View of Chau Chau Kang Nilda from Fossil Village Langza

Millions of years back, India as we know it today, drifted towards Asia in the Tethys Ocean. Upon collision, the silt from the ocean bed rose and gave way to the majestic Himalayas, and there evolved the Spiti Valley. In these valleys there stands a village known as Fossil Village Langza. Walk through the village and you will find a surplus of marine animals and plant fossils.

The Village Langza lies immediately at the base of Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak (20,679 feet), near village Kaza of Spiti Valley, India. The peak acts as a sole water source for the village, throughout the year. So, every summer some villager goes upstream to check the water stream route to be unobstructed and clear. From there started the interesting tale of Chau Chau Kang Nilda Peak.

Chau Chau Kang Nilda Peak from Fossil Village Langza

Chau Chau means Young Princess, Kang means snow-capped mountain, Ni means sun and Da mean dawn. So, this princess snow-capped mountain shines both during sun and moon. It is also known as “Guan Nelda” or “Blue Moon in the sky”.

Check: Spiti Valley in Photos

Story of Chau Chau Kang Nilda Peak

Every summer in order to check the water supply and as a tradition, one villager by turn had to go upstream, and this time the work was given to a lazy flute player Landup. Without heart and lazing around here and there, he went off to the base of the mountain to check the stream. After checking, he sat at the base of the mountain and started playing his flute. Whenever he used to play he used to get lost in his own world and the similar thing happened this time too.

Fossil Village Langza in Spiti Valley, India

As he finished playing, he opened his eyes and saw an ethereal beauty standing right in front of him. With a broad smile and transfixed gaze, she requested him to play it again. He was so impressed by her beauty that he couldn’t refuse and started playing again.

And then she said – “I am Chau Chau Kang Nilda fairy princess. Come here often to play this tune and I would love listening to it”

He turned back home and started waiting for the next summer to go back upstream. He went every summer upstream and played flute there. With following seasons princess and Landup fell in love with each other. But the fairy laid a condition that their love had to be kept secret and for that Landup agreed.

One winter evening when Landup was drunk and lazing around, his wife asked him to go and do some work. Listening, this he got furious and replied that it is better to be with Chau Chau Kang Nilda fairy than to be with you. His wife ignored him thinking to be totally drunk and asked him to stop dreaming.

Night Shot of Chau Chau Kang Nilda Peak from Fossil Village Langza

Next morning, Landup woke up covered in boils and pain. He remembered the last night conversation and fairy words but couldn’t do anything because of extreme winters. So, he started waiting for summers to come. As summers approached, he ran to meet his fairy love. He played the flute, called her, confessed his love and mistake; but nothing worked. Fairy never turned down to see him. Indeed after that every time he went close to the mountain, the weather turned nasty and cloudy.

Even today, it is believed that whenever a man tries to climb Chau Chau Nilda Peak, the weather turns bad. Fairy’s wound has still not recovered. She is still nursing her heart and will never let any man come nearby.

If that is the one mythological story then there are true stories of mountain expeditions too. The Chau Chau Nilda Peak was first climbed in 1939 by James Roberts, who crossed Spiti from Kullu.

Fossil Village Langza

The fossil Village Langza in Spiti Valley is located at height 4400 meters or 14,500 feet, 16 kilometers from village Kaza. The place is guarded by beautiful peak on one side and the huge Buddha statue on others side, to keep the evil spirits away. The bowl-shaped flattened valleys around the village are divine, and completely untouched.

Fossil Village Langza at the base of Chau Chau Kang Nilda Peak

A small remote village usually cut off from the civilization has just 35 houses and a total population of 150 people. It is divided into two parts- Upper Langza, known as Langza Gongma and Lower Langza is called Lnagza Yongma. The village remains snow covered in winters whereas turns completely into green pastures in summers.

Fossil Village Langza
Source

The white and red painted mud houses here are typical Spitian mud houses. They look small and widely spread from each other but are equally spacious inside. The houses are warm, cozy and they gel well with the surroundings. The roofs are covered with a lot of thatch and fodder for insulation. Every house kitchen of fossil village Langza has installed Angithis to beat the extreme cold temperatures. The kitchens have small cloth covered entrances and floors are decorated with colorful yak mats to keep them warm.

Tip: Do remember to remove your shoes before entering the Spiti Kitchens.

