Category Archives: Himachal

Himachal, India, Tourism, Travel, Uttarakhand

Tourist or Traveler – Don’t know who we are?

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Are we confused who we are – Tourist or traveler?

Tourist or traveler; the two debatable words had put us in deep thoughts and left us wondering who exactly are we?

Let’s see if these pointers can really help us decide:

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  1. During the beginning of our each journey and trip, we wander endlessly on the roads without knowing where we are heading. Which place will be our final destination being completely unaware of the pleasant and unpleasant events on the way? But in the same trip, at the end of the day when we are tired, the heart & mind juggle among themselves and says it would have been better if you had some fixed itinerary, at least a room booking. So isn’t that self-contradictory?

The saying goes that a tourist has a fixed scheduled plan and a traveler has none. He just follows his heart and the trails. So, who are we? A traveler in the beginning and throughout the trip? but tourist at the end of the trip or when we are tired?

On the way to Gangotri - Tourist or Traveler
On the way to Gangotri
  1. We love traveling and want to be full-time travelers. We too never want to return back from the offbeat (like Tehri Dam, Mana Village, Kinnaur) and conventional places (like Shimla) but our work commitments, time, finances, and family pull us back.  If not after 7 but surely after 10 days. So, what it is?

And the saying goes travelers like to travel slow, stick to places for exploring more. Whereas tourist comes back exploring the fixed trails in a fixed time. So, what are we– Tourist or traveler or a combination of both? 

On the way to Badrinath - Tourist or Traveler
On the way to Badrinath
  1. While traveling we taste traditional cuisines, stay at homestays and camps, mingle with locals, explore their culture and make new friends. But at the same time, we start craving for our staple food after few meals and days. We start missing people back home.

And some say, tourist always look for McDonald, Subway, Pizza Hut whereas traveler loves to munch on local delicacies. So, we are again confused nuts and where should we put ourselves into a tourist or traveler?

Views from Ranikhet Homestay : Tourist or Traveler
Views from Ranikhet Homestay
  1. Before hopping to any of the places, we read the blogs and enquire from locals about the dos & don’ts at the destination. Whereas after reaching and seeing the suggested places, we try to roam around to find the hidden and mysterious gems of the place.

The saying goes that tourists follow the travel guide and fixed trails whereas travelers explore the offbeat place. So, what are we here –  a Tourist or Traveler?

Trails near Kasol: Tourist or Traveler
Trails near Kasol
  1. We always prefer traveling as a couple, with friends, family and also solo when it is the need of an hour.

In 2015 Holidify once illustrated in their post that tourist’s travel in a group whereas traveler travels alone. So in which category do we fall– tourist or traveler? 

Tourist or Traveler

  1. We trek, walk, hitchhike, travel by local transport and take road trips in our own vehicle as well as rented and shared cars/cabs.

The saying goes that tourist prefers taking cars or cabs instead of walking tours and treks. So where should we fit ourselves- a tourist or traveler?

Roadtrips: Tourist or Traveler

  1. We always carry our laptops, tablets, cameras, tripods, and phones on our trips. They are not only an essential component of our work but we use them to capture photographs too.

The saying is tourist carry selfie sticks, laptops, phones & tabs for luxury whereas travelers just carry cameras & tripods. So, where do we stand- A tourist or traveler or both. 

  1. We take pictures of landscapes, mountainscapes, and lakes with people, without people and our own selfies too.

For this many of my fellow friends quote, that tourists take selfies with monuments and landscapes behind whereas travelers just photo shoot landscapes and other people’s portraits. So who are we – a tourist or traveler?

Landscapes: Tourist or traveler

The term tourist and traveler might have different dictionary meanings, but for us, these two terms overlap in every trip. One might be a traveler in his own eyes but the locals always take him/her as a tourist only. We too feel that the one who is a traveler is also a tourist and vice versa. Actually, both of them follows each other’s trail – but then does it really matter and do you care?

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I guess, it is just one’s own mindset and reflection of how he/she wants to be called and what they want to be seen as. For us – Travel is all about experiences and it’s an endless fairy land. So, simply wear your shoes, pack your bags and search for the next trail. It doesn’t matter anywhere whether you are a tourist, traveler or both, but more important is to enjoy the journey, destination as well as whole trip.

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Tourist or Traveler: Don't know who we are?

