Road Trip to Himachal (Manali -Tirthan - Shimla)

      It becomes very important to take your family on vacation if you are planning for a long trek. It is to balance on both sides of your life. In the same manner, I had my last Deo Tibba trek in June 17 and now was planning for next Himalayan Trek, so thought to take my family out for vacation. We were already planning to meet with family and during discussions; we thought to go out on Diwali vacation. Credit goes to Prashant (Brother in law) and Amrita (Sister in law, henceforth referred as Mini) for all the planning and bookings. For us (Me, my wife Priyanka and our kid, Parth), the trip was kind of travel package that too sponsored by my in laws.

                The plan was to gather in Noida and go out to Manali, Tirthan Valley and Shimla on our personal car. Priyanka’s parents were already reached Noida from our home town Damoh when we reached Noida from Pune. So, we took a day rest in Noida and packed our bags.

Day 1 (13-Oct-17): Noida – Chandigarh – Mandi - Manali

This was third time I was going Manali and I knew the day is going to be hectic one. The distance is around 570km and last 300km is a hilly road. So, we left on our TATA ARYA early morning to avoid traffic and cover as much as possible in first half of the day. Mini has very high motion sickness and soon started felling uneasy. We took few stops, had breakfast and lunch on the way and continued our journey. Chitchatting, looking outside and answering Parth’s queries, we completed the hectic journey till Manali with few ups and downs. Salute to Prasant’s amazing driving and patience without which, it could have been more hectic. Acharya Cottage was our booked destination which is next to Jagatsukh village and we reached there by around 9 PM. We took our dinner in the hotel which was well served amazing food and went for the rest.

Family from left, Prashant, Papaji, Priyanka, me, Mini, Mamma and Parth

Day 2 (14-Oct-17): Solang Valley, Mall Road and Hadimba Temple.

Impressed with the dinner, we took our breakfast in the hotel itself and moved to Solang Valley.

Prashant and Mini at Hotel in Manali

Parth in Solang Valley

Solang Valley

 It is around 15km from our hotel and we reached in about 30mins. Luckily no traffic on that day in Manali, may be due to Diwali week and weather was at its best. Solang valley is a beautiful small valley, especially if no crowd.


One can go for paragliding or rope way to see the beauty around. There is a temple and a water fall which is around 2 km from parking and a must to see place. Motorbikes and mules are available to reach there but I would suggest to trek. We had elders so hired motorbikes but in return; I, Prashant and Mini trekked back. After spending more than 3 hours there, we moved back to Manali and had lunch at Mall road. We spent some time in shopping and hired autos to reach till Hadimba Temple. It is around 1.5km from mall road and on little height. This is again a beautiful place. Go in the park which is behind the temple and can sit in silence. 

Mini at water fall and Shiva Temple

Sun was set and after a wonderful day, we returned back to hotel. Spent some family time, had dinner and went for the rest.

Rohtang is other major attraction of Manali but it was not in our plan looking at the health of our parents. It is a full day trip and you have to hire a local taxi or you have to get permit which is online and very hard to get. I had visited this place before and a fantastic place to go; especially to see the amazing range of Himalaya.

Day 3 (15-Oct-17): Manali – Aut – Tirthan (Gushaini).

Though, we wanted to stay in Manali for one more day. But we got bookings in Tirthan only for 15-16 Oct, so had to leave Manali on 15^th Morning. With the experience of day 1, Mini avoided the breakfast and packed one paratha for the way. The journey was around 100 Km so we prepared ourselves and started journey at around 9 am after having breakfast. Looking at the beauty that we missed on day one, taking breaks and listening PAPAJI’s favorite old songs, we continued our journey till Aut Tunnel. Just after the tunnel, straight road goes to Mandi and left goes to Tirthan valley. We took left turn and destination was around 30 km from tunnel.

Just after taking left at AUT TUNNEL

Raju Bharti guest house was the destination which 1 km before Gushaini in Tirthan Valley. As soon as we crossed the Dam, road came very near to Tirthan river and it is along the river till Gushaini and may be beyond that. This is beautiful road and crystal clear river along the way. You will have the feeling of Jindgi Na Milegi Dobara on this road. Soon we reached at the destination which was at other side of river. A small wooden bridge to cross the river is there.

