Born with an insatiable wanderlust and inspired by an addiction to travel writing, but restricted by the demands of a full time job, Matthew Lightfoot set out to explore the world using his annual holiday allowance.
The Two Week Traveller tells the tales of his adventures in almost 150 countries.
Often described as ‘one of those people that things just happen to’, he lives up to his reputation with a collection of humorous, hair-raising and thought-provoking travel tales that span the entire globe.
Being chased by rogue elephants and robbed at gunpoint by a stoned policeman; accidentally cycling down an airport runway and getting trapped in a voodoo ceremony are the type of activities Matthew Lightfoot gets up to on his holidays.
Inspiration for budget travellers, self-drivers, trip planners and anyone who loves to travel but also has to work. And everyone who understands that the journey is as important as the destination.
The Two Week Traveller. When a fortnight on the beach isn’t enough.
I’m a Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America After Twenty Years Away – Bill Bryson
After living in Britain for two decades, Bill Bryson recently moved back to the United States with his English wife and four children (he had read somewhere that nearly 3 million Americans believed they had been abducted by aliens–as he later put it, “it was clear my people needed me”). They were greeted by a new and improved America that boasts microwave pancakes, twenty-four-hour dental-floss hotlines, and the staunch conviction that ice is not a luxury item.
Delivering the brilliant comic musings that are a Bryson hallmark, I’m a Stranger Here Myself recounts his sometimes disconcerting reunion with the land of his birth.
The result is a book filled with hysterical scenes of one man’s attempt to reacquaint himself with his own country, but it is also an extended if at times bemused love letter to the homeland he has returned to after twenty years away.
It’s been a while since I did a Tripadvisor list, and when I saw this list, I knew I had to put this one down. Here’s a list of 25 destinations worldwide that Tripadvisor says are the best off the radar destinations to go to once travel begins.
Martinique, Carribean, France This Gallic toehold in the Caribbean exudes a distinctly French air, enticingly spiced up by West Indian warmth. Local culture and cuisine combine both influences. The stylish isle is dominated by Mount Pelee, which destroyed the city of St. Pierre in 1902. Black sand beaches and rainforests are found in the north, with yet more beautiful sands to the south. Sights include La Pagerie, birthplace of Napoleon’s Empress Josephine, and Diamond Rock, a 600-foot pinnacle, once registered as a British warship.
Panama City Beach, United States of America With an average of 320 days of Florida sunshine each year – and 27 miles of sugar-white sands bordering the clear, emerald green waters where the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay converge – Panama City Beach is a favorite of travelers seeking an affordable beach vacation with year round offerings. The region also features exciting on- and off-shore attractions, including St. Andrews Park and Pier Park, that offer something special to adrenaline-seekers, eco-tourists, families and couples alike.
Armacao dos Buzios, Brazil If there’s a beach economy, Buzios is its Wall Street. Its more than 20 beaches, world-class galleries, clubs and boutiques draw an elite set of travelers. Surfers love Geriba Beach, snorkelers enjoy Ferruda, hip Ossos Beach offers upscale beachside cafes and laid-back Ilhabela Beach offers a more down-to-earth Buzios experience.
Holbox Island, Mexico Flamingos and pelicans and herons, Holbox Island is beloved by bird nerds for its population of exotic avian life. Perched near the Yucatan Peninsula, the island is also a hot spot for whale shark viewing, and kiteboarders love the shallow waters and wide beaches. The white sand streets are relatively unspoiled, as most tourists prefer to party it up in nearby Cancun. A splash in Yalahao Lagoon is about as loco as it gets.
St Ives, United Kingdom St. Ives boasts a quartet of golden-sand beaches. Sheltered coves draw swimmers and sun-worshippers, but water-sports aficionados visit St. Ives for great surfing, windsurfing and water-skiing conditions. And on your way there, keep your eyes peeled for a dude with seven wives. You never know when nursery rhymes might come true.
Mazatlan, Mexico It’s a historic capital. It’s a beach resort. It’s a lively, romantic town. Whatever you look for in a Mexican vacation is on the menu in Mazatlan. Returning travelers rave about the welcoming Mazatlecos, who treat you like old amigos, as well as the beaches, the food, the weather, the music and the feeling of never wanting to leave.
Colorado Springs, United States of America A crossroads for historians, sportsmen, architects, artists and gourmands, Colorado Springs offers a delightful mix of Western charms. Sunny skies and crisp mountain air make it a perfect place for a golf outing, extreme sports or a picnic in one of the many, many well-maintained parks.
Shoalhaven, Australia Shoalhaven might not be the first place to come to mind when thinking of Australia—but it should be. That is if you enjoy surfing sparkling turquoise waters, immersing yourself in the verdant trails and gorges of Ben’s Walk, and exploring caverns and sea cliffs through Gosangs Tunnel. Looking for something a bit more restful? Enjoy stunning views (particularly at sunset) from the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse before feasting on local treats at one of the coastal region’s 20 vineyards.
Wroclaw, Poland Wroclaw is Poland’s fourth-largest city and the capital of the Viovodship of Lower Silesia. Originally built across several islands during medieval times, the city still has many lovely bridges and beautiful architecture. The Rynek or the central square, lined by colorful buildings, is one of the city’s most popular destinations.
Mudgee, Australia A bliss for history lovers, Mudgee is a New South Wales town which can be explored through expertly restored Gold Rush-era buildings and an extensive selection of artifacts at the Gulgong Pioneers Museum. Nature enthusiasts will love the moss-covered rocks and oversized ferns in Ferntree Gully, while would-be artists will want to check out the bold canvases and handmade ceramics by local artisans. Prefer exploring by bike? This region offers everything from gentle rides through the countryside to dirt back roads made for mountain biking.
Annecy, France Romance is the lifeblood of Annecy, a town in the Rhone-Alpes region of southeast France that’s replete with castles and cathedrals and softly curving architecture. Stroll hand in hand with your paramour across Pont des Amours (the lover’s bridge) before taking in the Imperial Palace and the baroque Cathedral of Saint-Pierre. A walk down the Rue Royale will be rewarded with prime shopping, dining and people-watching, especially at the fountain of Saint Jean.
Jeju Island, South Korea Where else can you find an azalea-framed volcano to climb, a sisterhood of deep-divers, and ancient stone statues on which to make wishes? Jeju Island. A favorite with newlyweds, and K-drama fans, this popular retreat is also home to miles of golden beaches, winding coastal trails, and Jeju Waterworld, the area’s largest water park. No matter what your fancy, one thing is for certain: a day of sightseeing isn’t complete without enjoying some of the isle’s delicious raw seafood and famed barbecued black pork.
Tromso, Norway The fjords and mountain ranges of Tromso are simply magical. Here, the northern lights sparkle across the same navy blue sky that’s illuminated by the midnight sun. You’ll be spellbound by Tromso’s enchanting fishing villages, fragrant botanical gardens and crystalline waterfalls. Music is a major part of the Tromso culture, particularly techno and electronic music, which adds some thumping thunder to the city once a year during the annual Insomnia Festival.
Ubatuba, Brazil Situated on the breathtaking Litoral Norte or the north shore of São Paulo state and straddling the Tropic of Capricorn, the town of Ubatuba is a beachcombers’ and surfers’ paradise. In fact, the city of 78,000 which is 225 km northeast of the state capital is known as the Surf Capital of São Paulo, as well as being a major sailing center. Visitors and locals have more than 100 beaches to choose from, so you’ve got no reason to go home without tan lines.
Dresden, Germany On the banks of the lovely Elbe River, the German city of Dresden is lush and green, filled with forests and gardens and parks. The city is rich with cultural and artistic history; the great operatic composer Wilhelm Wagner debuted a number of works here in the 1800s and, today, an independent light opera company keeps the classical art form modern and fresh. Culture vultures will love the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister and Grünes Gewölbe museums, and architecture buffs will salivate over the mélange of styles reflected in the cityscape.
Elba Island, Italy Best known as the site of Napoleon’s exile, Elba’s long history stretches back to pre-Roman times, when it was settled by Ligures and then Etruscans. It’s Tuscany’s biggest island and Italy’s third-largest, offering a great mix of options both cultural like hilltop towns and castles and recreational like hiking, biking, swimming, diving and beaching. There’s an airport at Marina di Campo, but most arrive by ferry from Piombino to Portoferraio (the biggest town), Rio Marina or Porto Azzurro.
Maastricht, The Netherlands Touching Belgium on its west and just a few miles from Germany to the east, Maastricht is the capital of Holland’s southernmost region, Limburg. A town rich in history and culture, Maastricht boasts two wonderful town squares: Vrijthof, with Sint-Servaas Church, Sint-Jan’s Cathedral and many bars, cafes and restaurants; and Markt, home to the town hall and, on Wednesday and Friday mornings, a fantastic vendor market. The city’s Vestigingswerken, or old town fortifications, are another big draw.
La Rochelle, France Located on the Bay of Biscay, La Rochelle’s history mostly involved the sea; today it has a large pleasure-boat marina. Thus its heart is the picturesque Vieux Port or the Old Harbor. The city retains a rich architectural heritage, and has an aquarium, attractive gardens and a natural-history museum. Book early for summer; mid-July in particular features Francofolies, a huge French music festival.
