Chamba lies beyond the Khajyar (Khajiam), almost 56 km from Dalhousie. Due to this, that the city is only high 926 meters, in summer it is much warmer here than in Dalhousie. Chamba buildings, clinging to the steep slope above the Rawi River, they resemble a medieval Italian village. The Chamba temples were the most popular, many of which are located in close proximity to the center.
For a thousand years, until India gained independence, Ćamba was the main town of the district of the same name (Dalhousie was also his). Chamba was ruled by the Maharaja dynasty. Palace (now a hotel) and the museum belong to numerous objects, which are preserved after those times.
Chamba is called the capital of the Gaddis, Indian shepherds, inhabiting the high range of mountains separating Camba from Kangra. In summer, shepherds lead herds of sheep and goats to mountain pastures, and they return to Kangra for the winter, Take a bath in Bilaspuru.
The city is crossed by a promenade covered with grass, the so-called. chaugan (chaugan), almost one kilometer long and wide 75 m.
Ćamba is an important commercial center for the inhabitants of the surrounding mountain villages. Lots of people come here also in August for the celebration of Minjar. The highlight of the celebration is a colorful procession, in which the faithful of Gaddi take part, Turkeys, Bhatti i Gudźdźaru. At its head is the image of Raghuvir, followed by statues of various goddesses and gods placed in litters.
Temples
From the top of the hill, the Chamundra Temple offers beautiful views of the Rawi River and the slate roofs of the Chambah (some of them are over three hundred years old). It takes about half an hour to walk to the temple.
Right next to the Maharaja's Palace is Lakshmi Narayan (Lakshmi Narayan), group of six temples, half of which are devoted to Shiva (god of the moon), and the other three are Vishnu (god of the sun). The oldest building comes from the 10th century., and the last one was established in 1828 r. A Hariraji temple was also erected in honor of the god Vishnu, built in Sikhara style.
Muzeum Bhuri Singha
W Muzeum Bhuri Singha (act. codz. with ex. nd.; 10.00-17.00) you can see an interesting collection presenting the art and culture of the region. Particularly noteworthy are the miniatures painted by artists from schools established in Kangra and Basohla. Among the exhibits there are also wall paintings from the Rang Mahal Palace destroyed during the fire.
Accommodation and gastronomy
There are two tourist homes run by HPTDC.Hotel Cham-pak in the city (ct2774), first of them, offers double rooms too 100 INR and accommodation in a dormitory too 45 INR. Iravati is a bit more expensive (tr2671), you have to pay for your stay here from 300 do 500 INR. Rooms with air conditioning (300 INR) can be rented at the Akliand Chandi hotel (ct6363) on College Road. Tourists looking for the cheapest accommodation should go to Janta Hotel.
For lunch, visit the Ravi View Cafe and Iravati's restaurant. Although it is not indicated by the decor, great food is served at Gupta Dhaba, opposite Rk Tailors, near the GPO. The Olive Green Restaurant at Tempie Road also enjoys a well-deserved reputation. Camba-made butter toasts are the specialty of the Khalsa Tea Stall.
Connections
You can get from Dalhousie to Chamba by rented jeep or taxi, Unfortunately, the passage is expensive (ok. 550 INR). Much cheaper (18 INR) is a two-hour bus trip. Hiking enthusiasts can reach Chamba on foot in two days, stopping overnight in Khajyar. Buses from Pathankot leave every two hours, the journey continues 5 hours.
Beautiful, but a difficult trail goes from Chamba through Brahmaur and Triund to Dharamsala. You can also walk to Lahaulu and Kashmir, visiting Tisa on the way.
WALKING EXPEDITIONS FROM BRAHMAUR
Brahmaur is a great starting point for mountain climbing, 65 km after Chamba. One of the most interesting routes is the 35-kilometer trail leading to Lake Manimaheś, situated at the foot of the saints Manimahes Kalias. Thousands of pilgrims make this route at the turn of August and September.
Many trails lead through the Pir Panjal range to the Chandra and Lahaulu valleys. Tourists most often choose the trail that crosses the Kugti Pass. Porters are hired in Brahmaur (200 INR for the day).
The first stage of the expedition leads along the Budhil River to the village of Kugti. The path continues uphill, cuts through coniferous forests and goes out to pasture, behind which is huge, moraine terrain. To get to the mountain pass, one more steep climb has to be overcome. On the way, you can come across groups of nomadic Gaddis, who lead sheep and goats to the meadows of Lahaul. Before going down to the Chandra valley, it is a good idea to camp on the other side of the pass. Buses to Manali depart daily from the valley.
A detailed description of the trails can be found in the book published by Lonely Planet. Trekking in the Indian Himalaya (Expeditions in the Indian Himalayas).