This trek is surely one of the finest short duration Himalayan treks which can be done in just 4 days. This trail is a paradise for nature lovers. The sheer variety of plant life and birds is something one will cherish for a long time. The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is located in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, India. Initially constituted in 1984, GHNP was formally declared a National Park in 1999, covering an area of 754.4 sq kms. There are three major rivers flowing from the Park, Tirthan in the South, Sainj and Parvati in the North. These rivers join the Beas river in the Kullu-Manali valley. Landscapes and ecosystems of these valleys are quite similar. Tirthan valley has the most well-developed ecotourism infrastructure and facilities. The rural and traditional character of the valley and its villages has been preserved which adds a unique flavour to this trek.
The Great Himalayan National Park is a habitat to more than 375 fauna species that comprises nearly around 31 mammals, 181 birds, 3 reptiles, 9 amphibians, 11 annelids, 17 molluscs and 127 insects. They are protected under strict guidelines of wildlife protection act of 1972 hence any sort of hunting is not permitted. It also supports the variety of plant life, scattered over the park. Sainj and Tirthan are two main valleys in Great Himalayan National Park where man lives with nature for centuries. The trout fish of this region is widely popular, similar is the nature hikes and trekking.
This trek in the Tirthan valley is mostly moderate but has strenuous sections during the trek to Shilt hut where the terrain is quite steep for long durations. First day of the trek we go on a hike to a beautiful waterfall and also check out the local way of life. Next day the trail meanders along the Tirthan to reach Rolla hut. The camping experience at Rolla, next to the river is surely something everyone is going to enjoy. From Rolla to Shilt hut is a demanding trek but one is rewarded with fine views of the park from some beautiful vantage points. On the last day we hike from Rolla in a different direction to an area famous for bird watching. After a sumptuous lunch at Rolla we hike back to Gushaini and towards evening one will be driven back to Aut from where one can proceed with ones onward journey.
Tour Itinerary
We will all meet at Aut in the morning and from here be driven to Tirthan valley. The surroundings are very eye catching and spectacular. There is a confluence of rivers Beas and Tirthan at Larji. We drive along the beautiful river Tirthan and this off beat journey will take us about an hour. On arrival check into the homestay-camp and enjoy a hot cup of tea followed by breakfast. Post breakfast freshen up and relax. After an early lunch we set out on a hike to a beautiful water fall. The hike will take us an hour and a half to reach the water fall. We spend some time at the fall and later head back to our camp-homestay. Overnight in a camp-homestay.
Today we drive to Gushaini which will take us ten to fifteen minutes. From Gushaini it’s an easy walk to enter the park which is at a pleasant height and surrounded by thick jungle which have mind blowing colours of the trees. We walk past Ropa village on the way which has traditional houses made of deodar(cedar) wood. We will be trekking along the Tirthan. The river has a lot of natural pools where you can sit and relax near Rolla. You get good views of the surrounding mountains which look majestic and magical. It will take us three to four hours to reach Rolla. We will camp here amidst nature bounty. Overnight in tents-forest hut.
Today’s hike from Rolla to Shilt is a steady climb which varies from being steep to quite steep. There are continuous switch backs as you keep gaining height. This walk will take us through dense forest with a lot of under growth and grass. At times we will have to scramble up slopes & slide under trees during our walk to Shilt. During this accent if you are lucky you might be able to see some wild life as well. Once at Shilt hut you get beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and adjacent mountains. We spend some time at the top and take in the beautiful views of the Great Himalayan National Park and later descend to Rolla. Overnight in tents-forest hut at Rolla.
Rolla (Bird Watching Hike) – Gushaini – Camp-Lodge – Aut Trek/4-5 Hrs & Drive 1.5 Hrs
This morning will we go for a bird watching hike. This is a famous hike in the GHNP because one gets a wide variety of birds in the region. Few to name amongst the many are Long-tailed Minivets, Yellow-bellied Fantails, Wall creepers, and White-collared and Grey-winged blackbirds. Heavy snow in the upper reaches may bring down more exotic species, such as variegated laughing thrush, Scaly-breasted, Wren Babbler, Spectacled Finch and Golden Bush Robin. All of these may descend to lower reaches of the park from October to February. In addition to these, there are a few species of longer distance migrants which prefer GHNP in winters, are Redstart, Black-throated Thrush and Black-throated Accentor. After explorations we head back to Rolla for a hot lunch. After lunch we trek down to Gushaini and from here drive to camp/ home stay. After evening tea we get ready to leave for Aut. This journey will take us one hour but at certain times due to narrow roads the traffic jam makes the drive a bit longer. Trip ends at Aut.
Transport Options (Delhi – Manali – Aut – Delhi)
Aut is located 70kms before Manali on Chandigarh – Manali highway. For travel from Delhi to Manali & back, one can choose between air, rail & road. For air travel, the closest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu) airport. There are a couple of flights that link this airport to Delhi airport. Train travel though not very popular is available to cover a certain distance. One can either take a train to Pathankot or Jogindernagar (narrow gauge). From both these places one will need to drive to Manali. There are frequent Public Transport buses including Volvos available from Delhi to Manali that cost about Rs. 1300 per person. They take about 15 hrs to cover the distance. A private vehicle could also be arranged for if you require the same.
Weather Details :
In the initial days of the pre monsoon season (Apr-Jun) there will be snow along the trail which generally melts by end April. Days are going to be sunny and warm (14-22 °C) while the night temperature at the highest campsite would be in the range of 0-8 °C. In the post monsoon season (Sep-Nov) there is possibility of snow towards the end of the season, which also melts very fast. The days are sunny with temperatures hovering around (12-20 °C) and the evenings start getting cold with the onset of October and nights are comparatively colder (-2 to 8 °C). Please keep in mind that the above information is not exact and does not account for sudden changes. Whatever the temperatures and conditions rest assured we will be prepared to handle it with ease as we use equipment of very high specifications.
