The Middle Land

Lahaul & Spiti Valley & some little facts 

                                                                               

Spiti Valley, the name that creates many pictures in mind of those who haven’t been there. While some picture lush green hills, mountain rivers, waterfalls, others think of it as a a barren wasteland, a cold desert very similar to Ladakh. Whatever the picture is; it attracts thousands of tourists every year because a journey to Spiti is an experience that you will cherish for a long time; probably all of your life. The name “Spiti” means “The Middle Land” which it actually is; because it is in fact the land between Tibet and India. And because of this very reason, it possesses a unique combination of both Indian and Tibetan cultures. A distinct lifestyle derived primarily out of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, gelled so well that its hard to tell them apart.

How to Plan a Trip to Spiti Valley is really a very broad question because there are several aspects to it; and several factors will contribute to how your final plan turns out. I will break this information as per different aspects of the trip; and provide links to article where I have detailed the information related to it.
When to visit Spiti Valley———–
This definitely is the first question that comes to mind when you think of planning a trip. Choosing the right time to go in my opinion is of utmost importance; both in terms of convenience and sightseeing. Spiti valley is open by road for all 12 months. When to go to Spiti will really depend on what your preference is but majority of the tourism happens in the months from June till September. This is the time when both the routes; from Shimla and Manali; remain open. Majority of the tourism to Spiti valley happens in the months of summer.
What will be the route to travel to Lahaul OR Spiti valley——–
The most common way of a journey to Lahaul and Spiti valleys is to complete it in form of a circuit; meaning you start from one place and exit at another. This particular circuit lies between Shimla and Manali so you can enter Spiti from either of these two places.

From Shimla: Shimla – Narkanda – Rampur – Jeori – Reckong Peo – Nako – Tabo – Dhankar – Kaza

From Manali: Manali – Rohtang Pass – Gramphoo – Batal – Losar – Kaza

Spiti valley is accessible from Shimla side throughout the year however from Manali; it is accessible only for 5 months, from June till September. So if you are planning from Shimla, from June till September, you can complete the circuit by exiting from Manali. However from late October till early May; you can only drive up to Kaza from Shimla and will have to return the same way. There is no high altitude pass between Shimla and Kaza however when it comes to Manali; you will cross two high altitude passes, Rohtang and Kunzum Pass. Both these passes remain close from anytime in October till May (depending on the weather) so a journey from Manali to Spiti valley can only be done from June till September.
Spiti Valley In June till September…….
The complete Spiti circuit remains open at this time. You can start your journey from Shimla and end at Manali or vice versa.

Join our Spiti Chandertal Circuit Group Tour
15th Aug & 12 September .

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Dachigam National Park / Srinagar

Dachigam National Park-Srinagar

 

Dachigam National Park is a beautiful place, located about 22 Kilometers from Srinagar District of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

In past, the park was the exclusive hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Kashmir. Dachigam was initially established to ensure the supply of pure drinking water to Srinagar city. It was declared as wildlife sanctuary in the year of 1951. In 1981, the Dachigam wildlife sanctuary declared as a National Park. Total area of the park is about 141 Sq Kms.

The name (Dachigam) literally stands for ‘ten villages’, which could be in memory of the ten villages that were relocated outside the park, giving the place its name Dachigam, which means ‘ten villages’. The Park is located in two different zones, Upper and Lower Dachigam. Both zones containing some major distinction in terms of terrain, flora and fauna.

The Park is famous for its unique and diverse wildlife and bird species. The park contains the last viable Hangul population in the world. The rich wildlife includes Leopard, Common Palm Civet, Jackal, Red Fox, Musk der, Black bear, Brown bear, Yellow-throated Marten and Himalayan Weasel. Over 145 different bird species including the Lammergeier, colorful species like Monal Pheasant and Blue Magpie are seen.

Related to the red Deer of Europe. A rainbow trout fish breeding farm is also located inside the park.

 

Wild animals and Hangul at rehabilitation centre Dachigam NP /.Srinagar

Wadiya – e – Lolab / Kashmir

” Wadi-e-Lolab”….Lolab valley / Kashmir.

Located in Northern part of Kashmir in the Kupwara district, Lolab Valley (9 km north from Kupwara Town) is covered with colourful farms and is surrounded by beautiful hills, which are home to the forests of fir and pine. It is also known as the Fruit Bowl of Jammu and Kashmir on account of nurturing fields of fruits, such as apple, peach, walnut and cherry. The presence of Lahwal river adds on to the existing charm of Lobab Valley, which is bordered by two other valleys, namely Kashmir Valley and Neelum Valley in the south and north respectively. Isn’t it a small hamper with invaluable gifts of nature?

You can visit the beautiful Sattabaran , Kalaroos , Chandigam etc. while visiting Lolab valley.

JK Tourism has a tourist bungalow at Chandigam .” Wadi-e-Lolab”….Lolab valley / Kashmir.
Located in Northern part of Kashmir in the Kupwara district, Lolab Valley (9 km north from Kupwara Town) is covered with colourful farms and is surrounded by beautiful hills, which are home to the forests of fir and pine. It is also known as the Fruit Bowl of Jammu and Kashmir on account of nurturing fields of fruits, such as apple, peach, walnut and cherry. The presence of Lahwal river adds on to the existing charm of Lobab Valley, which is bordered by two other valleys, namely Kashmir Valley and Neelum Valley in the south and north respectively. Isn’t it a small hamper with invaluable gifts of nature?
You can visit the beautiful Sattabaran , Kalaroos , Chandigam etc. while visiting Lolab valley.
JK Tourism has a tourist bungalow at Chandigam .

 

Guest House at Chandigam Lolab valley