Cooling Off

The heat is becoming unbearable each passing day, and with the summer holidays of the kids already on, I thought we may as well hit the hills..So, we set off for Manali. As we didn’t have much time to plan, all our forest rest houses have been booked by the time I made my enquiries. Even most of the hotels have also been fully booked. After much effort, one of the guys managed to find a cottage and conveyed the news. The last time I visited Manali was some 11 years ago and so I was a little apprehensive as to what the journey would be like, especially the condition of the roads. Fortunately, the roads are very good and in fact repair and expansion was going on in many places. In fact the first part of the journey, right from Kharar to Ghanauli was a tiresome one even though it covered the “plains” area of the journey, because of the many diversions, repairs,dusts,blockades…etc all due to the expansion/widening works going on.Guess it would be a great ride after about a year when the works are completed. Anyway, the rest of the journey was a smooth one, at least as far as the roads are concerned.

But in Sundernagar area…there was a huge traffic jam which lasted for nearly 3 hours..it was frustrating as the road was, very narrow…you can’t turn back nor was there another route…thankfully, the  jam cleared by around 2pm and we rushed ahead..hoping to reach before darkness sets in.  We stopped for a break and grabbed a bite in the outskirts of Mandi, by which time it had started drizzling and strong gusts of wind were blowing…

We drove on without stopping as it was getting late till we reach Manali by about 8.30 pm. Just on the outskirts of Manali on the main highway is a toll barrier, unlike most- a green toll tax. Himachal is one of the most advanced states in India in terms of implementation of Environmental related issues.

We reached our cottage after some effort, and I was wondering what the kids would say..they are used to the comforts of home or our own rest-houses, but this time because of the sudden plan and the heavy tourist season all our rest houses have already been booked..we had to stay at the cottage. When we entered-the kids loved it!! It is just like a mini home, all made of wood…the ground floor having a drawing-dining area and the kitchen while the winding staircase leads to two immaculate bedrooms with ample spaces and independent terraces to boot…the cottage having located just below the hillock of the Hidimba temple, the view was sublime and serene…

Because of the younger kid, we took our domestic help along and so we had a “home-cooked” food before we retire after a long, hard journey.

The next day was a hectic one as we had to rise early and head forRohtang Pass. As this was the height of the season, the traffic along the Pass is very heavy and there are many tourist, so the earlier you reach, the better it would be. The drive is filled with wonderful scenes-each turn of the corner of the winding road throwing scenic views one after the other.The most amazing thing was to see “kombirei” in full bloom at such height!!

Just before the main climb is the long rows of make-do shops caterring to all kids of accessories for the activities up at the snow filled area-right from warm clothing, boots, caps, woolens, to skiing equipments etc. You can even take skiing instructors from this point also, however, it is slightly costlier…you can always find someone at the top, in fact they will find you…and because of the heavy rush and the competition, the rates are cheaper and negotiable..

By the time we reached the summit at Rohtang Pass, the bright sunny sky had turned into a misty, cloudy atmosphere and  a blizzard started. When we step out from the SUV, snow was falling and it was bitting cold and I was wondering whether the kids could make it..after we put on the skiing costume, it was relatively better and trekked up the skiing area which is a further 200ms ahead.The kids employed a sledge and thoroughly enjoyed it. Grabbed a hot mug of coffee..you don’t know how they manage it but they, the mobile chaiwalas, emerge out of the mist and fog and offer you a cup of hot tea/coffee…

We enjoyed thoroughly, skiing, riding horses, snow-mobile, zorbing…it was fun…real fun.

Next day morning was reserved for visits to the Hidimba temple, the Ghatorkatch temple, Manu temple and Vashist temple…

(Hidimba Temple)

(Ghatodkutch Temple)

(Manu Temple)

(hot springs near vashist temple)

Came back to the cottage late, and after tucking up the kids on the bed after a warm dinner…me and Alina slipped out to check out the night life of Manali…