Manali & Manikaran Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, India

Welcome!

This is the sixth and last posting of my trip to India in June. Manali, in the Kullu district is the town where everyone, who wants to travel through the Rhotang pass to Leh, hangs out. Manikaran Sahib is a very special Sikh Temple built on the wild river Parvati and on hot springs.

I hope you enjoy the photos. My trip to Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh was one of the most memorable. Apart from the stunning scenery and the lovely people, I had the most wonderful travelling companions. From the left in the photo above, Harvinder, Amrit, Naved and Bob. Next time I'll post photos of Florentine architecture from a little know Tuscan city called Pistoia.
















What a view to wake up to!
















Taken from our hotel in Manali
















We stayed in upper Manali, in the peace and
quiet away from the hustle and bustle of
downtown













Colourful houses up on the hills
















The river Beas is a great attraction
















The locals find ways to have fun
















The intrepid four waiting for the pass to open,
which it never did!
















Downtown Manali. This street is known as
"the Mall" (Mall Road). A great place for a
walk....















...or for just sitting and watching the world go by

















Mata Temple on the Mall
















I think he must be a craftsman, judging from
what he is carrying on the front of his bike






















Public ear cleaning!


















Thoughtful














Animated
















Giving. Sikhs give out free milk












Taking a rest

















A yak, gorgeous animal






















Didgeridoo player
















Manikaran Sahib on the Parvati river.
The temple is special to Sikhs because of its
association with Guru Nanak, who visited
Manikaran
















The wet weather with low cloud on the hills
together with the wild, racing river, created
a magical atmosphere, charged with energy
















You can see the steam from the hot springs
















There are three pools for people to bathe in. It
is said the water contains radioactive elements
like uranium. I wondered why I was glowing!
















One is outside






















The pool for the men is through
this main entrance to the right.
There is also a pool for the ladies.
The water is very hot! It was a great
experience bathing and then eating
in the temple. The Sikhs always
provide food for everyone
















On the right Harvinder. Me on the left
















The two of us with Bob

Thanks for coming. Come back to see a Tuscan
city called Pistoia, which is about 35 km from
Florence. I worked there from 1979 to 1983