Lugano, Switzerland Perfectly positioned on a lake with the Alps at its back, lucky Lugano has a little bit of everything. Ride a cable car up Monte San Salvatore or Monte Bre for sunny panoramas of lake, rivers, mountains and red-roofed buildings. Explore the town’s churches, cathedrals and the expressive and colorful Piazza della Riforma. Sample some slow-cooked Ticinese cuisine, explore the lake on a boat or spend the day at the lido with its Olympic-sized pool.
Male, Maldives The island capital of the Maldives teems with high rises and narrow streets, all ringed by seawalls. Shopaholics can savor Male’s flavors in the local markets, which are packed with fresh produce, and along Chaandanee Magu, the spot for local souvenirs, such as carved wooden dhonis, miniature replicas of the boats dotting area waters. The golden-domed Friday Mosque presides over the landscape, while the underwater riches of the atolls lure scuba enthusiasts from around the globe.
Miyakojima, Japan The island of Miyako-jima is home to beautiful beaches, perfect for sunning, swimming and snorkeling. When you’re sun-spent, migrate to the Miyakojima City Tropical Plant Garden to marvel at over 1,500 species of exotic tropical plants. Toast your travel companions with Japanese shochu while you nibble on specialty soba noodles.
Tobermory, Canada A place like no other, Tobermory is hailed as the scuba diving capital of Canada. The lakeside town is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, which offer the perfect lens to explore the area’s 20-plus shipwrecks. Those looking for adventure on land will want to check out the Bruce Peninsula National Park. Equipped with both camping grounds and RV sites, this popular attraction is a favorite with hikers because of the scenic trails which are teeming with diverse flora and fauna and also provides access to The Grotto, a wave-formed sea cave with an underwater tunnel that leads to Georgian Bay.
Alexandria, Egypt The Pearl of the Mediterranean has an ambiance more in keeping with its neighbors to the north than with those in the Middle East. Site of Pharos lighthouse, one of the Wonders of the World, and of Anthony and Cleopatra’s tempestuous romance, the city was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE. Today, Alexandria offers fascinating insights into its proud Greek past, as well as interesting mosques, the casino strip of the Corniche, some lovely gardens and both modern and traditional hotels.
Mar del Plata, Argentina Argentina’s top beach resort town, Mar del Plata boasts 10 miles of sandy beaches, from family-oriented La Perla in the north to very popular Bristol in the center and sophisticated Faro in the south. Regardless of the beach, expect very dense crowds, particularly in the summer months. Once an elite enclave, it now attracts visitors of all budgets.
Dunedin, New Zealand Rare yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and the world’s only mainland albatross colony share residence in Dunedin, New Zealand’s oldest city. When you’re not watching wildlife, this South Island Otago Coast town also boasts impressive historic architecture from its days as a gold-rush mecca. Visit the 1906 Flemish Renaissance railway station or the country’s largest center of higher learning, which resembles Glasgow University, thanks to the area’s early Scottish settlers.
Keylong Nestled between the Lahaul and Spiti district, Keylong is perfect for a getaway away from the tourists towns of the state. Due to the dry cold weather, Keylong does not have a lot of greenery, but the snow-covered mountains covered with mist are picturesque. Situated at an altitude of 3080 meters, the tiny hamlet is generally a stop-over for visitors travelling in the region. The small town is cut off from the outside world from November to mid-May due to heavy snowfall at Rohtang Pass. It is mandatory to get a permit from the Tourist Development Council Manali to travel to Keylong mostly because travel to Rohtang pass is restricted and to get to Keylong, one needs to cross the pass. Located 8 km from Keylong, the Kardhang Monastery is situated amidst mountains with a stunning architecture. The monastery houses a library with ancient Buddhist texts and weapons dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. The Barachaa La Pass where Barachaa translates to pass with crossroads on summit in English offers spectacular views of the mountains and is also where three rivers namely; Chandra, Bhaga and Yunam originate. The Shashur monastery which is located at an elevation of 600 meters, sits atop a hill 3 km away from Keylong. The walls of this monastery are embellished with beautiful paintings of the 84 siddhas of Buddhism and the best time to visit is during the months of June and July because of the annual festival celebrated. The Tayul Monastery is located 6 km from Keylong. Tayul which translates to the chosen place is home to a grand library that houses thousands of ancient texts as well as a huge statue of Guru Padmasambhava. Believed to be the lake of the Sun God, Suraj Tal is situated amidst snow-covered mountains at an elevation of 4960 meters. At a distance of 24 km from Keylong, Darcha is the place to go if you plan to camp. Located at an elevation of 3360 meters, Darcha is a huge camping site. The ancient fort at Gondla was built in the 18th century and is situated 18 km from Keylong. The fort is eight stories high with intricate architecture and is located the Chandra River. The Lahaul and Spiti Tribal Museum is rich in artefacts relating to the culture of this area with many beautifully woven clothes, old masks, utensils, handmade carpets, treasures and archaeological artefacts. A tranquil lake, Deepak Tal provides scenic beauty with fresh, cold and clear water.
Pin Valley National Park Set amidst semi-frozen rivers in the Pin Valley, the Pin Valley National Park is situated in the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in the Lahaul and Spiti district. The park was established in 1987 as a part of the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area. The elevation of the park ranges from about 3,500 metres near Ka Dogri to more than 6,000 metres at its pinnacle. Steeped in historical and present day Buddhist Tibetan culture, the area has many Tibetan Buddhist influences, evident architecturally in monasteries and stupas, and in the daily living of its residents.
One of of its kind, the Pin Valley National Park is home to rare species of the Himalayan snow leopard and their prey, the Ibex. The National Park is famous for its incredible trek which require special inner line permits which is required for any travel within 40 km of the Tibetan border and foreign nationals are not allowed inside the park. The park’s core zone is sprawled across an area of 675 sq km while its buffer zone is extended over almost 1150 sq km. Due to the park’s high altitude and extreme temperatures, vegetation density is sparse, comprising mainly of alpine trees and groves of Himalayan cedar or deodars. In summer, rare birds like the Himalayan snowcock, the chukar partridge, the snow partridge and the snow finch. Because of its snow-laden unexplored higher spots and slopes, the park forms a natural habitat for a number of endangered animals including the snow leopard and the Siberian ibex. Twenty-two rare and endangered medicinal plant species have been discovered in and around the National Park, distributed over 10 different habitat types.
The Pin Valley National Park is the place for those who like trekking in rough terrains. There are two routes with the first one called the Summer Route which is open from July to October, and the second one called the Winter Route, open from March to December. Mid- May to September is considered to be the best time to visit Pin Valley National Park, since the region around the park receives heavy snowfall in winter.
Spiti valley A cold desert mountain valley located high in the Himalayas in the north-eastern part of the state, Spiti Valley’s name comes from the fact it lies between India and Tibet with Spiti meaning the middle land. Scantily populated, Spiti is an adventure lover’s paradise, with a number of trekking trails that tourists can choose from. Bordered on all sides by the Himalayas, Spiti Valley, is at an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, and gets just about 250 days of sunshine in the year, making it one of the coldest places in the country. With the thick Himalayan snow cutting Spiti off from the rest of the country for around 6 months a year, the summer months are the only time Spiti is directly accessible via motorway. All treks in the valley begin from Kaza, Spiti’s capital, which is a tranquil getaway on the plains of the Spiti river and is bound by mountains covered in snow, rivers and streams and picturesque barren landscape with scattered patches of green. Kaza is divided in to two parts, old and new Kaza, accommodating government offices and the king’s palace respectively. Locals follow the Vajrayana Buddhism similar to that found in the Tibet and Ladakh regions. The valley and surrounding region is one of the least populated regions in India and is the gateway to the northernmost reaches of the country.
Chandratal Lake is often referred to as one of the most beautiful lakes and is located at an altitude of about 4300 on the Samudra Tapu plateau which overlooks the Chandra River. The name Chandra Taal which means lake of the moon comes from its crescent shape. This lake is also one of two high-altitude wetlands that have been designated as Ramsar sites. Legend has that the Chandratal Lake lies in the vicinity of the place from where Lotf Indra’s chariot picked up Yudhishthira, the oldest of Pandava brothers. The colour of this lake keeps changing from red in the morning to orange and blue to to emerald green as the day ends. Vast stretches of green meadows house the best camping sites with an array of wildflowers during spring. The trek from Batal to Chandratal can be quite a tedious trail, but the views make the trek worth it. The Chandratal Lake trek goes through a scenic route with a panoramic view of the Lahaul range with snow clad peaks of Minar, Talagiri, Tara Pahar and Mulkila, all of which are over 6000 meters.
Five km from the Dhankar monastery lies the Dhankar lake on the other side of the mountain which can be reached in about an hour after following a well marked trail from the monastery. When the sky changes colour, it reflects the colours on the crystal clear lake making it the perfect place to contemplate on life.
The Kunzum Pass or Kunzum La, as it is called by locals, is one of the highest motorable mountain passes in India, located at an altitude of 4,551m above mean sea level and serves as a gateway to Spiti valley. It lies on the eastern Kunzum Range and offers an incredible 360-degree view of the Bara – Shigri Glacier, the second longest glacier in the world, a jaw-dropping vista of Chandrabhaga Range and a spectacular views of the Spiti valley. A 15 km trek to Chandrataal lake starts from the pass and it is believed that visitors have to stop at the temple of Goddess Kunzum Devi, on their way to the pass, to pay their respects and seek blessing to travel safely. The tradition is to take a complete circle of the temple in one’s vehicle.
