Byas Hrushi Temple

Rohtang Pass [13,400 feet above sea level] is a day's excursion from the hill station of Manali [6,000 feet above sea level]; the distance between the two is 51 km. However, Rohtang Pass lies in Lahaul and Spiti District whereas Manali lies in Kullu District.
Tourists visit Rohtang Pass to enjoy snow. However during last week of September 2014, there was no snow at Rohtang Pass.

That was my third visit to Rohtang Pass and for the first time, I crossed it to go ahead towards Ladakh.
Byas Hrishi Temple is at Rohtang Pass. However, I visited it for the first time during my third visit to Rohtang Pass. Tour companies do not encourage visit to Byas Hrishi Temple as it is off road and walking [at high altitude; sometimes through snow] is required to reach the Temple. The main road and Temple route are visible in above photograph.
According to a board put by Temple administration, Byas Hrishi meditated at the same place for twelve years and then the water started flowing. Later on, Byas Hrishi authored Mahabharata and Puranas. The board also claimed medicinal properties of the flowing water.

Another board put by Temple administration solicits donations for another temple in Gaushal Village of Manali Tehsil.

Inside view of Byas Hrishi Temple is presented by way of a photograph and a video:

The Temple looks like an igloo from outside.

Visitors to Rohtang Pass should make it a point to visit this Temple.

Durga Temple

Fagu [8,202 ft. above sea level] is a lesser-known hill station in Shimla District. Kufri [also in Shimla District; 6 km from Fagu] is a touristy place with Himalayan Nature Park and bazaar.

Deshu Top [above photo.] is the highest point in Fagu.

Panoramic view of the surrounding hills can be enjoyed from Deshu Top.

Small town of Fagu can also be seen from Deshu Top.

Tiny flowers abounded on the meadow of Deshu Top.

Durga Temple is at Deshu Top.

Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has a good hotel at Fagu.

Goddess Temple at Kalpa

Once known as Chini, Kalpa [8,789 ft. above sea level] is an hour's drive from Recong Peo [district headquarters of Kinnaur District].

An old temple in Kalpa is less frequented by tourists.

The temple complex also houses new structures.

The presiding deity of the Temple was not known; however, presence of tiger statues indicated that the Temple belonged to a Goddess.

Various wooden murals added a charm to the Temple.

Doors of the Temple were plated with silver.

As the Temple door was locked, we could not enter.

A few interesting pieces of furniture were found strewn in the courtyard.

Some masks were found near the door.

I appeal to all to throw more light on history of the Temple.

Hindu Temples in Kaza

Kaza [11,980 feet above sea level] is divisional headquarter of Spiti region [Lahaul and Spiti District]. It is two days' driving journey from Shimla / Manali.

From Kaza town, a few Hindu temples are visible from a road near Sakya Monastery [above photo]. The Hindu temples and Sakya Monastery can be seen together in the photo below:

On the way to Hindu temples, we can view Kaza town, snow capped mountains, and Sakya Monastery.

The temples are relatively new.

No authentic information is available regarding foundation of the temples.

As Spiti Valley is predominantly occupied by people following Buddhism, there is a possibility that government servants / bank employees / army men might have built these temples.

Lord Hanuman's Temple is nicely painted.

Lakshmi Narayan's Temple was also there.

I appeal to all to share more information about the temples at Kaza.

Hatu Mata Temple

Narkanda is a high altitude hill station in Shimla District at 8,884 feet above sea level. Hatu Peak [11,152 feet above sea level] is located 7 km east of Narkanda.

Hatu Mata Temple is located at Hatu Peak.

The way from Narkanda to Hatu Peak is a jeep road. However, trekking enthusiasts can walk and make it a day trip. Accommodation was available near the Temple. However, it is advisable to take contact details from any Narkanda hotel / police and book the accommodation in advance.

We visited Hatu Peak twice - in the morning and in the evening. The top photograph of Hatu Mata Temple was taken in the evening. The evening view of surrounding hills was fascinating.

However, the morning offered clear view of snow-capped mountains.

There was snow during last week of April 2014.

The area between Narkanda and Hatu is covered with dense Himalayan forest.

Distant views of Hatu Mata Temple are presented below:

The terrain is rugged.

However, advent of spring had bloomed flowers.

I end this post with morning views of Hatu Mata Temple.