Snow

By the time we are up and ready, the morning stirs. Very few are out on the road and vapour condenses as we breathe. Warm tea is in order. The road to the Rohtang pass, at over 13,000 ft is closed due to heavy snowfall the night before and we have to contend ourselves with Marhi, a small village about a thousand feet below. We are welcomed with falling snow as we hike up some of the slippery snow-covered slopes for a good view of the peaks surrounding us.

There are far too many tourists, trying to ski on little smooth patches, running around, taking horse rides and so on. It is a bit noisy and the road is lined for at least a couple of kilometres with cars. I remain silent, all through the journey and most of our time up there just looking at the snow-covered mountains towering above in all their majesty. There is little more I can want. The pastures are dotted with shepherds. The stream flows by with renewed vigour after the rains and snow.

The remaining two decide to go for paragliding afterwards but the short duration of it doesn't encourage me. There are loads of recreational activities on a patch of green valley surrounded by incredibly beautiful fir-lined hills and snow peaks at a distance and yet the place, Solang valley as it's called, evokes little feeling due to the commercial nature of it all. There are far too many people trying to sell you something.

And then it's time for goodbyes.