The chortens (stupas), Tibetan prayer flags, and Mani stones rule the top of 4600 metre hgh Kunzum Pass. There is also a shrine called Kunzum Mata temple, a personification of the pass, an objects of faith that is needed to keep going on such roads, especially for those who drive.
Crossing the Kunzum: Some Freezing Postcards Read More »
In September the Valley of Flowers National Park starts drying up. But clear skies can offer good views of the Nanda Devi and other peaks.
The Valley After The Flowers Read More »
A Short hike to Hudan Bhatori in Pangi valley. It is hard to imagine a place this sensory yet this desolated in this day and age when other areas of Himachal have become crowded tourist hubs.
Hike from Killar to Hudan: Paradise on the Edge Read More »
Beatles Ashram (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram) in Rishikesh is the place where The Beatles spent several months, composed many songs, and explored spirituality. It was later abandoned and forgotten for three decades. However, Beatlemaniac artists kept sneaking in and painting the walls.
Beatles Ashram: Graffitis Across the Ganges Read More »
The valley around Keylong, and in fact the entire Lahaul was at its fecund best during June and July. In fact it was so fecund that I almost found it erotic. The days were long and the colours were popping out of the landscape. So, this post is not only an account of a solitary trek to Shahsur but a love letter to Lahaul.
Shashur Monastery : Trek to the Gompa amidst the Blue Pines Read More »
So, the car started soon and rushed past the famous Key Monastery in no time. But as it did so, I was beginning to feel a little awkward, so much so that I was not longer enjoying the marvellous landscapes unfurling in front of my eyes, nor did I feel like taking photographs.
Kibber: My First Encounter with Acute Mountain Sickness Read More »
It was foggy and cold but the exhaustion went away the moment we caught a glimpse of the emerald green lake by the side of the Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib. On all other side’s, it is closely guarded by steep mountains.
Hemkund Sahib: Slippery Trek, Emerald Lake Read More »
It looked like a set of mundane huts, barely standing there, braving the assaults of time and harsh weather of the cold desert. However, as I walked in, I came face to face with Maitreya, or rather his larger than life feet.
Tabo: That Museum in the Cold Desert Read More »
So, the #60DaysOfSummer in Himachal are technically over. I did it slowly, taking ample breaks in between more intense activities and staying for several days at different places. I have yet to complete all the travelogues and it will take some time. Nevertheless, here is a quick roundup through 10 observations.
#60DaysOfSummer Round-up: 10 Observations Read More »
I recount this experience not to show what an adventure I had but to depict the daily struggles of the HRTC drivers on difficult roads like Sach Pass.
The Sach Pass Shramdaan and hitchhiking on an ambulance Read More »
I don’t exactly remember when I first came across the name of Nicholas Roerich. In all probability, I worked it backwards from Devika Rani Roerich. Nevertheless, he has been a highly interesting character for me for a long time now. Surely many British luminaries settled down in various parts of this country but how often
Roerich Estate: A Cinephile in a Art Gallery Read More »
The area around Shoja and Jalori Pass blooms with delightful Iris flowers in the month of June. Time it well to experience these magical views.
Shoja to Jalori Pass: Slopes of Iris Read More »
