Churah Valley – A Chance to Start Afresh

Rejuvenated, refreshed and rejoiced. These attributes aptly denote my state of senses upon my return from Churah Valley– the hidden jewel of the Himachal. Churah is located in the heart of Himachal, a five-hour ride from Pathankot.

We are a bunch of IIM Ahmedabad students, who undertook the journey as part of one of the most popular courses on campus - "ShodhYatra", a biannual course, undertaken by a nationally eminent faculty, Professor Anil Gupta, along with Professor Navdeep Mathur, an equally stellar instructor. The literal meaning of the name of the course translates to a journey of learning, research, and self-discovery. The objective was to explore the pristine and untouched parts of Himachal, immerse in the culture and traditions of the locals, live frugally and give oneself the freedom to think, innovate and create.

At Sarai Rohilla Station, New Delhi- 27th August 2018

While the above seems all serious, let me assure you a journey with your friends is never monotonous. However nerdy they may look on the outside, they knew how to have fun -

the place made sure of that!

Well, Chura literally means four paths. Its headquarters Bhanjraru, is a central place of the Valley from where paths lead to all four directions. They link different places within the district and the adjoining state of Jammu & Kashmir.
We spent our first night in Banjrarhu, also called Tissa, which is the base for ChurahValley. While we were breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the hospitality of our hosts, I had realized we had already started to become vulnerable and loosen our defenses towards our surroundings. Maybe that is necessary to expose oneself to outside ideas. Well, the wonderful sight had this effect on us. Look below -

The happy kids in Banjrarhu

First Sleeping Bag Experience

Moonrise behind the mountain. A view to behold!

All of us knew in our hearts - we were in for exciting six days. Churah has a lot many places to leave you spellbound. Apart from Bhanjraru, we covered Devi Kothi, Bairagarh, Mangli, Bunderi. All of them are in their most natural habitats, beautiful places with rich green cover. The places commanded a panoramic view of the surrounding hills, mountains, and the valley.

Our journey through the mountains involved a trek over the next few days. We covered over 50 Kms on foot, traversing through uneven terrain, steep climbs and steeper descents with Bichoo Booti on the side to sting and tickle every now and then. Who (I didn't) knew cannabis is in so much abundance.

The treks, however, were amazing. Walking through mighty mountains, with a cold breeze, dancing streams, 

and chirping birds to give you company, I could not have asked for a better walk. 

TroubleShooter, Baba ji, Shayar Sahab

 & me -  in that order.

A photo after one such walk

The hospitality of the locals made me put my head in hands at times - with embarrassment. The food was absolutely delicious. From the local curries, pulses, and pickle. I can honestly say I had some of the best meals in life in Churah. You have to go there to believe it. The people there are charming, helpful, selfless and happy. 

Clear gushing stream from the Himalayas

We visited the Chamunda temple Devi Kothi, about 110 km from the district headquarters of Chamba. In the absence of a link road, transportation of goods is carried out by mules. This mountainous area remains covered with snow for six months in a year. The other numberless village temples, mostly dedicated to a Devi or Naga, the only one which deserves a passing notice is that of Chamunda, at Devi Kothi, on account of the Mughal influence manifest in its wood-carvings. The temple is dedicated to Devi and contains illustrations of the exploits of the goddess Durga.

Devikothi Temple, Churah

We got the views, which are going to stay with us for a lifetime.

Breathtaking views of the Valley

And the mountains above

Feeling reflective

Not so much here

The BonFire Night with locals and the friends

While nature no doubt has blessed Himachal with incomparable beauty, the real gems are the students of the valley. You have to see it to believe it. The energy with the which the children brimmed with made the day for many of us. The children brought forth ideas which at minimal can be called exciting. Some were simply common sense (and we know how common it is) while some were revolutionary. I could chide myself for not being able to think of them before! Some are -

• A class 6 kid thought of a solution to overcome the several feet of snow falls which may damage the roofs. Solution being a drone-like structure to suck, melt and drain snow for drinking.
• A class 11 student suggested building a machine to cut grass for cattle fodder, filling it in a basket or and then transporting it to home. She wanted it to save time for her mother.
• Many suggested ideas to stop engines in case the traveler is not wearing seat belt/ helmet

Prof. Gupta #Respect

The bright kids in bright uniform, on a bright morning

Seeing local residents greeting strangers like ourselves with fruits, honey, food and stay make one realize that rather than focussing on narrow personal interests and running the race of life, there is also a part of life where you take a step back and look at welfare and needs of your fellow human beings.

Local women were responsible for cattle and were performing back-breaking chores. You end up wondering where your life would have been if you were born in similar situations.

Clear water. We drank a lot of it

Could I have this in my backyard?
(Wait, I don't yet have a backyard)

Another picturesque view. The mighty moutains

Prof. Gupta says, and I agree, journeys or bridges are also places where ‘learning, living and loving intersect’. More such rural engagement mechanisms need to be explored to harness and honour grassroots creativity.

The journey would only make you smile, laugh, shed a few tears of joy and might just help you find your peace. Give it a shot, a zero risk-proposition, there's only upside!

In case you plan to go, connect with Not On Map, notonmap.com. You will have a pleasant visit. Thanks for reading!