My Trip to Rohtang Pass
Guwahati to Delhi:
I started my rail journey (the NorthEast Express) on 3rd July’1994 from Kamakhya (Guwahati) with the goal of visiting Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh (Kashmir). The train was 4 hours late today. My journey began around 1.45 in the afternoon. I got completely soaked while I was waiting for the train in the midst of a downpour. Eventually, all windows and doors were shut as the train arrived. After knocking and encountering several challenges, I eventually managed to take my designated seat.
_01.jpg "My Trip to Rohtang Pass")
Then, I made an effort to put everything behind me and started to appreciate the pleasure of the voyage. Being able to experience something extraordinary and thrilling like travelling alone is rare. Here, I have enough quiet time to think things through, to face challenges and find solutions on my own. You can achieve perfection to a certain extent. Both tolerance and adaptation would increase. Without fear, you may embrace the uncharted world.
Some people believe that travelling alone is foolish. But I'm not sure why people believe that. Travelling itself entails learning about new, unfamiliar places, people, and daily life. know a bit about the wide globe. Go out for a few days by yourself to learn about the other person's goods, location, customs, etc., and then come home a changed person. Outlook would undoubtedly remodel. Be a complete person and appreciate other viewpoints, even if they disagree or even go in the opposite direction of your own. Just consider how God's creations differ amongst different areas, states, nations, and what might exist throughout the entire cosmos! Without variation, there would be no beauty. Just consider how lovely the earth is! "Beauty in diversity" might be written there.
I was in a train on July 4th the entire time. The NorthEast Express train was travelling in the direction of Delhi. I thoroughly enjoyed the train ride.
At around 4 a.m. on July 5th, 1994, I arrived at the New Delhi railway station. The train arrived six hours after the scheduled time. Mouthwashing stepped onto the stage where the Himalayan Queen was positioned. The train's chair car had no berths and was simply intended for seating.
From Delhi to Kalka:
I already had a chair assigned for me. The train departed New Delhi at 6 o'clock, passed Ambala one by one, and finally arrived in Kalka at 11.10 o'clock in the morning. When I got to Kalka, I proceeded to the side where two toy trains were on the narrow gauge track. As I prefer to travel by second class train, I boarded one of the toy trains that had second class chair car set to depart at 11.40 hours but actually left Kalka at 12.40 hrs. The Shivalik Deluxe Express, which departs Kalka in the morning, is the ideal train for travelling to Shimla.
Popular Trains from Kalka to Shimla
52453 - KLK SML EXP. Classes2S, VS, CC, FC. 06:20 AM.
52451 - SHIVALK DLX EXP. Rajdhani. ClassesFC. ...
52459 - KLK SML EXPRESS. ClassesEV. 07:00 AM. ...
72451 - RAIL MOTOR. ClassesFC. ...
52457 - KLK SML EXP. ClassesFC. ...
14553 - HIMACHAL EXP. 04:44 AM. ...
14554 - HIMACHAL EXP. 11:33 PM. ...
14506 - NLDM ASR EXP. 08:25 AM.
Kalka to Shimla:
One can experience the magnificence of the scenic Himalayas through various significant locations up to Shimla by taking the toy train from the Shivalik foothills at Kalka. Train was travelling in a zigzag pattern like a sneak, steadily ascending the route to Shimla. Sitting at the window, I could see the entire bending railway in the midst of the breathtaking natural scenery. To me, the journey was absolutely fantastic. If this is your first time travelling, you will like taking the toy train. This voyage can be compared to the toy train ride from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling.
However, there is one unique element in this location—102 tunnels, which provide more excitement because they are frequently dark. My excitement had no boundaries as I watched the entire train, from the engine to its terminus, as it ran on a curve before entering the tunnel while seated by the window. It was truly a wonderful scene to recall. The sudden darkness and intense passenger noise created a bizarre atmosphere, and the screams persisted until we were out of the tunnel. We continued in this manner, crossing each tunnel with the cheery voices of travelers.
Despite the rain and clouds, I had a wonderful time. A bunch of Shimla-dwelling youngsters made friends and spread a lot of rumors about their hometown. The Kalka-Shimla Railway travels via 20 railway stations, 103 tunnels, 87 bridges, and 900 curves. Only four of the tunnels the train travels through are large ones: Barog, Koti, Tara Devi, and Tunnel No. 103.
Some of these tunnels, according to local passengers in the compartment, have interesting histories. The longest tunnel on this route is at Barog (1144 metres long), which was named after a construction engineer who apparently committed suicide after making a mistake in laying the alignment of the route.
Another tale was about tunnel at Taradevi which was built by cutting through a hill. Local tradition claims that because the Temple of Goddess Taradevi is located at the top of the hill, the Goddess would never approve the construction of a tunnel. To halt the construction, a massive serpent emerged from the tunnel.
Shimla town may be marvelled at from Taradevi Temple. A truly exciting experience at night is to see the sparkling lights. The temple's environs are covered with snow throughout the winter months on the hills and in the surrounding woodland.
