Saturday, 12 March 2016

Manali - Kasol - Shimla

Manali
Hotel :

Rock Top Inn & Cafe 

Rates : Rs. 2000 - 2700
https://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g297618-d3625295-Reviews-Rock_Top_Inn_Cafe-Manali_Himachal_Pradesh.html

Rates : RS 2500

https://www.ixigo.com/holiday-cottages-hotel-manali-india-hid-193162

Heritage Village Resorts, Manali

 Rates: 2000-2500
https://www.ixigo.com/heritage-village-resorts-hotel-manali-india-hid-172654

Rent a Bullet in Manali
one way deal to kasol Rs: 1500
http://manalibikerental.com/one-way-deal-for-bike-rental-in-manali/

Day 1

Tibetan Market Manali :Tibetan market is renowned for Tibetan handicrafts, which are created by the residents and the immigrants from Tibet. The most popular of the items are souveniers.




Hadimba Temple : 1533 Hadimba Temple, also known as Dhoongri Temple, is an ancient temple situated in Manali



Vashisht Hot Springs : Vashisht is a small village on the banks of Beas River, the village is famous for its hot springs and temples



Manu Temple : Manu temple at Manali is believed to be the only temple in India of Sage Manu (Manu Rishi).

Jogini Falls : A short trek from a point couple of kms from town centres leads you to Jogini falls. This is a perennial waterfall and its enthralling as one can actually was under and around the waterfall.
Arjun Gufa : Arjun Gufa is situated near Prini village and is around 5 km from Manali. The cave lies on the left bank of Beas River. Legend has it that Arjuna (central character of the Mahabharata mythology) prayed here.
Tibetan Monastery
Manali has three important Tibetan Monasteries: Himalayan Nyinmapa Temple, the traditional Gelukpa Gompa and the other one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas river. The first two monasteries are easily accessible from the town. The market near to the monastery sells rugs, Kullu shawls, and Tibetan souvenirs.
The Monasteries are open 6AM to 6PM







Van Vihar

A nature park of deodar grooves on the banks of Beas River. The park houses a small aviary of Himalayan birds.
The park is open from 8AM to 6PM


Old Manali : Old Manali is about 3 km from Manali. A series of small guesthouses and cafes are found on the way to the village. Most of the houses in the village have heavy stone roofs and wooden balconies. Maharishi Temple, dedicated to Sage Manu, and the ruins of Manaligarh Fort are the places to visit.




Day 2 - Solang Valley


Solang valley adventure sports : Solang Valley at 12 Kms from Manali is emerging as the adventure sports capital of Himachal Pradesh.


Cost of adventure sports activities at Solang, Manali

Adventure SportCost
Cable Car
Ropeway
Rs.450
Amateur SkiingRs.300 Onwards
Snow ScooterRs.500+
ZorbingRs.350+
Paragliding **S:Rs.600
L:1,800
Quad (ATV)
Helicopter Ride http://www.helimanali.com/joyrides.htmlRs.2500 pp
1. Costs above are indicative and can be negotiated on the spot with individual operators.
2. Advance booking for any of the above activities is not required.
3. If there is inadequate snow at Solang Valley, head to Gulaba or Rohtang Pass for amateur snow activities.
4. ** Paragliding : Tandem flights (S: Short/ L: Long);
Paragliding Season :April to May ; September to October. It is banned during monsoons.

Availability of Adventure Sports by month

SportJan - MarApr - JunOct - Dec
Cable Car
Ropeway
YesYesYes
Amateur SkiingYesYesYes
Snow ScooterYesYesYes
ZorbingYes
Paragliding **YesYes
Quad (ATV)Yes
Helicopter Ride





Gondala (Cable Car)

Take the 1.3 Km cable car ride with a vertical rise of 500m. Cable car ride costs Rs. 500 per head.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM Contact Ski Himalayas Ropeway on +91 9736699999





Paragliding
Paragliding options for beginners start from an uninspiring 1 minute jump to an enjoyable 20 minute flight.
Paragliding Charges
  • One minute short flight : Rs.500 - 700
  • Twenty minutes flight : Rs. 1,800
Note:
  • Go with trained pilots for Paragliding. Book from a good adventure tour operator based at Manali and insist that charge should include to and fro trip to Solang Valley.
  • Paragliding is banned during monsoons (July to September)

Skiing
Solang valley is best for amateur skiing though there are training programmes that will turn you into pro.
Skiing at Solang Valley.