Crossing Tirthan River through Wooden Bridge

Rope way is also installed, if the water level is above wooden bridge. We checked in, had lunch and went down on river bed. This is just amazing place to enjoy the silence, except river sound.

Priyanka, Relaxing in Tirthan River

After spending some quality family time, taken dinner, played cards and went on to rest except me and Papaji. We played few games of Chess.

Day 4 (16-Oct-17): Tirthan (Gushaini).

After breakfast, we went to GHNP office in Shairopa and walked into the jungle capturing few memorable moments in cameras and came back to resort.

Mini, Collecting wild flower at Shairopa

After lunch, we planned to visit a water fall which is near to jalori pass and around 19km from Gushaini. I must say, it was not a good idea. Though, it is only 19km, but road is dangerous and not for outside drivers. Again Hats off to Prashant for his driving. There was a political rally in Banjar town and we turned back to resort looking at the road and traffic due to rally. This was a great decision and we came back to resort before sun set, had little walk on the road and we spent rest of the time in resort and river. We arranged campfire in night and after dinner, we went on to bed.

About the Guest House and Nearby Places

I must say, Raju Bharti Guest house is not the guest house but a fantastic resort. It has two sections, few rooms at lower level, near the river and B cottage is upper side for which you have to trek for a minute. Both have their own uniqueness. From lower cottage, you can have the river view while from upper cottage, you can see the top view of the beauty around. The guest house has lots of flower, apple trees and persimmon trees. Everything available there is kind of included in package. We got the booking 1500 per person per night including breakfast, tea, lunch, evening snacks, dinner (Veg/Non-Veg) and anything available in the kitchen. Food is awesome, Karan (Owner) and his brother is managing the resort and very humble guys. They do everything that they can for you. Three dogs and few cats are also the part of the resort and good for your safety. This is very good, beautiful resort if you are looking for some peace of mind and relax for your body. Nothing to see there, you can just sit on the river bed and enjoy the silence. One can go to fishing (Paid service), or a waterfall near the resort (Have to walk for 1 km) or in the Great Himalayan National Park. Don’t get confused, the office of GNHP is before guest house (Shairopa) but nothing to see there. Actual national park is 8 km from the resort called Rohilla. Car goes till the gate and then you can pay at entrance and walk in the park. We missed it but have the plan to trek in this national park till Rakhundi in 2018.

Mamma and Papaji in Resort

Mini and Prashant in River

Me and Priyanka at Campfire Hut in Resort

Me and Prashant at Masti time

Family Time

Our Room in Resort

Mini, on persimmon hunt

Day 5 (17-Oct-17): Tirthan – Mandi - Shimla.

There are two roads for Shimla, one is the same Banjar road which is short but dangerous and other is long one via. Mandi. Based on our previous day's experience, we took the long road via Mandi. We left little late to digest breakfast and to avoid motion sickness, but of no use. The route was boring and hectic as we were coming out of the beautiful scenery to dusty roads with full of traffic. With few ups and downs, we reached Shimla at 9 PM and checked in to Hotel Samrat, which was on mall road. Hotel was good and we were all tired so soon went for the rest.

Day 6 (18-Oct-17): Shimla

Jab we Met at Mall Road, Shimla. The young gang

We had a plan to visit Kufri today but last day was quite hectic so we decided to relax. After breakfast, we went on to mall road. We had photo sessions, shopping, eating, chilling out and came back to the hotel for some rest.

At Mall Road, Some relaxing moments

We again went on to mall road to enjoy the evening and it was worth to spent an evening there. On every stairs going up, I was imaging the movie scene of Jab We Met where Kareena met Shahid. One can visit to few nearby places, like Church and shop in local market.

Day 7 (19-Oct-17): Shimla – Noida

It was Dipawali today and the last day of our memorable trip and only back travel was remaining. It was kind of coming down to earth from heaven. Prashant was all set for long drive, we mostly focused on the way and Diwali planning. With no issues or sickness, we came back to Noida by 5PM and when we noted the milometer, we had traveled 1300 KM.

Special Thanks to Papaji for sponsoring the trip, hope we will have many more such SPONSORED vacations.

PLEASE DO NOT POLLUTE THE PLACE, IT IS BEAUTIFUL AND LET IT BE BEAUTIFUL. PLEASE, PLEASE TAKE BACK YOUR PLASTIC WRAPPERS BACK TO CITY, DO NOT LITTER PLASTIC AT ANY NATURAL or TOURIST PLACE.