Kitchen of Spiti Houses -Fossil Village Langza
Kitchen of Spiti Houses

Food and accommodation options are limited in fossil village Langza but who can beat the hospitality of upper Himachali’s. They treat you like Kings and can surpass everything to give you comfort. The yak tea with local puffed chapatti is what they can treat you with on a small conversation too.

The Toilets in Langza Village are mostly dry pits toilets, outside the houses.

Birds & Animals around Village Langza

Many national International tourists visit fossil Village Langza in winters to spot the big cat – Snow Leopard. The other animals which can be seen in the months of December, January are Tibetan wolf, Blue sheep, the Himalayan griffon, Yellow-billed Chough, and rock pigeon. And during any time of the year, one can see yaks and sheep roaming freely in herds or with the shepherds.

Herd of grazing Blue sheep in Spiti Valley: On the way to fossil village langza

Also read: A must visit Fairyland- Chandratal Lake

Attractions of Village Langza

  • The village has an ancient Lang or temple 1000 years old, regarded as the headquarters of all the Deities of the Spiti Valley.
  • Various trekking routes and trails start from village Langza
  • One can also visit the high altitude lake –Tsonyeti and Chumo Tso. These lakes are around 3-4 hour hikes from the village which is difficult for travelers like us, owing to the low oxygen and high altitude of the region.
  • The village is a pivot for fossil lovers. The local name of fossil here is ‘chaudua’ and can be easily found in and around the village. The fossils are Cephalopoda. Do visit the fossil center, also known as Chauda Centre.Cephalopoda fossils of Fossil Village Langza, Spiti ValleySource
  • The other main attraction of Village Langza is Zama Pottery done with black soil collected from the valley. The villagers make Zama pitchers, pots, decorative items, animal figures, sculptures, penholders, lamps, paperweights and clay fossils. These can be seen displayed in their homes for sale

Earlier Zama pottery used to be the main source of income for villagers, but now they have earnings from agriculture too.

Zama Pottery of Fossil Village Langza
Source

How to Reach Langza Village

The fossil village Langza can be reached by hiking, own car, hitchhiking, or by bus (which leaves on particular days and timings).

Route: While driving to Rangrik from Kaza, there comes a bifurcation on the right side which takes you to the village Langza. The fossil village Langza can be done in a circuit with village Hikkim and Komic.

Roads: The roads are narrow, perfectly paved with continuous ascent and descent. There are few bad patches in between. In winters expect snowfall on this route.

Also Read: 10 days itinerary for Lahaul Spiti Road Trip

Expected Temperature

In winters, days are cold and windy the with a temperature between 0 to -5 degree Celsius. Evenings are extremely chilly in winters and temperature goes to -25 degree Celsius. Don’t wait for night photography here, as you may suffer from hypothermia.

In summers, days are warm but the night temperature goes below 5 degree Celsius

Best Season to Visit

May to September but if you are crazy like us, then winters too is good, as you will see the different face of this snow land.

Spiti River view on the way to Fossil Village Langza

Important Points:

  • Food and accommodation options are very limited.
  • Only a few homestays are operational in winters
  • Avoid driving after sunset as roads are really narrow
  • Do spend a night with locals to experience the local traditional culture
  • Buy some local craft, Zama pottery, for locals earning and livelihood
  • Visit Spiti Valley and Langza village in winters, only after planning.

View of Chau Chau Kang Nilda from Fossil Village Langza

So, the village is a charming beauty with ancient buildings, old monasteries, snow-capped peak Chau Chau Kang Nilda, green meadows and bowl-shaped plains. Also, the land takes you to the prehistoric era, when Spiti valley was submerged under the Tethys Sea.

If you like it, please share it further.

Also Read:

A walk to the Nako village, Himachal Pradesh

The Sangla Valley, Kinnaur

Spiti Valley in winters: Self Drive Road Trip guide

Do you want to come along for the winter Spiti Valley expedition? We asked our friends before planning the trip. With the popped eyes and open mouth, they replied – Are you guys crazy? Spiti valley in winters– the roads will be snow-covered, temperatures fall down to -40 degrees Celsius, pipes and water get frozen, people come down to the lower hills for survival and you want to do a road trip there. It is India’s remotest & inaccessible area. Crazy people, go in summers! All this surely led to the second thought but who could stop the adventurous wanderlust of ALLGUDTHINGS, after seeing the beautiful cold desert, Spiti valley in summers.

