5/6/12

Hiking Trails around Shimla





(Outdoor Activities)
Ω____(Himalayan Day Hikes: ‘The Century Old Trails’)____Ω

The Old Hindustan Tibet Trails:

1) The Mahasu Ridge Line: Skirting the Shimla Water Catchment sanctuary and the Oberoi Wildflower Hall, nature on this one hour trail oozes a sense of soothing on the times that once were. Within the walk one is able to enjoy a carpet of wild strawberries; the waterfall like sound that echoes amongst the Cedars; a host of wild ferns; wild flowers to match every season; and maybe even come across a barking deer or two. This is one for the senses… 
(Duration of Walk: 1 Hr. Grading: Easy)


2) The Cedar-Oak Vintage Trail: The trail initially follows from the lodge through the tarmac to the nearby Helipad: a hillock with a 360- degree striking view. This vantage point provides a grand view of the reserved forest mushrooming all over and one is furthermore able to glimpse parts of the Shimla town and the National Highway(22) leading to our village coupled with the Grand view of the closer by mountains and the Himalayan ranges. From the helipad, one blissfully leaves behind the sound of vehicles, the mob of clicking tourists and experiences the sounds of nature as you descend down on the trail which used to be in part the ‘Old Hindustan Tibet Trail’. The trail still remains a passage for the local villagers as a shorter access route (avoiding the highway) along with their herds on occasions. Visit the School for the blind, and start the loop around on this trail that remains untouched and is bountiful; where one finds nature in abundance and one is able to relax the senses and enjoy the sweet chirpings of wild birds, savor the wild flowers, the swaying Cedars, the rustling Oaks and some old colonial houses that mark the way. The walk provides you with a taste of the old village life, a peep at the times gone by and plenty of time to wonder away… until you reach the Presidential Retreat and return →Cedar Hill lodge again. 
(Duration of Walk: 2 Hrs. Grading: Easy)



3) The Cedar Sanctuary Trail: Fondly called Cedar Mountain this is the Century old ‘Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary’ and encloses the Cedar Hill Lodge to its three sides. The duration spent in the forest ranges from an hour to three depending upon the temperament of the hikers that tread in this forest. A Cedar Sanctuary, this pristine undisturbed forest provides a home for a host of wildlife such as the Himalayan: Barking Deer, Leopard, Black Bear, Goral, Jackal, the yellow-throated Martin. In the lower belts of the forest and many areas around one can spot a host of birdlife toiling away such as the Himalayan: Woodpecker, Barbet, the colourful Minivets, Barbets, Cheer, Kokla and Khaleej Phesants. The forest also hosts a rich abundance of Himalayan flora and one can find self by spending the entire day exploring, taking to the sounds of nature and savoring the richness of the forest. 
(Duration of Walk: 2 Hrs. Grading: Medium)



4) The Suburban Mashobra Valley Hike: The hike takes you into the rapidly changing rural countryside surrounding Cedar Hill and the Shimla town. The walk demands fitness to a degree and can be undertaken in three hours on a constant, relaxing pace.

The trail begins with a sudden loopy descend from our village Charrabra to Mashobra that continues halfway on —and one constantly finds the self focused on his footing in these stony narrow pathways. The Shali Peak stands steadfast to the front displaying the tricks of altitude that the Himalayan landscape has to offer until it disappears only to emerge as the ascent begins. All along every village crossed ( Seepur, Shali, Deothi Kanda; Mulkoti) is marked with old temples representing their cultural and architectural heritage with a wealth of folklore and hospitality and the occasional smiles to greet you along. From Mulkoti – some rest and a picnic enjoyed – one then begins his hour long gradual ascent back to the Mashobra village. Here, one can utilize his vehicle to take the twenty-minute drive to the lodge or continue the ascent for an added half-hour through the constant shelter of Cedars and Oaks back to Cedar lodge, the village Chharabra. 

