Trekking and Camping in Himachal Pradesh

Trekking
The main trekking areas in Himachal are the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, routes over the passes between the Shimla region and the Kullu valley, the numerous treks out of Kullu and select tracks in the trans-Himalyan regions of Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti. Most trekking areas are between 1500 metres and 6000 metres. With well over 270 defined trails, the variation in terrain is also enormous. Low scrubland and paths through paddy fields give way to trails strewn with pine needles. Then come woods of oak and flowering rhododendron, which merge into forests of Himalyan cedar - ‘deodar’ - and spruce. On most trails, small pastoral hamlets dot the way. Cunningly hidden between the high mountains are passes, which were once known only to migrant shepherds, and dare all trekkers. These lead to the fabulous wastes and swift rivers of the arid Trans-Himalya. A host of combinations and variations take the trails through a changing countryside. The degree of physical output can also be changed to suit your requirements. For example, the same trek can be developed from a week to last longer. Or, the two ends of a trek can be the same, but the trails can be designed to be taxing, or gentle.

Several agencies conduct treks. Guides, equipment, porters, pack animals and maps are available at major starting points. The old forest ‘dak bungalows’ that are strategically placed along many trek routes add a considerable measure of nostalgic charm and convenience for trekkers. Practically, all have an aura of the past, and lie nestled in deep woods. in addition, the State Electricity Board and the PWD also have rest houses.

Most of these are marked out on trekking maps and advance booking is possible. The Forest Rest Houses are booked by the area’s Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and the PWD and Electricity Board rest houses are booked by the concerned Executive Engineer. Training facilities, with basic and intermediate courses are available at Manali’s (Kullu) Mountaineering institute and at its regional centres at Dharamsala (Kangra) and Bharmour (Chamba). Excellent camping facilities exist at these points.

Camping

Camping is perhaps the best way to enjoy the natural outdoors of Himachal and being part of the life of its people. You can carry your own gear along or opt for any one of the several camps pitched in various parts of the state. These camps offer accommodation, catering and a variety of activities like hiking, fishing, nature-tours and rafting. Most of these offer quality facilities and services. Himachal Tourism operates camps at Sarchu in Lahaul besides built accommodation. Tents are available at Sangla and Kalpa in Kinnaur and at Kaza in Spiti.

The Youth Hostel Association of india runs camps at Dalhousie (Chamba) and at Kullu-Manali. Camps run by the private sector are at Baspa (Sangla) valley and Kalpa in Kinnaur, at Tabo in Spiti, at Al Hilal (Taragarh) and Dharamsala in Kangra, at Shoja near Kullu and Mashobra and Baldian near Shimla. Adventure camps are also expected to be set-up in the Pabbar valley in the Jubbal - Hatkoti - Rohru area in Shimla district.