Himalayan Golden Triangle
This off-beat circuit, actively promoted byBanjara Camps, attracts outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy nature away from touristy areas. It starts in the heart of Himachal Pradesh's apple country, in Thanedhar (around two hours from Shimla). The Sangla Valley is located 9,000 feet above sea level in Kinnaur District, close to the Tibetan border, and offers trout fishing and trekking (including glacier trekking in March and April). You can also visit Chitkul village, the last village on the old Indo-Tibetan trade route. Sojha links the Kullu and Shimla districts, and provides more opportunities to venture into the wild mountainous countryside.
Banjara Orchard Retreat – Thanedar, Shimla District:
Thanedar is at about 80 kms from Shimla on the old Hindustan - Tibet road. Set at an altitude of about 7700 ft / 2350 M, from here unfolds a magnificent panorama of mountains. The farthest of them are cloaked in snow, others are deodar clad or draped in a soft blue haze. In a gorge, some 6,000 feet below and clearly visible to the naked eye, flows the River Sutlej. Thanedar & its surrounds enjoy a special place in Himachal history. In 1916 Samuel Stokes, a social worker from Philadelphia brought the first apple saplings to this place he had adopted as his home. One can still see the 'Starking Delicious' apple orchard that he planted there. Nestled amongst the acres of apple & cherry orchards that drape the mountain slopes in this region, is the Banjara Orchard Retreat - an eco-friendly getaway that will enchant nature lovers. There are fully furnished rooms, family suites and independent log cabins with attached baths and a well-equipped kitchen to cater to a variety of tastes. Mr. Prakash Thakur, the host, for whom the Orchard Retreat has been a labor of love, is also the resident expert on the history and culture of this little piece of paradise.
Banjara Camp & Retreat - Sangla, Kinnaur District, Himachal:
Your discovery of the lesser-known Himalayas can begin at the Banjara Camp in the Sangla Valley. At a height of 2,700 mts, the Banjara Camp & Retreat is surrounded by towering mountains on all sides and is set on the banks of the Baspa River that surges through the valley. Long walks to discover the amazing fauna and flora of the valley, treks to view snow covered Himalayan peaks, angling for trout, experiencing some of the local culture and traditions, rock climbing, rappelling and river crossing are only some of the delights that are on offer. Surrounded by apple orchards, the campsite has cozy Swiss-style tents with attached, tiled bathrooms and running hot water. The Retreat (situated right beside the campsite & opened to guests in May 2009) - a two storied stone & wood house in rustic style has large, comfortably furnished and tastefully decorated rooms. There are now a couple of river facing huts as well. A well-equipped kitchen serves multi-cuisine meals and evening bonfires keep the chill away. Hammocks swaying in the breeze, the gurgling of the river, the crisp crackling of the bonfire and the delicious aromas of barbecued food wafting over you – that’s what we have to offer you at Sangla, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Banjara Retreat & Cottage – Sojha, Kullu District:
Sojha is a little village at about 5 kms from the Jalori Pass that links the Shimla and Kullu districts. The thickly wooded mountainside, densely populated with conifers, deodars and toosh characterize the beauty and uniqueness of Sojha. With unending slopes of emerald forests, verdant and pristine, nature is at its most alluring. Located in Seraj valley, still undiscovered by many, Sojha is a breathtakingly beautiful place. The mornings are particularly invigorating. One can just stroll around, walk up to the meadows or perhaps take the pathway into the jungle. Nature lovers can enjoy thick wooded hill slopes starting from bottom as far down or up or sideways or deep as one can look. One can see the great snow clad peaks beyond the tree line and some great cloud formations. The whole region is a part of the Great Himalayan National Park Our Retreat and Cottage here, are two wooden houses surrounded by wooded forests from which you get a panoramic view of the snow covered Himalayan ranges in the distance. The numerous walks and treks in the surrounding forests and meadows are a special feature of the area and the drive to the retreat is a pleasure in itself.
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