Located at an altitude of 4,166 m, the Key Monastery is very close to the Spiti river and is also known as the Kye or Ki Monastery, it is believed to have been founded by Dromton, a student of Atisha in the 11th century. Over a thousand years old, the monastery is the largest in Spiti Valley and doubles up as a religious training centre with about 300 lamas receiving their education here. As a result of the repeated attacks on the monastery, it was rebuilt multiple times making the monastery look more like a fort. The walls of the monastery are adorned with beautiful murals and paintings and marked by narrow corridors that lead to low rooms. The monastery has three floors with the first floor is used for storage and is mostly underground. The ground floor of the monastery houses the assembly hall and has cells for the monks. A richly painted room, Tangyur never fails to capture one’s attention. Thangkas, manuscripts, stucco images and wind instruments can be found within the monastery as well as an extensive collection of weapons on display.
Also refered to as Dankhar, Drangkhar or Dhangkar Gompa, the Dhankar Monastery is situated at an altitude of 12,774 feet and is perched unbelievably on the edge of a cliff and offers a panoramic view of the Spiti valley. Built one thousand years ago on a 1000 feet high mountain and overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers, Dhankar Monastery is listed as one of the world’s 100 most endangered monuments. Besides enchanting views, the gompa has the statue of Vairochana or Dhayan Buddha which consists of four figures seated back to back and a small museum with scriptures and murals. Below the monastery is the village of Shichilling where there is a new monastery which houses about 150 monks belonging to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Dhankar was the traditional capital of the Spiti Valley kingdom during the 17th century and has some features from the 12th century.
Standing tall at a height of 10,000 feet, the Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries located in the Tabo village of Spiti Valley and is the oldest monastery in India that has been functioning continuously since its inception. It is second only to the Tholing Gompa in Tiber and was built by the Buddhist king, Yeshe-O. It is known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas, because of the walls of the monastery which are decorated with fascinating murals and ancient paintings, much like the Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra. Today it has been taken over by the Archeological Survey of India. The walls of the monastery are 3 feet wide and encompass 9 temples, 4 stupas, 23 chortens, a monk’s chamber and an extension which contains the nun’s chamber. The temples house a priceless collection of manuscripts, thangkas, stuccos and frescoes with the walls decorated with murals that depict the ancient tales of the Mahayana Buddhist pantheon. A four-fold figure of Vairocana, one of the five spiritual sons of Abibuddha rests in the Initiation Temple with many other life-sized statues of gods and demons and holy scriptures.
The Shashur Monastery is a three-storied monastery of the Drugpa sect, located about 40 km from Manali. The literal meaning of Shashur in the local language is blue pines, as blue pine trees can be found around the monastery. Since the monastery is perched at an elevation of 600 m above the valley, the views of the river, mountains and Keylong town are amazing. Built in the 17th century, following the Mandala concept of a square having four gates with a circle in the centre, the prayer rooms of the monastery are bedecked with large thangkas and wall paintings.
Also known as the Guru Ghantal Gompa, the Gandhola Monastery, is located around 20 kms from Keylong. Perched on the Tupchiling village hilltop, at the confluence of the Chandra and Bagha rivers, the monastery is the oldest monastery in the Lahaul region, founded by Padma Sambhava around 800 years back. It is famous for its wooden idols, which stand out from the clay idols found in all other monasteries.
Located in the Bhaga Valley of Spiti, the Tayul Monastery houses the biggest statue of Padma Sambhava which is 12 ft. tall, in his two manifestations of Singhmukha and Vajravarahi. Situated around 6 kms from Keylong, the Tayul Gompa also has a hundred million mani wheels, which are supposed to open the minds of visitors to the compassion of Lord and are said to turn themselves on auspicious occasions.
The Tangyud Monastery is located in the Komic village of Spiti Valley at 4520 metres and is one of the highest altitude gompas in India. Also known as Sakya Tangyud Monastery, it is situated on the periphery of the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. Sitting on the edge of a deep canyon, the monastery is built in the form of a fortified castle. Adorned with red ochre and white vertical stripes, with a slanting mud wall, it gives the appearance of being taller than it actually is and is one of the only two monasteries belonging to the Sakya sect left in Spiti Valley.
The Kardang Monastery is located in Kardang village on the banks of Bhaga river at an altitude of 3500 metres and is situated on a ridge below Rangcha Peak, facing the town of Keylong. Said to be more than 900 years old, the monastery is famous for its alluring architecture, religious significance and phenomenal collection of murals, thangkas, paintings and instruments. There are about thirty monks and nuns at Kardang Monastery who have equal rights and permission to marry. They spend the summer with their families and return to the monastery in winter. Every year in the months of June and July, an annual Chaam dance is also organised where monks are dressed in dramatic masks and headgears. The architectural style of Kardang Monastery is typical of the Lahaul and Spiti district. The highlights of the monastery include a large golden Buddha statue, ancient colourful frescoes and murals and a library of Buddhist literature including the Kagyu and Tangyur scriptures in the Bhotia or Sherpa language. There are strips of paper on which the sacred mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ is written one million times. 103 volumes of the Kangyur are kept in the library with 64 tantra books on various subjects. The monastery also houses a 4-foot high silver chorten or shrine in the first room which has the skull and ashes of Lama Norbu. To the right of it are statues of Padmasambhava and Tara Devi, and in the back, one of Tagden Shakyashree, a guru of Lama Kunga. The second room is the main Prayer Hall with an eleven-headed statue of Avalokitesvara. On a high pedestal at the right are some of Lama Norbu’s castoff garments and with a skull in front. In the third room is a six-foot wooden prayer wheel with a brass bell on it.
Located in the Pin Valley, around 10 km from Attargo and 3 km from Gulling, the Kungri Monastery is the second oldest monastery in Spiti valley and the only one following the Nyingmapa Buddhism tradition, the oldest order of Tibetan Buddhism. The Kungri Monastery has gorgeous silk paintings of Buddhist deities adorning the inner walls and during June-July, one can witness the performance of the Devil Dance or Chham.
The Trilokinath Temple, also known as Sri Trilokinathji Temple, is located in Trilokinath village. The temple is the only place in the world where both Hindus and Buddhists worship together. The diety is considered as Lord Shiva by Hindus while the Buddhists see it as Arya Avalokiteshwar. Trilokinath, another name for Lord Shiva, means the Lord of three worlds. It is believed that the Trilokinath Temple was originally a Buddhist monastery. Located at an altitude of 2760 metres, the white-painted temple used to be called Tunda Vihar, which is is the ancient name of the temple. The temple has a curvilinear stone tower or shikhara which has a distinctive amlka on its top and is made in a traditional wooden pagoda style and decorated with Tibetan prayer flags. As one enter the temple, there is a courtyard with a small white shrine with a granite lingam and a Nandi bull in the middle and a large Buddhist prayer wheel. Past the courtyard, in a room around the original shrine, a Hindu priest and a lama sit.
Komic Village, situated at a height of 4275m is a location where fossils are found, but one should not be tempted to to that as the buying and transporting of fossils is not legal. The village also owns a small monastery where women are not allowed during prayers.
Situated in the Sutlej river valley near the India- Tibet border, Tashigang is a quaint little village which is also the highest point in the Spiti Valley. Perched at an altitude of 4650 m, the village has just over four homes with a meagre population of 6 families and around 40 people in all. Tashigang’s claim to fame is that it has the highest polling booth in the world as well as a beautiful lake.
Kibber, also known as Kyibar, is a small village located at an altitude of 4270 metres and is surrounded by picturesque mountains and barren landscapes, Kibber boasts of being the highest inhabited village with a motorable road and is famous for the local monastery and the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. Established in 1992, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 1400 sq k and harbours rare species of flora and fauna. Around forty snow leopards have been discovered here. The area is rich in rare and endangered medicinal plant species used in the production of traditional medicines and cosmetics. Local operators and homestays organize excursions and treks to the sanctuary.
Also known as Mummy Village, Gue is a small village which has the mummy of a monk placed inside a tomb. As per carbon dating, the mummy is 500 to 600 years old and is dressed in silk robes and placed in a squatting position. It was discovered in 1975.
Sarchu, which lies in the border of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh is usually chosen as an overnight stop for people who travel along the Leh-Manali Highway. Located at an altitude of 4,290 metres, A majour trading point on the Silk Route, Sarchu is also called as Sir Bhum Chun and lies between the Baralacha La mountains in the south and Lachulung La in the north. The camping site on the Himalayan mountain range has many semi-permanent camps which are run between May and October.
Narkanda Surrounded by forests and woodlands, Narkanda is a quaint little town popular for skiing in winters. Situated at a height of 9000 feet, this town is known for its natural beauty and beautiful apple orchards and is surrounded by tropical forests and majestic hills. Narkanda also has various trekking routes and a beautiful hill, Hatu Nag can be trekked and from where one gets a panoramic view of the town below. Soaring at a height of nearly 12,000 feet above sea level, the Hatu Peak is the highest peak in the Shimla district, which is surrounded by mountains and covered in a dense green forest comprising a varied population of deodar, fir, spruce, cedar and blue pine. The Hatu Mata Temple rests atop the hill on Hatu Peak and is dedicated to Mandodari, the wife of King Ravana. There is a small stove like formation that sits right next to the temple, believed to have been used by the Pandava brothers to cook their food during their exile. The trek to the peak is not very rigorous and is a one-way hike of 7 km. The Tannu Jubbar Lake is encircled with trees all around and is an ideal picnic spot. Located 7 km form Narkanda is the Mahamaya Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali which is set amidst beautiful surroundings. Many years back, Satyanand Stokes started cultivating apples in Narkanda and kickstarted the town’s economy. This because the Stokes Farm and today the area is known for these apple orchards and.
