BEST TEN PLACES TO VISIT FOR ADVENTURE AND TREKKING IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

1. TRIUND HILLS 

Triund trek is a most attractive trek destination for trekkers and tourists in dharamshala region of district kangra himachal pradesh. 

2. MANALI

Manali is a place where you can see and feel the beauty of nature. Manali is located in kullu district of himachal pradesh.

3. Barot Valley 

Barot valley is a hidden jewel of natural beauty of himachal pradesh. if you are tired from daily life routine and want to get refreshed than you must have to visit their once in a lifetime you will feel like heaven.

4. BILLING VALLEY

Bir Billing is a new beautiful arising places for the tourists and backpackers.Billing is a wonderfull trek destination for adventure seeking people at kangra valley.

The main attraction of the place is paragliding. Billing is the world's second highest and asia's first highest site for paragliding adventures.Bir billing also hosted the international paragliding worldcup in 2015. If you are adventure loving person than you must have to visit billing.

5. KASOL

Kasol is becoming hub for trekkers and backpackers day by day. Kasol is a beautiful trek location situated in kullu valley of himachal pradesh. kasol is famous for its enigmatic  natural beauty. The beautiful parvati river is flowing besides the place due to which kasol is also known as parvati valley.

6. KHEERGANGA

Kheerganga trek is one of the best trek destination for those who love to do trekking and adventures.The starting phase of this beautiful is barshaini (a small village) and trek is about 14 to 15 km and will take upto 4 to 5 hours to reach the final destination. kheerganga is also famous for its natural hot water spring which has its mythical story. There is also a small old ancient temple of lord shiva situated besides the hot water spring.

7. MALANA

Malana is an ancient village located in himachal pradesh india. Malana is famous for its best quality of hashish known as malana cream through over the world. Malana trek is a adventurous trek destination for trekkers and backpackers. Malana is situated besides the Parvati valley . Deotibba and Chandrakhani peaks shadow the village.

8.PRASHAR LAKE 

Prashar lake is a blue water lake surrounded by Dhauladhar ranges in kullu Valley . The Prashar lake trek follows a charming trail through the forests and beautiful views of nature. Meanwhile, One can enjoy the local culture as the trail goes through the villages as well. The trek offers a 180 degree view of Dhauladhar , Pir Panjal and kinnaur mountain ranges.

9. SPITI VALLEY

The Spiti valley is cold desert mountain valley located in the himachal pradesh india. Spiti valley is one the best adventurous trek destinations for backpackers. Spiti valley trek is one the most challenging trek in india.The spiti valley trek involves walking through most dangerous roads and hilly paths.

10. JALORI PASS

Jalori pass trek is a beautiful trekking place for backpackers in the silent wilderness of himalayas. Jalori pass is located in the kullu district of himachal pradesh.

Lord Shiva Temple Baijnath Himachal Pradesh

The Shiv temple Baijnath is one of the most historical monuments of the Kangra district of himachal Pradesh.Baijnath is famous for its 13th century temple devoted to Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath, ‘the Lord of physicians. Originally known as Kiragrama, Now The present name of the town is Baijnath became popular after the name of the temple. The town is situated on the left bank of the Binwa river, a side stream of river Beas.Baijnath lies on Pathankot-Manali highway (NH 20) almost midway between Palampur and jogindernagar.

The Temple

The Shiv temple Baijnath has been constantly under worship ever since its construction from 1204 A.D. The two long epitaph in the porch of the temple indicates that a temple of Lord Shiva existed on the spot even before the construction of present one. The present temple is a beautiful example of the early medieval north Indian Temple architecture known as Nagara style of temples. The Svayambhu form of Sivalinga is enshrined in the sanctum of the temple.The temple  has five projections on every side and is surrounded with a tall curvilinear Shikhara. The entrance to temple is through a vestibule that has a large square "Mandapa" in front with two large balconies  in north and south. There is a small porch in front of the mandapa hall that rests on four pillars in the front preceded by an idol of "Nandi" the bull in a small pillared temple. The whole temple is surround by a high wall with entrances in the south and north. The outer walls of the temple have many niches with pictures of gods and goddesses. A large number of images of great beauty and iconographic importance are also fixed or carved in the walls. Most of images are very rare to be found elsewhere.

Mythology

According to the folk tales, it is believed that during the Treta Yug, Ravana in order to have unbeatable powers worshiped Lord Shiva in the Kailash. In the process to please the Lord shiva he offered his ten heads in the havan kund. Influenced by this extra ordinary deed of the Ravana, the Almighty shiva  not only restored his heads but also endow him with powers of invincibleness and imperishability.

On attaining this incomparable boon, Ravana also requested the Lord Shiva to accompany him to Lanka. Shiva consented to the request of Ravana and converted himself into Shivling. The Lord Shiva asked him to carry the Shivling and told him that he should not place the Shivling down on the ground on his way. Ravana started moving south towards Lanka and reached Baijnath where he felt the need to answer the nature’s call. On seeing a shepherd, Ravana handed over the Shivling to him and went away to get himself relieved. On finding the Shivling very heavy, shepherd kept the ling on the ground and the Shivling got established there and the same is in the form of Ardhnarishwar (God in form of Half Male & Half Female).

