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APPLE CIRCUIT (5 nights 6 days)
Take an incredible journey into the magnificent apple
country in the Himalayas. In Thanedar, your first
destination in the apple country, with acres of apple
orchards in and around the Banjara Retreat, you encounter history, as this was the birthplace of apples in the
country. Your journey from here will take you to another
spectacular destination in the middle Himalayas – Sangla in
the Kinnaur district. This valley along the Baspa River and
surrounding by snow-capped peaks is truly unexplored gem of
natural beauty. Here is a place that offers an out of the
ordinary travel experience.
| Kilometers covered: |
1400 kms |
| Maximum altitude: |
Chitkul (3520M) |
| Best time to visit: |
May - September |
Day 1: Chandigarh - Thanedar - Drive - 195 kms/6.5 hrs
Reach Chandigarh by Shatabdi express at 1045 hrs. Drive to
Thanedar. Check into Banjara retreat. Evening at leisure.
Day 2: Thanedar - Sangla - 156 kms/5-6 hrs
After breakfast, drive to Sangla via Bhimakali Temple in
Sarahan en route. Arrive in Sangla in the evening.
Overnight stay in Banjara camp, Sangla.
For six months every year, the Himalayan valleys of Kinnaur
and Spiti emerge from a thick cloak of snow to reveal a
different, secret world to man. Your discovery of the
lesser-known Himalayas can begin at the Banjara Camp in the
Sangla Valley. At a height of 2,700 Mts the Banjara Camp is
surrounded by towering mountains on all sides and is set on
the banks of the Baspa River that surges through the
valley. Long walks to discover the amazing fauna and flora
of the valley, treks to view snow covered Himalayan peaks,
angling for trout, experiencing some of the local culture
and traditions, rock climbing, rappelling are only some of
the delights that are on offer.
Day 3: Sangla - Rakcham - Sangla - 6 kms one way
It is a 4-5 hours walk through the forest to Rakcham
village. It is a fascinating walk through a wide variety of
flora. We call it ‘the signature walk’ of the valley. We
start as early as possible with a light breakfast and carry
juice and sandwiches for the mid break point! Arrive back
at camp by noon for a hot shower and lunch.
A level-cum-gradually climbing path first takes one to
Batseri Village across the Baspa River. A ‘dekko’ at the
temple and one is quickly out of the village into the
forest. After about half an hour the path takes a sharp
climb and goes on for thirty minutes where one hits the
first ‘glacier’. That can be the first 'chota' halt. Across
the glacier one quickly melts into the forest and here the
path goes gradually up. Half an hour and many fascinating
views later the path takes a sudden descent and opens out
into the valley.
Lo and behold! Another small glacier walk and a balance
walking across a few streams later one comes to a plain
flat ground. This is generally the mid way breaking point
where we stop briefly for Juices and sandwiches. Resume the
walk after a short break. A big tract of Poplar forest
welcomes you as you walk on. The path from here takes a
gradual ascent and goes on for 30-40 minutes to level in a forest, which gives way to the flat lands of Rackcham
village. The Valley opens up here revealing the snow-clad
mountains across which lies Uttarakhand and Tibet. We cross
Baspa River yet again to reach the village and the road
where some hot tea would be waiting for you.
On this walk, one gets to see most of the tree and plant
variety the valley has to offer. If the time is right and
one is lucky, one gets to see quite a bit of Avi- Fauna.
The more adventurous ones have the option of carrying a
packed lunch and hike down all the way back to the camp (6
kms)
Day 4: Sangla - A day visit to Chitkul
There is not a better conception of a day picnic than a
short drive to Chitkul, walk to Nagasthi and opening the
lunch hamper under the pine trees next to a rivulet on
green grass looking at the beautiful expanse of the valley.
The sun filters through the trees and warms you while you
take the post lunch siesta. We start the day around nine
after breakfast. It takes 45 minutes to reach Chitkul. The
drive is one of the most fascinating one gets to do. Pine
trees slowly giving way to ‘Bhojpatra’/Birch trees and then
the tree line disappears and one reaches the meadowland.
The valley opens up and you find yourself facing the snow
capped Great Himalayas beyond which lies Tibet. Perched on
the one side of the valley, below one of the ridges is the
quaint Chitkul village. One look at it and image of
‘Shangri- La’ crosses the mind. Chitkul falls in what once
used to be the ‘Silk Route’.
Nagasthi is the last border outpost and short walk from
Chitkul. Civilians are not allowed beyond this point. The
walk is a level one and slightly going down the path
through a pastureland and fields overlooking the freely
flowing Baspa. A 1.5 hrs walk takes you to the outpost
where the Jawans’ smiling faces greet you. Walk back and
open your lunch hamper at an idyllic spot. Back in the camp
by late afternoon to rest and relax and be ready for the
evening tea
Day 5: Sangla - Thanedar
Drive back to Thanedar. The adventurous ones may hike down
to St. Mary’s church in the afternoon on arrival. Night
stay in Banjara Orchard retreat.
Day 6: Thanedar - Kalka - Delhi
After breakfast, drive back to Kalka to board evening
Shatabdi express train back to Delhi.
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