Posts

The Himachal

Image
Lets talk about my home land the very special Himachal Pradesh the name itself depicting the presence of Himalayas and its unfolding beauty, mystery, cunning rituals and devotions of the folks towards their almighty gods and people. Only a few know about the history of this place. Himachal has been mentioned in the great Hindu text books such as Mahabharata and Puranas as "dev bhumi" literal meaning the land of gods. Talking about the ancient periods many empires came and ruled, it also faced the British colonial era. It was the British who established Shimla as the summer capital. Pre-independence Himachal Pradesh was just a cluster of small states which eventually integrated into the Indian Union. Himachal Pradesh became Union Territory on 1 November 1956.After this, the State of Himachal Pradesh was passed by the parliament and the new state came into being on  25 January 1971 emerging as the eighteenth state. Over the centuries , Himachal Pradesh has preserved its unique ...

The Ultimate Himachal Pradesh Trip for College Students: Adventure, Budget Tips, and Must-See Spots

Image
  How to Plan the Perfect College Trip to Himachal 1. Choose Budget-Friendly Destination: Highlight popular, affordable spots for college students: >Kasol and Tosh: Perfect for backpackers with scenic views, chill cafes, and budget accommodations. >Bir Billing: known for paragliding , beautiful landscapes, and peaceful vibes. >Triund Trek: A short , scenic trek from Dharamshala offering stunning views of the Dhauladhar range. 2. Plan Your Route and Transportation: >Travel by Bus: Himachal is well-connected by buses, and it's the cheapest way to get around. >Avoid Taxis: Use public transport or shared cabs to save money on travel within Himachal. >Book Train/ Bus Tickets early: Secure student discounts or early-bird deals. 3.Must-try Activities >Adventure sports: Paragliding in Bir, river rafting in Kullu, skiing or snowboarding in Solang Valley. >Camping and Bonfires: Affordable campsites in places like kasol, Triund, Tirthan Valley. > Exploring Local Mar...

Essential Packing and Leave-No-Trace Tips for Hiking and Trekking

Image
  Hiking and trekking offer the perfect chance to escape into nature, and being prepared ensures both a safe adventure and a minimal environmental impact. Here's a quick guide to what to carry and how to keep trails pristine. Essentials to Pack 1 . Navigation: Always carry a map, compass, or GPS, and bring a power bank to keep devices charged. 2 . Food and water: Pack plenty of water and high-energy snacks like nuts, granola , and dried fruit. 3. First Aid Kit: include essentials like bandages, pain relievers, and any personal medication. 4. Clothing for All Weather: Dress in layers, pack a rain jacket, wear sturdy footwear for trail comfort. 5. Sun Protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses will shield you from the sun's intense rays. Leave-No-Trace Principles  Pack out trash: Bring a small bag for all litter, even tiny scraps, Leaving no waste ensures trails stay clean. Stay on the Trail: Avoid damaging vegetation and disturbing wildlife habitats by staying on market paths...

A Day Hike To Lamadugh : Discovering Manali's Hidden Beauty

Image
  If you're in Manali and looking for a refreshing day hike, Lamadugh is the perfect option. Just a 17km round trek from old Manali, the trek is packed with scenic beauty and offers an immersive experience through lush Deodar forests, birdlife, and quiet glades that make the uphill climb worth every step. Here's a glimpse into our adventure and why you should try it! Our journey began at 9 am, setting off from the back side of Hadimba Temple. The first part of the trek wound through dense forests of Deodar, oak, pine, horse chestnut and maple trees. The trail was moderate, climbing gently upward with sections that occasionally gave us challenge. March to December is ideal for this trek, and we were lucky to enjoy it with clear skies and cool mountain breezes. Early in the season, the trail if often dusted with snow. adding an enchanting touch to the landscape. We were also lucky to have a sweet, unexpected trekking companion - a friendly local dog who trotted along with us, add...

A Semester-End Getaway to Shimla: Friends, Food and Fun

Image
  After a busy semester, my friends and I decided to unwind with a casual trip to Shimla. We sat out for a 2 night and 3 day escape and booked a stay at Hosteller's, a cozy spot that didn't break the bank and gave us a great spot to chill and connect with other travelers. Day 1: Exploring the heart of Shimla After arriving, we checked in at Hosteller's. where we had booked a two-seater room for around 1500 Rs per night. the room was comfortable and well kept, and as a bonus, breakfast was included after check in. After fueling up, we headed out to explore the Ridge, the heart of Shimla, known for its lively vibe and beautiful views. Our first cade stop was Wake & Cake, a small, charming place that matched Shimla's cozy vibe perfectly. Strolling around, we stumbled upon a cultural festival showcasing the flavors, music, and traditions of various Himachali districts. Sampling local food and enjoying the performances, it felt like a mini-tour of Himachal itself. Back a...

Nature's flow: Unveiling the most beautiful Waterfalls!

Image
    J ana Waterfall Jana Waterfall is a hidden gem near the quaint Village Jana which is my own village. Waterfall is located about 35 km from manali and 12 km from naggar which is also a tourist attraction. The way to this waterfall is surrounded by deodar, pine trees and spectacular snow-covered mountain peaks. It is a moderate waterfall for a quieter and authentic Himalayan experience. You will also get to do zip lining and outdoor experiences. But the best about the waterfall is the food that is serves.  There is this famous eatery named SAGAR THAKUR DHABA which serves every Himachali dish like siddu, makki roti, sarso ka sag, red rice ,ghee ,green chutney etc. Food cost will be pretty decent depending on how many people are there. If you ever come to naggar do visit this place and get taste of quality food and pleasant dining experience.                                     ...

Bir: My First Bike Trip

Image
 Setting off from Jalandhar on our bikes at 5 pm, the journey to Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh, was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. With four of us on two bikes, our 2 days and 3 night , 3 day trip was filled with adventure, scenic landscapes, and memorable moments. Day 1: The Thrill of the Night Ride Our journey began it the early evening, as we left behind the city lights of Punjab. The route was thrilling as we rode deeper into the hills. Riding under the starry sky felt surreal, and though the roads became tougher to navigate in the dark, the excitement of the journey kept us going. After about nine hours, we finally reached Bir around 3 am , tired but excited for the days ahead. Day 2: Exploring Bir and the Surprise of Rain After catching a few hours of sleep, we headed out to explore Bir and trekked to Bangoru Waterfall. The trek was refreshing, leading us through lush greenery to the calm, Hidden waterfall. We spent some time unwinding by the water, enjo...

Tirthan Adventure's

Image
  Tirth an valley   a hidden gem in the Himalayas well known for its natural beauty , outdoor activities and local culture. Its a gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The valley is covered with dense forest, peaks and including the Tirthan River. You can do camping, hiking , fishing etc. While visiting Tirthan you can also visit jibhi which takes another route and will take half an hour to reach. I have been to jibhi waterfall and other scared places like Balu temple there but for now lets talk about the Tirthan Valley where i recently went on a two days stay and explored the beauty. You can get buses from the kullu bus stand till bhuntar and from their you can get direct bus to banjar valley or do shifting from aut, to banjar bus stand and then take taxi or bus to the Valley as i did. You can pre book the rooms or cottages as per your need in my case we already pre booked the rooms where we spent a night the place was gushahni the food ...