Facts about town

In the town Baijnath, Dussehra festival in which traditionally the effigy of the Ravana is consigned to flames is not celebrated as a mark of respect to the devotion of Ravana towards Lord Shiva. Another interesting thing about the town of Baijnath is that there is no shop of goldsmiths.

Attractions

The temple attracts a large number of tourists and pilgrims from all over India and abroad throughout the year. Special prayers are offered in the morning and evening every day besides on special occasions and during festive seasons. Makara Sankranti, MahaShivaratri, Vaisakha Sankranti, Shravana Mondays, etc. are celebrated with great zeal and splendour. A five-day state level function is held here on Maha Shivratri every year.

Prashar Lake Mandi Himachal Pradesh

PRASHAR LAKE IN WINTERS.

Surrounded by the Dhauladhar ranges in Kullu Valley is a blue-water lake called Prashar. Prashar Lake (2,730m), frozen in the winter and a dazzling beauty otherwise, is considered  one of the many jewels of Himachal Pradesh. Located within accessible distance from Mandi city, this lake and its surrounding trails are attractive to many a tourist. It's not just the lake but also the 13th century pagoda temple dedicated to the sage Prashar (where the lake gets its name) and other landmarks that are significant here.  Prashar Lake is a well-kept secret in the Mandi district of  Himachal Pradesh. The trek follows a charming trail through a forest and several  rivulets. Meanwhile, one can enjoy the local culture as the trail goes through villages as well. The trek offers a 180 degree view of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal and Kinnaur mountain ranges.

The Temple

Prashar Lake Temple View.

The three storied temple was built of Mandi in the 13th century. The temple is capped with a roof of slate tiles and wood carvings. For those interested in architecture, the local temple of Prashar Rishi next to the lake, with its riveting Himachali architecture, blends perfectly with the landscape.

The temple was built in the thirteenth century and legend has it was built by a baby from a single tree. The lake has a floating island in it and it is said to be unclear how deep it is, with a diver not being able to determine its depth.

Prashar Lake is dedicated to Maharishi  Parashar , the father of Ved-Vyasa  and the grand-son of Maharishi Vashishtha . Sage Vasishth was the Religious and spiritual counselor of Lord Rama while Ved-Vyasa was the Raj Purohit of Kuru dynasty  stated in Mahabharata. Sage Prashar Rishi is supposed to be the narrator of first Purana, the Vishnu Purana of Hindu mythology.

Prashar Temple Image

Mythology

Mythology says that this lake was formed by Pandawas when they were on their way after Mahabharata with Deity Kamrunag (based on which this entire valley is known as Kamru Valley today) to find best place for their teacher, Dev Kamrunag and Deity love the isolation of this place so much that he decided to stay here for the rest of his life. On his request, Bheem one of the Pandava brothers formed the lake by pushing his elbow and forearm on the peak of the mountain. And that is the reason believed by locals after oval-shaped lake with depth unknown. Many a time in storms an almost 30-meter-tall cedar tree would fall into the lake to disappear.The temple was built in the thirteenth century and legend has it was built by a baby from a single tree. The lake has a floating island in it and it is said to be unclear how deep it is, with a diver not being able to determine its depth.

Prashar Lake view

Today people from all faiths come here. As an offering people throw money, silver coins and gold into the water. This place is available for visitors throughout the year except for winter months, i.e. Dec. through March. The place is full of peace, with old images of Gods and Saint Prashar. The unique thing about this lake is that there is a patch of grass which moves from one end to the other. In the summer it is at one end and in winter it touches the other end. The pujari or the priest of the temple is not a brahmin but a Rajput. They say one of the kings was unhappy with the local priest so he appointed a Rajput priest to display his powers.

Floating Island Of Prashar Lake

 The Divine Calculation

According to locals and care-takers of the Prashar Lake, the lake itself represents the science of the earth. According to myth, and which looks practical at a glance of the entire lake, it consists of 79% or water and 21% of dry area which actually represents the anatomy of earth. A floating  island represents the earth, which revolves on its own axis as well as move around the lake according to the season. According to priests, movement of this island to certain place has a prediction and sign in itself which is a matter of study and research. They further tell that moving of this island to absolute  North corner is a sign of bad omen.

Priests further says that, they think that if the floating island is sunk it will mark as an end of life on the planet earth.

If you're in the mood for some outdoor adventure and want these memories to be etched forever, then make Prashar Lake the destination of your choice.

Parvati Valley Kasol Kullu Himachal Pradesh

Beautiful View Kasol Kullu

A landscape worth a million thoughts and speechless moments spent admiring the rivers and mountains, Kasol is a village located in the gorgeous Parvati Valley, nestled safely between the shielding mountains of Himachal Pradesh. You can spot this lovely piece of paradise 42 km east of Kullu, set at a height of 1640 metres. Acclaimed to be one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, Kasol has been emerging rapidly as one of the most exciting hubs for backpackers, trekkers and for anyone who loves the snow, mountains, rapids and a budget paradise.

