09/03 - 11/03.
We stayed 2 nights in Shimla, which to be honest didn't have a great deal to offer. We stopped in the YMCA, which was empty apart from us -a former colonial building with big empty ballrooms and eerie corridors, like something out of 'The Shining'! The first night was absolutely freezing, and the reason became apparent the next morning as the window was almost out of the frame allowing the cold in. This was sorted for the second night by stuffing some blankets into the gaps.
Had a wander up to the monkey temple, which was a knackering climb, but the views at sunset were worth it. Had a run-in with one of the monkeys which didn't take kindly to us shooing away it's baby looking for food. Lots of screaming and a false charge, but we came out unscathed.
Went back to the YMCA and packed ready for our onward journey up to Manali.
11/03 - Finding the bus stand at Shimla had been an eventful half hour with every person you asked having a different answer. Lots of head wobbling the indian way. Loaded our stuff on the roof and set off on the 9 hour journey north at about 08:30. Great scenery winding through the hills. Didn't take long before we had our first casualties feeling the effects of the constant winding roads - the woman (and her kid) in front and another woman immediately too our right had their heads out of the windows only an hour in. Thought one of them was gonna die, she kept waking up, spewing and then wailing before going back to sleep.
Stopped for some lunch at about 13:00. I looked back at the bus to check if Stu & Baz were following to see a woman throw up out of the window. Probably korma based by it's colour. Not the best thing to see just before you're gonna eat.
The scenery just got better once we got to the Kullu Valley region. The river Beas cutting between the hills and snow capped mountains in the distance.
Arrived at Manali bus station to face the usual mass of porters, taxi drivers and hotel touts. Opted for a location in old Manali (Hotel Gulmarg). Very basic, but cheap with it. Good view back down the valley and up to the snow capped peaks on the other side.
12/03 - After a good night's sleep we headed across the river to Vashisht to look for the hot springs, ended up joining in a game of cricket in a back street. Pools of water, piles of snow, cow shit and uneven cobbles made for a poor wicket and we got absolutely trounced by 2 young lads probably with the combined age of 24! The future of Indian cricket looks good, as does the future of english cricket, 'cos we won't be involved!
13/03 - Went skiing. A half hour drive up to Solang Valley to witness a bizarre site. Lots of indians on day trips being kitted out in big fur coats and wellies, being given skiing lessons. The lessons involved them being pushed up the hill on their skis, before being turned round and let go! No lesson on turning, controlling speed or stopping. Mad.
All the while there were people wandering up and down the slopes having snowball fights, Skidoos bombing past and general chaos. The scenery all around was fantastic.
14/03 - Bit of a nothing day which allowed us to recover from the skiing. Had a wander around Manali and planned the next stages of the trip.
15/03 - Skiing again. It had been raining in the morning, but brightened up in the afternoon. Not sure of the nationality (british, american, canadian) but one guy decided the most practical attire would be a vest. To cap it off he looked like Justin Timberlake. hmmm. Booked our coach ticket back to Dehli. 13 hours on a deluxe coach......
16/03 - Set off from Manali at 16:00 on a bus that wasn't deluxe. Ended up occupying the back seats which ensured a bouncy ride all the way. Non too eventful, apart from running a dog over. Obviously we didn't stop.
Got to Dehli at about 05:00 having had no sleep and no leg room for the last 13 hours. Totally spent. Headed to the Paharganj area to find a bed.
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