Vast Open Spaces...

... are calling us again, we (Sesha, Elder Nephew and me) would be off this week to Lahaul and Spiti ... I live for these holidays ...

Hadsar, Himachal Pradesh, India

Hadsar (Himanchal Pradesh): The Best Room in the Town

A Picture from Hadsar, Himanchal Pradesh

We visited Bharmour in the December 2005. We had no definite 'to do' plans for the trip and after reaching there and resting for a day, we decided to walk 12/13 kilometers to Hadsar (even though jeeps ply on this road in plentiful) and spend a day or two out there. The good folks at the Rajdhani Hotel recommended us the Shanti Guesthouse at Hadsar.

As I dragged myself for the last couple of kilometers toward Hadsar, the signboard proclaiming the Shanti Guesthouse was such a welcome sight. We were the only guests staying there in the cold December. The off season room rate was Rs. 150 and this was suppose to be the best and most expensive place to stay.

The most apt word to describe the room is damp. We were carrying our own sleeping bags and I would put the quilt provided on top of it to keep the cold away. Sesha managed to convince me that drinking some rum neat is a better way to keep the cold away. I do not like the taste of alcohol but I dislike cold even more. So, I gave it a shot and realized that it really worked. I wish I was brave enough to post my photograph online where I am sipping rum, I make such ugly faces!

But what the room lacked, the peace and quiet all around and the views made up amply for it.