Quad or ATV
Quad(ATV) in summers or snowmobile in winter. Quad is an adventure sports option for all ages and is popular at Solang valley. Many operators offer ATV/ Snowmobile at Solang Valley.



Zorbing
Exhilirating experience as you hurl down the hill in a ball in a large, transparent plastic ball.




Treks
Short treks of not more than three hours will take you to naturally-formed ice Shiva temple or to Solang water fall.
Hire local guide at Solang Valley.





Solang valley adventure sports : Reaching Solang Valley

Local TaxiAround Rs. 600/- from Manali to Solang valley
Contact Him-Aanchal Manali taxi union on +91-1902-252120
Maruti GypsyAvailable near Mall road, Manali


Day 3
http://kullutourism.com/white-water-rafting-in-kullu.php
Rent a Gypsy From Manali, it is available in manali city if you ask around.
The Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass which connects the Kullu Valley of Himachal to the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. At an altitude of 13000 feet and covered the whole year round by snow, it is one of the most exciting journeys one could make in India.
From May to October, Rohtang attracts numerous tourists who flock there to witness the wonders of the snow covered mountains and indulge in various snow related activities like skiing and snow scooter riding. The journey from Manali to Spiti via Rohtang Pass is undertaken by many bike enthusiasts all over India, and there are provisions to rent a bike in Manali itself.

The driving distance from Manali to Rohtang Pass is around 50 kms and many say that a trip to Manali is incomplete without visiting Rohtang Pass too. So undertake a journey to the snow-clad mountains and enjoy the snow-sports and the serene beauty of the place this season before the rains come!
Though the distance is less, it takes at least three hours to reach Rohtang by road. Local drivers and taxis should be hired for a comfortable journey to Rohtang, or one could take an HPTDC bus from Manali to Rohtang Pass. A journey by one’s own vehicle could also be undertaken, and this is an adventure in itself. One must start early at around 5-6 am if one wants to avoid heavy traffic. The major stop is at Mahri, which is 17 kms from Rohtang where one can find plenty of shops for supplies and eateries, after which it is a steep and snow-filled journey to the picturesque Rohtang Pass, one of the marvels of India.

Activities at Rohtang Pass

ATV's in Rohtang

ATV ride at Rohtang Pass. Tourist enjoying ATV (all terrain vehicle ) ride on the fresh snowfall at Rohtang Pass. One can enjoy the thrilling and advetureous ride of Mountain ATV Bikes in Rohtang. The only problem is their charges are exorbitantly high for a very short ride.
An all-terrain vehicle (ATV), also known as a quad, quad bike, three-wheeler, or four-wheeler, is defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a vehicle that travels on low-pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control. As the name implies, it is designed to handle a wider variety of terrain than most other vehicles.

Safety Precautions
Many common injuries can be prevented with the use of proper protective equipment. Most ATV manufacturers recommend at least a suitable DOT-approved helmet, protective eyewear, gloves and suitable riding boots for all riding conditions. Sport or aggressive riders, or riders on challenging terrain (such as those rock crawling or hillclimbing) may opt for a motocross-style chest protector and knee/shin guards for further protection. Proper tires (suited to a particular terrain) can also play a vital role in preventing injuries.

Snow Scooters in Rohtang


In Rohtang Skiing, Snow-Scooter riding and Trekking are enjoyed.
Rohtang Pass offers snow scooter adventure tours (snow mobile) at Rohtang La Snow Point. Snow scooters have become a very popular leisure vehicle when people want small or long ride. After taking ride of snowboard, one can find himself in a magnificent nature filled with experiences and adventures. You may either drive snow scooter with an experienced snow scooter driver or drive yourself together with a guide.

SMALL RIDE    Rs. 800/-per person.
LONG RIDE     Rs 1500/-per person.

Kasol

Day 4
Rent a Bullet from Kasol. (you have to find the place by asking locals and hotel staff)
Gor for River Rafting, Leave as early as possible.