Mashroba Connected to the state capital of Shimla by the historic Hindustan-Tibet Road built by Lord Dalhousie in 1850, Mashobra is notable for housing one of the two Presidential retreats in India, with the other being the Rashtrapati Nilayam in Secunderabad. The President of India visits Mashobra at least once every year, and during this time their core office shifts to the retreat at Chharabra, in Mashobra. The building housing the retreat is a completely wooden structure originally constructed in 1850. Also known as the quieter Shimla, Mashobra stands at a height of about 7700 feet and is the perfect alternative for those looking for a peaceful little hill-station. Asia’s largest watersheds supplying water to Shimla, the Reserve Forest Sanctuary is a must visit not just for this reason, but also for the lush coniferous cover surrounding it and also because it is a birdwatcher’s delight. Prior permission to visit the sanctuary is needed as it is a reserved area. A spectacular picnic spot which was previously a villa of an Italian photographer Chevalier who named it after his hometown, Craignano is located at a height of about 7700 feet and flanked by streams as well as pines and oaks on all sides and is constructed out of wood. The Shali Tibba hill at an altitude of 2873 m is located in Khatnol village, 35 km from Shimla and is also known as 360 because of the 360 view from the peak of Kufri, Fagu, Shimla and Narkanda Hills. The mountain peak has a temple dedicated to Goddess Bhimakali. Originally built as a residence of Lord Kitchener of, the Wildflowers is said to have been a favourite retreat of Lord Ripon. However, it burned down in 1993 and a new Wildflower building was built as a hotel there in a joint venture between the Himachal Pradesh government and the Oberoi group of hotels. If one is a big fan of exploring little known traditions and festivals, then visiting the Mahasu Peak in the month of May should be on the list. The festival, known as Mahasu Jatara, falls on the third Tuesday of May and celebrates the shifting of the idol of the chief deity Lord Mahasu.
Kinnaur Located on the Indo-Tibet border, Kinnaur is situated at a distance of 235 km from Shimla and hosts views of the Zanskar Valley and the snow-draped Dhauladar range. Also known as the land of God, Kinnaur’s claim to fame is the Kinnaur Kailash with the shivaling, the representation of Lord Shiva and the mesmerising rock formations which change colours several times a day. Opened to outsiders in 1989, there are old Buddhist monasteries and temples here and the district is well known for its delicious apples, Chilgoza, handlooms and handicrafts materials. Kinnaur lies on the northeast corner of the state bordering Tibet to the east and has three high mountains ranges, Zanskar and Himalayas that enclose valleys of Satluj, Spiti, Baspa and their tributaries. The slopes are covered with thick wood, orchards, fields and hamlets. At the peak of the Kinnaur Kailash mountain is a natural rock Shivling. The old Hindustan-Tibet Road passes through the valley along the banks of river Sutlej and finally enters Tibet at Shipki La pass. Kinnaur also has historical cultural links with Ngari Prefecture of the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
A favourite for Buddhist pilgrims because of the three temples of Galdang Chhodkar, Dunguir and Kangyur and an old monastery dedicated to local deity Tangtashu, Lippa has the Taiti stream flowing by. Reckong Peo also known as Peo lies in the middle of the Himalayas at a height of 2,300 metres. Also known as Rirang, Ribba gets its name by adding ri, meaning chilgoza, which Kinnaur is known for and rang, meaning mountain peak. The area is famous for its grape orchards and grape distilled alcohols and the innumerable trees with edible pines. Moorang is known for its apricot orchards and the fort built by the Pandavas on the banks of the Sutlej river.
Sarahan A small hamlet, Sarahan is known as the gateway to Kinnaur and is located near the Sutlej River Valley and the Indo Tibetan road, at an altitude of 2165 m below sea level. Famous for the never-ending apple orchards, dense emerald pine and deodar forests, gushing streams, wildflower fields rustic settings, terraced farms and slate-roofed houses, the village is a sight to behold. The village is famous for the Bhimadevi Temple, dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali, who was the presiding deity of the rulers of the former Bushahr State. One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, it is believed the temple is built at the place where Sati’s ears fell. The temple is built in the traditional Kinnauri manner with a touch of a unique Tibetan architecture and has three complexes, the first two which were built in the 12th century and the third in 1920. The three complexes are dedicated to Lord Raghunathji, Patal Bhairva Ji and Narsinghji, though Devi Kali is the principle deity and has a separate shrine. The exterior boost of wood works and the interior is full of intricate carvings. During Dussehra, grand prayers and animal sacrifices are offered to the Goddess. The Sarahan Bird Park is located close to the Bhimkali Temple and houses the famous state bird Jujurana as well as other local birds and is closed during the summer as it is the breeding season. Located 50 km from Sarahan, Bhabha Valley is a beautiful valley running along the Bhaba river with an amazing landscape filled with the lake and alpine meadows and also is the starting point for the trek route to Pin Valley in Spiti. The Shrikhand Peak has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva near the peak which, according to legend is where the Lord meditated. Hawa Ghar is a quaint little sitting area built below the canopy of tall trees and offers a phenomenal view of the high peaks and deep valleys. Sarahan was the summer capital of the Bushahr kings and the Bushahr Palace is situated adjacent to the Bhimkali temple. It is generally not open for public visits, though the garden and some parts may be accessible at times. The royal family does not live here now and only visits during Durga puja.
Sangla Valley Named after a beautilful village of the same name, the Sangla Valley is bound by mountain slopes, sprawling evergreen forests, snow covered peaks, red apples orchard and cherry trees. The Baspa river also makes its way through the place and is famous for trout fishing. The Sangla Meadow is a lush green meadow spotted with mud patches and a magnificent backdrop of the snow covered Himalayas. Also referred to as Sangla Kanda, this is a must-see place when in the valley. The Baspa river, a photographer’s delight is an ideal place to fish rainbow and brown trout, camp and trek. Dedicated to Lord Jagas, the Bering Nag temple is another must-vissit and not just for its The Brelengi Gompa was established in 1992 to perform the Kalachakra ceremony by the Mahabodhi Society. Chitkul is said to be the last inhabited village within the Indian on the old Indo-Tibetan road. Situated at the height of 3450 meters, the village is located at a distance of 28 km from Sangla and has an exquisite landscape of breathtaking beauty with orchids, mountains, meadows, huge rocks, river, jungle, and grasslands. The village is sparsely populated. On the way to , about 22 km from Chitkul, one will also pass through the Rakcham village, commonly known as the model village in the region. A quaint village Rakcham is located in the Baspa Valley by the Baspa river, an important tributary of the Sutlej. Sangla is also famous for Tibetan proucts made of wood which can be found at the Tibetan Wood Carving Centre. Situated almost 8 km from Sangla, the Basteri village is where one can shop some interesting local handicrafts like handmade shawls and the Kinnauri caps.
Kalpa A small village, Kalpa is known for its apple orchards. Local Kinnauris follow a syncretism of Hinduism and Buddhism and many temples in Kalpa are dedicated to both Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses. The village is known for its ancient temples and the Sutlej river flows below through deep gorges and bordered by chilgoza pine forests. An inner line permit is needed to continue upwards to the Spiti Valley. Also visible from here is the shivling rock on the Kailash mountain that changes its color at different points in the day. A perfect example of Kinnauri craftsmanship, the Narayan-Nagini temple is constructed in the traditional Tibetan pagoda style and situated on the top of a hill at Chini village. The Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar monastery was founded by Rinchensang-po who lived between 950 and 1055. Also known as Koshtampi, Kothi is important as a religious place due to the temple of the Hindu God Bhairon Baba and that of Goddess Chandika who is believed to slash the head of a demon who helped the takur of Chini in ruling Sairag and brought bliss to the town. She is believed to bestow magical boons to her devotees. The Kinnar Kailasha which is locally known as Kinner Kailash is a mountain at a height of 4800 meters and is considered sacred by both Hindu and Buddhist Kinnauris and is sometimes confused with the Mount Kailash in Tibet. There is a monolithic pillar or Shivling at an altitude of around 4800 meters which is supposed to change colour at different times of the day. As the name suggest, Suicide Point has a dangerous trench and vertical slopes with the walk to this point taking one through apple orchards. The Sapni Fort is near the Sapni village and is seven stories high. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali on the fifth floor. Two buildings of this fort were constructed by King Padam Singh of Rampur, one of them being his queen’s tower. The fort also displays impressive woodwork and carvings on window frames and doors. Converted into a temple today, the Kamru Fort is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya Devi. The fort comprises of a wooden balcony with a large idol of the goddess is placed on the third floor and a huge image of Lord Buddha in the main gate. The Roghi village is a small village about six to seven km Kalpa, famous for its simple lifestyle and customs of the region.