Spiti Valley In Winters: Self Drive Road Trip Guide

So, in January, we took a planned self-drive road trip from Delhi to Spiti Valley. We took the first halt at Shoghi and spent 2 good memorable days at Aamod Resort Shoghi. Further, from there, we continued our trip to reach and explore the snow sheeted middle land i.e. winter Spiti .

Tip: Never do an unplanned trip to Spiti Valley in winters i.e. offseason, as it can land you in serious trouble.


Spiti Valley in winters

Just like our friends, the majority of people think the Spiti valley is inaccessible in winters. But it is not so. Some parts of Spiti valley are open especially the Shimla – Kaza road. Also, it is a perfect time to see winter Spiti life.

Spiti valley in winter is entirely the transformed version of Spiti we had seen earlier in summers. The semi-arid mountains, deep terrains, a stretch of barren landform and green oasis, all were supposed to be completely shrouded by a blanket of snow in the month of January. But nature had some other plans for us.

The Kaza in winter was snow sheeted whereas the rest Spiti Valley looked just replenished by wind and nature. Spiti River looked like a sea of snow or white cotton candies floating in the turquoise blue water. The mesmerizing spectacle of the whole valley left us just go on clicking and clicking.

Spiti Valley in Winters: Self Drive road trip travel guide

The winter Spiti Valley is really different and unique as there are only a few visitors and you feel the whole valley belongs to you. You get ample time to talk, stay, and interact with the Spitian’s. They make you taste the most wonderful delectable local cuisines.

Kaza Village in a blanket of snow: Spiti Valley in Winters

So, a winter Spiti trip, to this picture postcard land is a must for adventure enthusiasts and road trip lovers. And here is a self-drive road trip guide for Spiti Valley in winters.


Route/ How to Reach Spiti Valley in Winter?

Ideally, there are two routes to enter Spiti Valley from Delhi. One from Shimla and other from Manali. But in winters, Rohtang La and Kunzum La both get covered with heavy snow, so you can’t travel from Manali to Kaza in winters. The only viable option is to enter and exit Spiti Valley in winters is through Shimla.

Delhi – Shimla – Rampur – Rekong Peo – Tabo – Kaza

And remember the routes beyond Kaza are closed too. So, the farthest one can reach is Kaza and the villages around it i.e Kibber, Komic, Langza, Hikkim, Tashigong, Chicham Khas.

Also read: 10 days itinerary for Lahaul Spiti Road Trip


Condition of Roads to Spiti in winters

During winter Spiti trip, expect to find snow patches on roads beyond Shimla. So, be really slow and cautious while driving on snow. And strictly avoid driving on black ice, as it is too slippery and can be dangerous. To avoid skidding, keep some luggage or stones in the boot space of the vehicle. Also, one can deflate the tires for better grip on snow.

Tip: If your car loses control, don’t push the brakes. Just, leave the accelerator and let it go in the intended direction.

  • Delhi to Chandigarh: Multi-lane highway
  • Chandigarh to Shimla: Few bad patches because of the road widening process.
  • Shimla to Rampur: Highway. Expect snow at Kufri, Narkanda
  • Rampur to Kalpa: A good road with few bad patches because of road widening and expect to face roadblocks due to some landslides.
  • Kalpa to Tabo : Narrow road with continuous incline and decline. Expect few bad patches because of landslides and shooting stone sights. And on this day, One also has to cross frozen Malling Nala, beyond Nako village.
  • Tabo to Kaza: A good scenic narrow road with continuous incline and decline. Expect few bad patches because of landslides.
Narrow Steep Roads around Kaza: Spiti Valley in Winters

Expected Spiti Valley Temperatures

As you move ahead from Shimla, with every increasing altitude, the temperature in Spiti Valley decreases and the air gets thinner. So, expect to feel breathlessness while walking and climbing stairs. The expected temperatures in winters in Spiti valley are subzero:

  • Shimla: Sunny chilly days and cold nights. Temperature ranging from 15 degree Celsius to -3 degree in night
  • Rampur: Is warmer than Shimla. Day temperature goes till 14 degree Celsius and night temperature dips till 1  to 2 degree Celsius
  • Kalpa: Sunny cold days and extremely cold chilly nights. Day temperature range from -2 to -3 degree Celsius and night temperatures goes to -13 degree Celsius.
  • Tabo: Expect sunny chilly days and very cold nights. Day temperature ranges from – 2 to – 3 degree Celsius and it goes to – 19 degree in night
  • Kaza temperature in winters: Days are sunny with extreme chill and nights are extremely cold and chilly too. The day temperature ranges from -6 to -9 degree Celsius and night temperatures go to -25 degree Celsius

