Himachal Pradesh has some of the finest trekking trails in the country. Thankfully we have some of the most fascinating amidst them in the vicinity of Deodar Cottage –popular treks in the area include:
A beautiful trek along a thick forest, 6 kilometres to the top from the road; the trek starting point (Tikker) is approximately 10 km from the cottage.
Hatu peak is a long undulating mountain top at an elevation of 3,300 metres. It is the highest you can go in Shimla District. This place is popular among adventure seekers and bikers as you get a 360 degree of the valley bellow. The area has a forest of Pine, Spruce, Fir and Oak. There are many meadows on the top locally known as thach. One can view snow clad ranges as far as the Pir Panjals, Dhauladhars and trans Himalayan range towards the north. You can view the Hanuman Tibba, Friendship peak, Kinner Kailash and the Shrikhand Mahadev peaks from here. Vast landscapes dotted with apple plantations are visible from here.
There is also a beautiful trekking trail 6 kilometres to the top of the mountain. The trail goes though a dense forest. Hatu also has a very beautiful temple dedicated to Hatu Mata. On the first Sunday of Jyest month (June) of hindu calendar, people come in great number to pay their tributes to the deity. Just near the temple there are big stones that make a formation of a cooking stove or challah, which is believed to be used by the Pandavas during their stay in the forest.
A trek from Sungri (44 km from the cottage), up a mountain ridge with a magnificent view of the snow capped mountains. About 6 hours trek, brisk walk, the trek is considered as one of the most beautiful treks in India. Majorly done by the foreigners and locals, the trek is now catching sight of the domestic Indian tourists as well.
A trek from Bagah Sarahan to Bathad along long mountain meadows – the Bashleo Pass is located in Kullu District of the state of Himachal Pradesh. At an altitude of 3277m Bashleo Pass is one fascinating trek in the region. From the Pass you can see the Srikhand Mahadev range and one can trail down the Beas Valley. On the way to and from Bashleo Pass you can enjoy sight of ecological sanctuaries and variety of wildlife habitat.
A 10 km trek from Jalori Jot to the Sewolsar Lake is somewhat level walk through a small trail in thick forest of oak and Moru. You can feel the sounds of the leaves crushing below your feet as you hike up to the Lake. There is another route you can take toward the lake which follows the ridge line on the top of the mountain. Jalori pass is a perfect destination for spending your day in the wilderness.