HAPPIEST GETTING LOST IN SNOW IN THIS SUMMER - HIMACHAL DIARIES - MANALI - SHIMLA QUICK GUIDE

We checked in to The Holiday Resorts, Cottages & Spa in Manali, which is around 3.6km far from the main city (Consider it as far in hilly region). The hotel is situated at Kanyal Road which is famous for the view of the mountains. There are many hotels located in this area which makes you feel away from hush and bush of the city. I recommend to select the hotels at Kanyal road if you have your own vehicle or booked cab. We booked our package via MakemyTrip from Chandigarh to Manali and then Shimla,(though you book AC cab the AC will not work in hilly region)

We started for visiting local places in Manali, which is Vashishtha Temple, Hidimba Devi Temple, Mall Road, Tibetan Market which took the whole day as there is too rush now-a-days in Manali and the road constructions for 4-Lane is going on. The Highlights were the Manali Cherries , yes this cherries are too delicious to have always in Manali, though I had them all the time in Manali and Shimla but the best one is found on the way to Vashishtha Temple when you walk towards the temple, you can also explore the antics and woolen items.

Hidimba Temple, it is famous for its architecture and Hidimbi Devi, wife of Bhima, a figure in the Indian epic, Mahabharata.

Do's: to click pictures with Rabbits, Yak and Pine trees there.

Mall road is full of woolen wears and restaurants. We tried various foods.

Food: 91 High Street Cafe (I tried muffins, chocolate brownie, pizza and sandwiches), a deliciously homemade feeling and A famous 6 in 1 softy Icecream, this swirl consisted of strawberry, black current, vanilla, butterscotch, chocolate and Pistachio found on the street.

Rohtang Pass,

Opens: After 1st June - till October

How: By booked cars dedicated for Rohtang passs

When: Other days then Tuesday (Its off there)

What to know: Generally drivers book your car in manali, but try to visit some tours and travels in local while walking on the street of mall road and check with them, also there is app Klook from where you can book a cab. Your hotel boy or manager can easily plan your travel arrangements.

Cost: Private cab (Alto) - 10,000 Rupees, Shared Cab (Tata Sumo) - 2000 - 3000 Rupees per person (try to negotiate)

Food: All types of food stuff, coffee and drinks are available at Rohtang pass and these are sold by local people. We enjoyed Maggie in that weather and it tasted delicious.

Don't forget: Some mint and orange candies, Camphor wrapped in cloth. As sometimes some people feel difficulty in breathing nearly at 13,400 ft (If you have kids with you please keep this as mandatory)

Required:

1. Snow suits

2. Goggles

3. Snow Socks and Snow Shoes

4. Gloves

The best way is to carry your own if possible or else hop on one of the shop on the way to Rohtang, they have all this. Remember that try to take fresh and new ones to get best out of your photos. Don't get fooled by the drivers or shop keepers, you will get this till Mahri, and if lucky further as well. If you want to play and do activities in snow this is must.

We started our journey in mid night 2 o'clock, it is said that as early as you can. The way is so beautiful, which is getting fairy like by each mile as we pass through, from water falls to green pines, from snow mountains to small lakes, everything was mesmerizing. First stop was Gulaba, then Marhi which is an alternative and known place for snow activities, then Chumbak Mod known for landslides and then after crossing so many mountains you reach the glacier where snow is available for the entire year - Rani Nalla. Lastly if you have a good driver with you he will definitely take you to the Rohtang Pass, the beautiful view surrounded 360 degree with snow mountains , fresh snow, no crowd. What we did is took one camera person from Rani Nalla and he took pictures at Rohtang pass. This is a best deal, they click your pictures with good quality and beautiful location (don't forget to remove your snow suit) and deliver the pictures same day at your hotel with album and soft copy. (50Rs. per picture)

Kasol and Manikaran Gurudwara,

Kasol is a hamlet in the district Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, northern India. It is situated in Parvati Valley, on the banks of the Parvati River, on the way between Bhuntar and Manikaran.

The way is full of narrow roads with hanging mountains which makes you spell bound. You will find a lot of foreigners and camping region here for tracking and chilling.

Shimla, After one day trip from Manali to Shimla we reached to shimla and check - in to Snow Valley Resort Shimla, Awesome hotel built in the valley, with delicious food and perfect hotel staff at your service. The Restaurant of the hotel is located on the terrace which is a perfect view for having your holiday with 5 stars. At dinner time they have live musicians which is simply cherry on the top.