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Uttaranchal
– Himachal Jeep Safari
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“He who thinks of the Himalayas, though he should not behold him, is greater then he who performs all worship in Kashi. In the hundred ages of the God I could not tell the glories of the Himalayas. As the dew is dried up by the morning sun, so are the sins of mankind by the mere sight Himalayas” (Skand Puran) |
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This journey is an attempt to bring the travelers close to the ancient culture and traditions in the high Himalayan region of India. This journey connects three different regions rich in natural beauty, old culture and traditions and ancient monuments. The Journey starts from Corbett National Park, situated in the Kumaon Region of Uttaranchal Sate, Journey further winds through the Hill region of Garhwal. This whole region occupies a special place in Hinduism and its ancient traditions. This is the source of the many tributaries of the Ganges and Yamuna. Uttaranchal comprises of 350 Km. of Mighty Himalayan Range. The entire region is mountainous with valleys in between the ridges. Then we enter into the Himachal Pradesh. Here we drive through its beautiful valleys such as Pabber Valley, Kullu valley, Parvati valley ,Kangra Valley and Chamba, including Manali and Dharamsala, the house of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the H.Q. of the Tibetan Government in Exile. Another point of attraction in Kangra Valley is Rock - Cut Temples, Masrur: - Magnificently stands on the hill crest, the rock cut temple complex is a unique example of monolithic temples in sub – Himalayan region. From here we enter in to the plains of Punjab and further head towards Amritsar .This journey ends at Amritsar, the Holy place of the Sikhs. This Journey connects us with three different regions and also with different faiths, and cultures . |
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CORBETT PARK |
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Sprawling over an area of 535 Sq. Km., the park is situated in the Southern Eastern sector of Pauri Garhwal. The picturesque Patlidun Valley, which is 400 Mts. above sea level, is divided by the meandering Ram Ganga and is the main spine of the Park, whilst Dhikala, where most of the rest houses and hutment’s are located, is its heart. It is a delightful valley with its surroundings hills and the tall thick sal, semal, and Kachnar lending varied color and shade to it at different times. The Park is rich in wild life and if you are lucky, you may even see a tiger ferrying its cubs across the stream or feasting on a kill. The Southern end of the park has submerged in the Ramganga Dam. Animals, who during the winters used to bask in the low-lying open valley, have been pushed into the interior and to some extent wild life has been disturbed. However this huge reservoir with plenty of fishing opportunities is an additional attraction in the Park. |
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Animals |
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Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Sloth bear, Sabbhar, Swamp deer, Spotted dear, Hog deer, Barking deer, Blue bull, Porcupine, Pig, Wild cat, Jackal, Hyena etc. |
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Birds |
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Jungle fowl, Kaleej pheasant, Peafowl, Grey and black partridge, Rock pigeon, Quails, Babbler,
Be – eater, Bulbul, Dove, Drongo, Crow, Flycatcher, Hornbill, Kingfisher, Kite, Lark, Parakeet, Woodpecker etc. |
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Reptiles |
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Snakes, Pythons, Gharials, Lizards etc,. |
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Fishing |
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Mahasheer and the Indian Trout are in plenty during the Spring and early Summer. In the deep pools, lurk the huge Goonch, but fishing is not permitted in Corbett National Park. There are however some forest areas outside the park, where fishing is allowed and permits can be obtained from the Divisional Forest Officer at Ramnagar. |
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Photography |
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Photography is allowed during the day and the permits can be obtained and necessary payments made at the gate of Dhikala. |
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Important |
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Flash light photography is prohibited. |
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Ranikhet |