Trek to "Deo Tibba Base Camp"

Pre-Preparation:

In last trek to Har Ki Doon, we had decided to trek in Himachal next time. Based on that, I started again searching for trek in Himachal in around Jan 2017. I, Jassi, Rahul were the candidates and inspired by our stories of Himalayan treks, one of my friends, Akshay also joined us. I was looking at the less known trek but soon I came to know that Manali is the base for almost all the treks in Himachal. So after reading few blogs, I decided to trek “Deo Tibba Base” this time. All were waiting for my decision and soon we all agreed on it. I started getting all the information of the trek, route and as a routine I made the bookings for all 4 of us. I and Akshay were supposed to fly from Pune to Delhi where Rahul and Jassi were coming by Train and then to proceed further together.

Day 1: 25^th May 17 (Pune-Delhi-Chadigarh)

Unfortunately, Rahul had to drop the plan at last moment, he wrote, “Dil Toot gaya, Gym Chhot gaya”. So, I cancelled all his bookings. I and Akshay reached to Delhi at 10 AM where Jassi was waiting for us at Jantar-Mantar. We met there, had lunch and boarded in train to Chandigarh at 2:30 PM. It was too hot and Jassi was arranging all to keep the water cool in train (He is our Funsuk Wangdu).

I (Green T-Shirt) and Akshay in Train to Chandigarh, Managing the heat

We reached there by around 7 PM. This was the stay day at Chandigarh as per plan, but in over excitement, we decided to travel in night for Manali. So, after having dinner at sector-43 bus stop, we enquired for the bus to Manali. There were only one bus left at 11:40 PM and we queued up for the ticket. The system there was pathetic and after 2 hours of hard-work, we came to know there is no seat available in that bus. Next bus was at 5 AM in the morning and it was already 12:30 AM, so after losing all hopes and to avoid morning crises, we hired  a cab for Manali and started our journey to Manali at 1:00 AM.

Day 2: 26^th May 17 (Chandigarh-Manali)

Journey to Manali was not so comfortable. We reached there at around 11 AM taking few naps in the cab. So, immediately booked a hotel got freshed and taken lunch. This was first visit of Akshay and Jassi to Manali, so thought to visit few nearby places. I took them to Hadimba Temple and we amazed by the beauty of the surrounding. It is a nice place to visit and relax in the natural beauty.

In the Hadimba Temple Van Vihar

In evening, we did some shopping for the trek, and after dinner, we gone for the much needed rest.

Day 3: 27^th May 17 (Manali – Jagatsukh [7km] | Jagatsukh – Power Project [12KM]) – Chikka (1.5 KM)

After breakfast, we packed our bags and moved to the taxi-stand. When we asked to drop us till the power project, next to Jagatsukh, we were shocked by the taxi rates. It was around 19 KM and people were asking for 2000 INR. So, we decided to trek from Jagatsukh to Power Project that day (12 KM). We hired an auto in 300 INR till Jagatsukh. Here we witnessed the kindness of locals, they are so nice people. As soon as we came out of the auto, we saw an alto going upward on the power project road.  We asked for the lift and he welcomed us for next 4 Kms.  He dropped us after 4 KM and we started our trek, this is so beautiful road though. Soon, we saw another alto coming and again we asked for lift. He was an officer going for the project and welcomed us. He dropped us till the project and given some important info.

At the starting point, Where first ALTO Dropped us.

          Here we realized that taxi drivers asking for 2000 INR was reasonable. Road is in bad condition and it is steep road till the project. We said thanks and bye-bye to the Gentleman and moved ahead. We started the trek from right side of the water stream (Jagatshukh Nala) and soon reached to a bridge to cross it. After crossing it, make it a rule to never ever cross it again till the Seri, will tell you the story of crossing it, later.

First bridge after Hydro Power Project. Never cross the river after this.

From here, trek was little steep and from the dense forest. We were enjoying the beauty and silence of nature (Except the sound of Jagatsukh Nala). It is so beautiful that you cannot capture it in clicks; you just have to be there. Going very slow around 1.5 hours, we witnessed the beauty of first glance of Chikka. The Chikka is just an amazing place, lush green, river flowing from your right, big rocks to sit and just see the beauty and green patches to pitch your tent. A Naag Dev temple is forward side of the place, but we decided to stay before that.

