Hiking in Manali, Himachal Pradesh

It's official—I am a mountain person. I belong way above sea level. I recently camped in Manali—slept in a tent at 3 degrees celsius with the wind threatening to knock it over—and trekked to few of the most surreal and naturally magnificent landscapes my eyes will ever drink in. I'm in the process of writing a short piece on my attempt at conquering nature, and my first time in the snow; until then, here are a few pictures from my trip. Let's live in the mountains and never come back, okay?

This trek was called the Eagle Eye View for good reason. We saw the Pir Panjal range, and slightly glimpsed one of its highest peak, Hanuman Tibba.

The green roofs are a tiny settlement by the Beas River.

I'm standing on one of the five or so creeks we passed during our trek to Old Manali, Manu Temple, and all through the mountains.

This is the very cold and imposing Jogini Falls. If you squint beyond the mid of the waterfall, you will notice silhouettes of people. These adventurous folk traversed across and above the freezing rocks to the little sacred temple that is ensconced right behind the falls.

Unfortunately for us, none of the trees were in blossom. Here is a small apple orchid, I think. We had a lengthy DDLJ moment in the patch of yellow to the right! We are on our way to the Manu temple here.

Ever so often, while walking under the blazing sun, we'd be rewarded with this. Brownies for my eyes, really.

My moment in the snow. Five layers of clothes as shields from the cold wind and snow at Solang valley. Still returned with the worst tan.

Though our trek to Jogini Falls was a warm up for the days to come, I will always remember it as the toughest descent. It had rained a few days ago, so thanks to the wet and loose soil, everyone basically skid their way back to the camp site.

One of my favourite pictures from the trip. Zoom into the wall art.

Less me, more the handiwork of the creator.

Please note: Write to me if you like a picture that you'd like to make a wallpaper out of. I'll send you a better resolution one. Don't steal, yes?