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Ranikhet, according to the legends some queen is believed to have encamped and settled somewhere near the present site of Ranikhet Club. The name is thus derived from this legend. As the Sun washes away the morning mist a panoramic view of nearly 200 Km. of Central Himalayas, extending from Western Nepal to the snowy heights of Badrinath and Tehri Garhwal further west, is beautifully unfolded. Majhkhali, which is about 8 miles away from Ranikhet, offers a fascinating view of snowy peaks of Trishul (23,406 Ft.), Nanda devi (25,845 Ft.), Nanga Parvat (21,038), Hathi Parvat (22,070), and Gauri Parvat (22,027 Ft.), which is just about 61 miles away from Ranikhet. One can even have faint glimpse of Mount Everest, Mana Peak, (23,380 Ft.), Kamet (25,447 Ft.) and Neel kanth in the direction of Badrinath. Around Ranikhet there are forests of Pine, Oak, Cedar, and Cypress, and Apple Orchards. It is situated almost in the center of Kumaon Hills and is an Idyllic retreat for those seeking a quite Summer holidays. From here, one road branches to Almora, and another to Dwarahat. |
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Almora |
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Perched on a Saddle – shaped ridge at an altitude of 1,646 Mts. above Sea Level, is the ancient Town of Almora. The natural beauty of Almora is generally enhanced by the surrounding hills, which are covered by dense forests of fragrant Pine and Chir, each crowned by a Temple. It is different from the other hill resorts of Kumaon as it receives less rainfall and during the Monsoon Season there is scarcely any fog. Almora is a trekker’s town and from here one can venture forth on the exhilarating treks past soaring pines and the wild flowers of the dramatic spectacles of snow and stark mountains. One can have a breathtaking view of the snow covered mountains of Himalayas including Pindari and Milan Glaciers at a height of 3,943 Mts. and stretching at a distance of 120 Km. ( 75 Miles) from Almora. |
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Start for Sarahan (2165 mts) 175 km from Shimla, another charming place. We drive via many small towns such as Nirth, Rampur through Satluj Valley. At Nirth, there is an old temple, dedicated to Sun God which is said to be built by the great sage Parshuram .And Dutt Nagar is known for its archaeological importance. Sarahan is a small but beautiful village in which is situated the historical Bhima Kali Temple, known for its wooden architecture. This temple is believed to be 1500 years old. One can enjoy the view of Shrikhand range of mountains in the background of the town. |
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| Jageshwar |
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38 Km. away from Almora and 1,830 Mts. above sea level, this is an important Shiva Shrine. For 34 Km. up to Artola, the route follows the main highway going to Pithoragarh. At Artola, the road branches off to Jogeshwar and it is very enjoyable drive of 4Km. through a very beautiful narrow valley of Doedars and Blue Pines. Most of the Temples date back to 13th century AD. Bal Jogeshwar temple is believed to have been constructed by the King Salivahan of Ayodhya and Mrityunjaya Temple by the King Vikramaditya. Little is known about other temples in the areas.
About 1Km. from Jogeshwar, there is an ancient temple of Dandeshwar and in its architectural style, it appears to be typical of medieval age, except for the constraint shown by the sculptors in the ornamantation. The temple housed a large number of statues, many of which lay scattered around and uncared for, for manyyears. Most of the statues of artistic value have now been preserved in a small museum nearby. |
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| Bageshwar |
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Situated at the confluence of Rivers Saryu, Gomti and the latent Bhagirathi, lie’s the holy township of Bageshwar. With the East and West flanked by the Bijleshwar and Nileshewar Mountains and surrounded by Suraj kund in the North and Agni kund in South. This land of Lord Shankar is of great religious, historical and political importance. Since time immemorial, this place has been the symbol of faith for the entire Uttaranchal Region. The Town is at the height of 975 Mts. and is 90 Km. from Almora.The Town is named after Lord Bageshwar, the Shiva. The place has many ancient shrines. The age old Temples of Baghnath, Dattarnath, Bhairvanath and Gangaji attracts thousands of devotees every year. The place is also rich in copper and other minerals. An annual fair of commercial importance is organized here during Uttarayan, which falls near about the middle of the journey. The fair is attended by a large number of people converging from distant places.
