A trek in snowy Manali

Last Christmas, I participated in the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) of India's Winter Trekking Expedition in Manali.  I had been to Manali loads of times before, but never for an organized trek. Everyone told me that there was no point in going somewhere I had been before, but I am glad that I did. It is one of my most treasured experiences till date. 

View of Solang Valley

YHA Manali is located in picturesque Prini village, on the road leading to Naggar. The auto ride there was lovely, with snow clad mountains on either side. The early morning chilly air on my face was refreshing. After checking in, I went down for some left overs from breakfast as it was past the set time. That's when I realized that I must get into hostel mode quickly in order to not miss out on meals. The view from my room's balcony was breathtaking, overlooking snowy peaks including Solang Valley. 

Icicles on the roof

I went solo as none of my friends were feeling adventurous enough to brave the cold. Although I may have gone alone, I never felt alone there. My Maharashtrian room mates and I had a ball, playing cards/ board games, eating bhakarwadi and home made ladoos in the evenings, exhausted after our respective treks. It's always a good idea to carry snacks or sweets with you for a trek, for in between meals. The temperature would drop to -5 degrees celsius at night. Everybody was assigned a mattress, sleeping bag, a blanket and a pillow each. I froze the first night inspite of having slept in my sweater, 2 pairs of socks, gloves, scarf and a woolen cap! Luckily, somebody left a duvet behind the next day, which kept me warm for the next 4 nights. 

Hostel from a distance

Every morning, we would run down for hot tea at 6 am, get dressed and be ready with our tiffins for breakfast soon after. A few of us would actually go down for yoga at 5 am! I never did manage that. Mostly, because I wanted to be in the warmth of my bed for as long as possible. Initially, it seemed like boot camp but I soon realized how discipline was essential to the programme running smoothly. By 9 am, everybody was off for their respective treks, usually involving at least 10 kms of walking. In between, we would get time to rest, look around or just sit by the river in meditative silence to take in the panoramic view of Kullu valley. We would come back exhausted after the trek and then run down for pakoras and tea in the evenings. It was important to get to the dining hall as soon as the bell rang or risk getting no pakoras/ snacks. 

                      

My favourite trek was the one to a nearby village on the neighbouring mountain. We trekked up the mountain through deep snow and ice. Some of the people backed out, as they were not used to a steep climb. The rest of us carried on to the top and met a baba there. He had been living in isolation and was happy to see us. He sang and played a bhajan for us on his harmonium and gave us interesting insights into life in general. On our way back, some of the boys slid down the mountain as they couldn't keep their balance in the snow. It was a really funny sight. Soon enough, there was a snowball fight where I seemed to be the favourite target. We also got a chance to try some sledging on the icy road with locals, while passing through their village. 

On the last night, we all exchanged contact details to keep in touch for any forthcoming treks. After all the group pictures had been taken, some of us went out to drink some wine and have sheesha under the clear, starlit sky. I saw two shooting stars that night and I wished for more times like these. 

Up, up and Away!

Fun Things to do around Chandigarh

If you are going on a holiday to Himachal Pradesh & beyond, chances are that you will pass by Chandigarh. All the adventure enthusiasts having some time there can enjoy a joyride in a single engine airplane, with the scenic backdrop of the Shivalik range and Kasauli. 

A local company, Aerial Advertising Pvt Ltd popularly known as SkyADS, offers joyrides for groups and corporates in the scenic environs of Pinjore, 22 kms from Chandigarh. Advance bookings are required and can be made via their website www.skyads.asia

I got a chance to go up a few days ago and enjoyed every second of it.

Posing!

It was late afternoon by the time my turn came. I excitedly sat in the plane and got acquainted with the aircraft controls, especially the ones I was not to touch. As the aircraft began to taxi, I started taking pictures with my phone. Just when we took off, my phone's camera decided to crash unexpectedly. 

A bird? A plane?

The aerial views of Pinjore Gardens, Shivalik range, Kasauli and surrounding areas from 5000 ft were breathtaking.

Fields below

We were almost as high as Kasauli, one of my favourite hill stations and I could clearly spot some of the tourist sites there. Sukhna Lake looked like a giant ball of fire, enveloped by a bright orange hue, as a result of the setting sun. I could clearly see the terraces of numerous houses in Kalka, moving traffic on the highway, Timber Trail and its cable cars hanging in balance as we went towards the dam. Pinjore Gardens looked majestic, with its palm trees in perfect alignment, freshly manicured lawns and colourful water fountains. 

All this time, cool breeze blew in through my open window and I didn’t feel the chill at all. I was busy taking it all in. One sight as a time. 

"The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn't it be? —it is the same the angels breathe".
                             — Mark Twain

A Weekend in Nice, France

South of France should be a must do on every traveler's bucket list. It is a magical place which makes you fall in love with the country even more.

Azure blue waters. A giant expanse of blue touching the sky. It seems like an uncanny and surreal meeting between the two. The grounded ocean and the high-flying sky. Whether you're walking down the main boulevard, eating at one of the restaurants or checking the selfie you just took, one can't help but take a moment out to stare at this magnificent sight. 

Lovely sunshine shone through our hostel room's antique design wooden french windows. I looked out and got a glimpse into the busy lives of the locals going about their daily business. Soon after, I got acquainted with my room mates, made evening plans with them and left to explore Nice on foot. Although I had an idea of the sights I had wanted to visit, I decided to wander around for a bit, which I highly recommend.

If you're visiting the gorgeous capital city of the French Riviera soon, here's my top 5 things to do in Nice:

1. A meal at an oceanfront cafe/ restaurant - Start your day by having breakfast at one of the many cafés on Promenade des Anglais. Freshly squeezed orange juice, buttermilk pancakes, eggs benedict and the great blue sea on the side is a treat for the senses.

2. Jazz it up at Place Massena - Walking around Nice is the best way to explore the lovely French Riviera capital. Be sure to venture to Place Massena, the main square, during the day to soak in the sun and ornate Italian architecture around. The street jazz musicians make for some fantastic background score while you are loitering around or enjoying a meal at one of the outdoor eateries.

3. A stroll through Old Nice - Passing through alleyways with colourful houses and shops in the old part of town will make you feel like you are back in time. Sit and watch the world go by at one of the quaint patisseries there.

4. Sunset at Castle Hill - Castle Hill gives you fantastic panoramic views of Nice and it's bay. You can stroll around in the park, have a look at the Roman ruins and the gorgeous waterfall there. Watch the setting sun slip into the deep blue Mediterranean sea. A sight not be missed. Make sure to keep a track of time or you may get locked in.

5. A short trip to Monaco - Take a half hour bus ride to the Principality of Monaco. The drive there is very scenic, offering amazing views of the French Riviera. Monaco is definitely the playground of the rich and famous, one quickly realises, by the flurry of yachts, expensive cars and other luxury boutiques one sees there. A trip to Monte Carlo casino definitely reiterates this fact.

Have a great trip!