Trip to Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj)

The sleeping dead rose with thunder and attacked the undead. I witnessed this scene not in any movie but in real life, while en-route to Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj). This was going to be my first trip with colleagues, so the excitement was natural. The said scene was quite a shock for me initially but given some time, I rather found it humorous and enjoyable. For those who are still confused about the scene, I will disclose just the part that the scene was in between two drinkers. Nevertheless, the en-route journey to Dharamshala's suburb situated on the Dhauladhar Range was quite entertaining, although long. We started the 500+ km journey at about 1800 Hrs on 25^th January 2013. With next day being official day off, it gave us the chance to plan something like this. A total of 7 people along with the driver got comforted in Innova and began the Trip to Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj), which turned out to be tiring yet entertaining.

Day 1 of Trip to Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj) | 26^th January 2013 | Reaching Dharamshala

We reached Mcleodganj around 0600 Hrs. next day and quickly checked into room, which was arranged by one of our colleagues, Zameer Anwar (Khan Saab). A total of 8 people (7 + driver) slept and rested in 4 separate rooms on the first floor of motel. I shared the room with Khan Saab, whereas Krishnendu (refereed as Krish ahead) shared room with his usual roommate Rajesh. Everyone slept throughout the morning, but I was unable to sleep for more than an hour. At 0730 Hrs sunshine knocked on my window and allured me to get out of blanket. I made myself comfortable on the chair and enjoyed beautiful sunshine, while it kissed my toes and face, giving a feel of relaxation. Soon, Krish called me and wished me good morning. I asked him to join me in balcony soon and enjoy the sunshine that was enchanting the beautiful snowcapped mountains.

McLeod Ganj (Upper Dharamshal)

While together in the balcony, we decided to get fresh and search for breakfast. I took a hot water bath and joined both of them. Then we began the trek in search of some good breakfast. The pathway was an elevated slope towards the main square and on it we saw few food outlets, but all of those served fish and other non-vegetarian food. Hence, we kept on moving ahead and found an outlet named Dhaba on the main square. Located on first floor, I ordered Aaloo Parantha with curd along with ginger milk tea. Rest two ordered other paranthas and same tea. They took enough time to prepare the food but the paranthas were quite good. After silencing our hunger, we started return trek to our rooms, anticipating that rest of our friends would be awake. But, ufffffff... They were still asleep and we had nothing to do in this period of trip to Dharamshala.

Slowly and steadily, everyone hugged the sunlight. After me, Krish and Rajesh (DKR), people who woke up were Khan Saab, Intekhab, Shivam and Jahnavi (in this order). After they got fresh, DKR accompanied Khan Saab and Intekhab to the same Dhaba at the Main Square, Macleodganj.

Zameer, Intekhab, Deepak, Krishnendu, Rajesh (R to L) at McLeod Ganj

It was around 1230 Hrs. and hopes for a visit to Bhagsu's waterfall were falling slowly. Then there was another challenge of getting the spectacles repaired for Khan Saab. So, I made a plan. I accompanied him to lower dharamshala for the same and asked Intekhab, Krish, Rajesh and driver to start trek to the waterfall. Although I thought that it will take 4 hours in all to travel to lower dharamshala and return, I was quite overjoyed when the task was completed in little more than an hour. (Ps. We took an auto for both ways and it took us via a short route for INR 200/-). It was one of the appreciated part of this Trip to Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj).

Soon, we both were trekking for the Bhagsu waterfall, through narrow path from Main Square, Mcleodganj. I was quite tired at this time, since I am not used to long trekking and I had already done my part of trek in the morning, in search of breakfast and then again accompanying colleagues to that place. But the excitement factor which grew in me for the trip disallowed me to give up and hence I walked and walked. The path to the Bhagsu waterfall was quite narrow and elevated; hence it was tough for me to keep on walking. 

At Bhagsu Waterfall

After couple of rest on the way, I and Khan Saab met up with Intekhab, Krish, and Rajesh. They had already done photo shoots before, but on our arrival the silsila of photography started again.

The water was quite cold and so I did not even attempted to go in it. There we took quite some pictures and enjoyed costly maggi and coke. At this time, clock struck 1630 Hrs. and we geared up for the return journey to the motel. But rather than the customary route from which we reached the place, we all choose the other way down that had various stones and ubar khabad path. This was one journey which I was not interested in initially. But it turned out to be quite adventurous. Clicking pictures and recording videos, our gang completed the journey successfully as we caught up with Shivam and Jahnavi on the way. Meeting them the first time that day, all of us enjoyed and walked back.

Zameer, Deepak, Intekhab (L-R)

Returning from Bhagsu Waterfall

The return walk for me was very tiring. I was getting frustrated as usual, as for me tiring is followed by frustration. Anyways, all of us walked back to motel, in different small groups. But as we reached the Main Square of Upper Dharamshala (Mcledo Ganj), a surprise was waiting for us. Outside the Kingfisher restaurant, there was a gathering of 40 odd people; hoping to see some England cricketers who had come for a drink. I was least interested in watching any cricketer as all of them become rich just by getting selecting in the national team. At this time, I was with Zameer, Krish and Rajesh. I took the room keys from Khan Saab and returned to the motel with Krish &; Rajesh. At 1900 Hrs I checked with my family back in Delhi, packed myself with woolen wear and went to bed. I woke up at 0700 Hrs. next day (27^th January 2013).

