astroventure in chail
CHAIL, HIMACHAL PRADESH
Chail near Shimla is an excellent location for a weekend getaway with excellent starry skies. The trademarks of the place are just outstanding and the beauty is second to none. At an elevation of 2,200 meters, Chail is colder than Shimla in winters due to its greenery and proximity to the Chail sanctuary. Our stop is going to be 6 Kms ahead of Chail town in a small hamlet called Challang. The small village is located on the Chail Kufri Road just ahead of town as you are coming from Kandaghat on Solan-Shimla highway. The state highway is well constructed and maintained even during winters
The place to stay is a luxury resort with almost all the amenities, great garden and lawns to enjoy the sunny afternoons, views of Shimla in North and snow clad peaks on the South, valley all around. The resort is located on the hill top and hence offers a 360 degree panoramic views of the mountain ranges around. The restaurant offers veg and non veg cuisine for lunch and dinner, breakfast can be Indian, English or American. Usually served buffet meals when there is rush, in calm and off season time, you can order your own dish as like.
The sky is bright and clear for most of the nights in the year unless monsoon arrives. November -April are generally clear with no sign of dew, fog or other weather phenomena to disturb our observation. The panoramic views from the resort offers seamless views of the objects in the sky and with cold temperatures in January ideal for astrophotography, Chail offers to every stargazer. The best part about the location is that the observation deck is just on top of the building you staying and you have the comfort to observe and enjoy a pleasant stay at the same time.
Please read our COVID-19 Guidelines to understand how we are ensuring your safety while you enjoy the night sky.
Generic Program detail
Equipment can be chosen from:
Manual Telescopes
- 8″(203mm) Dobsonian
- 10″(254mm) Dobsonian
- 25X100 Giant Binoculars
Motorised Telescopes
- NexStar 130 SLT
- NexStar 114 SLT
Astrophotography Gears
- Celestron CG-5 GT Mount with Orion 100mm Refractor and one astro-camera
- Celestron Advanced VX mount with Celestron C8 8″ SCT telescopes with astro-camera.
Day 1 – Friday
- 04:00 Departure from Delhi
- 05:30 Meet and greet at Murthal, breakfast and Tea.
- 06:30 Depart for Chail
- 11:30 Arrival at Jabli, snacks etc
- 12:00 Depart for Chail
- 14:30 Arrival at campsite, check in
- 14:45 Lunch (Veg)
- 15:30 Presentation – Introduction to Stargazing & Astrophotography
- 17:00 Setting up of equipment with Hi-Tea
- 18:00 Astrophotography Start
- 20:30 Dinner
- 21:30 Observation continues
- 23:30 Midnight Tea
Day 2 – Saturday
- 00:00 Observation continues
- 05:00 Cover the telescopes, observation ends
- 05:30 Bed time
- 09:30 Wake up
- 10:00 Breakfast
- 11:00 Free time. Indulge in adventure activities/rest in the room/explore the place.
- 14:00 Lunch
- 17:00 Hi-Tea, start your equipment & get ready.
- 17:30 Observation begins
- 20:30 Dinner
- 21:30 Observation continues
- 23:30 Midnight Tea
Day 2 – Sunday
- 00:00 Observation continues
- 05:00 pack the telescopes, observation ends
- 05:30 Bed time
- 09:30 Wake up*
- 10:00 Breakfast
- 11:00 Departure
- Astronomy Equipment and Expertise as per requirements and working in groups
- Accommodation in tents/Hotel rooms (as per booking) with washrooms and electricity on twin sharing basis.
- Breakfast ,Lunch, Dinner morning, Evening & Midnight Tea with snacks.
- Travel to and from the site (can be arranged at an added expense).
- Soft drinks, refreshments other than listed.
- Accommodation for driver/nanny/help is not included and will be charged with Rs 500/- for food.
- Permanent Tents with Western toilets and shower
- Hot water in the morning
- Restaurant for food and snacks order
- Adventure activities like wall climbing, trekking Zip-Line with experts
- Astronomy gear for visual observation with experts.
- Astrophotography expertise on your own equipment
- Usually cold to very cold. Nights can be freezing cold in December to February. Carry heavy woollens with gloves, cap and woollen socks.
- Carry heavy woollens.
- Carry your camera, all accessories and tripod
- Carry your medicines, and other essential items
- Carry some snacks and chocolates for night munching.
- Carry woollens.
- Carry your camera, all accessories and tripod
- Carry your medicines, and other essential items
- Carry some snacks and chocolates for night munching.
Why Astro Nomad Life?
- Your safety and privacy is top priority.
- Experienced staff and team conducting the programs.
- Modern equipment with trained instructors
- Your comfort and convenience for stargazing
What You Get?
- Make your trips even more memorable.
- Use our equipment and enjoy the sky.
- Learn about the night sky and enjoy the views.
- Equipment to use and share.