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Sutlej Valley
Winding all through the Himalayas, this River Sutlej flows all across the states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and further across the old Punjab region of Pakistan in the direction of southwest. It merges with the River Chenab which flows in Pakistan from Panjnad, forming a main link amid the 5 rivers along with the Indus. The Shipki La in the Kinnaur region of state Himachal Pradesh is the doorway of the River Sutlej in country India.
In due course of time, numerous towns and villages have been recognized on the bank of Sutlej. Machhiwara, Beholpur, and KoomKalan are few of them. Sutlej gorge is the main witness of all the alterations in our environment. The valley has experienced the west division glide throughout the past few years. The Sutlej water is extensively used for irrigation. At times, when the snow here melts in the summer season, the water of the same swells and swills with the richness of icy water and it is said that this water is perfect for watering the fields. The sutlej comes into the Gobing Sagar Lake along with the popular Beas river where its water is utilized by the Bhakra Nangal Hydel Dam project.
The Upper Sutlej Valley was once the centre of the ancient Tibetan civilization, Zhang Zhung. This civilization of western Tibet which stretched several miles into the Himalayas knew Sutlej valley as Garuda Valley. Ruins of the colossal palace are found in the Upper Sutlej Valley, Kyunglung where it was built by The Zhang Zhung. These remains can still be found near the village of Monicer, south west of Mount Kailash or Mount Ti-Se. The Zhang Zhung civilization was later conquered by the Tibetan Civilization.
Today, the ancestors of the Zhang Zhung inhabit this valley. They are mostly nomadic yak herders and live in tiny villages.The Sutlej was the main route of transportation for the kings during the early period. During the early years of 18th century, the Sutlej was used to transport Devdar woods for Bilaspur and Hamirpur and various other districts situated on the banks of the river Sutlej.
Tourism
Touring along the Sutlej valley is a life time opportunity for the travelers that come from different corners of the world. The tourists can pamper in the nature walk; every step that they will take here shall be richly satisfied. Climb on the highest Thunder Hill and take pleasure of the panoramic sight of Satluj River, which is 6,000 feet below. The place is extremely peaceful. You can roam around the mustard fields and apple orchards. You can even stop at one of tea shops and interact with the native people of the area. The Gorge offers an amazing view of the popular Srikh and Mahadev range located on the eastern river bank. This hill range is studded with many minor peaks along with glaciers redecorated with the alpine flowers. The Rupi-Bhabha National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary is based here.
The Sutlej valley is bounded with the high altitude rocky hills as well as the snowy peaks. The picturesque beauty of this gorge provides an outstanding prospect to pamper you in this eco travel. On the Sutlej India holiday trip the tourists can tour the popular Buddhist Monastery which is called the Tashigang Gompa, located at the convergence of the Rivers Sutlej and Spiti. The hermitage presents the good-looking interiors while provides the finest example of the Buddhists sculptures and culture. If you are a wildlife aficionado then you can check out India's main Bird Sanctuary- called the Harike Bird Sanctuary located at the merging point of the Beas and Sutlej River nearby the city of Hauike. The Sanctuary offers shelter to numerous seasonal birds. The birds usually found in this sanctuary are White rumped vulture, watercock, Yellow Clowned woodpecker, tufted duck, yellow eyed pigeon, and many others. Besides this, you can even spot here common mongoose, Indian wild boar, jackal, jungle car and the smooth Indian otter.
Sutlej River is an excellent river for adventurous sports personalities including rafters as well as kayakers, which makes this place an impeccable holiday spot for the adventure fanatic. This area even provides the audacious trekking courses all through the unspoiled villages, forests, and mountain peaks. There are numerous Government rest accommodations and lavish private farm houses that deliver an excellent accommodation facility to the tourists.
How to Reach
Air Transport
Amritsar Airport is the closest airport situated at a distance of 68 km. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or bus to reach the Harike wildlife sanctuary within one and half hours.
Railways
The nearest railway station is Tarn Taran railway station situated at 33 km south to sanctuary.
Road Transport
Tarn Taran bus stand is the closest bus stand located at a distance of 34 km.
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