Beautiful View of Cafe at Kasol

For the avid traveler, Kasol holds many hidden treasures you can explore and delight in and fill up your itinerary for at least a month! The one million things to do in Kasol will not only show you a side to India that you would have never seen before, but also broadens your wanderlust to explore more of all that this hamlet in the hills can offer..

Beautiful View of Parvati River Kullu Kasol

The Parvati River gives you a mesmerizing view of the lovely Parvati Valley and the neighbouring forests on both sides, with pine trees towering high above them. During the monsoon seasons, the waters here lead to a steep gradient from where the water gushes rapidly to form rapids that would send any avid rafter and water sports enthusiast running for his kayak.

To get through to the other side of the river, you need to cross a rickety old wooden bridge, which in itself is a thrill of sorts. Enjoy the sights of this beautiful aquatic pride of Himachal Pradesh as you relax on one of the high boulders on the banks of the river and simply take in the views. 

Triund Trek Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh

Beautiful view of triund during winters .

Triund is the most attractive trek destination in Dharamshala , situated in the laps of dhauladhar mountains, it has the perfect view of the dhauladhar mountains on one side and kangra valley on the other. Triund is a very popular trekking spot . Triund attracts a lot of tourist every year from India and all over the world .   

Snowfall in Triund Trek

Triund  trek can be described as a tranquil trek which can be easily accomplished by almost all age groups . Triund has an unambiguous byway which goes through a beautiful mixed forest of oak, deodar and rhododendron . Trek is fairly easy for the first five kilometers but the last one kilometer may require a bit of toil , the last one kilometer is popularly know as the 22 curves as it has 22 tiring  curves before you finally reach Triund. Along the way there are many small  chai shops where one can refresh during the hike. Triund is come-at-able for most part of the year except for when the byway to triund is cut off by heavy snowfall in the months of  January and February .

Camping at Triund Dharamshala.

Triund Dharamshala Macleodganj Is A Perfect Trek Line For All Himalaya Lover Who Are In Beginning Phase Of Their Trek Life. And More Importantly Triund Is A Perfect Place For A Weekend Vacation For Couple Or Family. Mcleodganj - Dharamshala Region Is Blessed With Many Breathtakingly beautiful treks like Kareri  lake trek, Indrahar pass trek but Triund is the most famous as it can be done in a very limited time and perfect for a weekend .

Bir billing himachal pradesh

Take Off Site Billing.

Bir Billing is a small village surrounded big mountains in the heart of Himalaya’s near famous tourist destination Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh.Bir Billing is located 70 km. from Dharamshala. It is known for Hang gliding and paragliding both ,which serves as a landing ground for paragliders.The pristine beauty of the Kangra Valley during the winters makes Bir-Billing perfect for paragliding. The paragliding experience in Bir-Billing is among the best in the world. Bir-Billing in the Dhauladhar mountain range is known as one of the finest aero sports sites in the world .

Paragliding at bir billing.

Their launching destination 'Billing' is at 2,400(8500 ft)on the Dhauladhar ranges and most highest aero sport site,14-km distance from bir. Bir Billing Hosted Paragliding World cup in 2015. This was “First Paragliding World Cup of India.”This event happened in the month of October from 24th to 31st, 2015.”  During world cup 150 top ranked paragliding pilots of all over the world participating along with 500 free flying pilots. This is a great opportunity for many local paragliding pilots to show their skills to world.

Amazing View During Winter Bir Billing.

Bir Billing provides the option of Paragliding, Trekking to Himachali tribal villages, Mountain Biking, Angling and Camping. on the way to the Thamsar Pass trek, which is leading to Bada Bhangal, tribal region of Himachal Pradesh. Bir is mainly a Buddhist town and houses a monastery and a Tibetan handicraft center.If you want to fly among the birds up in the sky then visit this place.

barot valley beauty of himalaya

                                    Beautiful view of barot valley.

Barot is a small village located at mandi district of himachal pradesh india which lies in chauhar valley better known as barot valley.It is an emerging tourist place which offers many outdoor activites and fun like trecking,camping,mountain climbling etc.

Barot valley during winters

The barot valley is surrounded by snowy peaks of dhauladhar mountains.The valley is covered with thick forests of deodar and oak trees which also attract the tourist toward the valley.There are many varities of herbs and flowers over these mountains having great importance and medical use. The chauhar valley is also famous for its hashish(but hashish is illegal there).

There many temples of local devtas(gods) in the chauhar valley.The barot valley is situated beside the river uhl.There is also a haulage tolley system constructed in 1920's by the british is still present there which connects barot with jogindernagar(a nearest town to barot at the distance of about 40km).

view of reserviors at barot.

There is also two water reserviors of hydro project plants.These two beautiful reserviors are also a point of attraction for the tourists.There is also trecking pass from barot to kullu(manali). You can go for trekking from barot valley to bir billing(billing is asia's top highest site for paragliding). If someone wants to have vacations away from crowd, noise,pollution,daily tension and want some peace of mind then this is best place To visit this place is like a heaven on earth.