Trekking in Purthi and Shour
Pangi Valley is the remotest and the most captivating valley of Chamba district, and according to Dr. Hutchison, unique in its grandeur and beauty.
The valley not only provides great opportunities for trekking enthusiasts but also is blessed with natural and scenic beauty.
In the Pangi Valley, Purthi and Shour are located at an altitude of 2287 m above sea level and south of Killar.
Purthi comprises of many sub-villages located on the either side of Chandrabhaga. Thadal, Chow, Shour and Sugalwas are on the right bank while Ajog is on the left bank.
There are rest houses in both the villages, and at Purthi, the old Forest Rest House is surrounded by dense forest predominantly consisting of Deodar trees. River Chandrabhaga (Chenab) flows near by.
The picturesque village of Purthi is known for its forest nurseries and its the last Panchayat close to Lahaul.
Shour is the last village towards Lahaul and Spiti. Trekkers going towards Lahaul, take a night break at Shour or Purthi.
Both the locations are ideal camping destinations.
Location
State: Himachal Pradesh
Exact Location: Purthi is located 26 km from Killar, and Shour around 32 km in Chamba district.
Nearest Town: Killar.
How to Reach:
From Killar to Findroo, you move on the Sansari-Killar-Thirot (S.K.T) road, and then cross Sach, Cherry and Bambal villages to reach Purthi.
The main road that connects Pangi Valley is the 170 km road link from Chamba to Killar via Saach-pass.
This is known as Alwas-Killar road and it is part of Ahju khara Mukh - Chamba - Tissa- Alwas- Killar road. From Chamba via Tissa Bairagarh and Satrundi, the road is motorable up to Bhatotu and from here to Killar, the road is suitable for jeep ride.
Alternatively, you can reach Killar by road from Jammu vua Kistwar, and also from Manali to Killar by road.
The nearest railhead is at Pathankot in the state of Punjab, and the nearest airport is the Gaggal airport. Pathankot is well connected by all the major cities in India.
Other Attractions
Sach Village: From here, two major trekking trails originate. While one goes towards the Saichu sub-valley, the other leads you to Parmar sub-valley.
Sach Village is located at an elevation of 2600 m above sea level..
Mindhal Basan Devi Temple: This highly revered shrine is known for its exquisite woodcarvings.
The temple is an important pilgrim center for the Pangwals, who worship the goddess to get blessing for better crops and fortune.
It is located in Mindhal village in Pangi valley, 12 km from Killar..
Raoli: It is a picturesque village which lies at an altitude of about 2,450 m above sea level.
The village lies on the Sach Trek, the Chenab river flows near Raoli. It is 14 km from Purthi..
Facts
Keep in your Trek Bag:
- Walking stick
- Hiking shoes
- Woolen clothes
- Water, juices, snacks
- Electric torch
- Medical kit
- A good compass
- An extra pair of clothes