The Camp BodhiSatva
Towered by a thick Deodar and pine forest and engulfed in a maze of fruit trees of apple, peach, apricot and plums, Camp BodhiSatva is one for the calling. The surroundings will make you reminisce, the place will make you nostalgic and the weather will turn you in to an incorrigible romantic.
It is a place which can give you food for thought, a time for adventure and to top it all, it will help you blend with nature in the best possible way. Located near the small and quaint hill town of Rajgarh in district Sirmour of Himachal Pradesh (India) The Camp BodhiSatva is about 45 Km from Solan off the National Highway to Shimla. The nearest railhead Kalka being only 4 Hrs away makes it another interesting weekend getaway option. Till now missing from the tourism maps Rajgarh has more to offer than what meets the eye on a macro view. Lush Green Valleys, Dense Forest, healthy bird life, clean and fresh mountain air and to top it all the ever-imposing serenity of the camp. Come spend some time here and you will know why we could not have given any other name to this camp.
Camp BodhiSatva is set up in a fruit orchard at Haloni Pul, Rajgarh. A small patch of orchard land is used for the camp leaving much of the flora in its undisturbed state. Here you can challenge the Churadhar peak (12000-ft), which is about two days of Hike two ways, or you can just choose to relax at the camp swinging on a Hammock. Or if you may please bask in the sun by the small river near the camp, going in for that very occasional dip every now and then. There is just no end to what you can do at the camp so come and explore it for yourself.
Rajgarh is more like a place where the yesterday had met today in perfect harmony. Fully integrated communication networks, regular supply of electricity, good transport network proximity of supply centers can make life as urbane as you like. On the other hand the laid-back village lifestyle, scarcity and spread of population allow for a quiet and relaxed time to yourself.
The two perennial streams around the camp are a boon to the natural beauty of the place. The camp is set up in a terraced fruit orchard facing a mountain. The narrow valley around the camp results in cold breeze around the camp at all times. And the thicket of Deodar trees around the camp helps maintain the temperature around the camp at an acceptable high at the hottest of all times.
Its place that can let you be, make you see, let you indulge and be high on life at all times. The perfect destination for your BodhiSatva.
Location and Route - Camp BodhiSatva
By Road - The camp is approximately 350 km from Delhi and 100 km from Chandigarh. It is an ideal 9 Hours Drive from Delhi with a half an hour of midway break included. Most of the way up to Chandigarh one is a pretty fast highway and one makes good time as well. The drive in the hills starts from Kalka to Solan (42 KM) and thereon to Rajgarh (45 KM).
A detailed route description would look like this
Delhi - Karnal - Ambala (200 KM) - Panchkula - Kalka (260 KM) - Barog - Solan (300 KM) - Ochghat - Yashwant Nagar - Sanora - Rajgarh (340 KM) - Haloni Pul - Camp BodhiSatva (345 KM)
Upon reaching the town of Rajgarh, cross the main market and bus terminal and take the lower road on the first fork. Here on its a no diversion road up to the next 4.5 KM. You will see a small board for directions to the camp here. Your reservation voucher will have a number that you can call and some one will meet you at the road.
Train – Options
By train - Kalka/Chandigarh the nearest railheads is about 90/100 Kms from the Camp BodhiSatva, Rajgarh and is well connected by a host of trains from Delhi.
The Howrah Kalka Mail departs daily at 2250 Hrs and arrives Kalka at 0500 Hrs. On the way back leaves Kalka at 2345 Hrs and reaches Delhi at 0625 Hrs.
The Kalka Morning Shatabdi leaves Delhi at 7.40 Hrs to reach Kalka at 1200 Hrs.
The Kalka Evening Shatabdi leaves Delhi at 1715 Hrs to reach Kalka at 2115 Hrs. On the way back leaves Kalka at 0600 Hrs and reaches Delhi at 1000 Hrs.
The New Delhi Kalka Himalayan Queen Express leaves Delhi at 0600 Hrs and arrives Kalka at 1120 Hrs. On the way back leaves Kalka at 1650 Hrs and reaches Delhi at 2210 Hrs. From Kalka the camp is 3 hours by road.
The Chandigarh Shatabdi Leaves Delhi at 0740 Hrs to Reach Chandigarh at 1050 Hrs from here the camp is 4 Hrs by road.
From Kalka one has the option of taking the toy train to Solan and thereafter take a taxi transfer to the Camp or hire a cab to the camp BodhiSatva
Camp BodhiSatva - Facilities & Services
Accommodation - We provide 10 feet by 12 feet tented accommodation units, which have a centre table, two beds with mattresses and sleeping bags. Each unit is weather proof and well ventilated with roll up net windows. The floors of all units are tiled by locally available slate rocks.
