What Himachal has to offer in an off season

September 12, 2018

Devbhumi or "the land of gods", as himachal Pradesh is better known as, is a picturesque state of India. Rolled out on the lower slopes of the Himalayas, the state is tale of lofty mountains and floating clouds. Situated at a motorable distance from Delhi, the state draws a huge crowd during the peak season when the mercury starts soaring in the plains. For those attracted towards the romanticism of snow, Himachal opens its gates in the winter months of January and February.

Serenity defined

How to reach ?

The Himalayan state can be reached road, train or flight, though a road trip from Delhi is a heartthrob for travel enthusiasts.

What to do there ?

Though famous for snow- clad mountains and valleys, I chose to be there in the month of August in the midst of rainy season. Its a time of the year when the least number of tourists make their way to Himachal as the state is devoid of any snow. But perhaps this lean season presents the best time to explore the lesser known side of the hilly state aided by the fact that a lean tourist season means cheap packages and no traffic.

Alongside the river

Where hills meet valleys

Made immortal by Bollywood movies, places like Shimla and Manali didnt have much to offer for an offbeat traveller in me. But it goes without saying that lofty mountains peaks kissed be thick clouds and valleys carved out by Beas river flowing with full might is a treat for eyes. During peak seasons, adventure activities are a crowd puller along with shawl markets of Kullu.

Best of apples you can ever have

Taste it to know it

As the sun sets in Shimla and the mist returns on the hill town, the place wakes up to present a complerely different face. With tourists buzzing around the Mall road, a hills station transforms into a market place

@Mall road

Crossroads

What else to do ?

Rohtang pass finds its place in the list of every traveller coming to Himachal Pradesh. A high pass that connects Manali with Leh is must go for bikers and tourists alike. Covered by snow as high as 10 feet, the pass is a like a beautiful carpet of snow laid all around with a road maintained by the army. Though a divine treat to watch, heavy snowfall restricts access to all other areas but the road.

In the month of August when snow has still not fallen and clouds descent down, the journey up the hill is worth all the effort you put. Lush green mountains with numerous streams falling slowly as if defying gravity, is a visual feast. Higher you go, the more you wade through thick clouds almost shaking hands with mother nature. And the real treat starts when you reach the Pass. Frozen for a major part of the year, the pass starts bustling with life though the temperatures remain low. Let the pictures do the rest.