Showing posts with label Himalayan Safari. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Himalayan Safari. Show all posts
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.
Ladakh 2013 11n12d
February 04, 2013
Ladakh Rustic Ramble Safari
11 Nights and 12 Days
4 N Leh, 1 N Manali, 1 N Keylong, 1 N Sarchu, 1 N Uley Tokpo, 1 N Nubra, 1 N Kargil, 1 N Srinagar
Best Time - June to Sep
Tour Code: Ladakh-11n12d
Rates per person on Twin Sharing
Call for rates Connect with our expert on the subject - Whatsapp - 9619182010 / asif@natureknights.net
Day 1 Arrival Chandigarh and transfer to Manali - Arrive at Manali and transfer to Hotel.
Overnight stay at Manali L/D
Day 2 Manali Rohtan Pass Koksar Keylong Lahaul Spiti - Depart Manali early in the morning our first halt is Marhi A barren landscape offering extensive views of the valley and the mountains. We proceed to Rohtang Pass 3790 Meter is most popular with visitors, being one of the highest road point and gateway to Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. Pass remains closed during winter due to heavy snow from November end to May end. Visitors can drive upto Marchi below Rohtang with similar high altitude topography, forest of Birch, Fir and Spurce. Once we cross the Rohtang Pass Border we are in the barren Himalayas with the landscape completely changing Khoskar is the first village and gateway to Lahaul Overnight stay in Keylong BF/L/D
Day 3 - Keylong Darcha Jispa Sarchu - Keylong to Sarchu - Enroute Darcha is situated at the junction of Yotche Nullah and the Zangskar Chhu which takes off from the Shinkun La. Both these nullahs meet with main river Bhaga at this place. The valley broadens out from Darcha. The altitute of Darcha is about 3500 meters which makes it an ideal base camp for acclimatisation. Darcha is the jumping off point for treks to Padum over the Shinkun la or Baralacha la and Phirtse la and for treks or mountaineering expeditions to Leh and peaks of Chandra Bhaga series. However no tourist bungalow or rest house facilities are available on either side of the nullahs. A police check post is also there. Darcha is the last village where one can see sparse growth of trees. Beyond Darcha not even a single tree can be seen on either side of the highway. Landscape starts looking desolate and absolutely barren. Glance at JISPA. This beautiful spot is 22 kms away from Keylong and 4 kms ahead of Ghemur. The village is situated at the junction of two nullahs with the main river Bhaga. Jispa has a very large dry river-bed, a rarity in Lahaul.Jispa is a new tourism centre coming up with the monasteries of Yarji and Photang where his Holiness the Dalai Lama gave the Kal Chakra sermon a few days back to the Buddhists all over the world. The mountaineering Institute of Manali has a sub centre here for adventure tourism. Sarchu is the last inhabited point in Himachal Pradesh on the Manali-Leh route- which is regarded as one of the highest highways in the world. Arrive in Sarchu and check into your Camp. Overnight in Camp BF/PKDL /D
Day 4 Sarchu Nakeela La Changla Pass More Plains and Reach Leh - Sarchu to Leh, depart in the morning at dawn. Our Journey through Nakeela and Lachlangla Pass 16617 feet, Reach Pang by afternoon lunch break at Pang, enroute. More Plains (Biggest and Highest Plateau on
Earth on Stretch of 42 Kms), Taglang La Pass (2nd Highest Motorable Road in the World at A Height of 17,585ft) & reaching Upshi, from here the road follows the Indus River, passing villages with there terraced Fields and neat- Whitewashed houses. On a way one notice the ruins have an ancient Fort or palace or the distant glimpse of gompa on a hill. And at last reaching Leh .Over night in Leh BF/PKDL /D
Day 5 Excursion to Shey, Thiksey and Hemis. Today we proceed for Indus Valley monastery tour. We start with a visit to Shey the ancient capital of Ladakh. The monastery here has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha Sakyamuni with a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue. Then we visit Thiksey Gompa an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future. Drive further to visit the famous Hemis Gompa founded in 1630's by Stag-tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Sengge Namgyal.Hemis is one of the largest and richest Gompas of Ladakh. The two-day festival of monastic dance in June-July has raised the reputation of Hemis particularly high. The festival is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as second Buddha and responsible for spreading Buddhism in the Tibetan world. Later in the evening we drive back to hotel Overnight in Leh BF/PKDL /D
