Travel info? Aravali Range-Uttarakhand Himalaya-Lahaul & Spiti

TravelingThali

Hi,

We are planning a trip to visit the Aravalli Ranges ( to look for more unexplored,untouched, areas other than Mt. Abu)as we are fascinated by the flora and fauna of the place and the food of the region.

We prefer the areas reasonably above sea level to beat the summer heat. We want to escape the cluster and pollution of city life.

From there we want to go to the Himalayan Ranges beyond Dehradun in Uttranchal to explore places which are still untouched by the tourism boom ( we dont mind staying in a small hamlet for we want to be more closer to nature than mankind)

After we move around we want to go to the unexplored regions in Lahaul and Spiti, if time permits we may go north to Kashmir.

Pardon us guys if we r being so picky about being in less travesed places, cos we are fed up every day being claustrophobic in this big city.

We would really appreciate all the advice to travel, explore, stay,eat, laze around on this circuit.

Thanks in advance

Dilliwala

Hmm, u haven't said what it is exactly that u'd like to see Himalaya-wise and when u're going. If u're just looking for remote hamlets, pick any point on a map and someone's sure to tell u how to get there. Does it need a view? From Dehradun, u can head to Chakrata. Or go further north to Sankri. Ready to walk? Another 12 km is Taluka. Khirsu is another quiet place with a view. Chopta is another. The list is endless....

Lahaul and Spiti: There really aren't any places that can be said to be too touristy. Keylang at it's worst cannot be said to be half as bad as Manali at it's best, f'rinstance. But Lahaul is cut off for 7 motnhs a year, u can't go there befor June. Spiti is still approachable from Kinnaur most of the time.

TravelingThali

Hi,

sorry couldnt reply early.. as we were researching offline & busy with work...I really appreciate your advice.. we will do some research on the places suggested by you.

A friend said that property prices nearly in 60km radius of dehradun have shot up a lot, does it hold true for these places suggested by you.

would appreciate more places.. some one suggested to look in interiors of Almora... what do u think of the same?


Thanks for the info on lahual, is there no means of transport in winter in emergencies ?

Dilliwala

TT,
Thankfully, the places I've mentioned in Garhwal have been spared the rise in prices that Dehradun has seen.

Yes, I think the interiors of Almora district, not to mention the rest of Kumaon, have plenty to offer as well. Binsar, Kausani, Mukteshwar, Munsyari, Dhaulchhina, Chaukori/Udiyari, Berinag, Tripura Devi - these are just the places I've seen, others will have more names, I'm sure. Altho folks may think of Ranikhet as very touristy, I think nearby places like Majkhali are worth considering, altho offhand I don't know of any accom there. Chaubatia is small and very scenic I hear (haven't made it there yet ).

In Garhwal, Gwaldam gets a major honourable mention. Lansdowne for sure, not a village but still pretty laid back and unspoilt. Other places? Hmmm...u know, I'm not trying to fob u off, but it really is easier for folks to advise on a more region-specific basis, becos there are still so many small out-of-the-way places that u cud literally stick a pin on a map of the state and someone's sure to be able to come up with something within a 10 km radius at least. All depends on what facilities are desired.
I just remembered, u shud also read roshe's article "A Trip to Heaven" - she stayed in a few small places last year e.g. near Gopeshwar which might interest u.

Re Lahaul: The military can fly in and out with helicopters, I'm not sure what happens for civilians. I guess in an extreme emergency the military wud evacuate (and do), but I don't believe this happens wtih regularity. Maybe it's just as well that the local folk are hardier than the rest of us. Keylang being the district HQ has a hospital but it certaibly can't handle complicated stuff.