Trek to the Source of the Tirthan

THE TREKKING GROUP - श्री हर्ष मित्र , श्री अवे शुक्ला , श्री संजीवा पाण्डेय, अंकित सूद , श्री कुनाल सत्यार्थी , श्री लाभ सिंघ , सहारा का स्टाफ , ग्रेट हिमालयन नेशनल पार्क का स्टाफ ( कुल - तीस लोग )
The Great Himalayan Griffon vulture welcomes us at Sai Ropa Forest Rest House

Clicked by Ankit Sood

The Bada Devta at Chalocha after the first day of the Trek. This Devta is resposnible for the all the spitits of this amazing valley.

The area behind Asur Baag welcomed us with fresh snow

Sunset over the Nada Thatch

Trekking In the Tirthan Valley and the Great Himalayan national Park

Some of the following GHNP routes have been trekked by Park staff with foreign visitors. Other routes may be explored, but visitors must check with Park officials for entry and route permits for obvious safety reasons.

Sainj Valley
A five day trek crossing through the Sainj river valley.General RouteDay 1: Neuli (1500 m altitude) to Shakti (2100 m altitude).Night at Shakti Trekkers' Camp. Moderate ascent. Distance: 22 km
Day 2: Shakti to campsite at Lower Meadow Bridge in Homkhani Forest (2800 m). Moderate through dense forest, walnut trees, medicinal herbs, etc.Distance: 6 kms.
Day 3: Rest Day at lower Meadow. Day excursions.
Day 4: Return to Shakti.Day 5: Return to Neuli.
Total Distance: 56 km (round trip).To Dhel (3737 m)- heavy moderate through dense forest up to beautiful high and wide meadow. Great vistas and opportunities for observing wildlife.

Distance: Neuli to Dhel round-trip: 66 kms.

Sainj-Tirthan Valleys]
A eight-day trek crossing two valleys. Moderate to strenuous. Experience the transitions between two magnificent valleys.
General RouteDay 1: Neuli (1500 m) to Shakti (2100 m).Night at Park accommodation. Moderate ascent. Distance: 22 km
Day 2: Shakti to Dhel (3737 m)Heavy-moderate ascent through dense forest, walnut trees, medicinal herbs, etc.Distance: 11 kms.
Day 3 and 4: Rest days at Dehl. Day hikes to Jogni (outdoor prayer sites). Fabulous sunrises and sunsets. Early morning hikes with opportunities to observe wildlife (Red Fox, Himalayan Tahrs)Distance: 4 to 6 kms.
Day 5: Dehl to Guntrao (3500 m): Strenuous. Moving to higher elevations (4120 meters). Difficult trail for more than one hour through very narrow path with sheer drops of 200 meters. Good chance of seeing Himalayan Tahr. A long day on the trail. Must be in very good shape, but worth the effort. Distance: 15 kms.
Day 6: Rest Day at Guntrao: Early morning opportunities for observing Himalayan Tahr and Musk deer.
Day 7: Guntrao to Shilt (3100 m). Moderate up and down. Lush bamboo forests, streams and waterfalls. Shilt campsite offers opportunities for evening wildlife.Distance: 16 kms.Day 8: Shilt to Gushaini. Steep descent through dense forests. Exiting GHNP into Ecozone. Distance: 15 kms.Note: A reverse route of the above trek is also popular.
Distance from Neuli to Gushaini: About 85 kms.

Gushaini to Shilt Hut
Easy to Moderate three day hike from Ecozone into Park.Day 1: Gushaini (1500 m) to Rolla (2100 m). Entry into Park. Easy day.Distance: 9 kms.Day 2: Rolla to Shilt Hut (3100 m): side trip to Chhordwari waterfall and bamboo forest. Distance: 7 kms.Day 3: Shilt to Gushaini: Return.Total Distance: 30 kms.