Also Check: Bridges of Kinnaur and Spiti


Halts & Accommodation in Spiti in Winters

The total distance from Delhi to Spiti Valley i.e. Kaza is just 765 kilometers. Google maps show the journey of 19 hours. That means one stop and you will reach Kaza. But in actuality, it is really impossible. We covered the first 300 kilometers in 6-7 hrs but the rest 465 kilometers in the mountains were equivalent to 800 kilometers. So, one needs to take proper halts at proper locations, to get acclimatized before hitting Kaza.

Landscapes of Spiti Valley in winters: Self Drive road trip guide

The life of winters in Spiti Valley is completely different & is almost standstill due to the extremely low temperatures in December, January, and February. So, don’t have high expectations for stay and food. Most of the hotels, homestays are closed during winters in spiti. Only 2 -3 homestays are operational everywhere and locals can guide you best on the same.

After Shimla, we took halts at Rampur, Kalpa, and Tabo, before hitting Kaza.

Rampur: There are multiple hotels in and around Rampur bus station. We stayed at Nau Nabh heritage hotel, one of the luxurious heritage properties. 

Kalpa: One can choose to stay at homestays or at HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Cooperation), Kalpa. We opted for HTPDC to be on the safer side. Apart from Kalpa, you can also opt to stay at Sangla valley in Kinnaur, where few homestays are operational

Nako: Forget about homestays or hotel accommodation in Nako. The whole village was under hibernation except a Maggi shack opened near bus stan. Even the Nako monastery rooms are closed in winters.

Tabo: At Tabo, 2-3 homestays were operational. We stayed at Baba’s / Phunstok’s Homestay, one of the generous family who was already waiting for us. You can contact them at 94185-76181; 01906-223452 and they charge Rs 1000 per person/night including meals.

Cozy Kitchen in Baba's Homestay at Tabo: Spiti Valley in winters

Kaza: Similar is the case with Kaza. Most of the hotels and homestays are closed. Only 4 -5 home stay’s run during offseason. We stayed with Mr & Mrs. Tandup at Pema Homestay, another super helpful family who can go beyond limits to give comforts to the guests. You can connect with them at 9459252699, 8988231033 and they charge Rs 1500 per night. People say that if Mr. Chering  (relative of Mr. Tandup) knows about your existence or arrival in Spiti, you are completely safe. He will go extra miles to search you out if you missing or have not turned back by the expected timings.

Fresh Thupka in Kaza - Spiti Valley in Winters
Fresh Thupka in Kaza

Apart from this, we met a girl Tanya Roy from Delhi, who runs a Wanderer’s Nest Homestay and amazing cafe in Kaza. You can connect with her at 9459357754. Rest, you can enquire about the open homestays at Kaza Bus stand.


Food Joints on the way to Spiti Valley in Winter

There are multiple eating options till Shimla. The real fight starts after Rampur.

Pappu Ka Dhabha at Tapri - Spiti Valley in Winters
Pappu Ka Dhabha at Tapri

Between Rampur to Kalpa: Have Thali (food) at Pappu ka dhabha, Tapri – The food quality is surely more than value for money.

Kalpa to Tabo: You will find tea and food stalls only in Spillow and a single shack open at Nako.

Tabo to Kaza: No food joints

Tip: Carry a lot of eatables, nuts, and water with you on the way.


Must carry accessories for Winter Spiti Valley Road Trip

  • Do carry snow chains if your vehicle is not 4*4.
  • Carry shovel along, in case you need to clear snow on the way
  • Add Antifreeze to avoid freezing of diesel
  • Keep some camphor and cotton handy to lit fire, if required
  • Always keep a towing cable in your carSelf Drive Road trip to Spiti Valley in Winters

Problems you can face during Winter Spiti Valley Trip

Spiti Valley in winters tests all your survival instincts and body endurance. You go as prepared as you can, but still, this land will make you realize that you are unprepared i.e. the nature and topography of this valley.