Pangi Valley Pangi valley is a serene, quiet area inhabited by tribal people at 7,000 ft to 11,000 ft above sea level and is underdeveloped and hidden away with uneven roads and scanty resources. The valley is surrounded by white peaked mountain tops and rugged roads. The Saach Pass, a mountain pass of 14500 ft, is open during the months of June and October as it snows heavily during other months. The shrine of Det Nag in Killar is a popular tourist destination. Others include Killar, a hamlet located in a narrow gorge of the Chenab river, which is the headquarters of the Pangi subdivision; Dharwas which is the largest village in the valley; Shour, a bridge that swings over an icy cold river; Mindhal Basan Devi temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to the deity Mindhal Devi, among many others. The valley is closed for tourists for most of the year due to heavy snowfall and avalanches. The uniqueness and remoteness of the valley makes for a culture that is unique and not found anywhere else. Killar is the administrative headquarters of sorts of the valley located deep in a narrow gauge of the Chenab river. Killar also acts as an appropriate base for those trekking to Kishtwar through the Zanskar Valley. The main attraction is the Det Nag temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Mindhal Devi temple located about 12 km away from Killar in the Mindhal village is famous for its wood carvings. Dharwas is the largest village found in the valley, located very close to Killar and falls on a trekking trail. It is known for its beautiful natural water spring, Tilmili that provides water rich in minerals and it is said that the King of Chamba would drink from this spring. Situated on the right bank of the Chenab river and the Chandrabhaga, Cherry Bungalow is a rest house which makes for a brilliant checkpoint while travelling in the valley. The Saichu nallah one of the major tributaries of the Chandrabhaga meets the river here with a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Parmar valley is located at an altitude of about 3,000 ft above sea level and comprises of a cluster of three villages namely Kumar, Parmar and Parmar Bhatori. The village of Parmar Bhatori has a Buddhist Gompa, and above the village are beautiful and lush expanses of green pastures. Despite the valley being secluded and still relatively underdeveloped, it is a beautiful place for a short trip of a few days.
Nako Located 3,600 metres above sea level, Nako is the most significant village in the district on the eastern end. Also known as the land of the Fairytales because it is surrounded by the greenery home to many rare species, the village is home to the Nako Lake, Buddhist temples and Rakham. Near the lake, one can also find the footprints of Lord Padmasambhava, who is believed to have meditated at the spot for many years. Because it is close to the Tibetan border, travellers need inner line permits to travel to the region and foreigners need permissions to stay overnight in any part of the village. When viewed from afar, the village seems as if it is submerged in a lake. What is unusual about the lake is the waterfall in which the water that flows appears as a milky liquid which is because the water is full of snow, and according to legends, it is the realm of fairies. The footprints of these fairies and other demigods can still be found in one of the caves near the lake. The Nako Monastery dates back to the 11th century and comprises of four large and spacious halls, the oldest known as Dukhong. The monastery complex also houses a shrine which is dedicated to Purgyal, a local deity attributed to be the spirit of the mountain. The Lipa- Asrang Sanctuary, renowned for its diverse plants is spread over an area of about 30.89 sq km. The variety of flora found in protection here includes dry coniferous forest, dry alpine scrub, dwarf juniper scrub and others. Visitors need permission to enter the sanctuary. The Chango gompa, located just a few kilometres away from the Nako monastery, is famous for its prayer wheel which is more than 500 years old and is made up of yak skin. To enter the village, one has to pay INR 150 per person for the entry permit.
And with this we come to the end of our series on the beautiful and bewitching state of Himachal Pradesh. With so much beauty waiting to be discovered, I can’t wait for things to get back to normal so that I can make a trip there, preferably during winter!
Kullu A popular tourist destination , Kullu located on the banks of the Beas river and is generally coupled with its sister town of Manali which is on much higher altitude and provides more scenic views. Situated at an altitude of 1230 m between the Pir Pranjal, Lower Himalayan and Great Himalayan Ranges, Kullu is abundant with apple orchards, pristine river streams and a wonderful climate. The Kullu Valley is a broad open valley between Manali and Largi. Historical references about the Kullu valley dates back to ancient Hindu literary works like the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas. During the Vedic period several small republics known as Janapada existed which were later conquered by the Nanda, Mauryan, Gupta and Karkota empires and the Pala dynasty. After a brief period of supremacy by King Harshavardhana, the region was once again divided into several local powers headed by chieftains, including some Rajput principalities, which were later conquered by the Maratha and Sikh empires. The name Kullu is derives from the word Kulant Peeth, meaning the end of the habitable world. According to legends, during the Great Flood, Manu visited this valley but was unable to cross the Rohtang pass and so named the last settlement he found as Kulant Peeth and chose to settle and meditate in what has now become the town of Manali or Manu’s Place. The name further devolved into Kulut, as the kingdom was known for a long time; before finally being known by the current name of Kullu. Kullu got its first motorable access only after Indian Independence and so long centuries of seclusion have allowed the area to retain a considerable measure of its traditional charm.
Established in 2010, the Khirganga National Park is known to be one of the most beautiful national parks in the country and is blessed with a scintillating landscape, glossy green hills, dense green shrubberies, tall towering trees and rusty old rest houses. Visitors can walk the trail leading from the centre of the park from where it is easier to spot the exotic and rich flora and fauna. The village neighbouring the national park is called Khirganga, known for a hot water spring as well as a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvat.
Also established in 2010, the Inderkilla National Park sprawls over an area of 104 sq. km and is home to several species of domestic and foreign flora and fauna. Considered to be one of the least explored national parks in India, the park also has a narrow trail passing through the heart of it, on which one can spot animals and plants in their natural habitat. Covered in dense woods and a hilly terrain ideal for a trek or a hike, the park is loved by adventure enthusiasts. Many of the plants here are said to hold significant medicinal properties.
The Raghunath Temple finds connections to Lord Rama, and the idol of Lord Raghunath placed here, is said to be the same as the one used by him. The temple borrows its design and architecture from the Pahari and Pyramidal styles and is the oldest temple in the valley. The Hanogi Mata Temple is a tiny little temple perched on top of a small hill. Watching over valleys, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Mata Hanogi and has a stream running down below, The temple is also best known for its views of the sunset. The Shringi Rishi Temple is dedicated to Lord Shringa who is the ruling deity of the Banjar valley and houses an idol of Shringa Rishi along with goddess Shanta. Built 1500 years back, the Jagannathi Devi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, the sister of Lord Vishnu. The architecture of this temple is influenced by the Pahari style and its walls are artistically crafted with the images of Goddess Durga. The temple is surrounded by an ancient legend of a shepherd boy who caught hold of one of the two girls dancing to the tune of his flute. She then revealed that she was a goddess and decided to settle in that village.
Regarded as one of the most challenging treks in the northern Himalayan region, the Parvati Valley trek has mesmerising views. Although the trail is not really well laid, the thrill it brings is unmatched. The trek is quite long and taxing, but the reward is extremely exhilarating. As the altitude increases, the surroundings become more enchanting adorned with dense forests, lush green meadows and a plethora of gushing streams, all being flanked by majestic snow-clad peaks. One of the trekkable summits in the Indian Himalayan region, the Friendship Peak which looms at an elevation of 5,289 meters in the Pir Panjal range in Himachal Pradesh is a trekker’s dream. From the summit, one can feast their eyes on the panoramic view of the Pir Panjal range and the silver horizon formed by the Dhauladhar and the Great Himalayan ranges. The Friendship Peak trek passes through the beautiful Solang Valley that houses several alpine meadows, thick forest dotted with varied species of alpine trees, colourful orchards and crisscrossed by numerous small and gushing streams. Located at an altitude of 3660 m the Chandrakhani Pass offers visitors a fabulous view of the Deo Tibba Peak, the Pir Panjal and Parbati ranges. The Parvati valley, with all its beauty, makes for an amazing trek with the Chandrakhani Pass a popular base for trekking. The Pin Bhabha Pass, also known as the sister of the Pin Parvati Pass, is a very challenging and beautiful trek. Located at an elevation of 4865 m, the Bhabha Pass acts as a bridge between the valleys of Kinnaur and Spiti. Starting from the less explored village of Kafnu, the trek keeps one engaged with dramatic changes in the landscape at every turn. The best time to visit is between mid June to early October
Isolated from the rest of the world lies the solitary village of Malana Nala, which is a side valley of the Parvati Valley known as Malana or the Malana Village. The temples in Malana, the Jamadagni Temple and the Shrine of Renuka Devi serve as major attractions of the village and are built close to each other. The trekking route to Malana is adorned with lush deodar vegetation along with a slight view of the Malana Dam that energises people from time to time.
Manali Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines, Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty. Manali is the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh and from there over the Karakoram Pass on to Yarkand and Khotan in the Tarim Basin and serves as the gateway to Lahaul and Spiti district as well as Leh. Named after the Sanatan lawgiver Manu, the name Manali is regarded as the derivative of Manu-Alaya, meaning the abode of Manu. Legend has it that sage Manu stepped off his ark in Manali to recreate human life after a great flood had deluged the world. The valley is often referred to as the ‘Valley of the Gods’ with the old Manali village having an ancient temple dedicated to sage Manu. The British introduced apple trees in the area and today, apples, along with plum and pear, remain the best source of income.
When heading to Manali for a vacation, two absolutely essential destinations are the Rohtang Pass and the Solang Valley. Located 14 km to the north west of the main town, Solang Valley is situated on the way to Rohtang. A favourite for adventure enthusiasts, activities like parachuting to paragliding, horse riding to driving mini-open jeeps specially available for tourists of all age groups are available in the valley. During winters, Solang valley is covered with snow, making skiing a popular sport. The crystal snow in Solang starts making an appearance towards the beginning of October and with the onset of core winter months, the temperature drops down to -1 °C with nights being especially chilly and December and January are the peak months for snowfall. Paragliding is a favourite activity here and the best time to paraglide depends on the season. For those visiting between January to May or October to December, 9 am to 5 pm Is the time for paragliding which is shut down during the monsoons. The cost of paragliding varies from INR 600 to 1800. Solang Valley is an all season destination as the valley is magnificent during winters and during summers experiences mildly hot afternoons with cold mornings and evenings.
