Rohtang Pass
:- ( 51 km. ) At an altitude of 3,978 metres on the highway
to Keylong, the mass affords a wide-spread panorama of mountain scenery.
Here eye meets a range of precipitous cliffs, huge glaciers and piled
moraine and deep ravines. To the opposite is the well defined 'Sonepani
Glacier' slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geyphang snow
crowned. The Beas river rises near the crest of Rohtang from a block of
Mica-Schist. To its left, 200 metres higher, is the little lake of 'Sarkund'
( Dashahr ) visited by a large number of people every year. The bath in
the water of Sarkund lake effects cure of all bodily ailments or
imaginary. The pass is open from June to October each year although
trekkers can cross it earlier. It is the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi
and Leh valley.
Solang Valley :- (
13 km. ) A beautiful valley between Manali and Kothi which offers views
of the glaciers and snow covered mountain peaks. The plateau is
frequently used for holding camps by the trekking parties. The
surrounding areas of Manali from 3 to 20 km. are suitable for rock
climbing. The winter skiing festival is organised here as well as
training in skiing is imparted at this place.
Rohla Falls :- 16
kms. on way to Rohtang pass. If one goes to Marhi on foot from Kothi
from the old road, the sight of the falls is fascinating. It is a good
picnic spot as well.
Marhi :- ( 39 km. )
A barren landscape offering extensive views of the valley and the
mountains. 15 km. short of the 13,050 feet high Rohatang Pass on the
Manali-Leh road lies one of the most picturesque places in Manali
region. Marhi - a mountain plateau surrounded by lush green meadows
strewn with myriad wild flowers. The place remains a stopover for
transit visitors and tourists during summer and autumn seasons and a
transit place for the people to wait for the ferocious weather to
improve at Rohtang Pass to cross over to Lahaul and Spiti valley, during
the winter months.
Club House :- 2 kms.
from the town, club house has indoor games facilities which has been
located on the left bank of Manalsu Nallah. There are some picnic spots
near it.
Nehru Kund :- ( 6 km. )
Hotel Dew is situated at Nehru Kund. A natural spring of
clean cold water named after the late Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru,
who used to drink water from this spring during his stay in Manali. It
is located on the Manali-Keylong road. This spring is believed to be
coming from 'Bhrigu Lake'.
Tibetan Monastery :- A new but colorful Buddhist temple. It contains
many idols of Buddha. This monastey is famous for its carpet weaving and
Tibetan handicraft.
Kothi :- ( 12 km. )
A beautiful and quiet spot. The rest house here overlooks the narrow
valley and commands views at the mountains. Below Kothi, for more than a
km. the river Beas flows through a deep gorge, 30 metres or more in
depth. The site of the bridge provides an interesting historical episode
in early annals of Kullu. This place is famous for movie picturisation
and resting resort for poets, writers and lovers of peaceful
environments.
Vashisht :- ( 3 km. )
This place is famous for its hot water springs and temples of Vashisht
Rishi and Lord Rama. It is located on the bank of Beas, but well above
the river. Natural hot sulphur springs with two separate bathing tanks
for gents and ladies are always full of tourists. Turkish style showers
fitted baths have also been built nearby. Hot water from the nearby
spring is provided for bathing.
Jagatsukh :- ( 6 km. )
The original name of this was 'Nast', it remained the ancient capital of
Kullu for about 10 generations. Jagatsukh is famous for its Shiva temple
in Shikhara Style and interesting old temple of 'Gayatri Devi' and Devi
Sharvali.
Hidimba Devi Temple :-
( 1.5 km. ) Built in 1553 A.D. also known as 'Doongri Temple' dedicated
to the Goddess Hidimba ( Hirma Devi ), the wife of Bhima, has a four
tiered pagoda shaped roof with a doorway carved with figures and
symbols. Although carving is simple yet beautiful. This temple was built
by Raja Bahadur Singh of Kullu.
Arjun Gufa :- ( 15
km. ) A legendary cave near the village of 'Prini' on the left bank
where Arjuna practised austerities to get the powerful 'Pashupati astra'
( weapon ). |