From Kasol to Manali

Who flew the coop? 

Tibetan Monastery Next to Hotel

Snow covered Himalayan Peaks

Tom and Scott, celebrating their arrival

Sunset over the Himalayan Mountains

Vegetable Pallo, Dal, Gobi and Lamb

We noticed for the first time that the resort had a pigeon coop. We had never seen one before, it was interesting watching the pigeons go in and out of the coop. They would sit in front of a room, then go into it for a while then reappear. Sometimes they would fly off then would return.

We left the beautiful resort and started our 3 hour drive to Minali. We were sorry to leave, it was so beautiful and restful. Kullu is famous for it shawls and we knew would be stopping to buy some on the way to Minali. There are countless stores that both manufacture and sell shawls and other garments. The material can very from pashmina (very expensive) to rabbit (much less expensive). Most of the stores have looms and you can see the  men and women actually weaving the designs.

We stopped at several stores along the way. There must have been a hundred to choose from. The shawls are inexpensive and will be perfect on our deck at home on chilly nights.

While driving we came across a village procession of the village goddess. The men carried the goddess and played music as they marched down the road. Only in India!

Here is a short clip of the procession.

We arrived in Manali and checked into our hotel. It was a disaster. We really didn’t like it, dirty, dumpy, ugly. When we contacted the people who arrange our trip they immediately got us out of the hotel into a wonderful hotel. It has a spectacular view of the Himalayas. The mountains are snow covered at the peak and shrouded in fog. At sunset they are beautiful. The hills are covered with apple trees and everywhere you see people out picking and boxing apples. I have no idea how long the apple picking season is, but it is in full bore right now. Interesting Indians don’t cook apples, they eat them raw. Some one should come to India and open an Apple Pie Store, they could make a fortune!

Our neighbors Tom and Scott arrived and loved the hotel. A few bottles of wine and an excellent Indian Dinner made their arrival perfect. The hotel adjoins at Tibetan Monastery and tomorrow I am sure we will visit it.