But Open your mind to the following before going:

  1. Bathing is not possible because of frozen water tanks. So, be prepared for the wet towel scrub only.
  2. Be prepared to use dry toilets, as the water pipes will be frozen and there is no water in the taps. Dry toilets are traditional toilets with a hole in the ground and avoid taking your phones in the toilet.
  3. A year back I say in 2017, electricity used to be there for fixed hours, but now there is full-time electricity. The voltage is less, so your batteries, cameras, phone will take much longer to get charged
  4. There are chances of AMS (Altitude motion sickness) hitting you at that high altitude. So, be prepared. If you see any of such symptoms i.e. a headache, nausea, breathlessness, take help. Otherwise, give yourself some time to get acclimatized and keep sipping a lot of hot water. The alternative is you can start a DIAMOX course prior to the trip after the doctor’s consultation.
  5. Only BSNL network works here
  6. Temperatures are subzero and it is bone-biting cold. So, be in proper winter clothing. Wear layers, cover your head, and do include warm shoes. Also, do carry your sunglasses. Suruchi Tashi; AllGudThings -Spiti Valley in winters
  7. Expect road closure for several days, if snowfall occurs in between. BRO works here throughout the year to keep road operational till Kaza
  8. Be prepared, that despite adding antifreeze your car fuel will freeze. In such a case wait for the sun rays to melt it down or use a cylinder with the local’s help. For this, we have expert advice from Mr. Shibhu Varghese of 4*4 India adventure which we will be sharing soon with you.Scorpio sun bathing in Kaza to melt down the frozen Diesel - Spiti Valley in winters
  9. Expect bare minimum medical help. Carry first aid kit and some basic medicines with you.
  10. Carry enough cash with you. ATMs are available at Kalpa, Tabo as well as Kaza but don’t expect them to have enough cash as well as in working conditions.
  11. Fuel station at Kaza, opens between 10 am to 5 pm. So, get your tank fuelled timely.World's Highest Petrol pump at Kaza - Spiti Valley in Winters


The kitchen is the warmest place in Spiti houses, as there is a burning Angithi throughout the day.  So, if you feel excess of cold, rush there to normalize your body temperature. Don’t touch any metal with bare hands, as there are chances of your skin sticking to the metal. If in any case, that happens, don’t pull your hand away. Pour hot water to detach your hand.

Spiti Valley in winters checks your endurance and patience but you surely are bound to leave your soul in God’s own land. It looks completely magnanimous in winters and engulfs you in its beauty.

If you have any more question or need any more information, feel free to type in the comments. We will be happy to answer all about Spiti Valley in winter. Till then, please share it with your friends and family.

Spiti Valley In Winters: Self Drive Road Trip Guide

Aamod Resort Shoghi: Unwind in the lap of nature

Waking up to the birds chirping, in the private cottage dotted with pine and oak trees, sipping morning tea & handcrafted cookies with sunrise at the cliff, strolling aimlessly among the tranquil trails, spotting Kalka Shimla toy train from various tunnels, mountain climbing, rappelling and endless conversation with staff of Aamod Resort Shoghi are some of the beautiful memories that have etched in our heart forever.

Entrance to Aamod Resort Shoghi

About Aamod Resort Shoghi

The Aamod Resort Shoghi is a Luxurious eco-friendly retreat tucked in between several feet tall pine and oak trees on NH 22. The resort is 16 kilometers before the hustle bustle of Shimla, completely amidst nature.

Aamod Resort Shoghi

We did this trip, along with our winter expedition to Spiti Valley in January 2018. We were invited by escape Route and hosted by the Aamod Shoghi Resort.

Welcome

As we crossed Dharampur in Himachal, we saw the valley view’s getting widened, the fresh air opening our blocked senses and the roads getting dotted with pine and oak trees. The sky was deep blue with some haze on the mountains, but the sun was ready to say goodbye in an hour or two. After an hour’s drive, we reached the resort and were greeted “Namaste” with folded hands by the staff at the parking.

The staff unloaded our luggage into their private vehicle and took us through the narrow lanes to the resort entrance.

Aamod Resort Shoghi, Entrance

As soon as we stepped down, the first impression was: nicely blended work in the woods, mud layering from outside and dark paneling from inside giving a perfectly traditional and modern feel. The hanging pots outside the open cafe and the use of local elements added a charm to the whole place. The big glass windows inside the restaurant – Colonial were beautifully framed to get the complete view of the jungle around and to bring enough light to the dark furnishings.

