My first ever snowfall in Manali. Unforgettable Himachal Trip.

My First Ever Snowfall in Manali, Trip to Himachal Pradesh

What would you think when you hear about Manali? Of course snow. I heard somewhere that your first snowfall is like first love, you never forget it. One of the most amazing wonderland destination in Himachal has to be Manali. Manali is not just a destination, it's a beautiful moment to live in. Everybody has a dream to see snowfall in their life once. Manali is often visited by the thrill seekers as well the romantic couple that this town hides are truly unmatchable. Hence, when planning to take a trip to Himachal, Manali ought to be the top choice.



Snowfall in Manali is pure magic. The snow-capped mountains, frozen hands, hot coffee, and real-life Christmas trees wrapped in snow. A beauty like this makes me believe in creativity in God.
If you want to experience snowfall in Manali, You must visit in winter. In this article I will share with you my fond memories of this unforgettable trip to Himachal experiencing snowfall.
Nov. 2018 it was Diwali time, we were about to leave by train from Gujarat to Ambala cantt railway station and we were so excited for our Himachal trip.

Journey Begin: Chandigarh

We left from Gujarat by Paschim express train at 4 PM and reached Ambala cant railway station next day at around 2 PM. Our Bus driver was there with placard. First we went to Chandigarh, and headed to Sukhna Lake. The air was quite chill around the lake. Oh my gosh - Snacks with the gorgeous view of the lake in front of us. We had some delicious street food like Dahi puri chat, Pani puri, Corn chat at sukhna lake. You must try these dishes when you visit this place.

Just 2-3 kilometers away from Sukhna Lake is the famous and one of a kind Rock Garden. There are lots of Narrow rock tunnels inside and some rocky terrains too. This was the founder's secret project in formation till the government discovered it. There are fountains and waterfalls too inside. If you are in Chandigarh, I would recommend that you go and visit the Rock Garden.



The next thing to do after visiting the Rock Garden is to go to the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden. One of the first things you notice when you enter the rose garden is this wind-chime tree. And the rose garden is very huge. I wish I could show you all the pics of the beautiful and unique roses there!
Then we checked-in to our pre-booked hotel (The sunpark hotel).



Shimla:

A very next day we moved from Chandigarh to Shimla via Kulu. We reached Shimla at 2.10 hrs, Shimla (At an average altitude of 2397.59 meters 7866.10 ft above sea level) is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. A popular destination, Shimla is often referred to as the "Queen of hills". Head to this place between March to May, That's the best time to visit Shimla when misty mornings welcome you to the heavenly abode.
Without taking a hault at Shimla we headed for Kufri which is 16 KM from Shimla.
Kufri is a tiny hill station in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh state in India. On reaching Kufri you can park your car in a parking lot. From parking lot you have to trek for about 1.5 KM in the woods, you can also take a horse, but if you are healthy and pretend to be adventure lover, I suggest you to avoid horseback take a walk through with in the dense coniferous forests, where you can intakes lot of fresh air. Temprature will drop and dyou will enjoy the weather. There is small amusement park, Shri Hanuman temple, Apple orchid and market for tourist.
The best thing about the place is the weather and fresh air and no pollution. We had lunch over there and after capturing the scenic beauty of the place and valley we started moving back to our destination Shimla.





We reached Shimla at 18.00 hrs as compared we found Shimla very crowded. As vehicles are not allowed on the mall road our bus driver dropped us in the parking lot and moved towards the mall road and back to the hotel.


Manali:


Next day, after breakfast and headed for Manali. Although the Manali city is Himalayas. Reached Manali at 22.20 hrs, checked in the hotel (The Orchard greens, Manali) fantastic hotel with an amazing view. Our room was so specious and interior was attractive and beautiful.





Next day morning, we visited Hadimba Devi temple, is located in the town of Manali in Himachal state, one of the famous tourist attraction in Manali. Then visited Vashisht temple, is a pilgrimage temple famous for hot springs. Then enjoyed himvalley, is an amusement park back dropped by mountains offering rides, cultural performances & food court.





