Fwd: FW: welcome to lahoul & spiti. himachal pradesh.......

[P L THAKUR]

 

Tourism General Information

 

Tourist Map		Monasteries
Accommodation		Fairs/ Festivals
Tourist Places in Lahaul		Adventure Tourism
Tourist Places in Spiti		Trekking
Shopping		Foreigner Section
Geographical Conditions :
The valley of Lahoul is situated to the south of Ladakh. For this very reason this place derived its name “Lho-Yul” meaning "Southern Country". To its south is situated the beautiful valley of Kullu across the Rohtang Pass (3195Mtrs) and the Bara Bangahal (Kangra) across the “Asakh” pass (5051Mtrs) . Its western boundaries touch the Pangi and Churah areas of Distt. Chamba. To its north situated the valleys of Zanskar and Ladakh across Shingola (5090 Mtrs) and Baralacha la (5450 Mtrs) respectively. Its eastern and south eastern boundaries coincide with those of Spiti and Western Tibet across the Kunzom Pass (4500 Mtrs).
Welcome to
Area & Popoulation :
As per census 2011, the area of Lahaul & Spiti District is 13,835 Sq. Kms. and population is 31,528. The density of population is 2 persons per sq. Km against the figure of 123 persons for the whole state and sex ratio is 916 females per 1000 males. There is no town in the district and entire population is rural. No. of villages = 521 (Inhabited =265, Uninhabited =256). No of Panchayat = 41 (Lahaul =20, Udaipur=8, Spiti=13) Panchayat Samittis = 2 (One in Lahaul and One in Spiti )
Approach :
Approach To Lahaul Valley: Upto Kullu by air (Bhunter Airport) or road then proceed to Manali from where one can easily reach Keylong the Headquarter town of Lahoul valley through Rohtang Pass by Bus/ Jeep. Its a 115 Km journey from Manali which takes 6 hours. Although one can opt for other approaches such as Shimla- Reckong Peo- Kaza – Kunzom – Keylong. Leh- Tanglangla – Baralacha la – Keylong. Approach To Spiti Valley: Spiti is linked via the Sutlej valley of Kinnaur with motorable road. Upto Shimla by air, rail or road. By road from Shimla to Kaza (The headquarter of Spiti division) the distance is 412 kms. This is via Narkanda, Rampur, Jeori, Wangtu, Karcham, Powari, Jangi, Puh. Due to closure of Rohtang Pass the road to Lahaul valley remains closed from Mid November to Mid May every year and due to closure of Kunzam Pass the road from Lahaul valley to Spiti i.e. Koksar-Batal-Kaza remains closed from Nov to June, however the road to Spiti valley from Kinnaur is almost all-weather road.
Climate :
Since the valley is situated in rain shadow area, north of the Pir Panjal ranges the weather remains pleasant and quite comfortable during summers i.e. from May to mid Oct. This is the best season to visit this valley. It seldom rains, and the Mercury level does not exceed 300c and never falls below 150 c through out the period mentioned above. One can always enjoy bright sunshine wandering within lush green valley. There is little or no rain in monsoons. The climate remains dry & invigorating. The days are hot and night are extremely cold. Heavy/Light woolens are recommended. During winter, i.e. from Nov. last to April because of western disturbances it snows heavily and the temp. goes down below minus. There is an average annual snow fall of about 7 feet.
Best Time to Visit :
The best time to visit Lahaul & Spiti is during summer i.e. from mid May to mid October, since the district is snowbound area and Lahaul valley remain isolated from rest of the world from October-May due to closure of the Rohtang Pass. Although Spiti is an almost all-weather place.
Food habits:
The peoples of Lahaul & Spiti have three meals a day-Ken or tshema in the morning, Shod or chicken in the noon and yangskin or Gongal at night. Their staple food is buckwheat locally known as Kathu. Barley, Wheat and Rice also consumed. Besides they consume a lot of lugri or tsagti, chhang (beer) and salted tea mixed with butter. Arak ( Local distilled liquor) is also taken occasionally. Smoking of Tobacco is very common among the aged people, but is forbidden for the ladies.
Petrol Pumps :
In district Lahaul & Spiti there are only two petrol pumps one at Tandi (Lahaul valley) which is 105 Km away from Manali and second in Kaza (Spiti valley) which is 421 Km away from Shimla. In Lahaul valley after Tandi another petrol pump is situated at Leh (J & K) which is 368 Km away from Tandi.
Tele-Communication & Internet Facilities:
In the district BSNL P&T and Mobile facility are available. The BSNL & AIRTEL cellular services are available. The BSNL coverage area is Keylong, Tandi, Sissu, Goushal, Koksar (from Keylong to Koksar side), Keylong, Udaipur, Darcha and Kaza. Recently Airtel service has also been started from Keylong this year. Right now coverage area of Airtel is only in Keylong around area. The STD Codes for Keylong is 01900, Udaipur it is 01909 and for Kaza it is 01906. The basic P&T lines are upto Darcha only on Manali-Leh highway. Besides this WLL service of BSNL is also available. Internet Facilities: At Keylong & Kaza lot of locally established Internet cybercafé are available where one can access internet through BSNL dialup & GPRS service. BSNL GPRS is also working fine in the area. Railway Reservation Ticket Counter: A Railway Reservation Ticket Counter has been opened at DC Office,Keylong in i-Cosc Centre. Where railway tickets are issued on all working days between 10:00AM to 01:00PM.
Museums/Art Galleries, Forts :
KEYLONG MUSUEM : A museum of Tribal Art along with an auditorium is being established at Keylong. The museum apart from archaeological finds displays Thanka Paintings, objects of everyday use as they existed before the achievement of modern mechanised equipments in the District. The museum is also having manuscripts in Bhoti Scripts and Tankri documents. The musuem is also having a good auditorium for hosting cultural events. Open for general public on all working days including Sunday between 10:00 AM to 05:00PM except Tuesday. The museum is under the control of Department of Language Art & Culture. At Kyuling (Spiti) the sect of the nono of Spiti ( the ruling Wazir of Spiti area under the nominal British control before Independence) have also established a small museum of artefacts.
Pin Valley National Park, Spiti :
It is located in the Pin valley of Spiti at height of 12,000 m above sea level. It is home to endangered species like Snow leopard, the endemic Himalayan Ibex, the mighty Bharal or Blue Sheep and Lynx.
Police Assistance:
To ensure safety and security of the tourists, and to guide them about the terrain, routes, weather etc kindly contact police station located in the district at following areas: Police Station, Keylong Tel: 01900-222223 Police Station, Udaipur Tel: 01909-222210 Police Station, Kaza Tel: 01906-222253 For more information on Himachal Pradesh Police, please visit http://hppolice.nic.in. And about Inner Line Permit for foreigners visit foreigner section.
Medical Assistance:
To provide the medical facilities in the district, Civil Hospital is located at district headquarter Keylong. The contact number of OPD is 01900-222255 and of emergency is 01900-222211. The hospital provides all types of medicines to the patients. The Community Health Centres are located at Udaipur, Shansha, Kaza and Primary Health Centres are located at Sissu, Gondhla, Gemur, Tholong, Jhalman, Thirot, Tingret, Tabo, Sagnam and Civil Dispensaries are located at Darcha, Phura, Kibber, Lossar, Hansa. Besides these Auyurvedic Hospital, Tibetan Dispensary & Veterinary Hospital are also located at Keylong.

