Good Morning! The first thing to do today is to fold the Sleeping Bag and keep in its cover. If your sleeping bag is like mine and if you have done this before, you know how tough and painful this task is😭. But for me, my next task was equally difficult- that was to wake Kenny up😂! After these 2 victories, I took my brush and went to the Stream to sit there peacefully for the last time.. We had our Breakfast and got ready to leave for the Top Camp.
When we started walking, we were greeted by many groups of pink cheeked Mountain kids going to school! The road was beautiful.
We sang songs, played games and enjoyed our way to the top camp at Kulang which is at height of 8000 ft.
“Out of the city and over the hill,
Into the spaces where Time stands still,
Under the tall trees, touching old wood,
Taking the way where warriors once stood;
Crossing the little bridge, losing my way,
But finding a friendly place where I can stay.
Those were the days, friend, when we were strong
And strode down the road to an old marching song
When the dew on the grass was fresh every morn,
And we woke to the call of the ring-dove at dawn.
The years have gone by, and sometimes I falter,
But still I set out for a stroll or a saunter,
For the wind is as fresh as it was in my youth,
And the peach and the pear, still the sweetest of fruit,
So cast away care and come roaming with me,
Where the grass is still green and the air is still free.”
-Ruskin Bond
The location of this campsite was also very Beautiful. A river with its freezing cold water was flowing parallel to the place. This is how it looked from above.
Our camp leader here was a strong young Lady! What is amazing about women here is that they love Knitting. Our camp leader would knit a piece of woolen wear even While Walking!
River Crossing:
In the afternoon, Adventure activities were scheduled. First we had a meeting where we were instructed what to do while River crossing. They guided us on how to hold the rope, at what angle to walk etc.
Then they made groups of 5-6 people and numbered them in sequence of going. Safety belts were tied. The time each team took to cross the river To and Fro would be recorded. Those who did it fastest won.
No matter how many swimming pools you have lapped across in your life, putting the first step in river water is definitely scary but its Thrilling! The water was very very cold and flowing with great force. We had to hold the rope and walk across the river. The activity did need more Team Coordination than I had Anticipated!
I really enjoyed crossing a river (like this) probably for the First time in my life!
Flying Fox:
In the evening, was the most fun and adventurous activity, Flying Fox. A rope was tied from a higher place on one side and a lower height at a tree on other side.
We climbed up to the starting point, got the protective gear on and took off, sliding along the rope to the opposite side where we had to jump from a little height to land on the ground.
Solang Valley:
Next day, in the morning, we left for Solang Valley. The Solang Valley is supposed to be the most enjoyable place in Manali as it offers the best Paragliding experience along with other activities like Horse Riding, Parasailing, Zorbing and Ropeway.
But unfortunately some strike was going on and all the activities in this tourist attraction place were closed. Only the ropeway, which was probably run by the Government, was working but the only attraction it provided was to see snow from far- the Fare and the queue for which was way too much!
Anyway, we had to have our food at this Valley which offered 2 restaurants. It was a bit disappointing. But we placed our orders. My friends ordered burgers and hotdogs and I chose a Brownie.
I chose a Brownie. This proved out to be the Worst Decision I had ever made!
Why? Read the next blog to find out!😄
Links to other blogs in this series:
E1: https://diniwriteup.home.blog/2020/05/22/reaching-manali/
E2:
https://diniwriteup.home.blog/2020/05/24/meet-manali_-e-02-manali-memoir/
E3:
https://diniwriteup.home.blog/2020/05/26/jogini-falls_e-03-manali-memoir/
E4:
https://diniwriteup.home.blog/2020/05/27/old-manali-town-and-shopping-_e-04-manali-memoir/
Planning for Trek:
https://diniwriteup.home.blog/2020/05/18/planning-for-manali-trek/
My other Travel Blog:
Diniwriteup 