Tabo, Rampur, Chandigarh and home

Over the next three days, it started getting warmer.

But first, we had to deal with Tabo. Inside a house, it was warm. Outside, it froze.

For those who have never been there, Tabo is in a valley, mountains not too far on each side. The wind rips thru as though it has somewhere to be in a great hurry. More than the cold, we needed to stay away from the wind.

Met a few ice climbers there. They do that as a hobby. Come winter, they go around finding ice faces and climbing them. Fantastic.

 9th February, had a hearty well stuffed aloo paratha with a couple of eggs. Then sat waiting for our vehicle to start. Ran out of patience after a bit.

Went into the blowing chill to the road side where fires were being gradually moved along the fuel pipeline.

It wasn't until hot water was poured onto the fuel nozzles in the engine that the Isuzu decided to start.

The drive to our hotel about 20 kilometers past Rampur was a pleasure. Great seats, warm interiors. Had lunch at a roadside dhaba. They served a fixed meal of Rajma, aloo gobi, rice and rotis. It had about 20 seats. And, was packed when we went. Repacked after we left. Great food. 

Hot shower at Rampur. Each room had it's very own geyser, instead of the fancy central heat.

10th February. My daughter and I gave our guide a well earned rest. Daughter drove up to Narkhanda. Got a good feel of snow and ice while driving. I drove down to Chandigarh, thru traffic. Stopped briefly in Shimla to pick up fruit wine for my elder girl.

Got into Chandigarh at an odd hour. Too late for lunch. 

Headed out to buy myself some bottles of Ballantyne's Finest. Costs less than a third of what I pay at home. On the way back stopped at a mithai shop for Samosas and Katchodi. Well sated.

11th February.

Parted ways at the airport, each heading our own way.

End of an absolutely brilliant experience. It had everything. Great drive, driving experience on ice and in snow, snow storms at Kufri and Chicham, brilliant terrain, and then the wildlife. The icing was the pair of Snow Leopards.

Will be going back to take my grand kids on some treks during summer.