Tourism Scouts India

Lesser-Known Hamlets in the Himalayas (12 Nights / 13 Days)

Dharamshala, Kullu Manali, Shimla
Breathe in the fresh morning air, wake up to the lush green landscape and explore the virginal surroundings. Here are some lesser-known Himachali hamlets for those who are in search of peace away from the humdrum of city. Calm your senses and admire the jaw-dropping locales of these quaint villages. We bring you a specially prepared programme based on activities in the Himalayas which will bring you peace, happiness, and good health! Our idea is to experience the slow pace of life while exploring inner-self and celebrating being inhuman species on this beautifully crafted mother ‘Earth’. Highlights of the tour will be interacting with the locals in their small homes for tea & snacks or meals, getting inspired by their slow yet happy life, having ample sunshine and relaxing time, brilliant opportunities for photography and walking in the jungles spread over the valleys.

Breathe in the fresh morning air, wake up to the lush green landscape and explore the virginal surroundings. Here are some lesser-known Himachali hamlets for those who are in search of peace away from the humdrum of the city. Calm your senses and admire the jaw-dropping locales of these quaint villages.

We bring you a specially prepared programme based on activities in the Himalayas which will bring you peace, happiness, and good health! Our idea is to experience the slow pace of life while exploring inner-self and celebrating being inhuman species on this beautifully crafted mother ‘Earth’. Highlights of the tour will be interacting with the locals in their small homes for tea & snacks or meals, getting inspired by their slow yet happy life, having ample sunshine and relaxing time, brilliant opportunities for photography and walking in the jungles spread over the valleys.

