Lahaul--A Taste For The Forbidden and The Unknown

Lahaul, the moonscape of India, is an enchanting place not only for a quick sightseeing trip but also for a long sojourn. Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by the barren beauty of the Himalayas, in direct contrast to their lush green avatar in other parts of Himachal. The valley has long been a favourite with adventure enthusiast, who have a taste for the forbidden and the unknown. You can actually listen to the voice of the wind here and it’s sure to give you goosebumps.

 A Home to Bara Shigri Glacier

Lahaul is a part of Lahaul–Spiti, the largest district in Himachal Pradesh. It is bordered by the Zaskar range and Tibet (the plateau of the world) on the east. To its southeast lies Kinnaur and to the south Kullu Valley. The Bara Shigri glacier – 10 km long and a kilometre wide – is one of the longest in the Himalayas and is right next to this valley. Other high–altitude glaciers are also a regular feature here. 

There’s a slight confusion about how the name Lahaul came about. It could have been derived from either of the two Tibetan words Lho–yul, ‘southern country’ or Lhahi–yul ‘country of gods’, so take your pick.

Famous Places in Himachal

The Ridge and The Mall ( Shimla ) :

These are the most favourable places for all tourists as well as local residents of Shimla. Both the places always remain overcrowded during the day time and in the evening. The Mall is also a main shopping centre of Shimla. The Gaiety Theater which is a reproduction of an old British Theater is also situated here as well as the - Indira Gandhi Khel Parisar - From the Mall you can explore the Middle and Lower Bazar.

Kufri ( Shimla ) :

( 2,633 meters ) 16km. from Shimla. Kufri has won a name on the sports and tourist map of India due to its ‘Ski-runs’, ‘Seed Potato Farm’ of the Central Potato Research Institute and ‘Food Craft Institute’. Kufri offers unique Skiing slopes from December to February.

Baspa Valley ( The beautiful valley of Kinnaur ) :

Baspa valley ( also known as Sangla valley ) is one of the most beautiful valleys of Kinnaur. It starts from Karcham ( 1,899 meters ) where the Baspa river coming from the east joins the Satluj. The road for Baspa valley branches from the Hindustan Tibet road at the river junction and after turning south crosses the Satluj over a bridge to reach Karacham. The valley open up beyond Sangla and is full of wooded slopes as far as Chitkul ( 3,435 meters ). Chitkul is the last inhabited village in the valley surrounded by green fields and high mountain peaks. It is like a Fairyland. The quaint little houses, temples, gompas and the people of Baspa valley conjure up a perfect image of "Shangri-La"

Fagu

FAGU


Fagu is a tiny village aside a saddle-like mountain along Hindustan Tibet Road. A rare range of views is visible from here, which include vivid dales and snow clad peaks. The picturesque countryside is dotted with clusters of villages, fruit gardens and nearby terraced fields. Fog characterizes the hillside landscape endowed with romantic ambience. Most of the area is covered with conifers of Himalayan cedar and spruce. Located at an altitude of 2,450 m, Fagu, perhaps have derived its name from the fog itself.

ACCESS : The closest airport is at Jubbar-Hatti, 45 km away. The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Shimla, 22 km away. By road Chandigarh is 139 km and Delhi is at a distance of 392 km.

CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing point when heavy woolens are required and in summers light woolens / cottons are recommended.

PLACES OF INTEREST

KUFRI (4 km): (2510 m) Famous for its ski slopes also have enjoyable walks leading up to Mahasu Peak in proxomity. A Nature Park and Mini Zoo are other places worth visiting. Hill ponies and Yaks are available for a joy ride. HiPTDC here runs Cafe Lalit.

SHIMLA (22 km): (2205 m) Once a summer seat of Britesher, Shimla is now the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. It has the rarest of the rare heritage buildings and monuments of the bygone area. Worth seeing places are - The legendary Mall Road, The Ridge, The Christ Church, Kali Bari Temple, Jakhu Hanuman Temple, Sankat Mochan, State Museum, Institute of Advanced Studies.

CHAIL (27 km): (2226 m) provides many bounties of nature. Once the summer capital of Maharaja of Patiala, the Kingly Palace decorated with some historical objects as well, is now owned as a Heritage building by HPTDC. Also famous for the world's highest Cricket Ground, Wildlife Sactuary and Sidh Baba ka Mandir.



NARKANDA (42 km): (2708 m) On the Hindustan Tibet road, Narkanda offers a spectacular view of higher snow ranges. An uphill trek (8 km) through deodar woods leads beholder to Hatu Peak famous for ancient Hatu Mata Temple (3475 m) which is now connected with a motorable road. During winter, under the aegis of HPTDC, skiing is also conducted here. Kotgarh and Thanedhar, Himachal's Apple heartland famous for delicious apples are located in vicinity. HPTDC runs Hotel Hatu at Narkanda.

Shimla

Shimla


Height: Most of the town lies between 2,100 m and 2,300 m


Languages spoken: Hindi. Also English, Punjabi and Pahari.


Religion: Mostly Hindu. Also Sikh, Muslim and Christian


Medical Facilities: Good


Telecommunications: Worldwide links by the net, telephone and fax, code: 0177


With all its intricacies, history seems to have been the mortar for every brick and stone that has built Shimla. As the summer capital of British India for well over a century it was the seat of one of the most powerful governments in the world. From its cedar-shaded heights, one fifth of the human race was ruled and the decisions made those decades ago affect our lives to the present day.