Technical Equipments for Ski Tours and Safaris

When to decide to do some skiing. It is important that you also get aware of some technical know how about skiing. There are certain very simple technicalities involved for any ski freek. Here are some of them.

1 Ski skins and ski crampons are a must.
2 Boot crampons - These should be ideally light weight with quick fit clip on binding.
3 Climbing Harness - It is indispensable that it should have fully adjustable leg loops.
4 Carabiners - 2 screw gates.

Their are other technical equipments involved, but discussing them further would do nothing but confuse you. So it is advisable that minute technicalities be left with you skiing expert and travel guide.

Skiing Clothing

Skiing is one adventure activity that requires an all together proper clothing. As the game is a part of adventure sports, it is imperative that you are properly gazetted in order to enjoy it to the extreme. Although travel agents who arrange for adventure activities in India like skiing and trekking provide all the relevant stuff. But it is important that as a tourist you should also be upbeat with all the requirements of skiing. Let us discuss the clothing part in a bit more details.



The most important thing is the Ski trousers. Your trousers should have good features like bib side front with braces, stretch knee pads and integral snow gaiters. Next on the list is the breathable jacket preferably made of Gore tex. Try to use a padded jacket as it ensures a bit more safety. Always make sure that you use roll neck rather than scarf. “Buff”, a light and stretchable tube is recommended. Headwear preferably a skiing helmet is a must. Silk inner gloves and face mask may also be used to be on a safer side.

If these things can be kept in mind then skiing can really be a joyful experience.

Skiing Equipments (Part 1)

In winters skiing is one sports that is followed with lot of craze and enthusiasm. But, it does not come easy. As a skiing lover you have to follow certain patterns and protocols to make sure you enjoy it to the fullest. This is a first of the eight part series to provide you with all the useful information about skiing equipments. Let us take a general view as to what actually falls in the category of skiing equipments.

List of skiing equipments
1 Clothing
2 Ski General
3 Ski accessories
4 Safety Equipments
5 Technical Equipments (Off piste courses)
6 Technical Equipments (Ski tours and Safaris)

These topics will be discussed in more depth in the posts to follow.

Ice Skating In Himachal Pradesh, India

Himachal Pradesh, situated in the foothills of the Great Himalayas has become an important center for adventure sports in India. The surrounding snow covered mountain ranges of Dhauladar, Shivalik and Pir Pinjal together contribute in making Himachal Pradesh an ideal location for performing the innumerable winter sports. These sports are full of thrill an excitement. One of the most sought after sport that Himachal offers to the adventure lovers and the holiday makers is Ice-Skating. Not only in the entire Himachal Pradesh but in the country as a whole, Shimla offers the best opportunities to try out ice skating.

The winter sports festival organized each year in December in the capital city – Shimla has ice skating as one of the major attractions. The ice skating rink in Shimla covers a large area. You will be amazed to see the natural frozen ice here that enables you to indulge in ice skating. Not only those who are fond of adventure sports but all the tourists who come over to Himachal will surely have a great time ice skating in the oldest skating rink of Asia.

Ice skating is somewhat similar to another ice sport, skiing. Instead of sliding down the snow-clad mountain slopes, you are required to put on the ice skates and glide in a skating rink. You can do it alone or with a partner. But keep the fact in mind that ice skating is not as simple as ordinary skating. You will to balance extremely well in order to skate on ice.

Ice-skating in Himachal begins during the early December and continues till the month of February. Low temperature and clear sky make these months the ideal time for continuing uninterrupted skating. You can choose to skate either during the morning hours or evening hours. Ice skates are available on rent in the rink only. In case you are experienced in the sport, you can go for figure skating or ice hockey that are much more adventurous. So, what are you still waiting for? Plan a visit to Shimla in Himachal Pradesh to enjoy ice skating.

