Sangla: Bering Nag Temple & More
Bering Nag & other temples in Sangla are great examples of Kinnaur’s composite culture as it lies at a critical point where Buddhist Tibet meets Hindu India.
Sangla: Bering Nag Temple & More Read More »
Indian Himalayas
Sarahan: Under the Shadow of Bhimakali
While I am no stranger to Kinnaur, Sarahan had always eluded me. It requires a diversion from the main road to reach. Many Peo, Sangla, and Kaza bound people tend to skip it to save a day. So, this summer I made a serious attempt to visit it. I had to spend a night at
Sarahan: Under the Shadow of Bhimakali Read More »
Postcards from Rohtang La: One of the World’s Highest Traffic Jam
I have crossed the Rohtang Pass many times but never clicked a photograph before. The reason for the same is mainly the tedious nature of the crossing. One needs to generally wake up too early to catch the early morning buses going towards either Spiti or Lahaul.
Postcards from Rohtang La: One of the World’s Highest Traffic Jam Read More »
Malana Tourist Ban: What it Means, and What it Doesn’t
Malana village has recently banned the guesthouses and homestays from hosting tourists. Here is a first-hand account of it, as well as an effort to analyze and explain the same.
Malana Tourist Ban: What it Means, and What it Doesn’t Read More »
Trek to Shikari Devi: The Huntress Under the Sky
After the misadventures in Chhatri, I settled down in Janjehli for a few days. I liked the feel of the place with all its inexpensive homestays set amidst apple orchards. Travelshoebum left due to some urgencies and I was back to solo trekking again. The primary intention, of course, was to trek to the shrine
Trek to Shikari Devi: The Huntress Under the Sky Read More »
Chhatri : A Temple and A Hitchhike
We left Gadagushaini after the morning detour to Bahu. We were now totally bereft of money and still nowhere near an ATM. Chattri was the next logical destination with another ancient temple but the place also did not have an ATM as per our information. So, we decided to take the bus to Chattri, visit
Chhatri : A Temple and A Hitchhike Read More »
The Great Himalayan National Park Travel Guide
A comprehensive guide to the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), the villages and treks around it. Accommodation, permits, guides, costs, and all other practical information to explore Sainj and Tirthan Valleys for budget backpackers.
The Great Himalayan National Park Travel Guide Read More »
Gadagushaini and Bahu: Some Unexpected Hospitality
Not many people visit the Gadagushaini region in Mandi district. Roads are not in good shape and information is scarce. But that is what has kept the place pristine and people generous.
Gadagushaini and Bahu: Some Unexpected Hospitality Read More »
Beyond Batahad: Rise of the Machines in the Valley of Gods
A short walk in the GHNP ecozone to one of the interior villages beyond Batahad (Bathad), in the Tirthan Valley.
Beyond Batahad: Rise of the Machines in the Valley of Gods Read More »
Dayara Bugyal: A Trek through a Hailstorm
Many trivial issues threatened the trek but in the end Dayara Bugyal turned out to be a simple day-trek. Reaching the starting point was a bigger problem than the actual trek. The weather also kept throwing hailstones but it was never heavy enough.
Dayara Bugyal: A Trek through a Hailstorm Read More »
Gushaini to Rolla: Trek to the Beginning
It is basically an 8 KM long trek from Gushaini to the official entry point of GHNP near Rolla. It is probably the only place where even reaching the entry point can be considered a trek in itself.
Gushaini to Rolla: Trek to the Beginning Read More »
Sidhpur Part II: The place beyond the pines
A trek to Thathri village from Sidhpur and also a visit to the Norbulingka Institute, a centre for Tibetan arts.
Sidhpur Part II: The place beyond the pines Read More »