 

 

Himachal, India, Photolog, Tourism, Travel

The Sangla Valley, Kinnaur: In Photos

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Sangla Valley or Baspa Valley in Kinnaur Himachal Pradesh is a land of the Himalayan villages with beautiful landscapes and the gushing river Baspa. The valley starts from the village Karcham and ends at Chitkul. In fact, the village Chitkul is the last inhabited village at the Indo – Tibet/ China Border.

The Sangla Valley, Kinnaur: In Photos

The Sangla valley is surrounded by forested slopes, plunging gorges between tall snow-capped mountains, and has thick vegetation of apple orchards, apricot, walnuts, and cedar trees. The valley is home to kinnauris and it welcomes tourist only for 6 months and for rest months it is covered with snow. That is the main reason for its enchanting beauty. Oh, Wait! Here are the few of the photos and glimpses from my last trip, which speak for themselves because my words will be really short to explain the beauty of Sangla Valley.

  1. The enchanting morning views of Sangla Valley, Kinnaur

I love staying at Kinner Camps in Sangla because the huts are located in between the snow-clad mountains, Baspa river, and apple orchards. With the first ray of sunlight, the snow shines and the whole area becomes so picturesque.

The Sangla Valley, Kinnaur
The Sangla Valley, Kinnaur

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  1. The changing color of Landscape in single shot at Chitkul

Chitkul, the last inhabited village near Indo-China Border is just 22 km ahead of Sangla. The roads are narrow and bumpy but the landscapes ahead are breathtaking. The amazing part is snow capped peaks and glaciers; semi-arid mountains; lush green mountains, Baspa River, Blue sky and floating clouds, all are here in one frame.

 

Chitkul, Sangla Valley, Kinnaur
Views at Chitkul
  1. The Tranquil Life in these Himalayan Villages

The people in these villages are simply dressed and they live a simple life. They usually do farming and own apple orchards. When I got to know this, I asked my hotel owner to get me a deal for planting 5-10 apple trees in Kinnaur. He laughed endlessly saying “Madam, even the poorest man here has at least 100 apple trees and you are talking about 5-10.” Now tell me, who is poor – we or people of Kinnaur, who live a tranquil life.

Apple orchards in Sangla Valley, kinnaur, Himachal
Apple orchards in Sangla Valley

  1. The colored tents and wooden houses

The wooden houses with the slanting slopes and the colored tents gel up so well in the up and down landscapes. They look in deep combination with the deep blue sky and the surroundings around, giving a complete feel of being in the lap of nature.

Rakcham Village in Sangla Valley at Kinnaur
Rakcham Village

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Colored Huts in Sangla Valley, Kinnaur, Himachal

  1. The valley bowls walled by the snow covered peaks in Sangla Valley, Kinnaur

In between the way from Sangla to Chitkul, there are several valley bowls surrounded by tall peaks on sides and blue sky on the top. One might find a walking companion on the way.

Sangla Valley bowls in kinnaur, Himachal
Sangla Valley bowl in Kinnaur

  1. Unlimited water and fun with the waterfalls

Even my Scorpio needed a bath, so why not it has some fun with the waterfall. I will say the coolest way to clean your car.

Car Wash at Sangla Valley, Kinnaur, Himachal

  1. The Baspa River in Sangla Valley

The gurgling and gushing river Baspa; flow with a pride, protecting the valley and enriching the soil. The land here is favorable for apples, apricots, potatoes and other fruits.

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Baspa River in Sangla Valley, Kinnaur
Baspa River in Sangla Valley

  1. The trails leading to villages on another side of mountains

Explore and hike on the trails explored by Shepherds. The Shepherds bring their cattle down for grazing and also carry supplies for the army men, guarding at the border areas.

Hiking Trails in Sangla Valley, Kinnaur, Himachal

  1. The Floating Clouds in deep blue sky at Sangla valley, Kinnaur

If you are someone like me, who likes searching figures in the sky and clouds then this is the perfect location for it.

Hiking Trails in Sangla Valley, Kinnaur, Himachal

These are my impressions of Sangla valley, Kinnaur. What are yours?

