Our first holiday as Club Mahindra members saw us driven by the whisky breath “Gogi” to old Delhi station. We clambered on to a train to Pathankot.

Disembarking the next morning at Pathankot, we were greeted by our driver and made our way through the town’s market, frequently crossing paths with huge military trucks either laden with goods or jawans.

That was followed by a quick breakfast stop at a wayside restaurant where we were greeted by Himesh Reshamiyya’s latest and a group of tourists who entertained us by grooving to his nasal notes. We made a stop at the curious stalagmite temple where water dripping on limestone had created a Shivaling. No photo graphs were allowed so we had to stay content with retaining the visuals in our memory, but quite an amazing experience.

As we neared Dharamshala, a couple of official vehicles whizzed by taking away the Dalai Lama on an official tour, robbing us of the chance to see the Dalai Lama or be in his presence.

Finally after a few hours drive we were at the Club Mahindra Kangra valley resort, just in time for a late lunch. I entered my room and my jaw literally dropped at the magnificent view. The mighty Dhauladhar looked down both kindly and sternly I thought and reminded me of my smallness and mortality; Most humbling feeling. We ended the day by visiting the highest point at Dharamshala and to bask in an astounding view.

The Magnificent Dhauladhar

The next morning we were accompanied by Tampa, our guide as he took us on a 5 hour trek through Dharamshala. We began the tour completely wrapped up in thick padded jackets and by the end, were cursing ourselves for layering ourselves with so many clothes! Tampa was humorous and engaging and we met several Tibetan students readying themselves for their exams. One of them told us how he had crossed the Himalayas on foot!

The best thing about Dharamshala is the constant murmuring and gurgling of little mountain brooks that seem to follow you everywhere! Good Qi I guess according to Feng Shui!

Dharamshala - Source FlickR Deepsan

In the late evening we stopped by at the Bhagsunath temple and dipped our hands into the icy cold waters of the temple tank fed by the melted glaciers of Gangotri.
The next day we mounted an ambitious trek to Bhagsunath falls. Here I came across a strange herb, close cousin to valerian, that has the distinct and unmistakable smell of toe – jam! Young girls and boys sprinted across by me on the steep climb on heeled and fancy shoes while I laboured for breath and stamina in my trusty Reeboks. It was worth it when we reached the summit.

We left the next day for a quick tour of Palampur- Karan’s Singh’s summer palace, Kangra Fort, Andretta, the famous painter Shobha Singh’s residence and finished it with a visit to the Baijnath Temple.

Another day saw us visiting India’s Switzerland Khajjiar, where for the first time I saw Zorbing! Honestly I did not have the guts to try it out after a greasy but hearty meal at the local hotel.

We left Dharamshala and made our way to Wagah where we learnt a lesson in patriotism. But more on that in the next post!