White Water Rafting in Kullu Valley

In Kullu Valley, white water rafting can be enjoyed in the river Beas throughout the year except during the period from 15-July to 15-September. However rafting is also not done during rains and winters.
Trips generally start at Pirdi and continue 14 km down to Jhiri. White Water river- rafting facilities are offered by private operators at Pirdi near Kullu where a water sports centre has been set up to provide one stop water sports adventure experience for the tourist. Rafting is done on stretches of the River Beas, where rapids of high grades can be negotiated safely, providing an exhilarating experience for enthusiasts.
pirdi watersports camp
The Mountaineering Institute of Allied Sports in Manali, Himachal Pradesh can arrange two-week kayaking trips on the Beas river in Oct. The Beas River is a heaven for extreme Kayakers and beginner rafters alike. This river has got I - IV grade rapids.
Rafting begins at around 10:00 Hrs in the morning at Pirdi and can take from a few hours to a full day.

Approximate Distances from:
Kullu-Manali Airport at Bhuntar: 6 km
Kullu town: 3 km
Manali town: 45 km



Contact InformationWe Organise

H.O.: M/s Gagan Shawl Industries
Shamshi, Kullu-175101(H.P.)

Contact Person : Lara

Phone : 01902-265325, 265095
Mobile : 98160-05595
email : lara.adventure@yahoo.com

River Rafting
Para Gliding
Skiing
River Crossing
Mountain Rappeling
Trekking & Camping
Jeep Safari
Day 5

Explore the Villages and Treks Around Kasol

There is no dearth of scenic spots in Kasol, which means you’ll definitely come back with a lot of DPs and cover pictures. Treks and treads around include Sar Pass, Yanker Pass, Pin Parbati Pass and Kheerganga. You might need to travel small distances in a jeep or a cab to reach the starting place. If tough climb is not your style, take a walk to Chalal, which is just 30 minutes away from Kasol.
malana village 


For a feel of the rural life in these regions, visit Malana or Tosh. An isolated village 21 kms from Kasol, Malana is still untouched by modern lifestyle. One of the oldest democracies of the world, Malana people claim that they are descendants of Alexander’s army, but the claim is highly debatable. Their descent however isn’t what makes this place so popular. It’s the Malana cream – premium hashish which is popular among Israelis, Europeans and Indian youth visiting Kasol. Rules of Malana residents are strict with respect to outsiders, but the village and its beauty are a sight to behold. Rocky terrains with pleasing greenery and rural homes are both charming and peaceful.



Another gorgeous village is Tosh, 18 kms from Kasol. The road leading to Tosh is in a bad condition, so hiring a local cab is the best idea for those travelling by their own car. The ride might be bumpy, but for mountain lovers it is the ultimate place to be at. Just tire yourself a bit more by going uphill to find a decent place to stay in. Some of the common stays that you can choose from are Pink Floyd Café, Shiva Mountain, Jackie Place Hotel Blue Diamond, Ashwin’s, Olive Garden, Mountain Goat Café and others. From here you can head to a small trek to Kulta glacier – not very beautiful a scene, but worth an easy trek for sure.

The village however offers an unforgettable experience for those who love to unwind in the lap of nature; what’s better than a lazy evening spent gazing at the majestic Himalayas. Do not miss the spectacular sunset and sunrise here.

Experiences That Will Make it Memorable Trip

A lot has been written and blogged about the same cliché things to do in Kasol. While not all of them are absolutely useless, there’s a lot more to experience here – simple things that will give you simple joys.
1. Go on Hikes and Treks: There’s nothing more serene that walking along lush greenery.

Kasol offers multiple exploration options for casual walkers, trekkers and everyone who falls between these two categories. Best people to give you an idea of the difficulty level of each are the locals. You could either get in touch with a local when you visit Kasol, or plan your trek in advance with the help ofour verified local agents.
2. Binge on Israeli Food: Life’s good with a Shakshouka, a Bureka, and a lemon cake on my plate.
If you have not tried the cuisine, this is the place to start. Go one dish at a time, and keep repeating the ones you like. Don’t forget the trout! And desserts are mind-blowing, we recommend Hello to the king and Hello to the queen at The Evergreen; and the fresh bakes from The German Bakery at Moon Dance.
3. Stay in a Tent Camp: If you haven’t done it yet, try it here.



