North of the Kulu valley and separated by
the 13050’ high Rohtang Pass, lies the Lahul
valley. This is predominantly Buddhist
country. The countryside is stark and
desolate with snow clad peaks and flat
roofed mud plastered houses. Prayer flags
flutter from chortens and monasteries. The
short summers and long harsh winters give
these hardy people a rare blend of humanity,
humor and hospitality.
Besides the beauty of the countryside there
is ample opportunity to explore alpine
flora, meadows full of larkspur,
cranesbills, and balsams, More careful
examination reveals gentians, eyebrights,
and even musk orchids. Most striking are the
scores of different pink hued roses and
naturalized species from central Asia,
exhibiting deep yellow blooms, For bird
lovers white capped river chats on boulders
beside steams, as well as rosefinches, the
occasional rufous backed shrike, rock
buntings ands sulphur-bellied warblers. At
the top camp choughs can be seen, as well as
raptors, amongst them himalayan griffon
vultures.
