HOTRAVEL.biz Takes you to an exclusive trek to the oldest parliament of the world – MALANA Village through the Chanderkhani Pass.

Grade : Moderate
Maximum Altitude : 3960 M
Duration : 10 days
Average Walking time : 5-6 hours per day
Principal Deity : Rishi Jamdagni

A civilized society in a country like India originates in the village where people of different identities interact for mutual benefit, self-sufficiency and autonomy. All villages outwardly appear to be similar but each has its core, a soul, which is a distinct as one fingerprint from the other. There are what is called artist villages, epic villages, shrine villages, fringe villages and forsaken villages distinguished by their inhabitants and their traditions. Of these, in Himachal Pradesh, the most distinctive are the shrine villages. In every such village there is a presiding deity recognized by people of all religions on the basis of faith only. Malana is one such village in the district Kullu that has preserved its age-old traditions and customs. Below the Chanderkhani pass of the Kullu Valley lies a small cluster of around two hundred stone roof houses constituting a village called Malana. Its inimitable culture and the temple of Jamlu distinguish the village. The village consists of around 1500 inhabitants and has an impeccable system of administration with a higher and lower court guided by the spirit of village God Jamlu. Malana stands out as an autonomous self-sufficient unit whose inhabitants claim Greek ancestry. However, what distinguishes this village in the interior of the Himalayas is its architecture, language, worship rituals and autonomous administrative system.

LOCATION
The unique geographical location of Malana has enabled it to preserve its biodiversity and it is an ecological heaven. Malana is connected to Kullu by three mountain passes - it can be reached from Parbati valley crossing over the 3180 meters Rashol Pass and via Naggar over the 3600 meters beautiful Chanderkhani pass. The Trek is Moderate

The Legend behind MALANA: The local people have a legend that Alexander the Great passed this way on his march of conquest. On leaving, he ordered some of his men to remain behind, here. Most of these married local women, giving rise to a unique society with its own political and judicial systems.

According to another school of Historians, Jamdagni Rishi is the father of Parashuram, one of the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. After his intense prayers, Shiva appeared before him. Jamdagni Rishi asked for a secluded place, full of nature’s bounty. Shiva told him to go to Malana. The Rishi’s two brothers followed him. In order to avoid them, he created a mist in the valley and told them that the place was not good. His brothers left his company and one went to Lahaul and the other to the Banjar Valley. Malana was already in the control of a Rakshasa when the Rishi reached there The Rakshasa Banasura resisted him. The conflict between Jamdagni Rishi and Banasura ended with a peace treaty, according to which, administration and justice were to be handled separately. While administration was with Banasura, justice was kept under the preview of Jamdagni Rishi. In case of a dispute in the administration, it was to be sorted out by the judiciary. The Kanashi language was made mandatory for those living in Malana, as also the customs and traditions prevalent there. During the festivals, the first sacrifice was to be made to Banasura. With the passage of time, Jamdagni Rishi gained superiority over Banasura, but the village retained its traditions, which are still followed there.

ARCHITECTURE
Houses in Malana are of two or three storey and each storey has a specific name and purpose. The ground floor is called khudang which acts as a cattle shed and where the firewood and fodder for the sheep and goats are stored. The first floor called Gaying is used to store eatables, wood and for weaving woolen fabric. The top floor with an over hanging balcony is called pati. It is the living quarter. The houses are built of alternate bands of stone and timber. The inner walls are plastered with mud. The outer side is entirely made up of wood.

TOUR ITINERARY:

Day 1 (New Delhi, India):
Arrive Delhi. Meet our representative. Malana - Chandrakhani Pass Trek begins. Board morning train/deluxe bus to reach Manali. Overnight in Manali.

Day 2 (Manali - Rumson):
On second day of Malana - Chandrakhani Pass Trek, we drive from Manali to Naggar and then trek to Rumsu village (2377 m). Naggar at 1840 m is famous for its castle and its history of being state capital of Kullu Valley. It was here that famous painter from Russia Nicolas Roerich established his gallery and spent a life time. People from allover the world comes here to see work of this lesser known artist who preferred Himalayan valley instead of some office in metro. Rumsu at 2060 m is a small village and on the way stop at Roerich Art gallery. Camp at Rumsu.

Day 3 (Rumsu - Chandrakhani, 3960 M):
On third day of Malana - Chandrakhani Pass Trek, we trek through a trail that goes through local shepherds area where they graze their flocks. It offers a bird's view of Kullu valley & Dhauladhar Range. A striking view of Deo Tibba. Overnight in camp.

Day 4 (Chandrakhani - Malana):
Next destination of trek is Malana, where we reach after crossing series of pastures and ascend gradually. Here we see White Sail (6446 m) and Papsura (6451 m). Malana is a small village and very popular among trekkers as it has its own language, customs, and beliefs. It is governed by its village elders. Some say they are from Greek race who settled after Alexander The Great returned back after invading India. Some trekkers feel that language spoken is much closer to "Hebrew" and is related with Christ. Overnight in camp.

Day 5 (Malana - Rashol, 2598 M):
We trek with few ascends and descends and en route we get panoramic view of Pin Parbati range. Overnight in camp.

Day 6 (Rashol - Kasol, 1585 M):
We walk through deodar forests to reach Kasol. Overnight in camp.

Day 8 (Kasol - Manali):
We reach Manali from Kasol. Overnight in Manali.

Day 9 (Manali):
Day at leisure in Manali. From Manali, we board bus/train to reach New Delhi.
KASOL

Day 10 (New Delhi):
Arrive New Delhi. Transfer to airport for flight to onwards journey. Malana - Chandrakhani Pass Trek concludes.

WEATHER
The weather is very unpredictable on the trek to MALANA. The Temperature fall drastically at the Chanderkhani Pass.The Best time to visit MALANA is from June to October.

Accommodation
Deluxe Accommodation is available only in Manali Town.
During the Trek accommodation will be only available in Tents.

FOOD
While in Manali don’t forget to check out the local cuisines. In the Hotel you will get Continental, Chinese and Indian Cuisine. The food during the trek is a mixture of western and local Pahari recipes. A cook will accompany the guests while trekking.

PRICE : The Price for this Exclusive Package is available on request
          : Send mail to book this package. booking@htoravel.biz