Jiwa Nala to Parvarti River Valley
A seven-day, very strenuous, dramatic hike crossing the mountain passes at Kandi Galu (3627m), and Phangchi Galu (4636m). Incredible vistas. Must be in excellent physical condition as very demanding with elevation ascent of 2000 meters and 1500 meters descent in one day (total up-down, 3,500 m in one day!).
Day 1: Neuli (1650m) to Bhagi Kashahri (2600m). Morning visit to Manu Temple(2200 m). Evening at village school site. Moderate ascent. Distance: 23 kms.
Day 2: Bhagi Kashahri to Subli (3300m). Strenuous ascent in early morning (3600 m). Pass through Kandi Galu notch (3627m). Distance 17 kms.
Day 3: Subli to Dwada (3150m). Relatively easy hike passing through birch forests and meadows. Distance 6 kms.
Day 4: Rest Day at Dwada: Beautiful meadow surrounded by steep mountain valleys and flowing Jiwanal River. Peaceful and good place to rest after long hike from Subli.
Day 5: Rest Day Dwada: Day hike up to Surtu Glacial Pond in Khandedhar with dramatic mountain backdrops. Opportunities for wildlife observation including Brown Bear, Snow Leopard, etc. Distance: 20 kms. round trip.
Day 6: Dwada to Chippi (3550m): Very strenuous day. Crossing Phangchi Galu Pass (4636 m) below Khandedhar into Parvarti Valley. Continuous steep ascent over rock scree, boulders, and very narrow paths into high alpine meadows, then higher lichen environments. Can be cold and windy. Descent from Phangchi Galu can have deep snow pack and should be done with great care as steep drops and potentially very dangerous. Sublime peace at the higher elevations. Stressful on knees coming down! Distance: 23 kms.
Day 7: Chippi to Pulga: Easier descent back into forests and meadows, ending at village of Pulga. Distance: 18 kms.Total Distance: 110 kms.

Tirath/Tirthan Valley

Day 1: Gushaini (1500m) to Rolla (2100m): Walk through Ecozone of GHNP. Gentle gradient at the beginning of trek. Distance: 10 kms.
Day 2: Rolla to Nada (3300m) Thach: Moderate to strenuous climb through oak and conifer forests. A prominent tree god near Chalocha (2450 m) from where the climb starts. Possible sightings of Himalayan Tahr or Black Bear. Nada thatch (meadow) very good for bird watching. Distance: 12 kms.
Day 3: Nada Thach to Majhoni (3800m): Gradual to steep descent through forests. Distance: 12 kms.
Day 4: Majhoni to Tirath (4000m) and back Majhoni: Moderate gradient leading into the vast meadow of Tirath Offering views of magnificent mountain panoramas. Tirath, the origin of Tirthan river has a glacial lake which is sacred to the villagers of Tirthan valley. Vegetation is stunted showing influence of extreme cold temperatures. Distance: 8 kms.
Day 5: Trek from Majhoni to Nada Thach. Distance: 12 kms.
Day 6: Rest day at Nada. Bird watching.
Day 7: Nada Thatch to Rolla-descent. Distance: 12 km.Day 8: Rolla to Gushaini. Distance: 10 km.Total Distance: 76 kms.

Raktisar in Sainj Valley
Day 1: Neuli (1500 m) to Shakti (2100 m) village. Night at Park accommodation. Moderate ascent. Distance: 22 Km
Day 2: Shakti to Parkachi (3000m) thach. Trek along the Sainj river. Gradual ascent. Distance: 10 kms.
Day 3: Parkachi thatch to Rakti Sar (4500 m): Along the river, quite a strenuous ascent through rocky portions. Crossing of streams along the route is tricky. Distance: 14 kms.
Day 4: Trek from Rakti Sar to Parkachi thatch. Strenuous descent. Distance: 14 kms.
Day 5: Rest day at Parkachi. Bird watching. Medicinal herbs.
Day 6: Parkachi thatch to Shakti village. Gradual descent. Distance: 10 kms.Day 7: Shakti village to Neuli. Distance: 22 kms.Total Distance: 92 kms.