Located just 51 km from Manali, Rohtang Pass can only be reached by road and is located at a height of 3978 m on the Manali – Keylong road. In the Ladhaki language Bhoti, Rohtang means a pile of corpses because of the large number of people who died while working here. Due to heavy snowfall, the pass remains closed in winters from November to May and is said to be the only pass in the country to be covered by snow throughout the year. Only 800 petrol vehicles and 400 diesel vehicles are allowed entry into the pass daily. A tourist permit is required for the taxis and vehicles going to Rohtang Pass, valid for a day, except on Tuesdays as the pass is closed for maintenance each Tuesday. Permit fees for cars, jeeps and MUVs are INR 500 + INR 50 as congestion charge, for busses and HMVs, it is INR 500 + INR 100 congestion fee. There is a special permit for private vehicles only which is only valid for one day and only 60 petrol and 40 diesel vehicles are allowed entry to the pass daily. The Rohtang Road Tunnel also known as the Atal Tunnel is a highway tunnel built under the Rohtang Pass. At a length of 9.02 km, it is the longest tunnel above 10,000 feet in the world and reduces the travel time and overall distance between Manali and Keylong on the way to Leh. What was a five to six hour trip under good conditions now takes only 45 minutes. The tunnel was inaugurated in October 2020.
A high altitude lake, Bhrigu Lake is located about 40 km from Manali. The route to the lake passes through entrancing meadows which are also called the Bhrigu Lake Meadows. The name Bhrigu is derived Maharishi Bhrigu. A salient characteristic of the lake is that it never freezes entirely during winters, which according to legend, is because Maharishi Bhrigu meditated near it. Not many visitors know about the lake which takes six hours to get from Gulaba village. The alpine meadows can be compared to those found in Switzerland. During most of the tourist season, the region has clear blue skies during the day with the night skies a special treat for campers and night gazers. The best time to visit the lake is between October and May which is the winter season in Manali because a significant portion of the lake is frozen, and the surrounding covered with snow. Between March and May, during the summer months, the weather is clear and pleasant.
Located inside the very famous Vashisht Temple, Vashisht Baths is a hot water spring, believed to possess medicinal values. Also known as Vashisht Springs, it is visited many, who take a dip in the holy water to rid themselves of skin diseases and infections. The baths are accompanied by beautiful sandstone temples with separate bathing areas for men and women.
Nehru Kund gets its name from the first Prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru who is said to have had the water from the natural spring when he used to stay in Manali. Located on Manali Leh Highway, it is believed that the waters of this spring originate from famous Bhrigu Lake and is known for the cold and pristine water and breathtaking scenery of the mountains and valleys. The kund is famous for photography and has the perfect natural lighting.
Located 3 km uphill from Manali lies the town of Old Manali, a quiet settlement that lays beneath a valley with a vast apple orchards. Manali is divided into Old Manali and New Manali by the Manalsu river and one can reach Old Manali by a bridge over the river. The sunrise and sunsets here are stunning and Old Manali is most famous for its Hidimba temple, the Jogini falls and the Vashisht temple.
The Hadimba Temple is a unique temple dedicated to Hidimba, the wife of the second brother of the Pandavas, Bhima built on a rock believed to be in the image of the Hidimba herself. Locally known as Dhungari Temple, the construction style of the Hidimba Devi temple is entirely different from that of other temples, with wooden doorways, walls, and cone-shaped roof. The temple is a four-storeyed structure built in the Pagoda style with flat roofs. The topmost roof is conical and clad in metal, while the other roofs are covered with timber tiles. The temple is made of mainly wood and stones with intricately carved wooden doors and a 24 metres high wooden shikhar or tower above the temple. The main door of the temple is adorned with carvings of Goddess Durga with the interior simple. The temple does not contain any idol but the sanctum sanctorum consists of the rock where Hidimba sat for meditation. A few metres away lies a shrine dedicated to Hidimba and Bhima’s son Ghatotkacha which consists of a stone block with the impression of what is believed to be Hidimba’s foot. During Navaratri, she is worshipped and during the day of Dussehra, the idol is taken to the Dhalpur Maidan from where she blesses the ceremonial horse called Ghor Puja. It is open on all the days of the week, from 8 am to 6 pm.
A beautiful temple dedicated to Sage Manu, the Manu Temple lies in the Beas river valley. Said to be the only temple dedicated to the sage who was King Vaivasvata Manu, believed to be the creator of the human race and known as the lawgiver of the Sanatana Dharma. According to legend, Sage Manu found a small carp in a river who was actually Lord Vishnu. The sage put the carp in a bowl to save him. The fish soon became too big to fit in the bowl, so was moved to a bigger bowl. The fish, however, kept on increasing in size and the sage had to move it back to the river. Once in the river, the fish grew to a size that the river couldn’t accommodate. The sage eventually moved the fish to the ocean. It was then that Lord Vishnu appeared in his real form and informed Sage Manu about the flood that would wipe life off the planet. The sage then built a boat big enough to accommodate his family and nine kinds of animals, birds and seeds. After the flood was over, he landed on earth from his boat and meditated. The location where he is believed to have meditated is the location where the Manu Temple stands. Sage Manu is also attributed to the Laws of Manu or the Manusmriti, which forms the basis of Hinduism through a converse given to a group of Rishis to guide them to deal with catastrophes and maintain peace and harmony in the society. The architecture of the temple is in the pagoda style of architecture and the most significant characteristic is the tiered tower or the diminishing wooden roof which looks similar to the shrines of Nepal. The structure of the Manu Temple is of wood and concrete and is also believed that the Pagodas are demon arresters as they attract lightning during thunderstorms by functioning like lightning rods. The temple is open daily between 6 am and 5 pm.
Situated 7 km away from Manali, the Gayatri temple houses an idol of Goddess Gayatri, made of marble. This temple has some splendid architecture styles, is constructed with a stunning artistic finesse and with some of the most intricate woodwork.
Named after Rishi Vashisht, who was known as King Vishwamitra in his previous birth, the Vashist temple is more than 4000 years old and has a hot spring which is believed to have medicinal properties. The temple is open from 7 am to 9 am and the hot spring is open from 7 am to 1 pm and then again between 2 to 9 pm daily.
The Siyali Mahadev temple is one of the oldest temples in Manali dedicated to Lord Shiva. Incredibly famous for its architectural beauty, the quaint temple is frequently visited. There is another smaller temple built behind the Siyali Mahadev Temple which according to legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared on earth from a tree trunk where the smaller temple is now built. The temple, with a foundation of stone and cement and the main temple made of wood which is a blend of chalets and pagoda. The pagoda has four levels, two of which are smaller and located on one side, instead of in the centre, on top of the other two levels. The edges of the roof have delicately carved hanging pieces of wood which look like tassels from afar. Wooden pillars support the arches and the ceiling forming an area that encircles the main shrine with wooden railings about one foot high supported with many smaller carved wooden legs. The main shrine has stripes of wood placed on the walls. The frame of the door and the windows of the main shrine are also made of richly carved wood. Inside the shrine is a swayambhu, a self-manifested Shivalinga. The temple is open daily between 6 am and 7 pm.
The Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa is a monastery with a small shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha built in the traditional Tibetan style of architecture. The structure has a pagoda that is a bright shade of yellow and has several glass windows with frames decorated in yellow. Inside the monastery is a giant statue of Lord Buddha, some more colourful murals, several tombs and prayer wheels. The murals depict Lord Buddha’s philosophy of life. The first floor of the building is only used for meditation which can be used by everyone visiting the monastery. Constructed in 1960 by Tibetan refugees, the monastery is often visited by devotees from Kinnaur, Tibet, Nepal, and Spiti and serves as an essential point of gathering for locals. Most visit the monastery in the mornings and the evenings as it is the best time to offer prayers and to observe the Buddhist monks and devotees perform their rituals. The monastery is open between 6 am and 8:30 pm daily.
The Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa is a Buddhist monastery whose most prominent feature is the enormous statue or idol of Lord Sakyamuni in a sitting or meditative posture. Located very close to the Mall road, the gompa is built in the traditional Tibetan style of architecture. In front of the temple is a narrow pathway lined by shrubs and spacious lawns on either side. The structure has a solid base, and the building is made out of wood. It is a two-storey structure and has a pagoda. Like many other Tibetan Buddhist temples and monasteries, the pagoda is also painted a bright shade of yellow with the main shrine encircled by a passage where the prayer wheels are installed. The main door is a solid red colour thick wooden door which has intricate and traditional colourful designs on it and the walls and the ceiling are decorated with vivid mural painting. The idol of Sakyamuni is about 4.5 feet tall and is seen in the sitting posture and is coloured in traditional and symbolic gold and saffron colours. A section of the shrine has low desks with floor seating for the monks. There are also paintings depicting the life and principles of Gautam Buddha. Several more statues of Buddha in various sizes and shapes are also installed inside the monastery. The gompa is open between 6 am and 7 pm daily. Though there is no entry fee to offer prayers, if you plan to take photos or videos, a small token fee of INR 20 is charged.