One by one, I was progressively leaving behind the gorgeously painted highland railway stations. A number of significant locations have railway stations, including Dharampur, Solang, Kandaghat, Taradevi, Barog, Salogra, Summerhill, Shimla, and one more location close to the tallest peaks. Summer Hill, Solang, Taradevi, and other of them are worth viewing. I snapped numerous pictures, even while standing on the engine with the toy railway completely in the background. I was told by a gentleman that my photo was good. I chatted with my new friends in the compartment on a variety of topics, and they offered advice and were quite helpful. I even took a picture with one of the Himachal boys. Thus, I finally arrived at Shimla Railway Station at around 6:45 PM..
.jpg "My Trip to Rohtang Pass")
Exploring Shimla City:
I arrived at Shimla on July 5 in the late afternoon. The queen of all hill towns is Shimla. Shimla is the perfect location for anyone looking for peace and quiet. The capital of Himachal Pradesh, it is located on the northwest side of the Himalayas. In 1864, Shimla was designated as India's summer capital. After the independence of India Shimla is currently capital of Himachal Pradesh, has gained popularity as a location for romantic movie scenes.
Near the Shimla railway station are Holiday Home and Rest House owned by the Northern Railway and the Railway Board. I remained in a room I had reserved at a subordinate rest house through the railway IOW office. However, maintenance and condition were terrible. My original plan was to stay at the Shimla Kalibari rest house. So, keeping my luggage, I went out towards Shimla Kalibari . Reaching there on foot, had darshan Kali mataji and went to temple office where I was informed that rooms and beds were available. I came out and began walking through Mall road, gradually walking descending to circular (cart) road , walking a little more crossing railway station entered rest house at about 10 pm in the night.
On 6th July morning I went out of the rest house to see this beautiful queen city. I began to walk through cart road towards main town. After a while, came to a place where an ascending road started in left side , this was Mall road approaches to scandal point, general post office, Christ Church and Shimla Kalibari. The Mall road was constructed by British, and for precautions ban entry of vehicles on the road were taken so that the road does not affected. In the side of road , a number of stores, showrooms, shops, restaurants and cafes are situated very densely. Here you can find all kind of handicraft products of Himachal Pradesh. Market on Mall road is famous for its wooden furniture. The Mall road is very long and beautifully located on Shimla hill, it attracts tourists for surrounding picturesque beauty and make anyone stay here for whole day long. This Mall road is going to shopping center at Mall market and tourism’s lift point. The Mall is the main shopping centre of the Shimla and always bustling with tourists.
Shimla to Kullu Manali:
On 7th, I began my adventure from Shimla to Manali on an exciting drive while admiring the breathtaking Himalayan landscape. I loved leaving Shimla early in the morning and travelling the lovely roads that wind through the mountains while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
I stopped in the sleepy village of Kullu en route to Manali, which is famed for its stunning landscape and vibrant local culture. I strolled through busy markets, looked at traditional Himachali architecture, and stopped at a few handicraft stalls.
The suggested mode of transportation from Shimla to Manali is by bus, which takes 6 hours and 30 minutes. May takes buses from Tanishq Holidays Tours, HRTC, and Himgiri Adventure Tour, among others. The quickest route from Shimla to Manali is a cab to Kullu and then a bus to Manali.
In the afternoon, I continue traveling in the direction of Manali while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Inhale the clean mountain air as I get closer to Manali and get ready to become engrossed in this hill town's magic. When you get to Manali, go right to the well-known Hadimba Devi Temple, which is hidden among soaring deodar trees. Take in the tranquil ambiance while admiring the temple's distinctive wooden architecture. I strolled leisurely through the temple complex and savored the peace of the area.
In the evening, I go down Manali's colourful Mall Road, which is constantly busy. Investigate the numerous stores selling regional specialties, apparel, and handmade crafts. Enjoy a delicious supper at one of the inviting eateries, taking in the flavours of Himachali Cuisine.
Visited the Vashisht Temple and Hot Springs on the following day. This temple is known for its spectacular architectural and spiritual significance and is dedicated to the philosopher Vashisht. Take a soothing dip at the nearby hot springs, which are supposed to have therapeutic properties.
Then there is the Manu Temple. This ancient temple is dedicated to Sage Manu, who in Hindu mythology is credited with founding the human race. Take in the exquisite wood carvings and the ethereal ambiance of the shrine.
Manali to Rohtang Pass :
On 9th July'1994 , I went out of hotel , at about 9am I started my journey to Rohtang Pass from Manali by H.P. truism Department's bus. Many tourists were found here and there in Manali, a lot of tourists among them were started their jouney for Rohtang Pass. No seat was found vacant, I was somehow managed to seat in the front cabin.
But just after a while seating in cabin was impossible as the front engine became hot. Along the route river Beas is flowing in our left side at the bottom of green deodar and far trees. River Beas is here taken a wide shape almost approaches to the motor road going to Rohtang Pass. A little ahead was the Nehru Kund where stream is widen through the scattering rocky boulders with flowing milky white water - some spots on the background mountains were covered with white snow and greenly thick trees at the foot of the mountains – is really a exotic scenery to remember.