Crossing the Pin Parvati Pass (5319 meters altitude)Main attractions: Village house architecture; tree deities; old Forest Rest House at Pulga; panoramic views; alpine and sub-alpine pastures; huge glacial structures at Man-Talai onwards; about 7 to 8 kms. long stretch of snow fields on the Pass; changing vegetation and distinct bird, mammal, butterfly life.
Day 1: Shamshi (1100 m) to Barsheni (2150 m): by roadTrek from Barsheni to Khirganga (2960 m) Distance: 10 kms.A busy trekking route. The sulfur springs at Khirganga are very famous in the area. A number of Sadhus (holy men, hermits) can be seen camping in the vicinity of the springs.
Day 2: Khirganga-Tunda Bhuj (3285 m) to Thakur Kuan: Trek is less disturbed, goes through conifer forests, open meadows and birch forests. The journey may be broken in two days, up to Tunda Bhuj (area with high altitude birch forests) in one day and then from there to Thakur Kuan, the next day. Distance: 19 kms
Day 3: Thakur Kuan to Pandupul (3700 m) to Mantalai (4200 m): This part of trek is above tree line in high altitude meadows full of medicinal herbs, alpine grasses, bees and butterflies during summer season. It should be done in two days: up to Pandupul in one day and next day to Mantalai. Distance: 20 kms.
Day 4: Mantalai to Pin Parvati Pass (5319 m) to base of the snow field in Pin Valley (4075 m): This is the most strenuous part of the Pin Parvati Pass trek. It involves a steep ascent from Mantalai to the Pass and then a descent into the Pin valley. About six to seven kms trek is on snow fields filled with potentially dangerous crevices. Weather may change any time at the Pass. Distance: 14 kms
Day 5: Rest day at the base of Pass in Pin Valley.
Day 6: Base of the snow field in Pin Valley to Tariya or near Mud: Trek through arid zone of the cold desert in Pin Valley. The arduous part of the trek is over, but watch out for crossing of streams on the way. This part of trek can be done in two days with a stopover in between. Distance: 11 kms.
Day 7: Tariya/Mud to Maling road head onwards by road to Kaza (3600 m): Mud is the first village to come by. The trekker may hire a pony or one of the famous Chamurti bred Tibetan horses to ride up to the roadhead. Distance: 15 kms.Total Distance: 90 kms.Note: A trained guide is required to cross the pass

Pics of Tirthan

MOON RISE OVER THE DEV KANDA RIDGE IN THE TIRTHAN VALLEY
SUNSHINE HIMALAYAN ADVENTURES

THE FIRST ECOTOURISM OPERATORS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
CLICK THE GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK

Activities in the Tirthan Valley

I Have shortlisted the following activities being conducted by SAHARA- Sunshine Adventures in the Tirthan Valley . These activities have been tried and tested and is conducted by experts and are all nature bound , perfect for the landscape of the Tirthan valley.

1. 
   ACTIVITY
   Rock Climbing
   Rappelling
   Nature Walks
   Joomaring
   River Crossing
   Trout Fishing
   Photography
   Night Treks
   Bird Watching
   Camping
   Mountain Biking
   Kayaking
   Archery
   Yoga and Meditation
   Star Gazing
   Kite Flying
   Paper Mache
   Forest Learning Program
   Quiz
   Festivals
   White Water Diving
   Horse Back Riding
   Jungle Exploring
   Skiing
   Basic and Advanced Adventure Courses
   Maachan Building
   Rope Bridge with bamboos
   Farming
   Learning Pottery
   JUNGLE COOKING
   Organic Farming
   Village Visits
   Tree Plantation
   Vermi-composting
   Volunteerism
   Treasure Hunts
   Friends of Butterfly and Butterfly Breeding
   Creative Exercises
   Corporate Games
   First Aid and Rescue Education
   Leave No Trace
   Survival Courses
   Watching Documentaries
   Survival and Wilderness Training
   Map Reading and orienteering
   Research Oriented Expeditions

Trekking

Poems on the Tirthan Valley : Payson R. Stevens

Trekking :

empty my lungs
of my current life
here at the ridge
beneath the clouds
under the silhouette
crags and stars.
let the cold pure wind
freeze my past
and leave it behind
as one beautiful ice crystal
on the alpine grass.