The famous Rohtang pass is the main centre of attraction of tourists due to its snowfall throughout the year. When Rohtang got closed due to heavy snowfall, Gulaba valley is kept as an alternative to Rohtang pass. With the hope of going to the early days of May, Rohtang got close with the hope, so Gulaba got involved in our destination.

Gulaba Snow Point:

We had to Gulaba snow point, which was not too far from Manali, so we got out from the hotel after breakfast. The Vyas river appeared, Which continued the way. We were moving forward on Manali, there was a grand glimpse of the wonderful Himalayan range. Enjoying these pleasant scenes, the Himalaya s were getting closer as they were moving. Like the snack, the turning curves was ever seen in the giant mountains, and sometime the deep trenches.
After seeing the huge Himalayan range we finally reached Gulaba. We had to go to the place where skiing and other activities were taking the place. We reached to the height. Truly very amazing scene. You won't believe, it started snowing. We never thought that we could ever see falling snow. OMG wow it was snowing. We played in snow and enjoyed a lot. Had Maggie and Tea. Masala Maggie was awesome. After having lots of fun we back to the hotel and had yum dinner.





Dharamshala:

Next day we head to Dharamshala, Dharamshala is all about colourful tibetan flags, rolling prayer wheels and the collective sound of the chirping birds. We visited tea gardens, discovered 23000 seater HPCA stadium (Dharamshala cricket stadium). You do not have to be hard-core cricket fan to have a fan moment here. It stirs awe anyways with its spectacular setting. Located at an altitude of 1457 meters above sea level and surrounded by the towering snow-capped Himalayan Mountains, this unique stadium has hosted various one day international, T20 international, and test matches. Checked into the hotel (Hotel Shivani International).








Dalhousie:

Next day morning after breakfast we headed towards Dalhousie. Dalhousie is one of the pristine hill towns of Himachal Pradesh. It is located in Chamba district at an elevation of more than 6400 feet above sea level. It treats its visitors with breath-taking views of the majestic snow-capped Pir Panjal mountain range, Sach pass and pangi valley.
Dalhousie is a destination you ever want to visit again. The cold was too much and clouds were passing between us. We checked in the hotel (Grand view hotel) such an amazing hotel on top of the mountain. It has snow-capped Mountain View. Excellent room. We have chosen Garden deluxe room with sitting room, dressing room and hot shower with bath tub.





Khajjiar:

Next day we started our journey towards Khajiar. It is the most exotic and scenic beauty place around 22 km from Dalhousie. It is a very famous tourist place in Dalhousie called mini Switzerland of India at an altitude of 6450 ft. This sucer shaped green meadow, ringed by Devadav trees has a lake in the middle complete with floating island. We spent around 2 hrs & enjoyed some snacks here. We captured snow-capped mountains, Lush green gardens, cute rabbits, beautiful scenic beauty.





After enjoying this beautiful place we left for pohlani mata temple. It is located on a hill top of mountain. We trekked for around half an hour and reached to the pleasant temple. On the way we have seen mountains, sparkling sun and chirping birds. The way to Pohlani Mata temple is quite dangerous and long.




Amritsar:

Next day we moved ahead for Amritsar, this beautiful holy city lives up to its name in every way. Located in Punjab, the city is close to Pakistan geographically, with the Wagah border situated 28 kilometers from the city. Reached Golden Temple, an incredible sacred place that never sleeps. The impressive Golden temple in Amritsar was definitely a place that stood out, left us with unforgettable memories and now holds a very special place in our hearts. After that we reached Wagah Border. You cannot claim that you have seen Amritsar if you have not visited the famous Wagah border. Wagah border is a border that separates India and Pakistan. It represents the countries attitude towards each other. This place has a high security and also has BSF (Border Security Force) surrounding and scrutinizing the area thoroughly. Back towards Amritsar railway station.





With mesmerizing memories, full of fun moments we head towards our home. Our pleasant journey was end here. It was one of the most memorable trip I have ever been too.
Regards,
Priya Patel