Christmas in the hills of the Dhauladhar Range in Himachal Pradesh was an adventurous sojourn. A fairy tale ambience captured our attention as eight like- minded team members braved the cold to witness some breathtaking sights!

We reached Chandigarh Railway station at dawn, on a very cold December morning. This was already more than a 24-hour train journey. But without wasting a single minute, we immediately boarded the pre-booked 12- seater tempo traveller, with all our luggage, and headed straight for McLeod Ganj, our first destination in the itinerary. The meticulous planning well crafted by our tour manager drove us through the picture perfect curves to reach Mcleod Ganj after an adventurous 8-hour drive. Anticipating the long route, we had some hot tea at a road side dhaba, and picked up our usual crate of Bisleri before getting on that mountain road .

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A tip: We suggest that you carry enough Mineral Water when you travel in the hills as it is safe and economical. In one of our tours we had so many of mineral water bottles that we had to sell some to other tourists to lighten our luggage!

The breathtaking view of the snow peaks made us forget our rough drive through roads, adversely affected by land-slides. But the patience and well disciplined driving of the hill drivers are to be much appreciated as they do such a commendable job in making the tourists feel safe and comfortable, while negotiating such damaged roads, not to mention the hairpin bends.

Again some sizzling large stuffed alu parathas, so very typical of Himachal Pradesh, followed by more milky tea, welcomed us as we stopped at another way side food joint for a meal. As a bonus, it was more to enjoy the exquisite view of the snow clad Pir Panchal Range that played peek-a-boo throughout our climb.

The heavenly Mcleod Ganj , abode of the living Buddha, Dalai Lama is dotted with numerous monasteries, museums, temples, lakes, waterfalls and Tibetan settlements. This little suburb of  upper Dharamshala has quite a few cafes selling delicious Chinese and Tibetan  dishes with soft steamed mutton momo,  as a special delicacy; the numerous shops that overflowing with tourists buying Himachali and Kashmiri  winter stuff and artefacts in the narrow mall road. These branch out in many of the lanes and by lanes.

A visit to the Main Dalai Lama Temple, Ride on  the Rope way to and fro Mcleodganj and Dharamshala and shopping to our heart’s content as we enjoyed the sunset  were the activities we covered on the day before retiring for the night. The HPTDC stay had all the comfort amenities ranging from warm water supply, warm blankets to mountain view rooms, in addition to a restaurant  serving piping hot food.

On Christmas morning we were at Naddi. The picturesque village from where we got a closer view of the Pir Panchal Range.The beautfiful landscape provides a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Naddi also houses the International Sahajayjoga Institute for Academic and Spiritual Enlightenment built by HH Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi. Back to McLeod Ganj, our time was spent window shopping, relaxing in the café and watching the Christmas crowd

Khajjiar, certified as mini Switzerland was next on our itinerary. Few hours drive took us to  Khajjiar only to be disappointed to find not a single drop of snow; as was expected and predicted by weather experts. The valley, however, surrounded by dense pine forests and a natural lake seemed like a beautiful picture postcard.

We reached our final destination, Dalhousie, the next day after only a few hour  drive. Throughout our journey, a view of the snow-clad Dhauladhar Range and the Manimahesh Kailash kept us company. The latter known as Chamba Kailash, which stands towering over the Manimahesh Lake, is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Kalatfop , Daikund Peak, Panchpula Waterfall, and a few churches are some of the well known landmarks that the enthusiastic tourists choose once they are in Dalhousie. We visited a few but enjoyed visiting Kalatop more, to experience a laid- back time with the people of the hills, while enjoying our coffee and sandwiches and undoubtedly, the view.

Our journey back was marked by trains delayed due to dense fog; surprisingly lack of a proper food joint at New Delhi railway station, our capital. But once we boarded the Rajdhani after a twelve hour wait, we were well taken care of.