The first lag of the trek
from Rampur Bushahr to Sarahan via Arsu is a distance of 25 Km through
beautiful scenery which enthralls the onlooker. Even the tortuous path up to Arsu is carpeted with lovely flowers. During the months of May and June, the carcass and scarlet clusters of sumach are ablaze among the fields. The tall
pines, lofty furs and mighty deodars kiss the sky. In the fruit orchards the
cherry, apricot, peach and plum blossoms are splashed against mountain slopes
as if by some merry artist.
Sarahan is a spot of
unalloyed natural charm cradled by enormous emerald meadows and singing streams,
which give it an exotic appearance. A night’s rest at civil rest house
rejuvenates the weary limbs.
This Sarahan
at the outer Seraj valley of Kullu district is not to be confused with the
Sarahan in Mahasu district on the upper link of the Hindustan-Tibet Road and
another Sarahan on Shimla-Nahan Road in Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh.
This Sarahan
is ensconced in the mountains of outer Seraj area of Kullu. It is not a tourist
spot. One has to travel from Shimla along the Hindustan Tibet Road to the town
of Rampur Bushahr and then across the raging Satluj to the Kullu district. The last
lag of the journey is the large village of Nirmand up to Bagi Pul. From here
the trek begins with a steady climb along a small stream.
The scenery of Sarahan
casts a seductive spell on lovers of nature. It is a quite alluring place far
from the maddening crowd.
A similar experience
awaits the trekker beyond Sarahan en’route to the 12000 feet high Bashleo pass.
A 12 Km descent takes one to Bathal, another spot of great scenic beauty. The
slopes along the route are lined with fresh green foliage and the grazing
grounds used by the Gujjars who tend their cattle. The sight is a tapestry of
colors and gaiety against the rich background of lush green forests.
The entire route is dotted
natural work of rock outcrops with multi-colored flowers peeping out along with clumps of rhododendrons. The trekkers exhilarate in negotiating hairpin bends.
Crossing the Bashleo pass from the outer to inner Seraj valley is a unique experience, and its top provides a panaromic view of Pir Panjal range.
The descent of Bathad on
the steep mule track is treacherous. But
the masses of blue purple, iris splashed over the hill sides, buttercups,
daisies, sorrel, wild rose and a host of other flowering plants make the trek a
rare pleasure. A cold bath in the Bathad rivulet is indeed refreshing.
The people of the area who
seem to have few needs and therefore few worries lead a simple life. They are
god- fearing, credulous and superstitious. But they are contented with their
lot and are lively, good- tempered, truthful and honest. Their weather beaten
faces proclaim poverty and the deplorable socio- economic state of the region.
Since food is scarce and
the arable land limited, the people ward off
the danger of over- population by practicing the law of primogeniture.
Hence polyandry is a social and economic necessity and the parents are
reluctant to educate their children and make them work in the fields instead.
The path followed from
Rampur virtually cuts one off from all that is known to be sophisticated, and
it is only at Banjar at a distance of 16 Km that one finds the signs of
civilization. The road becomes jeep-able and the melodious sound of the running
brook and the soothing verdure provides an unforgettable sight.
Banjar is a beautiful spot
nestled in the interlocked ranges of high hills. It is a good market town that
caters to the needs of the sub-urban hilly area.
The visitors like to
linger on here and this is what seems to happen with the weary trekkers when
the grey half light of the morning flirts with them through the blinds of the
cosy civil rest house. The last trek to Lrji and Aut is of 22 Km.
The Banjar-Larji is a
verdant valley with Tirthen, the tributary of Beas, flowing through it.
Mangalore and Bali are the flourishing villages on the way. Aut is the gateway
to the Kullu valley and at every step the Beas river reveals the changing
beauty of this heavenly region.
Bajaura and Bhuntar are
the places of special interest between Aut and Kullu. Some 32 Km from Bhuntar,
the hot springs of Manikaran are an important tourist attraction. A jeep-able road along the Parbati river leads from Bhuin forest rest house to Kasol, a
place which is known as mini Isreal as number of tourists are always found nestling there. The
distance of Manikaran from Kasol is about 5 Km. Kasol is an oasis of beauty in
wooded wilderness of the Parbati valley. It is a quite and a charming place ideal
for those in search of tranquility. The nearby Pin Parbati range provides a
delightful backdrop. For the tourists wishing to get away from the monotony of
routine chores, veritable it is a veritable paradise.
The turbulent Parbati River
inspires awe and only Byron is needed to capture and recapitulate its might and
beauty in the words of sublime poetry. The waters of the hot springs spurt out
under pressure. The rice placed in a muslin bag can be cooked in less than 20
minutes. The water which contains not sulphur or iron is famous for its healing
powers.
The contour of Kullu
Manali is pleasantly broken by a number of transverse ridges and mountain
streams. Manali is a tourist dream. The thick log cabins piercing the sky right
from the banks of Beas river and the lovely wooded walks up the Hadimba Devi
temple, Vashist Kund and Jagat Sukh attract the visitors from far and wide. The
soft pine scented air, lingering shadows, a thousand hues sprinkles over fluffy
clouds by the setting sun can rejuvenate the sagging spirits.
The visit to Manali is
incomplete without a visit to Rohtang Pass, the gateway to Lahaul and Spiti. On
the way the trekkers come across undulating terrain and tiny hills. The hills
are stern and their sides are furrowed with precipitous water courses. The
pyramidal masses of granite rocks look formidable. From Rohalla onward the
ascent is tough and perilous. But the effort is compensated by a close view of
the snowy ranges which conjure up visions of the fairies smiling coyly at the
viewer.
What lends special charm
to Rohtang Pass is the sight of snow covered peaks towards North, vast
exposures of the plains in the South and the majestic meandering Beas coning
out of the Bead Kund.
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