Himalayan Mountain Sojourns

Rohtang Road, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Mostly the mountain lakes are situated down on the river beds or the glacier beds in the valleys but Bhrigu lake is situated on a high mountain ridge, the feature that makes it different from other lakes. It is located at an altitude of 14000ft, half of the Mount Everest, to the south of Rohtang Pass on the mountain that makes the left bank slope of the river Beas. The trek to the lake is an upward climb on gentle slopes. As you go high on the mountain slope the surrounding mountain ridges seem rising high with you. Bhrigu Lake trek gives a panoramic view of Manali valley. All the famous peaks of Kullu-Manali Himalaya— Indrasan, Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba, Makerbeh, Shikarbeh, Shitidhar, Ladakhi and Friendship Peak put on show themselves around you. Bhrigu Lake excellent trek for photography. The Lake is believed to be the meditation ground of Maharishi Bhrigu, the great sage in Hindu mythology who created the Bhrigu Samhita—the base of Hindu astrology

When we talk of trekking destinations in Manali, ‘Hampta’ is a popular name. A side river-tributary- joins the river Beas near Manali. The river called Alien falls down from a narrow gorge near village Aleo giving impression that it is not possible to enter into this side valley. But if you take a side uphill route up to Sethan village above Prini (which is now a motorable road), and then turn northwards, you find an open valley full of pine, silver oak, and maple forest. As you go high in the valley the forest disappears and meadows and pastures appear. At a place called Jobra, river Jobri meets river Hampta and together they gush through that deep ‘narrow gorge’ towards Manali with the name of Alien. From Jobra, your route goes along the Hampta river, first northwards to three km and then you turn eastwards along the river to reach the base of the Hampta Pass trek. This place is called Balu-ra-Ghera. This is a beautiful campsite at the foot of ‘Pass’ beside Hampta River. It takes four more hours to reach on the Pass. Here you stand surrounded by snowy peaks and hanging glaciers from all sides

Beas Kund – Kund means pool – is a sacred pool like high altitude mountain lake on the extreme north of Kullu – Manali valley. The origin of river Beas is said to be at Rohtang Pass in text books and General Knowledge books, but for geologists the river Beas in actual originates from the glaciers at Beas Kund. The holy place is considered the meditation ground of Rishi Beas, the author of great Indian epic Mahabharata. The last village of on the northern edge of Kullu-Manali valley is Solang, and Beas Kund trek lies 15 km past Solang village where two mountain ranges, Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal tie knot close the valley. Beas Kund Trek is a short trek of three days from Manali and has been rated having easy difficulty.

You must not confuse it with Hampta Pass trek. Instead of walking beside river down in the valley in Hampta Pass trek, you climb zigzag uphill on the mountain slopes that are locally called Hamta Jot. In this trek you traverse across the high altitude meadows and pastures. As you walk high on the mountain slope, you get good opportunity to have a look of far off high mountain peaks. The whole area is divided into two parts by the river Jobri which starts off Piyangniru Glacier at the foot of Mount Deo Tibba. The lush green meadows are the treasure of Himalayan flowers and herbs. Those who have interest in Himalayan flora and fauna.

Chanderkhani though called a pass is not a mountain ‘pass’ as per the definitions in geography books. It is a mountain ridge that can be trekked up to top and then crossed to the other side. To one side of this mountain range lays the famous village of Naggar in main Kullu valley and to the other side is the lonely village of Malana in malana river valley. While traversing on the Chanderkhani you get mesmerized by the surrounding beauty. A 360 panoramic view – to the north twin peaks of Deo Tibba and Indrasan, to the west Dhauladhar mountain range, to the east peaks of Sptit – Dharamsura and Papsura and to the south lower green hills of Kullu and Parvati valley. Stand on the Chanderkhani Pass …. the whole Kullu and Parvati valleys open before you !!!

This is a trek to the source of Duhangan river and the base of Deo Tibba mountain. Duhangan river flows east-west and merge into river Beas near Jagatsukh village 6 km before Manali. The trail takes you to the snout of Duhangan glacier at an altitude of 14000 ft. Valley closes itself here and mighty Deo Tibba dominates the scene. A right turn into a small valley and uphill climb brings you on a rocky ridge with flat top that forms one of the valley’s sides. Few meters further you find a huge water reservoir on the rock bed….…… the Chandertal — A wonder on the high Himalaya !!!

