I am the kinds who would like to write a blog or short stories or my day to day life. I thought of writing a photo blog this time but It will be like this trip completely out of my comfort zone.
I have been on road trips before as well, but this time I was very much towards a decision of using public transport as nothing was getting confirmed till the last moment.
Before we executed this plan two other options were already in discussion – Chitkul and Thachi valley but we ended up choosing Shoja , Jalori pass and Naggar . We booked the cab instantly as soon as we decided the places and finally we started 8 pm from Gurgaon, stopped in one of the Dhaba on our way before we hot the highway. Till Mandi the road is all Plain and we could see many vehicles moving towards the same direction as it was a long weekend.
It was a trip with 4 nights , Roughly 2 nights for travel , 1 day shoja & Jalori pass , 1 night in Naggar & the last day we kept open for market visits etc...
Day 1
Shoja a small village, the route we followed was Ambala-Chandigarh-mandi-Aut , From Aut its about 40km at almost 10,000 feet above the sea level.
Shoja is the cherry on the ice, a part of Tirthan Valley a less traveled road still an off-beat destination. The way to Shoja was smooth but last 20 km’s were quite difficult, as we were crossing the mountains the roads were going narrow and steepy.
Those stretched miles, the potholes & narrow skips it’s all worth it for incredible view, those snow-capped mountains took my heart away & all my mountain sickness went away. It was peaceful and scenic.
We stayed in one of the highest I would say last home-stay in Shoja which was just at the peak, Satyam Home Stay.
Akash, owner of the home-stay was quite accommodating, the food was good services were amazing and fast. They organised for Bon-fire for us at night and extended it to almost 2am as we wanted to sit outside.
To be honest there was not much to roam around in Shoja Very less places, until you decide to give one day to peace and then move to Tirthan Valley treks. Shoja is more about relaxation and rest.
There are quite good options of waterfalls nearby but we could not get a chance to go. We were simply in heaven – Top of the world.
My friends wanted to have trout fish. trout fishing is very famous in Tirthan Valley but unfortunately, we did not get any café where we can give a try to trout fish.
Jalori Pass
Around 3pm they decided to go to Jalori pass which was only 5km away, I somehow had low BP as I didn’t sleep in the car and felt some lack of oxygen as well. Anyways, we started for Jalori pass.
The trek/way looked very simple to me one can plan to walk or take your car simply. I could see people crossing the jungle & were making their way towards Jalori Pass. The top will give you an amazing view.
The area of Jalori Pass is, quite simply a natural paradise. There are many tuck shops you can have Snacks like Pahadi Maggi, Eggs, Pakoras etc.
I noticed that there was no washroom at Jalori pass few of the girls were struggling and looked like they had tough time, they went quite down to the dense Jungle to relieve themselves. To reconfirm I asked a chai wala if there is any washroom, he said “Mam jungle mai chele jao”.
Dhauladhar range is quite far but from the top you will find it very near and will not stop gazing the snow-capped mountains, there is a temple as well you can pay your visit if you wish to.
We came back after two hours of enjoyable time clicking pictures and has some Maggi too. Took some rest as soon as we hit the home-stay. About 9pm we heard some noise of others, everyone was out to enjoy bon fire, we also got out and had good time like 2am in the morning, We talking about ghost, Travel stories and much more.
Day 2
So, this morning we were supposed to leave in time for Nagger which was about 60km’s from Shoja, More towards Manali. It’s a small town proudly carrying Nagger castle and few amazing ancient temples. This city used to the former capital of Kullu city constructed in 20th Century.
We started almost in afternoon, took pictures had breakfast two times if I am not wrong. We tried finding a café around to have some pan cakes but all went so vain we didn’t get anything seriously. Finally, we stopped at a beautiful place, from the rafting starts the white water “The almighty Beas River”. It is said that the river flows almost 500km and serves water to all the central Himachal and nearby areas.
We set on the rocks around, foots dipped in chilled white water. Had Momos and coffee.
We were just next to the highway I didn’t not want anything to happened yeah you got it right, lot of vehicles were moving and the road was under construction. So, I stressed to move on so that we can really head Nagger before it’s too late.
On the way itself, I found out a home stay and booked it by calling him, we were supposed to do check in around 4 but our small halts, clicking pictures, finding a café for pan cakes and smoothies extended the time about 1030, finally we checked-in. Untimely by God Grace we got the café though it was a French bakery we managed to have some amazing food in there. We spent quite valuable time there.
We stayed in Soham’s home-stay, newly constructed, well maintained. We could hear some live music, so we changed our clothes and moved to the roof, ordered some booze and pasta.
This was supposed to the last night, we spent most of our time seating and talking.
How can I forgot that “I have never ever” game.it was a pleasant night actually!
Day 3
We decided to move from Nagger at 3pm so that we can hit the highway and reach on time, Monday was on our head.
So the delay started from the morning itself, We woke up late, Breakfast late so does the packing stuff. Soham’s home-stay got one of the best pancakes I guess and we loved the Nutella one, in short breakfast was amazing.
We headed towards the castle in noon kinds, I have not really been an old building like this, It was built in 14th Century. It’s made of stone and wood, I could see minor correction in the main body it preserved well. The castle got everything as per the golden era an amazing wooden fitting staircase, Stoned walls, fire space, a basement few rooms where we were not allowed to enter.
Partial part of the castle is converted in the guest house and Himachal tourism is taking care of that, I could get a chance to sneak peak in one of the traveller’s room I was impressed to see wooden bed covered with sheer curtains -cupboard with hand graved design and that large round mirror with stones around – that’s how the castle’s room supposed to be I guess, we took almost 2 hours.
I like the calmness of stone, I couldn't stop touching them, always feel a connection with them.
We bought some souvenirs from the local market and went to the French bakery again had lunch and there we headed toward the base “Delhi”.
On our way we stopped at few places, had dinner and tea.
We reached Delhi around 830 after a stretch of almost 12+ hours.
To conclude, I have read lot road trips and I did many too, but this time it was quite out of my comfort zone, lot of things were coming to my mind but i was glad we made it without any hassal .......
I always have some lessons learnt from my trips ...
-Travelling safe will always give you a chance to travel again. Life is full of adventures not necessary to go forcefully for that.
-Choose a good driver if all girls are travelling at night. He should be a gentleman should not interfere in each of your conversation, He should know where to stop the car if you are tired of seating.
-Hotel booking can be done on the spot or well in advance that’s not really the matter.
-You would always give most of your time to nature especially when you are in mountains but there will be always that one thing in the list which will remain untouched. Try and abide with your travel itinerary and time.
That Monday was quite hectic as almost the whole night I was awake so does Garima. I could sleep only for an hour when we entered in Delhi. Henceforth I decided to take a post-holiday off and write a blog on the same its already on Tripoto .
I loved the places and different culture we saw, not all mountains are the same, not all gives you same experience. Every trip I do, I learn – I live, I remember, become and storyteller.
Soon you will hear about Pathankot-Dalhousie-Khajjar, New mountains, new stories.
Till then keep travelling!
Love
AJ
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