‘Gar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, hameen ast-o, hameen ast-o, hameen ast' these are words of the great Amir Khusro which means if there is heaven on earth, it is here. Mythology and history have shown that Himalayas is a place where one finds its soul because you are gripped in this magical terrain and seek nothing but purity and positivity. It's been 3 consecutive years that I have been visiting the Himalayas each time this place has more beauty and tranquility to offer.
Here is a list of certain places which are must visit in the Himalayas :
1. Rohatng Pass
This place serves as a gateway for the two paradiscal places the Spiti valley and Leh-Ladakh. Having visited both of them there is no question of comparison as both offer their own beauty. But the Rohatng itself gives you a feel that what is awaiting you is truly magical. Rohatng is like a gateway for heaven and gets more beautiful as you keep coming downwards from Manali.
2. Spiti Valley
After a long journey through the glorious mountains, enchanting valleys and scenic rivers you finally reach the beautiful city of Kaza. A place with beautiful view and more beautiful people. Small and cozy hotels are recommended which serve the best food and amazing hospitality. Don’t worry about the view, every hotel window in Kaza will open up to the beautiful mountain ranges and rivers.
4. Key Monastery
The journey from Rohatng to Spiti valley is breathtaking and it feels like you have been kidnapped by the enormous Himalayas, hypnotised by its beauty and trust me this kidnapping is worth it. Each mile throws you a different challenge, you come across waterfalls which you have to cross along with your bike, narrow roads with mountains on one side and valley on the other, hours of being hungry and then finally finding a small dhaba for maggi, omelette and the famous pahadi chai. Another beauty which you come across are small villages where you may see villagers taking around their cattle for grazing or kids playing cricket at such high altitudes makes you wonder life is so beautiful over here.
3. Kaza
One of the jewels of Spiti and Lahaul region and the most picturesque location for any traveller. The vibes of the monastery, the scenic view and peaceful talks with the monks gives you the best feeling in the world.
5. Hikkim
A place where you will find the most beautiful farms in India and yes the highest post office in the world.
6. Komic
When in Manali, the best thing to do is to drive though the pleasant Beas river early morning through the panoramic Pine forests and apple farms you reach Naggar, home to the famous Naggar Castle. A ride you won’t regret for your lifetime.
9. Kasol
Words fall short to describe the beauty and serenity of this place. Enchanting valleys, heavenly villages, pine trees and beautiful farms.
10. Tosh
If Kasol is mini Israel, Tosh is mini Switzerland. The beautiful village of Kalga and the glorious Kheerganga.
11. Leh City
The ‘Land of Lama’, don’t rush to visit Pangong lake and Nubra valley when you reach Leh because this city itself has so much beauty to offer. Magnetic hills, shanti stupa, old bazaar, mazelike lanes, Zanskar-Indus confluence and the Leh palace. The best place to be atop at the small café at Shanti stupa post sunset which gives you the beautiful panoramic view of the entire Leh city glittering under moonlight and artificial lights of the city.
12. Nubra Valley
Camping alongside the beautiful Pangong lake.
14. Zanskar-Indus Confluence
A place where the aggressive Zanskar river meets the calm Indus in the most emphatic manner. The journey to Zanskar from Leh city is breathtaking.
15. Hemis Monastery
The cold musical breeze of Buddhism grips you in this Monastery, a home to the famous ‘Hemis festival’.
16. Kargil-Dras
The land of Brave hearts surrounded by the beautiful and dutiful Himalayas.
Kindle your wanderlust and discover your soul in the breathtaking Himalayas atleast once a year.