The mandate in Devbhumi

Oh!! Finally a trip to Dharmsala, McLeod Ganj, dalhousie and couple of  reachable places.  I am quite apologetic to mention that we (my brothers from another mother)spent a lot on booze to make this plan successful.  Set out late as usual for Dalhousie. Tip: occupy the last seat on traveler if less travel companion (best for sleep with legs spreaded)
Obviously i am the smartest one. Journey started around 7 Am towards Dalhousie via Pathankot. Breakfast in Murthal, and gradually entered Punjab. Roads are kinda nostalgic as college days passed on these roads only. Haveli Jalandhar is a place to taste authentic punjabi Lunch if you crave for. Entering Pathankot,  the breeze itself will tell you that you are not far away from the mountains.  Around 1900 hours finally at the destination. Dalhousie (named after founder a British General) a small town with narrow streets but surrounded by beautiful mountains. The stay for day 1 needs a 10 min walk uphill from Gandhi Chowk.

Done with our breakfast and up for some nearby nature chill out. Khajjiar (25 km from Dalhousie)is one of the most hyped places around here. Local taxis are available for commute and also on sharing basis. To be honest it's just an all season beauty,  winter's!! enjoy the snowcapped view, summer get some fresh breeze. To talk about adventure, not much on offer here in Khajjiar although horse riding, spinning balls,paragliding for kids are available.  Time will fly here so it is advised for couple of spare hours. Also we have a few waterfalls around the area on our bucket. On a way to Panchpula Satdhara falls is one more beauty with gushing sound of the spring. After all these we headed out for Banikhet, our shelter for tonight which is like another 10 km from Dalhousie towards Chamba. Once we have reached the hotel the only word came outta us, what a gambling!!  We booked this hotel out of confusion although keeping much of expectations.  And yeah! Once we have seen the rooms....ahh. Neither do I have words nor enough pictures to justify the beauty of the location. Equipped with pool, bonfire place, own kitchen, pingpong board  beautiful rooms with view. Anything more you want to ask for?? then you deserve to be in your office 4×4 cubicle for sure. As this is a non promotional blog, ping me for the hotel name. So the night has to be amazing with so much on offer.  Pingpong done,gully cricket done, swimming and chilling session done, sip of coffee with the silence done, and last but not the least booze with brothers and the view DONE!!!

We woke up and plan is to move to our next destination which is Dharmsala and MacLeod Ganj. But as expected no body is willing to move on from the hotel, seems like guilt pleasure for busy life now has been found and no way to leave. But yeah we moved on expecting something better on offer. 60+ miles and 6 hours to acquire. Though the journey seems to be long but the view and curves in the roads will not let you feel the same. Once you reach Dharmsala the day can be planned by visiting different Monasteries as this place will offer you plenty. Also the cricket stadium is something to visit as it holds name for one of the highest altitude grounds in the world.  Night stay for us tonight is near Bhagsu. The place now has a lot of option for hotels and hostels.  A lot has changed from my last visited in 2013. Its kinda mixed feelings when you see lot of luxury at the cost of nature. Too tired for another plan so all decided to get some rest and ready for next day.

Quite a morning it is! Per the weather report chance of downpour is there. Plan is to make it to Triund top and trail starts from Dharamkot. Triund trek is considered to be a basic and beginner's trek though the view will make any experience holder go numb. Started my trek from Bhagsu to Dharamkot and then the real fun begins. Not equipped with much as i have planned to come back to hotel by the evening, but the nature decided something else for me and in the middle of the trek the hail storm hit the foot of Dhauladhar ranges. Following the only option to come back, i decided to meet my friends at Bhagsu falls. Due to hail storm and intensity of it is making it bit difficult. But despite the difficulties i decided to keep going to Shiva cafe which famous for chilling out. Some music with Hookah and flaunting to make some smoke rings, the day spent well. Next day is all about going back to daily life. Signing out here with the wonderful journey, catch you all up soon with the next Destination!!!