On Teram Col
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Once you’ve lived with mountains
You will return
You will come back
To touch the trees and grass
And climb once more the windswept
mountain pass
-Ruskin Bond
Kullu
The Kullu valleys were one of the earliest valleys to be visited by early travellers and mountain explorers.
Dhaula Dhar range is perhaps nearest to civilization, and quickest to approach as there is no Shivalik range at its foot. In small groups I have been visiting the Dhaula Dhar range often. Two of the most memorable trips have been to climb small peaks in winter with Muslim as my sole companion. Going around Chamba Kailash in winter is something I will not do again. These ranges are neglected because of their lesser heights. But great fun lies in store for those who will look behind them.
Chhota Bangahal
If you live within 24 hours’ distance from the Himalaya, as I do, then Kullu and Lahaul holds the best attraction. Within a week or two you can climb and trek to your satisfaction. And it can be challenging; in fact, we nearly lost our lives in the Kulti valley. As two of us climbed up, the altimeter fluctuated wildly. We came down fast. The ensuing storm killed many, while we narrowly escaped.