My hubby, a busy gastrosurgeon and myself , an equally busy gynaecologist.. somehow managed to resolve to squeeze in a 15 day leh ladakh trip. ( something we both have always fantasized about ). However, Murphy’s law being what it is, his leave got bludgeoned and we were left with only 5 days on our hand.
Our AC volvo bus tickets to manali already being booked , for the route to leh ( 1000 Rs. per head - great seating.. tip - go only for seat numbers 1, 2, 3 or 4 - great leg space and you can actually sleep versus other seats where its a rough tumble ), we had to zero in on manali. it was peak tourist season in Manali, but there was no time for any booking or planning. It was sheer road luck. However, we frantically googled and found a few hotel numbers, which politely informed us that they were full to the brim.
We just were damn lucky I guess that we stumbled onto the gem called Upadhyaya Cottages ( will NEVER question my luck again in life after this slice of heaven ). We were bold enough to venture to the formidable Rohtang Pass on arrival in Manali, and I had a field day of altitude sickness ( thanks to the folly of moving to that height before acclimatizing well ) and I thought nothing could restore me. Then came the lovely stay at Upadhyay Cottages.. you stop at a quaint village called Katrain , right on the banks of the roaring Beas... and a short 300 metre walk ( or courteous car lifts by the hosts ) take you through rambling orchards of luscious apples, plums, walnut, peaches, oranges.. to the loveliest spot imaginable.
Upadhyay Cottages are atop a height from where you have a vantage view of snow clad mountains.. the constant roar of the Beas.. and lush valleys.. plus solitude and only fruit orchards for company for miles around. We rented a bike ( Mr. Rajeev is the gracious host who is the highlight of the place - but his Bullet is for the trained tough guys ) and used to commute to Manali 18 km. off or meander along trails Mr. Rajeev specially suggested - through huge deodar and pine forests.. through picturesque local villages.. with nobody but nature and us .
We were pampered with sumptious breakfasts served so colourfully and aesthetically that we never required lunch. We were referred to some of the best eating spots - fresh river trout, grilled chicken, yummy tamarind rice, authentic wood baked italian pizza atop a dazzling cliff point.. everything you every imagined.. never thought possible. We were served local Himachali gourmet breakfasts.. with homemade honey, herbs and home churned butter and ghee courtesy the family cow!! The family is warm, gracious, polite and helpful. Having polished the sumptious breakfast, we would explore manali and thereabouts on our bike and come home to unwind with the serene tranquillity of our cottage.. a luxurious affair at an unbelievable price!! Believe me, chock full hotels straight on the congested, rackety, filthy Mall were priced 3 times as much !! Sheer providence gave us this place.. The place was well run, hospitable, extremely hygienic and comfortable.. and when our 5 Days ended, I was determined to share with the world this great getaway from the mobs and the noise.. and come back again and again..
Go with your family and let the children discover Nature.. go with your Wife and discover each other.. take your parents and discover your family.. go alone and discover yourself. Go whichever way and buzz me to thank me for the rest of my life !!!!