Himachal, India, Tourism, Travel, Uttarakhand

The Colored Tibetan Prayer Stones: Mani Stones

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I love taking random pictures and this is what I was doing again during my last trip while walking in the remote village of Uttarakhand. I took the picture of inscribed colored stones outside the monastery and shared with some thoughts on my social media handle (Instagram). The picture got some appreciation but equally had too many questions around it. The majority of friends and igers wanted to know- What are these colored stones and what do they represent? Are they for good fortune or something else? Do one need to buy them? So, to answer all those entire questions here is a short write-up on the inscribed colored prayer stones also known as Mani Stones.

About Coloured Mani Stones

The Mani stones are flat colored stones/rocks with an inscription of Tibetan Buddhist Prayers on it. The writing is a six syllable mantra; “OM MANI PADME HUM”;  for which the simple translation is Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus. All these six syllables of mantras are painted in different colors, as you can see in the picture. Apart from this mantra, some mani stones are carved with devotional images and sacred animals.

The Colorful Tibetan Prayer Stones: Mani Stones
Source: www.pinterest.com

Where will you find these Mani Stones?

The Mani stones are found in the Himalayan regions where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced.  They are intentionally placed by Buddhist devotees on the various significant landscapes such as the entrance to the villages, near monasteries, along with the trekking trails or near rivers.

Mani Stone wall along the himalayan trail - Sacred Tibetan Prayer Mani Stones
Source: www.photoseek.com

Shape and Size of Mani Stones

There is no fixed shape and size for these sacred carved stones. The size of stone varies from small to large, and there can be single to multiple stones at a place.  At times the Mani stones are placed on top of one another to form mounds and the height of these can go as high up to 1-2 meter. Further, these mounds on the top are decorated with Yak and Sheep horns and are worshiped by villagers.

Mani Stone Mound - The sacred Tibetan Prayer Mani Stones
Source: Wikimedia Commons

At some places in the Himalayas, one can find Mani stone walls too. These walls can extend in length to Kilometres and in height to several meters.

Significance of Mani Stones

In Buddhism, people have a belief that spirits dwell in the significant locations. So, to maintain peace, prosperity and good health, these colorful stones are laid. Further, they say that whenever you encounter these Mani stones on your way; always makes sure that you pass them to left (clockwise direction). And the reasoning for the same is that this is how our universe spins and one should go in accordance with that.

Some of the believers when encounters a mani stone mound on their way, pick a stone, touch it to their forehead, chant some prayers and add it to the existing stack. So, the size of existing mound keeps on growing taller and taller.

Few followers consider these Mani stones as Patron Saints and they place them in their house or carry them along on their journey.

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Who makes these Mani Stones?

The Mani stones are handcrafted only in winters,  by the people who work as peasants or herdsmen during summer, spring and autumn season.

Some Interesting Facts about Mani Stones

1. The world’s Largest Mani Stone Mound

The world’s largest Mani stone mound is located at Xinzhai Village of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in the northwestern province of, Qinghai, China. The mound here is believed to be built 200 years back by first living Buddha of Jiana and now it has 2.5 billion colored inscribed stones in it.

The worlds largest Mani Stones mound is in Xinzhai Village
Source: www.vtibet.com

2. The world’s largest Mani stone wall

The world’s largest Mani stone wall, known as Bage Mani stone wall is located in Sershul County, of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The first stone of this wall was laid back in 1671 and till today thousands of pilgrimages are adding stones to it. So, the result is- this wall stretches up to 1.75 kilometers in length and 3.5 meters in height. It has more than 3000 stone statues and 6000 Buddhist scriptures.

The worlds largest Mani stone wall is located in Sershul county, northwest Graze Tibetan Prefecture - the sacred Mani Stones
Source: China Tibet Online

P.S – Apart from being beautiful colored, they are sacred prayer Mani stones. So, we all should respect and pray to them as per the traditions and cultures of the region.

Interesting! If yes, then please share it with fellow travelers to know the story and significance of these colored  Mani stones.

Mani Stones

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Himachal, India, Tourism, Travel

Bhuttico Kullu Shawls & Accessories: The Gift of Valley

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Kullu Manali is the most famous and favorite holiday spot among tourists or travelers to Himachal. The Kullu valley’s natural beauty binds one with its peace and aura. The views, temples, parks, trek, apple orchards, snow-capped mountains in the valley are picturesque and represent a true picture of tranquillity. Apart from this one can experience and be part of the handicraft paradise too. Yes! I am talking about BHUTTICO Kullu shawls and accessories.

