Camp BodhiSatva – Rajgarh

Haloni Pul, Jagmila Orchards, Rajgarh, Dist Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh

The Camp BodhiSatva is set up on a piece of land that was once a blooming fruit orchard at Haloni Pul in its better days, at Rajgarh. A small patch of orchard land is used for the camp leaving much of the flora in its undisturbed state. 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 and about 350 KMs from Delhi. The nearest railhead Kalka being only 3 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. 

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. Here you can challenge the Churadhar peak (12000-ft), which is about two days of a rigorous hike or four days of gentle trek 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.

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.

Facilities and Services

Accommodation – We provide tented accommodation with a centre table, two beds with mattresses and sleeping bags. Each unit is weather proof and well ventilated with roll up windows. The floors of all units are tiled by locally available slate rocks. The tents are protected by local thatch roof from rain and sun.

Dining Arrangements – The camp kitchen takes care of the meals in a buffet arrangement. Indian, Chinese and continental menu 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 before laying out for drinking. Adequate supply of bottled drinking water is also maintained at the camp.

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 kit available, plus all our activity instructors are well versed with First Aid and are certified in first aid and CPR.

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.

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. All activity gear used is of the best quality and regularly checked for damage and repair and replaced at the first instance.

Activities at the Camp BodhiSatva

The Camp BodhiSatva is literally a treasure house of activities that can keep you occupied for even a week. Given below is a description of what  you can do at the Camp BodhiSatva on your next holiday.

Hiking – The area presents endless avenues for the hiking enthusiasts. From a two-hour hike in the surrounding area to a two 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 an extension walk all the way to the Helipad and all the way back. Roughly three to four Hours this round walk passes through 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.

Another much favored walk is to the Village Bhuira where you can visit the Bhurira Jam factory run by the women of the village Bhuira. 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.

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.

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 within the campus. Supplemented by activities like river crossing and flying fox the obstacle course provides for some exciting times at the Camp BodhiSatva.

Bird Watching – The avian population in the area is a very healthy one, and it doesn’t take a accomplished birdwatcher to come to that conclusion. 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 favorite 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. One of the streams offers hidden places for you to discover and take a dip in the moderately deep pools.

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.

Visit to Nearby attractions – 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. Baru Sahab – A very well known Gurudwara around 40 kms from Rajgarh. It is one of the oldest holy shrines of the Sikh faith.

Location and Route – Camp BodhiSatva

By Road – The camp is approximately 350 km from Delhi and 100 km from Chandigarh. It is an ideal 8-9 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 someone will meet you at the road.

Train – Options

By train – Kalka/Chandigarh the nearest railheads are about 90/100 Kms from the Camp BodhiSatva, Rajgarh and is well connected by a host of trains from Delhi. Be sure to check the railways time table and figure out which train suits you best. Taxis are easily available from both railheads to the camp either on shares or exclusive fares.

Complete Package Inclusions for Camp BodhiSatva

Package Duration – 2 nights and 3 days

Package Price – Rs. 4000/- per person

·         Camp (tented) Accommodation on twin share at the Camp BodhiSatva

·         All meals (2 X b/f, 2 X Lunch, 2X dinner)

·         AM / PM tea / Coffee Supplements with cookies

·         Daily Bonfires

·         Light Snacks / Munchies around the Bonfire

·         Use of In-house obstacle course under professional supervision

·         All available activities at the camp under professional supervision and all field activity and safety gear. Activities Include

o   Rock Climbing, Rappelling

o   River Crossing / Tyrolene Traverse, Flying Fox

o   Escorted Hikes and Walks in the surrounding Hills

·         All taxes and service charges

Pricing for Children

·         6-12 Yrs – Rs. 900.00

For more information and details call the reservation office on +91 11 46547020 / 40