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CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN THANEDAR (3 nights 4 days)
This amazing 3-day drive will take you to one of the most
beautiful places near Shimla, home to some of the most
delicious cherries and apples and in fact, the first apple
sapling in the country. One can see empty and packed
crates of these fruits on the roadside, at various points
on the way.
Thanedar (8100 ft.), is slightly higher than Shimla (7,400
ft.) and the road linking the two runs almost near the
crest of the mountain with a gradual ascent. One is
constantly treated to a bird's-eye view of the different
valleys as the road twists and turns from one spur to
another. Especially breathtaking is the view of Narkanda
from Fagu, a small village en route. Below Narkanda, to
the north is the Sutlej Valley and beyond it is the snowy
massif. The ridge on which Thanedar stands is the
watershed between the Sutlej on the north and the Giri
River as well as between the Arabian Sea and Bay of
Bengal.
| Kilometers covered: |
450 kms |
| Maximum altitude: |
Hatu peak (3136M) |
| Best time to visit: |
March- October |
Day 1: Chandigarh - Thanedar - Drive - 195 kms/6.5 hrs
Reach Chandigarh by Shatabdi express at 1045 hrs. Met by
our representative, drive to Thanedar. Check into Banjara
retreat. Evening at leisure.
Day 2: Thanedar - Tani Jubbar lake - Thanedar - 11 kms
After breakfast, we drive to starting point of hike in the
Saroga forest. After a short hike through the forest, we
follow a trail leading to Tani Jubbar Lake. Visit the Nag
Devta temple- snake god - (from outside) by the lake. We
start the hike from a height of 7300 Ft. and walk up to
Shilla Jan Ridge (about 10000 ft.) via Saroga Forest and
on to Tani Jubbar Lake.
Drive back to Retreat in time for lunch. Rest in the
afternoon/ hike to Paramjyotir temple (2 kms)
Day 3: Thanedar - Day excursion to Hatu peak 20 kms drive
and 10 kms hike/4-5 hrs
The 3136 mt high Hatu Peak offers a panoramic view of the
Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges of Himalayas. Drive
to Sidhpur; 10 km from the Banjara Retreat and then climb
up through the Conifer and Oak forests. The climb to the
peak with a small break for a packed lunch, generally
takes about 3 hours. The forest around Hatu is famous for
its flora and fauna/ Avi-fauna. One can see Silver fir,
Birch, Oaks, Himalayan Cedar, Himalayan Yew, Rhododendron,
herbs and wild flowers. It is also rich in wildlife and if
you are lucky you may see Leopards, Black Bear, Jungle
Cats, Himalayan Weasel, Flaying Squirrel, Himalayan
Pheasants like Monal- state bird of Himachal, Red Jungle
Fowl, Magpie Robin, Laughing Thrush, Minivets and
Whistling Thrush to name a few. The Hatu Mata Temple,
located on the ridge of the top, is very popular with the
locals during the local fairs in September and October.
The more adventurous ones can hike back to Sidhpur and
drive back to retreat. In the evening drive/ hike to St.
Mary’s church in Kotgarh (a 3 km hike through most
picturesque forest).
Day 4: Thanedar - Kalka - Delhi
After breakfast, drive back to Kalka to board evening
Shatabdi express train back to Delhi.
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