Gradually bus was ascending higher and higher, from the roof every things were looking very clearly – sometimes peeping view of snow clad peaks between the gap of the mountains were looking gorgeous. Snow clad tops were attracting more and more as we ascending more.
Now, I was feeling slightly cold on roof, but a little later the cold wind from the snow covered mountains was entering into my body and touches bones. Fearing cold , as precaution I chained my jacket up to the neck.
Returning to the bus top, we started travelling to Rohtang Pass. As we ascended higher and higher, the surrounding mountains and hills gradually took on new forms, each with its own unique beauty. Some of the mountains were completely stony, while others had a few little, greenish shrubs and ended with very sharp edges. The harsh beauty of nature made it incredibly different.
And our bus now stopped at MODI , just at the bottom of ROHTANG. This place had some hotels and restaurants, shoes and coats are available on hire here for those who are interested to walk and to take full amusement in snow and icy Rohtang. You may say “MODI” as base camp before mounting expedition to Rohtang Pass. The rocky route from Modi to Rohtang is really very risky as the route going steep ascending without any downward , higher and higher. Hence, every tourist, car, bus etc takes rest for a while to attain full energy before taking part in Rohtang adventure. Price is very high at MODI, so it is better to take foods and drinks from Manali before starting journey. One of the special attraction of MODI is “KALIMATA TEMPLE”, is situated in little high place, which is clearly visible from far ascending road to Rohtang. A little away the Temple, three sides are fenced by high mountains having cover with white snow in different spots looks very worthy from the ascending toward Rohtang – seemed some white bed sheets were spreading here and there for drying by a washer man. Some snow covered area had given birth of a small stream and poured downward to another stream coming from another snow covered area – thus formed a big stream. All these precious landscapes from the roof of bus and from the ascending steep route to Rohtang is my lifetime memory, is not easy to fully describe my feelings I felt that time.
Several times I heard the name “ ROHTANG”, so I was very curious, my mind was restless to explore Rohtang. One of the tourists showed me there in the high sky, where the extreme top peaks of the mountains met together, But here from the bottom of the Rohtang it was quite absurd to make an idea – my snooping grew more and more as I was reaching nearer. Sitting on roof journey from MODI to ROHTANG seldom one can forget – bus began to climb in a zigzag route to some extend , route is like BADRINATH, but it is very cool in the month of JULY here.
It was my first occasion traveling by sitting on roof of bus. At this high altitude near Rohtang I was feeling very awful excitement. Sometime our bus was passing through 10/12 feet high ice walls, seemed going through ice tunnel. Every moment there was possibility to blockage of road by breaking huge ice walls. The area of snow covered slope of mountains appeared larger and larger as we approached to them. In one place, between ice walls our bus was running on a very narrow road, ice walls were here more than 15 feet high and turning of road was also very dangerous. Huge size of ice pieces were scattering both the side of road and melting of these pieces formed a small fall near the road but any moments road communication may be disrupted by changing small streams to furious hilly streams by sudden melting of surrounding huge ice mountains. A temple like structure was builds on roadside high ice wall to attract and make good wishes to the tourists. Some red flowers on this milky white snow structure carefully scripted words “I LOVE YOU 1994”. Some couple were there taking photographers standing near the ice structure.
After a long waiting gradually we reached our destination ROHTANG, the region of snow - icy land. The slope of Routing was covered in snow and there was ice everywhere. Near a KUND called BEAS KUND, which was surrounded by what appeared to be a big snowy ocean excellent for skiing, we discovered a pyramid-shaped structure and a half-circle shaped structure. Sometimes all of the snow was hidden by sudden clouds, while other times the area appeared to be coated in milky smoke due to the sun's strong reflections on the snow. In sunny conditions, it becomes difficult to appreciate the beauty of snow with bare eyes. Sunglasses do offer some relief. I had to take my sunglasses off for a bit to appreciate the natural beauty on the vast snowfield.
But I was no longer able due to the sunlight's intense reflection. Stepped into a structure with a half-circle shape next to the renowned Beas Kund, which is the source of the Beas river. At this location, the renowned rishi Vyas performed "Tapa" during the Mahabharat era. I paid respect to the unidentified power that, in my opinion, is the planet's creator and establishes peace in the world by applying a few drops of holy water to my head from the KUND and praying for mental peace.
Snow is difficult to navigate while running or walking; several times, I narrowly avoided falling. There are shops nearby where you may rent shoes, jackets, and other skating gear. In special shoes, the majority of the tourists started skating in various locations. I was walking alone on this ice, sitting and taking some snap, experienced me a different taste. I was laughed when a fatty girl was fell down and rolled several times on ice slope while she was walking on ice. Clouds and sun constantly play hide-and-seek on this chilly ROHTANG. At one point, the entire region was shrouded in clouds, but minutes later, the sky was clear and the sun shone brightly. Last but not least, following lunchtime, the entire region was abruptly and for an extended period of time shrouded by clouds.
Post a Comment