The road to Manali…

It’s official! I and three of my friends are set to go to Himachal this term break – to witness what’s known as the Switzerland of India – Shimla, Mandi and Kullu-Manali. As many other good things, it all started as casual talk sometime back. A couple of my other friends who went to Manali earlier this year showed us some breathtaking pictures. That planted the seeds of thought. I personally got very involved with the whole thing after witnessing the ‘Heemalayas’ vicariously – through the movie ‘7 years in Tibet’ starring Brad Pitt. If nothing else, the movie really showed the ‘roof of the world’ in the most positive light possible. You could’ve noticed me reading Dalai Lama and Tibet stories the next couple of days after seeing the movie. Such was the effect!

A talk to my other equally-interested-in-travel friend (Arun), a combo was ready. Yet another casual bounce off of the idea on a couple of friends, the program was already on its shoes. With four of them raring to go, things happen real fast. Infact, apart from saying ‘yes’, I really didn’t participate in the logistics part of it, apart from saying ‘yes’es frequently – whenever I was asked whether one choice or other is fine. Thanks exclusively to my friends, much of the work is already done. Guys have got digital cameras as well. So, if I just take my laptop, unlimited number of snaps can be taken and transferred to the lappie… with just the batteries as the variable cost. 

Our itinerary:

29th December – Enter Holidays; Start from Indore.
30th – Delhi to Chandigarh
30th night – freak out in Chandigarh
Next day – Chandigarh to Manali; Mandi en route
3 days in Kullu-Manali (Rohtang pass would unfortunately be closed in winter)
A couple of days in Shimla (SBI quarters)
Return to Delhi through Chandigarh
Delhi to Agra - to see the dream called The Taj.
Enter Sadman; Exit holidays; Back to business - business school that is.

There is this website about Himachal Tourism that adds real fun to the whole thought of journey. Everything about the place, what to do, what not to do, and even a travel checklist is mentioned.

Some of the irresistible links (that would really pull you in!):

Abou Shimla…
http://himachaltourism.nic.in/shim.htm

Or the adventures in store…
http://himachaltourism.nic.in/advent.htm

The only hitch is that it’s winter time when we reach there. Temperatures in most of the places would be around 5 degrees, and it for sure would be close to zero in the Manali area. All the places would be snow covered, and we won’t witness the pristine side of Himachal. Additionally, the Rohtang pass would be closed due to snow. Although I don’t intend to do earth-shattering heroics in snow, I do love to trek/rappel for some distances. Lets see what’s in store.

Only hope that one month passes soon, and the next 9 days crawl. [But I know for a fact that the exact opposite would happen! :) ]

If you’ve been to these places, or if you are somehow used to sub-zero temperatures, please do pass on some tips. For, we are virgins of winter travel!