Tryst with Light

Dalhousie, a 19th century British summer retreat, does not offer much going by the usual "things to do in Dalhousie" lists. In fact, the small town in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh can claim little of its colonial era charm today. Its unkempt streets strewn with garbage and packed with folks (including me) from the plains of northern India, and concrete structures dotting its slopes defying all sense of aesthetics stand testament to our ability to mismanage most things we inherit. May be, this is the state of all popular hill towns in Himchal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. 

Dalhousie is a place for all seasons and despite our best efforts, nature still has a lot to offer, starting with a majestic view of the Pir Panjanl Range of the Himalayas. Thank heavens the Himalayas are out of reach for the average human, the peaks still appear clean. One should move away from the main town in Dalhousie and the neighbouring Khajjiar to explore nature's hidden gems. And, by move away I mean WALK. Here is what I found, you might find even more. 

A view of the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas from Dalhousie.

Rays hit the camera and the trees to form some intricacies on the road to Kholpukhar village. 

Houses on the higher slopes of Kholpukhar village 3kms off Dalhousie town. The village is inhabited by around 300 people who are traditionally cattle herders. The village currently has a 28-year-old pradhan (head), Manish, who is trying to diversify their sources of livelihood. Manish wants to shift the focus more towards agriculture on the terraces. Manish runs a cafe and a provision store.  

Brij Kumar and Rinku Kumar of Kholpukhar village work in the booming construction industry at the hill town.

Someone enjoys the solitude among the pines in the backdrop of the Himalayas.

An evening stroll towards Panchpula which is 2kms off Dalhousie town.

The Golden Hour!

It's the hills that suck the sun in. Earth's revolution is a myth!

Warmth.

Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Yeah, ice is tough to navigate. It's true. 

Snow covered slopes along Dalhousie-Khajjiar road.

It's a cold December morning.

Khajjiar was boring until I spotted the sun through the pines. 

Paragliding at Khajjiar. Walk towards Dadutha village to watch the gliders. 

Terrain alert.

Khajjiar lake, which is not visible in the image, is where most tourists spend their time. But do not make that mistake.  

Construction workers sip tea at Dadutha village during a break. They speak Gaddi language. 

He sharpened the tips and gave me this unforgiven look when I sought permission for a click. He smiled later though.

 Dalhousie at dusk.

A view of Chamba town, the district headquarters, on the banks of River Ravi.

The day is done; I stood beneath an orange sky.