 

Government Accomodation
PWD Rest Houses in Lahaul (01900-222276)			Keylong, Jispa, Patseo, Thirot, Udaipur, Tindi, Gondhla, Sissu, Koksar, Chhatru, Chota Dara
PWD Rest Houses in Spiti (01906-222572)			Kaza, Tabo, Losar, Samd, Poh, Sagna
Forest Houses in Lahaul (01900-222235)			Keylong, Jahalman, Udaipur
Electricity Rest Houses in Lahaul (01900-222291)			Karga, Thirot
Circuit Houses
Keylong (01900-222501), Udaipur (01909-222224), Kaza (01906-222202)
Private Accomodation in Lahaul
Tourist Complex Keylong			(01900-222393)
The HPTDC complex is on the Manali-Leh road at Keylong offering spectacular views of Kardang Monastery and the four high peaks mostly covered with snow. Having accomodation of 12 double bedded rooms (Rs 500/-), 3 Family Suits (Rs 800/-) & 15 bed capacity hall (Rs 150/- per bed) with intercom, CTV, Hot/Cold water, wall to wall carpet & large parking facility.			Himachal Tourism Complex view in winters also visit http://hptdc.nic.in
Hotel Tashi Deleg, Keylong			(01900-22450, 222667, 222278)
8 Delux D/Bedded Rooms (Rs 650/-), 2 Family Suits (Rs850/-) with CTV, Hot Shower, Wall to Wall carpet, 3 Ordinary D/Bedded Rooms (Rs 450/-) Taxi & Parking facility.
Hotel Gyespa, Keylong			(01900-222207)
9 D/Bedded Rooms (Rs 400) with wall to wall carpet, running hot water, Dormitory (Rs 35/- per bed), Taxi Service also available.
Hotel Valley View, Keylong			(01900-222666)
6 Delux D/Bedded Rooms (Rs 500/-) with CTV, Intercom, Hot/Cold water, 6 Ordinary D/Bedded Rooms (Rs 300/-) Also Parking & Taxi Service.
Hotel Dekyid, Keylong			(01900-222217)
1 Family Suit (Rs 2000) having 3 rooms with CTV, 22 D/Bedded Rooms (Rs 600/-) with hot water.
Hotel Snowland, Keylong			(01900-222219)
ROHTANG PASS
Rohtang pass (altitude 13050 feet) separates Kullu, from the exotic charm of the Lahaul valley. In Tibetan Rohtang means "a heap of dead bodies" and the pass stands true to its notorious name. Every year it must take toll of life and property. This is so because after 11 A.M. sudden blizzerds and snow storms called Biannas are only to be expected. The pass becomes all the more hazardous to negotiate due to frequent avalanches. The summit of the pass turns into lush green meadow in summer studded with violets and varieties of wild Himalayan and Alpine flowers. Butterflies of numerous and rare kind and varigated hues also draw the attention of' the visitor. At the highest point on top to the right as one faces Lahaul, is a small stone enclosure and a water spring which is the principal source of the river Beas; .the other, Beas kund is at the head of the Solang nullah. The place gained religious significance because of sojourn of Beas Rishi (the famous Vyasa Rishi, author of the epic Mahabharata. To the left of this pass is the little lake Sarkund. On the 20th Bhadon (early September) every year a large number of people visit this lake with the belief and hope that an early morning bath in it will cure all their ailments. Almost directly opposite and obviously only a few kms away is the well defined Sonapani glacier. Slightly to the left are the twin peaks of Gyephang La, seats of Pre Aryan Himalayan gods Jamulu and his younger brother Gyephang. These peaks are snow streaked and snow covered. The higher peak is 5856 m. high. Gyephang La can be seen from Kunzom, Pangi Lahaul and from Serchu plains across the Baralacha La. The higher of the two peaks can be seen on a clear day from as far as the Ridge in Shimla. Himachal tourism buses and taxi operators of Manali provide frequent and efficient service to the tourists in the open season. Tea and snacks are available on the top. However for food one has to halt at Marhi.
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KHOKSAR
Khoksar is the first village and gate way to Lahaul. This village is situated at an altitude of 3140 m. on the right bank of the river Chandra. There is habitation on the left bank also. H.P.P.W.D. rest house and Serai are on the left bank. Khoksar remains covered under snow during winters. This village is surrounded by high mountains and is avalanche-prone. Avalanches can be seen piled up even near the river bed. During winters Khoksar is the coldest inhabited place in Lahaul. The river freezes during winters and is covered with snow to afford regular passage for human beings as also for mule traffic. Just five kms ahead of Khoksar towards Manali is Gramphu from where a diversion to the left leads to Kaza. During summers rich growth of alpine flowers, beautiful potato fields and numerous water channels spell bound the visitor. Herds of goats and sheep can be seen grazing around. This may be of interest to the reader that Khoksar was on the old trade route from Indian plains to the West Asia.
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SISSU
This village is situated on the right bank of the river Chandra at an altitude of 3130m. The village is located on a broad flat ground above the Chandra river. Good plantations of willows and poplars on both sides of the road are so dense during summers that at places even the sun rays fail to penetrate. The terraces are green with potato, peas, barley and buck wheat. Wild roses of white, yellow and red hues with expanses of alpine flowers deck the slopes in an unforgettable feast of colours. There is a swampy patch on the river side where the Siberian wild duck and geese halt when on their way back from the Indian plains. Snow trout is also available in the village near the river side. Behind the ridge on which the village is situated is the famous and most propitiated Gyephang peak. Lord Gyephang or Ghepan is the presiding deity of Lahaul--the protector of people. In olden days people of Lahaul fought, their wars under the banner of Lord Gyephang. The temple of Lord Ghepan is in this village. The temple is not open to outsiders. Once in two/three years the deity is taken out of the temple in a procession. A little short of the village is the Sissu nullah which flows down a narrow gorge from tho Gyephang peak glaciers. Across the river one can see the beautiful Sissu fall cascading over the cliff from the high valley between the two mountains. A suspension bridge over the river provides easy access to this picturesque fall. Very good photograph of the fall can be had from the road just short of the P.W.D. rest house. Two fountain slabs dating back to 1l th or 12th C. AD can also be seen in this village.
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GONDHLA
The village is situated at a distance of 18 kms from Keylong, the district headquarters along the right bank of the river Chandra. Situated at an altitude of 3160 m. on a fairly level expanse of land this hamlet is large as compared to other villages in the valley. The village is surrounded by thick foliage of poplars and willows. From Sissue to Gondhla land is cultivable and fertile. Between these two places the whole mountain side from the peaks over 6090 m. to the river bed below 3050 m. is awe-inspiring. Glaciers and snowfields overhanging the precipices make them one of the finest in the world. House of the Thakur of Gondhla, called the Gondhla castle or fort, attracts a large number of tourists. The Present Thakur Fateh Chand would like the tourists to believe the Fort is about 20 generations old, but according to the District Gazateer of Lahaul and Spiti the fort was built in 1700 A.D. by Raja Man Singh of Kullu whose influence stretched upto the Lingti plains beyond the Baralacha-la. This Raja also married a daughter of the Gondhla family to cement his ties with the Thakur. , The castle is an example of the indigenous timber bonded stone style of the Western Himalayas consisting of alternate courses of stone and wooden beams and cemented together with wet clay. This seven storey high edifice is topped by a wooden verandah which runs round the upper storey. This is some thing like the Swiss Chalet. The