Winter Camping In India

Winter camping is one of the toughest types of camping but at the same time it is the most adventurous and exciting one. Winter camping is only meant for young people, who are full of adventures and have a strong determination. Winter camping is much enjoyable and comfortable as compared to the summer camping. Winter camping can be done anywhere outdoors, but it is mainly linked with camping on high altitudes. Camping on high altitudes is not an easy task and thus requires a lot of planning & preparation. Winter Camping activity is not any more traits of an extreme adventure where lives are at stake, like any other outdoor venture, winter camping is also full of wonderment and prudence and provides adventure- enthusiast a brimming gratification. On a winter camping tour, one has to plan a little more cautiously since the temperatures are lower and the weather is unpredictable. Do not underrate the whimsicality of the winter weather, anticipate the worst so you will not have any repellent stupefaction.

Gears and Clothing:

One always have to prepare beforehand, before going on any such winter camp,. The most significant thing is the tent as one has to spend most of the time within it. The tent should be large enough to hold an individual and should be strong enough so as to bear the winter winds, which blow very strongly. The tents should be made of nylon and the frame should be of aluminum. One should also carry an air mattress, which is self-inflating. One should be fully clothed so as to avoid the rough winter condition. One should always dress in layers as it maintains the body temperature and moisture.

Camping Destinations In India:

Auli

Andaman

Darjeeling

Gir

Goa

Gulmarg

Himalayas

Jim Corbett

Kerala

Kangra Valley

Kovalam

Kumaon

Ladakh

Lakshadweep

Manali

North East India

Periyar

Rajasthan

Rishikesh

Ranthambore

Shimla

Sikkim

Uttaranchal

Camping Tips and Precautions:

• Everything takes longer and moves slower in cold and snow. Equipment is more bulky and heavy. The days are shorter and much of your camp activities will take place In the dark. Patience is not simply a virtue at this point, it is fundamental.

• Keep your camera inside your shirt or your jacket so it stays warm enough to operate, Film should also be carried close to your body because it tens to get brittle when cold. Wind film slowly to avoid tearing.

• Keep flashlight batteries inside a pocket. What may seem like dead batteries could be just cold batteries.

• Carry a small whiskbroom to brush off boots and gaiters, and a sponge to mop up damp spots.

• Keep clothing in stuff sacks so they don't accumulate snow while opening and closing your pack.

• If you can, tie a string to your flashlight and keep around your neck. Headlamps are best as they allow your hands to be free.

• Whenever you take off hats and mittens, always stow them in a secure place. Things will dry out in the winter, believe it or not. It's a process called sublimation. The dampness turns to ice and evaporates from ice. So damp things should be hung on dry surfaces such as tarp lines.

• Personal organization is crucial during the winter. You must know exactly where each and every single bit of your gear is at all times.

• Never set things in the snow. It is possible to drop a lit flashlight in the snow and never find it again.

• Avoid cotton like the plaque. It becomes a frozen lump by the second morning.

• Avoid metal cups (except for double-wall thermal), metal whistles etc. which will adhere to warm mouth tissue when cooled to winter's subzero temperatures.

• Practice working with all of your equipment with mittens on and modify any equipment that can only operated with bare hands.

• In winter camping there is very little margin for mistakes. If you forget to waterproof your boots and get wet feet, you will need to take action immediately to prevent frozen toes or feet.

• Be careful around an open fire. Winter clothes and boots which provide good insulation from the cold, will also stop you from feeling the heat until the boots. mittens etc. are burning or melted.

• Cotton kills because once it gets wet, it takes forever to dry in winter, leaving the door wide open for hypothermia. This is an essentially useless winter fabric, so leave the jeans at home. One caveat: bring a cotton bandana to clean your sunglasses.

Tips for Skiing in India

Being a region of extreme temperatures and you cannot afford to wear just woolen clothes and head towards the slopes of the mighty Himalayas. A lot of preparatory steps are supposed to be undertaken before you take up skiing. Waterproof ski jackets with taped seams, venting zippers and insulating stretch components prove comfortable. To protect yourself from the harmful UV rays of the sun, you should always wear a ski goggles. It will also help in keeping yourself away from frostbiting or snow blindness. A helmet adds to the level of safety. Though skiing is a sport that can be savored by everyone, expectant mothers and people suffering from heart ailment and blood pressure disorder are not allowed to participate.