Inside Colonial Restaurant: Aamod Resort Shoghi

The check-in formalities were done in seconds while sharing a hot cup of Kahwa with Mr. Harish (General Manager) and from there promptly we were guided to our super deluxe cottage 101.

Aamod Resort

The resort has in total 20 cottages spread on the mountain slopes and tops, without disturbing the forest land. They are categorized into deluxe (11), super deluxe (6), family (2) and family deluxe cottage (1).

The narrow, jungle trails shaded by several feet tall trees, curl up and down in the whole property taking you to the adventure zone, spa, private couple Jacuzzi, Glade (the conference room) and open terrace.

The Cottage

The cottages have been handcrafted well; keeping in mind the comfort, luxury and perfect synchronization with nature. We were put in deluxe cottage 101. It was quite spacious with bespoke furniture and a large patio that overlooked the valley, mountains and a running toy train track underneath.

Super Deluxe Cottage nestled in the woods - Aamod Resort Shoghi

As soon as you enter the cottage, there is a foldable recliner on one end, a king sized bed on other and a wooden closet leading you to the separate toilet and bathroom.

Luxurious Super Deluxe Room at Aamod Resort Shoghi
Super Deluxe Room at Aamod Resort Shoghi

The room is perfectly equipped with all the modern amenities ranging from the bar, hot water kettle, heater, workstation and electric bed warmers etc.

Food

If food is something that keeps your wanderlust awake, then Aamod Resort Shoghi will prove to be the delectable treat for you. They offer lavish buffets in the breakfast, lunch, and dinner or one can order ala-carte too. The buffets specialize from continental, oriental, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Chinese & traditional Himachali cuisines.

Live Kitchen at Aamod Resort Shoghi

We believe that when in Himachal one must feast on the local cuisines. So, do try their Himachali cuisines – in particular, the Mal puddas with Khatti kadu Chatni and Siddus. The aroma of freshly used spices and ingredients, in the cuisines, is enough to tickle your taste buds and further aggravate your hunger.

Mal Purra with Khatti Kadu Chutney: Aamod Resort Shoghi

Aamod Shoghi has a separate bakery section and we loved their Variety. The kiwi crush, marble and chocolate cake goes to our favorite list. The Jam donuts too is another recommendation and a must try too.

Before Dinner Scenes - Aamod Resort Shoghi

Dining & Bar

The food and drinks can be enjoyed in the indoor and outdoor dining area “Colonial” with a bonfire. They serve the variety of spirits and handcrafted cocktails. We recommend you to try their newly introduced: Gin based Lodge cocktails.

The Colonial; open restaurant at Aamod Resort Shoghi
The Colonial Restaurant

Apart from this, if you wish to enjoy food with valley views from your balcony then you can order ala- carte. The kitchen is open till 11 pm.

Activities at Aamod Resort Shoghi

If there is a widespread patio in front of cottages to unwind, relax and enjoy nature, then there are a plethora of activities to get some adrenaline rush, sweat and detoxify you.

There is a recreational room, adventure activity zone, mountain cycling, nature walks and spa to cool down, & rejuvenate. The private Jacuzzi at the cliff followed by some romantic dinner is for some romantic moments together.

Recreation Room:

The recreation room lies next to the reception area and has a variety of indoor games like monopoly, scrabble, Ludo, Carrom, Table Tennis etc. There is a collection of books and DVD’s to enjoy some classics.

Recreation Room- Aamod Resort Shoghi
Recreation Room

Adventurous Zone:

There is a 9 step extensive rope course in the adventure zone of Aamod Resort Shoghi. The activities involve from Burma Bridge crossing to fox flying, rope bridge walk, commando net, tire riding and many more.

And if you want to have some more thrills like us, try mountain climbing and rappelling from a 40 feet high mountain rock face.  It is rarely scary if you look down but it’s equally fun, after taking the first step. Imagine, I did it twice after the horror of the first one.

All these adventurous activities are carried only after making one wear safety wear with belay and under the supervision of a trained supervisor. So, it’s really safe for adults as well kids.

Tyre Crossing - Adventure activities at Aamod resort Shoghi
Tyre Crossing

Nature Walks:

If you like walking aimlessly with your spouse in the jungle or want to give a wood experience to your family and children while listening to the birds chirping, then do plan a nature walk with Aamod Resort Shoghi. There are several walking trails near the property for nature walk which lasts from 1 hour to half day.

