Tirthan Valley, In Heaven

After reaching Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh, you would not want to go back. 
This valley swallows you! Its killing specially when you have to go back to the city to a job waiting for you. 
What comparison does our box to box lives have to this magnificent Valley.

There are no fancy hotels in Tirthan as it is not so commercialized as other hilly regions in Himachal Pradesh. Which is a good thing as you don't bump into same old touristy crowd here. You have your own space and time to explore the place on your own. 

The best way to stay in Tirthan are the home stays. You can walk around, ask people and might end up getting a good deal with a good view. Otherwise, if you are staying for few days only, you might as well go for The Himalayan Trout House. It is definitely the best cottages you can find in the valley. 
They are a little expensive, but is covered up by the people and the atmosphere. It is owned by Christopher and his wife in collaboration with few of their other friends who are all very interesting characters and lovely to sit and chat with. The atmosphere is very relaxing and people don't bother you here. 

Other than this is another guesthouse you can stay - Rajus guesthouse in Gulshaini. However, it is located on the other side of the river from the road, so one has to ride in a metal basket that is pulled manually across the water; a scary but fun ride.

There are 2 waterfalls in Tirthan which are an 1 hour trek up.
But what Tirthan is most popular for is its trout fish. Which is supposed to be quite delicious (I would not know as I dont eat fish). You can also go fishing here. 

Another place to visit and you can camp in is The Great Himalayan National Park - An area comprising the watersheds of Jiwa, Sainj, and Tirthan rivers became the Great Himalayan National Park in 1984. Starting from an altitude of 1,700 metres above mean sea level, the highest peak within the Park approaches almost 5,800 metres.

In a nutshell Tirthan Valley is a beautiful getaway for anybody and everybody! But I only hope it remains the same as it is now and does not fall prey to commercialism. Peace...Love..nature...Simple living close to nature is food for great thoughts and creativity!!
Cheers!  

Delhi to Tirthan Valley ~ Heaven awaits

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!" ~Hunter S. Thompson

This is exactly what you feel after a 16 hour ride on a Royal Enfield with your beloved from the hustle bustle of Delhi to peace, love and tranquility of Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh. 

Situated besides the Tirthan river in Himachal Pradesh (altitude- 1600 mtrs), Tirthan valley is a gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park. Tirthan Valley, not a very commercial place or popular tourist destination, is a laid back, beautiful valley  in Kullu district. It takes approximately 14 to 17 hours by road to reach Tirthan from Delhi. And the best way, if you can take the ass crushing back breaking, is riding to Tirthan. Its totally worth it. 

THE WAY/ ROAD CONDITIONS 

The way is quite simple (map given below) - From Delhi you ride towards ISBT and from there you carry on straight towards Panipat. There is one straight highway. You dont turn anywhere till you reach Ambala. The roads are nice and broad and easy to ride. (Just that you might get bored of the same landscape for a long stretch). 

From Ambala you go towards Chandigarh city. After reaching Chandigarh, ride towards Ropar (Roop Nagar)>Kiratpur (This is where you will start climbing uphill. The roads are not in good condition between Ropar > Kiratpur > Bilaspur. 

After crossing Bilaspur, the roads are good! Some pictures taken on the way >

Remember when you reach Aut, not to go through the tunnel, instead take a right turn before the tunnel towards Larji. This is where the landscape starts getting extremely beautiful. When you reach Larji T- Point from where you need to take a right to reach Sai Ropa. It takes about 1.30 to 2 hours to reach Tirthan from Aut.  

Delhi – Ambala (188 KM) – Chandigarh – Roopnagar (282 KM) – Kiratpur – Bilaspur (371 KM) – Mandi (440 KM) – Pandoh – Aut (481 KM) – Larji – Gushaini – Tirthan (511 KM)
Here are some more pictures we clicked on the way....

Finally after reaching Tirthan, you are surrounded by mountains, which are so close and gigantic and a forever background sound of the river flowing.  
Back to basics. Such a simple solution to every problem. hard working happy faces. Who wont be content living so close to nature that you could feel it's essence all around you and smile all day :)

PS: follow next post about tirthan valley > surroundings, people, stay, food. 

Hauz Khas village diaries - Introduction

Hauz Khas Village is a place for young fashion. With its narrow lanes and various small fashion boutiques, concept stores, young and upcoming designer stores and small cozy cafes spread on both sides, it has emerged as a hub for young, arty, stylish Delhi crowd. Of course in the background you would also see the local villagers who used to own the property or still do here. But as the place reinvented itself as a cool commercial hang out, these villagers now rent out their properties to young entrepreneurs. 

 Free art wall in Hauz Khas Village

 Kunzum Travel Cafe is pretty cool

                                             Narrow lanes transport you outside Delhi

 O layla Store

 Main centre street

 TLR

 What a contrast behind the street

 Midi Bob?

 I am Happy!

Walking on the street you would probably come across a certain type of crowd, youngsters, hip oldies and foreigners and people who want to relax in one of the many small cafes or bars. One can see designers, artists, lovers, fashion creators as well as followers. Definitely the most happening place in Delhi right now. Ofcourse you do get a sprinkle of over dressers or clichés  from time to time but leaving that aside you are bound to have a good good time! 
I usually walk around exploring the insides of Hauz Khas village (HKV) and small hidden roof top cafes with authentic mouth watering food. 

 

Hauz Khas Village Crowd 

Funky to classy, pop to vintage, bright to pastels, we find a good variety of merchandise here. To name a few - Ogaan, Shivan and Naresh, people’s tree, Creative bee, House of Blondie, Ole, Rohit Kant, Munkee see Munkee do, Lola’s world, Napa Dori, Purple Jungle, White, O Lyala, Cell Design 11:11, Aphrodite.

My most favorite are the vintage item shops which showcase old bollywood posters, match boxs, tin boxes, records, cameras, and many many more items you can go crazy browsing through. 

The happening bars, restaurants and cafes here attract a lot of customers daily. So it is a great place to get your brand seen by the ‘in’ crowd of Delhi and promotion.

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      The product mix available in this place is an amalgamation of old and new. One can have a relaxed walk around the Hauz Khas village street and be amused by the variety of products they see here and the ambience.