"It came.. It conquered.. It made everything look wrong.. It made all of us move apart.. Its high time Dad.. I am done with all of them.. I just want some peace. I just want to leave everything and go. I just want to explore. To be frank I just want to get distant from all this fuss.."
"Lets go travelling Ayesha.."
"Dad??"
"Yes.. You heard it right?"
"But then what about your work?"
"Nothing more than you beta!!"
"Where shall we go?"
"Lets explore the Himalayan Range.."
"What?? Are serious Dad? Its will take months to explore"
"All this work.. All this salary is just to make you happy.. Till my lovely daughter gets back to normal, lets explore every inch of the mighty Himalayas."
"Mom??"
" You are going on study tour.. I am going for a work trip.. Lets meet at Mcleodganj.. Our first travel destination.. "
"I love you Dad!! "
Page 1 : Himalayan Dairies - McLeod Ganj
Our first destination of this trip – the hill station of McLeod Ganj which is home to many majestic monasteries, delicious smelling kitchen cafes, trekking companies and wall to wall stores selling Tibetan souvenirs. Also known as 'Little Lhasa' and the 'Home of the Dalai Lama', the Tibetan spiritual influence and its mystical green hills made McLeod Ganj, a significant tourist destination. The nearest tourist destinations includes Dharmasala and Triund.
Stop 1 - The Spiritual Retreat - When we are in this town, we should not miss two things, one is the Dalailama temple and other is the Tibetian Museum. Right next to the temple is Dailailama's residence. The Dalai Lama usually teaches twice or three times a year in McLeod Ganj. All teachings are open to public and are free. Adding to this there are many Monasteries which are beautiful and peaceful places where you can meditate and get some rest from the hectic life in the streets.
Stop 2 - Dal Lake- Next stop in our list is Dal Lake. With its name taken from the famous and breathtaking Dal Lake of Srinagar, the lake is surrounded by rugged mountains and towering deodar trees and is a marvellous place to be at. Quaint and calm, the lake has greenish water which is the dwelling place of different kinds of fishes that live here. It is located at an altitude of 1,775 metres above the sea level near the village of Tota Rani.
Stop 3 - Bhagsu Village- Bhagsu is like a picturesque taste of Indian village life combined with techno hippy style. Temple of Bhagsu Nag located in a peaceful and scenic view is a must visit. Located one km from McLeod Ganj this ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Bhagsu Nag, the snake god, and to Lord Shiva. A freshwater spring, in which pilgrims to take a holy dip flows through the temple. A beautiful waterfall, well worth visiting, is located about a 20-minute walk from the temple. Walk through the Bhagsu village, past the swimming pool, and then follow signs to the start of the stairs leading up to the waterfalls. You’ll find plenty of outdoor cafes for taking breaks as you wind up the steep stairs to the scenic falls. An evening stroll to this place before heading to the market would be a perfect end to a day at McLeod Ganj.
Stop 4 - Evening Market - The Mini Kathmandu - Walking through the streets of McLeod Ganj, is something which we call a perfect evening. A lot of stores selling books, cafes offering some delicious foods, localites helping us throughout, tourists sharing their stories - that makes it a perfect evening to refresh yourself from all your thoughts. The momos and the deliecious momo soup are definetely a must try when you are here.. The market is ideal for buying cheap Tibetian jewellery, trinkets and articrafts.
Stop 4 - Dharmasala stadium - So our next day started on a high note. Dharmasala, which is very near to the Mcleodganj, also offers us many scenic locations. Dharmasala Stadium, located in a picture perfect location amidst the mountains is must visit.
Stop 5 - Tea estates- Little paths through the undulating greens of tea gardens makes the walk easy, long and delightful, something like a stroll through an endless, well landscaped golf course. Palampur which is few miles away from Dharmasala, offers us peaceful walks through the tea plantations..
Stop 6 - Naddi - view point - Naddi is one of the beautiful spots among the places to visit in dharamshala. It is famous for watching the splendid sunset, which takes you away from the restlessness of the metropolitan life and noise. From Naddi you can enjoy the beautiful sunset that you have never ever seen before. The view of the sunset and its golden shade on the Dhauladhars that you see from there is breath-taking. Aside from the sunset you get the best view of the pong dam(one of the largest artificial lakes in India ) as well as snow capped Dhauladhar ranges. You experience the whole kangra valley view from this place. From Naddi you realize that , earth is really round .You see the curve at the vicinity.
Stop 7 - Triund Trek - And the final day, and final stop - The famous Triund Trek. This is one of the most popular trek that you can do in short period of time. From Triund you have most spectacular view of the snow covered peaks of Dhauladhar one one side and Kangra valley on the other. You have got different view at different time of the day-Sunset, moonrise, sunrise all present a different picture of the place. Steep ways, low temperatures, the snow cap and picture perfect locations - these all things make Triund, a must try trek.
"So?"
"So?"
"What next?"
"Home?"
"With just one place?"
"Dad?"
"Kasol?"
"Yes"
"Lets go!!"
"I love you Dad!! "
"Before we go.. I just want to know one thing?"
"Yes?"
"What is "IT"? Why were you so depressed?"
" 'IT' is Love dad.."
"So, you loved someone?"
"No"
"Then?"
"Lets go to Kasol and talk there!"
To be continued...
