Shodh Yatra - A journey to the unknown yet most beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh

Churah Valley: Unknown, Unexplored and Untouched…

Churah valley in Chamba is one of the roads less visited by the tourists. However, for those who dare to reach there, the peace and awe-inspiring charms of this remote valley are one of the biggest rewards.

To explore the hidden majestic beauty of the region, one has to first reach Tissa, a sub-divisional headquarter for Churah which is around 163 km from Pathankot. Tissa is the central place of Churah valley. Reaching there one can feel the serenity and calmness and can witness beautiful lush green vegetation.

Have you ever stood in front of a mountain and felt yourself so timid? Ever Stood in front of a majestic river and felt yourself so short living and powerless? Ever gazed at a waterfall and felt the enormous height and liveliness it contains as it falls? Ever stood among the clouds, and even above it, and thought when you last breathed that fresh air? Ever climbed a rocky mountain and felt all your gym training are nothing compared to what the locals do here every day? Ever been to a secret valley and wondered that “does this even exist in India? I must be dreaming!”. Well, it is certainly not a dream if you happen to visit the untouched Churah Valley of Himachal. Similar to many other unexplored areas of India, this place offers you the best of beauty, majesty, cuisines, hospitality and an adrenaline rush to explore more. Have a look at these photos!

   

                   

                                   

Churah valley is beautiful and majestic, not just because of its scenic beauty, but also because of the people residing there. I came across people who are extremely hardworking, especially women, managing their daily activities with mind and soul. They love their place and welcome everyone who visits them with open arms. Their hospitality is one of the best in the world, with people willing to offer their homes to weary travellers tired from their day-long journey.

Whether be it at Bhanjraru, Gulli, Devikothi or Mangli, the radiating charm these people have will make you forget the worries of your life and entice you to live in the moment.I loved the way how the villagers welcomed all with trumpet and other musical instruments and later organized the traditional dance session also. Can it be, in any possible means, more beautiful than this level of hospitality?

  

 

They shared the stories and legends of their region, the tale of a river and how it came to its existence. Throughout the entire journey, I enjoyed the delicious cuisines made out of local plants, whose purity and taste can beat even the best of restaurants. One should definitely try the raw honey of the Mangli village.

It is a well-known fact that the education system of Himachal is one of the best in the country, in terms of primary level schooling and gender ratio. After interacting with lots of school children and staying at numerous schools during the night, I can now reckon the validity of the above fact.

The energy these children have the innocence, the respect for others, the aspiration to grow and give something back to their homeland and most importantly their innovative ideas for solving local issues.

While trekking, I came across some astonishing vegetation. A dense forest of Pine and Deodar trees with sunlight trying to pass through gave a beautiful start to for the morning journeys. 

     

We are always cautioned about the “Bicchu plant” (Stinging Nettle), never to touch them, lest you would have to face the wrath of constant irritation. I also came across some beautiful wild berries, radiant white mushrooms, green apple trees (we were offered some of them from the villagers and they were super tasty), along with the traditional medicinal plants

     

   

I believe, travelling is one of the best teachers who can make you see the world differently and you come to know about lots of things. Whether it is about huge logs of timber from deodar trees being transported from this region to many parts of the country or the local techniques the villagers to add value to the existing resources they have, for example, how they use to convert apple into apple chips which could increase their longevity as well as improve taste. Super Indigenous ideas!

  

 

The entire valley had some very ancient and magnificent temples, whose pristine nature and place of the location made them look breath-taking. The villagers here are very religious and take care of these temples passionately. One could find old ancient paintings of the walls of these temples depicting stories of legends and gods of the ancient era.

 Another thing I noticed was small temples on the roadsides, which kind of amused me, making me think they might be for the safety of the travellers. One could always feel a strong connection and divine power on entering these temples.

   

Strange, isn’t it? They are so many things to see in India, yet we are unaware of their existence. Well, Churah has much more to offer than you can think of. You just feel like attracted to this place and why not? This place has its own aura and charm which cannot be felt elsewhere. 

One should definitely give this place a try so as to explore the hidden beauty and cherish the unknown treasures of this place. I bet you won’t regret.

                                                                  

Happy travelling!!!