I have been visiting Himachal for over a decade and half, or more but this time its a different purpose all together. My home city situated at the tip of deccan plateau and western ghats have always been mesmerising me for years. So I decided to ride motor bike this time, from my native place to Himachal all the way solo, while riding roads through Satpura, Vindhya and Aravalli ranges to reach Himachal Pradesh. The day I started, thought came to my mind why am I doing this ? Isn’t it better to travel all the way by public mode of transport. But after few hundred km, sheer pleasure of riding motor bike kept me pushing to cover more distance every time. First stop for night took me more than 600km to reach Indore City and rest. Covering different topography of states in India has its unique way to experience and explore. Next day woke up by 8am and started riding.
Lush green farms, breeze and empty road to ride are nothing less than affair to enjoy. Did took a rift for day to explore wildlife at Ranthambore National Park near Sawai Madhopur, before moving ahead towards north.
Journey resumed after some rest towards north India.
Cold winter in north India makes riding difficult after sunset, as thick blanket of fog welcomes you along the area, hence finding shelter is top most priority for the night. It was late at night riding in mist clueless to find a cosy stay in nowhere but Rohtak. Surpassed Delhi and nearing area to avoid traffic. Had my dinner at local dhaba on the way. Next morning was cold with thick fog, took me some time to increase travelling speed by post 11am.
As the roads are not familiar it takes time and efforts, took a small tea break and carried the journey to reach Himachal Pradesh. Finally putting all the efforts to reach the destination state gives a sense of pride. Road along the mountains with cool breeze and hot cup of chai and paratha adds the delightful experience.
As I knew the places around, did not took me long to arrange for shelter that night. Had a wonderful camp fire for party that night. It had not yet snowed so was very cold. Next morning had this views of camp site.
This camping site can be booked for groups as well as couple’s who would like to do treks and adventure activities. Programs for few days can easily be planed to keep yourself and the group entertained. Views, Stay, Food, Activities and Friends make a good deal. This place is isolated in mountains though properly connected through road. Chandrakhani Pass, the spiritually significant Bijli Mahadev Temple trail, offers panoramic breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges.
You can connect me to plan your itinerary. And be assure of quality time, with safety as I have been in camping and trekking for more that two decades. I know what exactly you need as an experience.
So post lunch, I resumed my journey to Manali just to find that they have their local carnival going on. So in evening visited mall road to enjoy the vibe. It’s usually in winter.
Wintery morning to find this next day.
Where are Apple orchard and how they are in winter? A glimpse but the photos are taken after few days, as the weather turned a little sunny.
So I was thinking to know, how do they take care of orchard? mean while sipping a cup of hot coffee freshly brewed from roasted coffee beans from a small cafe situated at height, looking over the orchard in background. Mr Thakur owner of cafe came to me with smile on his face appreciating the snowfall and said now he hope that the harvest this year would be good. Though the snow fall was late this year it was plentiful. Maintenance of orchard is a year round affair, before the onset of snow they put cow dung and earthworm mixture as fertiliser near roots of every tree in orchard, so as it gets covered by snow its receives moisture for longer period of time and helps the tree getting nutrients needed. Due to cold temperature and snow the risk of insects causing harm to plants is unlikely to happen. And hence there won’t be need to spray pesticides. So usually fruits from higher altitude areas are more genuine to be organic.
Decomposition of organic matter generates heat at the base of tree, causing circular opening around the tree while the rest orchard still remains snow covered.
Best quality of fruits complete depend on how the care of orchard is taken. Whether it has feed the right kind of manure. So as weather starts to warm the tree blossoms, eventually leading to sweet fruits needed for mankind. Various varieties of apples are grown here few of them been Red delicious, Royal delicious, Gala, and a green colour Apple etc. With everyone with distinct taste, texture, colour and size. Few with conical and other with round shape. Just for reference putting few photos from last trip, at the time of harvest.
Keep reading, would be adding more to website, and blog.
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