Day 06 Khardungla K Top Nubra Valley- Tour of Khardungla Pass 18832 Ft , Nubra Valley and Hundur Sand Dunes – Drive 120 Kms 4/5 Hrs ( Temperatures below Freezing point at Khardungla Pass) ensure to carry heavy winter clothes as most of the time this pass has snow. Khardungla is the World's highest motorable road at 18832 feet above sea level. At Khardungla pass the snow capped peaks and the mountain views are amazing. The road then passes through a bridge laid on Glacier which finds its way in Guinness Book of world records , Drive through the Valley which is extremely beautiful for photography.Nubra Valley is the Oasis of Ladakh as you see some colourful trees in this region. Later reach your camp visit the Sand Dunes if lucky you will get the sight of the Two Hump Bacterian camels, enjoy time at the Sand Dunes of Nubra valley spread across Hundur Village . Over Night at the camp BF/PKDL /D
Day 7 Nubra Valley to Leh - After breakfast proceed to Diskit monastery which is 515 years old situated on hill top giving panoramic view of the valley. Later we will visit Singhu Point (Indus River where all the Singhes pay holy bath) and Stok Museum. The Stok Palace and Museum is around 200 years old. The Palace and Museum at Stok is a showpiece for the royal tankhas, royal crown, dresses, coins, precious stones and turquoise head dresses. Return back to the hotel for dinner overnight stay at the hotel in Leh. BF/PKDL/D.
Day 8 Pangong Lake and Chanla Pass - An early start to the day for our visit to Pangong Lake at a distance of 155 kilometers. This beautiful turquoise coloured is worth its drive and time. Half of this beautiful lake is under Chinese occupation. This visit to the lake involves crossing of Changhla pass. Packed lunch. Drive back to leh evening free time in Leh market and back to the hotel for dinner. Overnight in Leh Hotel BF/PKDL/D.
Day 9 Alchi Uleytokpo Basgo Palace, Likir Monastery, Magnetic Hill - Leh Alchi Ule (4 hrs). After breakfast drive to Indus River. Rafting for 4 to 5 hours optional cost and sightseeing points Basgo Palace, Liker Monastery, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Visit Alchi Monastery and evening free at the camp. Overnight in Uleytokpo BF/PKDL/D.
Day 10 Moonland Lamayuru Maitrey Buddha Kargil - Ule Alchi - Kargil 06 Hrs. Sightseeing tour of Moonlandscape, visit Lamayuru). The Oldest Monastery of Ladakh Giant Statute of Maitreya Buddha in Mulbekh Check into your hotel in Kargil Overnight Kargil BF/PKDL/D.
Day 11 Kargil - Drass Sonamarg - Srinagar (7 to 8 hrs) by 5am proceed to Srinagar via Drass. The second coldest inhabited place in the world. Experience the splendid view of Kargil famous peaks Tiger Hill and Tololing Peaks. At Vijay Smarak we shall pay homage to the martyrs of the Indian Army. Arrive at Srinagar by afternoon. Rest day for free to do your own activities. Overnight in Srinagar House Boat BF/PKDL/D.
Day 12 Drop at Srinagar Airport (flight cost not included) BF.
Day 9 Alchi Uleytokpo Basgo Palace, Likir Monastery, Magnetic Hill - Leh Alchi Ule (4 hrs). After breakfast drive to Indus River. Rafting for 4 to 5 hours optional cost and sightseeing points Basgo Palace, Liker Monastery, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Visit Alchi Monastery and evening free at the camp. Overnight in Uleytokpo BF/PKDL/D.
Day 10 Moonland Lamayuru Maitrey Buddha Kargil - Ule Alchi - Kargil 06 Hrs. Sightseeing tour of Moonlandscape, visit Lamayuru). The Oldest Monastery of Ladakh Giant Statute of Maitreya Buddha in Mulbekh Check into your hotel in Kargil Overnight Kargil BF/PKDL/D.
Day 11 Kargil - Drass Sonamarg - Srinagar (7 to 8 hrs) by 5am proceed to Srinagar via Drass. The second coldest inhabited place in the world. Experience the splendid view of Kargil famous peaks Tiger Hill and Tololing Peaks. At Vijay Smarak we shall pay homage to the martyrs of the Indian Army. Arrive at Srinagar by afternoon. Rest day for free to do your own activities. Overnight in Srinagar House Boat BF/PKDL/D.
