In The Series of Exploring the unexplored here's my article on Chanshal Pass.
The Chanshal pass also known as Chanshal valley, located about 160kms from Shimla is one of the places which best serves the nomadic appetite of the otherwise shackled young brigade tired of the monotonous dawn to dusk schedules throughout the week. This place will definitely be better than a weekend spent doing rounds at the bar and you wouldn’t end up burning a hole in your pocket. This is more like an extended weekend getaway that will leave you with memories to last.
The Valley sits on top of Chanshal peak which is the
highest point of Shimla district. It is situated at a height of 3750 Mtrs. The
Chanshal Pass is a link (75Km) that connects Rohru & Dodra Kwar. The
Chanshal Peak, which is the highest & best point of the visit, is located at a
distance of 50Km from Rohru. The valley is one of the best places for a bike
ride. Roads are steep and tough to drive.
The Valley is very peaceful and famous for its scenic
beauty. You can have a view of hills covered with snow even in the month of
June. You can park your vehicles on the road and trek to the top of the hill. All
hills are connected to each other and are easily accessible on foot. However,
there is no place to stay in the Valley. The nearest accommodation available is in
Rohru and there is only one guest house for stay (The Chanshal) by HPTDC. There
are no shops for refreshments from Rohru to the Valley.
Accessibility:
Chanshal Pass, also known as Chanshal Valley, affords
good views of the scenic beauty of the Himalayas As of June 2012, a single bus operated between Rohru and Dodra Kwar.
Bus departs from Rohru at 12:30 pm and reaches Kwar by 7
pm. Other bus starts from 8:00 AM from Kwar and reaches Rohru by 2:00PM
There are two routes from Shimla to Chanshal Valley:
-
1)
Shimla-Theog-Kotkhai-Kharapathar-Hatkoti-Rohru-Larot-Valley (160Km)
2) Shimla-Theog-Narkanda-Tikkar-Rohru-Larot-Valley (175Km)
Geography:
The
Chanshal Valley affords views of hills covered with ice. Trekking to the top of
hills is fairly strenuous. Saru Tal (lake) is located on the top of one of the
hills resembling a Thalli.