Snowy Manali...

Far from the Maddening crowd, in the realms of Nature, surrounded by mountains lies an incredible holiday spot,  We call it as "Manali".  It is an excellent place for a holiday, a favorite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, Leh and Zanskar regions in Kashmir valley.

Amazing Landscapes, flowing river, green mountains are a few to keep you enthralled during your road trip to Manali...also known as the "SWITZERLAND OF INDIA".

We started from Shimla at 9:00 AM in a taxi, which the best way to explore the beauty all the way till Manali. Soft music luminated our moods and charged up our spirits for adventures ahead...Every mile was asking us to stop and see,,,but we had to reach Manali - -so we kept on moving, though with occasional stops. Each turn was unfolding stunning panorama of nature, and landscapes were getting better every time. Whether it was the green waters of the rivers, eye catching hills or the 3 km. long tunnel, all of them kept us glued on our windows. We kept on moving and enjoying...

280 Km. distance took around 9 hours including a few stops to relish in the majestic beauty of the Himalayas. It got evening, when we reached at our destination in Manali. Needless to say Landscape took our breath away. It was 6:00 PM by the time we checked in out hotel. Our room was cozy, with a captivating view of the opposite mountain ranges. By the time we moved inside, our stomachs had started to jingle. We had a hefty dinner at Zodiac Hall with yummy delicious food. We tried our hands on different dishes, like Chinese, Mughlai and....A quiet walk followed the dinner, which took us to the land where the music of the mountains was reigning supreme.


Day1: Rohtang trip - The best plans slould be kept early during the trip.
The sun was spreading its rays from behind the mountains, the city was just starting to come to life. The moment seemed like the whole world to us.  It was an amazing way to begin the day.

Way to Go..or What a way to go....

Well-defined snow capped peaks were there to welcome us and the meandering clear waters of Beas river were there for our company. On the other side are Deodar and Pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards.

We started with adequate winter gear to counter any cold. Driver insisted a lot on renting out still warmer clothes from local shops, he must be getting commission. The distance of 52 km. was to be covered in 3 hours owing to frequent landslides and bad condition of the roads.

However mighty mountains, falling waterfalls were more than enough to keep us occupied and more than just make up for the bad road conditions. Click after click continued to capture the opulent nature. 

Limits of vision were the mountains only and nothing else. As it is said Human will to triumph is above all, we stopped at a place full of eateries.

We wondered how much efforts must have been done by these shopkeepers to open such shops at this height. This place is "Marhi" and like everywhere else view from this point was staggering brilliant, barren mountains were  incomparable.

We had to stop for 15-20 minutes due to some blasting work being carried out by Border Roads organization.

At Rohtang: The view was "Incredible".

Everyone was hiring horses to go up the distance which was hardly 2 Km. Though a little skeptical, I asked Pooja about covering the distance on foot. It was overjoyous to listen "YES" from Pooja, between yes and no, we decided to move on for the summit.  She was brave enough to start trekking, though I was too much concerned for her. All my trekking experience was coming handy, like take small steps, have little water.

Braving the winds and walking on the frozen rivers (we were constantly hearing the sound of water gushing underneath the frozen layer of ice), we kept on moving. Having lunch in the side of the rocks was amazing in itself. Though the food had got cold by now, but it was special.

Snow at the top was calling us and Step by step we kept on moving and it did not took long to reach the summit, with snow everywhere around. Rightly said "View from the top is what makes the journey of 1000 steps so exhilarating". A sense of Deja Vu ---

Return journey was as usual devoid of any thrill, except that I was still able to sleep in the roads where, it was constantly felt that everything inside the car will come out. Barring a few stops at some points, we quickly made it to our hotel. By the time we reached back to our hotel it was all dark. Dinner was the last activity remaining. 

Everyone who visiting here should not forget a walk after dinner. The experience will be worth relishing life long.

Day 2: Hadimba temple and Maharishi Vashisht Temple

There are some things which you always desire, and Snowfall is one of them. It was November, but we got up to witness Snowfall. We were in for a heavenly experience.

Trees, Houses and ground covered with snow were simply irresistible to stay indoors.

We too came out to have our share of enjoyment in the falling snow. At breakfast, hotel staff complimented us for being lucky to witness snowfall in November as it usually happens in January. We were rejoicing on our good fortune.

The snow had a magnetizing effect on us and we continued to explore whatever we could have. Check what was the closest encounter with snow we could have had. 

I saw a few kids playing with the snow, in the snow. Just a glance of them was ample for me to join their game. With in a few seconds I went back to my childhood days. Staying in the big cities we miss out on  lot of simple yet delightful activities. Rightly said - "Those are the moments which make life worthwhile". So guys Live Life to the fullest before it gets too late.

We realized that local sightseeing was due, when our cab arrived. Though we did not wanted to stop the fun in the snow with the kids. However we started at 1:00AM for local sightseeing.

First in the list was Maharishi Vashisht Temple, it was a small but impressive temple. We were in for another surprise, as there was snow all around the floor and we were supposed to cross it barefooted. Isn't it Enticing Guys...?

We saw a few tourists praying from outside and returning back. The snow had a terrifying effect on them. However we went inside without our shoes. Brains and feet were fighting out for moving fast or maintain a balance to avoid slipping. By the time they would have reached to a conclusion, we had performed the rituals and were out of the temple.

Seeing our flawless execution of this dare devil act, one of the couple let their feet come out of the shoes. However I am sure they will be cursing me for long as they slipped on the snow. Well no comments ....

The way fighter pilots prepare before every flight, same way with our spirits rejuvenated, we started for Hadimba Temple. 

Cladded in snow and snow falling from the Trees, Hadimba Temple was posing like a panorama only seen in artists' sketches. What could have been the icing on the cake, we were walking besides the rabbits. There were rabbits all around to cheer you. Our shoes have got wet by the time, but we were not complaining. Again our cameras went into overdrive. With snow all around and rains embracing us, we got to know, why it is called as "SWITZERLAND of INDIA". Do you have any question guys:

Instead of returning to our hotel we decided to get to the Mall. Every hill station in India has a Mall Road and Manali is no different. Artifacts sold by different shops exhibits ample glimpses of diversity of India culture. Laughing Buddha, Dragons' souvenirs, Lord Krishna pictures and masks used in South Indian dances, all at one place - that's what we call "UNITY in DIVERSITY"

Around 6:00 PM we have returned back to our hotel. It took us hardly half an hour to explore whole of Manali on foot and sight seeing, cool breezes were complimentary. In Delhi half an hour we end up spending only in waiting/ traffic jams.

Day 3: Return Journey

We have already booked a Volvo for return journey. A quiet walk at the Mall and heart full of special memories, we returned back.

I do not have much words to describe the Aura of this place. To be honest you have to come here to feel yourself. In short a special place and a must visit for all.

Situated at a height of 6,398 ft and distance of 550 Km. from Delhi, Manali is a very popular hill station in Beas river valley. Going further ahead on Delhi- Manali road, one can drive till Leh, which is world's one of the best motoring roads on account of natural beauty. Isn't it enticing:

For me this is the best time to be in Manali (October- November), as you can go to Rohtang Pass. So guys, ready 1,2, 3.......Vroom, coz one snowfall and road to Rohtang will be closed. Would you like to miss the above road...