Adventure in Zanskar Range

Located in the north of Himalayas,Zanskar range forms one of the geographical divisions of Jammu and Kashmir. In Jammu and Kashmir, this range acts as a divider between Ladakh region and the Zanskar areas. Occuping the region between Kashmir and Ladakh it scatters around 15220 sq km. There are a number of passes, that are located in this mountain ridge which are favorite among the winter sports and adventure seekers. Bawalocha Pass being the most popular there are other famous passes like Cha Cha La, Fatu La, Rubrang La & Singge La.

Visiting the spot, one can indulge in various Indian winter sports like : Skiing, Mounteneering, Trekking, Heli-Skiing etc. Zanskar range is an important mountain range of this north Indian state. River Zanskar has formed many gorges in the Zanskar range. This mountain range extends till Lahaul and Spiti in the eastern part of the Zanskar valley. In the north, the mountain range of Zanskar extends to the state of Uttaranchal. Here Zanskar lies between Tibetaian Plateau and the Himalayan Range. In this region, India's second highest peak Kamet is situated. Zanskar range almost extends upto the border region of Nepal and India. An absolute amazing destination for winter adventure sports seekers in India.

Dharamshala - Skiing, Heli Skiing, Para Gliding And Lots More

Get ready to get wild with Skiing along with other winter sports at Dhramshala.

Travel to Himachal Pradesh and come to Dharamshala, where the winds of change are rushing to shatter its quiet calm. The term Dharamashala means 'The Holy Refuge' and this scenic town is roosted in the Kangra valley and belongs to the group of the 80 hills that were developed by the British to help them fight the dust and sweltering sun.

This home of the present Dalai Lama is a scenic hill station located at an altitude of 4,550 ft above sea level, this small petite beauty is located at a very convenient distance from the Kangra valley and the beauteous McLeodganj. Divided into two parts as Upper Dharamshala and Lower Dharamshala, here you will see hills, bungalows, churches, monasteries and cantonment. Surrounded by the mighty Dhauladhar mountains, Dharamshala has an incomparable distinction of being the chosen home of the spiritual and temporal head of the Tibetan people.

Dharamsala over looks the plains and is surrounded by dense pine trees and Deodar forests. A nearby snow line with numerous streams and cool healthy atmosphere makes the surroundings very attractive. Spend a vacation in this cocktail of Tibetan and Kangra culture with a tinge of colonial origin, that makes this destination, the sweetheart favorite of the tourists. Enjoy a holiday that you had always dreamt of, but had never endeavored.

Dharamshala's Attractions

Among the primed Deodar and Pine covered hillocks, where nature has used its brush to add the colorful strokes of life, there is no dearth of attractions. This Indian hill settlement is a traveler;s delight, where in the lower part is the Kotwali Bazaar, while the upper part for the town is more residential. Elegant bungalows and the cantonment greets the tourist. This is a place where short walks are the best way to explore the lush and greens of Dharamshala. Enjoy a trip to Himachal Pradesh to see the most famous attractions of Dharamshala.

Fame finds it way to the Namgyal Monastery near Dharamshala, where resides the 14th Dalai Lama. Thousands of people beat their path to visit this monastery, which has been the centre of Buddhist pilgrim for the past four decades. A visit to the this monastery, posing in the Center of Tibetan Studies is nothing but mandatory. 'Tsuglagkhang', opposite the Dalai Lama's residence, will remind you of Lhasa as it contains large gilded bronzes of the Buddha, Avalokiteswara and Padmasambhava. Other monasteries that you cannot miss is Geludpa Monastery, that adjoins the Dalai Lama's monastery. Here you should see the giant statue of Buddha, Thankas and other ritual and consecrated subjects. The Nechung Monastery in Lgangchen Kyishobn has Tibetan libnrary lwith a good rang of books, magazines & photo-copying facilities and a museum.

While in Dharamshala you should enjoy shopping in Kotwali Bazaar. This joint along with array of shops, little cafes and eating outlets makes it an attraction in its own. While here you cannot miss checking the Kangra Art Museum that has wonderful collection of miniatures, arts, crafts, and rich past, displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century. This treasure trove also displays collection of sculptures, pottery, and anthropological items.

