Kinnaur : Ecology, People, Art, Culture and the Places

Kinnaur : Ecology, People, Art, Culture and the Places

Located close to Indo-China border, winds of change are blowing across the cold and isolated districts of Kinnaur. Booming Apple economy, Education and greater exposure to the outside world are making a lot of difference to the people, who were isolated from the world outside for centuries. The rich and diverse traditional culture and practices.

Welcome to the world of fascinating Kinnaras. Himalayan regions have inhospitable weather condition, limited resources required the limitation of the growth of population and to arrest fragmentation of land, they practice fraternal polyandry which has helped to solve these problems to a great extent.

Unexplored Himalayas and its Culture Trail

A voyage surfacing from a remote part of Indian Himalayas where society and the natural environment are organically interconnected, and as a result of their interconnection arises a quality not inherent fighter in nature or in society separately. Himalayan regions have inhospitable weather condition, limited resources the insufficient supply of food required the limitation of the growth of population, and the existence of fraternal polyandry has helped to solve these problems to great extent.

Blessed with some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes anywhere, it is a travellers paradise -lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower bedecked meadows, beautiful temples and monasteries steeped in time and the fascinating people. Present day Kinnaras are surmised to have descended from these immortal beings. Song and Dance is integral part of Kinnauri life. Almost any happening can become occasion for a mela (festival) or changka(song and dance ritual) laced with local brew for the convivial spirit. Dancing is both way of life and social obligations. No festive occasion is over before hours of community dancing, attended by both sexes and all age groups – a perfect destination for  researchers of culture,ecology, anthropology or other allied interests, apart from providing a perfect setting for mastering the Travel – video and photography craft.

Our forthcoming itinerary

Highlights

Experience the fascinating beauty of Kinnaur while learning the intricacies of travel – videos and photography hands-on from veteran filmmakers and photographers. The Sangla Valley, at a height of 2700 meters, embedded like a jewel in Kinnaur District, is hardly 210 kms from Shimla and barely 70 kms from the Tibetan Border. A most exciting thing about Sangla is the clear & close view of the Himalayan Peaks in their pristine glory visible from here. The valley abounds n an amazing variety of flora, fauna, fruits, flowers & cider trees. Its picturesque villages will win your hearts & so will the Kinnaur inhabitants. Worth a view is the 800 years Old Kamru Fort in Sangla. Explore the ancient village of Chitkul, the last village before the Chinese border. The night long celebration of Phuleich Festival, the yearly celebration. Journey to the unexplored villages of Pangi, Ribba and then settle down at Kalpa.

3rd to 10th August 2016 and 10th to 18th September 2016

We begin from the Sangla valley engaging in conversations and lectures. Celebrate the most important Kinnauri festival Fulaich with the villagers and be a part of it. The rich and diverse traditional culture and practices of the Himalayan region have been preserved for a long time due to the relative isolation and tough geographic conditions of the region. However with better communication channels the region is opening up to outside influences. Though it is a positive improvement from the aspect of development, it has also made the region vulnerable to outside cultural influences. The locals are increasingly mimicking the outside culture, a well understood phenomenon in the natural sciences, where ‘exotic species’ sometimes overpower native species that have no defense mechanisms in place to withstand the assault.

It is important to identify the existing cultural practices document their current stage and track the pattern of change in the culture forms as we have seen during the course of the film and revive the threatened traditional cultural forms with the support of the community members. Creating awareness about the various cultural forms, especially among the youth, will help in better understanding and knowledge and induce responsible behaviour, thus aiding towards its preservation. Thus the travelogue produced during the workshop can act as a platform for generating awareness and increasing popularity of the Himalayan cultural forms at both national and international levels.

Pre trip Support

Our dedicated team is available to answer all your queries and put your mind at ease, info on weather conditions, permits and visas you need, what kind of video/ photo gear to carry, or even how you can extend your trip and see more of India, all you have to do is ask.

