|
AGYAAT VAAS -
THE HIMALAYAN RETREAT
Introduction
Agyaat Vaas is
situated in a lovely clearing measuring 4500 sq yards at an altitude
of 10660ft (3250mt) (Highest Camp in North India). Agyaat Vaas is
surrounded by forestry land which stretches down to Hatu peak's base
and then further out to lush, wooded mountains which lie parallel.
The primeval forest sloping down from all sides is mostly comprised
of towering kharu and rai trees (Trees named in local language)
covered in lichen and ferns. There are several open areas of
grassland where you can relax and have exceptional views of
glaciers. As ‘the crow files’ the glaciers are at a distance of 5 km
from Agyaat Vaas campus. From here, eagles and rare vultures scan
the view before gliding down to valley below in search of food. The
only sound is the wind passing through tress, bird song and silence.
Agyaat Vaas is
barely 2 km, from the famous Hatu peak (11154ft) which has history
dating back to Mahabharta times and Bheem Chullah still exists in
the vicinity as evidence.
British Lieutenant
Hugdson established a trigonometric station at Hatu Peak to measure
the height of great Himalayan ranges because Hatu Peak provides a
360 degree panoramic view of inner and outer Himalayas. From here
you can see some of the famous peaks including Hanuman Tibba, Shiri
Khand Mahadev, Kailash and Parvati (primordial glaciers named by
Hindus from the time Sanskrit came into being) plus the Friendship
Peak.
The remains of the
fort and hide out built by the Gorkhas which were destroyed by the
British during the war can still be seen at Karena Peak which is
situated very close to Agyaat Vaas Campus.
Hatu peak is
believed to be the last watershed as the water flowing down to the
northern side of Hatu peak eventually flows to the Arabian Sea via
Sutlej river and the water on the southern side flows down to Bay of
Bengal via Yamuna and eventually the Ganges.
How to reach?
Just two hours from
Shimla (71 Km). Drive 64 Km on NH-22 till Narkanda, then travel 1 Km
on Narkanda Thanedhar Highway (SH-1). Take up hillside road on your
right. The last 6 Km (Up Hill) gives you the feel of real Himalayas
and invariably test your driving skill.
|