What I missed during my 12 hour sleep: Bon Fire

Day 2 of Trip to Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj) | 27^th January 2013

Nevertheless, I was at peace with myself in the morning and was eager to complete the trip quickly and return to office the next morning. What I wanted was to leave at 1400 Hrs. that day, reach home on Monday 28^th Jan 13 at 0200 Hrs., sleep for some time and then attend office duties by around noon. But what actually took place was not what I expected.

Near Main Square

That day the weather was little cold than the other day. All of us freshened up and went together for a combined breakfast and lunch. We decided to try Italian food this time. After finding the Italian restaurant, all of us ordered specific items. After having breakfast cum lunch, we went on the roof of that restaurant, where smokers enjoyed couple of puffs. In the crowd of smokers, I was the lone warrior who seems to get bored. After clicking pic, all of us ventured in the market area. I purchased a traditional cap as a souvenir of the trip to dharamshala. Then we got together again and returned to our cab. It was 1500 Hrs. by then. As per Zameer's idea, our cab took the route towards Naddi (3 kms from McLeod Ganj). Remarkable slope and sharp turns were the highlights of that brief drive. Enroute we passed “Dal Lake – Mcleodganj” and I was very disappointed to see that place. Its name should be changed to “Dustbin Lake Without Water”. Thank god we did not stopped there and reached Naddi very soon.

Naddi Track!! (Mcleodganj)

After parking, all of us started another trek to Naddi. (Trekking seemed to have ingrained in the itinerary of the Trip to Dharamshala, McLeodGanj). On the way, everything was simply picturesque. Clicking pictures, we came across little snow. Everyone took snow in their hands and got the picture clicked. Ooooo...This was the feeling in everyone's heart but no one said it aloud.

We kept walking and reached a meditation school, which was at the end of Naddi trek. Roaming here and there, we found an area with appreciable snow – untouched by humans, unfortunately its entry door was locked. But, I was determined to go there and with this determination, I found a back door to the snowy area. There all of us enjoyed the snow by picking it in hands and clicking various poses.

At Naddi, McLeod Ganj

We relaxed there and after some time we returned to the starting point of Naddi trek. All of us had a cup of tea there and then spent some relaxed, quite, alone time.

Naddi, Mcleod Ganj (Upper Dharamshala)

On the way back, we stopped at the Church of St. John in the Wilderness. It neighbored cemetery which was the only place which our dear friend Shivam Gautam found interesting.

From there, we returned to motel and afterward went out for shopping late in the evening. The shops were on the verge of closing but Intekhab managed to purchase shawl and some other accessories for his family. I would say one thing here, this guy can bargain emotionally to the deepest level. After shopping, Khan Saab took us to Kingfisher restaurant's roof top bar, saying that he will take a beer. Suddenly, I received a call from heaven (from krish). I asked him and rajesh to join us on the restaurant. As soon as they reached there, I asked their interest in consuming alcohol; both of them readily agreed to it.  

At that moment, I felt that alcohol has become a frictional part of most people's life. They need to drink it to satisfy their soul. Even, they don't care whether they are with family or on some adventure journey like this Trip to Dharamshala, McLeodGanj.

Seeing the opportunity, I volunteered to go back at motel and prepare for leaving Mcleodganj to bring an end to Trip to Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj). Intekhab backed me and both of us left for the motel; leaving Khan Saab, Krish, and Rajesh together. The frustration had gripped my mind and my heart was full of hatred for alcohol. On the way, both of us had a cup of tea. While reaching the motel, Intekhab had a call from zameer saying that shivam had joined him and we missed a very big thing - meeting Ravi Shastri and Paul Collingwood – who made their way to restaurant after the end of match that India lost. Ha Ha Ha Ha.......

At this point, my hatred and frustration grew more but I calmed myself and said that no Ravi shastri or Collingwood is worth meeting over a glass of beer or any other kind of alcohol. I was extremely proud that I left the restaurant early. On reaching the motel, I was alone in the room and it was getting darker, colder and late, making me angry for not being able to reach office on time, as decided earlier. Soon the clock showed 1930 Hrs. the time we got ourselves in the cab, shutting down the curtains on an adventurous Trip to Dharamshala, McLeodGanj.

This time we took the short route to Lower Dharamshala and hope to reach Delhi around sunrise. But, surprises were waiting for us. Firstly, our driver took the wrong turn, costing us around 1 or more hours. Secondly, the tire got flat in the peak morning hours near bus stand (about 350km from Delhi). All of us got out of innova and tried to fight the chilling weather. Near the bus stand, we found a tea stall and very quickly ordered 5-6 cups. The kid making tea used induction cooker to prepare it, fooling everyone to think that the tea will be good. But no one took more than one sip and threw away the induction cooker tea.

During this time, the tire was changed and the journey was restarted. The cab left everyone at their home; shutting down the shutters to an exciting and pleasurable journey.