Banjara Camps and Retreats

Banjara Camps & Retreats has a series of Hill Resorts which are specially designed as Camps on the very high level altitude where one can feel serenity and beauty of nature at its best and commune with its sights and sounds while enjoying the luxuries of camping and exploring the outdoors. Banjara Camp is situated at a height of 2,700 m and surrounded by towering mountains on all sides and is set on the banks of the Baspa river that surges through the valley in Himachal Pradesh.

Sangla Valley

Accommodation

17 fully furnished cosy Swiss-style tents with attached bath, 24 hour running water a well equipped kitchen and evening bonfires that keeps the visitors away from chillness. Best time to visit the Sangla Valley Camp is from April to October. However, May to September have pleasant days (light woolens clothing is required) and cold nights while April & October have pleasant days.

What to See

Chitkul : Last village on the old Hindustan-Tibet trade route.

Sangla Meadows : Full day walk to the green pastures.

Rakcham : Beautiful 4 hour walk along the Baspa river to Rakcham village.

Baspa River : This river flowing along the valley is great for trout fishing.

Batseri village : Just across the camp, this village is an excellent example of the great hill architecture. The local Devta Mandir (temple).

How to Reach

Taking a drive from Shimla to Karcham (209 km), then Karcham to Sangla (around 18 km) and finally 6 km ahead of Sangla, one can reach the Banjara Camp. Around 8 hour drive from Shimla to Sangla.

Sarahan

Accommodation

6 double bedrooms and 3 suites of teak structure with attached bathrooms with modern amenities. The Retreat stays open all year round. However the winter season is not so good as temperatures vary fastly.

What to See

Bhimkali Temple Complex : This is Sarahan's main focus and its weathered walls enclose approximately an acre of temples, old residential quarters, courtyards and a small recently created museum.

Gaura (37km) : This is a picturesque village well known for it's delicious apples.

Darang Ghati : This valley is a 1.5 hrs drive away from the retreat and takes one on a beautiful drive through thick forests to provide some very scenic views.

Activities

Trekking : Sarahan forms the base for several treks. The most popular of these is the trek from Sarahan to Sangla. The best times are mid-April to mid-June and mid-September to mid-October.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station and airport are at Shimla, 177 km away. A 6 hour drive from Shimla to Sarahan. The route is on NH 22 upto Jeori, from where the road bifurcates to Sarahan. Sarahan is 17 km from Jeori on this road.

Tabo

Accommodation

Eight fully furnished standard rooms and one family suite with attached baths. 24 hour running hot and cold water. Best time to visit Tabo Retreat is from April to October. Temperatures vary from 26 degrees during the daytime in June to about 5 degrees during night time in October.

What to See

Tabo Monastery : More than 1000 years old monastery in the village.

Nako Lake : Beautiful lake in the middle of the village at 3600 m.

Dhankar Monastery : About 800 year old monastery overlooking the confluence of Pin and Spiti rivers.

Pin Valley : A short drive from Kaza is the spectacular Pin Valley, home to the Pin Valley National Park which is the natural habitat of the snow leopard and Himalayan ibex.

Kungri Gompa : This is Spiti's second oldest monastery located in the Pin valley and the main centre of the Nyingma-pa sect in Spiti.

Lalung Monastery : Lalung Town at above 3800 m in the Lingti Valley boasts one of the oldest monasteries of the region, which is dedicated to the female goddesses of Buddhism.

How to Reach

From Manali via the Manali-Leh highway upto Gramphoo (62 km from Manali), from Gramphoo, there is a drive of 186 km to the Tabo Banjara Retreat.

From Shimla, Tabo Rtreat is 365 km away From Shimla, one can reach there via Kufri-Narkanda-Rampur-Sumdo.