empty my mind
with each balancing step
let the air currents
rise and take me with them
for i have longed for
these heights,
dreamt of the snow leopard
beckoning me onward
into the upper atmosphere
a place i've studied and now visit,
no more symbols,
no more science,
almost no more art.
just empty mind
thin air silence
and last words
taken on the thermals.

let the wind stop
so i can collect my thoughts.
let the wind start
so i can let them go.
let the mountain devtas*
take my breath and pulse
and transform pure thought
into pure energy;
here at the high ridges
i offer my prayers
to the wind.
*gods

Copyright 2000, Payson R. Stevens

How to Reach Tirthan - By Air, Road, Rail and Land

RING 9418102083 , 9418204666 to find out straight away otherwise read on  ! 

By Air : BOOK HERE

You could fly down to Bhuntar Airport, an hour and a half from the Tirthan Valley. There are daily flights being operated by the Indian Airlines, Deaccan Airways ( 1 hour flight from Delhi) and a helicopter ( 2 hours ) by Jagson Airlines. The tariff varies from Rs 3000- 7000 depending on the time you book. Once in Bhuntar you can hire a taxi from the union or ring us up to arrange your travel arrangements.

By Rail

If your catching a train from anywhere else in the country you might by pass Delhi and stop over at Ambala ( 8 hours by road from the Tirthan Valley) or even continue to the Railhead at Kiratpur ( 7 hours ). Taxis and buses are easily available for the remainder of the journey from just outside the railway station at Ambala. We also send local taxi’s to the railway stations from the valley for ease of access. A shatabadi down to Chandigrah and a taxi is a comfortable way to come up. Taxi charges from Chandigrah to Tirthan Valley may vary from 3500 – 5000 depending on capacity.

By Road : Book here

To get to the Tirthan (550 kms from Delhi) one must turn off from Aut , just before the Pandoh Tunnel an hour before Kulu on the Manali highway from Chandigarh. From Aut it is 26 kms of a pleasant drive along the river via Larji bypassing Banjar on the way to Gushaini. The best way is to drive in yourself. The roads are fine all the way. There are two ways to do this.Drive down in One day. An early morning departure at 5 a.m. from Delhi should have you in Chandigarh by 11 a.m., at Aut by 5 p.m. and at the Tirthan Valley by 6.30 p.m. in time to freshen up, stretch your legs on a short walk, and sit around a bonfire before dinner.Another way to do it is to break journey at the Tourist Rest House in Bilaspur / Sawarghat along the way .

You could leave Delhi at 11 a.m. to be in Bilaspur by 7 p.m. in time to book in. An early departure at 6 a.m. the next morning will have you in the valley by 11 a.m. with most of the day still ahead of you.
If you are driving yourself, the points to remember are
1. Leave highway before entering the Aut Tunnel
2. From Larji one road goes to Sainj and other to Banjar. Take the Banjar road.
3. Just 2 km short of Banjar leave the Banjar road and take a u turn to the Tirthan valley after the Khundan Bridge.

One of the most popular ways to come to the valley is the air conditioned Volvo bus . which can be caught opposite Imperial Hotel on Janpath at 6 p.m. It stops for dinner enroute at about 9.30 p.m. and reaches Aut about 7 a.m. The overnight journey can be quite painless if you slip into the spirit of things. From there a taxi to the Tirthan Valley .

Bus tickets cost approximately Rs. 400 - 500 each ( deluxe) , 800 ( Sleeper) 1000 ( Volvo) and the taxi, seating 5 0r 6 from Aut, another Rs. 200per head. One can be in mobile touch as we send taxi’s to pick up guests early morning to reach this amazing valley. Traveling back is much the same with the bus leaving from Aut at about 6 p.m. It hits Delhi at about 7 a.m. the next morning and after a brief rest at home you should be able to take on a days work at the office

Accomodations in the Tirthan Valley

Ecotourism Accommodations

There are several well-run accommodations for ecotourists in the Tirthan Valley. Although there is not yet an official system of standards for ecolodges in the GHNP Ecozone the accommodations listed on this page meet at least some, if not all of the following qualities:

Use Local architecture and local building materials
Located in/around
natural areas
Use local products and minimise the use of chemicals in daily
operations
Employ local people and support their community
Minimise and
manage waste
Minimise the use of energy
Minimise the impacts on nearby
villages
Support conservation of nature

These accommodations and home-stays are perfect for those looking for a complete getaway from urban chaos. Do nothing here, if you like, other than laze, read and stare at the scenery. Nature lovers can angle for trout or take long walks in the Great Himalayan National Park.

