Hamta Pass Base camp trek - Chika

Recently, we visited Manali-one of the most beautiful places in the state of Himachal Pradesh, INDIA.

We Stayed in 'Casual Monks Wooden house and Cafe' in Manali which was booked by my friend Anita, and it turned out to be the best stay so far with wonderful views of Pir Panjal range (in the lower Himalayan Region) and great hospitality. One must try hot chocolate here. It was the best.

We went for a one-day trek to Hamta Pass- Chika. 

Hamta Pass is a corridor in the Himalayas, between the Chandra Valley in Lahaul and the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. The pass is named after Hamta Village, below Sethan village. 

Lower Himalayan shepherds use the pass in summer for its high-altitude grasslands in the summer, when the desert of Lahaul is barren.

The pass includes vertical rock walls, waterfalls, hanging glaciers, pinewoods, rhododendron forests, open meadows, and small lakes.

 

                                                Akshaj and Mohisha plucking strawberries.

        

                                                

                            We had a wonderful time enjoying and exploring nature.

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.” – Ashley Smith

RAINBOW OF HOPE

 A beautiful poem written by Nigel on the occasion of International Women's Day!

It was published in Oman Observer daily. 

#omanobserver #womensday #hope #faith #inspiration #motivation

https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1133757/features/books/poem-rainbow-of-hope

In the night all alone locked inside a room in fear

She tried to sleep but, she couldn’t
When she heard the rain pelting down on the window, her heart went pitter patter in distraught.

The window pane slid open in blowy wind.
Far across the meadows, she could listen to
the birds chirping
Wondering why the birds were awake at this time ,she heard the scary howling winds.

She trembled.. just then a deep voice from within said, i carry your heart don’t you worry and sleep peacefully.

Hours passed by, and the rain settled down
Hearing the chirping of birds and seeing at the window , She rose from her bed and saw the clear sky
She enjoyed the gush of fresh air on her body
Sun seemed to have occupied the silver sky in a tilted golden bowl.

Everything seems to be alright with the world
No trace of rain, no trace of pain
Previous night experience taught her it’s ok to be scared in life for few things but overcoming that fear makes you strong which brings a rainbow of hope to start anew

She bid adieu to her haunting bad memories, and decided to move on….

                                                                                                         written by 

                                                                                        Nigel George Raphael