Last trip of 2015: Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Kullu-Manali is located in the banks of the Beas River. The Kullu valley is known for hills, various temples and sight seeing which attracts large amount of crowd each year. The Kullu valley is surrounded by Deodars and Pine trees and is located between of lower and upper Himalayan range.

There are many places to visit in Manali like Rohtang Pass, Vashist hot water springs, Hidimba Temple and many more. Apart from sightseeing Manali is also full of cafes serving international food and most of them are located at Old Manali region.

Beas River.

View of snow covered peaks from my hotel room.

Random shot.

Snow covered peaks and deodar trees.

Woods.

Time for good food. Cafe 1947.

Cafe 1947.

Johnson Cafe.

Time for a ride.

Hidimba temple, Manali.

A ride to hill....#standbysaheli#diamirza#ride

It was a memorable day for the Wanderers family to ride with a famous Bollywood celebrity, Dia Mirza and for a noble cause. The ride was organized to support a non profit organization, Saheli, working with the aim of empowering women and providing a safe childhood to children.

Tungnath Temple to Chandrashila.....

....Chandrashila is 1km steep trek from Tungnath temple at 4000mts above sea level. I started early morning after offering prayers at Tungnath temple. Chandrashila peak offers mesmerizing view of Himalayan range and is a popular trek that can be undertaken round the year. Chandrashila means Moon Rock and it is believed that Lord Rama meditated at peak after defeating Ravana. Another legend says that moon god Chandra spent time here.

A very wide range of Himalayan peaks can be seen from Chandrashila like Trishul, Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba and other peaks. I was lucky enough as weather was clear for half an hour and mother nature showered picturesque spot.

Towards Chandrashila.....

Cairn can be seen at Chandrashila top made by travelers to offer prayers and good wishes.

Chandrashila temple at 4000mts above sea level.

Morning at peak.

View of Himalayan range from Chandrashila peak. Trishul, Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba and other peaks can be seen.

Cairn.

Himalayan Range.

Shot of Himalayan range just before a minute it got clouded. Weather is uncertain at peak and I was lucky to see such a mesmerizing view of Himalayas.

Foot prints of Monal Pheasant and  is a state bird of Uttarakhand.

Highest Shiva temple in the world...Tungnath, Uttarakhand

The Tungnath temple is located at 3680mts above sea level, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the highest Shiva temple in the world and Panch Kedar in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The peak of Tungnath is origination of three springs forming Akashkamini.

Tungnath is reached through dense rhododendron forest and meadows which add a scenic beauty to trek. Hence, Tungnath is also known as Mini Switzerland of India. 1 km of steep trek lead to Chandrashila(Moon Rock) at an altitude of 4000mts above sea level.

Best months to visit Tungnath can be May, June, July and October. This is the time when you will see lush green meadows. During winters temple remains closed and there is snow all over. Many trekkers visit during December and January to enjoy snow.

Chopta can be reached by Ukhimat and Gopeshawar from Rishikesh. From Chopta Tungnath Temple is 3kms trekway. Nearest airport is at Jolly Grant, Dehradun and railhead  is at Rishikesh.

I started my journey from Srinagar Garhwal, a small town on a foothills of Himlayas. Chopta is 74kms from Srinagar Garhwal and is well connected by roads with plenty of public transport.

Need to be cautious while riding as road is full of algae in summers and while in winters covered with thin layer of  ice.

Peaceful roads

One of the most memorable moment of a journey for me when I spotted a fox crossing the road.

Chopta offers you a great view of meadow and Himalayan range including Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba. I was not lucky though as Himalayan range was covered with clouds.

Trek way to Tungnath temple starts from Chopta  and one can opt for mule ride till temple.But I preferred to be on foot to explore more closely lush green meadow.

Trek way to Tungnath.

Small huts are made on a way to Tungnath where traveler can take a short break and enjoy the view.

Uncertain weather.

Trek way to Tungnath temple is full of scenic landscape and is a paradise for photographers.

Time for a break.

In winters there is no accommodation in Tungnath temple which you will find open. Whereas in summers lots of options are available for night stay in small huts in Chopta and Tungnath. They charge around Rs. 200/night. These huts are run by locals for 6 months till the time temple is not closed and is a major source of their income. They provide you food, warm bedding and hot water as well.

View from my hut.

Chaukhamba Peak can be spotted.

Sitting outside with a cup of tea and enjoying sunset.

Above clouds.

Morning at Tungnath.

 Chandrashila is 1km of steep trek from Tungnath temple.......

To continued.....