Bhattiyat-McLeodganj road link to boost tourism in Kangra

The state government is planning to open new areas for tourism in Kangra by developing road connectivity between McLeodganj, the prime tourist spot, and the Bhattiyat area of Chamba district. The road would pass through Kareri Lake — an area that was till date only accessible through trekking. It would also provide road connectivity to Khabru Waterfall — a picturesque location on the trek to Kareri Lake.

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While talking to The Tribune, Shahpur Congress MLA and deputy chief whip in Himachal Assembly Kewal Singh Pathania said a detailed project report (DPR) of Rs 45 crore had been sent to the state government for connecting McLeodganj with the Bhattiyat area. The road connectivity would open many serene villages in Kareri, Dhar Kandi and other interior areas of the Shahpur Assembly constituency for tourism. Besides, it would provide tourists the access to many treks in the Dhauladhar mountain ranges, he said.

There are eight lakes in Dhauladhar mountain ranges along Dharamsala that can be reached within one or two days by trekking on foot. While three lakes are small, the other three are comparatively larger.

The Lam Dal Lake, which is located at an altitude of 13,200 ft, is biggest of all lakes in the Dhauladhar mountain ranges. The lake stretches to in area of nearly 2 sq km. Having a huge lake at such an altitude is mesmerising. To add to it, the lake is surrounded by perennial glaciers. The local Gaddi tribals visit the lake on the festival of Janamashtmi.

There are three treks to reach the lake from Dharamsala. The first trek goes from Kareri Lake, which is roughly 8 km from Dharamsala. The base camp for the said trek can be made at Bagga village near the lake. The trek comprises steep gradient after Bagga village and trekkers reach the lake within two days. However, after the provision of the road connectivity, the distance to lake would be reduced to one day.

The other major lakes in the Dhauladhar mountain ranges that attract trekkers and adventure seekers include Kalika Lake and Chander Kup Lake. Chander Kup is located at the highest altitude, which is above 14,000 ft from the sea level. The said lakes would be easily accessible from the new proposed road.

The new road would also help in promoting eco-tourism in Kangra. “The development of the ecotourism sites in the Dhauladhar mountains would help attract tourists from the across the world,” said Kewal Pathania.