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Baijnath |
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Situated at the distance of 26 Km. from Bageshwar, Baijnath stands on the banks of River Gomti. Many Temples with idols of Shiva and Parvati can be seen here. It is picturesque place of tourist interest and of religious importance. There are many beautiful relics of the 12th and 13th century, sculptured stones, statues and other religious shrines, which are unfortunately lying in ruin. The life sized statue of Parvati, Ganesha, Chandrika, Kuber, Surya, Brahma and Maheshwar Mardini, are of great artistic value. About 2 miles from Baijnath Temple, there is an old temple of Kate – Ki – Mai (local Godess) with a life sized statue of Lord Vishnu. The life sized statue of Lakshmi Narayan and Satya Narayan are also excellent work of sculpture. There is a museum under the management of Archeological department which preserves the thousand years old idols of Gods and Goddesses. The whole area surrounding Baijnath is fascinating and attractive. |
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Gwaldam |
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About 3 Km. from Baijnath, the main highway goes to Bageshwar and a side road branches off to Gwaldam. This is delightful route as along with the presence of the birds, adding to the winsome note, one passes through terraced fields and thick pines set against the backdrop of Himalayas and one can watch the Trishul peak coming ever closer. Gwaldom with its salubrious climate is a little haven nestling in the woods. In this area, all along up to Talwari there are a several orchards, generally of Apple. From Gwaldom, the road winds its way through dense forests and terraced fields dotted with rustic cottages of small town known as Tharali and Narayin Bagar to meet the Ranikhet – Pandukhal Road at the place called Simli, which is 8 Km. short of Karanparayag. Gwaldam is 149 Km. from Nainital and 14 Km. from Baijnath. |
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Karanprayag |
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Attractively situated 11Km. from Gauchar, where the River Pindar, flowing from Pindar Glacier and Alaknanda meets, is the Town of Karanprayag. A temple, dedicated to the Goddess Umadevi, stands at the confluence of the two Rivers. The name of the Karanprayag has been derived from Karna, the popular hero of the Mahabharata, who propitiated the Sun God and acquired the impregnable shield, which made him formidable enemy in the battlefields. It is an ideal place for a quite holiday and the travelers lodge is beautifully situated on the Banks of the Pindar.
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Rudraprayag
– Confluence of Mandakini and Alaknanda. |
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Rudraprayag, 34 Km. away and at an altitude of 610 Mts. The confluence of Mandakini from Kedarnath and Alaknanda flowing from Badrinath, this is the point where the road branches off to both the shrines. Tumbling and tossing, the two rivers meet providing an unending source of delight to the visitors, who climb a long flight of stairs to view this enchanting scene from a special vantage point. |
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Tilwara |
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At a distance of 8 Km. from Rudraprayag, Tilwara at a height of 671 Mts. is reached after passing through Tunnel and then driving along the banks of Mandakini, a pleasant ride passing along enthralling Himalayan scenery enhanced by the singing water of Mandakini. Tilwara is the meeting place of the road from Tehri via Gadolia, Ghansayali and Chibatia and the route to Rishikesh.
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Siyalsaur |
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19 Km. from Tilwara towards Gupatkashi, Siyalsaur is a very beautiful campsite along the River Mandakini.
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| Gupat Kashi |
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Steeped in legend and lore, Guptakashi the scenic town is of great importance on the routes to Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar.. This is the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath and worship is done in the winters, when the Temples of Kedarnath remain closed. The Temples of Usha and Anirudha, Shiva and Parvati are worth visiting. Ukhimath is at a distance of 41 Km. from Rudraprayag and 13 Km. from Guptakashi. It is situated at the elevation of 1311Mts. |
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| Kalimath |
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Almost 6 Km. from Gupatkashi is the famous Sidh Pith of Kalimath where Mahakali, Mahasarasvati, Gaurishankar, Mahadev and Bhairva are all worshiped in different temples.. Madhayamaheshwar, one of the panch Kedar is almost at 24 Km. distance from here.