Travel in the comfort of SUVs

With us you travel in the comfort of a spacious vehicle operated by experienced mountain drivers. We limit the number of participants in each vehicle to only three, so that everyone has a window seat and there’s plenty of space for all your gear and support stuff. We believe in never rushing to reach a destination, the journey is as important. We try to stop for every opportunity, whether it’s a furry marmot on the side of the road, a rainbow behind a peak or a textured rock that catches your eye. Driving through the awe inspiring landscape of Kinnaur is an incredible experience; we make sure that you really enjoy it. With every bend in the road, a new vista emerges that will take your breath away!

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Delhi to Narkhanda| O/N Hotel in Narkhanda

Day 02: Early morning leave for Sangla valley, afternoon visit the ancient fort of Kamru. Stay at Sangla

Day 03: Drive to Chitkul, through villages of Batseri and Rakchcham. Stay at Sangla Camp. Bonfire and Cultural program in the evening.

Day 04: Drive to Kalpa. Stay at Kalpa.

Day 05: Treck to the Kanda and apple orchards. Saty at Kalpa.

Day 06: Visit the villages Pangi and Chinni. Experience the slice of local life. Lunch in the village, traditional cuisine. Stay at Kalpa.

Day 07: Drive to Narkhanda through Bhimkali Temple Sarahan. Stay at Narkhanda

Day 08:Drive back to Delhi.

Cost

USD 800 per participants for Foreign Nationals

INR 25,000 per participant for Indians.

Special Discount for Block booking of 6 persons or more.

To register you must pay fee of INR 10,000

The remaining amount must be paid before July 31st for the 1st Schedule and 31st August for the 2nd Schedule.

The cost includes:

* The tour originates from and end at New Delhi

* Accommodation on twin-sharing basis at Swiss Tents and Resorts that have been selected by us for their location and comfort.

* All transport in SUVs (Innova/Tavera/Tempo Traveller) on a 5 participants to a vehicle for SUV’s and 9 people in TempoTraveller. basis

* All meals.

* Camera and entrance fees to monasteries and places of interest.

* Professional Guides at places of interest.

Cost does not include:

* Any domestic/international flights (available at an extra cost)

* Bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, snacks and personal items.

* Laundry.

* Visits to places outside of the itinerary.

* Anything not mentioned in “Cost Includes” above

Terms

* 10.08% service tax is included on all bookings.

Register

Bookings are open now.for any specific queries please write to thearshinagarproject@gmail.com

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A word about our initiative : Kinnaur People and the Places 

Located close to Indo-China border, winds of change are blowing across the cold and isolated districts of Kinnaur. Booming Apple economy, Education and greater exposure to the outside world are making a lot of difference to the people, who were isolated from the world outside for centuries. The rich and diverse traditional culture and practices of the Himalayan region have been preserved for a long time due to the relative isolation and tough geographic conditions of the region. However with better communication channels the region is opening up to outside influences. Though it is a positive improvement from the aspect of development, it has also made the region vulnerable to outside cultural influences. The locals are increasingly mimicking the outside culture, a well understood phenomenon in the natural sciences, where ‘exotic species’ sometimes overpower native species that have no defense mechanisms in place to withstand the assault.

Changing values and lifestyles have also made several arts and crafts forms redundant as they are fast losing their functionality, so much so that many traditional customs, music, dance forms, dress, recipes and forms of architecture are on the brink of extinction.

We have joined in a local initiative , in collaboration with the local government and travel entrepreneurs to preserve the rich cultural heritage. Creating awareness about the various cultural forms, especially among the youth, which will help in better understanding and knowledge and induce responsible behaviour, thus aiding towards its preservation?  Renewed vigor amongst the rural artists to take it up as a source of alternate means of livelihood rather than just a way of life and getting proper recognition for their art-form.

We’re trying to provide these marginal indigenous travel entrepreneurs with collaborative theme tourism of the region like – travelling workshop, film making tours , festival packages, art & culture tourism, eco tourism  and exchange program and try providing them with a level playing field to compete with the established travel companies. In this we provide the intellectual & knowledge inputs, develop tourism infrastructure & capacity & ensure a steady flow of tourist.

All the packages offered by us will be led by our team and will be assisted by local travel entrepreneurs.

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