How a visit to Delhi for a job interview ended in a trip to McLeod Ganj with my sister

Not willing to go back to my hometown without a final answer from the recruiters for the job interview I had come to Delhi for, I started sulking in front of my friend that how badly I want to hit the hills, and that’s when he pushed me to just take off irrespective of the location, after which McLeod happened.

It was only in the evening when the entire episode took place and even before I knew it, he already started looking for stays and transport. While this time I decided to ditch hotels and homestays and booked a camp instead; for travel I opted for the safest option of a luxury bus, directly from Delhi to Dharamshala.

Soon I called up my sister from Noida, and boarded the bus that very night. After a safe, sound and comfortable journey, we finally reached Dharamshala, where our camp owner had already arranged for a car that dropped us till Naddi (Dal Lake), and from there we walked through the kachcha rasta to the camping site. Although, the route was a little challenging, but the pleasant October weather of the hills made it a cakewalk.

As we neared our destination we ran into our guide and some fellow travellers by this small lake -- truly an instagrammer’s paradise -- not to mention the refreshing water which even convinced a non-swimmer like me to go for a dip despite the chills that almost made the body numb.

Finally, after getting acquainted with our co-travellers, we reached the Ara camp, a beautiful site tucked in a pretty little corner away from the chaos, apt for a digital detox. By the time we all changed into our dry, warm clothes, it was already evening, but we still managed to go on a small trek to a nearby temple, only to be kissed by the cool soothing breeze, coupled with a breathtaking view of the mountains crowned by thick clouds.

Back to our camps, we all circled around the bonfire for of course the epic hot bowl of Maggie, followed by drinks, some music, and later chicken dinner. Now it was finally time to get tucked in our cosy tents for a good night’s sleep after a long day. Well, little did we know of the adventure awaiting us! As we packed ourselves in our respective sleeping bags – a minor attempt to beat the chilly weather -- all set to call it a night, it started pouring, and never stopped. The downpour was so heavy that for a second we felt that the water will just pierce through the tent and flood the whole area. One thing was sure, no matter what we cannot step out of our tents for the whole night, but somehow, we managed to shut our eyes.

And, it was only in the morning that the sky finally cleared up, and we woke up to the calm sunny yet chilly weather. Soon after hogging a delicious breakfast we got ready to check out the mall road and stock up some local goodies. As we bid adieu to the owners and thanked them for their amazing hospitality, we again hit the trek followed by the road, this time with the entire group.

Mall road of course doesn’t need much of an introduction, because almost every person who visits this hill station doesn’t return without buying souvenirs, and trying some authentic thentuk, thukpa and momos at one of McLeod’s many iconic cafes here. Post all the shopping and eating we decided to visit the Bhagshunag temple, whose waterfalls make for another breathtaking site. This was our last destination with the group, after which we parted ways, as they had to head back to Delhi, but I had planned a one-night stay at a hostel in Dharamshala as well.

We again booked a car that dropped us at our exact location, which was a very offbeat village housing this very cute hostel with delicious food, comfortable beds, mind blowing artwork, and a welcoming host. As soon as we checked in and visited our rooms comprising of bunk beds, it felt like heaven. All freshened up we headed towards the common area for dinner, after which we slept like kids on our comfy beds. The next morning we got ready once again for pictures, and booked a car to take us to our paragliding site in Indrunag. Yes! That was the whole point behind coming to Dharamshala.

This was my second paragliding experience and my sister’s first, still, I was the one who screamed the most as the pilot conceded to my demands of doing acrobatics up in the air. But, overall I would say it was an adventure sport worth going for.

With little time still left in hand before our bus back to Delhi, we decided to visit the Gyuto Monastery to spend some time amid the peace and calm of the Buddhist chanting. When in Dharamshala don’t forget to pay a visit to this monastery, and trust me you’d never want to leave.

Finally, after a fun filled vacation, we boarded our bus back to Delhi, and on my way I even got a call from the company that I have been selected. So, overall it turned out to be not just a much needed break but also a lucky vacation.