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Mesmerising Himalayas-Himachal


Himachal - Buddhist Circuit

Himachal the Name of Adventure Seeker, the “home of snow” several valleys and numerous roaring rivers, we provide you the several valley in the program as Spiti, Baspa, Lahaul, Kullu and Kangra Valleys, Spiti is a cold desert where the monsoon rain never comes, it is charaterised by a stark almost relentless beauty, narrow valley and high mountains, a century ago Rudyard Kipling Kim called Spiti “ a world with a world” another valley Kangra famous for its tea plantation and rich culture, the both culture Hindu & Buddhist are growing together. Through the program you will be explore. This route is known as Buddhist Circuit of Himachal Pradesh round about 10 small and ancient monasteries come enroute. Some of them are between 500 years to 1000 years old.

Visit Top Most tourist places and attractions in Himachal with Trip To Himalaya Tours.

Itinerary(Himachal - Buddhist Circuit)
16 Nights/17 Days Tour

Best Season : Mid May-Mid October
Highlight : Delhi - Shimla - Sarahan - Sangla - Chuitkul - Nako - Tabo - Pin - Kaza - Batal - Keylong - Manali Delhi
Destination: DELHI-SHIMLA-KUFRI-MANALI-Hadimba Devi Temple-Vashisht-ROHTANG PASS-DHARAMSHALA SIGHTSEEING - DALHOUSIE-KHAJJIAR-AMRITSAR

Day-1: Delhi - Chandigarh - Shimla (2215m)

Early in the morning after breakfast start drive to reach shimla via Chandigarh. Shimla is the capital of Himachal, blessed with all natural bounties, scenic location, surrounded by green hills with snow capped peaks. On arrival in afternoon transfer to hotel, after lunch visit local sightseeing of shimla. Enjoy evening at Mall road amazing place to take a walk full of shops from woollen clothes, shawls to mufflers, gloves and socks, the market has everything you need. Night stay at Hotel.

Day-2: Simla- Sarahan- (178 km (5-6: hrs):

After breakfast start drive to Sarahan, on the route will have a lunch at Rampur whch is about 135 km from Shimla and this place is one of the best shopping hubs and one can get just about any exotic item over here. After lunch again start drive to Sarahan, which is a beautiful village surrounded by apple orchards and dominated by Shirkhand Mahadev Peak (5155M) which resembles the "SHIVLING", is famous for Bimikali temple where goddess idol is around 200 years old. On arrival check in guest house or hotel late visit Bhimakali Temple , It is built of wood and is no less than an architectural masterpiece and one of 51 shakti peeths. The temple has an interesting story behind it. It is said that long ago to wipe off demons from earth all the gods decided to concentrate their powers on one point, A huge explosion took place and one could see a small girl child on that spot who was called Bhimakali and was supposed to take repeated births to destroy any evil force on the face of the earth. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day- 3- Sarahan-Sangla (2685m) Drive 98km (4-5 hrs):

Early in the morning after breakfast again visit Bhimakali temple on sun rise, and then drive to sangla with river satluj, reach sangla it is an adventure camping and active holiday destination, a riverside valley overlooking stunning Himalayan views will amaze you, Sangla is the major town in the valley with having petrol pump, Bank ATMs, Post Office, Restaurants, Bar, hotels and shops. Cimate in Sangla is milder than the plains. After reaching visit Kamakshi Temple one of the famous temple in this region. Overnight stay in tents or guest house as per your convenience.

Imp place to visit : Kinner Kailash Peak - The most scenic and remotest regions of Himachal, located close to the Indo-Tibetan border, you will find a unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism cultures here. Being a sensitive border area, foreign nationals are required to take prior permits from tourism authorities. Kinnaur holds a great religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva as Mt. Kinner Kailash has a 79 ft. tall Shivlinga that changes its colour which each passing moment.

