A calm and unassuming town settlement, the Siraj Valley is another gem in Himachal’s crown. You’ll adore the laid back, tranquil emanation of this spot, flawless to stroll around at relaxation or do some genuine trekking. The spot tends to experience snow amid winters, so be set up with appropriate boots who choose to go in December or January. With the dim demeanor of the mountains to stay with you, an outing to Siraj Valley is certain to go about as an analgesic to your spirits. Just Seraj belongs to the Mandi District (Janjehli, order Chachyot, and Chail Chowk) whereas Outer and Inner Seraj regions belong to the Kullu Valley. Culturally all these regions are all the same, it’s just they have different names. Outer Seraj faces the Shimla hills and reaches out to touch the Sutlej River and the Inner Seraj turns towards Kullu. It can be reached either from Kullu or Shimla. The Jalori (3,135m) and the Bashleo (3,250m) passes stand as markers between the Inner and Outer Seraj. The region also encloses the Great Himalayan National Park – a treat for Himalayan flora and fauna watchers.
The major part of the Hindustan-Tibet Road passes through Kinnaur valley. It goes along the bank of river Satluj and finally enters Tibet at Shipki La pass. Reckong Peo, the headquarter of Kinnaur district is about 235 km from the state capital Shimla. It is surrounded by Tibet in the east and is the northeast corner of Himachal Pradesh, The valleys of the Satluj, Spiti and Baspa rivers along with their tributaries are enclosed in Kinnaur by three high mountains ranges in Kinnaur, namely, the Zanskar, the Himalayas and the Dhauladhar.
Drive on the Indo-Tibet highway deep into himalayan region of Kinnaur in Greater Himalayas. The land talks of creatures, who were mixed between humans and animals and in early centuries lived there and helped the Gods. High peaks, glaciers, meadows, magical landscapes and the best apple orchards with pristine living villages that has a memorable imprints on minds. Explore ancient temples and wide panoramas of high himalayan ranges and camp at some of the most pristine regions of high himalayan forests.
Tour Itinerary
Chandigarh- Sojha- 8 hrs drive
Take Shatabdi in the morning and reach Chandigarh. Drive on to Sojha via Kiratpur sahib and Mandi. Reach Sojha in the evening. Check into rooms. Rest of the evening at leisure. Located in Seraj valley, still undiscovered by many, Sojha is a breathtakingly beautiful place. The mornings in Shoja are particularly invigorating. One can just stroll around, walk up to the meadows or perhaps take the pathway into the jungle. Nature lovers can enjoy thick wooded hill slopes starting from bottom as far down or up or sideways or deep as one can look. One can see the great snow clad peaks beyond the tree line and some great cloud formations.
The best way to enjoy the hills is to wake up early in the morning. Early mornings also offer excellent photo opportunities. Those of you who like your sleep can sleep in. After a sumptuous breakfast, we leave for a hike to Raghupur fort. An early start, especially if you are a photography buff, is recommended. Walk through the Oaks and Rhododendrons forest. A little while later, the tree line finishes and we move into a lush green meadow. A little up and we are rewarded with a 360 degrees view of The Himalayas, Dhauladhar and Kinnaur ranges, all of them in one sweeping glance. Keep strolling and in a while we end up at the dilapidated Raghupur Fort. The local people believe that an erstwhile king of Mandi province got this fort constructed hundreds of years ago. The King could not have chosen a better location. All around you are swathes of lush green meadows that gently descend into the oak and blue fir forests. Drive back to retreat for lunch. Rest of the day at leisure. Evening around a bonfire. Night stay in rooms.
After breakfast, drive to Sangla. We move from Kullu valley to Shimla district. A large part of the drive is along the Sutlej River. Picnic lunch en route. Reach Sangla post lunch. Check into your tents and freshen up. Hike up to Batseri temple and village (should time permit). Evening around a bonfire. For six months every year, the Himalayan valleys of Kinnaur and Spiti emerge from a thick cloak of snow to reveal a different, secret world to man. Your discovery of the lesser-known Himalayas can begin at the Banjara Camp/Apple Camping in the Sangla Valley. At a height of 2,700 Mts the Banjara Camp is surrounded by towering mountains on all sides and is set on the banks of the Baspa River that surges through the valley. Long walks to discover the amazing fauna and flora of the valley, treks to view snow covered Himalayan peaks, angling for trout, experiencing some of the local culture and traditions, River crossing, rock climbing and rappelling are some of the delights that are on offer.