Bhuttico Kullu Shwals & Accessories - gift of Kullu valley

What is Bhuttico?

Bhuttico stands for Bhutti weavers Cooperative Society Ltd of Kullu. It was set up in 1944 in the remote village of beautiful Himalayas by 12 weavers from Bhutti village. Bhuttico cooperative society is the one cooperation with its own weaving shed and housing colony. The colony is equipped with all facilities for its workers and the workplace provides the best benefits to its workers including pension, gratuity.

Bhuttico Kullu Store
Source – www. http://wikimapia.org/

The Bhuttico cooperation has more than 700 weavers on its rolls.  It  maintains all the quality parameters while manufacturing and testing. Bhuttico stores are present both nationally and internationally and they sell their  product under the name and trademark of Bhuttico.

This society is an inspiration; as it focuses on weaver’s welfare along with safeguarding the local artistic craft.

Bhuttico Kullu Shawls & Accessories

There is an extensive range of neutral as well as colorful handmade and loom weaved Bhuttico garments. The first one and most famous is-

Kullu shawls & Stoles

The variety of shawls at Bhuttico store ranged from traditional Kullvi to modern designs. They were available in Pashmina, angora, merino and local sheep wool. The pure Pashmina shawls were in light shades ranging from Rs. 4500 – Rs 6000; whereas all other varieties of Kullu shawls and stoles were available in bright, dark, light colors as well as embroidered patterns. The price ranged from Rs. 600 – Rs 1500. I personally liked the stoles for their colors, designs, and material. They were soft, light as well as warm and I ended up buying 4 -5 pieces.

Bhuttico Kullu Shawl Variety
Bhuttico Kullu Shawls

Kullu Doru & Pattu

These are the local traditional Himachali dresses awesomely colorful. Tourists often get themselves dressed in these for pictures.

Kullu Caps, gloves & woolen socks 

Kullu caps is the another attraction. The variety include Kullvi, Lahauli, Kinnauri, and Malana. I could make out the slight difference in all these caps categories but all of them were super colorful and warm. The price for all caps ranged from Rs 200 –Rs 350/-. The woolen socks and gloves too available were colorful, handmade and loom weaved. The price for these ranged from Rs 150 – Rs 200 (I am not joking).

Bhuttico Kullu Woolen Caps, gloves

Kullu Ties, Mufflers & Scarves

The ties available at Kullu Bhuttico showroom were in a solid color, wool material, and self-prints. The other option was in typical Kullvi design. On average, the price ranged between Rs 200 – Rs 350/-. Mufflers for men and scarves for women also were also available in different varieties of wool and designs. The price for these scarves and mufflers varied from Rs 200 – Rs 1000/.

Bhuttico Kullu Shawls
My Bhuttico Collection

Kullu Pullas

Pullas are the grass slippers used by Himachali women in Kitchen. The base is made with the fiber procured from the bark of a bush called cannabis (Bhang) and the upper part with goat hair which is further decorated with colorful threads. They are considered to be warm and comfortable. I loved them and brought these. Price for the same ranges from Rs 100 – 150/-.

Kullu Pullas
Source – http://www.bhutticoshawl.com/

Sleeveless Nehru Jacket & Woolen Shirts

The other garments included sleeveless Nehru jacket and woolen shirts available in different sizes and colors. The pure wool fabric for stitching can also be brought and I brought a piece for a shirt.

Handbags

The other small but awesome collection was of handbags and clutches in wool fabric and Himachali patti designs. This simple clutch with any attire will give it is a fashion blend and the price for same ranged from Rs 500 – 1000/-.

Bhuttico Kullu Accessories
Source – www.bhutticoshawl.com

Where to Shop Bhuttico Kullu Shawls and accessories

Bhuttico Kullu garments and accessories can be purchased both from online and offline stores. There are in total 31 offline stores and the majority of them are in Himachal. For online shopping, one can buy here.

What to consider before shopping Kullu Shawls and accessories

To purchase authentic Bhuttico Kullu products, check the “Handloom mark” as well as the GI patent tag. Check these marks here in the picture.

Bhuttico Kullu Shawl Trademark
Source: http://farbound.net/

So, it is worth treating yourself, your friends and relatives with these warm gifts from Kullu valley.

From Kullu Manali, you can head for the most adventurous road trips. Check the itinerary for Leh Ladakh road trip and Lahaul Spiti road trip.