Destination Shimla, Kullu, Dharamshala
Departure Chandigarh
Best Time to Visit May to November
Included
  • 12 nights of accommodation in handpicked hotels (A single room will attract an additional supplement).
  • Meals as mentioned in the program.
  • 01 experienced guide to provide local knowledge and support.
  • Snacks and soft drinks for each day’s ride.
  • Tourism Scouts India water bottles to keep.
  • Litter Bag.
  • A mountain bike with full mechanical assistance and spare parts.
  • Ground transfers as planned in the private vehicle program (if required).
  • Team: Mechanic, cook, Support vehicles driver, English-speaking tour leader, assistants.
  • A support vehicle to carry luggage, Stocks, Spare parts, etc.
  • Luxury Van (Tempo Traveler) will be all the time as a backup for taking a group from one place to another. If a guest decides not to ride, relax for the rest of the tour.
  • First Aid Kit and Oxygen Canister: for in case of emergency.
Excluded
  • Any kind of taxes.
  • Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick up / drop off locations.
  • Lodging before and after the trip.
  • Personal items purchased during the trip.
  • Optional activities not scheduled by Tourism Scouts India.
  • On select trips, some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.
Arrive at Chandigarh airport and transfer to Chail. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Morning after breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing of Chail. Chail palace, now a heritage hotel was once the summer palace of Maharaja of Patiala. Chail also boasts the highest cricket stadium of the world, now used for army training. Afterwards continue towards Kufri, a fine ski resort, which has a winter season that extends from January to March. Kufri provides excellent view of the shivalik ranges, the middle Himalayas and the higher Himalayas. After sightseeing drive towards Naldehra. Overnight at hotel.
Morning after breakfast visit Naldehra which has a Ninehole golf course. Later continue towards Chindi en route visiting Tatapani famous for its hot water springs. (At Tatapani you have an option for Rafting at Satluj River). Evening arrival at Chindi and Check-in to hotel. The wide Karsog Valley lies below Chindi and has good excursion spots. Apple orchards add their attraction to the area and Chindi is surrounded by them. Overnight at hotel.
Early morning after breakfast transfer to Bakrote (04 Kms) from where trek starts to Shikari Devi. It is situated at a distance of 13 Kms and takes App.5-6 Hrs from Bakrote village. Hunters in the area once prayed to the Goddess for success in their hunt - and here, perhaps, lies the origin of the name 'Shikari Devi'. Interestingly, the temple which has no roof - for local legend has it, that all attempts to build one have been unsuccessful. Overnight in camp.
Morning after breakfast downward trek starts from Shikari devi temple to Janjheli (11Kms takes 3-1/2 Hrs). From Jhanjheli transfer to GHNP in the cab. Check-in at your camp/ guest house. Rest of the day at leisure. Janjehli village is a beautiful village full of natural beauty (Alt 2150 m). Overnight at guest house.
Morning after breakfast drive towards Jibhi. This old mountain hamlet will offer you all the space that you need for yourself. Settled on the banks of Tirthan, which is a tributary of the Beas River, this scenic place boasts of an architecture that exudes a different and warm vibe. Here, you will find that most of the houses are built of wood and stone, while apple orchards are commonly found in the backyard of almost every house. Arrive Jibhi and evening free just to sit back and take in the scenic views of the village. Also take a walk in the village to meet villagers and listen to their stories. Overnight at homestay run by locals
You can spend the day visiting Chehni Fort, Sirlosar lake, and the Great Himalayan National Park, Jibhi offers you ample opportunities. Apart from these places, adventure enthusiasts can also indulge in angling in the Tirthan river (on additional cost). Overnight at homestay run by locals.
Morning after breakfast drive towards Jibhi. Arrive Bir and check in at homestay. In the evening free time to stroll in the local market of lower Bir. Nestled amongst the aesthetic natural bounties, Bir is a small village which is also known as the paragliding capital of India. Bir is located at an elevation of 5,000 feet amidst serene landscapes, snow-capped hills, and artistic temples. Apart from being known for paragliding, this place is also known for its Tibetan roots and is a great way to experience Tibetan culture. Overnight at a homestay run by a local couple.
Wake up early and have your breakfast. OPTIONAL - Experience the thrill of paragliding in one of the best spots in India. Later depart for Andretta en route visiting Tashi Jong Monastery. Situated in the foothills of Kangra Valley this Monastery is a prominent place of reverence for Buddhists. A quiet walk through the pine forest with colourful Buddhist prayer flags on the sides of the road takes you to the gompa. Nestled deep inside the pine forest. It’s like a different world altogether in the middle of serene nature where cheerful kids, youth and old seem to be celebrating life. Evening free. Overnight at hotel
After breakfast proceed to visit Sardar Shobha Singh Art Gallery, a well-known contemporary painter, started his painting career in Andretta. At the art gallery, one can see a range of original works of the artist as well as some of his personal belongings. Visit Andretta Artist’s Village (Norah Richard’s House) Andretta artists colony was started some 75 years ago by an Irish woman named Norah Richards, a dramatist and environmentalist who lived in Andretta from the mid '30s, through the time of partition until her death in 1971. Finally visit, Andretta Pottery and Craft Society - This is a working art pottery making attractive earthenware with rangoli-style slip designs. Also attached to the pottery is a Terracotta Museum. While the main collection in this museum is the work of local village potters from the neighbouring parts, the museum also has a house collection of pottery from around the globe including several works from Mexico, England and Holland. Here it comes to an end after having cultural and historical knowledge. Drive towards Naddi Village, McLeod Ganj en route visit Tea gardens at Palampur. The tour will start with a presentation about the history of the estate and a brief description of how tea is grown, manufactured, sorted and tasted. This is followed by a walk around the plantation with a tour guide, who will provide information on how the bushes are grown and looked after. You can learn about plucking and try your hand at plucking 'two leaves and a bud'. This is followed by the factory visit, where you will be able to learn the process of tea manufacturing with explanations of the withering, rolling, fermenting, drying and sorting processes and interact with the workers. Lastly, experience a Tea Tasting session where you can discover the different flavours, appearance and aromas of various grades of tea manufactured at Wah, throughout the season. Continue to drive towards Naddi Village. Overnight at hotel.
Early morning start a walk towards Dharamkot (45 mins). Dharamkot is a small village also known as Hippie Village as a lot of Israelis and backpackers visit this place. Reach Dharamkot and enjoy the views with a cup of tea in a local shop (On a direct payment basis). Continue the walk towards Bhagsu Nag Village. Bhagsunag is a village situated about 7000 feet above sea level, which makes it a perfect location to enjoy the beauty of a high-altitude spot. The prime importance of the place is due to the majestic Bhagsunag temple devoted to Lord Shiva, which adds beauty and mysticism to the spot by making it extremely popular amongst worshippers. The stunning waterfalls, present at a walkable distance from the temple, is one of extreme grandeur. The view from the top of the sensational Kangra valley which surrounds the waterfalls is not one to be missed by any kind of nature lover or adventure fanatic. Back to Bhagsu Village where the car will be waiting for you. Drive back to Junglaat for breakfast and freshen up. Proceed for half day sightseeing of McLeod Ganj visiting Namgyal monastery, also known as the 14th Dalai Lama’s monastery, is a sacred place where rituals involving various Buddhist practices such as the Kalachakra, Vajrakilaya, Guhyasamaja, Yamantaka, and Chakrasamvara. It is also the largest Tibetan monastery outside of Tibet (Presently Namgayal monastery is closed due to Covid restrictions). Outside the monastery is the main market of McLeod Ganj, where you can make a visit to Kalchakra Temple and also spend some time buying souvenirs or enjoying local cafés and pastry shops. Not far from the main square of the town, the Church of St John’s in the Wilderness is an important place to visit in McLeod Ganj. Constructed in 1852, the church was built on the lines of neo-gothic architecture and is dedicated to John the Baptist. The church is embedded amid a grove of Deodars, with a quaint graveyard lying on the same grounds. Later free time in the market of McLeod Ganj. Overnight at hotel.
Morning after breakfast proceed to visit Kangra Art Museum. The museum stocks various arts and crafts depicting the rich heritage of its people. With artefacts dating all the way back to the 5th century, make a trip and browse through some of their most famous miniature paintings, a rich collection of sculptures, pottery and other anthropological objects. Housing shamianas and dresses that belonged to the area’s royalty, and even old carvings, coins, jewellery and manuscripts from back in the day, it’s a great way to take in history. Visit Norbulingka Institute, this is the place you wouldn’t want to miss if you are a sucker for Tibetan culture. The Institute protects ancient Tibetan culture in the form of art, architecture, and paintings. Later drive back towards Naddi Village after taking a stop at HPCA Cricket Stadium. Located at the backdrop of the snow-clad mountains, is perched on the high slopes in the upper part of Kangra Valley. Head straight to this stadium and enjoy the cool salubrious air, stunning mountain scenery, serene ambience and spellbinding views. Sitting at 1457 meters above sea level, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium is widely known as one of the most picturesque cricket stadiums in the world. After the sunset take a walk through Naddi Village and meet a local Gaddi Family (local shepherd community). This meeting will help to interact with locals and understand their lifestyles. Enjoy live cooking with the ladies and have a meal with the family. Overnight at hotel.
OPTIONAL – Yoga session (01 hour). Leisurely breakfast. Check out and continue for your onward journey.

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