Subhasis Banerjee

TABO Moving up from Sangla towards the Spiti Valley, a step closer to the Himalayas and the Indo-Tibetan border, there is a region where time stood still for centuries. The sudden and unexpected change of terrain here is sure to turn one speechless. Here, at an altitude 3000 metres commences an arid, cold and rocky desert where the only filament of intransience is the furry of turbulent rivers that stagger through the barren high-altitude mountainous desert. The Tabo Gumpha is ranked second in importance to the Buddhists, only to the Tholing Gumpha of Tibet. The monastery celebrated its millennium in 1996. A little distance away in the west, stands the Kee Gumpha, located atop a cliff. This is an absolute must see for all visitors to this region. Accessibility : 337kms north-east Shimla, this place is reached by road. Kaza in the Spiti Valley is only 50kms north-west. Accommodation : There is a Guest House of the Tabo Gumpha and a few basic Hotels. Season : March to Octob...

SOJA The svelte and sylvan hamlet of Soja near the breath-taking Jalori Pass (3223 metres) in the Kullu district was originally a hunting retreat of the erstwhile Kullu kings. Remaining in the isolated calmness of forested surroundings with the Blue Iris in full bloom during the summer months, this serene sojourn renders a heavenly ambience. Accessibility : 160kms from Shimla and 70kms from Kullu, this unspoilt destination is well approached by road from both the places. Accommodation : The erstwhile hunting Resort of the kullu kings have been transformed into a Tourist Lodge, which provides excellent accommodation. Season : October to June.

SANGLA VALLEY A mere 30kms from the Indo-Tibetan border, this virgin valley of nuts, peach, apple orchards and forests of Pine and Fir along the River Baspa was opened to the tourists only during the end of the last century. The sound of the gushing river, murmuring of the wind, noise of the falling leaves and aroma of the virgin woods create a kaleidoscope of serene beauty. Until today, this 42 sq km valley at an altitude of 2,680metres has remained unpolluted by the human civilization. Legend goes that the heroes of the Mahabharata hid here during their last year of exile. Bhoj Patra, a rare tree bark that is finer than the finest of papers, on which the ancient Hindu scriptures were written, is only found here. Sangla has an eternal heritage of polyandry and oracles, both, amid the Hindu and the Buddhist cult. The five-storied fort at Kamru, built by the king of Rampur, bears the traditional Tibetan architectural design. It is an example of abundant cultural impact of the neighbou...

NAGGAR At an altitude of 1,790metres overlooking the brilliant Kullu Valley, the heavenly hamlet of Naggar is a fortified location. It was the capital of the Kullu kings before 1660 AD. A beautiful castle overlooks a huge meadow with a spectacular view of the valley below. The Fort also houses a museum depicting the history of the place and the Kullu kings. Accessibility : 5kms from Katrein, the place is approached by road from both Kullu and Manali. Accommodation : There is a Tourist Lodge inside the Castle. There are a few Government Rest Houses as well. Season : October to June.

LAHUL AND SPITI Lying along the historic Silk Route, these twin valleys have been described by Rudyard Kipling as ‘a world within the world’ and ‘the place where the gods live’. These valleys can be reached via Sarahan, Narkanda, Kalpa and Tabo from Shimla or from Manali through the majestic Rohtang Pass. The ecology of Lahul and Spiti are characterized by varied contrast of ethereal beauty and harsh reality. Small lakes glimmering like jewels encircled by snow-capped peaks, thickly wooded mountain slopes, meadows of alpine grass, rock hard mountain deserts, torrential rivers and howling cold winds with a variety of flora and fauna hooded by an azure sky creates a concoction that is ultimately divine. The extremely endangered Ibex Antelope and Clouded Leopard are found here. Tucked away in the mountains for centuries, this part of the world has been opened to the world only recently. These valleys have a strong and traditional cultural attachment with Tibet. Thus, there are marked cu...

KHAJJIAR Set against a huge lake, this 2kms by 1kms sylvan valley lies very near to the erstwhile princely state of Chamba. The serene ambience, created by stretches of Pine and Deodar forests and sprawling grassy meadows, makes it an ideal destination for contemplation. There is also a golf course here. Accessibility : On the road to Chamba from Dalhousie, Khajjiar is only 20kms east and its distance from Pathankote in the neighbouring state of Punjab is 107kms. Pathankote is very well connected by road and rail. Accommodation : There is a Tourist Lodge here and few standard and deluxe Hotels and Resorts. Season : October to June.