Vol - 3 March TRAVEL EXPLORE Travel Magazine TRAVEL EXPLORE The Travel Explore is for people who love travel Welcome to Travel Explore. The new and exiting travel magazine. It is a new, fresh and affordable to looking travel. Travel Explore always inspire you to travelling. We hope you find Travel Explore magazine informative and enjoy reading it. Contents 6 Nubra Ecolodge ........... 6 Shojha ............ 9 Kalyan Forest Resort .... 12 Gir National Park ..........19 Baishagu Festival ......... 21 Solo Trek on Eastern Coastline ........ 22 Mirik ......... 29 Jivitesh ..........33 9 22 ubra ecolodge is a family run ecotourism venture, located near NSumur sand dunes in the Nubra Valley. The landscape facing the confluence of Shyok and Nubra rivers is the natural habitat for seabuckthorn, wild flowers and desert wildlife. The 11 acre farm with our family home, has been planted with poplar, willow, apricot and apple trees, along with vegetable gardens. It commands a 360 degree view of the Karakoram mountains, the sand dunes and the nubra river. The Shyok River meets the Nubra River to form a large valley that separates the Ladakh and Karakoram Ranges. This 10,000 ft (3048M) high altitude cold desert with rare precipitation and scant vegetation except along river beds and villages, which are irrigated and fertile, producing wheat, barley, peas, mustard and apples, walnuts, apricots and almond trees. The valley extends up to Turtuk to the north west and Siachen Glacier to the north east with the Sasser and Karakoram Pass connecting Nubra with Xinjiang, forming the old silk route. Nubra Valley has sand dunes with bactrian camels and along with monasteries and a large Buddha statue with its green oasis villages, which are a major highlight of the tourism circuit of Ladakh. To the north east of this picturesque valley lies the Balti villages of Turtuk. Siachen glacier to the north-western region of this valley is bordered by Sasser and Karakoram passes, the latter formed an integral part of the ancient Silk route. 6 hey are a local Ladakhi family, who Thave worked on this arid landscape for years to make it a livable farm. In the summer they have a organic vegetable garden and a small green house for the winter. They also have a own wheat and barley fields grown nearby and a few cows and dzos - (a cross between a cow and a yak). Guests can enjoy freshly baked Khambir (local Ladakhi whole wheat bread or Sour Dough) and the fresh milk and vegetables from their garden. Home cooked local Ladakhi and Indian cuisine with a fixed menu will be served. A large open deck facing the valley near the vegetable garden is used as a lounge or for dining in fair weather. Ideal location to go for long walks along the Sumur sand dunes and the nubra river. We recommend a minimum two days stay to enjoy the nubra experience. Seven Cottages with decks and Four wooden Safari Tents with decks and en suite bathrooms all facing the snow capped mountains and nubra river valley. The Main house has Five GuestRooms with ensuite bathrooms on two floors. All the rooms can accommodate one extra bed. The meals are served in the traditional dining or on the open deck in good weather. 7 he cottages are located to get the best experience of Tthe nubra valley landscape, surrounded by a view of the snow capped himalayas, the sand dunes and the river flowing at a distance. The cottages have large windows with a ladhaki roof and a deck. The cottage room has a king sized bed or option to have twin beds and also can accommodate a extra bed on request at a cost. The four glamping Safari Tents are located with the best views of the mountains and valley. The wooden cabins are on a raised platform with a large warm room and toilets and dress attached. They also have a large deck with a view. It has a king sized bed with option for twin beds and also can accommodate an extra bed on request at a cost. The Main house has a GuestRoom with ensuite bathroom on the ground floor and four GuestRooms on the first floor with a large terrace. The rooms have king sized beds or option for twin beds and also can accommodate one extra bed at a cost. With the other 8 common spaces in the house this is ideal for large groups also. Shojha, Himachal Pradesh hojha is a small village sitting which are spread across the entire Squietly in the middle of range, along with the spectacular wilderness and panorama. Its views of the snow-capped peaks is untouched beauty might be just truly a magical splendour to be the thing that you need to relax and witnessed. unwind. Located amid the