You should pay homage to Himachali war heroes in War Memorial lying near the museum. Get off at upper Dharamshala and pass through the deep wooded Forsytheganj that has eye catching bungalows. Here you should visit the St. John's Church, that holds the Viceroy Lord Elgin's Memorial. This church has some beautiful stained glasses that mustn't be missed.

Move towards the Sidhpur to Norbulingka, lying at a distance of 16 kms. This halt will reveal to you the preservation of Tibetan arts and crafts in a centre that will demand a day's trip, and its worth it. Set in the style of a Japenese garden, Norbulingka has a temple, souvenir shop and Losel Dolls Museum and a beautiful cafe, Norling. There are also metal and wood workshops where you can see people indulged in crafting.

The Shrine of Bhagsunath, just 11-km from the town center of Dharamsala is the ancient temple of Bhagsunath. There are many fresh hot water springs close to the temple, which are considered sacred by the Hindus. The most important ones are the Tatwani & Machhrial. Surrounded by the high and green Deodar trees is the lake, which fills a mountain bowl. This is Dal Lake, Situated 11 kms away from the town and is an enchanting picnic spot.

Just at a distance of 12 kms from Dharamshala is an oasis of mediation calm. Several meditation centres have mushroomed here due to the calm and scenic ambiance. You should try the Vipassana or Tushita Meditation Centres. For Yoga lessons, head for the Iyengar Himalayan Yoga center.

Skiing At Dayara-Bugyal

Bugyal in the local language means "high altitude meadow". The road to Dayara Bugyal branches off near Bhatwari, a place on Uttarkashi - Gangotri Road, which is about 28 kms. from Uttarkashi.

Dayara-Bugyal - Getting Ready for Skiing, Uttranchal Vehicles can go up to the village of Barsu, from where one has to trek a distance of about 8 km to reach Dayara. The other route is via village Raithal, 10 kms. from Bhatwari, from where one has to trek about 6 km to Dayara Bugyal. Situated at an elevation of about 3048 m, this vast meadow is second to none in natural beauty.

During winter it provides excellent ski slopes over an area of 28 sq. km Dayara bugyal affords a panoramic view of the breathtakingly beautiful Himalayas. There is a small lake in the area that provides an excellent camping site.

From this spot one can trek down through dense forests to Dodi-Tal, which is about 32 km away.

PLACES TO STAY

Accommodation at Bhatwari.
Some villagers' huts may also be used, for accommodation purposes.

Patnitop - One Pace To Visit For Snow During Winters In India

112 kms from Jammu, this famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 metres across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. Enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the of the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick mantle of snow thus providing opportunities for various snow games including skiing. It is the best-developed tourist spot of Jammu and is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. There is an ambitious plan of Patnitop Development Authority to develop Patnitop, Kud, Sud-Mahadev, Mantalai circuit. The construction work of Mall Road at Kud is to be taken up in the near future. Trekking route from Kud to Patnitop-Sanasar has already been completed. The complete tourist circuit covers Jammu-Katra-VaishnoDeviji, Kud-Sanasar, Patnitop-Gourikund, Sudmahadev, Mantali, extending upto Latti-Dhuna.

Things To Do At Patnitop

Trekking - A range of trekking options is available here. Summer is the season when all trekking routes are open while some are open in winter too. There are excellent camping sites also enroute. The Sundarani- Jungal Gali-Jasarkote-Sanasar route in Jangal Gali area lets you choose any of three exciting treks. There are Trekking equipment hire shops of tourism Department at Jammu and Kud. They stock imported and local gear. These are available for fixed prices.

Equipment Available

Tents :
i) 4 man tent
ii) 2 man tent
2. Carry mat
3. Sleeping bags
4. Jackets
5. Windcheaters
6. Rucksacks, Boots

The equipment is issued against cash receipt or on Guarantee letter from Dy.Dir Tourism/Dy.Secy of State or central govt. For a foreign tourist Passport is held as security deposit. Some travel agencies in Jammu city also organize Trekking in the area.