Day 12 Drop at Srinagar Airport (flight cost not included) BF.
To Know all about Ladakh Click Here
Ladakh 2013 5n6d
February 04, 2013
Ladakh - Lakes and Landscapes in a Whiff
05 Nights 06 Days Pangong Lake. Khardungla ( K Top ). Stok. Sham Valley. Alchi .Shey Thiksey Hemis . Best Time - May to Sep Lake and Landscapes of Ladakh with Pangong Lake. Khardungla ( K Top ). Stok. Sham Valley. Alchi .Shey Thiksey Hemis . Tour Code: Ladakh-2013-5N6D Rates per person on Twin Sharing Budget Cost Starting at Rs._________ /- (For Group size of 6 Persons).. Connect with our expert on the subject - 9619182010 / asif@natureknights.net  Day 01 Arrive Leh; 3505 meters / 11567 feet. Arrive Kushok Bakula airport Leh - 3500m above sea level. Transfer to hotel. Breakfast at the hotel before 09.30 am and Full day at rest for acclimatization. Lunch at the hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel in Leh. BF/L/D Day 02 Drive Sham Valley & Alchi -70km after breakfast, carry packed lunch for the day. Sightseeing of 1000 year old Alchimonastery the only Gompa in Ladakh region on flat ground., Thereafter proceed to the Likir Monastrey to visit the splendid three storey Dharma Wheel Gompa. Here you'll be awestruck with the sight of the massive Buddha statues., Indus & Zanskar river Sangam , drive along the Indus river visiting, Pathar Sahib Gurdwara and Magnetic Hill (where the cars defy gravity), Basgo Palace Hiking only and further on to Leh Hall of Fame (which has a museum of the Kargil War memorabilia)Dinner and Over Night at the Hotel in Leh. BF/PKDL/D Day 03 Tour of Hemis, Thiksey Shey monastery 3 Idiots School Campus Sindhu Darshan and Shanti Stupa -.After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to visit Hemis Monastery situated 45 kilometers west of Leh; Hemis is the largest and the wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. From Hemis, you are driven back taking the same route to visit Thiksey Monastery, located on a hill-lock with formidable views of the Indus valley. Thiksey is especially noteworthy for its gigantic seated statue of the Maitreya and is also known for its (Dukhang) assembly hall which houses hundreds of rectangular prayer books, stacked between wooden covers and bound in silk. After that we continue to drive through series of chortens to visit Shey Palace the former summer palace of the King of Ladakh. 3 Idiots School Campus Sindhu Darshan visit and Later in the afternoon, we will then drive to visit the Shanti stupa to catch the entire view of Leh city with the Indus River, we will spend some time to catch the sunset and further on to Leh Dinner and Over Night at the Hotel in Leh. BF/PKDL/D Day 04 Tour of Khardungla Pass & Stok – ( Temperatures below Freezing point) ensure to have heavy winter clothes as most of the time this pass has snow Khardungla is the World's highest motorable road at 18832 feet above sea level. At Khardungla pass the snow capped peaks and the mountain views are amazing. In the afternoon we will visit Singhu point (Indus river where all the Singhes pay holy bath) and Stok Museum. The Stok palace and museum is around 200 years old. The palace and museum at Stok is a showpiece for the royal tankhas, royal crown, dresses, coins, precious stones and turquoise head dresses.return back to the hotel for Dinner over Night at the Hotel in Leh. BF/L/D Day 05 Tour of Pangong Lake- It is the highest land locked lake ( 155 Kms on way from Leh 05 Hrs driver each way . After an early breakfast we Leave for Pangong Lake through Changla pass 5486 Mtrs. Pangong Lake, situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). A long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly six to seven kilometer at its widest point and over 130km long, it is bisected by the international border between India and China. A few years back the government decided to open it to tourists though the lake and its surrounding is under army surveillance. Enjoy the landscape in the back drop of the Lake. One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. Drive back to Leh Over Night at the Hotel in Leh. BF/PKDL/D Day 06 Transfer from Leh hotel to Leh Airport. End of services For more options on Ladakh / Inclusions and Exclusions Click Here To Know all about Ladakh Click Here |
