Rest & Relaxation-at last!!

R&R is now well underway; no more camping and trekking over high passes, getting washed in the freezing streams of Ladakh and eating rice, noodles and dal morning, noon and night!Don't get me wrong, we loved everything about the trekking phase but after 12 days we were so looking forward to a proper shower and bed!

What can i say about Manali, it's in the foothills of the Himalayas, this side of the range is completely different, lush vegetation, very green, much more moisture and humid. The town is very busy with the main street running just outside our guest house.You can imagine we are quite conspicuous amongst the locals, especially our fair skinned blonde haired Challengers!However everyone is coping well with all the attention and probably loving every moment!

We spent a lovely morning in Old Manali; we all shared a tuk tuk to get there. Haha our driver was avoiding the dogs, cows and old ladies crossing the road, we felt like we were in a car rally- really good fun!
Old Manali is very different from where we are staying, so much quieter, no-one in your face getting you to buy whatever, loads of hippy style shops to improve our bartering skills and what did i see immediately - A DREADED SNAKE CHARMER WITH A YELLOW COBRA! Whaooo ! was away up the hill without another glance back!

The group bought clothing and presents for themselves, families and friends. It was a really relaxing morning, getting the feel for this new part of India.

Tomorrow afternoon we are moving on from Manali on the overnight coach to Delhi, about 14 hours travelling. However this should be a different experience as the group have booked a luxury coach with reclining seats. Let's hope so-fingers crossed! From Delhi we hope to book a 6 hr coach journry to Agra- Taj Mahal.
We couldn't visit Northern India without going to this World Heritage site.

Will keep you all posted!
Thank you for your comments, it's so good to know you are following our progress!