Camp Sunshine – SAHARA
www.saharaghnp.org/camp
The First Ecotourism Camp of Himachal Pradesh is managed fully by trained and professional people belonging to the Ecozone of the GHNP. The camp has hosted a conference for over 110 delegates belonging to WMPA. It has full electricity backup serving food which is organically grown in the villages nearby. It is employing about 20 young men and women from the eco-zone after due training, giving indirect employment to about 200 people through various activities around the park. Serving as a base for soft adventure activities around the park like one day treks, multi-day treks, nature awareness camps, rock climbing, fishing, medicinal herbal treks etc. Other activities may include Woofing, (Working at Other peoples Farms), Organic gardening treks, volunteer guests etc. It’s having a handicraft center which will have small units for various NTFP’s and local handicrafts. It is also having a street theatre team that entertains the guests around the campfire making them aware of the biodiversity and problems around. Even the campfire wood is from a dedicated plantation minimizing the impact on environment.
Location: Deori Village
Accommodation Available
Twin sharing with beds: 12 Tents
School Groups: Upto 50 people
BOOK HERE


Raju Bharti Hoemstay :
Sunshine Adventures welcomes you to Raju's Cottage at Goshaini. This is one of the best Home stay’s in the world. This is where you want to be if you want to sit around and read, go for occasional walks, and be fed wonderful food all day. For the more vigorous-minded, a 16 km long walk along the Tirthan River brings you to the Great Himalayan National Park; from there the endless possibilities of moderate to difficult hiking. Raju and Lata run a guest house that is clean, comfortable, and relatively inexpensive (room and board: Rs 1,250 a day per head including meals). Fresh trout every day if you want it. It’s popular, so book ahead. Connected to civilization by a pulley bridge, this is the perfect spot for crisp air, fresh food and long walks. The Great Himalayan National Park is a short ride away. We can pick you up at the airport and drive you to Goshaini. Driving is most convenient, although local transport also exists. The price is an All inclusive ( Food and Bed) ..........there is nothing to spend money on!
http://www.abc-of-hiking.com/asia/india/himachal-pradesh/rajubhartishomestaygoshaini.asp

Location : Goshaini
Number of Rooms : 4 ( persons accommodated upto 15)
Book Here

Himalayan Trout House
http://www.nivalink.com/trouthouse/tariff.html
Run on the lines of a modern clubhouse replete with activities and facilities, The Himalayan Trout House is a social centre in the Tirthan valley providing a friendly place for locals and visiting fishermen, trekkers, campers and other holiday makers to meet each other, exchange stories, share bonfires and eat outs, read, listen to music, play games, laze in hammocks etc. The Trout House offers different options of accommodation to suit all pockets. There are three pine panelled deluxe rooms with attached toilets and baths in the main house, 2 large furnished 14' by 14' Swiss Cottage tents for families and other teams, furnished 10by 10's and some smaller A's with sleeping bags for some more.
Location : Nagini
Number of Rooms : 4 ( persons accommodated upto 15)
Book Here



Sai Ropa Tourist Center
http://www.greathimalayannationalpark.com/GHNP_ecotother.htm
Sai Ropa located five kms away from Banjar and 5 kms before the Goshaini entrance to the Park. Nestled in the pine forest, the Tourist Center spreads over a 3 hectares (six acres) area. It is also the headquarters of Tirthan Wildlife Range Office from where entrance tickets to the Park can be obtained. The Center has a Forest Rest House, a building housing two dormitories (20 beds in all), a photo exhibition, a conference/ training room with projection facilities, and a hall with photo exhibition about the Park. Outside, there is a 520 m long "Biodiversity Trail" which has trees and medicinal plant species transplanted from the Park; a pergola (gazebo) with Tirthan river view; a demonstration site for vermi-composting; a butterfly enclosure, and a solar energy site.