staircases in the building are partially notched wooden logs. The building has many apartments which can comfortably accommodate more than 100 people. The fifth storey was exclusively meant for the Thakur. It consisted of personal prayer chamber and a verandah from where the Thakur used to listen to the public and later pronounce his judgements. Once the walls of the prayer chamber were painted all over in stone colours. Forty volumes of Kangyur can still be seen littered around and carelessly stacked on a wooden rack. Ganesha as the main deity carved on the facade of the prayer chamber. In one of the prayer chambers the window connecting the outer room is an exquisite work of wood carving. The 'jali' (net) carved on a single piece of wood looks exactly like the cane work. Raja Man Singh of Kullu is believed to have stayed in the sixth storey of the-fort in 1720 A.D. when he was on his way to Trilokinath Temple in Udaipur. Remains of the kitchen and utencils can still be seen in the room. Several weapons including bows, arrows, quivers, catapults, guns and canons beside other articles of antique value can be seen rusting in the apartments. Age old costumes, furniture and idols are also strewn around in a state of neglect. The Thakur is negotiating with the Department of Language and Culture of Himachal Pradesh to sell it as he finds it difficult to maintain this structure. Godhla Fort Another interesting article to be seen in possession of the Thakur is Sharab Raldi, i.e., "the sword of wisdom" as Sharab means wisdom and Raldi means a sword. Sword of wisdom (sanskrit Pragya Kharga) has great importance among the Tibetans. Manjushri is the Tibetaa god of wisdom and he is always portrayed carrying this sword of wisdom in his right hand. According to the Thakur this sword was given to one of his ancestors by His Holiness Dalai Lama when that ancestor had fled to Tibet sick of the designs of the local people. This sword seems to have been built in the Toledo technique of spain. This technique is stated to be superior to the Sheffield technique. In Toledo thin steel wires are beaten with a hammer to obtain the desired shape of a sword or other like weapon. One can really observe thin lines in the length of the sword. Earlier this sword was never shown to the outsiders but now an insistent visitor can see this prize sword of the Thakur. The village gompa is of historical importance. Every year in the month of July a fair is held for two days. On the first day the famous Chham or devil dance is enacted. Large number of people turn out to witness the performance. Near the Govt School there is a boulder bearing greater than life size rock carvings of some deities. Local people ascribe the work to the Pandavas of the great epic the Mahabharata. But these figures resemble some Buddhist deities, which is yet to be ascertained. In Gondhla there is a P.W.D. rest house which is surrounded by willows. No eating joint is available in the village.
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TANDI
The village is situated above the confluence of the rivers Chandra and Bhaga in the Pattan valley some 7 kms away from Keylong. Revenue and settlement records reveal that Tandi was founded by Raja Rana Chand Ram under the name of Chandi which over the years got corrupted into Tandi. There are atleast three mythological stories connected with Tandi. First, Tandi is believed to means Tan Dehi, i.e., giving up of the body. This is associated with Draupadi, the wife of Pandav. as, who left her body at this place. Second, this is believed that Rishi Vashishtha who meditated near the hot water springs of Manali was cremated at this confluence; hence named Tandi, i.e., body consumed. According to the third, Chandra and Bhaga were son and daughter of the Moon and the Sun gods respectively. They were in love with each other. To perform their celestial marriage they decided to climb the Baralacha-la and from there run in opposite directions encircling a vast tract of Lahaul. Thus flowing south-east and south-west both met at Tandi to enter the wedlock. Another village above the confluence is Gushal which looks extermely beautiful when seen from Tupchiling or Kargha. The confluence itself is best seen from Tupchiling, Kargha -and Ghushal.
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KEYLONG
Keylong is the district head quarters of Lahaul and Spifi. At an altitude of 3156 m. Keylong is situated on the main trade route between the Rohtang and Baralacha passes above the Bhaga river. Most of the government offices are located at Keylong. This is also the hub-centre of all commercial activity with a regular bazaar. Naturally Keylong is the most populated and busy village of the Lahaul valley. As far as communication facilities are concerned, there are police and telegraph radio nets, telephone exchange at Keylong and postal service throughout the valley. There are three light TV transmitter has been installed one in Sumnam village, second in Baring & third in Udaipur. In the past Keylong was home for the Moravian missionaries. Lady Of Keylong During summers Keylong is very green looking refreshingly striking against a backdrop of brown hills and snow clad peaks. Because of this panoramic setting Lieut. Col., the Honble C.G. Bruce, M.V.O. likened Keylong to a barbaric jewel--a roughly cut emerald in a bronze and silver setting. There can not be a better simile to describe the lush green charm of Keylong during summer's. "It is an oasis of green fields and willow planted water courses surrounded by brown hills and snowy heights". There is a Cricuit House, a P.W.D. rest house, a Sainik Rest House, a Tourist Bungalow and many hotels which provide accommodation to the tourists. Several eating joints and restaurants are also there for every taste. Three of the best known monasteries Tayul, Kardang and Sha-Shur are within a few kms. from this village. Tourists may also like to visit the temple of the local deity Kelang Wazir in the house of one Sh. Nawang Dorje
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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. Just on the edge of the river Bhaga is a small PWD rest house. Near this the river is shallow and plenty of trout fish can be caught during summers. The place is virtually an angler's delight. Good juniper plantation is around this village.
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DARCHA
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 the main river Bhaga at this place. The valley broadens out from Darcha. The altitude of Darcha is about 3500 m. which makes it an ideal base camp for acclimatisation. Two days acclimatisation at this place will prove useful for expeditions to Baralacha la and beyond. 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.
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SURAJ TAAL
Suraj Taal or the lake of the Sun god is situated well on the summit of the Baralacha la, a little below an altitude of 16000 feet. The Bhaga river rises in this lake which is situated in a beautiful natural amphitheatre just below the highway. "During winters it remains in the grip of a pall of ice untidy with lumps of frozen snow and jutting stones". But in the summer season this tarn comes back to its glorious charm, the deep blue of its icy waters reflecting craggy mountains and snowy heights. This is an ideal halting place for having a bite that one might be carrying. No shops or dhabas are available around this place.
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CHANDRA TAAL