Banjar Valley, the village is dotted with Off the highway leading to Kullu in several temples made of wood. Himachal Pradesh, Shoja can be as quiet and picturesque as a writer or At a mere distance of 5 Kms from artist may wish for, or as adventure Jalori pass, Shojha has pleasant filled as any adrenalin overdosed weather throughout the year. With visitor may want it to be. A part of verdant deodar forest covering the the Great Himalayan National Park, area with snow peaked Himalayas it is just the setting to take walks in hovering on one side, this village is the woods and be very close to all packed with tourist attractions like the diversity nature has to offer. fort, lake and waterfall. Do visit this place for treasured memories. Shojha is a beautiful getaway for families and a romantic hideout for The village of Shoja is still hidden lovers. Anyone looking to get away in most parts, which makes it all the from the city life will enjoy their more interesting to discover. time here. Mountain slopes covered with verdure, conifers and deodars, 9 Places to Visit: Waterfall Point: A long silent walk through the nature with gurgling sound of water can do wonder to your senses. At a mere distance of 1 Km from Shojha, the waterfall point is a magical journey that spellbinding and beautiful. A best place for your morning walk, you will find the water of the fall sweet and cold. Make sure you do not miss this place at any cost Jalori Pass: Nestled in the peaks of northern Himalayas lies the Jalori mountain pass, located between the districts of Kullu and Shimla. Perhaps one would recognise it better as the snow-covered summit in the Bollywood film "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani", where actors Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone are s e e n t r e k k i n g t h r o u g h t h e mountainside. The pass opens in the second week of March and shuts down in December due to snowfall. Serolsar Lake: Serolsar Lake, another major attraction of the village is located about 5 km from Jalori Pass. The lake has clear water which remains so despite of several leaves falling in to it. The place is better known for its temple devoted to Goddess Budhi Nagin. It is believed that the Goddess has hundred sons and acts as a guardian of the place. The walk to the lake is equally enchanting from Jalori pass, with thick cover of oak trees. 10 Tirthan Valley It is a place that will quench your thirst for amazing wildlife and fishing. Trithan valley is famous for housing the Great Himalayan National Park, the best spot for angling; several steps have been taken to protect the belt from undesirable impacts. The place is quite famous among the tourists. Raghupur Fort Raghupur Fort is a historic place which is believed to be built by Mandi rulers, to protect themselves from the invasion. Today, nothing much is left of it except the outer portion of the walls. However, what makes visiting this fort more fun is the way to reach it. A walk or rather a climb of 3 Kms from Jalori Pass, the path gets steeper during last kilometer. The way is covered with lush green oaks and rhododendrons with great Himalayas in backdrop. A small pond is present within the premises of the fort. How to Reach: The closest airbase to Shoja is the Bhuntar Airport located in Kullu. The nearest railway station to Shoja is Shimla at a distance of nearly 60 km. Regular buses and taxis are available from the station to your destination. 1. image: Jalori Pass (Sources: Himachal Tourism) 2. Tirthan Valley 3. Raghupur (Sources: TripAdvisor) 4. Sirolskar Lake 11 KALYAN FOREST RESORT, Kalha Purulia pect peace ,tranquility and nature along with a memorable experience xamong the hills. The log cabin here provides a spectacular view of Ajodhya hills and forest. With sumptuous meals cooked with organic ingredients, you could also take your pet along with you to this green getaway. Forest Holidays is the ideal setting for your family break. Whatever you want or need, from travel cots to cycle hire, from pre-booked activities to movies in your cabin. All you need to do is gather your family and enjoy your break in the forest. About the Resort – Mr. Kalyan Ghosh was a nature lover. The resort is dedicated to the beloved Guardian. He supported to nature and loved peace and tranquility. Presently, his son Mr. Koushik Ghosh has been effectively fulfilling his dreams in extending the Resort. He believes in hosting the guests as a part of his family. Mr. Bidyut Dey is a perfect person out there to explain all the hooks & nooks about the place.