Winter Sports In Patnitop

Skiing at Patnitop- Skiing courses are conducted at Patnitop in the months of January and Feburary. During winter mionths there are introductory courses for tourists/beginners at gentle gradient slopes of Patnitop. At Madhatop (5/6 Kms from Patni top on Sanasar Road) excellent possibilities for all kind of skiing exist. A ski-lift in the area is also proposed.

As for facilities 40 sets of equipment is available at Patnitop and Sanasar. Also available are wooden sledges locally. For beginners Instructors are also available.

Aero sports at Patnitop - Paragliding has been introduced at Sanasar and Jammu. Equipment is available on Hire from tourist office in Jammu city. May-June and Septemer October are best suited for paragliding. Other aero sports like Parasailing and Hotair ballooning are also becoming operational shortly.

Trekking In India

Trekking in India is one of the famous adventure sports awaiting the trekking enthusiast in India. One who are fascinated by the unexplored. The mountain ranges of India offer breathtaking, enthralling trekking routes. In the vast amphitheater of the Indian Himalayas and Karakorams, there are limitless possibilities for trekking tours, mountaineering, skiing, and river rafting tours. Within this alluring arena, the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, occupy the central place, with special points of interest for the trekker.. In India Trekking enthusiast can also explore the rugged beauty of the lofty mountains romancing the shimmering waterfalls cascading down in glee, like a merry village belle. Experience the thrill of sheer adventure by our trekking tours in India amidst the world’s most beautiful places.

Trekking in Grahwal :

Treks in Garhwal gives ample opportunities of trekking to adventure enthusiast. Garhwal Himalayas offers all ranges of trekking tours from soft treks to hard treks as well as trekking expedition.

Trekking in Ladakh :

Ladakh offers adventurous trekking tours. The attraction here for the tourists are snow clad peaks, translucent lakes, barren terrain etc. The best season to go on trekking tours and expeditions in ladakh in this region is between July and September.

Trekking in Sikkim :

Sikkim is one of the best kept secrets in the Himalayas and trekking tours in Sikkim can be a wonderful experience and antidote of city stress and daily life. Experience of trekking in Sikkim can be memorable and cherished for a lifetime. While trekking one can relish the pure air and silence of wilderness,Himalayan Land of Nature Grandeur Spiritual Beauty.

Trekking in Himachal :

Trekking in Himachal requires adequate preparation as majority of trekking route falls in those areas which are perennially cold. Himachal offers trekking tours from moderate to strenuous and best time for trekking in himachal is from June to October. The four great mountain ranges and a fluctuating snow very cold climate.

Trekking in Jammu & Kashmir :

Jammu & Kashmir the trekking season extends from July through September. Trekking in Jammu & Kashmir is of different kind, one may go for trekking for a week or for a day. People can not feel like they are away from the human life, even on hills the huts of Gujars can be seen made up of log of wood, they use to graze their sheeps on the lonely hills. In Ladakh s some treks have monasteries as their focus and in Kashmir some treks have mountain lakes as their focus. One trek in particular covers half a dozen high altitude lakes, encircled by snow covered mountains. In Jammu, Kishtwar and Bhadarwar regions have excellent trekking routes.

Almora - scenic winter destination of India

"These mountains are associated with the best memories of our race: Here, therefore, must be one of centers, not merely of activity, but more of calmness of meditation, and of peace and I hope some one to realize it." - Swami Vivekananda

The beautiful region of Kumaon in the East of Uttaranchal in India have one of the most popular hill station of Almora. This horse shoe shaped hill station is located on a 5 km long mountain range away from the chaos of the cities, it offers the tourists a perfect calm and placid atmosphere with true colors of beautiful nature . One can experience every inch of Almora dipped into scenic beauty along with its famous ever lasting traditions. Renowned as the paradise for all the adventure enthusiasts, it offer loads of options for the ones who love to take their adventure to great heights. Facilities for adventure sports in Almora like Trekking, River Rafting, Mountaineering, paragliding and Skiing makes it one the famous winter sports destination in India.

