Kaza Retreat – Kaza

KAZA RETREAT: Kaza is the capital of Spiti Valley. Rudyard Kipling describes Spiti in "Kim" in these words: "At last they entered a world within a world - a valley of leagues where the high hills were fashioned of the mere rubble and refuse from off the knees of the mountains... Surely the Gods live here.

The valleys of Kullu and Lahaul bound Spiti, locally pronounced "Piti", on its south and west; the region of Ladakh lies to the north and the Kalpa valley lies to the southeast. Geologically and archaeologically, Spiti is a living museum. The mountains are devoid of any vegetation and erosion by wind, sun and snow over thousands of years has laid bare the rocks. The rugged and rocky mountain slopes sweep down to the riverbeds giving the landscape a moon-like appearance.

Accommodation: Eleven rooms with attached bathrooms with modern amenities.

Best time to visit: April to October are the best times to visit Kaza.

Places to visit around the Retreat:

Ki Monastery: Ki Gompa, the largest in the valley, is 11 kms. away. Located above Kaza at the height of 4116m, fine murals and valuable collection of Kangyur - ancient Buddhist texts are its attractions.

Gete and Kibber: Gete at 4270m and Kibber at 4205m are known for being the highest inhabited and motorable villages in the world. Perched on a vast rocky stretch of land and surrounded by mountains of limestone rocks, the view from here is truly breathtaking.

Chandertal: Situated at 4270m, Chandertal is a crystal clear natural lake that lies in a broad grassy plain. Perched between a low ridge and main Kunzum range, the lake is a wonderful camping site and spectacular trekking destination.

Langza-Hikkim-Comic Day trek: A good trek from Kaza is the Langza-Hikkim-Comic circuit which passes thru' a virtual treasure trove of fossils, the highest village at 4460m and highest monastery at 4560m respectively. The panorama as viewed from these villages is enthralling and inspiring. The high and mighty peaks can be seen from here in their full glory. The Chocling La Peak (6510 Mts) is visible very clearly like a Shivalingam from these villages. A good trek ..peaks can be seen from here in their full glory. The Chocling La Peak (6510 Mts) is visible very clearly like a Shivalingam from these villages.

Dhankar Monastery (3870 M): Dhankar, the traditional capital of Spiti, is a 30 km/approx 1 hr drive from Kaza. The Hill-top fort here, that overlooks the Spiti Valley, used to serve as a jail in earlier times. Today, more than 160 lamas reside here. A statue of Dhyan Buddha where four complete figures of Budha sit back to back is the main attraction of this more than seven-century old monastery. About an hour's walk from here on a slightly uphill track is a small lake that sits languidly is a bowl. The size of the lake in the summer varies every year depending on how much snow the catchment area had in the previous winter.

Pin Valley National Park: Declared a National Park in 1987, Pin Valley is located in the cold desert region of the Spiti and is formed by the Pin River. Because of its high altitude (3500 M to over 6000 M) and extreme temperatures, the vegetation in the area is scant and mostly dominated by alpine trees, patches of Himalayan cedar and smatterings of several medicinal plants. It is the natural habitat for a number of endangered animals including the Snow Leopard and Siberian Ibex and rare birds like the Himalayan Snow Partridge, the Tibetan Snow Finch etc. Pin is the greenest area in Spiti. But one does not get that impression while entering the valley from Attargo on Tabo- Kaza road as the first 10 kms are very narrow with steep narrow rock walls rising on both the sides. Most of the villages are along the Pin River, the largest tributary of Spiti River, with a catchment area of 2200 sq Kms. The fossil rich soil of the upper valleys; the carpet of lush green pasture dotted with sheep, goats, yaks, horses, herds of Ibex; striking rock faces in myriad hues; snow covered mountains thrusting up the azure skies; all join to create images that leave a lasting impression on the mind.

Tabo Monastery (3050 M): Tabo village is about 46 Kms from Kaza, on the left bank of the Spiti River. The monastery here- Tabo Gompa, is referred to as, ‘Chogs-hkhor’ (Doctrinal Enclave). It is one of the most sacred Trans- Himalayan Buddhist shrines and is endowed with a wealth of wall paintings and stucco images. The gompa complex holds nine temples, 23 chortens, a monks' chamber and an extension that houses the nun’s chamber. On the sheer cliff-face, above the enclave, are a series of caves, used as dwellings by the monks. Founded in 996 AD, by the great translator and teacher, Rinchensang Po, it is the oldest continuously functioning Buddhist monastery in India and the Himalayas, with its original decoration and iconographic program still intact. The Kal Chakra ceremony of Tabo Gompa, conducted in 1996 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, was witnessed by thousands of people from across the globe.

How to reach:
By road from Shimla: Kaza is 412 kilometers from Shimla. From Tabo, Kaza is only 47 kilometers.
By road from Manali: Kaza is 201 kilometers from Manali via Rohtang Pass (51 kms.) and Kunzum Pass (115 kms.).

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Thanedar Retreat – Thanedar

THANEDAR RETREAT: 80 kms from Shimla on the old Hindustan-Tibet road lies Kotgarh, which enjoys a special place in Himachal history. In 1916 Samuel Stokes, a social worker from Philadelphia brought the first apple saplings to Kotgarh, the place he adopted as his home. One can still see the 'Starking Delicious' apple orchard that he planted there.

Nestled amongst acres of apple blossoms is the Banjara Orchard Retreat - an eco-friendly getaway that will enchant nature lovers. There are fully furnished rooms, Family Suites and independent Log Cabins with attached baths and a well-equipped kitchen to cater to a variety of tastes.

Prakash thakur, the host, for whom the Orchard Retreat has been a labour of love, is also the resident expert on the history and culture of this little piece of paradise.

Accommodation: 6 Double Rooms, 2 Family Suites and 2 independent Log Cabins, all

Best time to visit: The Retreat stays open all year round. However temperatures vary with the seasons. April - November - Pleasant days (light woolens) and cold nights. December - March - Likelihood of snow and minimum temperatures touch zero degrees C.

Places to visit around the Retreat:
Tani - Jubbar Lake: Famous for 'Nag Devta' temple built along the lake. The lake is 6 Kms from the retreat.

Hattu Peak: 15 Kms away, at 11,000 ft, this peak offers a panoramic view of the snowline.

St. Mary's Church: Built in 1843; this church at Kotgarh is one of the oldest churches in India.

Parmjyotir Temple: Built by Stokes in the Pahari style, the temple is 1 Km away from the retreat.

Reaching Thanedar from Shimla From Shimla you take NH 22 via Kufri to Narkanda(64 kms). At Narkanda, you leave NH 22 and get on to the Narkanda-Thanedar-Bithal road.

Thanedhar is 15 kms down the road and the Banjara Orchard Retreat is 1 km short of the Thanedar Bazar. A signboard of the Retreat greets you at the turn off. The same road carries on to meet the Shimla-Sangla highway (NH 22) at Bithal, which is 21 km from the Retreat.

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