List of Essentials :
• It is very important for this adventure trip that you need to be equipped properly and with a bit of back up. Mountain/adventure travel requires one to be adequately equipped with the right kind of personal gear. Since one is travelling in the wilderness there will be hardly any opportunity to buy anything once you hit the trail so we urge you to carefully pack everything into your bags. Also please keep in mind you can rent out or purchase equipment from our Gear Store, if required.
• Shirts / T-shirts – 2-3, Warm shirt/light micro fleece pullover/full sleeve T shirt.
• Trekking Pants (water resistant/repellent & having inside lining for extra warmth) – 2.
• Windproof/water resistant outer shell (jacket) of good quality (no flimsy wind cheaters please!) with a proper hood.
• Down jacket with min 600 fill power rating, Thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater.
• Thermal inner wear (upper & lower) Woollen cap (Balaclava) Inner fleece gloves.
• Outer water proof gloves, Thick woollen socks & regular socks (4 – 5 pairs).
• Scarf/muffler (optional) Comfortable waterproof (Goretex).
• Trekking/Hiking shoes (shoes with a thick sole and high ankles are recommended).
• Camp shoes (these can be easy to slip in sneakers/sport shoes) Gaiters.
• Raincoat / Poncho, Small light weight towel, Insulated water bottle & hydration pack (optional).
• Cap / floppy hat to keep the strong sun away from your face.
• Sun glasses with UV protection and ability to cut the glare (imp when traversing through snow).
• Sturdy walking stick / Trekking pole, Sunscreen Lotion, Lip Balm, Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries).
• Medicines, if requiring any specific medication, Personal toiletries.
• Book, if you like reading Day pack/small bag which you will carry on your back every day and keep your essentials in it.
• Carry rain cover for your bags, Keep a few poly bags or waterproof bags in your bag in which if required you can put your belongings in case of heavy rain. Camera if you like (with fully charged batteries).
• …Loads of enthusiasm!! And a pledge to leave no trace.
Carry your stuff in a duffel bag, soft shoulder bag or a rucksack. Avoid suitcases, trolleys or any other hard luggage. As you will be walking long distances carrying a rucksack, avoid bringing unnecessary items on the trek. Please avoid carrying expensive watches, jewellery and electronic items on the trek.
NOTE: In case you are planning to put your bag on a mule or taking a porter please get a duffel bag or rucksack and keep it in mind that there is a possibility that the bag at times might brush against a rock or a tree and get slightly damaged so don’t get very expensive bags. Also in case of damage we shall not be held accountable.
Acclimatization & High Altitude Sickness
This is one of the most important aspects of travelling in the high Himalayas and cannot be ignored or set aside. Acclimatization basically means our body adjusting to lower levels of oxygen (rarefied air) & reduced air pressure as me move up. In case one does not acclimatize properly there are chances of the person facing extreme discomfort and this can be fatal in extreme cases. While there is no set route to getting properly acclimatized there are a general precautions and steps that one can take to initiate good acclimatization. Our trekking guides will assist you with these steps and also once you book a trip with us the ‘Incredible Himachal Holidays Trekking Manual’ which will cover this aspect extensively will be couriered to you. This is sure to help you enjoy the trek in very good hape.
Selecting the Right Trek & Training for It
• Most important thing is to select the right trek keeping in mind your experience or inexperience, health, objectives & ability. Our senior team people can assist you with this, so when contacting us do mention if you need guidance on this front also refer to our trek grading system mentioned below. Once the right trek is selected comes your preparation. Once you have booked a trip with us we will courier the ”Incredible Himachal Holidays Trekking Manual’ to you which will have a complete practice drill explained in details.
Trek Grading System We have broadly classified our treks as below:
• Easy: These treks are 3 to 5 days long and involve walking for about 3/4 hrs daily. The trail on such treks is well defined but not always flat. These are great for families and first timers.
• Moderate: On these treks one is not required to trek for more than 5/6 hrs a day. Also the terrain is not too difficult. These treks are normally a week or so long. For these treks prior trekking experience is not necessary. Very rarely on these treks would one camp at altitudes higher than 3800m. These treks are great for first timers or for veterans wanting to go on a trail which is relatively less demanding.
• Moderate+: These are moderate treks with mostly one difficult day. These trails are fine for fit beginners also.
• Vigorous: On these treks one can be required to trek continuously for more than a week through remote areas and at times trekking for more than 7 hrs a day. On most of these treks one has to cross passes or areas which are snow covered and involve camping at altitude of more than 4000m. Fit people with some kind of hiking experience & a spirit of adventure can contemplate going on these trails.
• Strenuous: These treks apart from having continuous trekking stretches are at places technical and might require assistance from trip leader/guide and other staff people. All these treks have rest days in between. Also all of them involve crossing passes or areas having altitude of more than 4500m. First timers are discouraged from walking such routes.
• Expedition: Style these involve long walks at high altitudes at times around 6000m. Camping can also be well over the snow line and on glaciers at times. Safety ropes, ice axes and crampons might be required on these treks. These treks are not technically very difficult but are considerably challenging. Previous vigorous/strenuous trekking experience is required.
Disclaimer
• Incredible Himachal Holidays takes utmost care to ensure safety of its clients. However in the case of any unforeseen mishaps, Incredible Himachal Holidays will not be liable for any injuries caused or for loss of life. All disputes rising due to the above are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in Shimla only. All participants would be required to sign an Indemnity Form before the start of the program, without which they would not be allowed to take part in the trip/program/activities.
(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.
