Churdhar - An Awesome Mountain Destination

Brief Description of Churdhar

 Geography: It lies 30º 52' north and 77º 32' east at an elevation 3647m above mean sea level.

Climate: Pleasant climate during Summer, cold during winter.

How to reach there: Peak can be apporached form Dadahu, headquarter of Renuka tehsil, via Sangrah, Bhawai, Gandhuri and Naura, the distance being about 48 Km. by a bridle path. Another and easier approach to the peak is by the Solan Rajgarh Menus road.

Where to Stay:  Dharmsala/Inn near the temple.

What is Jyotirlinga?

Churdhar Lord Shiva

Shivling situated in Churr Dhaar is a subject of deep and wide study. The establishment cannot be considered in Jyotirlinga, however it has the same significance as Jyotirlinga. There is no written or oral proof of its establishment neither in folk songs nor in folk stories.   In Churr Dhaar temple there is not yet any idol established nor worship is done. It may be said that once Maharaja Shirgul visited Churr dhaar and made a foundation of this temple. According to folk stories it is described and considered that ascetic shankara chaarya was on his pilgrimage through Badrinath and Kedarnath came to Dharmshala by only a single route that was churr dhaar and he might establish linga, unfortunately there is no written proof of its existence. Although this fact can be explained with full faith that it is established in between two water streams known as Ganga and yamuna. It is a place where pilgrims bathe and wash away their sins, purify their souls and give gratitude to lord shiva by giving water on linga. The only proof of its existence is Churr Dhaar itself.Instead of being deothi (Devalya) it is basically known as Jalaari. The temple of Deities are known as Deothi’s where there Idols are kept at some height known as Gambari, But the establishment of linga in Churr Dhaar is at Garbh greeh. It visualized that the temple was constructed later, earlier there may be a shiv ling or a natural water source. Due to this, temple is recognized by jalaari.

CHURDHAR Wild Life Sanctuary

Year of Establishment: 1985

Year of final Notification: (Section 26 of WPA, 19720: Notification No. FFW-B-F (6) -28/99 dated  1.11.99.

Area: 66sq .Km.

Geographical location: District –Shimla, 30o48’ 37”-30 o54’39”N, 77o 23’32”-77 o29 49”E

Altitude: 2, 000 to 3, 650m.

Climate: Rainfall -1500mm; Temperature : 5.0 C to 20.0C.

Vegetation: Froest types include Westem Mixed coniferous , Kharsu Oak and alpine pastures. Forests of Deodar, Oak and other species

Reported Fauna: Common Langur ,Rhesus Macaque ,Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild Boar Indian Muntjac, Musk Deer, Goral , Royle ‘s Pika , Indian Porcupine, Koklas Pheasant , Himalayan Monal,Variegated Laughing thrush, Chestnut –tailed Minal, Grey-crested Tit,Black –crested Tit, White-tailed Nuthatch, Himalayan Green Finch, Red-headed Bullfinch, Bull finch.

Census Figures: (2002) : (1999-2000) Goral; (68). India Muntjac (76) Leopard (8), Black Bear (169),Monal (187), Jungle Fow (202) .

Conservation Issues and Land Use: Residents of 23 villages have rights to agriculture, extraction of timber , fuel wood and Minor forest produce, grazing and collection of fodder . Gujjars are given fermits for grazing and periodically bring large numbers of livestock into the sanctuary and Six temporary caps are located within the WLS

Eco-tourism Spots: Churdhar Temple (Shiv Mahadev)

Eco-treks: Nohra-Churdhar -18KM, Chouras –Tissri-11kM, Dopti-Churdhar -16LM, Pulbahal-Dopti-8Km, Chhogtali-Tissri-9KM.

Best Period to visit: May –September.

Accommodation Available: Field Accommodation at Churdhar and Inspection Hut at Choras , FRH Sarain , Chopal Forest Division.

How to reach:

 By road: Solan to Nohra (HQ of Sanctuary )-70KM,Shimla –Chopal- Sarain (103 Km);

 Nearest Airport: Shimla -10 KM, Chandigarh -130 KM.

This is the best place to trek in Himachal Pradesh.  The pure and safe environment and the lofty mountains make the very best mood of the individual to surf the pureness of Mother Nature.  Explore yourself with the best experience in the valleys of Churdhar