When you aim for the Himalayas, you can never start-off on the wrong foot.
So did we, when we started our journey to explore the proclaimed tourist destination with the highest cricket stadium.
Dharamshala is a 10-12 hr long trip from Delhi which can be fun and comforting when you choose the right mode of transport and have the best company.
We boarded our bus from Majnu ka tilla near Kashmere gate ISBT. So the route to Dharamshala was the usual one, via Chandigarh making a few pit stops for refreshment. Its a long ride so do choose your transporter wisely. I wouldn't suggest the ordinary HP ST since the vertical backrest is a deal breaker for a long journey.
We were dropped at Dharamshala early at 7 in the morning. The weather delighted us as expected. Now since our reservation was for a hotel in Mcleodganj, we travelled a short distance in the local bus which in turn dropped us at the small yet functional Mcleodganj bus stop for mere ₹60-70.
From there our hotel was a few kms away which we decided to traverse on foot, comnig across kids with there lofty schoolbags and beautiful off-mountain view. The cool breeze did us some good since walks in hills can be tiresome especially with luggage.
Within an hour or so, we were at our destination, checked in and relaxed for a while, refreshing ourselves into the wildnerness.
After stretching our legs for a bit, we packed our trek bag and headed towards Bhagsunag waterfall, destined for Triund. A market lies nearby to it where we picked our lunch(Paranthas, ofcourse) and carried a few litres of water since trekking can be thirst provoking.
The complex that leads to the fall begins with a artificial pool with stone hedges on the side followed by a flight of stairs with no possible end.
Climbing hundreds of stairs, when you are not accustomed can bring some soreness, so would advice the readers to rest every now and then on the bencher or at the side of the stairs, without blocking the passage.
After a walk/climb of half an hour, we managed to soak our legs in the cold-cold water after which we decided to triumph the Triund. To be honest, it was not at all easy because of the steepness. As we climbed, thirst for water peaked too, so we had to buy a new bottle mid way for 50bucks, an expensive drink😂. After that, we laid down for a while looking into to enormous vastness that was infront. This midway rest point turned out to be our last since it was getting late and dark and we weren't too sure if we could make to the summit, we decided to head back. The return was a bit trickier but fun. By evening 6/7 we were back to where we started. Our stomach were growling with hunger so we headed to a roof-top restro(kind of). Its always mouth watering to have some paratha with tea, at a hill station with cool breeze flowing through.
Following morning, after rising up from the bed even before Sun could come up, we went to the terrace to take a glimpse of the peaceful city underlying the golden crust of dawn.
At near about noon, we headed out and looked around in search of a place to rent a two wheeler, which we succeeded in at ₹600 a day(I had to submit some sort of id proof) after which we headed straight to the stadium, around 15kms away. On the way, we came across an artwork made entirely out of disposed plastic bottles followed by a not so big but serene church.
After riding the vehicle for an hour or so, we reached the spot and satisfied ourselves with Thupka(Himachali soupy noodles but extremely satisfying to taste buds and stomach). We entered into the stadium which allows a limited crowd at a time in exchange of a nominal charge. It can be considered a tourist spot both for cricket enthusiasts and peak gazers.
Then we decided to go to a nearby peak, 10kms away just to find some peace and spend some alone time😉. It has a small waterfall too but do take note of the a network signal(I lost mine). It was not as tedious as the Triund, yet equally engaging.
After burning some calories on the hike, we headed back since we had an evening bus to catch to get back home. On the way back, we spent some moments at His holiness Dalai Lamas temple too, right in the middle of the bustling marketplace.
Entry is free and its quiet despite of all the visitors. One thing that amazed us was the variety of savouries offered to his holiness, had to resist pickin one of them and feel it melt in my mouth😅.
Row installation of numerous Prayer wheels inside the stupa is also a major attraction and is something one can only find in monasteries, so do spend sometime looking.
With this, we came to and end of our trip, after returning the hired Scooty and boarding our transport from Mcleodganj bus stand.