This entire trail is seeped in nature’s bounty with a whiff of the modern times to come. And though every traveler takes back soulfully his memories, one thing stands: the wonder that is these Himalayas; these mountains that stand dutifully diligent, preserving the folklore, a way of life, and the millions of years of evolution that now lays gloriously spread out just for you.
(Duration of Walk: 3 Hrs. Grading: Medium)



5) Hike to the Mashobra Valley & Back: The entire valley as seen from Cedar Hill below can be covered in this 4-5 Hrs. challenging hiking trail. This trail is an extension to ‘The Suburban Mashobra Valley Hike’: ( Seepur, Shali, Deothi & Mulkoti) and it further continues on to the villages of ( Kanda, Ghorna and Kotidhar). From Kotidhar, one then begins a steep climb back to the highway where not far the Cedar Hill stands. A handful of apple orchards, some wood and slate houses, tumbling tiny streams, old but renovated temples, bustling new schools, terraced fields of assorted vegetables: corn, wheat and potatoes; and glimpses of the famed cannabis mark the route during the hike in this valley. 
(Duration of Walk: 3-5 Hrs. Grading: Difficult)



6) The Shali-Tibba Excursion: A full day activity, the Shali Peak, dedicated to Goddess Kali has all the elements harmonized for a perfect outing. This habitually mist engulfed Peak is the local highest peak in the vicinity of Chharabra and Shimla. On a clear day, the peak offers a breathtaking view of the entire Himalayan ranges as seen from the Cedar Hill.

One enjoys the picturesque drive crossing Mashobra, then Baldeha, leading to a dirt track in part towards the ever beautiful the village Gulshaini and then a steady ascent on a bumpy road to the village of Khatnol. From here one starts the three hour ascent to the Shali Peak. We presume, as one would see Cedar Hill as a tiny dot in the landscape it would excite our guests having been at two hilltops separated by nothing but by empty space. 

After a frantic session of the digital eye and a well deserved rest & picnic, and the blessings of the Goddess Kali one begins the quick descent back to the village. By sunset you are on your way back driving to the Cedar Hill Lodge. We presume again from experience this is one trip that tends to relive, liven up the mind.
(Duration of Walk: 4 Hrs. Grading: Medium)


7) Mount Hatu Peak: On the National highway, the Hindustan Tibet Road, 50 Kms. from Cedar Hill Lodge lies Narkanda which is at an altitude of 2700 m. It offers a panoramic view of the Inner Himalayas; and 7 Kms. from Narkanda is the Hatu Peak, at a height of 3300 m. The drive into this countryside is scenic, relaxing and the ascent to Hatu is yet again in the cover of thick enriched forest of Cedars, Oaks, Spruce fir with the wild flowers and ferns spread across the route. There is an option of hiking from Narkanda if one chooses. The view at the top is soul searching which increases the experience of visiting the temple there. One can also visit the Apple country, the heartland from where the apple was introduced and has now spread in the entire state of Himachal - a village called Kotgarh. April is usually the month for Apple & Cherry blossoms, the sweet scent of which is stimulating to the senses.

 
(Drive: Chharabra Kufri Fagu Theog Nangla Devi Matiana Shilaru Narkanda Chharabra.)
(Duration of Walk: 2 Hrs. Grading: Easy)








Arriving to Shimla by Road



By road, the journey to Cedar Hill Lodge is filled with scenic sights and destinations. Kalka starts your journey through the Lower Himalayas and the drive takes you to the Middle Himalayas where the lodge is located. And Yes! The exhilarating view from the lodge is that of the Greater Himalayas. Here are some destinations that you will enjoy as you arrive at the Cedar Lodge.

Pinjore: 6 Kms. before Kalka lies these enchanting Mughal Gardens. The gardens were first developed in the 17th century during the reign of the then Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb.

Kalka: With Kalka the ascent begins into the Himalayas. Kalka is an important hub for it serves as a railway junction and the alternate route to the lodge would be to take this heritage route, enjoying the gentle ramble of the train to Shimla.

Parwanoo: Parwanoo now being an industrial township is a busy little hub. Further on lies the Timber Trail Resort.

