Himalayan Culture and Mountaineering Museum, Vill Chowki, P.O. Jari, Distt. Kullu (J.P.) India
Phone : 01902-276119,
276319, 275619, 270419 - Mobile : 98160-76219, 81894
HIMALAYAN CULTURE AND MOUNTAINEERING MUSEUM |
Mission : The Museum will preserve, display and dissiminate information about the Cultural heritage of the region and enthuse the spirit of adventurism in the Himalayan belt
Aims & Objects :
- To preserve the Cultural heritage of the Himalayas
- To conduct treks, tours and mountaineering expeditions in the Himalayan regions
- To create awareness about the preservation of material Culture, aforestation and ecology
- To encourage the use of non-conventional sources of energy e.g. solar, wind, water etc.
- To set up a heritage museum in Chowki village and promote Cultural tourism in the region
Description of the Museum :
The Museum gallery is located at Jari on Kulu -Manikaran road. The gallery houses artefacts of the region, traditional costumes, mountaineering equipements and photographs depicting the life style of the region. The heritage museum is situated in the Chowki village, a small hamlet on the right side of Parvati river, 4-5 kms from Jari. This four storeyed heritage museum is 500 years old house and a typical example of Pahari architecture. Different stories are meant for different purposes. The lower most is meant for the cattle and the upper two are used as residential quarters. The top most storey is used as kitchen and believed to be the abode of family deity. In this heritage house the ustensils, basketry, mats etc. are displayed in the traditional manner.
Although there has been lot of innovation in the traditional architecture of this region. There are still a number of old buildings in the village used by the locals.
There are two Shiva temples and Bhandara in the village. The Shiva temple situated in the lower Chowki village is a 10-11th century temple. The life size sculpture of Uma-Mahesvara in the templs is a beautifull piece of art for the connoisseurs. The temple also houses the idols of Maheshasurmardani, Chamunda and Ganesha. The two stone pillars polished of ancient date can also be seen in the temple. Another Shiva temple is situated in upper Chowki. The temple with profusely carved wooden entrance is a typical representation of Pahari architecture.
The Museum also conducts heritage tours, treks and mountaineering expeditions in the following regions :
Trekking :
1. Malana valley trekking
2. Pin Parvati Valley trekking
3. Hampta Valley trekking
4. Chandra Valley trekking
5. Zanskar Valley trekking
6. Rupshu Valley Ladakh
Jeep Safari :
1. Six valleys of Himachal Pradesh
2. Manali-Changtong Plateau
The Museum runs a restaurant at Jari and a guest house at the heritage Museum, Chowki Village
Also take a look at the Articles by Mr. Virendra Bangroo