The natural lake of Chandrataal is situated at about 14,000 ft above msl between a low ridge and about nine kms from the Kunzom pass. The lake lies in a broad grassy plain which in ancient times was a glacier. The lake is about a kilometre in length and half of it in breadth. Its circumambulation is five kms long. There is a brownish patch "Samundari Tapu" in the middle of the lake which a number of people have tried to reach but in vain. There is a story of a mermaid living in the glacial lake. This is also said that a shepherd from Hansa village in the Spiti valley fell in love with the fairy and spent some time with her under the water. Cranes and ducks abound in the lake. Chandra Taal is a favourite halting place for the shepherds because of rich growth of grass. The water in the lake is so clear that stones at its bottom are easily visible. Alpine vegetation grows on the surrounding moraines in summer. This lake freezes during the winter season. Its waters are crystal clear and free from pollution. A number of temples exist along the periphery of the lake.
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UDAIPUR
This sub-divisional headquaters is situated at the junction of the mighty Mayar nullah with the main river Chandrabhaga. Situated 53 kms away from Keylong, earlier this village was known as Margul or Markul. Around 1695 it was renamed Udaipur when Raja Udai Singh of Chamba (1690-172'8) raised it to the status of a district centre in the Chamba-Lahaul which his father Chatter Singh had annexed to his Chamba state. Good kail-blue pine forests can be seen all around the village. Since the altitude is low, apples, walnuts, apricots, etc. are grown in the area. This village is warm but avalanches-prone; the latter making it unsuitable for district headquaters. However Udaipur offers the most thickly forested and green scenery in Lahaul. Hermann Goetz who visited this area in 1939 complimented the natural charm of this place by comparing its scenery to the Swiss scenery. This place attracts a lot of tourists and pilgrims to its two unique temples, namely, Trilokinath and Markula Devi temples. Trilokinath temple is representative of the Kashmiri-Kannauj style of, Lalitaditya of Kashmir (725-756). Most of the Trilokinath temple is of much later period, but the column bases of the original porch of the sanctuary are of a very special type characteristic of the reign of Lalitaditya. This Shiva temple was transformed into a Buddhist shrine by Padma Sambhava. However, according to Goetz its present Lamaistic image of Avalokiteshvara-Trilokinath cannot be earlier than the 12th C. This temple continues to attract both the Hindu and the Buddhist pilgrims. In the centre of the compound one can still see the Nandi Bull of Lord Shiva. There is also a drain in a wall of the temple at the level of the platform in the sanctorum which was probably built at the time of construction to drain out the water or milk which was poured over the Shiva. The temple is built in the classical style introduced in the hills in the 7th and 8th C. As is typical to the style this temple consists of a curvilinear stone tower (shikhara) crowned with the characteristic 'amalka' (imitating a segmented gourd). Like plains there is no pillared hall (mandapa) in the hills perhaps owing to non-availability of clear ground. Every year in the month of August a festival named Pauri is held there for three days when followers of both religions gather to offer prayers. The Markula Devi temple goes back to Ajayvarman's reign in Kashmir, though no original work of so early a date survives. But part of the Markula temple has been copied during repairs in the 11/12th and 16th C. The phase of Kashmiri art in the 11th and 12th C in its transition to the Lamaistic art of Western Tibet is represented by the inner facade of the temple; main characteristic of this transitional phase being three headed Vishnu images. Markula's wood carvings belong to two different periods, the earlier one consisting of the facade of the sanctum sanctorum and the ceiling and four main pillars of the mandapa; arid the later one consisting of two additional pillars, the dwarpala statues on both sides of the facade, window panels and the architraves supporting the ceiling. The exterior of the temple is most ordinary as it had to be renewed time and again because of vagaries of nature. The temple is the usual structure of timber-bonded stone. The temple is covered with a steep gable roof of wooden shingles in a steep pyramid looking like the Shikhara temples in the plains. The interior, however, is rich in artistic quality. The wall panels depict scenes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Sunderkand, Yuddhakand, grant of ground by Raja Bali to Vaaman, three headed incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Churning of the ocean (Samudramanthan) Amritpaan, etc. The ceiling consists of nine panels of different size and shape. Eight of these border the big centre piece. The centre piece, is in the Lantern style. The 'kirtimukha' masks on this centre piece are characteristic of the 7th and 8th C. Four figural panels on the four basic directions depict Gandharvas busy with their mates and holding objects like crowns, bracelets, jewels and charnaras, etc. Their dance, poses are those of the Bharta Natya and the costumes resemble the late Gupta period. Also shown are Nataraj and Gauri with dancing Ganas. Shiva on both sides is flanked by his alter egos, the Bhairavas. The next panel deviates from the Hindu pantheon or myth for it represents the "Assault of Mara". In the centre Buddha is shown sitting on the Vajrasana in Bhumisparshasana calling the Earth goddess to witness his victory over Mara or the god of Lust and death. The facade of the temple is most richly, elaborately and intricately carved. The niches of the door jambs have been carved into complicated gables of late Kashmiri style. The facade displays, the Ganga, the Yamuna, several Yakshas and. Kinnars, ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu the Navgrahas and Lord Surya (the sun god). The Sun god is repeatedly shown on his chariot drawn by seven horses making it explicit that the temple was dedicated to Lord Surya. The silver idol of Kali in her aspect as Mahishasurmardini was installed by Thakur Himpala in 1569-70. The statue was cast by one Panjamanaka Jinaka from Bhadravah. The workmanship of the statue cannot be called exquisite because the bodies of the goddess and the buffallo look bloated. The statue head is too big and her Crown resembles the ceremonial headgear of a Tibetan lama. The enclosing frame suggests brass idols of the 15th and 16th C. from Rajasthan, the top of it-the backs of early Moghul thrones. The impact of the Moghul and Rajput styles is understandable which perhaps penetrated via Balor which then had some control over Bhadravah. The Tibetan element is also not surprising in a frontier area like Lahaul where Tibetan Lahaulis treat Markula Devi as rDo-rje phag-mo (sanskrit Vajravarahi). Previous to this installation Lahaul had been for several centuries under the Ladakhi supremacy, and it was then that the Lamaistic sculpture was introduced. At the time of its reconversion into a Hindu shrine it was natural to seIect an image of Kali because of its superficial similarity to Vajravarahi. The poor and uneducated local population could hardly make any distinction between the Lamaistic and the Hindu interpretations of the great goddess. This Hindu revivalist style was patronised by Raja Pratap Singh (1558-82) of Chamba. Selection of episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata is typical to this style. Local population believes this temple to be the work of the master craftsman who built the famous Hidimba Temple at Manali for Bahadur Singh of Kullu. Historically this theory sounds plausible because Pratap Singh was the son-in-law and close fried and ally of Bahadur Singh. There is striking similarity between many figures and other details of the later wood carvings to the relief's of the Hidimba Devi Temple. This unique shrine is the last wooden temple built fundamentally in the tradition of the early 8th C. This is a must-visit place.

