BHARAT DARSHAN: EXPLORING THE UNEXPLORED: HIMALAYAS: THE UNTOUCHED PARADISE-Sarahan, Sangla, Chitkul: Bharat Darshan: exploring the unexplored(Episode-11)

sukhnidheyfilms (31)in #photography • 6 years ago

In this show of our documentary travelogue on Steemit, "Bharat Darshan: exploring the unexplored", Sukhnidhey Films (www.sukhnidhey.com), takes you to the highest mountains in the world, the Himalayas.

We begin this epic journey, first heading to a place called Sarahan, at 7,598 feet above msl, treading on the exotic mountain roads, which are very curvy; with plenty of blind turns.

In Sarahan stands the mighty Bhimakali Devi temple, made chiefly from wood. The temple is architecturally exceptionally wonderful, with beautiful carvings on wooden panels. A peculiar feature of the temple is the fact that the face of the chief deity, Goddess Bimakali, has an intrinsic peace and calm spread over; as opposite to the usual depiction of Goddess Kali, in which the Goddess is shown with an intrinsic anger towards the asuras, the demons.

Etymologically, It is said that the temple was built by the mighty Bhima, one of five Pandavas as depicted in the Mahabharata, hence, the name, "Bhimakali".

Next, we head to the palace of the erstwhile royal family of Sarahan, the Bushehr dynasty, called the "Shanti Kunj". The palace was built by Maharaja Padam Singh in 1917. The palace is a classical example of the effect of European architectural style on the traditional Indian style. Belgium glass has been used plentifully in the doors and the windows. Animal horns have been used on doorways to 'protect' them from the evil eye.

Next we head to Sangla, our next stop at 9381 feet. Remember, we are continuously climbing up the High Himalayan Paradise as we proceed. Hovering over the high barren peaks, we spot a great Himalayan Griffon, a true raptor, which scavenges at such high altitudes where only few species can survive. The bird is known for its large wingspan, and the fact that it is one of the heaviest and largest birds of the Himalayas.

Navigating the difficult roads, we are stranded in the middle of the road when a landslide causes stones and debris to block the road right in front, a few feet away from our vehicle! The Border Roads Organization comes to our rescue, and we cannot but wonder at the sheer remoteness of this place and its seclusion from the world. Landslides are exceptionally common, since most of the slopes are barren, and without any vegetation, the problem aggravates.

We cross the Nathpa Dam, where the waters of the energetic Satluj power a giant hydroelectric plant. We also pass by a giant idol of Lord Hanuman, and admire the Lord's creation in the form the beautiful scenery all around. Again, we witness the Karcham Dam along the way with its tremendous water streams gushing over the turbines.

We finally reach Sangla, where we stay in our Swiss tents by the banks of
the Baspa river, a tributary of the Satluj river. The tents are mini houses in themselves, complete with cosy beds and blankets (which are very inviting in the biting altitudes)

Sangla, situated in the Baspa valley, offers spectacular views of the snow covered Himalayan peaks. We get down to have the specially prepared, hot mountain dinner, and warm ourselves up, sitting around a campfire as we chat with the fellow travelers. Next, we say wave a good bye to the fantastic day, getting into the warm blankets which have been fitted with hot water bottles to keep us warm when the temperature drops below -2 degree Centigrade during the chilling night.

In the morning, we set off to trek to the snow covered mountain peak, crossing several dilapidated bridges made by the villagers to cross a frothing, furious Baspa river. The "Warning" signs remind us of the grave dangers should we lose balance or the bridge collapses!

We cross the river to reach village Batseri, one of the highest villages in the Kinnaur valley. We witness the wooden houses with intricate carvings, along with magnificently built store houses, which accumulate food, fodder, etc for the long winters months ahead when life here comes to a standstill for the villagers.We reach the very ancient Badrinarayan temple in the village, which houses idols of Lord Badrinarayana, and Lord Vishnunarayana, and finally reach the peak.

Next, we head of to Chitkul- the Last Village of India on this side of the Indo-Tibetan border. We meet and photograph the local village folk in their traditional attire.

So, hold your breath, tighten your seat belts and come along with us as we take you to this divine place, gather and document historical evidences on this enchanting journey, studying the architectural features and critically examining the events as described in the ancient Indian texts, and as we see them first hand. "BHARAT DARSHAN: exploring the unexplored", every Thursday at 12:00pm EST on Steemit.