The murky Sutlej River nearly camouflages itself in its rocky background but its forceful march forward, almost with a sense of resolve, gives it away. You will drive through the famous resort hill station of Kufri which is popular with tourists. Breakfast and lunch, in local dhabas along the way make sure you get to indulge your tastebuds in some locally popular cuisine. The narrow roads with a deep gorge on the other side are prone to rock fall and landslides; do not expect this to be a smooth ride. In some areas, the roads look like they are straight out of Need for Speed – smooth but narrow, under hanging boulders on top of a high mountain with a drop on the other side. After crossing the Wangtoo bridge, which is the last 1 hour of the drive, the expansive views of Kinnaur Ranges make themselves available for your viewing. This makes the drive and the rough patches interesting. The mountains in this region are distinct. They are made up of large chunks of rocks resting one on top of the other – much like a stack of Jenga 15 minutes into the game.
At the end of the trail of this back-breaking journey will be a warm, wooden homestay with cozy rooms, waiting for you.
Day 2: Olfactory Stimulation: The Forests of Mulling
After a comforting stay for the night, in the midst of apple orchards right by the gurgling river, Day 2 pushes you straight into the heart of tall trees and the many morning songs of Himalayan birds. Before you enter the forest, you are accompanied by the turquoise Bhaba river which consistently cheers you on with its roaring sound and fills you with energy with its sharp turns, cold splashes and high falls.
The route is a gradual ascend which takes you through wide, open trails to thick forests with massive trees – rich with bovine, streams and the smell of pine.
