I am a big mountain fan and I am blessed that I live in India, the home to the Himalayas. And if I want more there is always Nepal and Bhutan next door. However our ‘main’ hill stations like Shimla, Manali, Nainital etc are extremely crowded, particularly over holidays and weekends. They are over constructed too. However, the solution to the problem is also simple. Just move out a few kilometers from the main hill station and it is all beauty and solitude. Fagu Himachal Pradesh is just 22 kilometers away from Shimla but it is a different world out there. Admittedly there is no nightlife, and other than the HPTDC hotel, I spotted no restaurants as well. There are a few kirana shops and there is nature on a grand scale.
Remember my letter to the mountain gods? Looks like it worked partially. I got an absolutely gorgeous day at the beginning of the trip. After that it snowed and it was business as usual but I am not complaining.
Even though I have been to quite a few places close to Shimla like Chail, Narkanda, Naldhera and Hail Himalayas near Sadhupul, this was my first glimpse of the snow capped ranges. I so wanted to see them glow red at sunset, but then mountain gods had other ideas. Even though it was a clear day, by sunset the whole range disappeared behind a veil of clouds, but even then I am not complaining.
We were staying at the HPTDC property Apple Blossom. There was a temple behind it and a tila (hillock) beyond it. It was our favorite walking ground. I actually liked that stray white cloud because it made the scene even more pretty.
On the hillock was this lonely house which was locked. There were no other accommodations around it. I wonder if this is just a store house?
And even when I got mist, it was beautiful on this trip to Fagu. This year the effort is going to be to go to the Himalayas whenever possible.
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Awesome views and photos
Thank you Rupam.
Ahh, the mountain gods were indeed kind to you!! I love the top- and bottom-most images the best. The multi-layered hills and mists in between create a wonderful atmosphere. Kudos!
Thank you Stan for telling me your favorites 😀
A wonderful sky! Happy SWF!
Thank you so much Hans.
Some award-winning shots, here!! My favorite is the Lonely House… beautiful!!
You are so kind Peter, thank you for your encouraging words.
gorgeous skies and views. thanks for sharing.
Thank you for stopping by Felicia.
What beautiful images. You are right about our hill stations been destroyed! How is the MTDC hotel in Fagu? And the food?
HPTDC is a simple hotel, but clean. I liked the food Param. It is big of course and has beautiful views.
I like how the mountains and sky blend into one color.
JM, IL-U.S.A.
Thank you JM.
I always love moving out of the main cities and live in isolated hills stations. I am again a huge fan of hills and feel lucky to be born in Himachal 🙂 …
Fagu is a beautiful place and when covered when white sheet, it looks awesome. I have been their during apple harvest season as well and love the hospitality of home-stays there.
Thanks for the tip about the apple harvest season Vijay, I will try to do it sometime.
This blue is so intoxicating, lovely pics.
Thank you Indrani.
Fagu is beautiful… i would say much better than going to Simla…awesome pics.
Prasad but for some people it would be too quiet 😀 I entirely agree that it is much better than Shimla.
Love these unknown little destinations. Feels good to wander through those roads and gaze from the vantage points.
Indeed Niranjan, with the main ones getting so crowded, the smaller ones truly feel like an escape.
Stunning photos. Loved your Fagu posts.
Thank you so much Svetlana.
Magnificent views of the mountains and sky… wow, how blessed you are to live in such a beautiful place.
Thank you so much Laura.
Wonderful set of pictures…… Particularly liked the last one……..
Thank you Debopam, it was a beautiful sight as well 😀
Fantastic shots 🙂
Thank you Ravish.
All blue blue , awesome pics !
Thank you Mahesh.
Lets minus the fact that they have no nightlife.
But the view they offer is something which not many places can.
Beautiful place.
Good pictures!!
Thank you so much.
Heavenly views! You take us to a different world through your wonderful capture, Mridula 🙂 Thank you!
Thank you Sindhu, I really love being in the mountains!