Jammu - Himachal Yatra (Part 3)

We woke up slightly late on Day 3 having gone to bed only at 3 a.m. All of us had aching bones, cramped muscles, red eyes from lack of sleep etc. After the morning ablutions, we assembled for a leisurely breakfast around 9.30 a.m. The fare was excellent as it was in the previous day.

We had booked a Tempo Traveller (TT) for the rest of the journey. Unfortunately, the TT met with an accident (or so we were told) and a replacement could not be arranged by the Travel agent. We spent a good 2 hours looking for alternative arrangement. Finally around noon, we booked 3 Innovas to drop us at Dalhousie which was our next halt.

Due to peak season and scramble for tourist vehicles, the rates had gone up considerably. Normally, this trip should have cost us Rs. 30K for 3 vehicles for the 230 km 6 hour ride. However, we ended up paying Rs. 40K as we were in no position to negotiate. On the way, we stopped at a restaurant called Sher-e-Punjab a short distance away from Katra. The food was delicious. 

On the way, after we passed Pathankot, we saw a magnificent rainbow heralding distant rains. The view lasted for over 10 minutes. We also passed the Ranjit Sagar Dam which looked stunning from high up in the mountains. By the time we reached our hotel (Snow Valley Resort) at Dalhousie, it was nearly 9 p.m. It was quiet cold here and we wished we had carried warm clothing. Luckily, the hotel was equipped with heaters for the rooms. The hotel rooms were large and had a fantastic view of the valley below and the mountains beyond.

We almost immediately went for dinner. The restaurant, within the hotel, was crowded and there were very few waiters to serve us. After a light dinner, we retired to our rooms well past 11 p.m.

Thus ended Day 3 of the yatra which was mostly spent on the road.