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Tehri |
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Tehri is an important place on way from Gangotri to Sri Kedarnath and is capital of the District of same name. It is also the junction point of five important roads to Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Srinagar, Devprayag and Ghansali.. Tehri is located in a wide, open valley which is quite warm during summer and the town is situated at the confluence of Bhagirathi and Bhilangana, the latter being one of the seven feeder streams of Ganga emanating from the beautiful Khatling glaciers. |
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A Dam has been constructed now at Tehri. By blocking the passage of Bhagirathi, a huge reservoir has swallowed the villages, schools and bazars of Tehri and a vast chunk of fertile land has submerged in water. The villages of the valley are being rehabilitated in the Doon valley and the new Tehri town being developed atop. |
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Uttarkashi |
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On the banks of Bhagirathi, surrounded by rivers Varuna and Assi, this sacred, fast developing town is capital of the newly constituted westernmost district of Uttaranchal. This is a town full of temples, historical monuments, ‘ashrams’ and ‘dharamsalas’. It is a Shiva town populated by 12000 people. Shiva is the presiding deity and is worshipped all day in the temple of Lord Vishwanath. On the day of Makar Sakrant (13th January) the town is alive and aflame with the colour of the costumes of the people from the surrounding villages while the God and Goddesses are carried through the town, men, women and children throng the temples and the banks of Ganga. The colorfully dressed women bedecked with chunky ornaments, worn on festive occasions, join the men folk in song and dance as music fills the air. The Ganga, worshiped as the ‘Mother’ who gives life to the making the most fertile Gangetic plains. A mile from Uttarkashi, some of the over 500 sadhus and sanyasis live in a colony termed Ujali. Some are scholars of rpute. Thousands of pilgrims passing through on their way to the Yatra, add to the prosperity of the town and sustain the economy of the district, where though the hills are deeply forested, the terraces are fully cultivated. |
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Hatkoti |
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In the picturesque valley of the River Pabbar, about 104 Km. from the capital of Himachal Pradesh (Shimla), is noted for it’s historical temple dedicated for Durga. Beyond Hatkoti, 11 Km. away is Rohru along the River Pabbar – an excellent spot for angling, with fishing pools teeming with trout. The trout hatchery at Chirgaon, 15 Km. upstream, ensures a well stocked river. |
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Shoja |
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Shoja is situated exactly in the heart of Himalayan National Park. There is a forest rest house which has a very beautiful location; one can also see crystal mines located on the adjoining mountains. Shoja lies in Seraj Valley of Kullu District, situated between Kullu and Shimla, a lovely varied area, grand Deodar forests, mixed deciduous woods and plenty of villages and terraced cultivation. From the top of the ridges and passes not more then about 3,223 Mts. – there are undreamed of views. The district is renowned for its forests and architecture of the traditional Kullu Timber houses and carved temples. |
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Manali |
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Himachal’s main tourist resort, Manali stands at the head of the Kullu Valley. Majestic Mountain scenery and the areas seemingly limitless supply of inexpensive charm, makes the place very popular among the tourists. Though it has undergone a rapid change in the last 10 years, the old charm is retained in Old Manali and nearby villages. |
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Nagger |
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Around 40 Minutes drive through a very beautiful landscape comprising of vast cultivation fields dotted by chalets in the middle takes one to Nagger, the ancient capital of Kullu. There is a Castle, which now have been renovated and converted into a hotel. There is also an art gallery of the famous Russian painter, writer and philosopher, Sir Nicholas Rorerich. |
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| Manikaran |
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Manikaran is in the Parvati Valley famous for its hot spring,. The Village people even cook their meals like, rice dal and vegetables in the hot springs. It is said that how Goddess Parvati took bath with Lord Shiva and left her earrings on the bank and the Naga, Serpent God stole her rings; lord Shiva was angry to see her without earrings and threatened to Naga. Later the Naga snorted blows rings out of the Nortrils and they flew through Earth to Parvati. Manikaran has Ram Temple and famous Sikh Guruduara on the bank of River Parvati. Manikaran, a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, Sikhs, has a temple and a gurudwara. It is also good spot for trout fishing.