DAY 1: Manali to Lamadugh (2500 m), 5 hours trek You start your trek from Manali entering into the Valley of Manalsu River that flows west – east to meet the river Beas near Old Manali village. The area is a wild life sanctuary full of Cedar, pine, silver oak, wild cherry, chestnut and maple trees. Your first night halt is at Lamadugh—a beautiful campsite in a lush green meadow. DAY 2: Lamadugh to DohraNalla (3100 m) over Khanpari pass (3600 m) 6hours; As you gain altitude toady, you leave behind pine forests and instead big bushes of rhododendron and trees of birch appear on the mountain slopes. Your further ascent finds you on the high altitude meadows of Khandpari with wild flowers strewn all around. You descend down to the other side of mountain range to a campsite at DohraNalla.

Manali is a pristine town in Himachal known for its snow-capped mountains. It is a tourist hotspot for people who are adventure lovers. In winter, when snow descends down to valley floor, an expanse of pure white serenity breathes peace and contentment. Plan to wander into snow lands of Manali this winter!! Snow has already descended down the mountain slopes of Manali. So garner the strength to tread the snow on the gentle slopes with Himalayan Mountain Sojourns!!!

Apple Orchard Camp of Mountain Sojourns is situated on Burua road near Palchan village, 7km after Manali town toward Rohtang Pass. It is a beautiful campsite set amidst apple trees. It is a picturesque spot that offers the most magnificent view of Rohtang Range and the river Beas flows nearby. This is an excellent, calm & peaceful location, an ideal holiday destination for tourists. Most of the high altitude tourist destination of Manali—Rohtang Pass, Gulaba, Bhrigu Lake, Dashohar Lake, Beas Kund, Patalsu Peak— are in the mountains that surround the campsite. Some other tourist spot of Manali like Solang Valley, Anjani Mahadev, Kothi are in the radius of 3km from campsite The place is away from the main highway but connected by a small link road. Himalayan Mountain Sojourns use this campsite as a base camp and operates its all high altitude camping and trekking activities from here. To carry out adventure activities, there is a natural rock field at river side at short distance from campsite. The campsite has two types of accommodation – tents and small camping huts. You can book a tent, a camping hut, and if you are a family group of 8 to 10 persons you can book a cottage. So this becomes an ideal place for those who want to enjoy their holidays in the solitude of the Himalayas. Newly married couples, families, senior citizens who are thinking of a Himalayan retreat can find their dream place at the Mountain Sojourns Camp. Affordable tariffs, neat and clean rooms/tents, homely atmosphere and cool and calm surroundings make this place the best to stay in Manali.

Features: – Adventure Activities of Rock Climbing, Rappelling, River Crossing and River Rafting. High Altitude Camping in the mountains, Trek to Bhrigu Lake, Maximum Altitude gain of 14000 ft., Trek to Jogini Waterfall…. Sightseeing of Vashishat Hot Springs, Hadimba Temple, Club House, Mall Raod Manali… Overview Situated at an altitude of 9000 ft, Mountain Adventure Campsite of the Himalayan Mountain Sojourns is a lonely place. It is a small open pasture amid the thick forest of pine, birch and rhododendron. To the one side of the place is the deep gorge of the holy water of Jogini Fall The bowl shaped surrounding vicinity of the place forms the encatchement area.of the Jogini Fall. The uphill side goes up to form the Rohtang – Bhrigu Mountain range of the Pir Panjal Himalayas. On the top of the mountain is located the holy Bhrigu Lake at an altitude of 14000ft- half of the Mount Everest. The Lake is believed to be the meditation ground of Maharishi Bhrigu, the great sage in Hindu mythology who authored the Bhrigu Samhita—the base of Hindu astrology.

Features: – High Altitude Snow Camping on the Himalayas, Snow Trek to Bhrigu Lake, Maximum Altitude gain of 14500 ft. Snow Activities of glissading, snow climbing etc., Rock Climbing, Rappelling, River Crossing. Overview India is a vast country. Even during the summer months of April and May when the rest of India is shimmering with scorching heat, the mountain slopes of Manali still have snow as low as to 10, 000 ft from mean sea level. If you are an enthusiast trekker and camper, we dare you to go one step further to pass few days in the fairy lands of snow. The snow gives the high altitude meadows and forests a distinctive grandeur, transforming the landscape into a shimmering white kingdom that rises right into the heaven. This feels like another planet. What it looks like is scenery for a Christmas card: smooth white snow hills and dense white forests. The snow makes everything serene. At the sun rise and sun set the snow is golden on the hills and the forests grow illumined and soft when slanting rays of morning and evening sun sieve through the branches of tall pine trees.

