Travel Himalayas Presents

‘The Great Dusshera Festival Package Deals’

11 Nights / 12 Days

Two of India’s most popular festivals Dusshera and Diwali are just around the corner. While these festivals are celebrated all over the country, the Kullu Dusshera is known for its uniqueness and begins once all the other Dusshera festivals in the rest of the country are over. There is no burning of effigies of Ravana the demon king and his brothers here, instead over 300 Gods from different villages in the Kullu Valley are brought here to pay homage to Lord Ragunath the reigning deity of the valley. For years this festival has brought thousands of Indian and International visitors to witness this colourful and exciting celebration. The air of gaiety and joyful celebration is felt more than seen. A large number of tents come up selling sweet meats and other snacks and meals. Entertainment comes in its various forms similar to other fairs all over the country. This is a time to visit the Valley of the Gods for an experience of a life time. Travel Himalayas is now offering special packages just on this occasion.

(Best Deal) Travel Himalayas Dusshera Extravaganza:

Day 1: Arrival Manali

Arrival Manali. Check into your hotel. Afternoon free to stroll around the Mall road and get your bearings. Evening return to your hotel.

Day 2: Kullu Dusshera Opening ceremony :

Travel Himalayas provides a local guide who escorts you to the opening day of the Dusshera festivities in Kullu – 40 Kms from Manali. This is the day when over 200 deities arrive at a grassy meadow in the heart of Kullu to await to pay homage to Lord Ragunath the presiding deity of the valley brought in an elaborately done up chariot accompanied b the erstwhile Raja Maheshwar Singh. The chariot is pulled by massive ropes which are considered sacred by the local people. As the rites of the opening day get over the thousands gathered here disperse into the grounds that are dotted with tents selling an amazing variety of merchandise from sweat meats and snacks to clothing and household items at rock bottom prices. return to stroll around experiencing the sights and the local enthusiasm. By evening we return to Manali and your hotel. Overnight.

Day 3: Manali – Rohtangpass – Manali

Today we drive up to the 13,050 ft high Rohtang Pass gateway to the northern hi-altitude deserts of Lahaul and Spiti. From the pass you get spectacular views of the barren towering mountains of the Greater Himalaya to the north and the fresh evergreen forests and glades of Kullu to the south. By evening we return to Manali and your hotel. Evening at leisure. If you feel up to it you can stroll down the busy Mall road with its fancy shops and fine restaurants and pick up a few local handicrafts. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Manali Local Sight Seeing Tour

We spend the day visiting the sights around Manali. Visit the 500 year old Hadimba Devi Temple built in a thick grove of giant Deodar trees equally old. This temple has a small rock enclosure inside awhile its exteriors are adorned with the horns of different animals that were once sacrificed to the goddess. After paying your respects, we drive down to the highly crafted Buddhist monastery near the market which holds a giant image of the Buddha. Close by is another monastery built in the early 1960’s when the Tibetans sought refuge in India. This too has some ancient statues and idols of different Buddhist deities besides beautiful thankas – delicate paintings done on silk cloth.

We later head north of the town to the Club House for a hearty lunch beside the murmuring Manalsu rivulet flowing down to join the River Beas a few hundred yards downstream. In the afternoon we head north after crossing the bridge over the River Beas to visit the famous Hot Sulphur Springs at the ancient village of Vashisht. There are two large tanks here where you can take a refreshing dip as the waters are believed to have healing properties. We walk further to the cascading Jogini Falls a little ahead of the village. Walking through this picturesque village with its cobbled stone paths it seems you’ve stepped back in time. Have a packed lunch at the falls and take in the grand views of snow clad mountains and distant meadows all around. We return to Manali and your hotel by evening. Return to your hotel by evening. After resting for a while you’re free to either relax in your hotel or take a stroll in the market place. Return to your hotel for the night.

Day 5: Naggar Tour

Today you’re escorted to the quaint little village of Naggar once the capital of Kullu Rajahs. The drive along the left bank of the River Beas is one of the most picturesque in the valley offering glimpses of cascading waterfalls and glimmering streams flowing down thickly forested hillsides. On reaching Naggar we visit the ancient castle now a deluxe hotel run by the Tourism department. There is an interesting museum inside giving you a look into the Kullu valley culture and lifestyle. We then head on to the attractive cottage of Svetoslav Roerich the famous philosopher and landscape artist to view some of the most haunting and mesmerizing landscape paintings you would have ever seen. The museum is now managed by a Russian Committee. We then return to the Castle for lunch at the restaurant that overlooks the entire central Kullu valley spread out far below. By evening we return to Manali after stopping over at the Patlikuhl Trout Hatchery and Farm. We drop you off at your hotel for the night.

Day 6: Manikaran Tour

Today we drive south past Kullu -where you’ll still find large crowds enjoying the fair like atmosphere - to the side valley of Manikaran. This small hamlet is known for its large Gurudwara – a Sikh temple- which attracts thousands of pilgrims each year. There is also an ancient Hindu temple. Another attraction here is the near boiling hot water springs that can even cook a meal. After spending the morning here we head back to Manali. You have an option to indulge in a 14 Km river rafting trip down the River Beas while returning to Manali.

Day7:SolangValley

We leave in the morning after breakfast and drive down to the beautiful Solang Valley which is transformed into a Ski resort in the winters. This time of the year you get great views of snow clad mountain peaks as you stroll through green meadows. You can opt for horse riding or a short paragliding flight while you’re here. We also take you on a short hike through meadows and forests to the small hamlet of Dhundi where you have packed lunch taking in the magnificent panoramic views. Return to Manali and your hotel for the Night

Day 8: In the morning after a late breakfast we head north towards the village of Kothi and the meadows of Gulaba to spend a quiet day enjoying the grandeur of nature at its best. Stroll along lush green meadows and small gurgling streams that sustain a variety of wild flowers. Have lunch and head back to Manali by evening. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the mall road and pick up some handicrafts before returning to your hotel for the night.

Day 9: Day at leisure in your hotel. Free to go for a shopping spree in the lively mall road.

Day 10: Bijli Mahadev

Drive to the ancient temple of Bijli Mahadev atop a hill above the Kullu town. This temple is known for its unusual phenomena of lightening striking the stone Shivling within the temple every year. This shivling is then put back together by the priests with butter after which it resumes its original shape. Panoramic views of the snow clad mountains of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges can be seen from the temples courtyard. After having packed lunch on the way at a scenic spot we return to Manali and your hotel by evening.

Day 11: Closing Ceremony :

Today we drive to Kullu to attend the closing ceremony of the Dusshera festival. You have a chance to see the gods return to their respective villages and the chariot taken back to its resting place in the temple near the Rajah’s residence. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and pick up a few curious before returning to Manali and your hotel for the night.

Day 12: Departure from Manali to your onward destination. Travel Himalayas will arrange any mode of transportation that you prefer – Bus, Taxi or Flight to Delhi.