More Than Fishing

Suggested Itinerary:

1. Departure in the morning as early as possible from the Trout House, the first stretch up ( 3 hours ) is unshaded and so its best to avoid midday sun.
2. Lunch and rest at Nadaar the last village below the peak. Take in some spectacular views of the river through the valley below.
3. Continue to the peak (2 hours) to arrive there by 4 p.m. Set up camp and explore surroundings. Enjoy 360 degree views. Rest.
4. Bonfire and dinner
5. Spend the next morning exploring the peak. Start down for Nadaar by 11 a.m. Lunch at Nadaar. Continue down to the Trout House to arrive by 5 p.m.

The Nature Walk: From Gushaini walkers climb for about 20 minutes to the village of Bandal. After a brief visit to the Devi's temple one continues at the same level along the mountainside through thick virgin forest before it descends again to end at the Trout House. Along this pleasant jungle walk one may pick up pine cones and woodroses, barks and sticks and flowers and nuts and bird feathers for craft items.

Suggested Itinerary:

1. Depart as early as possible as the entire walk could take 8 – 10 hours with stops.
2. Stops and food breaks as you wish. Return to the Trout House by 6 p.m.

Great Himalayan National Park: On the other hand one could walk past Gushaini along the Tirthan to the entry of the Great National Himalayan Park. The Park is one of the most extensive preserves of Himalayan Flora and fauna in the country. There are various classic Himalayan treks through the park. It is necessary though to take daily permits from Sai Ropa before entering the park there and to carry all your own living arranements as there is only one hut in Shilt and that is for the guides.

Recommended for nature lovers and trekkers with a few days to spare.
For details on the park log onto http://www.greathimalayannationalpark.com/

The Road Stroll: Catch the local bus to either Bathad (9 km) or Banjar (6 km) and walk back along the road beside the river passing little villages and interacting with the local folk along the way. Other smaller walks include a brisk twenty minute climb to Calorie Rock on the mountainside behind the Trout House or along the road to the Gushaini bridge and back or even to the offices of the Great National Himalayan Park at Sai Ropa and back.

The Overnite Camp

A one hour trek along the picturesque Tirthan river from road head Goshaini (3 kms from THTH) or up the Palachan from Bathaad (12 kms from THTH) will bring you to a quiet spot where you will set up camp there in Trekking tents for the night. As facilities available are minimum trekkers will receive a basic course in survival in the wild and have to fend for themselves, setting up tents and collecting firewood and helping with the cooking.

Rock Climbing, Rappelling & River Activities

Learn the tricks and the skills of climbing a rock face, or the different ways of rappelling down the face and the correct use of the ropes, harnesses and other equipment from our experienced climbers. This is a highly adventurous activity requiring skill, strength and care and is extremely fulfilling to those so inclined.

River Crossing by jhulas, log bridges, hopping rocks, raft building, dam building, functioning of water mills and water play

As a trained team of three is involved in these activities advance notice and a minimum group number are required.

Library and Music: The Trout House has an varied collection of books, audio cassettes and video discs and movies.

Nature Study

Observation and reading up on birds, insects and reptiles, flowers, fruit, trees, rocks and mountain formations, agriculture and gardening, visits to the trout fisheries

Sculpture, Pottery and Painting

The Trout House has a well equipped artist's studio with a potters wheel and a range of sculpture and painting materials.

Sightseeing Visits

Jalori pass: This trip entails a leisurely one and a half hour drive past Banjar through an enchanting forest to the Jalori pass. During April and May the hillsides are covered with a sea of blue irises. From there a two hour trek will bring us to a high mountain lake, Sareolsar, where you could have lunch and relax before the ancient Nag temple before we walk back to the pass for the ride back to the Trout House.

On the other hand you could take a different direction where an hour long walk through the meadows to the Raghupura fort on the other side

The views of the high mountains from the pass are spectacular all along. Highly recommended.

Suggested Itinerary:

1. Depart from the Trout House by 8 a.m. after breakfast.
2. Arrive at the Pass by 10 a.m. Enjoy a cup of tea and the panoramic views.
3. Begin walk to Sareolsar Lake by 10.30.. Arrive by 1 p.m.
4. Lunch and exploration till 3 p.m.
5. Begin walk back to the Pass. Arrive by 5 p.m.
6. Return to the Trout House by 7 p.m.

Manali visit: You could drive through the beautiful Kulu Valley with a stopover at Nagar where you could visit the Naggar Castle and the Roerich Art Gallery. From there a beautiful forest drive will take you to Manali where you will vist the Hadimba Devi Temple and walk around the Manali marketplace, sampling a restaurant, purchasing a gift or simply looking at what other people do when they visit the mountains.

Suggested Itinerary:

1. Depart from the Trout House after breakfast by 9 a.m.
2. Stopover at Kullu market for some local shopping.
3. Arrive at Nagaar by 2. pm. Have lunch and visit the Roerich art Gallery, the Castle and the stone temples in the afternoon.
4. Continue onto Manali through beautiful forest drive on the left bank for overnight stay in a local hotel.
5. Continue on past Rohtang into Ladhak or return to the Trout House.