Apple Circuit

Take an incredible journey into the magnificent apple country in the Himalayas. In Thanedar, your first destination in the apple country, with acres of apple orchards in and around the Banjara Retreat, you encounter history, as this was the birthplace of apples in the country. Your journey from here will take you to another spectacular destination in the middle Himalayas - Sangla in the Kinnaur district. This valley along the Baspa River and surrounding by snow-capped peaks is truly unexplored gem of natural beauty. Here is a place that offers an out of the ordinary travel experience.

Day 1: Chandigarh - Thanedar - Drive - 195 kms/6.5 hrs

Reach Chandigarh by Shatabdi express at 1045 hrs. Drive to Thanedar. Check into Banjara retreat. Evening at leisure.

Day 2: Thanedar - Sangla - 156 kms/5-6 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Sangla via Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan en route. Arrive in Sangla in the evening. Overnight stay in Banjara camp, Sangla. For six months every year, the Himalayan valleys of Kinnaur and Spiti emerge from a thick cloak of snow to reveal a di erent, secret world to man. Your discovery of the lesser-known Himalayas can begin at the Banjara Camp in the Sangla Valley. At a height of 2,700 Mts the Banjara Camp is surrounded by towering mountains on all sides and is set on the banks of the Baspa River that surges through the valley. Long walks to discover the amazing fauna and ora of the valley, treks to view snow covered Himalayan peaks, angling for trout, experiencing some of the local culture and traditions, rock climbing, rappelling are only some of the delights that are on o er.

Day 3: Sangla - Rakcham - Sangla - 6 kms one way

It is a 4-5 hours walk through the forest to Rakcham village. It is a fascinating walk through a wide variety of ora. We call it 'the signature walk' of the valley. We start as early as possible with a light breakfast and carry juice and sandwiches for the mid break point! Arrive back at camp by noon for a hot shower and lunch. A level-cum-gradually climbing path rst takes one to Batseri Village across the Baspa River. A 'dekko' at the temple and one is quickly out of the village into the forest. After about half an hour the path takes a sharp climb and goes on for thirty minutes where one hits the rst 'glacier'. That can be the rst 'chota' halt. Across the glacier one quickly melts into the forest and here the path goes gradually up. Half an hour and many fascinating views later the path takes a sudden descent and opens out into the valley. Lo and behold! Another small glacier walk and a balance walking across a few streams later one comes to a plain at ground. This is generally the mid way breaking point where we stop brie y for Juices and sandwiches. Resume the walk after a short break. A big tract of Poplar forest welcomes you as you walk on. The path from here takes a gradual ascent and goes on for 30-40 minutes to level in a forest, which gives way to the at lands of Rackcham village. The Valley opens up here revealing the snow-clad mountains across which lies Uttarakhand and Tibet. We cross Baspa River yet again to reach the village and the road where some hot tea would be waiting for you. On this walk, one gets to see most of the tree and plant variety the valley has to o er. If the time is right and one is lucky, one gets to see quite a bit of Avi- Fauna. The more adventurous ones have the option of carrying a packed lunch and hike down all the way back to the camp (6 kms)

Day 4: Sangla - A day visit to Chitkul

There is not a better conception of a day picnic than a short drive to Chitkul, walk to Nagasthi and opening the lunch hamper under the pine trees next to a rivulet on green grass looking at the beautiful expanse of the valley. The sun lters through the trees and warms you while you take the post lunch siesta. We start the day around nine after breakfast. It takes 45 minutes to reach Chitkul. The drive is one of the most fascinating one gets to do. Pine trees slowly giving way to 'Bhojpatra'/Birch trees and then the tree line disappears and one reaches the meadowland. The valley opens up and you nd yourself facing the snow capped Great Himalayas beyond which lies Tibet. Perched on the one side of the valley, below one of the ridges is the quaint Chitkul village. One look at it and image of 'Shangri- La' crosses the mind. Chitkul falls in what once used to be the 'Silk Route'. Nagasthi is the last border outpost and short walk from Chitkul. Civilians are not allowed beyond this point. The walk is a level one and slightly going down the path through a pastureland and elds overlooking the freely owing Baspa. A 1.5 hrs walk takes you to the outpost where the Jawans' smiling faces greet you. Walk back and open your lunch hamper at an idyllic spot. Back in the camp by late afternoon to rest and relax and be ready for the evening tea

Day 5: Sangla - Thanedar

Drive back to Thanedar. The adventurous ones may hike down to St. Mary's church in the afternoon on arrival. Night stay in Banjara Orchard retreat.

Day 6: Thanedar - Kalka - Delhi

After breakfast, drive back to Kalka to board evening Shatabdi express train back to Delhi. middle Himalayas - Sangla in the Kinnaur district. This valley along the Baspa River and surrounding by snow-capped peaks is truly unexplored gem of natural beauty. Here is a place that o ers an out of the ordinary travel experience.