Naggar, India

Summary: After our harrowing day yesterday, we enjoyed a fairly relaxed day. We visited the forested Dhuyngri Temple that was so busy we just stood outside and watched the worshippers in line for a while. We then toured the town – the old village consists of beautiful old rustic buildings. We were invited into someone’s house for a delicious cup of chai, ran into a Hindu religious procession and walked across town to find the restaurant where a memorable and somewhat tense lunch occurred.
Manali: The town of Manali is an interesting mixture of villagers, lost hippy types and young people who seemed to be seeking a higher transcendental plane – I swear the air was at least 20% pot smoke. Anyone need any crystals or a Bob Marley t-shirt?

Our guide ran into the mother of his wife’s favourite student and as a result we were invited to her house for a cup of the best chai that I have ever tasted! On the way we ran into a religious procession – the Hindu priest accompanied a brightly decorated idol throughout the town as villagers gave donations of money, food or flowers in order to be blessed. They carried their livery through town preceded by large horns and drums. It made for a very festive atmosphere.

There was a little left over tension after yesterday’s episode of losing our (local) guide in the area of “Lost Horizons”. As usual, the instructions to get to our meeting point (restaurant) were a little vague. Members of the team arrived prior to the guide and settled in with the first beer in over a week. When the guide showed up and decided that he wanted us to move to the sister restaurant across the parking lot, there was a bit of a mutiny with travelers and restaurant staff alike – we ended up staying and enjoying a lovely lunch.

The afternoon was spent having a relaxing massage as we shed the rigors of our last week of unforgettable but challenging travels.

Toto Tours Description: After much traveling over the past several days, we take it a little easier on this day, with a leisurely morning. In the afternoon, enjoy some easy strolling around the Kullu Valley – known as the valley of the Gods. See Naggar, a lovely little village known for its castle and ancient temples. In Manali we visit the Dhungri Temple in the middle of a lovely forested park. The evening is free at our resort in Manali.