Dining Arrangements - The camp kitchen takes care of the meals in a buffet arrangement. The meal pattern is generally vegetarian. Chinese and continental food is also served at the camp with prior information and request. Drinking water at the camp is sourced from a natural water spring with in the camp area. The same is filtered through candle filters before laying out for drinking. Alternatively bottled water is procured for drinking and cooking purposes. Adequate supply of bottled drinking water is also maintained at the camp.
Sanitation - Toilets at the camp are in a central compound. There are Seven WC Toilets and one Indian Toilet with bathing units that have running water. Hot water is made available through Hamaams on request.
Activities and the staff conducting them - All activity instructors are professionally equipped with the knowledge they impart to the guests. Most of our staff belongs to the mountains and knows the mountains well. Local staff is always hired at any campsite to become a part of the local economy somehow.
Medical Emergency - A doctor stays 300 feet away from the camp area. And any other doctor is available on call from Rajgarh, which is only 5 km away. Rajgarh also has a small government hospital if the need may arise. The camp always has complete first aid available.
Communication - GSM Cell phones networks are now active in the region but the signals are often erratic. Landline connectivity is still provided by BSNL. Internet connectivity is still sparse. A GSM cell phone is now kept at the camp for all communications.
Activities at Camp BodhiSatva
Hiking - The area presents endless avenues for the hiking enthusiasts. From a two-hour hike in the surrounding area to a full day Hike to the imposing Churdhar peak (at 12000-ft, it is the Highest peak in the Outer Himalayas) the options are enough to keep you occupied for a while. Some recommended options include Walk to the Syana Village Top - 1 Hr. from the Camp and as and extension walk all the way to the Helipad and all the way back. Roughly a three to Four Hour walk this round walk passes offers scattered houses, fruit laden orchards at times, beautiful wildflowers, an occasional curious mountain kid, wild fruit berries to feast on, a beautiful dense forest and a small temple at the village Syana.
River Crossing - You also learn the act of river crossing over the base tied across the stream near the camp.
Obstacle Course - A small obstacle course at the camp consisting of Burma Bridge, Ladder Bridge, Double Rope Bridge, Tarzan Swing and other rope and bamboo assortments is an ideal activity with in the campus.
Rock Climbing and Rappelling - Learn the basics of rock climbing on the flat rock face near the camp. Things you can learn include three point climbing techniques, holds and grips and energy reservoir maintenance and preservation. On the subtle end you will also realize the importance of planning, coordination, patience, listening and motivational values for your teammates. You will also learn the act of rappelling i.e. descending on the rock face you just climbed but no hold or grips just the rope and you and your knees and feet.
Bird Watching - The residents of this area agree that the bird population in the area is a very healthy one. From the Himalayan Magpies to Mainas or even the woodpeckers for the avid birdwatcher we suggest you pack your lunch before you move away from the camp for indulging in your favourite past time.
Splash Swimming - The presence of two perennial stream around the camp present good opportunities for day picnics around small pools up in the valley hidden from the whatsoever little population that exists in the area.
Visit to the Waterfall - Hidden in to the valley is a beautiful waterfall that can give you a good massage if you just stand under it for a few minutes. A good spot to party around and have fun lazing around in the water.
Recreation - We have a few hammocks all over the camp under shady trees, a small, make shift badminton court, carom, dart, badminton, chess, Rope swings, daily bonfires, cultural folk programs etc. to keep you occupied at any time.
The Sunrise (Set) Trek : Early morning one can set out to the nearest mountain top area to watch the sunrise on the distant graded Himalayan Mountains. Watching the sunset, which can be seen from many locations at Rajgarh is a treat to the eyes. Make sure you have your camera ready before you dissolve in the plethora of colors all around you.
Visit to the Monastery - A beautiful monastery at Ochghat is definitely worth exploring on your way to or back from the Camp. The Bon Po Monastery is 40 years old and has a separate section for women monks. Red More about this Religion by clicking here. Read more about the Bon Future Fund Here.
Baru Sahab – A very well known Gurudwara around 40 kms from Rajgarh. It is one of the oldest holy shrines of the Sikh faith.
Property amenities:
Tented Accommodation, In house f&b, In house instructors for all activities,
Nearby attractions and activities:
Badu Sahib, Nauradhar, Haripur Dhar, Khairi, Churdhar Peak, Gaura for Fishing, Verdant Forest for walks, Orchards for fresh fruits in season, Dahan, Habbab, Fagu
Location:
45 Km off the National Highway to Shimla from Solan, 345 Km from Delhi, 100 Km from Chandigarh
Policy:
100% for confirmations, 24 Hrs Check out, Pets OK, Children below 2 not advisable.
Packages:
Rs. 7000/- per couple for two nights and three days APAI + Taxes
Notes:
USD Price in person per night 44 for Double and 62 for Single
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