Next
on our itinerary was Kullu Manali (SHIMLA ESSENCE OF HIMALAYSAN GEM). After a comfort break and lunch, we arrived
at the Westin Hotel and Resort in Manali past 10 PM. Declining the late dinner,
I headed straight to my room and was impressed by its cleanliness and comfort.
A refreshing shower marked the end of my day before bedtime. The buffet
breakfast the next morning wasn’t remarkable but provided the necessary fuel for
our activities at Rohtang Pass (HOKKAIDO WINTER LUST).
Rohtang Pass, nestled in the majestic
Himalayas at an altitude of about 3,978 meters, holds significant historical (VARANASI SACRED GANGES) and geographical importance. It has served as a crucial trade route since
ancient times, connecting the lush Kullu Valley to the arid Lahaul and Spiti
Valleys. The name Rohtang translates to "pile of corpses" due to its
challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, which historically made it a
difficult passage. Today, Rohtang Pass offers breathtaking vistas of
snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows.
Before heading into Rohtang Pass, we were
informed to rent winter jumpsuits, shoes, and gloves from a roadside shop, as
our own gear wouldn’t withstand the harsh conditions. Amidst the excitement of
finding the right fit, we had some fun moments while waiting for everyone to be
ready. Walking into the area where activities are offered, I opted out of the
jeep and pony rides, preferring to admire the scenery with others who made the
same choice. We enjoyed the fresh air of Kullu Manali, chatting and laughing.
After spending about two hours in this
area, we walked towards the snow-covered mountains, experiencing the
mesmerizing beauty of nature. Playing in the snow was delightful, and the
unexpected warmth of the sun made it a positive winter experience for me.
While the majority headed up to the
mountains for their snow activities, five of us decided to stay at the
roadside, where a trader offered hot beverages, snacks, and Maggie Mee. Maggie
India? Why not? It was my first time trying it, and despite the less-than-spotless
setup, the fact that it was cooked food felt reassuring.
There we were, sitting in a roadside area
under the winter sky, sipping coffee, munching on biscuits, and enjoying Maggi
India. These simple moments are what make traveling meaningful. We chatted,
laughed, and truly relaxed, experiencing the power of relaxation at Rohtang
Pass.
Once everyone regrouped, we headed to a
café about 15 minutes away from the Atal Tunnel Bridge. Despite a long wait for
food and some dishes not arriving, we enjoyed fried vegetarian samosas and
vegetarian fried rice. The café's backdrop of snow, mountains, and streams
added to the magic of the moment (CHENNAI DISCOVERED).
Passing through the Atal Tunnel felt like
an honor. Named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, this marvel
of modern engineering spans approximately 9.02 kilometers, making it one of the
longest highway tunnels in the world at such high altitudes. Opened in October
2020, it significantly reduces travel time between Manali and Keylong,
providing year-round connectivity and enhancing the region's socio-economic
development. Kudos to all who made this tunnel possible - it's a true pride of
India (COLOMBO DISCOVERY).
A few hours later, we arrived in Vashist,
Himachal Pradesh, and walked up the hill to Vashist Temple, passing by shops on
both sides. The wooden structure was beautiful, as were the Hindu deities
inside. However, I chose not to remove my shoes to enter the temple, as I was
already freezing and didn't want to risk walking barefoot.
Next, we explored Mall Road, a bustling
stretch teeming with people. While shopping wasn’t on my agenda, I relished the
street food. North Indian desserts, sweets, Pav Bhaji, Panipuri, and more - all
shared among the three of us. Street food always excites me, and this
experience was no different. Indulging in these local treats was the perfect
way to end the day, reaffirming my love for the simple joys of traveling.
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