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Home to the Gaddi people who live a semi-nomadic lifestyle, the Valley of the Goddess lies between the Dhaula Dhar range of mountains and the Kangra valley. It is an enchanting region of heavily wooded glades of pine, oak and rhododendron trees, green meadows and shrines dedicated to the Goddess Durga. A proud and hospitable people, the Gaddi shepherds are superstitious and devout worshippers of the Goddess Durga, whose name they invoke for protection against evil spirits and to ensure a safe journey over mountain passes. During the trek we camp close to Gaddi hamlets and sometimes share a campsite; visitors are always welcome. This trek also encompasses a visit to the Dalai Lama’s present town of exile, an Indian rail journey (a fascinating experience in its own right!) and some time to glimpse a little of Delhi, India’s teeming capital. This is a very pretty trek in an unspoilt part of the Himalaya. You are unlikely to see any other Europeans. The village children do not beg and locals generally love having their photo taken. The spring trek enjoys a wealth of rhododendron: the locals collect the petals to make jam.
vacations
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Overlooking Dharmsala and the Kangra valley in Himachal
Pradesh lies Dharamkot (7,200ft/2,195m). Dharamkot is a protected wildlife
sanctuary and the base from which this trek is organised. The area is
renowned for wildlife. Leopards, black bears, porcupine, various types of
deer and mountain goats, langur and rhesus monkeys, jackals, pine marten,
and the local equivalent of the yeti known as a Gye. The bird life is
fantastic, ranging from a host of brightly-coloured small species to
parrots, griffon vultures, lamagier, eagles and different types of forest
pheasant.