A local favourite for picnics, Arjun Gufa is located on the left side of river Beas and is very close to Prini village. The cave is a narrow path into a hill and with no light entering after a point, one has to explore and find their way into the cave through the darkness using flashlights. The passage inside is uneven and at a little distance inside, one is required to descend to reach a base area. It takes about 45 minutes to explore the whole cave. The cave is associated with Arjun, one of the Pandava brothers. It is believed that Arjun meditated in the cave for years when Lord Shiva, pleased with his devotion and dedication, blessed him with the Pashupata Astra. According to legend, Arjun travelled to Arjun Gufa and meditated for years to attain the Pashupata Astra. His devotion pleased Lord Indra, and he blessed him with the Astra which according to mythology, the Pashupata Astra was a powerful and destructive weapon which could be discharged by a bow, through words, eyes or by the mind and was never supposed to be used by less significant warriors because it could wipe out all beings in an instant.
Jogini waterfall is a popular tourist spot cascading from a height of 160 feet. It takes about 3 hours to climb to the fall, but the beauty of the trek will make the time fly. The leisurely 2-kilometre trek to the fall begins at the Vashisht temple through a narrow lane adjacent to the temple which passes through pine tree plantations and beautiful apple orchards. After about 45 minutes, one gets to the base of the fall with a small temple dedicated to Yogini Mata.
The Jana Waterfall is a 30 feet high watefall located in a quaint village called Jana. One has to trek to the waterfall through dense deodar and pine trees amidst snow-capped mountains. There’s a wooden bridge laid perpendicular to the direction of Jana Falls which trekkers use to walk across with seating arrangements near the waterfall which is open between 6 am and 6 pm.
The Rahala Waterfalls are located 29 km from Manali on the way to Rohtang Pass. The water is usually cold as it originates from a melting glacier situated in the Himalayas and the surroundings are thickly vegetated with deodar and silver birch trees and is located at an altitude of about 9000 feet. The falls ate open between 6 am and 5 pm.
The Rozy Waterfalls is also situated on the way to Rohtang from Manali and is enveloped in tall deodar trees, dense woods and bounteous nature. The silvery cascading water is a visual delight to the eyes and a famous picnic spot.
Adorned with sky touching deodar trees, the Van Vihar National Park has a man-made lake that is open for boating. Run and maintained by the city, this beautiful garden is a local favourite picnic spot. Under the shade of the dense trees, there are many wooden and concrete benches installed throughout the park where one can unwind after a long day, stroll or jog along the specially made track. With still waters on a crystal clear lake, a boat ride on boats that seat two to four people manually operated by oars is a must as well as self-operating paddle boats. During summers, the park is open from 8 am to 7 pm and from 8 am to 5 pm during winters. There is an entry fee of INR 5 per person with the boat ride costing INR 30 for 15 minutes.
A visit to Manali is incomplete without a visit to the Manali Sanctuary, which is at a walking distance from the main town and city centre. The sanctuary commences from just behind the town and extends all the way up in the mountains. It was officially declared as a sanctuary in 1954 and is spread over an area of 31.80 sq km. It is home to all kinds of species of flora and fauna, both rare and endangered as well as the common like the Himalayan Black Bear, Kashmir flying Squirrel, Himalayan Palm Civet, Himalayan Yellow-throated Marten, Barking Deer and Flying Fox. The sanctuary has numerous trekking routes, ranging from easy climbs to difficult ones as well as a camping experience under the sky, though only during the summer months.
The Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art has a beautiful collection of the ancient and traditional heritage of the region. The antique artefacts give insights into the the ancient culture of the state. Established in 1998, the eclectic museum’s collection includes traditional apparel, jewellery, accessories, utensils, furniture, traditional household items, musical instruments and handloom. There are also models of the ancient houses and temples as well as a beautiful collection of handicraft that include painting, woodwork and traditional masks made of wood. The museum has an entry fee of INR 10 per person and is open from 9 am to 7 pm between April and November and from 10 am to 6 pm between the months of December and March.
Gulaba is a little village about 20 km from Manali on the way to Rohtang Pass with an enchanting natural landscape. Most people explore Gulaba on their way to the Bhrigu Lake and rest in the Gulaba Meadows. It’s name is derived from the first Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Maharaja Gulab Singh, the founder of the Dogra Dynasty. The Maharaja had camped at Gulaba when he was on his way to invade China during his reign and the location was named because it replicates the picturesque beauty of Kashmir with its snow-capped mountain peaks and lush green grasslands.
A quaint village about 15 km from Manali, Kothi lies on the foothills of Rohtang Pass and enchants visitors with the magnificent view of the natural landscape surrounding the village. Here, one can get a beautiful view of the snow-capped mountain peaks, the Beas river and the glaciers from an altitude of 2600 m. The village receives snowfall during winters but is not as crowded as the Solang Valley.
Jagatsukh is a picturesque village, and the capital of former state of Kullu, located about 7 km from Manali. It is famous for its enchanting natural landscape and the ancient Jagatsukh Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Sandhya Devi which is open from 10 am to 5 pm every day. The village is also famous for the annual Chacholi Jatra Festival. Kalath, a hot water spring in Jagatsukh is another famous attraction in the village.
The Hampta Pass serves as a convenient and enjoyable trek which is laden with dense pine forests, pristine glacial valleys, vast meadows and a panoramic landscape. A perfect trek for beginners, the place is easy to access and unlike most treks, this one begins from Manali. Chandratal, a crystal clear lake perched at high altitude is the highlight of the trip and a sight to behold. The trek is a trip of about four to five days.
The Chandratal Baralacha is a perfect trek destination perched at an altitude of 4,300 m and is a high altitude lake located on the Samudra Plateau of Spiti Valley. The sight of sunset gleaming upon the turquoise waters of the lake, pristine landscape, mountain passes, several gushing streams, verdant meadows, the gush of colourful orchards and exotic wildlife make the Chandratal Baralacha Trek an unforgotten experience. The second part of the trek, Baralacha nestled at 4,890 m above the sea level, is situated on the Leh-Manali Highway. This pass, connecting the Spiti, Ladakh, Zanskar and Lahaul Regions, is a high altitude motorable pass and the trail passing through is quite enticing with varied terrains, from lush green valleys and dense cover of forests of Kullu valley to barren lands of Spiti and tiny quaint Indo-Tibetan villages.
The Beas Kund Trek is one of the most undertaken treks and a a perfect weekend getaway plan. A chance to feast one’s eyes on the outstanding views of the Pir Pinjal mountain ranges over the Beas river, with the soul getting wooed by the spectacular meadows of Dhundi and Bakarthach and finally, the glacial lake at Beas Kund is all that one needs to get rejuvenated and worth the walk.
Hanuman Tibba is a scenic peak 5860 meters above sea level northwest of Manali amidst the Pir Panjal range, further north of Solang Valley and is a favoured destination for mountain climbers, experienced trekkers and skiing enthusiasts. Experienced trekkers must cross the Tentu Pass to get here and treks to Hanuman Tibba require prior approval as per the Indian Mountaineering Foundation rules with a fixed number of trekkers per mountaineering expedition. One can either take a mountaineering course or be allowed to apply with extensive mountaineering experience to be able climb Hanuman Tibba.
Dharamshala and Mcleodganj Known as India’s Little Lhasa, Dharamshala or Dharamsala is known around the world as the home to the Dalai Lama, the Buddhist leader who runs his government in exile from the city since 1959. Located 10 km from Kangra, Dharamsala is separated as upper and lower divisions with different altitudes. The lower division is the town while the upper-division is located 3km away and is popularly known as Mcleodganj and Dharamshala is the second and winter capital of the state and is surrounded by dense coniferous forest with several tea gardens. Dhamshala is a compound word of dharma and shala from Sanskrit and Hindi which when loosely translated into English means spiritual dwelling or more loosely sanctuary. In common Hindi usage, the word dharamshala refers to a shelter or rest house for spiritual pilgrims. When the first permanent settlement was created in what is today Dharamshala, there was one such pilgrims’ rest house on the site, and the settlement took its name from that Dharamshala. McLeod Ganj was named after Sir Donald Friell McLeod, a Lieutenant Governor of Punjab and the suffix ganj is a common Persian word used for neighbourhood. Until the British colonisation, Dharamshala and its surrounding area was ruled by the Katoch dynasty of Kangra. The indigenous people of Dharamshala and the surrounding region are the Gaddis, a predominantly Hindu group who traditionally lived a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle. The Tibetan settlement of Dharamshala began in 1959, when the Dalai Lama fled Tibet and was allowed to settle in McLeodGanj or upper Dharmshala. Today there are several thousand Tibetan exilees mostly in and around McLeodGanj.
Popularly known for the study of Tantric meditation and philosophy, the Gyuto Monastery was founded in 1959 and was established for preserving and promoting the tradition of black magic or tantric teachings, of the great teacher Ksongkhapa. Beautifully constructed on a hilltop with a commanding view of the Dhauladhar ranges and the Beas river, the monastery has a gold-plated statue of Lord Buddha which glistens when the rays of the sun fall on it early in the morning. Originally established in 1474 by the Dalai Lama’s chief disciple, Konga Dhondup in Tibet, it was re-established in 1959 in India and houses over 500 monks and is the temporary residence of His Holiness, the Karmapa. The monks at Gyuto Monastery are famous for their chants and were even nominated for a Grammy in 2011. The monastery is open between 7 am and 7 pm with the best time to visit on the Buddha’s birthday.
