My Summer Gateway. Review on Manali

Hi Friends,

It’s so good to be back, it has nearly been a month since I have visited mouthshut. I missed it very badly, first due to exams and second due to my summer gateway. I regret the first one but not the second one.

The last 15 days had been very stressful due to my B.C.A exams, so when my father suggested a vacation to Manali, I was totally ecstatic. I had been to Manali 10 years ago, but I remembered very little. As it was summer season, Railway tickets were not available for any date within a month. But this hardly dampened our spirit; we decided to go to Manali by our car & started almost the next day. Our First Stop was Bhopal where my Uncle joined us along with his car.

We reached Himalayas on the third morning of our Journey (2nd nite: Agra, 3rd nite: Chandigarh). In the afternoon, hit Kullu. Kullu used to be a beautiful hamlet, but now Kullu has totally saturated with buildings, hotels & shopping outlets. The city size had increased but the road was the same one-way vehicle road. Any vehicle from opposite direction ensured a traffic jam. It took us two hours to cross Kullu. By now, we were able to see snow-clad mountains shining in the evening sun. The journey from Kullu to Manali was the most panoramic one; a new mountain range would unfold at each turning of the road.

We arrived at Manali in the evening, which was a big mistake. Most tourists come out in evening for shopping, etc and this creates huge traveling and parking problems. Manali has virtually no parking space (If you think of traveling to Manali by car, make sure you book a hotel, where car parking space is available.) It took us almost an hour to hit our hotel. Our hotel was at a height on the mountains so was dazzling to lights of the Manali at nighttime.

Next morning decided to make it to Solang Valley. This valley is situated en way to Rohtang pass and is approximately 20 Kms from Manali. We got in morning, and we were totally impressed by the breathtaking mountains surrounded by green fir and Deodars. There are 8 Km long treks from the valley, which is tedious so we opted just for the valley (lazy us!) The valley is also famous for Paragliding & Rolling ball. Had a great time paragliding (The view from the glider is even more spectacular!)

After a lunch at a roadside hotel (Roadside hotels or dhaba provide quick and hot food, and are relatively inexpensive) started on the road to Rohtang pass to see the snow. High snowfall has been recorded this year so much of the roads were in very bad condition. There are many roadside shops renting special snowshoes and coats, but don’t fall for that, it is just for moneymaking. Our normal shoes are enough for walking in the snow.Most of the people think it feels very cold near snow and carry many sweaters but it is exactly the opposite. Snow reflects light and heat so is cold, but not so cold to wear sweaters!

Had a grand time on the snow with my small cousins, threw the snow balls at each other, tried to make a snowman (but failed because of lack of digging tools) took beautiful shots, and fell down many times(For those who have never walked on snow, it is highly slippery, have to walk very carefully, so as to not loose balance!)By the time we came back to Manali, we were totally tired out. Manali is great shopping place, if you are ready to splurge money. Most of the things available there such as cloths are also available our city at cheap prices. Opt to buy special shawls and sweaters, but bargain before buying.

I was very enraged to find that many tourists dumped their garbage on the road despite the government’s warning to throw garbage in dustbins. The rush of tourists are polluting Manali with waste.

Next day hit on the road to Manikaran. Manikaran is religious place 50 Kms from Manali.It has both a Shiv temple and Gurudwara. It is also famous for hot sulphur springs in the temple. Breezed in the Manikaran late afternoon. As it started raining, we quickly had to find a hotel. Manikaran has many hotels for every budget. Next morning visited the Manikaran Shiv temple. There are large hot water pools if tourists want to swim. There are small hot water pools for people to boil food. We tried boiling peas and potatoes (Delicious!)

Sadly, due to time constraints, we could not go to Hidimba Temple because had to start backward journey. Bade goodbye to Manali with a very heavy heart.

Manali is the queen of Himalayas and journey to Manali has been the most rejuvenating and fulfilling experience.