Famous Almora 's Attractions

Some of the popular attractions of Almora are:

• Bright End Corner

• Chitai Temple

• Bright End Corner

• Nanda Devi Temple

• Kasar Devi

• State Museum

Located at an altitude of 1,638 meters, Almora experiences a moderate climate. The summers are warm in the morning and pleasant in the evenings. The winters are cold and sunny during the daytime while the nights are very cold with snowfall a couple of time during the season. The best time to witness snowfall is from the end of December till the early February.

Places To Shop, Eat And Stay

Shopping in Almora:

• Lala Bazar

• Karkhana Bazar

• Khajanchi Mohalla

Where To Eat in Almora:

• Madras Cafe

• Swagat Restaurant

• New Glory Restaurant

• Mount View Restaurant

Accommodation in Almora :

• Holiday Home

• Hotel Himsagar

• Snow View Resort

How To Reach Almora

By Air: The nearest airport to Almora is at Pantnagar, the seat of a famous agricultural university, about 127 KMs from Almora.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam situated around 90 KMs away. Kathgodam is connected by rail directly with Delhi, the capital of India, Lucknow, the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Dehradun the capital of the state of Uttaranchal and Calcutta.

By Road: From Kathgodam local transport, private taxis as well as buses run by private operators, and buses run by the state government corporation - UASRTC are available at all hours. By road Almora is connected conveniently and is merely 380 kms away from Delhi, 466 kms from Lucknow and 415 km from Dehradun.

Kullu - India's Winter Capital

Kullu is located in the central part of the state of Himachal Pradesh in the northern region of India. It is located amidst the Himalayas at an altitude of 1200 m above sea level at the confluence of Beas and Sarvari rivers. It is 240 km north of Shimla. The weather in Kullu is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters in India are cold (November-February). It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September. For the people who live in the areas having extreme type of climate, the months from March to April provide the best time to visit the valley and escape from scorching heat. Kullu is famous for its colorful Dusshera Festival, so you can visit Kullu in the month of October - December.

The hills of Kullu in winters have all the ingredients for adventure packed with extreme winter sports, excitement and thrills and lots of unexplored valleys, towering peaks and snow-capped mountains and glaciers. A splendid combination of flora & fauna and vast tracts of virgin snow awaits you.


Kullu Attractions

Raghunath Temple
Dhalpur Ground
Bajaura
Jagannathi Devi Temple
Vaishno Devi
Bijli Mahadev


Travelling To Kullu

The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, which is 10 km south of Kullu. The nearest railhead is at Jogindernagar (95 km). Kullu has a good road link with Shimla, Delhi, Chandigarh, Mandi, Manali, Manikaran, Naggar, Bajura, and Dharamshala. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.

Shimla - Truly, A Magnificient Winter Destination Of India

The British empire in India might not exist now, but its echoes can still be heard in Shimla located at an altitude of 2130 m above sea level. As the summer capital of the British in India, it was one if the prime focus of British Government at that time. Today, its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India's most popular hill resorts. Surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests in the Himalayan region, it offer a perfect destination for tourist. One can witness splendid colonial edifices, quaint cottages with a variety of shopping, sport and entertainment spots. Truly a magnificent winter destination of India.

Travel Information

The airport is at Jubbarhatti, 23 km away. Shimla is connected to Kalka by an enhancing narrow gauge railway line - where even a quiant rail-car plys. By road, Chandigarh is 117 km, Manali is 219 km, Chail is 45 km and Delhi is at a distance of 370 km. From Delhi, the driving time is about eight hours. From Delhi, Manali and Chandigarh, luxury coaches and taxis ply to Shimla.

Climate

In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woollens are required. Summer temperatures are mild and light woollens/cottons are recommended.

Attractions In And Around Shimla

The Ridge : This large open space in the heart of town presents excellent views of the mountain ranges.

Lakkar Bazaar : Popular for its wood crafts and souvenirs, this is just off the Ridge.