Location : Sai Ropa
Number of Rooms : 3 Dormitories : 4 ( with 10 beds each)
Book Here


Idiscoveri Camp
http://www.idiscoveri.com/locations_01.htm

These are camping tents usually operational between April to October. These learning spaces in the Himalayas is usually meant for the kids who come with I dicoveri on various programs like Eureka etc. However if empty the tents may be available.
Location: Sai Ropa
Number of tents with beds: 22
Book Here

Helmut’s and Cinderella’s Campsite

This ideal campsite is located by the white waters of the Tirthan River. Spending time with this unique couple gives one a in-depth insight into the dynamics of socio-cultural scene in the Tirthan Valley. Helmut Schon is an environmentalist who has started various small projects in the valley like “Hammock Building Unit “ , Organic Farm, Jam and other Food processing and advises SAHARA as a board member. Cindrella is from Mumbai and is an excellent cook. She home teaches there son “Audas.” One can spend the day in a locally made hammock which your host would erected on the edge of the beautiful waters of the Tirthan River - a truly relaxing place in a country village! Their cabin can provide facilities for the campers like telephone, internet etc. The accommodation is provided in dome tents by the side of the Tirthan river in which one can truly experience living in the bush kid of lifestyle.
Book Here


Himalayan Villadom : This amazing resort has been developed by local entrepreneurs . With 6 amazing cottages by the Tirthan river and a building consisting of 6 rooms and a dormitory, the Himalayan Villadom is an ideal get away retreat providing you clean and comfortable accommodation in the middle of fruit orchards and local village life. Location is opposite the Idicoveri camp.
Book here
www.himalayanvilladom.com


Khem Bharti’s Guest House:
This guest house with 3 attached bathroom and 3 common bathroom rooms is most conveniently located in the center of the valley with parking facilities. It is an old house which has been converted into a guest house with deodar paneling and nice comfortable rooms. The kitchen serves a whole range of local food with the Trout Fish as a specialty.

BOOK HERE

Local Home Stays
The home stays in the Tirthan are a unique highlight of the visits to the valley. The ecotourists are privileged to have the personal attention of the hosts throughout the stay in both of this distinctive and delightful style of accommodation. As of now we have over 10 different choices of home stays with a total capacity of 40 rooms an average 4 rooms. The picture down below gives you a classical idea about the local houses and the scenery down below.

BOOK HERE

Mountaineering

Mountaineering :
The Sunshine – SAHARA team oversee these activities as our instructors are trained in advanced mountaineering skills as well as MOI from the Western Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Rock climbing, broadly speaking, is the act of ascending steep rock formations. Normally, climbers use gear and safety equipment specifically designed for the purpose. Strength, endurance, and mental control, as well as agility and balance, are required to cope with tough, dangerous physical challenges, and knowledge of climbing techniques and the use of essential pieces of gear and equipment are crucial.

A Note on Responsible Travel in Tirthan - www.tirthanvalley.com

As a traveler, you can assist with the sustainable development of the GHNP ecozone and can help alleviate poverty by supporting community-based tourism. Here are five things that you can do to help out while traveling in Tirthan Valley

1. Eat Local food – Purchasing fresh foods in the market and eating local dishes ensures that your money stays local and supports farmers.

2. Purchase local crafts - Purchasing handicrafts in markets or villages directly supports local artisans and their traditional crafts.

3. Use local guides – Taking a village guide and/or a local guide from town will make your trip more enjoyable and will help employ local people. Inquire about packaged tours that include local guides, local food and local accommodation.

4. Stay overnight in villages – Staying overnight in a village as part of an organized tour provides a genuine experience with Himalayan culture and Seraji people. Remember to compensate villagers for accommodation and for food and to visit villages with a local guide.

5. Visit National Protected Areas – Visiting the GHNP area can help generate income and awareness to support the protection of threatened wildlife and forest ecosystems.

In addition, we recommend that you click on the Do’s and Donts to learn about what you can do to minimize negative impacts on Tirthan culture and the environment.