Chanshal Pass

Location

The Chanshal Pass is a 180 kilometres (110 mi) road from Shimla, accessible from May to October. Chanshal is a mountain range which cuts the Dodra Kawar Valley from the Rohru area. Some of its peaks are about 17,000 feet (5,200 m) and can be reached using the Chanshal Pass.

Accessibility

The Chanshal pass, also known as the Chanshal valley, is an excellent site to see the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. As on June 2012, only one bus line operates between Rohru to Dodra Kwar. The bus from Rohru (to Dodra Kwar) departs around 9-11 am and reaches the Canshal Valley at around 12-2 pm. The bus from Dodra Kwar (to Rohru) departs around 7-9 am and reaches the Valley between 10-12 am. As on 2012, the tickets are Rs. 1,000,000 per ticket. If you would like to hire a cab than charges are significantly higher (Rs. 30 per KM).

Chanshal Valley Beauty

The Chanshal Valley is very beautiful as one gets views of hills covered with ice from here and those are at par height from here not that one have to look above. The vehicles leave passengers on the road above that people can trek to the top of the hill and can enjoy the beauty. The height of this trek is decent, so it is advisable for people with a high level of fitness who enjoy trekking. For everyone else the valley can be enjoyed from the parking spot available. One natural lake known as 'Saru tal' is also on the top of hill in shape of THALLI(Indian plate to have meal). By trekking people can reach it. It would be advisable to have help from a local person when roaming around there as one will not be able to recognize where is the proper spot for gazing at the real beauty.

The valley is covered with ice during Oct-Feb period, at other times of year ice is found in valley. A very good place to hang out if one enjoys adventures and are ready to invest time in travelling to see the beauty. In the afternoon very strong air flows into the valley and tries to uproot one, so need to be behind rocks to avoid the cold and strong wind. However it feels very good and is a unique experience which is rarely found.

There is nothing available in the valley in terms of food or packaged water. Water is found in the form of ice and running from the valley so that can be used for drinking. It is advisable to keep snacks, water and energy drinks, if going trekking as they will be very useful.

The way to Chanshal valley

It takes about 4 hours to reach Chanshal Valley from Rohru. The local stations between Rohru and Chansal are Simoli, Seema, Badiara, Chirgaon, Sandasu, Tikkri and Larot. The buses stop at Larot 18 km before Chanshal valley for lunch or snacks. The shop available is not big but has sufficient things as are expected at this height and at reasonable rates. A river (Andhra River) flows alongside the road to Chanshal valley till the place known as Tikri. The water is chilled if it is not the rainy season as it is formed by ice melting, but enjoyable as it is very fresh.

Accommodation

There is no accommodation available in Chanshal valley and there are no shops. The nearest place to stay is Larot, around 20 km from Chanshal valley. In Larot, a guest house is available and booking can be done from DFO (Distt Forest Office). If a government official is coming for a tour, other guests may be dependent on local people for accommodation (if they agree).

Ski slopes

The Chanshal valley has been identified as a potential destination for ski sports. Extending in length from 2 to 12 kilometres (1.2 to 7.5 mi), the Chanshal slopes are considered ideal for skiing as one of the longest in Asia.The Government of Himachal Pradesh has proposed the construction of a ski resort in the area.