 |
| Kuppar (Jubbal) |
Kuppar Trek is one of the least explored regions in Tehsil Jubbal of District Shimla is the forest land. Endless expanses of moist deodar trees, mixed coniferous forests and rhododendron forests sit breathing quietly over a large part of this popular hill station. These forests reside in what is known as Pabbar Valley, where Kuppar lies.
The main wildlife species found here are brown ghoral, black bear, Himalayan brown bear and a wide variety of monal pheasant species.
Height (Above Sea Level):- 3200 M
Places to be visited:-Kharapathar, Giriganga, Kuppar.
Duration:- 1 or 2 day. ( Depends upon your choice)
Difficulty:- Moderate
About trek:- Giri Ganga is located in Pabbar valley southeast corner of Himachal Pradesh. Kharapathar falls on the way from where the trail starts to this mesmerising place. Kharapathar is located at an altitude of 2700 meters and at a distance of 70 km from Shimla. The trail starts with a wide dirt track at a distance of 6 km till Giri- Ganga and for those who are not inclined to walk they can hire a taxi from kharapathar. The trail is mostly shaded with tall Himalayan cedar (Deodar) and pine trees. This place is the source of river Giri – Ganga which originates just below the Kuppar meadow. The story behind the place is interesting, according to local people long ago a saint was travelling back to home from Haridwar carrying a pot of Ganga- Jal (Holy water) while passing from the place he mistakenly toppled the pot. Hence the place is known as (GIRI -GANGA). The ancient temple of goddess Durga, Kali and Lord Shiva. Every year local people gather there to worship Lord Shiva during (Shivratri) and during (Navratri). Trek to Kuppar starts from Giri – Ganga temple. It takes 1:30 hrs from Giri – Ganga to reach Kuppar. Trek grade is beginners. From top on the peak, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Himalayan ranges and Pabbar valley.
On 2nd January 2019, me and my friends started our trek to Kuppar from Kharapathar (Jubbal). At 10 o'clock we started walking toward Giriganga. I took us 1 hr to reach Giriganga on foot. The distance between Kharapatha and Giriganga is about 5.2 km. We took many shortcuts to reduce this distance.
 |
| Giriganga Temple |
After 1hr of walking, we reached Giriganga, our first destination. Here we visited the temple, take some rest and prepare our-self for upcoming trek.
 |
| Giriganga Temple |
Giriganga and a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. Giriganga temple complex with a narrow stream of the Giriganga river flowing right by it. The temple is surrounded by evergreen forest like deodar. It is a peaceful place. There is another temple of Mata Kaali few metes ahead from Giriganga temple. From here we fill our water bottles and continue our trek to Kuppar.
 |
| Maa Kaali Temple |
 |
| Lower Kuppar Valley |
On our way, this was a beautiful valley with a frozen narrow river and snow on its one side. From here the way to Kuppar starts.
 |
| Mid Kuppar |
There is no water source at Kuppar. So I suggest you carry water according to your need. This is the mid-Kuppar valley covered with the deodar trees.
 |
| Mid Kuppar |
There was less snow in the mid-valley so it was easy to walk in the snow. We are carrying some tea, water, snack etc. There are many wild species in this valley. So be aware of your surrounding.
 |
| Deodaar Trees |
The view around us very beautiful. The place was covered with trees and other small plants.
 |
| Kuppar |
After trekking for 1:40 mins we finally reached Kuppar. It was a satisfying view. Untouched, clean and dressing place. All the peak was covered with snow. Approximately there were 2.5 feet snow on the ground but it was much more at some points.
 |
| Kuppar |
Now we were moving toward the Kuppar peak. There is a temple of Maa Kaali on the top peak.
 |
| Kuppar's Peak |
 |
| View from Kuppar's Peak |
 |
| View from Kuppar's Peak |
It was a memorable view. As far as I was seeing, I was able to see peaks covered with snow. A fabulous view.
After visiting temple we held back to Kuppar. Now we all were at our destination, Now we can put our bags down. We take some rest and enjoyed our lunch here.
"A cup of tea at 3200 meters above the sea level".
 |
| Taking rest at Kuppar |
There is only one shelter at Kuppar where hikers can stay at night but they have to carry all the necessary camping equipment with them.
After spending 1 hr at Kuppar. We start heading back to Giriganga.
 |
| Way back to Giriganga |
It was easy to walk down from Kuppar. So it takes less time to reach back at lower Kuppar.
 |
| Frozen Steam |
At 4:30 we reached Giriganga. It was a great trek. From here we start walking towards the Kharapathar. It took 1:30 hr on foot to reach Kharapathr.
And then our trek finished.
 |
| Way back to Kharapathar |
 |
| Sunset at Giriganga |
Kuppar trek is a very adventurous trek and it becomes memorable when you start it with your friends. I suggest you all to visit this place once.
Thank you all..
Comments
Post a Comment