No doubt one of the most satisfying moments of my trip in India was leaving the craziness and 45C heat of New Delhi, and escaping to the mountains of Himachal Pradesh (HP). It was my first time ever in the Himalayas, and they brought back memories of my home near the Rocky Mountains of Western Canada. At that point of the trip I had not been home in seven months, and the mountain oasis was exactly what I needed to feel a bit less homesick.
My journey in the state would involve one to many cramped night buses, but definitely worth the discomfort to explore the cities of Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala and Dalhousie.
Shimla
Just like across the rest of India, every few hundred kilometers there were noticeable changes in the culture, dress and food of the people. I loved HP because the cities were much smaller and there seemed to be a stronger sense of mountain community. People were polite to give way on the narrow mountain roads, they often waved and smiled, and I often got asked to join in for a dinner, trek or camping.
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A retired Indian man invited me to sit at his table when I entered.
He asked a lot about Canada and then kindly offered to pay for my meal |
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| The main square in Shimla was always bustling while I was there |
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This monkey stole my glasses.
It was quite the test of problem solving to get them back....while slightly blind |
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| A gigantic statue of Lord Hanumaan at Jakhu Temple (monkey temple) |
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| The beer gives a range from 4-10% alcohol content |
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These police officers were impressed to hear that the officers in Calgary wear cowboy hats.
I was more impressed with their hats. |
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| The summer capital for the British ruling India |
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| The cows here eat well |
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| The food is always better with company and expert advice for orders |
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I was not the only victim of monkey crime.
These monkeys managed to trick a local shopkeeper and stole his receipts book |
Manali
Unfortunately I had to visit the hospital in Manali when I first arrived, so I spent a couple of days relaxing in Old Manali and making new friends. I would have loved to do some more adventurous trekking, but I will save that for the next visit!
The cafe and food scene is amazing, with no shortage of expats that have endless stories from their years in the hills.
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| many many dog photos. This guy at the temple was really sweet |
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| Hard work carrying all that weight up and down the hills |
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| No room for error |
My spirit animal
Dharamshala
The home of the Dalai Lama and a large exiled Tibetan community. All the monks reminded me of my time in Laos. I had missed seeing them around. They add a vibe of tranquility.
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| Spin for good luck and fortune...I think |
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| We need more ads like this in Canada |
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| The view from my hotel balcony |
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the Dalai Lama's monastery
(this monk had a striking resemblance to the legend himself) |
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| No way I was missing out on the momos |
Dalhousie
Often referred to as the Switzerland of India. I met some locals here who invited me camping. It was an amazing experience and probably a top three highlight of my time in India. I am so appreciative of the hospitality they showed, and wish more people follow their lead to be kind to strangers.
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| Great beer! |
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| sunrise views from the campsite |
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| No shortage of statuses dedicated to Ghandi |
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| Khajjiar is thought to have been created from a meteor |
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| Masala chai to wind down for the day |
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| The campsite (I had to do very little work) |
The last post for the India series will be PUNJAB!