DAY 1: Arrival Manali-Local Sightseeing When you reach Manali Bus Stop, you will meet our representative who will transfer you to our pre-booked Huts/Cottage/Tent or Hotel. Checkin time will be 12.00 noon but if rooms are available you can check in before 12 noon. After taking some rest we would go for historic Hadimba Devi Temple, Vashisht Muni Temple and Hot Water Spring. In evening roam in Manali local Market including Tibetan monastery. Overnight stay Apple orchard campsite in huts, or cottage. DAY 2: Manali to Solang valley or Rohtang (51kms /2 hrs) –Manali Early morning around 6 to 7 am we start your thrilling tour to Rohtang Pass (If rohtang is open) upto snow Line. Beyond snow line/ snow point traffic is not allowed. This place is famous for snow; Here you can try your hands on Skiing, Snow Scooter and other activities. Enroute to Rohtang you will also cover wonderful locations like Gulaba, Kothi, Marhi. Return to Manali Hotel for night stay.

DAY 1: Delhi – Manali (570 Kms) (Overnight Travel): At 4:30 pm board the Volvo from Delhi Volvo Stand and Depart for Manali. Enroute admire the beautiful mountains, orchards, valleys and waterfalls of Manali. Overnight Journey by Volvo. DAY 2: Arrival Manali-Local Sightseeing Upon reaching Manali Bus Stop, meet our representative who will transfer you to our pre-booked Huts/Cottage/Tent or Hotel. Check in time will be 12.00 noon but if rooms are available you can check in before 12 noon. In afternoon head on for historic Hadimba Devi Temple &Vashisht Muni Temple Hot Water Spring. In evening roam in Manali local Market including Tibetan monastery. Overnight stay Apple orchard campsite in huts, or cottage.

Day 1 Chandigarh to Shimla (117Kms) 5-6Hrs Pickup from Chandigarh Airport / Railway Station / Bus Stand by exclusive vehicle. Drive to Shimla, Shimla is 117 Kilometers from Chandigarh. Enjoy the Scenic Himalayas from the window of your cab. On the way, stopover at Pinjore Garden and ropeway at Timber Trail Resort if time permits. Cab will pass through Kalka, Parwanoo, Barog and Solan on the way to Shimla. Check in and overnight stay in Hotel. Day 2 Shimla Local Sight Seeing After Breakfast , visit to the years old Tara Devi Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Jakhoo Temple. In the evening explore Shimla city on foot as vehicle entry is prohibited on most of the prime locations of Shimla. You can see prime places of Shimla like , Lakkar Bazaar, Ridge, Church, Mall road, Scandal Point, Kali Bari temple etc. Overnight in hotel.

Patalsu Peak is a low altitude trekking peak. But its perfect peak like structure and location give all the sensations that any other Himalayan peak produce in a climber. You can have a perfect panoramic view of Manali from its top. During the summer months of April, May and June when slopes leading to the top remains snow covered, it provides a perfect condition for climbing a mountain by cutting out steps on packed snow. You need basic mountain climbing tools like rope, ice axe, boot etc. Most of the trekking agencies at Manali offer it as one day hiking tour, but it is quiet difficult to make it to the top on snow in one day. Even if you are a hardcore high altitude trekker, you need two days. To experience the joy to be in Himalayan forests, the thrill of trekking and climbing on snow, and to be on the top of a mountain join our program of 6 days.

