17/10 - Day trek with Gordon

Around 10am, we were all packed and ready to go to Manali, but decided to have breakfast in the same place as yesterday before leaving. Outside the hotel, having a tea was Gordon. I thought he would have been already gone for his Day trek that he mentioned yesterday. We ordered breakfast (2 Aloo pranthas and a Paneer one) and some teas. 

By 11am, Gordon had convinced us to go trekking with him and go to Manali the following day. Because I was sick for the last 2 days and because the day before that it had rained we did not do the 4 day trek that Damien had organised with a guide, so this day trek was a good alternative.

We headed the same way we did yesterday, but at some point we went up a really steep path/stairs for around 400m to reach the really small village of Rumsu. Gordon was so happy to see that the original houses were still standing 7 years later (Gordon used to come to Naggar and India every year for the past 20 years, but took a 7 years gap until this year).

climbing up to Rumsu

Rumsu was really picturesque with no motorised vehicles, old fashion houses, hay and other goods drying on the roofs and balconies… We tried to cross the village to be on our way to the next village, but we got lost (several times) and asking directions to Indians is so not helpful… (they say yes to everything or contradict each other…).

Gordon and I talking traditional architecture!

Traditional houses of Rumsu

House hidden by corn field

Leaving the village, hopefully on the right track, we had two new friends joining us (dogs). We followed the path, encountered various types of trees and birds, and also quite a few weed plants. The smell was really strong, even without being transformed and lit, this was surprising (I could have swear my sisters were hiding in the bushes, smoking away!).

various flora

exotic bird

our new 4 legged friends

Cannabis plant

We reached Chachogi another fairly untouched village. A lot of new houses, but the old ones were still there and charming. This time we really got lost, and were followed by angry dogs. In the end, when we managed to find the way we wanted, we had lost a dog and gained a new one.

Balconies

Using the roof as drying space (for corn and other items)

Chachogi houses

amazing view!

We made a halt near a small stream and had some apple (from our friend yesterday, and left over Roti). We headed towards the Ridge of one of the mountain to follow it all the way to the Krishna Temple. It was impressive how Gordon could remember everything (apart from exiting both villages) after a 7 year gap!

Going down the ridge

We found the right ridge, went down along it, and arrived in the Krishna Temple, where Gordon new the family and there history and we got offered some Chai. Krishna is one of the most important divinity in the Valley and will have an important place in Dussehra’s celebrations.

Krishna Temple

ladies taking tea in the Temple

After the Temple, we found our way back to the hotel. 5pm we bought biscuits for the dogs as a reward because they stayed with us the whole way and this was impressive!

Biscuit time! (for the dogs!)

We went to the terrace and enjoy the little sun left (with another Brownie from our Nepalese friend for me) and beers for the guys. We talked some more. Between rounds, Damien bumped into Patricia and John (the Irish couple from McLeodGanj), they are staying in the castle hotel, but will join us for diner around 8pm in the restaurant downstairs.

We got carried away talking with Gordon and Ahmet (the son of the hotel owner who cooked for us on the second day), we said goodbye to Gordon as it was his last night in Naggar and headed downstairs around 8.30pm, Patricia and John had already ordered food, so we did too (Paneer Butter Masala, Zeera Aloo, Rice and Rotis). Patricia had some Chapati (instead of Roti, which I found actually nicer, more “flaky”).

We discussed for a really long time and only headed to bed around midnight. Luckily our bags are already all packed for tomorrow. We will try not to be too late this time to go to Manali.

4^th night in the double bed in Sheetal Hotel, in Naggar.