First Look of Chikka, a beautiful place to camp

Our Tent, First Day camping at Chikka

The beautiful place, Photo by Akshay.

Now it was time to get dinner ready. We had experimented Daal-Rice cooking in our Shahyadri trek and were pretty confident about it. So, started cooking Daal and after all our hard work, Daal was not ready to be cooked. We are still not sure whether it was Daal or Water which failed us. After two hours of hard work, we get ready with Roti (Yes, it can be called Roti J) and Daal. It was just edible, no commentsJ. As soon as we had dinner before 6 PM, yes, it was raining and we went in our tent for rest of the night.

          Khanol is the place on the route which I had read in many blogs. But, this is very less known place so don’t enquire, you don’t need it. Power project is also known as twelve thousand (Barah Hazar). Buses are running from Manali to Naggar via. Jagatshukh and you can reach there in just 20 INR, trek start point is very near to the bus stop. Stay options are also there in Jagatsukh.

Day 4: 28^th May 17 (Planned Chikka to Seri – 6-7 KM, Mission Failed).

It was a good sleep in night, we woke up and after getting fresh, we cooked breakfast (No dare to cook daal again). We heard from a group at power project that going to base camp is not possible due to heavy snow and extreme weather. So, we were relaxed since this saved our 3 days (Seri to Tenta, Tenta to Base and Retrun, Tenta to Chandratal and Retrun. As per the plan, it had to be done in 3 days, but going beyond Seri was not possible). We were planning to Trek till Panduropa only, which is in between Chikka and Seri. So, at around 11 AM, we could start our trek. We reached to Naag Dev Temple and asked the route to a shepherd and he said, it is very easy, you just follow the trail. After crossing Naag Temple, there was a bridge and route was going to bridge. So, as we instructed, we crossed river and it was the WRONG TURN.

The Wrong Turn.

 After an hour trek, route was getting disappeared and we started feeling that we are on wrong trail. We discussed and Jassi found a Five Star wrapper. Considering it is from a trekker and we are on right trek, we continued the trek. Soon, we saw people coming from the other side of the river and they said you are going on wrong trek. With no options left, we had to return. We reached back to bridge and meet the trekkers coming back. They guided us correctly but since it was 2 PM, we had no options to reach Panduropa and cook our dinner before rain come. So again, we stayed at Chikka and since we had time, again dared to cook Daal. After more than an hour and all our hard work, Daal had no sign to get cooked and we learned the true meaning of “Daal na galna” J.

Jassi's Arrangement to Save us from Rain during
the mission "Daal-Rice"

We left it and cooked just masala rice. Luckily, they cooked well and we could have our dinner. We donated that Daal to a shepherd. It was rain time and we went into Tent for rest.

Day 5: 29^th May 17 (Chikka-Panduropa-Near to Seri – Around 6 Km)

Learning from the last day, we woke up early in the morning and relying on our ready to eat food, we started trek at around 7:30 AM. We were on right trek and looking at the beauty all around, crossing small side water streams, crossing rocky and flowery patches, taking small breaks we went to a small but beautiful flat patch.

In Between Chikka to Panduropa

Since, there is no way to identify the place, we assumed this is the Panduropa (I still believe that our assumption is right.) This was so beautiful, green mountains behind, snow capped mountains and small glaciers at our front, straight rocky hill at our left and everything was beautiful. Here we also observed that trees range is getting over, no trees ahead, we were entering into a different landscape. We took rest, Jassi started fire to warm packed Parathas and then we took our lunch. Today, weather started changing little early as it was only 1 PM. So, we started our trek again and target was Seri.

In one of the Rocky Patch

 After 30-40 minutes, rain came. This was a heavy rain with ice cubes and we wished we could have stopped at Panduropa. No options were left so we continued steep climbing in cold rain keeping sleeping mats at our head. Somehow, we could manage to get into a flat patch and Seri was supposed to be at the next turn of the valley. But, we had no energy and were caught by cold. So, somehow pitched our tent, rain was stopped till then. Luckily, weather got clear suddenly and got much needed sunlight to warm up ourselves. Sleeping mats were all wet, so we pitched tent on sleeping mats keeping them outside our tent. Jassi cooked MTR Upma and soon we went into tent. Night was horrible, I was sleeping but Jassi and Akshay was feeling deep cold in their feet, even after they put 4-5 pairs of shocks on their feet.