Sangla- day trip to Chitkul
There is not a better conception of a day picnic than a short drive to Chitkul, walk to Nagasthi and opening the lunch hamper under the pine trees next to a rivulet on green grass looking at the beautiful expanse of the valley. Nagasthi is the last border outpost and short walk from Chitkul. Civilians are not allowed beyond this point. The walk is a level one and slightly going down the path through a pastureland and fields overlooking the freely flowing Baspa. A 1.5 hrs walk takes you to the outpost where the Jawans’ smiling faces greet you. Walk back and open your lunch hamper at an idyllic spot. Back in the camp by late afternoon to rest and relax and be ready for the evening tea. Option river crossing activity in the afternoon. Night stay in tents.
Sangla- Rakcham walk- Signature walk of the valley-4-5 HRS
We highly recommend this walk. It is a 4-5 hours walk through the forest to Rakcham village. This route was once used regularly by the villagers from Batseri to go to Rakcham and vice versa. It is a fascinating walk through a wide variety of flora. If the trek is done before July, one also gets to cross two tails of glaciers coming from the top to meet the frisky Baspa. We call it ‘the signature walk’ of the valley. We start as early as possible with a light breakfast and carry juice and sandwiches for the mid break point! Arrive back at camp by noon for a hot shower and lunch.
Sangla- Thanedar-6 hrs
We retrace our route today. Drive back towards Sainj where we turn towards Thanedar. Thanedhar region enjoys a special place in Himachal history. In 1916 Samuel Stokes, a social worker from Philadelphia brought the first apple saplings to Kotgarh (near Thanedar), the place he adopted as his home. One can still see the ‘Starking Delicious’ apple orchard that he planted there. Nestled amongst acres of apple blossoms is the Banjara Orchard Retreat – an eco-friendly getaway that will enchant nature lovers.
Thanedar- Hatu peak- Thanedar (6-10 kms hike)
The 3136 mt high Hatu Peak offers a panoramic view of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges of Himalayas. The forest around Hatu is famous for its flora and fauna/ Avi-fauna. One can see Silver fir, Birch, Oaks, Himalayan Cedar, Himalayan Yew, Rhododendron, herbs and wild flowers. It is also rich in wildlife and if you are lucky you may see Leopards, Black Bear, Jungle Cats, Himalayan Weasel, Flaying Squirrel, Himalayan Pheasants like Monal- state bird of Himachal, Red Jungle Fowl, Magpie Robin, Laughing Thrush, Minivets and Whistling Thrush to name a few.
Thanedar- Chandigarh drop- 6 hrs
Drop at Kalka to take Shatabdi back to Delhi.
(1). This is the itinerary for a tour which we run regularly. It can be altered, and we like to discuss plans with clients and can make suggestions about special places to visit depending on our clients’ interests, and available time. The itinerary is planned in such a way that you gain altitude gradually , you get a good and proper time to acclimatise properly while travelling through the Central Himalayas . Every day there is enough free time to make walk / or to relax your own so you could experience the people and culture from much close on the tour.
(2). In case you require accompanying tour escort / local guide with you please tell us and we will be happy to arrange local, knowledgeable guide for your tour, as per your choice.
(3). Please do not hesitate to collect any travel information from us, before working a final tour programme for yourself. We would be glad to provide you all the travel information and hotels details etc. at the time of planning your holidays with us, before you book your tour with Incredible Himachal Holidays. Being local, we can provide you with a wonderful private, personalise, tailor-made holiday tour in India at a cheaper cost than the standard package / group holiday that you might find elsewhere. We believe in delivering the service, more than- promised to our clients.
– Pick & Drop with Brand new Vehicles.
– All accommodation on double sharing using hotels with modern amenities as per your choice and budget.
– Welcome drinks on arrival at all Hotels.
– Well Appointed room in front row & upper floor. {No Back side Room, No Group Floor}
– Meal Plan: – Breakfast & Dinner at all Hotels.
– Tea/Coffee makers in The Room.
– Free upgrade to Higher room Category without any extra charges, If rooms available.
– Vehicle is sanitized & our Driver fully vaccinated.
– All sightseeing as per the tour itinerary
– All Taxes, Toll Taxes, Interstate Taxes, Parking Fuel, Driver Allowance.
{We do not use any 02* hotels / Highway hotels, are not safe for any guests.}
– Lunch.
– 4X4 Jeeps due to heavy snowfall to reach Hotel OR Sight Seeing Point.
– Rohtang Pass (need NGT permission 24 hrs before)
– Tips and porter charges.
– Any additional expenses & Any Entry tickets cost.
– Heater Charges (300 –500/- per Night direct paid to hotel if required)
– Cost of any excursions.
– Early check-in and late check-out at the hotel.
– Item of personal nature viz, tips, laundry, room service, telephone, alcoholic or non-alcoholic
– Any other services not specified above.
– Additional Costs due to Flight Cancellations, Roadblocks, and natural calamities.
