Random Photographical Memories from the Himalayas: Dhabas, Sadhus, Garhwali caps and more...

After photographic memories of Waterfalls, Snow, Trees, Faith, Roads and River Ganga; here are some more that I can remember sorted a bit randomly this time.

1. Dhabas

While traveling in the hilly himalayan regions, over-stuffing yourself with food is a big no-no but skipping meals altogether is never an alternative either. This is where small shacks like these sprayed intermittently all across the routes are a boon, providing a lot of relief to the hungry traveler.

@Chaurangikhal

@Nagaur

@Badrinath town a stone's throw from GMVN's Hotel Devlok

@Chaurangikhal

Devoid of any names or luxuries, these kinky roadside shacks or dhabas serve you with fresh and tasty food at real cheap prices. And the best part of it all, is that you can actually peep into their kitchens and watch all the cooking live while pampering your taste buds at the same time; and believe me this really does spice up the entire experience!

2. Haathi Pahad

Not as mythical as the Nar Narayan mountains, but equally fascinating nevertheless.

Hathi Pahad - The Elephant shaped mountain!

I wonder what tales it’s got to tell…?

3. Over Steaming Tea/Coffee

Sipped on a lot of them throughout the journey wherever I found them.

Hot cups of coffee and milk @the lane leading to the Gangotri temple

If you are my kind, who is not very accepting to shivers and quivers, then don’t miss your cuppa whenever you spot one. Will surely leave your tongue warm and prepare your body to take on the icy chills!

4. Sadhus and Sages

Orange clad, saffron robed men are everywhere, not only in the pilgrim towns of the Char Dham circuit but also enroute, on the highways and on the roadways! Many of the sages walk the entire way up to the hills from the plains on foot, basically doing the entire pilgrimage as a ‘padyatra’ meaning ‘pilgrimage on foot’.

@At various points enroute to the Char Dhams

These ascetics leave the plains, making their way forward by camping over several days probably even months, to reach their destination. After completion of their padyatra, some of them decide to stay put for meditation in the upper reaches of the Himalayas while the rest of the pilgrim town is shutting down activity for 6 months of the year!

5. Local Takeaways

Handmade woolies, caps, sweaters and shawls – the town people have great dexterity in their hands and they weave magic with it! Have a look...

Garhwali caps and other woolies @the lane leading to the Gangotri temple

Sweaters and jackets @the market in the Badrinath town

Local woolen souvenirs @The Mana Village

The most amazing aspect of all these articles is that not only are they available for cheap, after some amount of bargaining of course, but they also come with a promise –

A promise to keep you warm with memories of the place long after you are gone…