"wherever you go becomes a part of u somehow"!!....So we started off for the trip, ex Delhi. It was in the evening, around 7 when we boarded a private bus which dropped us off at Kullu bypass early in the morning and cost us some less than a thousand bucks a seat. It was a pleasant ride with a few stoppages at dhabas as rest points and to refresh n break the monotony.
Since we reached kullu early in the morning, we had the whole day to ourselves, to explore the untold and nearby picterisque spots. First, we checked in to a hotel which we had pre booked, took a shower and were then guided by the manager himself to places nearby and famed for its scenic view . At noon, we decided to go to Bijli Mahadev Temple, a trek with mediocre difficulties but it is said that best views comes after the hardest climb!!
At our earlier trips, we always rented a two wheeler for easy accessibility but this time, we explored in the ST. Kullu bus stand is a small one with a flight of buses. We managed to get our desired one, took 1.5 hrs to drop at our site at the cost of ₹80 each. From there, we began our trek, few steps at a time..
Initially its a steep trek, makes you run short of breath but eventually it gets better ( im my case the credit goes to the oxygen cylinder - my companion ). On our way up, we met another group of trekkers who had come from Hyderabad. After spending 2-3 hrs on the roads, in the mountain crevices we finally managed to reach uptop. Few shops were set up with regular items like water, tea, maggi etc.
We took photos as a return ticket to moment otherwise gone and then we headed back since it was getting dark and we didnt want to miss out last bus back to the city.
We reached back by 8, had some adrak chai and went straight to our room and did our dinner late night at a nearby restro, cooked good but was extra spicy.🤯
In the morning, we went out for a brisk walk since the weather was pleasent and we woke up early ,also we could witness the glowing aura of sun rise which filled us with more zeal. It was after half an hour or so, the shops started to open up and we were lucky enough to grab some freshly cooked hot paranthas with aloo ki sabzi and chai that too at a reasonable cost.
You all might be thinking of why is this guy mentioning about expenses everytime he spends. Its because I am currently a student and do make my trips on a tight budget.😁
At noon time, we checked out of the hotel and headed to the bus stand again, this time to reach Manikarna-Kasol, which was the eminent part of this trip. Boarded a ST bus which took approx 2 hrs because of the uneven terrain and lots of twists and turns. Its a beautiful journey with barren mountains on one side and snow laden hills on the other.
The journey cost us ₹150 pax and we were dropped near to our place of accomodation (lucky us).
After checking in into the small cottage-cum-hotel, we headed out for the mountains but on our way, decided to go for the path less travelled, where it was all laden up with snow. Had fun playing with snowballs😂here and there. By evening we were back after grabbing a bite at a local shop.
One of the resident warned us of the thick layer of snow that covers the roads, in the winters making it inaccessible.
Next day, we checked out of the hotel, the manager agreed to take care of our luggage since we were headed into the mountains to reach Kasol, a roofie paradise.
We went on foot, went up and up and at the top, weren't much thrilled as all of our expectations were shattered.
It was crowded, taxis everywhere so didnt spend much time there.
However, if you are looking for some quiet time, you can decide to stay as number of lodges and cafe are in business.
As we headed back, we took a turn towards parvati valley, it was breathtaking view, the bouncy waves brought chills down my spine and the rushing of freezing water flowing in it.
PS: You can drink it too.
After a tiresome trek and play, we boarded our bus to Manikarna.
Last bus departs at 5:30 in the evening after which you will have to hire a taxi where they charge ₹1000pax, a costly affair.
After reaching Manikarna, we visited the Gurudwara, had yummy langar and then went on foot for about 5 kms in search of a transport to ferry us to Bhuntar for our bus back home.
Overall, it was a fun filled journey, light on pocket and high on mood.For the soules eager to trek , this place will be a thrilling journey for them..
