PLACES OF INTEREST
If you look for a road less travelled, if you want to experience an indefinable blend of myth and reality, fact and fiction, if ancient and towering temples, legends, charming architecture and soaring mountains excite you, if fishing and trekking set your pulse racing, if you plan your vacation in the scrutiny of picturesque hamlets, fruit-laden orchards cradled by thick words and set by swift streams, and if you want to experience a place where man and nature live on - Experience the bewitching spell of Pabbar valley
Places of Interests in Pabbar Valley are enumerated below:-
1. KHARAPATHAR
A place that gives expression to the phrase of ‘time standing still’, Kharapathar is a perfect leisure destination in the heart of nature’s generous blessings to the area. Lush forests, wide views, excellent walk and hike trails and the charm of apple orchards make this a perfect leisure destination.
2. GIRI GANGA
The hike to Giri Ganga (7 km) is an enjoyable one through thick deodar woods. This is the source of the river Giri Ganga (also called the Giri) that rises just below the Kuppar peak. The river pours its waters into the mighty Yamuna and there is a small shrine at the spot.( Shrine of Gupta period 6th & 9th century AD)
3. JUBBAL
Once held the ruling seat of the princely state, Jubbal has superbly maintained the Palace which was designed by a French architect in the 1930 and is a remarkable mix of European and indigenous styles.
4. HATKOTI
On the banks of the river Pabar, lays the mysterious valley of stone temples Hatkoti. Close by stands a small village by the name of Prahaat. At Hatkoti, two other small mountain streams Bishkulti and Raanvti join the Pabbar. The color of the Bishkulti (vish-khalti) water is somewhat grayish and the local belief says that the stream oozes out poison. With the convergence of the three water streams (sangam), according to the Hindu mythology makes Hatkoti a place fit to be a pilgrimage. Himachal itself, studded though it is with temples, has a very special reverence for Hatkoti, the abode of Goddess Mahishasurmardinian incarnation of Durga.
HISTORY
The temple complex consists of a main temple dedicated to Durga and a smaller temple dedicated to Shiva, the two standing side by side. There are some conical stone structures meant for storing grain, presumably built by the local people at a much later date. A dharamshala, a kirtan ghar and a rest house make up the complex.
On the basis of the architectural design and style of sculpture, it is believed that the Hatkoti temples belong to the Gupta period and must have been built between the sixth and ninth century AD. As is the case with most other temples in the hills, the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) is naturally dark. But the idol, exquisitely cast in bronze, emits a soft, ethereal glow. It depicts the goddess Mahishasurmardini (an aspect of Durga), also called Mata Hateshwari, eight-armed and riding a lion as she drives her spear through the heart of the demon Mahishasura. On either side of the image, there is an inscription in a variation of the Brahmini script that no one has been able to decipher so far.
The Shiva temple nearby is very similar in architecture and design. Curiously, the shivling, within the temple is wider than the doorway.5. ROHRU
This is small but bustling town located by the banks of river Pabbar. The valley near Rohru has a garland of attractive spots. This stretch has long been on the anglers beat after trout was introduced to the Pabbar's water in 1938-48. Raja Bajrang Bahadur Singh of Bahadri - popularly known as Raja Bhardi, was particularly fond of this region for scope for trout fishing. He developed this area as an angler's paradise.
6 SHIKHRU DEVTA TEMPLE
This is a beautiful temple located in the heart of the town, Shikhru Devta is held in high veneration and is the sight of on annual fair which is celebrated during the month of April every year.
7. CHIRGAON
15 km from Rohru. Scenically enchanting, Chirgaon has a trout hatchery. Good fishing spots in the area are Seema, Mandi, Sandhsu, Tikri and Dhamari. Larot is another attractive spot near Chirgaon.This is the base for treks to Dodra - Kwar, the Sangla Valley and to Sarahan via Tacklech and to Nichar.
8. CHANSHAL
Like the resplendent crown for a noble face, the snow clad Chanshal range rises above the Pabbar Valley. At 4520 m the Chanshal Pass remains open from May to October. The Chanshal area also has some excellent ski slopes. Has three distinct peaks to east-west & North.
9. DODRA KWAR
The villages of Dodra and Kwar are separated by a few kilometers. Recently connected by a motorable road, this pocket retains a pristine beauty. There are countless wild flowers and medicinal herbs, thick woods of flowering rhododendron, cedar and birch, waterfalls and fast-flowing streams. All this is set against a majestic backdrop of high peaks like the Sharangcha. The villages and their temples, are remarkable examples of local wood work skill and come packed with fascinating legends.
10. CHANDER NAHAN (Lake)
A beautiful lake at 17000 ft, wich can be accessed on foot through village Tangnu & village Janglikh. Tangnu is the road head & it is about 7 hrs trekk from this beautiful village. After about 4 hrs trekking, one encounters a lovely medow “Litham” a vast pasture land give ones a feeling of top of the world. Litham to Chandernahan takes 1 hr & the climb is steeper than up to Litham. Pabbar originates from this lake. Infact there is a water fall of about 30 mtrs before it converts in to regular flowing water.11. Other places worth seeing from Rohru are Sandasu (17km ), Larot (36 km), Sungri (32 km) and Dhamwari (26 km) which is famous for trout fishing.
12. Apart from fishing, camping and trekking , the Pabbar area is fast emerging as an adventure-sports focus, with rafting and canoeing, hang gliding and paragliding. The Chanshal slopes has been identified as excellent slopes for Heli Sking