Travel Instinct: Mashobra – Himachal Pradesh

Mashobra – Himachal Pradesh

Place of Unique Beauty

Mashobra surrounded by a frill of snow capped mountains, is situated at a height of 7500 ft above sea level at Himachal Pradesh. This place has a commanding splendid views and ringed by the peaks of the western Himalayas. Mashobra is well known as Asia's largest watershed with the water basins of the Indus on one side and the Ganges on the other.

Breathtaking Mashobra forms part of the Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary and is more thickly forested than Shimla. It has numerous shady glades, cool streams and flowery glens, so its perfect destination for camping, picnics, trekking and river rafting. This forested hill has a salubrious climate, that it never gets bitterly cold.

The entire valley is covered by dense woods of oaks and pines and is ideal for taking a pleasant walk in the midst of extremely soothing climate. If nature is your thing, Mashobra is an excellent destination to relax and rejuvenate you completely…

Fast Facts:

· Location Sivpur, Mashobra, near Shimla

· Distance from Shimla 12 kms

· Distance from Delhi 365 kms

· Driving time from Delhi 9 hrs approx

Season:

· Summer months: March to June

· Rainy season: July to August

· Pleasant and ideal time: September to November

· Winter months: December to Feburary

Route Map:
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How to Reach:

Fly away :- The nearest airport to Mashobra is at Shimla, located around 10 kms away from Mashobra.

On tracks :- The nearest railway station to Mashobra is at Shimla, located around 10 kms away from Mashobra. The station is well-connected to Mashobra as well as the other railway stations of

India

.

On wheels :- Well connected to major cities of India such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi and Manali by a network of well- maintained roads, reaching Mashobra by road is one of the easiest ways of reaching the town.

Tourist Attractions in Mashobra:

Mahasu:

Mahasu is named after Lord Mahasu, the patron deity of this village. And the Mahasu Jatara is a popular fair organized in honour of the God. On the third Tuesday of May, people from far and wide, congregate for the two day festival held in front of the Durga Devi Temple. This is an ancient temple and every year, a local dance called the 'Natti'is performed here. Folk songs and games add to the melee. And the main attraction of the fair is an archery competition.

Kufri

Kufri is situated at an altitude of 8600 ft above sea level, is a site offering some famous hikes and wonderful snow for skiing in winters. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak, the highest point in Kufri. The Himalayan Nature Park here has a good collection of animals and birds found in the region. . When the sky’s a cloudless blue, watch for those inviting views of the snowy peaks of the Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges.

Fagu:

Fagu Situated on Hindustan-Tibet Road at a height of 2,450m and is gifted with some enchanting views. Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel peach Blossom here.

Naldehra

Naldehra is the name for a stunning hill spur that overlooks a dense deodar grove. Earlier a camping ground for the British, Naldehra is famous for being the oldest and highest 9 hole golf course in the country. The course is covered with fine turf. This place is the venue for many high-profile competitions and is lauded for its great beauty. And there is a ancient temple named Nag Temple very near.

Reserve Forest Sanctuary:

Here you will find rare species of plant and animal life as well as a riveting view of the Himalayas. Mashobra's lush slopes are populated by monkeys, baboons, jackals, barking deer, leopards and myriad species of birds, including pheasants, Himalayan Eagles, chikor and partridges. The trees you will find here are of the pine, oak, deodar, maple, horse chestnut, cedar and rhododendron species.

If the weather if good, you'll actually be able to see the Pir Pinjal range of mountains all the way in Jammu and Kashmir. You could also trek your way to the many peaks that surround this place to catch some breathtaking views. . A trek to Shali Peak - the highest in the area, can be made from Mashobra.This place is also ideal for camping and picnics.

Bekhalti:

The drive from Mashobra to Bekhalti is one of the prettiest in the region. The 18 km road meets Theog on the old Hindustan

Tibet

road.
Seog

Just towards the Kufri raod lies Seog, a reserve forest whose ancient cedar trees make you feel like a pygmy. A 7 km walk inside brings you to a water reservoir built in 1901. A well situated forest rest house is a welcome break for a cup of tea. Kept out of bounds for travelers for years, this jungle oasis has preserved an aastonishing variety of flora and fauna.
Wild Flower Hall:

On the Mahasu range, at Charabra, is the Wild Flower Hall situated at an altitude of 2,498 m. Nestling among picturesque sylvan surroundings, the Wild Flower Hall commands a breathtaking view of the snows. Serving as a hotel today, it attracts many tourists who wish to revisit the grandeur of a bygone era.
Rampur:
Located on the Hindustan Tibet Road. The town is situated on the banks of Satluj river. The whole area is a maze of lanes, shops and temples. In the month of November, the Lavi Fair is organized here. Dumgir Buddhist Temple, Padam Palace, Raghunath Temple, Ayodhya temple and Narsingh Temple, are worth visiting. Himachal Tourism runs a tourist Complex and air conditioned Cafe, Satluj.

Chail:

Chail is a lush green setting and was the former capital of the Patiala State. It has the world’s highest cricket ground at a height of 2250 m, built in 1893. It is also a hiker’s paradise and there is a wildlife sanctuary at a distance of 3 km from here. Himachal Tourism runs the Palace Hotel (Earlier the Palace of Maharaja Of Patiala)

Glenn :
Its about 4 km walk from the Ridge through dense Forests, a sprightly stream flows through the Glen forests at an altitude of 1830 meters.It is a secluded picnic spot.
Narkanda:
Narkanda, offers wonderful slopes for skiing. At an elevation of 2708 m, it has dense pine forests. Hatu peak, 8 km from Narkanda, provides a striking panorama of the plains below. Narkanda offers spectacular views of snow ranges. Ancient temple of Hatu Mata is alive with skiers. HPTDC runs Hotel Hatu and in winters short skiing courses are organised.

Sarahan :

On Hindustan Tibet Road beyond Rampur is a small village worth visiting. It provides a spectacular view of Shrikhand Mahadev (5227 m) and hiking opportunities to the nearby villages such as Ranwin and Bashal Peak. The Bhimakali temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is the finest example of Indo-Tibetan architecture. Saharan is the gateway to Kinnaur. A Pheasant Breading Centre and stadium are worth visiting. The area is a rich bowl of quality apples and other varieties of delicious fruits.

Tattapani : This is a spot well known for hot sulfurous springs. Shiv Goofa at Saraur (4 Km) is also worth visiting. One can enjoy fishing.

Jakhu Temple : Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple is at an altitude of 8048 feet above sea level, near the highest point of Shimla ridge. It offers a panoramic view over the surrounding valleys , out to the snowcapped peaks, and over the town itself. The temple is a 45-minute walk from the Ridge, one can also hire pony or taxi to visit temple.. Jakhu is a vantage point for witnessing the changing skyline as the sun rises or sets.

Accommodation and Lodging:

As Mashobra is quite a popular tourist destination, the hotels in Mashobra remain busy to serve guests almost all the year round. Some of the famous hotels are

Wild Flower Hall - Oberoi Group Hotel, Mashobra