In continuation to where I stopped yesterday ……..this blog is about Two States …..no ….not the famous Alia Bhatt movie ….but my further journey from Leh ( Jammu Kashmir) to the descending states ( geographically). But before I start about that …I would like to specifically mention about the Leh Manali highway. Though it has some rough patches ….it is an absolute wonder ….Infact I was surprised to see SULPHUR EMISSIONS and the Beautiful Black Necked Crane ( pair of it ) in our path .This added to the surprise element .Leh indeed has rich flora and fauna .A must visit place for every nature lover .

The roads leading to Manali were messy.. and uncertain so to say .. due to the abundant love of rain gods …During the course, we were stranded at Bharatpur… But then God sent an angel in the form of a JCB to clear the over flooding roads. With a lot of stress and fear ( cause of night driving ) we managed to reach Manali , only to learn that there was power cut .But all these experiences just made our trip more memorable.

Manali comes with its own beauty and charm . Though I am visiting the second time ,this time it was over crowded ,over developed and more commercial. The by-lanes leading to The Hidamba Temple are filled with tall trees and greenery – soothing the eyes .

One can also try some traditional Kulu dresses and get snapped ( which you find just outside the temple premise) …just for memory .

Next I visited the Vashisht Temple ….No wonder Himachal Pradesh is called “Dev Bhoomi” . The Natural Sulphur Hot water Springs is an attraction in it self and is well organised for people to rejuvenate and get relief from physical pains.

Then we visited to a mini Tibet in Manali. I was flooded with my Leh memories( predominantly Buddhists)The place is a stunner .Though the premise is small ..it brings in harmonious feelings of how people co-exist ..

Well at this my Manali trip ends and I head to Punjab ( Amritsar) to be precise .The roads were washed away but manageable. We had a pit stop at Mandi (a village in Himachal ) Then continued on the wheels enroute Amritsar.

What do I say about THE GOLDEN TEMPLE .I am sure many have visited this place .This place only depicts divinity,flawless dedication and Purity . One can only loose oneself to find a true self here . Words fail me to describe the aura of this place . Its just like feeling of ZEN …. ( Not worrying about things you can’t change) .

Next we headed to Attari Border better known as Wagah Border. Flocks and Flocks of people turned up to celebrate India independent . We were also part of the chaotic but happy crowd . We witnessed independence in its best form…right from independence of speech to dance to sing . It was indeed zealous .The parade show was flawless and everyone in the crowd felt the feeling of unity and belonging after witnessing the show .It was indeed a pleasure to be among the strong and fearless heroes representing a proud nation Salute to these unsung heroes ,the silent soldiers of solidarity ( including both women and men ) They make us feel protected ……

This ends my trip !!! Back to our small world of happiness more defined as home.

Will keep sharing my experiences in coming time . As I sign off … JULLAY !!!!

Leh Diaries…..JULLAY !!

I being an amateur would like to share my experiences of my recent expedition to this Nature’s marvel .The breathtaking landscapes and picturesque beauty is timeless .Countless mountains Blue sky and Blue serene waters made my journey colourful and memorable at the same time.

On arrival in Leh which is situated at high altitude .Our body needs time for acclimatization .We spent the first entire day resting .

Our tour was customised by ROYAL ADVENTURE agency.One of the best you can find .

We began by local sightseeing if Leh town which started with a magnetic hill where nature defies gravity… astounding must say.

We also saw a confluence of Zanskar and Indus river popularly known as Sangam in Leh . Rafting is the best adventure there but since I had done rafting in Rishikesh some time ago we opted out of it ….but trust me I was tempted to do it again

On our way back we visited a Gurudwara namely Pathar Sahib …..It created an aura of positivity around us .The langar prashaad we had was divine . Leh manages to bring out positivity in every way

Next we headed to the local market which was so well organised …it really gave a run for our money in comparison to Mumbai and its local market. How I wish it was the same scenario in Mumbai

Then came Sunset time at Shanti Stupa …pretty much describing the same .The place has a huge Buddha statue which overlooks the city The scenic beauty on the top of it is marvelous. It is indeed a place of peace and tranquility.

The journey was indeed getting exciting.

Day 3 ,We headed to Khardung la the highest motorable road in India .The roads were a big challenge but we were lucky to have an efficient and skilled driver who made it look effortless. We reached there and had a coffee in chilling cold weather .Weather does get rough up there. We should go guarded. The glimpse of it was magical with a gompa(temple) over the top of it .After spending some quality time ,we headed to Nubra Valley enroute Hunder. Hunder is full of surprises….A desert with beautiful sand dunes in the midst of mountains . Camel ride there made us nostalgic about Jaisalmer . Then we stayed up at a cosy campsite arranged by our tour operator .

The next day ,we began a real adventure ride to Pangong Tso via Shyok river.Trust me when I say this ….the roads leading to Pangong are full curves and bends. But having a skilled driver helped us in a big way .We reached in afternoon supper time .Cold winds and a tent stay added to the adventure . But the sunny morning bought in a sense of Tranquil and serenity . The blue waters are soothing and rejuvenating. Every Now and then the colour changes due to shadows of the mountains and clouds around and above it .Then our onward journey began to Hanle

Hanle, a place where stars meet the ground .Star gazers heaven …if I may define it…Homestay at Hanle house added to a homely touch .The sight of Milky way on a dark night just added shine to our experience

The magical mystique of the places . Mesmerizing landscapes All leave a deep impact and imprints of Nature’s marvel on our heart and soul for long long time

My journey then continued to Himachal Pradesh Manali enroute Rohtang pass .The Leh Manali highway was indeed dangerous .The fog added to our woes but to our surprise we managed to reach Manali midnight .

To be continued…..watch this space for more