 

 

SPITI

Spiti (locally pronounced 'Piti') or the 'middle country', has its sub divisional headquarters at Kaza. The river Spiti originates at the base of the Kunzam range and flows eastward to join the Sutlej at Khab in Kinnaur. In practical isolation for centuries, Spiti has an intensely introvertive culture centred around its several monasteries- Dhankar, Ki, Tabo, Mud, Gungri, Lidang, Hikim, Sagnam, Mane Gogma and Giu to name a few. Spiti was loosely ruled for many centuries by a hereditary wazir, styled Nono. The majority of the people are Buddhists, followers of the Geluk-pa sect. The repetition of the mantra "Om mani padme hum" (literally, 'Behold, the jewel is in the lotus'), is constant; it is believed to bring good fortune and wash away all sins. For all the seeming bleakness, Spiti possesses a haunting beauty. The wildlife in the region includes the elusive snow leopard and ibex, found in the Pin valley. Spiti has come to be known as the "fossil park of the world". The three villages Kibber, Kaza & Kye fall on the route faovourite among those looking for fossils. These villages are situated at heights between 13,500 ft. and 14,400 ft. above msl. Langza is famous for fossils of maritime life. These fossils are found on either side of Kang-yur and Paapen-yu nullahs near the village.

 

	KAZA
	Kaza, the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti, is situated on the left bank of the Spiti river at an altitude of about 12,500 ft. above msl. The village is overlooked by steep ridges. The otherwise soporific place hums with activity of tourists during summer, who converge here for permits, current exchange, information, accommodation, petrol and to witness the annual trade fair which a number of visitors compare with the fairs in some of the gompa towns of Ladakh. Besides, Kaza makes a ideal base camp for all treks and tours within the valley. Guides, porters, pack animals and most importantly permits for treks can be obtained in Kaza. There are two rest houses in Kaza proper. The Electricity Board rest house is at Rangrik just 4 km away. It is the best in the valley. Kaza has one of the two Sa- kya- pa sect monasteries. The other monastery is at Hikkim. Opposite Kaza on the right bank of the Spiti river is Kyuling from where the nono of Spiti ruled over his subjects. Rani Damyanti, a descendent of this ruling, family, now resides in Kaza preserving all the stately charm of the yester years.
	DHANKAR
	On the left bank of the Spiti river at a distance of 32 kms downstream from Kaza, near Shichling at an altitude of 3870 m, nestles the citadel of Dhankar, the official capital of Spiti. The citadel is built on a spur which projects into the main valley and ends in a precipice. The location of this fort is strategic as Spiti always had to suffer innumerable aggressions by its neighbors. The location allowed the Spitian to keep vigil on the approaches and to submit messages to surrounding inhabitations in case of danger. Whenever the Spitians were attacked, they built huge fires to signal meeting in the safe sanctuary of rocks, i.e., Dhankars. In the meeting all men and women decided the course of action to be taken against the aggressors. According to the State Gazetteer, "(The fort) became notorious for housing a cavernous dungeon which the Nono used as prison. It contained a cell without doors having only a small opening at the top through which the condemned person was lowered and received his meals." The fort of Dhankar now lies in ruins, but still is a place worthy of visit. From the remnants of the fort one can see vast expanses of the Spiti valley. Dhankar is also of art historical importance. Founded between 7th and the 9th centuries, Dhankar's old temple complex occupies the southern part of the steep mountain slope of the village. It is known by the name of Lha-O-pa Gompa (monastery of the followers of Lha-O). The monastery consists of a number of multi-storeyed buildings perched together, giving a fortress like impression. There are five different halls including Kanjur, Lhakhang, and Dukhang where a life size silver statue of Vajradhara, the Diamond Being, is placed in a glass altar embellished with scarves and flowers. Most interesting at the Lha-O-pa gompa is the small chapel on the uppermost peak above the main monastery - Lhakhang Gongma. The building is decorated with depictions of Shakyamuni, Tsongkhapa and Lama Chodrag on the central wall Dhankar's main attraction, although least publicised, is a fresh water lake about 2.5 km from the village at a height of 13500 ft. Set amidst lush green pastures, the lake offers a perfect idyllic camping site. Some boating facilities are proposed to be introduced in the near future. Under the Desert Development Project of Spiti the common carp variety of fish has been introduced in this lake. No angling is, however, allowed in the lake. Dhankar is approachable by a motorable road, good for small vehicles only, that branches off for Dhankar from the main Kaza - Samdu road at a point around 24 kms from Kaza. The branch road is 8 kms in length upto Dhankar. There is no rest house in the village. If you plan to halt for night, do carry tents, sleeping bags and other provisions.
	LHALUNG
	From the small hamlet of Attargu the track leads through deserted and rugged terrain over heights of around 3800 metres into the Lingti valley. Lingti is the third biggest river, after the Pin which pours its great waters out into the spiti. The road into the Lingti valley leads along the slopes of the Lingti's right bank in serpentine curves from which one has a giddy view of the few medieval settlements along the river. After an hour-long drive the valley opens up a little for the rich pastures of Lhalung town, consisting of barley and the yellow rape that adds another beautiful colour to the reduced palette of Spiti. A few of the chhortens lead up to the monastic site from the outskirts of the village. The compound consists of five buildings. At some spots fragmentary remains of a wall encircling all the buildings are to be found. The local tradition that the site once consisted of nine temples, together with the rich interior of the main chapel and the fact the building is also attributed to Rinchen Zangpo, may suggest that the temple like that of Tabo was designed as a Chokhor site, a place of learning and debate as opposed to a simple chapel for worship by local people. The paintings on the walls are of recent date. Serkhang, the golden hall is completely overwhelmed by the number of deities present. The small chapel has a total of 51 deities, either mounted against the walls or placed on the central altar, of which the most are painted in gold.
	KUNZAM PASS
	This pass is situated at 60 kms from Gamphu on the Gramphu-Kaza- Sumdo road. It provides chief access to the Spiti-valley from Lahaul which is separated from the Spiti valley by the great Kunzom range, and from where the Spiti, pronounced Piti, the chief river of the area takes its source. Though higher than the Rohtang Pass, Kunzom is safer and provides easier ascent and descent. The altitude of this pass is about 4590 m. The panorama as viewed from the top is breathtaking. The lofty Shigri Parbat can be seen right in front in all its grandeur. The crest of the pass has been marked by a chhorten of stones erected ages ago. Recently a temple has been built on the top. A hut has also been built for the people to take shelter. Kunzum Jot The crest of the pass is marked by a wall of mani stones clearly suggesting that one is now stepping into a Buddhist country. A temple dedicated to Durga, the fierce female deity, was built by some gaddies but it could not withstand avalanches and today is in ruins. People believe that the deity has refused to live in the temple. She prefers to stay in the open. Her foot impressions worshipped by gaddies and local people. There is a small hut about 200 m. away from the temple where travellers can find shelter during foul weather. For tourists it is a favourite halt for tea or snacks. From Kunzom one trek leads. Chandrataal, the lake of the Moon.
	LOSSAR
	Lossar is the first inhabited village on the Spiti side if you advance to the valley from Manali over Kunzom pass. Situated at a height of 4,085 m., the village is singularly secluded. Sight of Lossar to a trekker coming down from Kunzom brings instant relief. The neatly white-washed mud houses with red bands look extremely picturesque. The contrast is rendered all the more appealing by verdant fields and willow plantations around the village. According to Gerard, "Lofty as the level of Lossar is, there is little in the landscape to betray its position when viewed in summer, embosomed in flourishing crops and herds of Pashmina wool goats. Yaks and horses meet the eye upon the high activities of the mountains, and an ardent sunshine keeps the air looming from the effect of mirage. There is a small gompa in the village. The flat roofed houses are topped by white flagpole which the superstitious believe saves them from evil spirits and brings prosperity. There is a PWD rest house at the edge of the village where one can stay. A few meters from the rest house from Spiti river in all its serenity. A small flight of steps leads to the river bank where one could even venture a swim. The village grows seed potatoes and green peas besides traditional crops. Yak is the beast of burden. Ibex, blue sheep, etc. can be seen in the higher reaches around the village. Porters, pack animals and guides for Chandrataal and other treks starting from Lossar can be hired from here. The people of Lossar are very hospitable, it is common for the villagers to invite touring officials to their village for a binge where the gusts are regaled to the tunes of local music and dance an liberal helpings of chhang and arak. One wonder if the tourists are also accorded the same hospitality. The inhabitants dress up more like their Tibetan counterparts and perform an interesting post harvest Yak dance which can be witnessed during La Darcha fair. Lossar is surrounded by vast alpine, meadows which are frequented by herders from Kangra Mandi, Chamba, Kullu and Bilaspur. The shepherds believe a stay of two months in and around Spiti immunises their flock and increases their fertility.