When you look northwards from manali town, the highest pinnacle on the white mountain range that closes the valley is friendship peak. It looms at an altitude of 17300 ft. Friendship peak has been declared a trekking peak by indian mountaineering foundation for trained and professional mountaineers. But for beginners and armature mountaineers it is a bit challenging. One should have prior experience of high altitude trekking (not necessarily of climbing) in himalayas before going for this peak. On the route to the top you will find all mountain topographic features like moraines, glacier, crevasses etc. Itinerary of friendship peak: 5289mts. (17352ft) day 1:-arrival at manali arrival at the campsite of himalayan mountain sojourns at palchan in the forenoon. At lunch there will be a meeting with guide and haps. In the afternoon, after lunch, you can visit the market if you still have something important to purchase for the expedition or you may go for a short acclimatization walk around the campsite. Overnight in rooms at the campsite of himalayan mountain sojourns at palchan.

kothi peak is also a low altitude peak in manali like patalasu peak. it rises up to – feet from mean sea level. but it gives all the thrills of climbing a mountain. any moderately fit person can make an attempt. it is situated on manali –rohtang road looking over kothi village. standing on the shoulder of the peak you see famous rohtang pass to your left with road sprawled on its slopes, to your right stands bhrigu peak. itinerary for kothi peak: 4450mts. (14600ft) day1:- arrival at manali arrival at the campsite of himalayan mountain sojourns at palchan in the forenoon. at lunch there will be a meeting with guide and haps. in the afternoon, after lunch, you can visit the market if you still have something important to purchase for the expedition or you may go for a short acclimatization walk around the campsite. overnight in rooms at the campsite of himalayan mountain sojourns at palchan. day2:- palchan to base camp at rauli khol after breakfast trek starts to rauli khol (12000ft). first by jeep up to gulaba 15 km. from gulaba to rauli khol uphill trek of 4 to 5 hours. evening – free time at the campsite. overnight in the camp in alpine tents.

These areas of Himachal Pradesh are a real challenge to the riders. The route lies in difficult terrain, rough road and inclement weather conditions passing over the passes Kunzam and Rohtang. The highlight of this tour is Spiti valley. The mountainscape in Spiti has an exotic appearance. All around, there is a marvelous panorama of rugged crags and slopes that change their colours from pale pink to bright scarlet. The safari trail leads from one valley to another crossing passes of 4000 mts heights. You start from the lush green forests and pastures of Kullu Himalaya and enter into the cold desert of Kinnaur and Spiti; and to complete the circuit you again enter into Kullu – Manali crossing over Rogtang Pass.

Manali–Leh road is a beautiful terrain full of adventure and scenic beauty. Dangerous, deadliest and most definitely beautiful, this road connects Leh in Ladakh to Manali. On this road one experiences pure and complete pleasure taking the challenges of the twists and turns, riding his Royal Enfield motorcycle through the stunning landscape of the Trance Himalayas. On this road, one goes through varied forms of nature ranging from beautiful lush green valley of Manali to rocky barren multi coloured mountains of trance Himalaya. While on this bike safari one will cross several of the highest and most beautiful mountain passes in India–the Rohtang pass-3978 meters; Baralacha pass–4830 meters; Lachungla pass-5060 meters and the highest motor-able pass in the world the Khardungla pass–5602 meters.

Sach Pass is (4420 M – 14498 FT) high mountain pass in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh in India. It connects the Chamba Valley with the Pangi Valleys of Himachal Pradesh. The pass is open from June or early July to mid- October. The road is narrow and un-metalled. Pangi- the snow bound valley- is located in the Mid Himalayan region. It remains cut off for more than six months in a year. Heavy snowfall and semi arctic climate makes living very tough here. Recently, Killar the Headquarter of Pangi has been linked with a jeep able road which, however, remains in use for merely two months in a year due to adverse weather conditions. It is a place where myth is history and mystery is reality. Embarking on this journey is truly the experience worth it- the route is challenging and the landscape breath-taking.

The roads in Manali are full of traffic during tourist season. Car, buses, trucks flow one after one like a stream. Sometimes they all stuck during rush hours and it takes a lot of time to get out of this crowd of vehicles. As a result many of the tourists choose to ride around Manali on motorbikes. The freedom of travelling by motorbike is unmatched. You can do what you want and you are not confined to anyone’s schedule but your own. On motorbike you can freely enjoy the scenes around. You can see the road in front of you and the beautiful scenery to your left and right. Renting a motorbike or a scooty for a day is probably the best way to explore the hill station of Manali. Himalayan Mountain Sojourns has its own fleet of motorbikes, and apart from organizing motorbike tours to Trans Himalayas of Ladakh and Spiti it rents out bikes for sightseeing purpose within Manali.