Day- 4- Sangla-Nako (2950m) Dirve 125 km (5-6 hrs):

After breakfast start drive to Nako, the legends of Kinnaur are replete with stories of Padmasambhava the great Buddhist teacher, also called the second Buddha. According to one legend, Padmasambhava in a demonstration of his Tantrik powers is said to have landed on a rock in the village of Nako. Visit Buddhist Monastery established by Rinponche Amitaya Overnight in camp.

Day- 5- Nako-Tabo - Drive 87 km (3-4 hrs):

After breakfast start drive to Tabo (3050M), a beautiful village famous for its10th century old Buddhist unassuming monastery said to have been established as a seat of learning by Padmasambhava, the profounder of Tantric Buddhism. Over night stay in tents at Tabo.

Day- 6- Tabo- Kaza - Drive 103 km (4-5 hrs):

In morning after early breakfast drive to Pin Valley in the South West of Spiti. The Pin Valley has a pass connecting it with Kinnaur and from there by lower valleys with Kulu. On the way visit the Dankar Gompa,which is over 1000 years old also has a statue of Vairochana or Dhayan Buddha with four figures seated back to back inside the monastery. Overnight stay in camp.

Day- 7- Kaza:

After early breakfast full visit Key Monastery which is over 1000-year-old. It is the oldest training centre for Lamas, Kibber and Kaza Monasteries. Kibber (4165m) is the highest altitude inhabited. The village is known for its scenic mountains, barren splendor and monasteries. Though it is a cold desert, agriculture and animal husbandry are major occupations here. Kibber has all the basic amenities like electricity, civil dispensary, school, post office, etc. Overnight stay at tent or guest house as per your convenience.

Day- 8- Kaza-Batal- Keylong- Drive 184 kms (7-8 hrs):

After breakfast start drive to reach keylong via Batal along Spiti river which is at the base of Kunzum Pass (4551M). En route lofty Shigri Glacier is seen in all its grandeur, keylong is the capital of Lahaul, at the bank Bhaga river. Surrounded by snow peaks, Keylong is so situated that it gets maximum sunshine during winters and summers. Overnight stay in hotel at Keylong.

Day- 9- Keylong-Trilokinath via udaipuri - Drive 110km (5-6 hrs):

After breakfast we will visit trilokinath temple which is 110km from keylong .The ancient name of Triloknath temple is Tunda vihar . famous among hindu and Buddhist. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Triloknath temple is situated in Udaipur sub division of District Lahaul and Spiti of Himachal Pradesh .Overnight stay in Keylong hotel.

Day- 10- Keylong (Day Visit - Monasteries):

Today after breakfast we will visit local monarteries around keylong . Lahaul and Spiti jointly form a district in Himachal Pradesh with Keylong as the administrative centre.Lahaul is well known for its monasteries, locally called Gompas, which are great repositories of Buddhist faith and art treasures also famous for high mountains and massive glaciers. These are Kardang - 5 km, Shasur - 3 km, Guru Ghantal - 8 km, Tayul - 6 km, Gemur - 18 km.

Kardang monastery is one of the oldest possession of Drukpa lineage. The monastery is historical because it is a part of Kardang village which was once the capital of Lahaul.
Shasur - the word Shasur means blue pine and such beautiful forest of blue pine are seen in the surrounding of the monastery. The monastery was constructed in the 17th century by Lama Deva Gyatsho of Zanskar, a missionary of the King Nawang Namgyal of Bhutan.
Guru Ghantal Monastery, also known as the Gandhola Monastery is a famous religious centre located at a distance of around 8 km from Keylong. This gompa was founded by Guru Padmasambhava in 8th century. The main feature of this monastery is its idols, which are made of wood.
Tayul Gompa is situated around 6 km from Keylong in the Bhaga Valley. Lama Sarjan Rinchain from the community of the Dogma Gompa built this monastery in the 17th century.
Gemur monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located on a picturesque hilltop in Keylong, Boasting manicured gardens, brilliantly carved Stupas, shrine rooms displaying relics and Tibetan art, and to top it off, sculpture of the goddess 'Marichi' and 'Vajravarahi,' the monastery is its self a grand spectacle. Gemur monastery is a small shrine, but is quite famous for its 'Devil dance-drama' which is held here during the months of July in great sanctity at the Local Gompa.

