The summer of 2014 witnessed a rare event. We went out for a trip as a family! Himachal Pradesh was selected as the destination. The timing couldn't be more fortunate as I was about to put in my resignation in the office. So the entire journey was made in trains - Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani - Delhi-Pathankot Jhelum Express and HPTDC bus from Pathankot to McLeodganj (Dharamsala).
The morning we reached Pathankot was a beautiful morning, all around there were endless mango all abloom. And Pathankot is an air force base - so regular sightings of fighter jets were a huge plus. It was raining lightly when we reached McLeodganj, but the next day was clear and pleasantly cold.
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| View from HPTDC's Hotel Bhagsu |
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We covered the local spots in the next day or two - Dal lake, Naddi, local markets of upper and lower dharamsala, Bhagsu falls.
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| Dal Lake (Namesake of Kashmir's famous lake) |
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| Local market |
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| Local market |
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| A shop near Bhagsu Falls |
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| View from Lower Dharamsala |
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| Unrestricted view of Dhauladhar range from Naddi |
Another outstanding place there was a fort close by around ~50 km from Dharamsala - Kangra Fort. This fort apparently had been destroyed for the most part in a big earthquake in 1905. If so, then judging from what was left, the original fort must have been breathtaking. Here's some photos-
The food everywhere was superb, in McLeodganj be sure to try out the local Tibetan cuisine - Thukpa, glass noodle soups, Thenthuk, momos etc - it is phenomenal and goes well with the cold weather up there. There's one place called Norling restaurant - it is a place not to be missed! The Norling special soup was so delicious and filling that we had that for lunch and dinner!
McLeodganj overall is enchanting and the significant Tibetan influence gives rise to an atmosphere markedly different from the general touristy places in India.
Next up on our itinerary was Dalhousie. Chilly rains persisted throughout our journey - which enhanced the taste of roadside dhaba tandoor aloo parathas with chai. The moment we entered Dalhousie after climbing our way up the winding ghaats of Himalayas, the mountains decided to put on a show for us. Entire Dalhousie was engulfed in a freezing cold sheet of clouds howling over the mountains, and I mean freezing cold. Here's some of my favourite photos of it -
Dalhousie is just a place to relax and idle around, not much sight seeing is necessary when all the sights are so stunning! With that ended the most awesome trip.
Note: All the photos were taken with my Nexus 4, some have been edited somewhat. :)
Enjoy
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