Jakhu Hanuman Temple: No visit to the state capital Shimla is complete without visiting Jakhu Hill. This hill looms over Shimla town and is the geographical nucleus. the Hanuman temple at the top of Jakhu hill is the highest point in town. The steep climb is rewarding for the fine views it offers over the surrounding valleys, out to the snow capped peaks and over Shimla it self. the temple is only 2 km from the Ridge but it could be an hour walk for a person not used to mountain climbing. the temple is one of the most favored spots for tourists apart from pilgrims. There are many monkeys around the temple, but surprisingly they don't attack people. Pilgrims offer them eatables which they readily accept. The approach to the temple is through a dense forest of deodars, though many find the climb tiresome. Ponies are available for a to and fro ride to the temple.

St. Micheal's Cathedral : This dressed - stone church with fine stained glass has a cruciform design. It is located just off the Mall, below the District Courts.

The Glen : At 1830 m, this is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows. It is a popular picnic spot.

Annandale : Surrounded by a thick deodar forest this large glade has an ancient temple on an edge.

Bhargaon : Approached either past the cemetery below St. Edward's School, or through

Tutikandi: this village have splendid examples of traditional Himachal architecture.

Chamba - An unusual winter destination of India

When you desire an extraordinary break from the banal hill station theme, turn your searchlight towards Chamba, a beautiful Himalayan town just 50 km from Dalhousie. Chamba bloomed as the past capital of the Pahari Rajas; it was named after King Sahil Varman’s daughter Champavati. Nowadays it is the quintessential valley town, renowned for its myriad temples, forests and pleasing hill folk.

Chamba is strewn with elaborately sculpted temples lidded by steeples in the shikhara dash. The shrines are devoted to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The 10th and 11th century temples of Laxmi Narayan and Hari Rai are peculiarly embellished and popular with pilgrims and sightseers alike.

At 915m, Chamba rises above the River Ravi as it rages by, leaving abundant valleys and compact deodar forests in its wake. The forests are flushed with rich wildlife - ibex, marmot and snow leopard haunt the upper reaches above the snow line, and musk deer, brown bear, leopards and wild boar in the lower elevations. Mountain birds such as the partridge and pheasant flit across the valley. Beautiful waterfalls and streams crumble down the mountainside and at every curve, the valley’s beauty seems to grow.

The Chowgan, a huge grassy field, is the centre of town life - the gathering point for all things religious, political and social. The Gandhi gate on the Chowgan’s south-west face was built to commemorate Lord Curzon’s visit to the town in 1900. Other interesting places are the Akhand Chandi Palace, now a museum and the Bhuri Singh Museum that houses a collection of ancient Chamba artefacts and manuscripts.

Many a trek into the Himalayas is launched from Chamba - through Bhaderwah to Kashmir, through the Sach Pass into Pangi Valley and to other peaks in the Dhauladhars, Peerpanjal and Laskar mountains. Bharmaur (65 km), the ancient capital of Chamba, is a popular village that can be accessed by road. The Gaddi tribes lead their goat and sheep to pasture at Bharmaur in summer. While in the area, visit the sacred Manimahesh Lake where thousands have a holy dip around Janamashtami.

Chamba is bound to bowl you over with its scenic beauty, temples and its sense of tranquillity.

Try it , you’ll like it.

Best time to visit Chamba: Summer - April to October - is quite the best time to be here; the weather is pleasant barring the monsoon months of July and August. Summer temperatures range from 8°C at night to 39°C during the day, while winter temperatures drop to freezing - between 10°C and 1°C. Cotton clothes and light woolens are fine for summer, but heavy woolens and snow clothes are required in winter.

How to reach Chamba: Chamba is 580 km from Delhi and120 km from Pathankot, the closest railhead. The nearest large airports are at Jammu and Amritsar, both 245 km away, from where buses, taxis and tourist vehicles are available. Dalhousie is just 50 km away from Chamba. Within Chamba, you can move around in taxis, jeeps, buses and minibuses.

Accommodation in Chamba: Himachal Tourism and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam have deluxe rooms in town. There are private hotels, motels and guesthouses where you can get low and medium budget accommodation. Tariffs range from Rs 400 upwards. Book in advance, especially during tourist season.