One of the walks we did was along the UNESCO world heritage Kalka Shimla railway track. It was purely a heritage walk taking us back to the Britishers time, history was all around and the cool breeze from the valleys and mountains was enough to dry our sweat.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeKwP8zHH3P/?taken-by=suruchimittal

While spotting toy train we too experienced the rich flora and fauna. We tried Baboon and Tung Datoon (Datton is a substitute of toothbrush & toothpaste which locals use for cleaning teeth) during our walk and the staff surprised us with hot tea and cookies on the midway of the hike. We must say it was an experience to cherish for!

Spa & Open air Jacuzzi: Sublime Area

The Sublime area on the mountain cliff houses both spa rooms and Jacuzzi for individuals as well couples. The rooms overlook the mountains and have huge glass windows to be well lit and warm during the sessions. We recommend taking Spa and Jacuzzi session during sunrise and sunset. At that time, the sky is lit in hues ranging from blue to orange and the whole place looks totally serene.

Couple Spa Rooms at Aamod Resort Shoghi
Couple Spa Rooms

We opted for evening Spa and Jacuzzi session. It started with the Ayurvedic massage with hot oil. The total kneading and pressuring continued for 1 hour from toe to head, leaving us completely relaxed. Further, at the end, we were handed the bathrobes and directed to the hot water couple Jacuzzi. We were stunned to see the sun was already at the climax and had painted the sky well.

Couple Jacuzzi with Sunset view at Aamod Resort Shoghi

Spa Sessions can vary from 30 to 90 minutes whereas Jacuzzi sessions are for 35 minutes.

Toy Train Ride & Train Spotting

The other activity to enjoy here is Kalka Shimla toy train ride. But, instead of taking a ride we opted for catching the train at various tunnels and stations. It was pure fun and adventure. Train Spotting needs a separate post. For timings, please enjoy this video.

Private Romantic Dinner on the Ridge

The private romantic dinner set up on the cliff left us completely in awe. The sky was glowing and the cutlery, candles, flowers, wine glasses everything was perfectly arranged for us to go on a romantic date. Steward was on our table end to make us special throughout. I wish there was some romantic music to side bye to make it look like a movie scene.

Watch Sunrise & Sunset from the ridge

The Sunrise & Sunset in mountains is every photographer’s delight and the Aamod resort Shoghi provides a true spot to capture glittering sky. While clicking, staff can serve you tea/ coffee with cookies at the ridge.

Morning tea with sunrise at ridge: Aamod Resort Shoghi
Morning tea with sunrise at Ridge

Sunset from The ridge at Aamod Resort Shoghi
Pic Credits: Ankur Gupta

Camping

For camp lovers, there is an ideal spot at the ridge to camp overnight and learn about the jungle survival. Aamod resort charges a minimum amount for this experience.

Camping At Aamod Resort Shoghi

In addition to all the activities mentioned above, the Aamod resort Shoghi also arranges for yoga, meditation sessions, village tours, mountain cycling, storytelling by locals and team building activities; but only on prior information.

Sight-Seeing

Shimla lies just 16 kilometers from the resort. So, one can go & explore the colonial town and other nearby towns like Fagu, Mashobra, Chail, Barog etc.

Overall

The Aamod Resort Shoghi truly lives to the name of being an eco-tourism resort. They have impeccable services, nature love, scrumptious food, spa and Jacuzzi with valley views and one of the best adventure services. In short, if you are looking some good time in the woods, away from city jungle, then this is the place for you.

Aamod Resort Shoghi

Additional Information

Route: Delhi – Ambala – Zirakpur – Dharampur – Shoghi

Total time to Reach: 7-8 hours

Roads: Excellent graveled roads, Highway but few bad patches after Jabli because of the road widening project.

How to Reach: The eco-friendly Aamod resort at Shoghi can be reached by car, train or by air.

Train: There are no direct trains between Delhi & Shoghi. So, one can reach by taking Shatabadi Express till Kalka and further Kalka Shimla Himalayan Toy Train till Sanklaghat (on the way to Shimla). From there, call up Mr. Kamal to pick you up.

Air: Take a flight from Delhi to Shimla. From Shimla, you can either hire a private cab or ride by Himalayan toy train till Sanklaghat.

We thank Mr. Sumit for arranging and Mr. Harish and Mr. Kamal for giving us wonderful, handcrafted, memorable experiences here.