We were born in the plains and have lived there for as long as we can remember. At best, we’d see the waves of the Arabian Sea crashing on stony rocks with rolling hills watching over. Perhaps, that’s why, the mountains have always been a mystery to us. Towering, snowcapped, and eerily silent; they seem to have a strange magnetic pull, calling us towards them, and we, following blindly without thinking twice of the perils involved in the journey. The Himalayan belt of northern and northeast India has been one of our favourite travel destinations in India. Add to it, the distinct flavour of the Himalayan cuisine and scores of peaceful Buddhist temples; there’s little left to wish for.
In a departure of sorts, during the year end holiday break, we planned a trip to Himachal Pradesh. I’ve always resisted travelling during winter, to any location that has a possibility of the temperature dipping below zero. And although, I may not entirely love double digit temperatures, I truly love the sun (no surprise considering where we’re from), and detest the cold. And that was the first challenge of this trip, embracing the cold.
Our connecting flight via Delhi to Dharamshala was delayed by an hour. As a layer of fog slowly creeped and spread across the boarding gates, I dreaded what I had been coaxed into. Unlike our earlier trips, I was unusually calm, despite feeling mildly unwell. That was about to change, when I saw our propeller plane. Calm gave way to panic. If the fog was anything like this in the mountains; I wasn’t sure how great the landing would be or if we’d be able to land at all. Basil and our co-passengers didn’t seem bothered. And I tried to muster some courage in their indifference. A boisterous family holiday group seemed more concerned about their baggage and seating. I mused if I had accidentally stepped into a local bus.
We reache Gaggal Airport at four in the evening. The landing was pretty smooth considering the weather was warm and there were no mountains visible. After collecting our luggage at the conveyor belt, we headed outside the airport. Taxis are readily available and seem like the best mode of transport – when you’re tired with the journey. McLeod Ganj or Upper Dharamshala (1830m) is a 30 minute ride from the airport. I had momentarily forgotten how squeamish I get along winding mountain roads. As I tried to hold whatever I had eaten in the day, inside me, I tried to divert my mind. But, sadly, there was little to divert my mind with. The background was largely uninspiring, I couldn’t see mountains, and there was more sound than I could process. The main town square was packed with cars from all over the country. It was the wrong time to travel. I felt crushed.
Our hotel was located at the bottom of a winding road with the view of the mountains and valley for comfort. Villa Paradiso was Spartan, but, had all the trappings of a cosy Himalayan getaway.
The flip-side was the long winding walk (upwards) towards the main district. After unpacking, we began our ascent to grab a bite to eat. It does take some effort and I had to take few halts. Fortunately, at the end of the road, we saw His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Temple making the walk worth it.
We headed towards One Two Cafe, and had Gyathuk (Tibetan mixed vegetable soup) and ginger lemon tea. By 6 pm, it was pitch dark, the temperatures had dipped and most of the roads wore a deserted look.
twobrownfeet 
Mmmm, that food looks good. You reminded me of when I walked in Quito. I felt thirty years older because the altitude made it hard to walk uphill.
You know, when you’re hungry, feeling cold, and nauseous, these Himalayan soups are life savers! 🙂 I forgot about the altitude and thought – this should be easy. The snaps don’t really show how steep the path is. Fortunately, I was better the next day.
Looks like you had a great adventure. I would love to visit there someday 🙂
It was the beginning of an adventure. You must consider a trip, preferably during the off-season time. 🙂
I prefer the off season 🙂 When is the off-season time?
The period between April and June is when most kids get summer holidays, during Diwali (depends on the calendar), and then there’s the year end holiday (x’mas and New Year’s) break. All these would fall into peak time. The mountainous belt (stretching from J&K to Arunachal) has a different climatic pattern from the rest of the country. Depending on which region you’d like to visit, ensure the climate isn’t too severe. The roads can be a real nightmare and it’s best to have good weather.
Thank you for your advice 🙂
🙂
Sorry to hear you weren’t feeling too good for part of the trip. But, that scenery from the hotel looks very good, and I’m sure you felt better after that 🙂 I don’t deal well with crowds when I’m in some place new, and in those situations I just try to focus what’s right in front of me and that calms me down 🙂
Hey Mabel! It’s been more than a week since our trip and I’m still not feeling my best. Yes, the scenery gradually grows on. That’s the best part of the mountains. 🙂 Hope you have a great year ahead!
Get well soon. It is easy to get sick while on travels because you are in a foreign environment that you body might not get accustomed too. Rest well. Lots of water and sleep should help 🙂
Thanks Mabel! I’ve been sleeping like a log. Getting better with each passing day.
Hi Cheryl, I understand what you mean by that walk uphill. I had experienced that in Darjeeling and Gangtok, and I thought to myself, oh gosh, how do they ever do this on a regular basis? I tried Gyathuk too, loved it! Hope there will be more posts about this trip – I’m intrigued about Dharamsala and McLeodganj, heard so much about it.
Hey Kat! Yup! Many more posts to come. Although, I must say that we skipped many places to avoid crowds and to enjoy the town as is. 🙂 Cheers to a another year of blogging!
My friends have been feeding me ginger tea the last couple of days. I think it’s going to become one of my favourite teas.
I hope it’s without milk. 🙂 You could either have it with ginger-honey-lemon extract or all the three and black tea. Interestingly, Basil picked up a ginger -lemon extract (more like a preserve) from Seoul. And I’m hooked to it. Ginger tea is the best placebo there is in the mountains! 🙂
They give it to me plain and its very good!
What an adventure! Magnificent view from your hotel ❤️
Strangely, I’m missing the mountains more than anything back home. The view was fantastic! 🙂