Day 9 : Shimla
2nd February 2013- the last day at Shimla, we had the full day to spare. Thought, we would go around and take some pics. The two guys shown on the pics had given us the best service at the Restaurant during our stay at Mushobra/Shimla. We came back to the hotel around 3 pm having lunch outside, started packing the baggage for the next days travel to Kullu and Manali.
Meantime we called up the Tourism Dept. to ascertain the weather forecast for the following day, and found out that there is a warning of heavy snowfall for 4th Feb. And around 9 pm after dinner we retired for the day.
Day 10 : Shimla to Kullu / Manali – 266 kms
3rd February 2013, we checked out from the hotel and started at 7.30 am to Manali after the fuel top up at Shimla, a distance of 266 kms to be covered. Fuel prices at Himachal is less compared to other states. It took about 8 hrs to cover the distance with some stoppages. Except for a few kms the entire stretch of the road was ok. Some of the places the roads are very narrow and dangerous due to the deep valley on one side. Heavy flow of trucks also seen on this stretch. Should be always alert.
The drive was really pleasant with an awesome panoramic view through out. As we were nearing Kullu, we found the road is on the banks of River Beas, partially covered with snow. Once we passed Kullu we could see river rafting on Beas. At 3.30 pm we reached the Hotel at Manali. Our room balcony was facing the river and was on the 2nd floor. The view of the river with a roaring sound of water was really great, apart from the snow covered mountains. The temperature was almost 1 deg C and were certain that there will be a snowfall in the night as forecasted. We were advised to have the dinner at the room itself, because the temperature was dipping below minus. At 9.30 pm we retired for the day.
More to come