Kasauli: Beyond the Timber Trail the road to the left takes you to Kasauli. A charming sweet hill station, the town has been able to maintain its heritage and still breathes a slow rhythm with life. From Kasauli, also lies Sanawar; one of the reputed schools in the country.

Dharmpur: A small town Dharmpur is famous for its food and dhabas. For the foodies it is a delight and is a common pit stop for all travelers traveling these regions of the Lower Himalayas. The British here developed a famous tuberculosis hospital that still exists.

Barog: Here on the Pines and the Oaks begin to emerge with certainty and one can also admire the infrequent train passing through the tunnel to Kalka.

Solan: Solan is the halfway between Shimla & Kalka and is the second largest town of Himachal. A bustling, rapidly developed township has arisen over the last decade. Also known for its Mushrooms, the town is equally apt in growing various fruits grown in the nearby orchards.

Kandaghat: 30 km before Shimla is the hamlet of Kandaghat. The tarmac turning to the right from the highway leads to Chail, the erstwhile palace of the Maharaja of Patiala.

Shoghi: From here one can view the Shimla airport, and for those who are regulars to Shimla can almost see themselves in Shimla as the town now is only 30 Kms. away.

Taradevi: Perched on the top of a hill lies the Taradevi Temple, which is an ancient popular sight for locals and tourists. Also the view of Shimla town now begins to emerge. The view in the evening reminds one of the popular festivals Diwali/Christmas as the mountain seems lively light and inviting…

Shimla Town: You are only 14 Kms away from the Cedar Hill Lodge. The town is usually packed and noisy during the tourist/summer season. But the town leads a vigorous summer life which changes to relaxing pace for the rest of the seasons.

Dhalli: This would be the last suburb of Shimla, and the last Cedar forested ascent begins to the lodge. Here the tiny hamlet of Chharabra and the Cedar Hill Lodge lies surrounded by the sanctuary of cedars, and the alluring views of the Greater Himalayas.

Mountain Peaks of Himachal Pradesh!



No.

Name of the peak

Altitude (meters)