While there are a few options, but try your luck at the Forest Department tents. Beautifully located beside the fiercely flowing Paravti, they offer one of most gorgeous morning and evening views in the valley. Also, the camps are quite comfortable and neatly maintained. Prices are as low as Rs 150 during the off season and Rs 300 during the peak summer (May-June).
4. Find Peace: Do what you love the most while you’re still surrounded by the mighty peaks and a powerful river.


Kasol is the place to stir up old hobbies that get lost in your urban routine. Read a book, pen a prose, sketch/draw/paint, create a song, dream, ponder or do anything that you love doing, in a spot that makes you peaceful inside.
5. Play Games: Have a little fun.


If you have a chance to plan your visit, pack that dusty archery set, the almost lost air gun, or that carelessly tucked away badminton set. If you are in a group, play a game of pithu; volleyball at Cottage Cafe; or carom at Jim Morrison Café

WHAT TO EAT, AND WHERE?


Left (top to bottom): Buddha Place Cafe; Alpine Guest House Cafe
Right (top to bottom): Jim Morrison Cafe; The Evergreen Cafe; Stone Garden Cafe

Indulge in Israeli Food at the Best Cafes in Kasol

If you thought mountains and Malana cream are the only attractions in Kasol, you are wrong. The hippie village offers you abundant options from Israeli, Italian, Chinese and Indian cuisines. Almost all places have Shakshouka, Falafel, Schnitzel, Bourekas, and the desserts at German bakeries are to die for. Some of the popular cafes that must be on ‘check-it-out’ list are:
1. Stone Garden Café: A 24-hour café with awesome food and ambience.
2. Freedom Café: It’s the music and the legacy of ‘freedom cafes’ that keeps it bustling most time of the year.
3. Jim Morrison Café: Great music after a small trek makes it special. Food is all vegetarian though.
4. Shiva Shanti Café: Terrace seating allows an enchanting view of the valley and the surrounding peaks.
5. The Evergreen Café: Don’t miss the church behind and the great food.
6. Moon Dance Café: Lovely setting, great food, and irresistibly good bakery.
7. Bhoj Café: One of the oldest cafes is a different experience altogether.
8. Buddha Place: Vibrant music and interiors.
9. The Art Café: Go here for some peace.
10. Alpine Guest House Café: A scenic café along the fiercely flowing river Parvati.

Go On a Scenic and Peaceful Bullet Ride around Kasol is a Life time experience: 
View From Sandhya Hotel Kasol
Start From Kasol - Head to Manikaran Road - Stop at Parvati River (parvati Vally)
Stop at ManikaranThere are two hot springs in Manikaran, that are both associated to holiness - the hot spring at the Sri Guru Nanak Devji’s Gurudwara and the hot spring in the River Parvati. It is believed that people after taking a bath and drinking the water of these hot springs attain salvation.

Parvati Vally
Manikaran Road
 The importance of the hot springs of Manikaran is no less than the “Kashi Kshetra.” After examination of waters of both the hot springs, it has been found that the spring waters contain radioactive minerals and natural uranium. Both the hot springs are huge tourist attractions.
On the way to Manikaran
Manikaran

Vie from Manikaran Bridge on parvati river
Pulga


Experience the Snow Peaks of Himalayas at a Place called Kalga and Pulga 
Explore the beautiful Tosh Village, Scotland of India Tosh lies on the slope of a mountain overlooking a river and a waterfall. Just after the local households, series of hotels appear at the end of the village. Distinct smell of Marijuana is the first impression of Tosh.
have some food at Pink Floyd Cafe and Ashwins cafe in tosh


Things to do :

Basically there is not much to do around Tosh than to explore your ways through the deep crest and throughs of the mountains. You end up getting struck by nature at every step. Since its entirely non commercialised all you have to do is to get ready, pick a camera and go lost in nature.


Barsheni(kheer ganga trekking starts from here)
Track To the khir Ganga Hot Spring
ask locals for the way and you will also find many foreigners doing the same. It takes 6 hours to reach at the top of Khir Ganga Hot spring
You will find few cafes on the trek. find a company and reach to the hot spring in between himalayas 





Distance: 14km hike; Travel Time: 6-7 hrs;
Elevation: KheerGanga – 2,960m / 13,051ft
Explore the tosh village
Tosh Village














way to khir ganga
way to khir ganga























way to khir ganga










top of the khir ganga


















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