Postcards from the Mountains
Getting back after a hiatus...
Heyyy!
It’s been a while. I know I haven’t been very active, and that is exactly why I want to start by thanking you for still being around.
A LOT has happened since I sent out the last issue, but more on that later. This issue is to take you through a little vacation (read breather) I took earlier with my siblings last month.
If you have read previous issues, you already know I have spent a lot of time in the mountains. Mountains make me feel at home, and this trip was yet another reminder — the mountains make me feel alive.
Postcards
As on any other trip, I was in charge of documenting the entire trip, and thanks to hundreds of pictures on my phone, I can gladly take you on a virtual tour. :)
The decision of taking a non-conventional route to Shimla turned out to be a great one after we discovered this stream of water after only a couple of hours’ drive. This was our first stop.
Traveling with siblings on Rakshabandhan was special, the setting certainly made it more memorable.
Took a few stops here and there just to look at the magnificent sky, because why not?
Driving through Shimla during the golden hour was MAGICAL. I complain about Shimla and its commercialisation all the time, but one just can’t get enough of the beauty this city has to offer to the world.
We reached Narkanda, our final destination, late at night. The hosts at this homestay were kind enough to serve us a delicious meal despite our (much) delayed arrival. The picture, of course, was taken the next day right before we started our trek.
The view from our balcony was a sight to behold, and a hot cup of chai was most definitely the cherry on top.
A sight to behold, I told you!
On Day 2, we were going on an 8km trek to the Hatu peak. Finding our way through slippery pathways, bushes, and what not, the picturesque tree tops (and some furry friends) kept us company throughout.
Almost halfway to the peak, a lady runs a tea and Maggi point. They are shepherds who move to the plains before the snow season starts. We talked to her (and her beautiful boys) for a few minutes, and this is how the little one posed as I asked for his permission before I clicked a picture.
Also, this chai was the BEST I have had in a while, way better than the cup I had in the balcony. What do I say about the irresistible pahaad and chai combo?
The view at the top was mesmerising to say the least. All the bruises and cramps, all of a sudden, were totally worth it.
MAGNIFICENT is an understatement. After spending some beautiful moments away from the chaos, we walked down the trail, all the way to the homestay. We drove to Shimla later that evening.
This picture is one of my favourites from the trip. The ridge at Shimla in all its glory. Who doesn’t love a dramatic night sky, after all?
No visit to Shimla is complete until you spend some time at the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, appreciating the spellbindingly beautiful architecture. Visiting ahead of the Independence Day meant free entry and lovely glimpses of the tricolour. :)
The three days were filled with laughter, love, beauty, warmth, and magic. I have been on trips before, but this one is memorable for very different reasons. <3
Enjoyed the visually pleasing read.
Beautiful