Day- 11- Keylong - Manali - Drive 110km (7-8 hrs):

Next morning drive to Manali which is situated at an altitude of about 1920m on the way you will pass through Rohtang Pass(3990 M), which is about 51 kms from Manali, the Pass is open from June to November each year. Manali is a beautiful placeon the lap of Himalayas you can feel a pinch of the cool wind and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of nature. For adventure lovers there are many adventure sports that can be enjoyed at this hill station, such as hiking, skiing, rafting, trekking, paragliding, mountaineering, kayaking, and mountain biking.

Day- 12- Manali (City Tour):

Today we will explore Manali will start the day by visiting Naggar which is about 27 kms from Manali. Naggar was the capital of Kullu Rajas till A.D. 1660. The ancient castle, now converted into Tourist Bungalow, Nicholas Roerich, the famous Russian painter and philosopher lived here and his quaint little house has been converted into a small museum. There are two old temples near castle. Ancient Jagatsukh Gayatri Temple, this temple is on the left side of the holy river of Beas, this temple gives look of the ancient architectural style and has lots of hand craved woodwork and stone which gives wow feeling and after lunchwe will visit Hidimba Devi Temple, this temple is dedicated to Hidimba Devi-wife of Bhima(one of the five Pandavas), mythology is Hidimba was supposed to have lived there with her brother Hidimb she meditated at this place. One more temple we will visit that is Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Temple which has wall paintings of Lord Buddha, along with a two storey high golden statue of the historical Buddha, Sakyamuni. This monastery is not very old and is present in perfect condition. In order to promote the art of Tibetan carpet weaving, this temple runs the Thangka School of Arts. In evening will do shopping and take a walk at local market. Night stay at Hotel.

Day- 13- Manali- mandi- rewalsar (110kms):

In morning after breakfast start drive to reach mandi which is an important trading centre situated on the Pathankot-Kullu road. The entire town has a huge sprinkling of hundereds of old / new beautiful temples.Mandi is built along the banks of the river Beas. After lunch at mandi drive to Rewalsar which is about 20 ms from Mandi. Rewalsar is also known as Tso Pema Lotus Lake by Buddhist, Historically Rewalsar is associated with three religion namely Buddhist, Hinduism, Sikhism and has very important place for all religion. Rewalsar is home to quiet a few monasteries that belong to Nyingmpa sect. some are Drikung Kagyud Gompa, Tso-Pema Ogyen Heru-kai Nyingmapa Gompa and the Zigar Gompa. The gompas, in red, yellow and white, have gold fringed pagodas. Again back to Mandi for night stay at hotel.

Day- 14- Mandi–Mc-Leodgunj/Dharamshala (1675m) - Drive 130 kms (4-5 hrs):

Today morning start drive to Dharamshala another amazing ideal place for nature lovers, picturesque location, Dharamsala consists of two distinct areas. Lower Dharamsala is where most of the government offices, schools, the local hospital and commercial areas are located,some tea gardens are also available. The upper Dharamsala, known more commonly as McLeod Ganj, is the seat of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. On the way we will visit Baijnath Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Baijnath Mandir was built by the two native merchants by the name of Ahuka and Manyuka in 1204 A.D and Joginder Nagar this town is connected with Narrow-Gauge Railway Line. Pine trees on the surroundings hills, agricultural fields in gentle slopes and various rivelets flowing through the Joginder Nagar valley are nature’s gifts to this region.After reaching Dharamshala in evening check in at hotel for night stay.