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Rewalsar |
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The Rewalsar Lake, a pilgrimage centre of Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs, is high up in the hills 24 Km. South East of Mandi. There is a mountain cave – refuge near here. The small Lake is revered by Tibetan Buddhist and every year, shortly after the Tibetan New year (sometime in March), many make a pilgrimage here, especially those from Dharamsala, Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti. |
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Kangra Valley |
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Kangra Valley is one of the Himachal’s beautiful valleys. It rolls down the Southern edge of magnificent Dhauladhar Range in gentle slopes covered with forests of Pine, green tea gardens terraces fields. The Dhauladhar – The “White Range” rises up to 14000 ft. providing a dramatic backdrop to the hill resort of Dharamsala. This is a principal township of Kangra; Dharamsala has everything for a perfect holiday. Numerous ancient temples like Jwalamukhi, Bajreshwari, Chamunda and Baijnath (Vaidyanath) lie on the plains below Dhauladhar. |
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| Masrur |
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Fifteen richly carved “monolithic” rock temples, dating back to the 8th Century, are to be found at Masrur, just 15 Km. South of Kangra. Located on a hillock that rises above a well watered and fertile tract of considerable natural beauty – they are framed by the snow clad peaks of the Dhauladhar Mountains. These shrines similar to the rock cut temples at Ellora and Mahabalipuram.
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Dharamsala |
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The name has almost become the synonymous with Tibet. This is where the His Holiness Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan’s, resides and also this is where the head quarters of the Tibetan Government in exile are located. Here one gets amazed to see that how the Tibetan peoples in exile, have kept their culture resonant and going. One can visit Mcleodganj, also called as little Lhasa. Here there are many gompas to visit and some of them house treasures of ancient and priceless thankas and scrolls. |
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Chamba |
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The unspoilt Valley of Chamba, lie ensconced between the mighty and snow clad mountain ranges of Dhauladhar, constituting the outer Himalayas, the Pir Panjal or the Mid Himalayas and the Zanskar Range or the inner Himalayas. The river. Ravi flows through Chamba.
Among the most interesting objects in Chamba are the number of richly carved temples, considered as the finest example of Hindu (Pahari) architecture. Three of these are dedicated to Vishnu and remaining to Shiva. All the shrines have shikharas or spires. Some of the temples date back to 10th Century. The richly carved Laxmi Narayan Temple is the oldest one.
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Bharmour |
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Sixty five km Northwards from Chamba is Bharmour. Known as the home of the Legendary Gaddis ,these, semi nomadic and semi pastoral tribes, spend the summer on the alpine pastures grazing their herds of sheep and goats ,and in the winter move down to the lower hills of Kangra, Mandi and Bilaspur. The small town of Bharmaur is famous for the well known Chaurasi Temple complex |
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Pong Dam |
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Pong Dam reservoir is 65 Km from Pathankoth and115 Km. from Dharamsala. This reservoir was created in 1975 – 76 with the construction of Pong Pam on the Beas River. A regional water sports center was established in 1984 to impart training in water sports in the wetland. The Pong Dam Lake was notified as wild life century in 1983 covering an area of 30,729 hectare.. The main wild life species found in Pong Dam Lake Sanctuary are Nilgai, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Clawless Otter and Leopard. In addition there are220 species of migratory birds are Red Jungle Fowl, Peafowl, Partridges and many others. Pong Dam reservoir is being developed on a large scale for promoting water sports activities for tourists. |
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Amritsar |
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Founded in 1577 by Ram Das, the fourth guru of the Sikhs, Amritsar is both the center of the Sikh
religion and the major city of Punjab state. The name means pool of Nectar, referring to the sacred
tank around which the’ Golden Temple is built. Although Amritsar itself is just another dusty Indian
City, it is well know for the Golden Temple. |
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Golden Temple |
