Kashapat – Remotest Village with Pristine Beauty

Himachal Pradesh inherits numerous beautiful and heart-hunting sites. A few well-known and famous places are at the top of the visitor’s choice list. As we think of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala appear in front of our eyes. We never try to expand our thoughts. If you really want to enjoy Himachal, get into the rural and remote areas where after every horizon, a new surpassing beauty appears.

Rampur
Rampur, the birthplace of Raja Virbhadra Singh, is situated 130 km away from Shimla and just 40 km from Sarahan. Built on the banks of river Sutlej, Rampur has multitudes of nature retreats like Sharai Koti temple, Sarahan Bhimakali temple complex, Nirmand, Kullu Saran, etc to name a few.

Kashapat Tribal Village of Rampur Bushahr

Nestled in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, Kashapat emerges as a mystical haven, untouched by the hustle and bustle of urban life. This remote village, situated in the rugged terrain of Shimla district, unfolds a captivating panorama of mountains, valleys, and a lifestyle steeped in tradition. Beyond its apparent beauty, Kashapat conceals a tapestry of traditions, challenges, and uncharted marvels that collectively define it as an extraordinary destination.

Decoding the Secrets of Kashapat

Located approximately 155 kilometres northeast of the state capital, Kashapat isn’t just a village; it’s a conglomerate of settlements, each contributing to the unique allure of the region. Kasha, Paat, and Kandi, prominent among them, boast an average elevation of 2500 meters or 8200 feet. Bhelnu Tibba, standing proudly at 5220 meters, remains unconquered, casting an aura of mystery and adventure over the landscape.

A Voyage into the Heart of Kashapat

The journey to Kashapat is a testament to human resilience and engineering brilliance. Etched onto steep rocky terrain, the construction of this 20-kilometre road spanned over a decade. The meandering twists and turns may induce a thrill, but the panoramic vistas make every challenging moment worthwhile. What was once a day-long trek fraught with challenges can now be traversed in mere hours, courtesy of this remarkable road.

Nature’s Extravagance in Every Corner

The valleys enveloping Kashapat boast dense forests dominated by perennial coniferous trees like deodar, fir, and spruce. As the tree line vanishes, the landscape transforms into a regal spectacle of rocky, snow-clad peaks that endure throughout the year. Originating from these glacial peaks, the Nogli River, a tributary of the Sutlej, adds an element of tranquillity to the wilderness.

Surviving the Winter Wonderland

Winter in Kashapat is a magical yet demanding affair. From December to March, the village is cloaked in sub-zero temperatures and receives substantial snowfall. Resilient and resourceful, locals stock up on supplies for their livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats. The primary occupations revolve around animal husbandry and farming, with the apple harvesting season emerging as a significant highlight.

Life’s Struggles and Innocence Among the Rocks

Education holds a paramount position in Kashapat, mirroring the dedication seen across the state. Children embark on arduous journeys, crossing water bodies and mountains on foot to reach school, reminiscent of the struggles our parents endured in their childhood. The rocky slopes of the village sometimes mirror the challenges in local relationships, yet beneath it all, the residents exude an innocence that is truly heartening.

The second mysterious thing about the place is the virgin “Runpoo Peaks”, yet to be conquered by any human being. It is also known as “Paap-Punya” peaks. Being the “Kalyug Era” Paap is higher than Punya.

There are still a few nomadic people/families in the region who end their approximately one-year-long journey at the same place every year. They entire keep on roaming in the Himalayas throughout the year along with their herds of sheep, goats and cattle, which are their true assets. Apart from the nomadic people. There is still a custom of having a large number of cattle among the people of the region and in Kinnaur also. The person with the maximum number of cattle is called “Maaldaar” The number of cattle may start from a few hundred to thousands.

Shepherd crossed Bashal Peak (at Sarahan) then entered Kinnaur and crossed Bhawa Pass and Glaciers in winter to reach Pin Valley. On the way back he had to take another route as the glaciers were melting. He spent around a week in Pin Valley with the herd. Another amazing fact is that each owner can identify his/her sheep/goat just by a look.

There are no link roads in these areas even five decades after Independence. Due to a lack of infrastructure and political awakening, these areas have remained undeveloped. There is no modern mode of transportation and people still carry goods on their backs or on mules.

The area between Kashapath and Darkari is rich in minerals and precious uranium, but due to the non-availability of roads, the uranium mines are still untapped. A few years back the Central Government with the help of the state government had taken the initiative to extricate the uranium but the effort failed due to lack of transportation facilities.