The dazzling beauty of Dhauladhars
By Ravi Bali

HIMACHAL PRADESH is literally a paradise on earth. It has many places which are better than tourist destinations in foreign countries. The magnificent Dhauladhars is one of them. Parveen Sharma, Minister for Youth Services & Sports, H.P, who has trekked the Dhauladhars at least a dozen times, says: "The Dhauladhars are even more beautiful than the mountain peaks of Switzerland." He is of the view that Himachal Pradesh offers mind boggling treks, and Dhauladhar treks are among the best. About 60 such treks have been identified by his department.

The trekk can be done from many sides and locations. One can go from the Chamba side, from the Dharamsala side or from Baijnath and Palampur. But for amateurs, the best option would be a trek from the Dharamsala side. This trek is called the Dharamsala-Triund circuit. It’s a 11 km long. The path is through picturesque passes and covers Dharmkot and Rakkar villages. The greenery around is simply stunning.

The treks from Rawa, Dal Lake, Dharamkot and Bhagsunath meet at a ridge known as Galudevi (2,130 metres), which has a small temple and a water point. After the snow nullah, the trek rises abruptly weaving through 22 curves making the ascent a little tiring and difficult. On the way one can spot many birds and wild animals. Triund is popular picnic and trekking spot at the feet of the perpetually snow-clad Dhauladhar range. Accommodation is available at the Forest Rest House here. If one is a little more adventurous and strong, reach the Draman mountain range. Its almost a different trekk.

The Draman mountain range is the most magnificent and gloriously beautiful peak in the region. From this range, one can have a panoramic view of Shahpur, Jogindernagar and Mandi. The Lamdal Lake here is a jewel of the Dhauladhars. It is spread over a 3 km- radius and the water lake is crystal blue.

For a little more adventurous, there is another trek-option from the Baijnath/Palampur side. This trek is about 20 km long and the climb is very tough and tiring. But the trek has its own rewards. The places to see around Dharamsala is the abode of the Dalai Lama, the charming stone Church of St John in the Wilderness, the war memorial, the Chimaya Tapovan Trust Temple, the Dal lake and the Kotwali Bazar.

How To Reach:

From Chandigarh:

From Chandigarh to Baijnath via Palampur, it takes about 10 hours in a bus. Buses are available throughout the day and night.

Where to stay:

Contact the Deputy Commissioner, Kulu, telephone No. 01902-22727 Fax No. 22873. for reservations.

Directorate of Mountaineering Institute, Manali. Director- 01902-52342, Fax No. 52137. Deputy Director - 52206/52173. You can also contact at Chandigarh H.P.T.D.C. Office telephone No. 708569 for stay at HPTDC hotels at Dharamsala / Palampur / Baijnath .

Dharamsala: Hotel Retreat is a very good and economical place to stay. Contact XEN (PWD) — 01892-23167/23189 for PWD circuit house and PWD rest house. For stay at HPSEB house contact XEN (HPSEB) - 24972.

Palampur: For stay at PWD circuit house/rest house contact XEN (PWD) 01894-30561/30563.For HPSEB rest house contact XEN HPSEB - 01894-30563.

Baijnath: For stay at PWD circuit house/rest house contact XEN (PWD) - 018946-63035.

Note: You can also contact the District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Dharamsala - 01892-22317,and the District Tourism Officer, Dharamsala - 01892- 21232.