Kunzum

Kunzum Pass is a high mountain pass located in the Eastern Kunzum Range of the Himalayas. The Kunzum Pass lies at an altitude of 4551 m above sea level and connects the Lahaul Valley with the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The sky blue backdrop with the mesmerizing view of the Bara-Sigri and Chota-Sigri Glaciers makes Kunzum a heaven for tourists. There is a temple dedicated to Kunzum Mata which is a must see. A 8 km trek from the Kunzum Pass leads one to the Chandratal Lake which is situated at a height of 14,100 ft. The best time to visit Kunzum Pass is during the months of June to September.

Kunzum Pass

How to Reach

The nearest major railway station is Kalka. Kalka enjoys excellent rail connectivity with Delhi and other parts of the country. Toy trains, buses and cars are available from Kalka to reach Shimla. Hired cars are available from Shimla to reach Kaza. Kunzum is 78 km from Kaza.

Hotels

There are no accommodation options at Kunzum. You can stay at Keylong.
Hotel Valley View. Tariff - Rs. 1000. Tel: (01900) 222666.
Hotel Snow Land. Tariff - Rs. 650-850. Tel: (01900) 222219.

Baijnath

Baijnath is a hill town located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. The town was once the capital of the Katyuri Kings who ruled the area from 7th-11th century AD. The main attraction of Baijnath is the famous Baijnath Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated at an elevation of 1234 m above sea level on the banks of the Gomti River. The river surrounds the temple complex on three sides. The beautiful view of the snow clad Himalayan peaks from the Baijnath Temple is another attraction.

Baijnath Temple

How to Reach

Baijnath is 19 km from Kausani. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam. Regular train services are available from other parts of the country to Kathgodam. Hired cars are plying from Kathgodam to Kausani. Buses and cars are available from Kausani to reach Baijnath.

Hotels

KMVN Tourist Resthouse. Tariff - 1050-2200. Tel: (05963) 250101.

Tabo

Tabo is a hill hamlet located in Lahaul and Spiti distict of Himachal Pradesh. The town lies at an altitude of 10,000 ft above sea level. Tabo is situated on the banks of the Spiti river. The prime attraction of the village is the ancient Tabo Monastery which is said to be established in the year 996 AD. The architecture and carvings on the walls of the monastery is mind blowing. The monastery has been declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The apple orchard of the Tabo Monastery is worth seeing.

Tabo

How to Reach

The nearest major railway station is Kalka. Kalka enjoys excellent rail connectivity with Delhi and other parts of the country. Toy trains, buses and cars are available from Kalka to reach Shimla. Hired cars are available from Shimla to reach Tabo.

Hotels

Millennium Monastery Guesthouse. Tariff - Rs. 600-1000. Tel: (01906) 223315.
Ajanta Guest House. Tariff - Rs. 600-1000. Tel: (01906) 233381.
Banjara Camp. Tariff - Rs. 4000. Tel: (011) 26861397.

Chitkul

Chitkul is a small village located in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The hamlet lies at an altitude of 3450 m and is the last inhabited settlement near the Indo-Tibet border. Chitkul is situated in a calm, serene and pollution free environment on the banks of Baspa River. The village is surrounded by forests of pine, oak and deodar. The place offers beautiful views of the snow clad mountains of the Himalayas. The Chitralekha Mata Temple is a noteworthy attraction of Chitkul. The place experiences heavy snowfall during the winter months and it is advised not to visit the place during that time.

Chitkul

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Kalka. Cars and buses are plying from Kalka to Shimla. Hired cars are available from Shimla to reach Sangla. Chitkul is 26 km from Sangla.

Hotels

Hotel Alpine View. Tariff - Rs. 2000. Tel: 9816404973.
Panchali Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1500-2000. Tel: 9816803505.
Thakur Guesthouse. Tariff - Rs. 800-1000. Tel: 9459270841.

Bidyang

Bidyang is a small hill hamlet situated at a distance of 15 km from Kalimpong in West Bengal. The place is ideal for those who want to experience the serenity of the hills and the endless bounty of nature. The hamlet is located on the banks of Reli river. Facilities for adventure sports like rock climbing and river crossing are added attractions. The confluence of Teesta and Reli river is 7 km from Bidyang Valley. The wooden hanging bridge standing on the river is awe inspiring.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. Kalimpong-bound buses are available from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus in Siliguri. Shared jeeps are also available from Siliguri to Kalimpong. Bidyang is 15 km from Kalimpong. Hired cars ply from Kalimpong to Bidyang village.

Hotels

Bidyang Valley Resort. Tariff - Double Bed Cottage Rs. 1800, Four Bed Rs. 1500. Food charges: Rs. 500 per head.