Location

1

Shilla

7,025

Kinnaur

2

Leo Pargial

6,791

Kinnaur

3

Shipki

6,068

Kinnaur

4

Manirang

6,597

Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti

5

Mulkila

6,520

Lahaul and Spiti

6

Kinnaur Kailash

6,500

Kinnaur

7

Jorkanden

6,473

Kinnaur

8

Dibibokri Pyramid

6,400

Kullu

9

Gyephang

6,400

Lahaul and Spiti

10

Phawarang

6,350

Kinnaur

11

Shigrila

6,230

Lahaul and Spiti

12

Indrasan

6,220

Kullu

13

Shikhar Beh

6,200

Lahaul and Spiti

14

Mukar Beh

6,070

Lahaul and Spiti

15

Gepang Goh

6,050

Lahaul and Spiti

16

Deo Tibba

6,001

Kullu

17

Solang

5,975

Kullu

18

Pir Panjal

5,972

Chamba

19

Maiwa Kandinoo

5,944

Kullu

20

Hanuman Tibba

5,860

Kullu/Kangra

21

Bara Kanda

5,860

Chamba

22

Pishu

5,672

Kinnaur

23

Kailash

5,660

Chamba

24

Saltu-Da-Par

5,650

Lahaul and Spiti

25

Gushu

5,607

Kinnaur

26

Raldang

5,499

Kinnaur

27

Shitindhar

5,290

Kullu

28

Srikhanda

5,182

Kullu

29

Thamsar

5,080

Chamba

30

Lachalunga

5,060

Lahaul and Spiti

31

Murangla

5,060

Lahaul and Spiti

32

Shringla

4,999

Lahaul and Spiti

33

Inder Kila

4,940

Kullu

34

Pin Parbati

4,800

Kullu

35

Ghoralantinu

4,760

Kullu/Kangra

36

Patalsu

4,470

Kullu

7

Gauri Devi Ka Tibba

4,030

Chamba

38

Hargaran

3,850

Lahaul and Spiti

39

Narshing Tibba

3,730

Chamba

40

Choordhar

3,647

Shimla

41

Shacha

3,540

Kullu

42

Cholang

3,270

Kangra



Peaks of Himachal Pradesh


No. Peak Height Longitude Latitude Route
1 Alirathni-tibba 5470m 77° 26' 32° 05' Kulu (RH)- Malana- BC,C-I, C-II and Summit attempt.
2 Behali Jot 6245m 76° 35' 32° 50' Udaipur (RH)-Margaon-BC (Tal Got)-C-I, C-II and Summit attempt.
3 CB-10 (Tara Pahar) 6227m 77° 29' 32° 27' Manali- Chhatru-Chhota Dara-Bata (RH)- BC-C-I, C-II & summit attempt.
4 CB-11 5955m 77° 31 32° 23' -do-
5 CB-12 6258m 77° 33' 32° 20' -do-
6 CB-13 6264m 77° 33' 32° 21' -do-
7 CB-13a 6240m 77° 33' 32° 22' -do-
8 CB-14 6078m 77° 34' 32° 22' -do-
9 CB-16 5825m 77° 32' 32° 19' -do-
10 CB-20 5695m 77° 31' 32° 24' -do-
11 CB-22 5720m 77° 33' 32° 24' Manali-Chhatru-Dhhota Dara-Batal (RH)- Linder-BC-C-I,C-II and summit attempt.
12 CB-26 5840m 77° 29' 32° 20' Batal (RH)- BC-C-I,C-II and summit attempt.
13 CB-31 6096m 77° 28' 32° 26' Manali-Chhatru-Chhota- Dara-Batal (RH)-Linder-BC,C-I,C-II, Summit attempt.
14 CB-32 5639m 77° 27' 32° 26' -do-
15 CB-33 (Minar) 6185m 77° 29' 32° 28' Matal(RH)-Dekka- BC-C-I
16 CB-34 5635m 77° 31' 32° 28' -do-
17 CB-35 5568m 77° 30' 32° 29' Manali-Batal (RH)- BC
18 CB-9 6108m 77° 27' 32° 34' Manali-Batal (RH)-BC- C-I,C-II, C-III and summit attempt.
19 Central Peak 6084 m 77° 47’ 32° 11’
20 Deo Tibba 6001m 77° 23' 32° 11' Manali (RH)- Jagatsukh (RH)- Chhika-Seri-Tainta (BC)-C-I, C-II (Duhangan Col), C-III and Summit attempt.
21 Devachan 6200m 77° 33' 32° 14' Kulu-Manikaran (RH)- Tos Saram-Base Camp -C-I-C-II
22 Fluted 6122m


24 Gangstang 6162m 77° 48’ 32° 42’
23 Hanuman Tibba - I 5932m 77° 02' 32° 21' Manali-Solang-Dhundi (RH)- Beas Kund (BC)- ABC- C-I, C-II,C-III and Summit attempt.
24 Hanuman Tibba - II 5516m 77° 02' 32° 21' Manali-Solang-Dhundi (RH)- Beas Kund (BC)- ABC- C-I, C-II,C-III and Summit attempt.
25 Indra San 6223m 77° 24' 32° 12' Manali (RH)- Jagatsukh-Chhika-Seri-Tainta (BC)
26 Kangla Tarbo-I 6315m


