Delhi <250kms> Chandigarh <229kms> Aut <40kms> Shoja <100kms> Narkanda <410kms> DELHI
So one Wednesday evening last month (july) we decided to drive out to the hills... taking the most loved NH 22 we headed towards Manali.
The idea was to stock up the car with supplies / munchies / camping gear and just leave the city. We had 4 nights and the intent was to disappear into the mist. But MANALI and the area around it in the summer months is hardly any different from Delhi. It gets crowded with vacationers and is honestly, quite a mess.
So as we approached the famous tunnel at AUT and instead of heading straight towards Bhuntar, took the right turn to Banjar. The road follows the Parvati river for a little while and then goes deep into the Kullu Valley. Our 1st night stop was at SHOJA, a village 5 kms before JALORI PASS (10800 ft). One can also find a variety of slightly overpriced home stays (charging Rs 1000-1500 per night) if camping is not their scene. The next few days were spent in gallavanting through the valley .. over the pass... going into villages unknown... as the monsoon clouds gave us company. If you do decide to take this 1200 km monsoon road trip look forward to great himachali hospitality... an abundance of amazing views... and getting lost in the mist. Just make sure you keep you carry a flash light with you at all times! :-)
Watch the vibe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbniLRPGeCk