#travel EXPERIENCES TOURISM Uncategorized

Chindi

A hidden village

Chindi is a small village that sits quietly in the lap of nature at 1859 mts in Himachal Pradesh. This little village is covered with thick forests, apple orchards and small picturesque hamlets giving you a remarkable views. A stream flowing through the village completes its quintessential calm.

It is an off beaten track, untouched by commercial tourism and that perhaps is the reason it has been able to retain its charm. It has good facilities in terms of roads, small markets and accomodation, but you should not set your expectations too high. You should have the aim to go and relax in this pristine and calm village as internet connectivity isn’t too good either. It will do you good if you have a BSNL connection. (No advertisement just a suggestion)

There is a lake in the village, deodars, pines and orchards. Since it is in Karsog Valley which is part of GHNP, you can spot species of musk deer, ghoral and variety of pheasants. It is on a higher elevation than Karsog town which is about 10 km from Chindi.

Weather in Chindi remains slightly cold even in summers, giving you the authentic hill experience.

Avoid going there in the monsoons as there could be landslides and you will have to remain confined to your room.

Things you can do

While in Chindi you should go with the mood to relax. Read a book, sleep, speak to the locals who welcome you with a smile and a warm cup of tea. Enjoy the silence of the place as you will not find any tourists here.

If you decide on exploring you can go to nearby Karsog valley, which like any other place in Himachal is dotted with lots of temples built in Pahari architecture. Some notable temples are

Mamleshwara Mahadev, Ardhnarishwar, Nag Dhamooni at Sairi Bangla.

To get the best views you can drive about 23 kms to Kunhoo Dhar. It is a flat topped hill from where you can get a spectacular view of Karsog Valley and Pir Panjal ranges and Hanuman tibba.

If you are keen on trekking then the best trek is to Shikari devi at 3359 meters. For other treks you can go to Kamru Nag and Mahu Nag, or you could just trek the pine mountains that surround this beautiful village.

Best time to visit is March to May

Distance 90 kms from Shimla (lies in Mandi district)

Nearest airport Shimla

Nearest Railway station Shimla

HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh tourism development corporation) has a hotel which you can book in advance. Few options of home stays are also available.

You can find local cuisine at the dhabas. You must try Morel mushrooms or Gucchi which is a delicacy and are extremely expensive as they are found only at high altitudes.

Internet will be slow, if you are lucky to get some signal. Weather can be fickle so remember to carry an umbrella. Also carry cash. Avoid wearing heals. Its best to carry comfortable shoes.

Apple picking

Chindi is located amidst enormous orchards of apples and dense hilly woods of deodars and pines. If you want to go apple picking, you should travel in June and July, but being monsoon months be ready to be drenched.

Chindi lies on the route which one takes to access Kullu valley during winter, when Jalori pass is closed. It is also a popular mountain biker route from Shimla to Mandi.

This post is part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023

You can read previous posts here A B

Picture courtesy internet