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The holiest shrine of Sikh religion, also known as the Hari Mandir, is in the center of the old part of the Town. The Temple itself is surrounded by the pool which gave the Town its name and is reached by a causeway. Open to all, it is a beautiful place, especially early in the morning. However at the weekends it can get quite crowded. Restoration work to repair the damage done when the Indian army stormed the Golden Temple in 1984 has largely been completed, although bullet holes are still visible in some buildings. The small room around the pool and those in the basement have been sealed, along with other hiding places favored by the extremists. Pilgrims and the visitors to the Golden Temple must remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering the precincts. No smoking is allowed. Photography is permitted from the parikrama, the marble walkway that surrounds the sacred pool. An English speaking guide is available at the information office near the clock tower which marks the temple’s main entrance. The information office near the clock tower which marks the Temple’s main entrance. The information office has a number of interesting publications including one electric booklet entitled Human Hair – Factory of Vital Energy. |
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Jallianwala Bagh |
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This park is just five minutes walk from Golden Temple and commemorates the 2000 Indians, who were killed or wounded at this site, shot indiscriminately by the Britishers in 1919. This was one of the major event in India’s struggle for independence and was movingly re – created in the film, Gandhi. The story of the appalling massacre is told in the Martyr’s Gallery. A section of wall with bullet marks still visible is preserved and the well into which some people jumped to escape can still be seen. |
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| DAY TO DAY ITINERARY |
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| DAY – 01 |
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FLIGHT TO DELHI |
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| DAY – 02 |
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ARRIVAL AT DELHI |
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| DAY – 03 |
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DELHI – CORBETT PARK |
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| DAY – 04 |
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CORBETT PARK (EXCURSION) |
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| DAY – 05 |
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CORBETT PARK–JOGESHWAR (196Kms.) |
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| DAY – 06 |
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JOGESHWAR – GWALDAM (120 Kms.) VIA BAGESHWAR & BAIJNATH |
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| DAY – 07 |
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GWALDAM – SIYALSAUR (136 Kms.) VIA KARANPRAYAG, RUDRAPRAYAG AND TILWARA |
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| DAY – 08 |
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SIYALSAUR – VISIT TO TRILOKINARAYAN, GUPTKASHI, KALIMATH, UKHIMATH, AND BACK TO SIYALSAUR (100 Kms.) |
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| DAY – 09 |
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SIYALSAUR – UTTARKASHI (210 Kms.) |
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| DAY – 10 |
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UTTARKASHI – HATKOTI (190 Kms.) |
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| DAY – 11 |
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HATKOTI – SHOJA (129 Kms.) |
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| DAY – 12 |
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SHOJA – MANALI VIA MANIKARAN (175 Kms.) |
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| DAY – 13 |
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MANALI (EXCURSION) |
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| DAY – 14 |
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MANALI – PALAMPUR VIA REWALSAR (225 Kms.) |
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| DAY – 15 |
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PALAMPUR – DHARAMSALA VIA KANGRA & MASRUR (120 Kms.) |
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| DAY – 16 |
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DHARAMSALA – CHAMBA VIA CHAMBA PASS (128 Kms.) |
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| DAY – 17 |
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CHAMBA – BHARMAUR – CHAMBA (128 Kms.) |
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| DAY – 18 |
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CHAMBA – PONG DAM (142 Kms.) |
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| DAY – 19 |
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PONG DAM – AMRITSAR (200 Kms.) |
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| DAY –20 |
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AMRITSAR – DELHI (TRAIN – SHATABDI EXPRESS) |
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| DAY – 21 |
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DELHI (FLIGHT TO ONWARD DESTINATION) |
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