Brahmour The Brahmour (Bharmour) tract of the Chamba district of HimachalPradesh is an inner dry valley lying in the rain-shadow of themain Himalayan range. The terrain is extremely rugged andconditions resemble those of a cold desert. Brahmour receives lowprecipitation due to the barrier created by the imposing mountainrange.

Morning sunshine on the mountain slopes Credit: Karamjeet Singh

The vegetation in Brahmour is of the dry temperate type. Thepopulation density is relatively low. Herds of graziercommunities graze on the steep mountain slopes after the snowmelts in summer.

Brahmour was the ancient capital of the Chamba kings. Forcenturies, it thrived on the trade with the Trans Himalaya throughthe Kugti pass. Brahmour is home to the famous Chaurasi complex,which is a complex of 84 temples, built between the 6th and 12thcenturies A.D. Here is located the oldest surviving wooden templein the world -- the temple of Lakhna Devi. Its exquisite carvingsare credited to the acclaimed sculptor Gugga.

Gaddi and flock on the high mountains. Credit: Karamjeet Singh

Brahmour is also home to the Gaddis, the famous mountainshepherds. Brahmour is "Shivbhoomi", or Lord Shiva's heartland.The Gaddis believe Lord Shiva to be their Guardian Shepherd.