	KYE MONASTERY
	Overlooking Kaza from a height of about 13,500 ft, the Kye monastery is the largest in the valley and holds a powerful sway over the most populous part of the valley around Kaza. The gompa is an irregular heap of low rooms and narrow corridors on a monolithic conical hill. From a distance is resembles the Thiksey monastery near Leh in Ladakh. The irregular prayer chambers are interconnected by dark passages, tortuous staircases and small doors. Hundreds of lamas receive their religious training in the monastery. It is also known for its beautiful murals, thankas, rare manuscripts, stucco images and peculiar wind instruments that form part of the orchestra whenever Chham is enacted in the gompa in summer. Another interesting aspect of the gompa is its collection of weapons which may have been used to ward off marauders as also to maintain its control over people betraying a church-militant character. Thousands of devotees from all over the world here attended the Kalachakra ceremony which was performed in August, 2000 by His Holiness Dalai Lama.Kalachakra initiation (Skt. Abhisheka, Tibetan Wang) is not just an elaborate puja or a religious congregation. It is a workshop in a grand scale to make an earnest effort by both the teacher and disciples to awaken their Buddha nature by the combined forces of teaching, prayer, blessing, devotion, mantra, yoga and meditation. It is an effort by every participant to try to discover the true and permanent peace for the sake of all others. The Buddhists believe mere presence during this elaborate initiation ceremony stretching over a few days, liberates the participant from suffering and bestows on him the bliss of Enlightenment. The ceremony focuses on five main subjects - cosmology, psycho-physiology, initiation, sadhana and Buddhahood. A Kalachakra mandala and Viswatma deitiy in union with his consort are at the centre of this ceremony guiding the disciple through the tedious process of initiation. The gompa is approached by road from Kaza (only 12 km). However, it is only 8.5 kms trek from Kaza.
	KIBBER
	Kibber is located at a height of about 14,200 ft in a narrow valley on the summit of a limestone rock. It is only 16 kms from Kaza and a bus service plies between these two places in summer. Kibber is a rather pleasant village with plenty of cultivation. The moment you get down from the bus you are greeted by lush green fields which look strikingly refreshing against the arid backdrop of lofty hills. There are only 80 houses in the village. The remarkable feature about the architecture is the use of stone instead of mud or adobe brick used extensively in the valley. There are a civil dispensary, a high school, a post office, a telegraph office and a community TV set in the village. There is a monastery in Kibber which is named after Serkang Rimpochhe of Tabo. The lama breathed his last in Kibber in 1983 and when he was being cremated a water source erupted from that spot. Even today the source is being used by the villagers. There is a traditional trade route from Kibber to Ladakh over Parang La. The Spitians go to Ladakh to barter their horses for yaks or to sell for cash. The trek to Ladakh takes minimum 3 night halts. Permits are required for this trek.
	PIN VALLEY
	One of the four local units of Spiti is the Pin valley which lies on either side of the Pin river. Geographically, the Pin valley is shut off from the rest of Spiti by high mountains. The only opening has been provided by the Pin river that forces its way through a deep narrow gorge to join the main river Spiti, at Attargu. The Pin valley is famous for its internationally recognised Chaumurti horses that are bred and sold for considerable sums in Rampur-Bushahar during Lavi fair and in Ladakh. The climate and the rich grass of the valley produce extremely sure footed horses able to negotiate great heights without much difficulty. A tourist in the Pin valley may see scores of horses, colts and fillies grazing on the river banks and some youths galloping away on these horses singing wildly in joyous abandon. Horse racing and arrow shooting are very popular in the valley. A tourist may frequently come across arrow shooting competitions called Dhuvor.
GURU GHANTAL
This monastery is situated on a hill above the Tupchiling village at the confluence of the rivers Chandra and Bhaga. This gompa was founded by Padma Sambhava and is more than 800 years old. The peculiar feature of the gompa is the wooden idols as distinguished from the clay idols found in other monasteries. The Guru Ghantal white marble head was installed by its founder, but now the same is kept under lock and key for fear of theft. This monastery has idols of Guru Padma Sambhava, Brijeshwari Devi and several other lamas. On the 15th lunar day (mid June) a festival called Ghantal was celeberated at which the visiting lamas and Thakurs used to feast for one day. The festival is no longer celeberated. There is one blackstone statue of a goddess identified as kali in the innermost chamber which gives credence to the theory that this was once a Hindu temple like the Trilokinath temple at Udaipur. The wall paintings are in stone colours. Because of lack of care colours have washed away. There is lot of seepage in the monastery. Another reason for lack of care is that most of the valuables have been transported to the Tupchiling gompa which is easily accessible and the caretaker also hails from this village only. The workmanship in the gompa is certainly superior to all other gompas.
SHA-SHUR
Sha-shur in the local parlance means in the blue pines. This is very apt as good patches of blue pine can still be seen around the monastery. This gompa was founded in the 17th C. AD by Lama Deva Gyatsho of Zangskar who was a missionary of Nawang Namgyal, the king of Bhutan. The lamas of the gompa are of the Drugpa sect (red hat sect). Namgyal founded this sect and the name originated from Dug which in the Bhoti language means Bhutan. Before Deva Gyatsho renovated the present monastery, there existed a small gompa. Deva Gyatsho stayed at the monastery till his death. When he was being cremated, this is said, his heart did not burn and was enclosed in a black image of Gyatsho. A statue of Namgyal is also present in the gompa. This gompa has the biggest Thanka paintings, over fifteen feet, and invalueable wall paintings depicting all the 84 siddhas of Buddhism. In the month of June/July Chham is performed in the monastery which is the most popular Chham in Lahaul.
KARDANG
Village Kardang which was once the capital of Lahaul has the most popular and the biggest monastery of the area. The monastery is situated on the left bank of the river Bhaga just above the village of Kardang. This was founded about 900 years ago and stood in ruins uptill 1912 when Lama Norbu of Kardang renovated it. This gompa is located against the backdrop of the bare mountains of the Rangcha massif which "rises above the valley like a giant cobra standing on its tail with hood outspread, ready to strike". The monastery is perched on a ridge below the 15000 feet high Rangcha peak. The valley is so placed that Kardang gets maximum sunshine in winters. This monastery houses the largest number of lamas and chomos. The library of the gompa is one of the biggest containing full volumes of Kangyur and Tangyur. Since the monastery belongs to the Red Hat sect the regimen is not very strict. Nuns and monks enjoy equality. Lamas can marry and generally they stay with their families during summers to work in the fields. In winters they return to the gompa for meditation. In the vicinity of the monastery is a silver coated Chhorten. The walls of the gompa are decorated with colourful wall paintings. The influence of Lama Gozzangwa is easily perceptible in the monastery as one can see a number of tantrik paintings and statues depicting a male and a female engaged in ecstatic union. The bhandar has a large store of musical instruments, dresses, thankas and other such articles. Its founder Lama Norbu died in 1952 and his mortal remains as also his silver Chaitya/stupa are preserved in the gompa. In the Kardang village one can visit another small gompa of Lama Gozzangwa and outside the gompa can see rock carvings and two big Chhortens.
TAYUL
This gompa above the village of Satingri has the biggest statue of Padma Sambhava and his two manifestations as Singhmukha and Vajravarahi. The statue is 12 feet tall. This gompa houses full library of Kangyur. Thankas in the gompa depict various episodes from the life of Lord Buddha. Tayul gompa written in Tibetan as Ta - Yul means chosen place. It is one of the oldest Dugpa sect monasteries in Lahaul. One Dugpa lama, Serzang Rinchen of Khan region of Tibet, founded this monastery in the beginning of the 17th C. There is a story about how this place was chosen for construction of a monastery. Lama Serzang while making the meritorious circumambulation of the holy peak Drilburi spotted a small glade in the juniper forest above Kyor and Tashikyang villages on the opposite side of the valley. He then told his fellow pilgrims, "Look, over there, that is a suitable and auspicious place for a gompa". Thus the building of the gompa began to take shape. This monastery houses a hundred million mani wheel by turning which the minds of the sentient beings open to the compassion of the Lord. This mani wheel is reputed to be "self turning" on auspicious occasions. According to the lamas this wheel last turned on its own in 1986. After almost a century a Ladakhi Tulku Tashi Tanphel of Tagna monastery renovated and extended the building of this gompa. He decorated the walls with murals, made stucco images of giant size referred to above and brought in the Narthang edition of the Kangyur from Tibet.
GHEMUR