Our Camp before Seri

PC: Akshay Kalway. Place, Seri base camp

FOR MORE PHOTOS, Click HERE


Day 6: 30^th May 17 (Camp-Seri-Camp – around 3 km total)

After a horrible night, this was the best day of our trek. Weather was clear and after having some breakfast, we started to Seri keeping our entire luggage in Tent. So, without weight, speed was good and in an hour we reached to Seri.

On the way to Seri, from our camp. Just Amazing.

              Waaaoooo.. this was the beauty we were waiting for since a year. Destination was so satisfying that we forget the pain of last night. Seri is a flat ground, looks like a stadium but of huge size, may be 2-3 standard stadiums combined together. At left side, we saw a great “Deo Tibba Mountain” and at right we had Jagatsukh peak.. Jagatsukh Nala start from here. A small water stream was flowing with the corner of the ground at its best beauty. We spent 2-3 hours there and headed back to our camp.

SERI

When we looked back, from SERI.

Deo Tibba is at Left

Jassi, in deep meditation

In return, we saw “Thar” hanging on the rocks and taken few snaps. This was the first wildlife we saw, other than birds. We came back to our tent and ohh yes, it was the Rain Time again. In an hour, rain stopped and we came out of our tent. Few other trekkers were also pitched their tent near to our tent. Akshay started talking to them and soon joined them in photo-session. Don’t know if they smelled our need, but they offered us hot PULAO. Wao, what else we needed at this moment and we started our dinner like never before, of course in closed tentJ. Akshay also made them to offer us Soup. That was the best soup of our life.. can never forget. Thanks to that group, especially Manager and Cook, they are so nice people like most of the locals.

Day 7: 31^st May 17 (Camp to Chikka – Around 6 KM)

This was the day to back trek leaving the beauty slowly. When we were starting our trek back, they again gave us packed Rice-Daal for our lunch on the way. We could not wait and just after 10 minutes, opened up the pack keeping us behind the rocks (So that they couldn’t see us) and had our hot-lunch. Rest of the route was well known to us so keeping our talk and taking mind-images of the trek, we came to Chikka before 3 PM. Rest of the evening we spent on a rock outside our tent and had MTR poha again.

FOR MORE PHOTOS, Click HERE

Day 8: 01^st Jun 17 (Chikka – Jagatsukh)

This was the last day of our successful trek. We looked back to the beauty of Chikka last time and started our back trek in the morning at around 9 AM. Soon we reached to the Hydro Power Project as it was hardly 1.5 KM distance. Jassi was not feeling well so he stayed to wait for the taxi or lift till Jagatsukh. I and Akshay had a great desire to trek back, so we started down trek. It was a well route (For trek) and our speed was good. In around two hours, we covered more than 8 km when Jassi came on a Chhota Haathi (Mini Truck) and offered us lift. We reached to Jagatsukh and headed back to Manali on Local bus.

FOR MORE PHOTOS, Click HERE

Day 9-10-11:  2^nd , 3^rd and 4^th Jun 17 (Manali-Delhi-Pune)

Jassi left Manali on 2^nd June as he got train ticket from Delhi. I and Akshay had booked flight on 3^rd June so, we stayed in Manali and Visited Rohtang Pass on 2^nd June. As usual, return journey is always a pain when you come back from the heaven like place. On 3^rd June, we left Manali and reached Delhi by Bus on 4^th June and same day we reached Pune.

Additional Information for fellow trekkers: This is not a beginner trek for sure. At every step, you have to climb, you will rarely find a flat patches. 3 - 4 KM is a max distance a normal trekker can cover in a day, more than that is a stress (With Potters, you can cover little more). If you wish to go till base camp, you have to be ready to stay and trek on heavy snow in May-June. I did not go in September, but September end is the best time, if you wish to go to Tenta-Deo Tibba Base and Chandratal. There is not a single village or civilization on the route after power project, so we ready with your own food arrangements. To go to Tenta and then Deo Tibba base, you have to climb from left side water stream at SERI.

PLEASE DO NOT POLLUTE THE PLACE, IT IS BEAUTIFUL AND LET IT BE BEAUTIFUL. PLEASE, PLEASE TAKE BACK YOUR PLASTIC WRAPPERS BACK TO MANALI, DO NOT LITTER PLASTIC THERE.

Deo Tibba Base- PHOTOLOG