Replete with Tibetan culture, the Dalai Lama Temple, also known as Tsuglakhang Complex and the Namgyal Monastery, is a politico-religious centre in Dharamsala full of lamas chanting on prayer wheels or beads. This complex houses Dalai Lama’s residence, the Tsuglagkhang Temple, the Namgyal Monastery and the Tibet Museum. Except for Dalai Lama’s residence, every other part of the complex is open for tourists and if lucky, one can even get to meet His Holiness. It is often referred to the Dalai Lama’s Temple as it is the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama. Close to the residence of the Dalai Lama, the temple is frequently visited by him to preach and conduct prayer meets. The gigantic complex houses massive statues of Avalokiteshvara, Padmasambhava and several other Buddhist monks with the main attraction of the temple, the enormous idol of Lord Buddha sitting on an elevated pedestal. The chief prayer wheel is also located here, at the centre of the temple which is plated in gold and has chants of ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’. Pilgrims walk around the pedestal and rotate the prayer wheel. The large hall adjacent to it accommodates thousands of people who can meditate and spend a few moments of quietude. A major point of attraction at the complex is the Dalai Lama Museum which showcases elaborate pictures and photographs of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan culture. Inaugurated in 2000, the museum also plays a short video on the culture and teachings of Buddhism and is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day except Mondays and a nominal entry fee of INR 5 is charged for entry. The dates for the Dalai Lama’s preachings in the temple are known in advance and can be checked online with the tickets only purchased in person at the Tibetan Branch Security Office in McLeodg and a service fee of INR 10 is collected for each session per person. The foundation of Namgyal Monastery was laid down in the 16th century by the second Dalai Lama and was set up for the monks to help Dalai Lama in religious affairs. The monastery is open between 5 am to 8:30 pm daily.
Located inside the Thekchen Chöling temple complex, the Kalachakra temple is a popular Tibetan temple built in 1992 and known for housing the stunning murals of Kalachakra or the wheel of time, linked to the Avalokitesvara. The walls and the pillars of the temple are adorned with several beautiful traditional Tibetan Thangka paintings and has a statue of the Shakayamuni Buddha, which is surrounded by stunning fresco decorations of the seven hundred and seventy two deities of the mandala as well as a central Kalachakra image. The temple complex also houses a book shop and quaint cafe.
Located 5 kms from Dharamshala in Khaniyara, at the foothills of Dhauladhar, the Aghanjar Mahadev temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to 500 years old. A small cave near the temple houses a Shivalinga. The temple can be reached through a stone paved pathway with some 50 steps below a tiny stream of water flowing. According to legend, Arjun, the third Pandava brother was once on his way to mount Kailash for a fight with the Kauravas and when he reached this spot, Lord Shiva appeared before him and blessed him to win the war. The temple is open between 5 am to 9 pm every day.
Surrounded by lovely pools and lush greenery, the Bhagsunag temple is one of the oldest temples located about 3 km from Mcleodganj and is also popularly known as the Bhagsunath Temple. The two pools around the temple are believed to be sacred and considered to contain miraculous powers of healing. According to popular legend, the Snake God was enraged when King Bhagsu dared to steal water from the sacred Nag Dal lake in Mcleodganj. Later, the king repented and built the temple to seek forgiveness from the Snake God. Other legends say the temple is because of the patronage offered by a specific Gorkha community known as Bhagsuwala, after Lord Bhagsunag and is believed that the community built the two pools of water that are located here with tiger-head spouts. The construction of the double-storey wooden house that is located here for the pilgrims to stay is also credited to the same community. The temple is open from 5 am to 12 noon and then again between 4 to 9 pm.
Snuggled amidst the Dhauladhar range, the Bagalamukhi temple is dedicated to one of the ten Mahavidyas of the Supreme Goddess as per Shaktism. Devotees visit the temple with hopes of getting their wishes fulfilled be it cases won, exams passed or otherwise to be happy and successful. It is said that anything asked for after performing a homagni and yajna at the temple is granted. The name Bagalamukhi comes from two separate Sanskrit words, Bagala meaning bride and mukhi meaning face which translates to the deity having captivating and hypnotising powers in her face or in herself which fights evil. It is said that yellow is the favourite colour of the goddess which is why the temple has been painted in yellow and all worshippers wear yellow coloured clothes with yellow sweets offered to the deity.
The Masroor Rock Cut Temple is an archaeological site which is currently in ruins. The complex is a combination of 15 rock cut temples designed in the Indo – Aryan style of architecture, believed to have been built in the 8th century and dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva, Vishnu, Devi and Saura. The temples have been carved out of a single monolithic rock in the Nagara style, with a Shikara and has three entrances with the fourth entrance left incomplete. The complex has a sacred pool of water, is laid out as a square with symmetric construction with the main temple with a square sanctum occupying the centre and other tiny temples surrounding it in a mandala pattern. As per legend, the Pandavas stayed here during their exile and built the complex and it is believed while building it, their hidden identity was exposed and they had to leave before finishing it. Another legend says that the Pandavas wanted to reach heaven. so that they began constructing a staircase within the complex and made an oath to complete the staircase by the next morning. This angered Lord Indra, as the staircase would make it easy to reach heaven, so disguised as a crow, he began cawing loudly in the early dawn, which ensured the Pandavas could not complete the staircase. The complex is open between 9 am and 5 pm.
Built in 1852, the St. John in the Wilderness Church is a neo-gothic church built in dedication to John the Baptist. Set amidst lush deodar forests, this peaceful edifice is known for its Belgian stained-glass windows. The church was built in dense woods which is why it is famous as the St John in the Wilderness and is one of the oldest structures of Dharamsala as well as the final resting place of Lord Ergin. The church is open from 7 am to 6:30 pm on Mondays to Saturdays and from 9 am to 6:30 pm on Sundays.
The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is a Tibetan library founded by Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. With artefacts and manuscripts that date back to the 12th century, it is one of the pioneering institutions in the study and research of Buddhism. It is home to as many as 80,000 manuscripts and 600 Buddhist artefacts including beautifully crafted silk applique thangkas and a three dimensional, wood carved mandala of the Avalokiteshwara.
Located in McLeodganj, the Tibetan Museum is regarded as the official museum of the Central Tibetan Administration Department of Information and International Relations and is very close to the Temple of Dalai Lama. The museum incorporates history reports, earthenware, handiworks and various canvases and is built in a traditional yellow and white Tibetan style of architecture. The museum aims to raise awareness about the occupation of Tibet and is filled with various exhibitions, documentary screenings, talk series, photographs and workshops. The Permanent Exhibition of the Tibetan Museum is dedicated to Tibet’s recent history, the Chinese occupation and the Tibetan exile experience.
The Kangra museum is dedicated to the marvels of Tibetan and Buddhist artwork and their rich history. Among the large variety of its precious collectibles are jewelry, rare coin memorabilia, paintings, sculptures and pottery.
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Named after the summer residence of the Dalai Lama at Lhasa, the Norbulingka Institute is located 7.5 km from McLeodganj and built in a traditional Tibetan style, set in a beautiful garden of meandering paths, flowing streams, small waterfalls and ponds with the spectacular Dhauladhar mountains in the background. The main objective of the Norbulingka Institute is to preserve the Tibetan culture through paintings, statues and sculptures, and provide employment and care to qualified Tibetan refugees.
The War Memorial in the forests of Dharamshala was created to commemorate the memory of those from the Kangra who laid down their lives for the country. Three huge panels of black stone, each 24 feet in height, preserve their memory. Surrounded by pine forests leading to lush gardens with a quaint walkway, the memorial has the names of the fallen soldiers etched on the stone panels.
The smallest tea region of India, Dharamshala has beautifully lined and organized tea gardens across the Kangra Valley and is known for its good quality tea which are available for purchase in many shops across Dharamshala and Mcleodganj.
The little hippie village of Dharamkot is located near Dharamshala and Mcleodganj and is popular as the Yoga Village. Home to the Dhamma Shikhara Vipassana Meditation Centre and the Tushita Buddhist Meditation Centre, Dharamkot is the place to let meditation soothe your senses.
The Bhagsu Waterfall is ocated on the main road which connects Mcleodganj and Dharamshala and close to the Bhagsunath Temple. The waterfall starts at the base of the Dhauladhar valley, and before cascading down, the stream also passes through the Bhagsunath Temple. The Bhagsu Fall reaches it’s strongest force during the monsoon season when the water falls from a height of around 30 feet. Bathing in the waterfall is possible, but the water is freezing at times. The falls are open between 7 am and 9 pm.
Located at the height of 1,775 metres above the sea level near the village of Tota Rani, the Dal Lake is a small yet picturesque lake. With its name taken from the Dal Lake of Srinagar, the lake is surrounded by rugged mountains and towering deodar trees. The lake is also a perfect place to stop and relax if one is trekking up to Naddi, which is also known as the Sunset Point. A grand fair is organised at the banks of the lake every September to mark the presence of Lord Shiva and is attended by a large number of people of the Gaddi Tribe. According to legend, the fish in the lake are never caught or eaten because the lake is believed to be cursed and the lake is considered a sacred spot as there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on the banks of the lake. The lake is open between 7 am and 8 pm and the best time to visit is between May and October and especially September when the fair takes place.
Triund is an easy trek that is situated a few km from Dharamshala at an altitude of 2828. A trek to Triund is short and simple and can be done from either McLeodganj or Dharamkot. The first half of the trek is a gradually inclined walk with the last 2 km from Snowline Cafe which involves a vertical climb all the way till Triund. The evening sky from Triund is a sight in itself and is a good excuse for camping here at night. Camping at Triund is closed until further notice. The peak is open between 7 am to 7 pm daily.
In our last part, we will explore more remote and border areas.
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Memories and Such 
