Travel scribbles

I just wrapped up a trek to a high altitude lake in the heart of Himachal Pradesh called Beas Kund. It is this lake from which the Beas river originates. I did something that I usually don't. I reached out to people to join me. I changed my plans so that it can fit with theirs. So, a total of 6 people, we set off, together from Delhi for Manali and eventually, Beas Kund. 18th June, Thursday I worked from home and left early so that I could catch the 7:15 PM bus. I reached the meeting point very early. I sat there on the steps of the metro station where everyone was supposed to meet and pondered how the next few days would pan out. I pondered, but I wasn't worried. I ended up eventually meeting everyone at Majnu ka Tila bus station. After a very brief introduction, we took our respective seats. 2 ladies, 2 brothers, me and a guy I knew from before. One lady, I had been in touch with. The other, was her friend, considerably older than the rest of us. The broth

Day 1 - 26th September - Pune to Delhi flight The journey began on a very sour note. I had intense stomach pain. I hadn't had food since afternoon.  Felt so much abdominal pain that I felt delusional.  I thought about abandoning the trek and going to a hospital but I held on.  I kept sweating profusely and the airport guard saw it as "suspicious".  It wasn't that hot. It wasn't hot at all.  Fortunately, the problem auto-resolved after having food. I still felt weak and disoriented. Forgot toiletries, cell charger and ear phones in Pune. The flight landed on schedule and I took an auto to Anand Vihar Terminal.  Day 2 - 27th September - Delhi to Kathgodam and beyond I reached way before boarding time, as a result of which I had to sleep on the floor in the waiting room, which wasn't as bad as my previous experiences with railway waiting rooms (mice and all). I made a pillow out of my thick cotton jacket and slept for an hour or

Sandakphu peak in West Bengal. It is situated in a national park called "Singalila" and the trail is often the Ind-Nepal border. Day 1 : After bidding adieu to my sister's family, I set out from Darjeeling for a place called Maneybhanjyang. There is a shared taxi service from opposite old supermarket in Darjeeling for a fee of INR 50 for Indians to Maneybhanjyang. I met a couple in the shared taxi. John - An ex-german military person. Social worker now. Had spent 10 years in the military, quit to become a life guard and now works as a social worker in India with his girlfriend Catherine. Catherine - A circus artist, now a director, is also a social worker and helps slum kids realize their potential by teaching them circus nuances. They were really experienced hikers/trekkers and guided me a lot during the course of the trek. I figured it would be also wise to share the guide with them, since then I would have to pay less than if I take a guide for

Day 1 Delhi to Leh I set out for the airport the night before.  I thought I'd sleep in the airport and conveniently take the flight further. Bad move. Sleeping on domestic terminal is not convenient at all. I don't know why I even did that. Maybe just nervous about the trip. Anyhow, the flight itself was an experience in itself. The view from the window looks grand prior to landing.  I was able to click many pictures and videos before the air hostess requested me to not do so. To have the best view, make sure you have the "F" seat.  Perks of taking the "F" seat Leh, first impression is a sleepy town. Shops open late.. Hardly anybody on the streets. I bought Gloves and a torch for the trek.  In my opinion, I'm fully equipped now. I spoke to a few people about my plans to do Markha Valley solo. Well, let's just say that they kind of put me into panic mode. Told me about bad weather, tigers, confusing routes.  App