CYCLING TIRTHAN VALLEY – JHANJEHLI – SHIKARI DEVI – CHINDI

AN INTRODUCTION

The great Himalayan national park in the Kullu district is a UNESCO site. The park in itself is a treasure trove for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, with numerous trails leading to peaks and hidden valleys; and on its vestiges are places which in the recent past have shot up on the offbeat tourism charts; Shangarh – the sprawling meadow in the Sainj valley, The Tirthan valley named after the river flowing from the Tirath glacier in the park, the meadows of Sarchi and Lambri, Bashleo pass and Baga Saraun and further on the south west the inner Seraj with Jibhi, Shoja and Jalori pass. Routes also lead to Gadah Gushaini and Jhanjehli. There is a Gushaini (on the vestiges of Great Himalayan National Park) in Tirthan valley, and then there’s a Gadah Gushaini, definitely a thicker version of the Gushaini we might know. Rolling Meadows, gentle flowing mountain streams, shepherds, pot, trails, and it takes more than just a road to get there! Intention, Destiny, Willingness. A winding road of about 33kms from Jibhi (in Seraj Valley, reached from Aut 35kms on Manali Highway) gets you to this marvel in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. There is but one guest house and a HP PWD rest house here for accommodation. Before Gadah Gushaini is Bahu another gem in the area. Awesome walks lead one to Chach Galu (Galu means pass in Mandi dialect) and from there to Jalori pass or Magru Gala (near Janjehli). Now a road connects Gadah Gushaini to Chattri and Janjehli. Be here for a weekend and you will understand what escape means.

THE ITINERARY

DAY 00

We will all meet at Himachal Bhavan, Safdar Hashmi Marg, Delhi at 1700hrs and board the Volvo bus to Manali.

DAY 01

Disembark at Aut in the morning from the Volvo and board our cabs towards Tirthan valley. much of the day is spent at leisure, early morning after breakfast driving to Jalori pass and hiking to Sereolsar lake/or Raghupur fort and then and it is only towards late afternoon that we go on a spin on our mountain bikes riding downhill back to Tirthan valley. Evening at hotel.

DAY 02

After breakfast we board our cabs and drive to Jibhi, from where we start our ride, an ascent followed by a gradual descent to Gadah Gushaini (20kms). The first pass Chach Galu is another 7kms ascent from where we descend towards the interiors of Mandi district and climb yet another pass, Magru Gala, before Jhanjehli. The total riding from Chach Galu is 38kms to Magru Gala and another 12kms descend to Jhanjehli. Overnight Hotel/Bed and Breakfast

DAY 03

A beautiful ride awaits us today as we ascend through the trails of the Shikari Devi sanctuary towards Raigad (10kms) and further to the base of Shikari Devi (6kms). 500 stairs lead up to the sprawling meadows and the roofless temple of Shikari Devi (3400mts). After a good session of photography we descend to the base and then continue our ride through a forested jeep track and a trail towards Sanarli (22kms). Chindi is another 6kms from here, our abode for the night.

DAY 04

After a hearty breakfast we start our ride today from the hotel and descend towards the Karsog valley and further through the highway towards Tattapani on the banks of the river Sutlej. Board the support vehicles here and drive towards Shimla to catch the Volvo back home in time.

INCLUSIONS

1. Mountain Bikes (Canondale, GT, Trek, Scott Hardtail Bikes)
2. 2 Support Vehicles (Equipment, Luggage, Back up)
3. An Outdoor Concierge who is also your Mountain Cycling expert in the mountains.
4. First aid/Medical Support. We carry all emergency medicines/supplies and oxygen cylinders. In a situation demanding more than this all our routes have primary and community health centers.
5. Hydration and Cycling Nutrition Support (Chocolates, Dry Fruit Packs, Energy bars / Chikki, bottled water, juice, ORS, fruits)
6. Accommodation on twin sharing basis. (In hotels, B&B, Tents as mentioned in the itinerary)
7. Welcome Kit (T shirt, Sipper, Cap)

EXCLUSIONS

1. GST
2. Insurance
3. Personal Expenses (tips, non alcoholic/alcoholic beverages etc.)
4. Costs arising due to landslides, route/road closure, bad weather, act of God.
5. Evacuation if any, during an emergency.
6. Transport other than mentioned in the itinerary.

ADD – ONS (at an extra cost, Please enquire if you require any add-on to make your trip a notch above our standard offering.)

• Single Supplement (a tent all to yourself or a room, maybe!. Subject to availability.)
• Return Volvo tickets (to and fro from Delhi, Chandigarh or Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala)
• Pick up and Drop services.
• Masseur (Ayurveda massage for the evenings after the ride/walk)
• Physiotherapist
• Yoga instructor and Specialist. An introductory  Yoga session/s for the duration of your trip in the outdoors.
• Extensions to your holiday planning.