Sunshine AdventureS - Unique Himalayan Tours Helping the Local Environment

Ecozone Culture

The Ecozone areas are adjacent to the Great Himalayan National Park and provide a combination of natural and cultural experiences. The trails go through villages and are generally easy to moderate. The best time to visit is during the Dushera Festival (usually in October). This is a major Hindu cultural and religious event celebrating the victory of good over evil in the “Ramayana”. Hundreds of local village deities are brought to Kullu from the surrounding villages. An exciting display of people, music, costumes, special exhibitions, foods, etc., fill the mountain roads and towns. Not to be missed!

The Spring festivals (generally in April) also offer opportunities to watch and participate in important, local cultural events. Holidays include: Basant Panchami, Phagli, Sainj mela, Banjar mela. (Please see section below on festivals).

Half and One-Day Tours
These tour after these offer an opportunity to interact with villagers and observe their daily activities, including weaving, basket-making, cooking, farming, etc. Check with SAHARA for options and availability.

Multi-day Tours
These combine trekking in the Ecozone countryside and through villages. They offer a glimpse into the general habitat of the Park but have easier trails and often include sleeping in Rest Houses rather than tents.

Neuli-Shangarh Loop
A three day trek traversing mountain trails and the villages of Shangarh and Lapah. Includes a visit to a GHNP nursery where medicinal plants and tree are cultivated. Opportunities for interactions with students, farmers, and women weavers. Hiking through traditional villages and architecture, beautiful vistas, meadows, sacred groves, and terraced fields. Moderate elevation gain. Distance: 24 km

Gushaini-Tinder Village
One or two days trek from Gushaini to Tinder village which offers an insight into the village life, its cultural aspects and a walk through forests up to Kharongcha. Distance: 12 kms.

Siund-Saran-Ghat Seri-Pashi Villages
One- or two-days treks in Sainj River valley which includes steep climb to the ancient villages of Saran and Pashi with very old houses and distinct local architecture. Ghat Seri has a 6 hectare (appox. 12 acres) sacred grove and is an example of local biological diversity conserved in the forest area. Distance: 10 kms.

Simone Nelson , Consultant
a graduate of the Mountaineering Course at the famed National Outdoor Leadership School in the Western United States and recently fulfilled a personal dream to trek the Himalayas in 2004 with SHA. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Northwestern University and a Masters of Fine Arts Degree from Yale University. Experienced in promoting and marketing artistic, educational endeavors and projects as well as working with non-profit organizations throughout America and England. Is currently working with SHA to expand their marketing and outreach in the United States and other Western countries.