. It has 84 ancient temples dating from the 7th–10th centuries AD.
Major attractions
Dalhousie has many places to visit. A favorite spot for tourists is the area near Alla. It is a potato field and it offers mesmerizing scenic landscape. Another popular spot is the area of Karelanu. It is famous for its precious water, which healed Subhas Chandra Bose. He was suffering from tuberculosis and he regularly drank the water from the natural spring in Karelanu and was healed. Some of the major tourist attractions of the town are:
Few of the places of interest near Dalhousie (Note the list is only a checklist for exploring not a planned itinerary of package)
• Dainkund Peak
• Khajjiar
• Bakrota Hills
• Village Lohali
• Gandhi Chowk(G.P.O)
• Bakrota Hills
• Dalhousie Cantonment
• Sadar Bazar
• Tibetan Market
• Panchpula[6]
• Kalatop and Kalatop Forest
• Salooni about 50 km from Dalhousie provides a breathtaking view.
Breakfast and Dinner at Dalhousie Hotel.
Overnight in Hotel at Dalhousie
Day 6: May 18, 2017 Rest and Shopping (Evening start back for Delhi)
Dalhousie to Pathankot by Tempo/ Pathankot to Delhi overnight by Volvo
Breakfast at Hotel in Dalousie / Overnight in Volvo
Day 7: May 19, 2017 Arrival at Delhi (End of Tour)
Cost Rs.18,750/- per head. MAP. (Double sharing, Hotel Grade Deluxe - Single Star) + Approximately Rs.500/- per head for two planned exploring treks at Khajiar and Kaltop to cover the cost local guide fee and entry fee, tolls if any)
Child Policy:
Below 5 years (FOC)
5 years to 8 years old (50% Discount) if the child shares parents bed;
30% discount if the child wants seperate bedding.
Child Policy:
Below 5 years (FOC)
5 years to 8 years old (50% Discount) if the child shares parents bed;
30% discount if the child wants seperate bedding.
Inclusions in Rs.18,750/-:
Travel
Delhi to Pathankot (Return Trip by Volvo)
Pathankot onwards travel by Private Tempo Traveler (Force with good driver)
Site seeing by Tempo Traveller (Private) as per planned program.
Stay: All Night Halts at Hotel in Dalhousie (Check-in on May 14th and Check-out on May 18th)
(All meals at Hotel as per Hotel Package - Breakfast and Dinner i.e. May 14th Dinner to May 18th Breakfast); May 14th Breakfast during travel included
13th Night and 18th Night in Volvo.
Exclusions:
May 18th Dinner not included. All Lunch and any other meals during travel not included.
Tips/Shopping etc. cost not included.
Any cost of Guides / Entry Fee into Forest Parks etc not included.
Any cost due to change in program; vehicle breakdown; emergencies like road block; act of god; strikes etc. not included.
Cost of Hotel/ Meals in Delhi if applicable Delhi not included.
Cost of any room service; custom menu order; bottled water; beverages not part of hotel package.
Anything that is not included is excluded.
Contacts and Registration
M. Asif
Whatsapp / SMS - +91-9619182010
Cell Phone: +91-9819983722
email: natureknights@Gmail.com / asif@natureknights.net
offbeatmandala@gmail.com
For Inquire call, sms or email.
.JPG)
