Tourism |
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| Keeping in view the altitude and various factors related with it, trekking has
been categorised in two broad categories, i.e., Low
Altitude Trekking and the High Altitude
Trekking. In the first category trekking activity is limited below the snow line,
whereas in the latter type a trekker finds himself crossing high passes, snow fields,
difficult terrain and camping at rarefied sounds. This necessitates mastering of some
techniques and proper acclimatisation and equipment to avoid mishaps and mountain
sickness. This does not mean that trekking should be construed to be climbing or
mountaineering. Climbing is a specialised field requiring intensive training and
sophisticated equipment. Trekking is only a first step towards that direction. It requires
a pair of strong legs, will power and some easily available equipment." However,
there' is no denying the fact that some experience of rock climbing proves good in high
altitude trekking. Knowledge of mountains, glaciers, valleys and terms connected with
these can make trekking immensely enjoyable and educative exercise. Therefore, some terms
pertaining to mountains and glaciers have been included in Appendix A. This will help a
beginner to appreciate mountains, glaciers and such like phenomena in a better
perspective. Although schools and colleges, various government and private .agencies and organisations have started conducting trekking and hiking tours in the Indian Himalayas, trekking continues to be a low-key activity. When compared to Nepal, trekking in India is unorganised and uncontrolled activity. The north-eastern states, Kumaon and Garhwal hills of U.P., Jammu camp; Kashmir and Himachal.Pradesh attract a sizeable number of Indian as well as foreign trekkers, but the potential has not been fully exploited. As far as Himachal pradesh is concerned trekking is confined to Shimla, Dharamasala, Chamba and Kulu districts. D.M.I. Manali has given a much required impetus to this activity. Kinnaur has also started attracting trekkers after vigorous advertisement campaigns launched by Himachal Tourism Department. Lahaul continues to be one of the most neglected trekking regions despite a plethora of trekking routes. The flow of Indian trekkers is almost negligible. Most of the trekking in Lahaul is being done by the local clubs. About two thousand foreigners visit this valley every year during the open season. The trekking programmes of the foreigners are mainly confined to the classic trekking routes to Padum in the Zangskar region of J&K. Some of them trek to Chandra-Taal via Darcha and by the Baralacha la. From Chandra Taal they usually go to Manikaran in Kullu district. Some choose Myar valley for going to the Zangskar region or the Pangi valley in Chamba district. Rarely do they take trekking routes from Lahaul to Chamba, Mani Mahesh and Dharamasala. Earlier lack of roads and very limited knowledge, about Lahaul deterred people from undertaking trekking and climbing expeditions in this beautiful area. In the past these expeditions could not materialize for want of road communication upto the base camps. Now equipment and rations can be carded in the automobiles right upto the base camps. Rations like dehydrated and tinned foods, mineral water, etc. are easily available in Keylong at competitive rates. With the creation of infrastructural facilities the Lahaul valley offers all s. orts of opportunities to explore the region. Much Will depend on the taste, interest and aptitude of the individual. One thing is certain that Lahaul's magnificent peaks, snow serpents, i.e., glaciers, awe inspiring precipices, spectacular gorges, blue water lakes, refreshingly verdant valleys, potato fields, alpine-himalayan flora and fauna, mystique monks, monasteries, its myth, legend, folklore and a totally different tribal culture will leave an indelible impression on the minds of the visitors. The best trekking season in the Lahaul valley is between July and October. Because of climatical and geographical factors trekking in the Lahaul valley requires detailed and careful planning. |
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| KULLU-MANALI/LAHAUL SECTOR : | |||||||||||
Lying to the south of Lahaul, Kullu is known as the valley of Gods. Some call it district of orchards too. Kullu is famous for its week long Dusshera festival when the reigning deity Raghunathji is brought out in his Rath or Chariot. Gods & Goddesses of the valley come to this festival to pay homage to the supreme deity. |
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| CHAMBA-LAHAUL TREKS : | |||||||||||
| Famous for its folk embroidery and rumals, Chamba, a small district of Himachal, attracts a number of tourists every year. Chamba abounds in indigenous hill styled temples and Shikhara temples. most of the temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Chamba is also called valley of honey and milk. | |||||||||||
| LAHAUL- J & K SECTOR : | |||||||||||
| This hill state of India called J & K has three regions namely-Kashmir, Ladakh and Zangskar. The himalayas separate the valley of Kashmir from the Zangskar valley. Zangskar is separated from Ladakh by the Zangskar range. On the south-west, the Kashmir valley is bounded by the lower Pir Panjal Range. | |||||||||||
| LAHAUL-SPITI SECTOR : | |||||||||||
| The Spiti sub-division of district Lahaul & Spiti presents a more difficult terrain, climate and habitation because average mean elevation of the great and middle Himalayas of Spiti is over 5,485m above mean sea level. There are a number of virgin peaks and treks in the area. The arid landscape without any sort of vegetative cover has its own spellbinding effect. In this valley is Kibber the highest village in Asia connected with road. Its monasteries-Kye and Tabo are world famous. The moonland is totally different from Lahaul. | |||||||||||
| CIRCUIT TREKS : | |||||||||||