Day- 15- Mc-Leodgunj (Dharamshala):

Today we will explore Mcleodganj, a charming Tibetan settlement with bustling bazaars, and Norbulinga Institude, that sell Tibetan handicrafts and delicious Tibetan food. The major center for the studies of Tibetan culture. It is the resident of Dalai Lama and is also famous for its arts and handicrafts. After noon visit Norbuliga the Tibetan Institute and visit namgyal monastery mc-leodganj and dalai lama residence. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day- 16- Mc-Leodgunj / Dharamshala - Palampur - Bir - 50km:

After breakfast willproceed to Palampur a beautiful tourist place and is the tea capital, also known for its colonial architecture and temples. One can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Dhauladhar range and the slopes of the Kangra valley from Palampur. Then the Tibetan colony was settled In 1966 by third Neten Chokling, he purchased over 200 acres of land and established a Tibetan settlement where 300 Tibetan families were given land to build houses, and Bir Monastery Very beautiful Buddhist monasteries. with nice paintings depicting mythologies and a large Buddha statue. You feel like you are in Tibet.
Last but not the least for adventure lovers will visit Bir famous for adventure activities like paragliding, skiing. Back to Dharamshala Oernight stay in hotel.

Day- 17- Dharamshala - New Delhi:

Next morning after breakfast will move forward to Delhi. In evening after reaching Delhi will proceed to your home destinations and with this our trip ends here.

*The above itinerary can be modified as per our client requirement .

Cost Includes

  • Non Air-Conditioned Hotel Accommodation On Twin / Triple Share Basis.
  • All Travel / Transport as per request.
  • All Sightseeing as Per The Itinerary.
  • All Toll Taxes, State Taxes, Parking charges.
  • Daily Breakfast at The Hotel.

Note:

  • In All Hotels Base Category Rooms are allocated for the Stay, In Case Of Up Gradation It will be charged.
  • Check In & Check Out 10AM at Hotels.
  • Air Conditioned will not run in Hill Area.

Cost Excludes

  • Entry fees at the monuments/ temples.
  • Soft drinks and hard drinks.
  • Laundry, telephone calls, drinks, tipp and guide charge etc.
  • Insurance-Any type.
  • Anything which is not mentioned in above itinerary is not part of the package.

* 3 Star Hotel
* 4 Star Hotel
* 5 Star Hotel
Hotels Name Available on Request

How to Reach Himachal :


By Air- The best airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport. However, Kullu also houses an airport that is only 23km away. There are regular flights from Delhi to Kullu.

By Rail- Kalka (90km away) is the nearest railway station to reach to Himachal Pradesh to explore major tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh. There are regular trains from Ambala to Kalka through a Narrow-gauge line.

By Road- It is well connected via road to all the major cities of the country. It is 343km from Delhi via Chandigarh, 151km from Ambala, and 240km from Dehradun.

Weather/Climate condition in Himachal:

The Himalaya constitutes the highest mountain system of the world. With varying climatic conditions all throughout the year, Himachal Pradesh offers a lot to the travelers. Though the climatic conditions in Himachal remain pleasant and enjoyable through the year, it is best to know about climate conditions of Himachal Pradesh.
By October, nights and mornings are very cold. Snowfall at elevations of about 3000mtrs is about 3mtrs and lasts from December to March. About 4500mtrs, is perpetual snow? The main season is the spring from mid- Feb to March-April. The air is cool and fresh. Colourful flowers adorn the valleys, forest slopes and meadows. In the hill stations, the climate is pleasant and comfortable.

Places to Visit in Himachal

If starting from Dharamshala, learn more about the exotic Tibet and its culture during your visit to McLeod Ganj Monasteries. Their tranquil ambience and colourful interiors represent the culture and lifestyle of Buddhist monks. Other must-visit sites in Himachal Pradesh are Tattapani, Solang Valley, Rahala waterfalls, Vashisht hot water springs and the picturesque Rohtang pass and the serene temples of Hidamba and Manu. While you’re there, do stop by the Forest Sanctuary, where you can spot the shy musk deer. At Kandaghat, do visit the beautiful Chail Palace, and then trek up to the Kufri hill.
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