27 Kangla-II 6120m


28 Kao Rong 6221m 77° 24' 32° 13' Rohtang pass-Darcha (RH)-BC-C-I, C-II and summit attempt.
29 Kharcha Parabat 6270m 77° 37' 32° 19 Manali-Batal (RH)-BC-ABC-C-I_Summit Camp and attempt to Summit.
30 KR-2 6145m 77° 20' 32° 39' Rohtang Pass-Darcha (RH)- BC - C-I - C-II and summit attempt.
31 KR-4 6340m 77° 22' 32° 39' Rohtang pass-Darcha (RH)- BC-C-I, C-II and summit attempt.
32 KR-5 6258m 77° 24' 32° 38' -do-
33 KR-7 6207m 77° 24' 32° 37' -do-
34 KR-7 6055m 77° 25' 32° 35' -do-
35 M-1 6045m 77° 20' 32° 36' Rohtang pass-Darcha (RH)- Yoch (Vill last)- BC-C-I, C-II, C-III and summit attempt.
36 M-10 5852m 77° 19' 32° 34' -do-
37 M-2 5932m 77° 23' 32° 36' -do-
38 M-3 5795m 77° 26' 32° 32' -do-
39 M-4 (Mulkila) 6517m 77° 24' 32° 32' -do-
40 M-5 6370m 77° 24' 32° 33 -do-
41 M-6 (Taragiri) 6182m 77° 23’ 32° 32’ -do-
42 M-7 6279m 77° 22' 32° 32' Rohtang pass -Darha (RH)- Yocha (last Vill)- BC- C-I, C-II, C-III and summit attempt.
43 M-8 6055m 77° 21' 32° 32' -do-
44 M-9 5680m 77° 20' 32° 32' -do-
45 Makerbeh 6069m 77° 04' 32° 25' Mandi-Palchan-Dhundi (RH)- Beas Kund (BC)-C-I, C-II,C-III and Summit attempt.
46 Manali 5640m 77° 03' 32° 24' Dhundi (RH)- Beas Kund (BC)-C-I, C-II and Summit attempt.
47 Menthosa 6443m 76° 42' 32° 55' Manali-Rohtang pass- Tandi-Udhaipur (RH)- Miyar Nallah-Urgos (Vill (last Vill,C-I, C-II and Summit attempt.
48 Ningmari 6173m


49 Papsura 6440m 77° 33' 32° 12' Manali (RH)- Manikkaran (RH)- Tos-Saram-BC-ABC-C-I
50 Phabrang 6172m 76° 48' 32° 46' -do-
51 Shikarbeh 6200m 77° 03' 32° 26' -do-
52 Snow Cone 6225m


53 Tent peak 5505m 77° 21' 32° 28' Keylong-Rohtang pass-Jamalang Nallah (RH)Chobia Nallah-BC, C-I, C-II, C-III and summit attempt.
54 Tige Tooth 5990m 77° 36' 32° 10' Manali- Batal Base Camp- C-I
55 Unnamed peak 5550m 77° 16' 32° 32' Domphu Gompa (RH)- Khoksar Nala-Tempala Pass (BC)- C-I Summit attempt.
56 Unnamed peak 5769m 77° 09' 32° 33' Sissu (RH)- Sissu Nallah-Malaraj Jot Pass-BC-C-I
57 Unnamed Peak 5510m 77° 17' 32° 28' Manli-Darcha- Jispa-BC
58 Unnamed Peak 5852m 77° 14' 32° 28' -do-
59 Unnamed Peak 5765m 77° 89' 32° 33' -do-
60 Unnamed Peak 5860m 77° 38' 32° 15' C-II and Summit attempt.
61 Unnamed Peak 5790m 77° 38' 32° 14' Manali- Grampho-Chhatru (RH)- Dhhota Dara-BC
62 Unnamed Peak 6360m 77° 47' 32° 08' Batal-Karcha- Barasigri Glacier-CI-CII and Summit attempt.
63 Unnamed Peak 6090m 77° 42' 32° 14' Grampho-Chhota Dara-Batal (RH)- Karcha Nala BC-C-I-C-II and Summit attempt.
64 Unnamed peak 5472m 76° 47' 32° 44' Manali-Tandi-Udaipur-Miyar Mallah-Karpat BC-C-I-C-II-Summit.
65 Unnamed peak 5598m 76° 48' 32° 46' -do-
67 Unnamed peak 5666m 76° 50' 32° 46' Urgas-Chaliry forest-Gangupa Nalah-BC-CI-C-II then Summit.
68 Unnamed Peak 6118m


69 Unnamed Peak 5835m


70 Unnamed peak 6484m


71 White Sail (Dharamsura) 6420m 77° 34' 32° 12' Kulu (RH) Manikaran (RH)- Tos (Vill)- Shamshi-Sari-BC-ABC-C-I















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