This hamlet is situated at a distance of 18 kms from Keylong. It has a gompa where in the month of July devil dance is enacted by the Lamas. The Thakurs of Gushal are now settled in this village on the right bank of the river Chandra. The place is easily accessible as it is on the Manali-Leh national highway.
TOURISM ACTIVITIES IN SUMMER
RIVER RAFTING
Best period September. Koksar to Udaipur (90 Kms) , Darcha to Udaipur (70Kms). Koksar the gateway of Lahaul-Spiti is best location for White Water Rafting, from here one can enjoy rafting upto Tandi bridge, the point of confluence of Chandra & Bhaga to become Chenab or Chanderbhaga entering through Pattan valley, the grain bowl of Lahaul. The other rafting route is from Darcha-Jispa and Gemure on Keylong-Leh route.
PARAGLIDING
Best time June to September. Suitable areas are Jispa, Sumnam, Dalang, Triloknath. Joy ride para gliding, (twin rides) is available at Marhi and Rohtang. Even the short duration training course in para gliding is available.
FISHING & ANGLING
Trout fishing and angling can b enjoyed at Sissu & Jispa.
CAMPING SITES
In addition to Sarachu the last frontier on Leh-Manali route having Camping Site with a tent colony Darcha, Jispa, Gemur, Tandi, Koksar and Sissu the camping sites offer you a bountiful back to nature camping experience. Several private individuals are offering tentage/catering at these sites. A beautiful lake, waterfall, majestic snow clad mountains in full moonlight night at Sissu was painted even by N.Roerich.
JEEP SAFARI
Best time July to Oct. Keylong to Leh : 365 Km. Darcha, Baralacha, Sarchu, Pang, Upshi and Leh. Keylong to Kaza : 188 Km. Tandi, Sissu, Koksar, Chhatru, Batal, Kunzom Pass, Losar, Rangrik and Kaza. Keylong to Manali : 115 Km. Tandi, Sissu, Koksar, Rohtang Pass, Marhi and Manali. Keylong to Udaipur : 55 Km. Tandi, Jahalman, Thirot, Triloknath and Udaipur. Keylong to Kilar : 130 Km. Tandi, Udaipur, Tindi, Purthi and Killar. Keylong to Tsomo riri : Darcha, Baralacha Pass, Serchu, Upshi and Tsomo riri.
ROCK CLIMBING & TREKKING
The Mountaineering Institute sub centre at Jispa offers you a very safe and adventurous Rock Climbing & Trekking under the guidance of trained guides & instructors. Best time for trekking is from June to September. Detail Trekking Routes with Maps For Trekking, Rock Climbing & Sking contact: Directorate of Mountainering & Allied Sports, Aleo, Manali-175131, Tel: 01902-252342, Fax: 01902-252137 or Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering, C-1, Hutments, Dalhousie Road, New Delhi-110011. Tel: 011-3016179, Fax: 011-3011518 or Incharge Mountaineering Institute, Jispa, Keylong(Lahaul Block) Tel: 01900-233230 Tourist Permits : Permits for foreigners visiting Spiti area are available from: The Offices of the Resident Commissioner, Himachal Bhawan, 27 Sikandra Road, New Delhi-110001 Tels: 011-3716574, 3716125 Deputy Commissioner, Shimla 171001 Tels: 0177-253535, Exchange No: 0177-251201 to 251204, Fax: 0177-253535 Deputy Commissioner, Kinnaur 172107 Recokng Peo Tel: 01786-222252, Fax: 01786-223342 Deputy Commissioner, Kullu 175101 Tel: 01902-222727, Fax: 01902-225396 Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul Spiti Keylong-175132 Tel: 01900-222501, Fax: 01900-222502 Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kaza (Spiti) Tel: 01906-222202, Fax: 01906-222215 The permit is not required if you are travelling from Manali via Kunzom Pass to only Kaza & Ki. For more details on Inner Line Permit & Downloadable Application Forms.
TOURISM ACTIVITIES IN WINTER
SKING Sking in snow is one experience, which one can even enjoy in Lahaul in the month of April, for snow skiers there is plenty to offer at Babog, Patsieo, Keylong, Udaipur. Expert skiers can even ski from Keylong to Manali. for sking purpose different ski slopes are
SUMNAM SKI SLOP : One of the largest ski slopes in India. 8 Km. from Keylong. The slope is 6.5 Km. long and width ranging 2 to 4 Km. For stay two mountain huts one owned by Layul Mountaineers and Skiers Association Keylong and other one is owned by Great Himalayan Adventure Sports Sumnam. There are around 20 local houses who accommodate the tourists and also provide Indian and local food on payment. The houses are equipped with all modern facilities like phone, T.V., flush latrines & bath with geysers, cozy warm rooms. Camp fires are arranged by local clubs. For ski equipment and mountain guides one private ski tours provide all kind of sking equipment.
KARDANG SKI SLOP : 4 Km. from Keylong. Good ski slopes opposite to Keylong. For stay one mountain hut at Barbog and around 25 local houses for accommodation (local style).
GONDHALA SKI SLOP : One of the biggest in Himachal. 15 Km. from Keylong and for stay one rest house and villagers may also accommodate on request.
TRILOKNATH SKI SLOP : Gentle slopes good for beginners. Snow condition is best in March and April. For stay temple sarai with comfortable bedding. One can also stay at Udaipur 16 Kms. by jeep.
WILD LIFE WATCH
The Snow Cock, Ibex, Marmots, Snow Fox, Silver Carp, Trout are rare wild life stocks to watch.
Keeping in view the altitude and various factors related with it, trekking has been categorised in two broad categories, i.e., Low Altitude Trekking and the High Altitude Trekking. In the first category trekking activity is limited below the snow line, whereas in the latter type a trekker finds himself crossing high passes, snow fields, difficult terrain and camping at rarefied sounds. This necessitates mastering of some techniques and proper acclimatisation and equipment to avoid mishaps and mountain sickness. This does not mean that trekking should be construed to be climbing or mountaineering. Climbing is a specialised field requiring intensive training and sophisticated equipment. Trekking is only a first step towards that direction. It requires a pair of strong legs, will power and some easily available equipment." However, there' is no denying the fact that some experience of rock climbing proves good in high altitude trekking. Knowledge of mountains, glaciers, valleys and terms connected with these can make trekking immensely enjoyable and educative exercise. Therefore, some terms pertaining to mountains and glaciers have been included in Appendix A. This will help a beginner to appreciate mountains, glaciers and such like phenomena in a better perspective. Although schools and colleges, various government and private .agencies and organisations have started conducting trekking and hiking tours in the Indian Himalayas, trekking continues to be a low-key activity. When compared to Nepal, trekking in India is unorganised and uncontrolled activity. The north-eastern states, Kumaon and Garhwal hills of U.P., Jammu camp; Kashmir and Himachal.Pradesh attract a sizeable number of Indian as well as foreign trekkers, but the potential has not been fully exploited. As far as Himachal pradesh is concerned trekking is confined to Shimla, Dharamasala, Chamba and Kulu districts. D.M.I. Manali has given a much required impetus to this activity. Kinnaur has also started attracting trekkers after vigorous advertisement campaigns launched by Himachal Tourism Department. Lahaul continues to be one of the most neglected trekking regions despite a plethora of trekking routes. The flow of Indian trekkers is almost negligible. Most of the trekking in Lahaul is being done by the local clubs. About two thousand foreigners visit this valley every year during the open season. The trekking programmes of the foreigners are mainly confined to the classic trekking routes to Padum in the Zangskar region of J&K. Some of them trek to Chandra-Taal via Darcha and by the Baralacha la. From Chandra Taal they usually go to Manikaran in Kullu district. Some choose Myar valley for going to the Zangskar region or the Pangi valley in Chamba district. Rarely do they take trekking routes from Lahaul to Chamba, Mani Mahesh and Dharamasala. Earlier lack of roads and very limited knowledge, about Lahaul deterred people from undertaking trekking and climbing expeditions in this beautiful area. In the past these expeditions could not materialize for want of road communication upto the base camps. Now equipment and rations can be carded in the automobiles right upto the base camps. Rations like dehydrated and tinned foods, mineral water, etc. are easily available in Keylong at competitive rates. With the creation of infrastructural facilities the Lahaul valley offers all s. orts of opportunities to explore the region. Much Will depend on the taste, interest and aptitude of the individual. One thing is certain that Lahaul's magnificent peaks, snow serpents, i.e., glaciers, awe inspiring precipices, spectacular gorges, blue water lakes, refreshingly verdant valleys, potato fields, alpine-himalayan flora and fauna, mystique monks, monasteries, its myth, legend, folklore and a totally different tribal culture will leave an indelible impression on the minds of the visitors. The best trekking season in the Lahaul valley is between July and October. Because of climatical and geographical factors trekking in the Lahaul valley requires detailed and careful planning.
Trekking Routes
KULLU-MANALI/LAHAUL SECTOR :
Lying to the south of Lahaul, Kullu is known as the valley of Gods. Some call it district of orchards too. Kullu is famous for its week long Dusshera festival when the reigning deity Raghunathji is brought out in his Rath or Chariot. Gods & Goddesses of the valley come to this festival to pay homage to the supreme deity.
·         MANALI TO KEYLONG OVER ROHTANG PASS ·         MANALI TO KEYLONG OVER HAMTA PASS ·         MANIKARAN TO KEYLONG OVER SARA UMGA PASS ·         KEYLONG TO MANIKARAN OVER BARA SHIGRI GLACIER
CHAMBA-LAHAUL TREKS :
Famous for its folk embroidery and rumals, Chamba, a small district of Himachal, attracts a number of tourists every year. Chamba abounds in indigenous hill styled temples and Shikhara temples. most of the temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Chamba is also called valley of honey and milk.
·         KEYLONG TO MANI MAHESH OVER ASHA GALLI PASS ·         KEYLONG TO BHARMOUR OVER KUGTI PASS ·         KEYLONG TO BHARMOUR OVER KALICHHO PASS ·         KEYLONG TO BHARMOUR OVER CHOBIA PASS ·         KEYLONG TO KILLAR (PANGI VALLEY) ·         KEYLONG TO KILLAR OVER GURHDHAR PASS
LAHAUL- J & K SECTOR :
This hill state of India called J & K has three regions namely-Kashmir, Ladakh and Zangskar. The himalayas separate the valley of Kashmir from the Zangskar valley. Zangskar is separated from Ladakh by the Zangskar range. On the south-west, the Kashmir valley is bounded by the lower Pir Panjal Range.
·         KLG -LEH TREK ·         KEYLONG PADUM OVER SHINKUN LA ·         KEYLONG-PADUM OVER BARA LACHA LA ·         KEYLONG-PADUM OVER MON LA
LAHAUL-SPITI SECTOR :
The Spiti sub-division of district Lahaul & Spiti presents a more difficult terrain, climate and habitation because average mean elevation of the great and middle Himalayas of Spiti is over 5,485m above mean sea level. There are a number of virgin peaks and treks in the area. The arid landscape without any sort of vegetative cover has its own spellbinding effect. In this valley is Kibber the highest village in Asia connected with road. Its monasteries-Kye and Tabo are world famous. The moonland is totally different from Lahaul.
·         KEYLONG TO KAZA, SUMDO TREK OVER KUNZOM PASS ·         KEYLONG TO KAZA OVER PANGPO LA ·         KAZA--MANIKARAN OVER PIN PARBATI PASS ·         KAZA TO BHABA (KINNAUR)
CIRCUIT TREKS :
·         CHOKHANG VALLEY TREK ·         KEYLONG -- CHANDRATAL --KHOKSAR TREK ·         KEYLONG-DARCHA-KHOKSAR--OVER TEMPO LA ·         KEYLONG TO KHOKSAR OVER RANGCHA GALI PASS ·         MYAR VALLEY EXPEDITION
Festivals
Month Place Fair/Festival Name Jan/Feb Pattan Valley Khogla Jan/Feb Lahaul Valley Halda Febuary Lahaul Fagli Febuary Bhaga Valley (Lahaul) Gothsi (Gochi) June/July Shashur, Kardang, Gemur, Kyi Gompas in Lahal & Spiti Tsheshu Fair August Kaza (Spiti) Ladarcha Fair August Udaipur (Lahaul) Pauri Fair August Keylong (Lahaul) Tribal Fair LADARCHA FAIR Previously, this fair used to be celebrated in Kibbar maidan in Spit in the month of July where traders from Ladakh, Rampur Busher and Spiti meet in this fair to barter their produce. Due to closure of Tibetan traders, this fair is now being celebrated at Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti Sub Division in the 3rd week of August. A large number of visitors and traders from Kullu/ Lahaul/ Kinnaur meet there. It has now become a conference of cultures of Spiti, Ladakh & Kinnaur as also of the Indian plains. PAURI FAIR This fair is celebrated during summer in the 3rd week of August every year. In earlier times this was the most prominent fair of Lahaul. People of all casts and creed gather there, not only from Lahaul but from Chamba and Kullu too. The fair is combination of pilgrimage and festive activities. Preparations are made at least a week in advance and most of the people leave their homes a day before the celebrations, where they have faced darshan of the statue of Triloknath (Shiva Lord of Three Worlds) or Avolokiteshvara as it is regarded by Buddhist. After paying their obeisance, people go to the parikrama gallery between the inner and outside walls of temple. Pilgrims/ devotees usually complete three or seven clockwise circumambulations of the gallery/ rotating the prayer wheels and murmuring Mantras ( OM MANI PADME HUM) every morning and evening till they stay there. Ghee and Mustard oil lamps are lighted continuously inside. People donate money and Ghee/ Oil to maintain the lamps, one of which is so big as to accommodate 16 Kgs. of Ghee/ oil. After the prayer and rituals, the fair begins. Temporary shops, tea stalls and hotels are established at the fair ground. As soon as darkness overtakes, the pilgrims dance in a huge circle to the melody of folk songs devotional or otherwise. On the second morning, a traditional procession is taken out, which is headed by the Thakur of Triloknath riding on a decorated horse. Their destination is the place where as per traditional lores, seven gods, the youngest of whom was Trilokinath had appeared from seven springs in the past. This is the most important ritual of the fair. The precession then returns to the fair ground for more festivities. Some people for their native places leave as soon as the procession disperses, while others stay until the third day when the fair is over. TRIBAL FAIR KEYLONG Tribal fair coinciding with Independence day is celebrated with great pomp and show from 14th to 16th August, at Keylong the headquarters of the district. People from all parts of the valley congregate in their queer disposition and a large number of Indian and foreign tourists gather here to witness the fair. It is being celebrated as at State level fair. In order to make the fair colourful , artists and cultural troupes are invited from Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Leh , Chamba, Kullu, Spiti in addition to local artistes. TSHESHU FAIRS Tsheshu fair is celebrated in Shashur, Gemur, Kyi, Kardang Tabo and Mane Monasteries in the months of June. A large number of devotees/ people gather on these occasions. Devil dance is performed by the Lamas bedecked in colourful dresses and wearing masks of different birds and animals. FESTIVAL OF LIGHT A festival of lights known as Diwali is celebrated all over India in October every year. A similar type of festival is celebrated as Khogla in Pattan valley and Halda in other valleys of Lahaul at the second and third week of January. The date is fixed by a Lama while in Pattan valley it is celebrated to Magh Poornima coincide with (full moon). Pencil cedar branches are cut into strips and are tied together into bundles to make a torch called Halda quite similar to Hola in upper regions of Shimla district. In the evening halda at each house are lit and brought together at one centre place. This is repeated four to five times, each time in honour of different deities. When the ceremony is over, the villagers return to their houses. The haldas are prepared and lit in the same manner and collected at one place where they burn to lashes. But there is slight difference. Along with honouring the deities, the people of Gahar valley curse the Ranas of clans hostile to their own.. The people of Keylong curse the Ranas of Goushal and Kardang threatening to “bite their hearts”. FAGLI Fagli, locally known as Kus or Kuns is one of the most important festial of the Pattan valley. It falls, after a fortnight of Khogla on Amawasya (Moonless Night) in the first/ second week of February. The houses are fully decorated and oil lamps are lit. A Baraza is set-up which consist of a bamboo stick, two to three feet tall, mounted on the floor. Around the stick a white chader is draped in such a maanner as to suggest an angel dressed in while, sitting in the corner, ornamented with jewellery and marigold flowers. Delicious dishes are placed before the Baraza along with burning incense. The Baraza represents the angel “SHIKHARA- APPA) grand mother of the peak and here visit is considered to bring prosperity to the house. According to ritual demand the head of the family and his wife getup early in the morning to prepare (TOTU) (A dough of roasted barley flour and butter milk) and kwari. The Totu is taken upto the roof which is offered to the deities. Kwari is later thrown to the crows who await for it as if they have received the invitation. The totu is distributed among the family members as prasada. The couple go to pay their annual respects to their cows and sheep to express their gratitude and acknowledge their dependence on these animals. Rest of the family members getup and pay their respects to their elders of the household by bowing to them and touching their feet. After breakfast they first visit their nearest and aged person within the village and then the entire village community congregate to pay their respects to each house with Marchu (Local puri). Each day of the festival has a special name to show its own significance. One day is called punha, a symbolic representation of ploughing the fields. Since the fields are covered under snow during the period, so symbolic ploughing is done. Two green willow sticks representing the bullocks and two more representing yoke and plough are moved forward in the room in the front of the Baraza. In the following weeks feasts and festivities continue among relatives and friends, along with the exchange of marigold flowers and other gifts. GOTHSI ( GOCHI) There is a festival of the Bhaga valley which is celebrated in February in the houses where a son was born during the preceding year. The villagers gather in the morning. A dough is made of Sattu ( roasted barley ) and is placed in a big plate. It is lifted by four men to the place of the village deity which is generally an idol of stone, a tree or a bush. A young girl dressed in her best clothes and decked with ornaments accompanies them. The girl carries a pot of chhang ( Local drink). She is followed by two men, one carrying a burning stick of pencil cedar and the other pencil their cedar leaves tied together in a lamb’s skin. The woman giving birth to the first son in the year, dressed in her best clothes accompanies them to pay homage to the village god. Labdagpa the village priest worships the God with a bow and an arrow. The dough is then broken and thrown away to appease the gods. The lamb’s skin is placed on a tree or a bush near the idol of the village deity and is shot at by arrows. Lohars beat drums during the ceremony. After the worship of the village deity is over, the people disperse but the relatives and friends move in to group and visit all their houses where male children are born. Drinking and dancing go together, sometimes all through the nights

 

 

With Regards

P L Thakur

RM-ER

ECGC Of India Limited

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regards

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