Warning – This post is image heavy.
Duly fortified after lunch, we went out to explore the orchards around the hotel at Kalpa, Kinnaur. This region is known for its apples, apricot, almonds, and chilgoza. Wherever we turned, there was something fresh to eat. It was a pleasure to have the fruits without stickers.
There were a lot of tourists and bikers staying at the hotel. The tourist season starts from March and in winter most of the hotels in the area remain closed as the temperature can drop to -15 degrees. There are a couple of hamlets, temples, and monasteries in Kalpa which are worth a visit but today I want to do nothing but commune with nature.
Kalpa is at a height of 2960 meters and I am gazing at mountains at 6000 meters. The majestic Kinnaur Kailash Range has Raldang, Jorkanden, Kinner Kailash and a 17m rock pillar Shivling peaks. I couldn’t make out which is which. All the peaks are enveloped in the clouds. The glaciers stood out like thin white lines.
In mythology, Kailash is the winter abode of Lord Shiva. In the month of August, devotees take up a difficult trek to circumambulate the sacred mountain.
It was 18:30 and dark clouds were still hiding the peaks. I was content gazing at the vastness of the sky and the mountains. And then the clouds lifted and we could see a golden peak glowing with dazzling rays.
The next moments went by in a flash.I watched spellbound. The celestial light seemed to glow brighter each moment. It was a divine experience and words fail me.
The ethereal display lasted for about 5 minutes and the clouds reclaimed their spot.
All of us were in a euphoric daze. My friend was in tears. Someone said they could see Lord Shiva atop the summit. There must be an explanation for the sun rays lighting up that peak but today I am going to believe in miracles and don’t want to be rigidly scientific. I don’t think my pictures do it full justice. The following images are from Ajay.
After this soul stirring experience, I could see a change in the group. Yes, the mountain has cast a spell on us.We became more open and friendly. What a special day this has been!
The next day we were up early and lined up in the balcony hoping to see the sunrise. Alas, the mountain was unwilling to take off the fluffy cloud caps. I guess they were playing peekaboo.
I wish we had more time to stay and watch the clouds play. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to spend as much time here as I would have liked. By 9:00, we were ready to hit the road. Spiti is getting closer.
Wow… so beautiful .. think you had an amazing experience
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Thank you very much, Harshani. It was a blissful experience which I am going to cherish forever.
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WOW! Fascinated me… what a beautiful place, view, photographs… Thank you dear Sidran, you did again, took me in this amazing travel. Love, nia (By the way I couldn’t stop myself to share with my readers your post)
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Immensely happy and humbled, Nia. Kinnaur is a fairy land and no wonder Gods choose to reside here.
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Dear Sidran, these photos are truly beautiful and surreal. I love the photos of the peak of the mountain – wow….no wonder your friend was brought to tears. This is such a beautiful post.
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I am happy that you like it. The mountain peaks reminded me of sculptures- such perfection, symmetry, and colors can only be seen in nature. Thank you very much, Sue.
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Photo heavy is great when they are all that good! Lovely selection indeed.
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What a lovely comment! I am profoundly thankful to Lord Shiva and all the Gods. I think I need to top up my karma to have more such experiences.
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We all need experiences like that!
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The Himalayas are the ultimate destination for me. I have had a few remarkable experiences in the mountains, similar to the one you describe here, and they have left a mark on me. I’d love to actually glimpse to greatest mountains on Earth one day.
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Mountains have that magic to touch you in so many ways. May your dreams come true! Thank you very much for stopping by. Much appreciated.
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It’s so beautiful there.Happy i can read this post..Superb photos
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A nature lover like you would find this place captivating. Thank you very much.
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But I am so sorry I am too old now for travelling so far away, but sure I like it.
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Wow – that golden glowing mountain top shining out from the clouds – how superb!
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It was magical. Thank you very much.
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a beautiful gallery with wonderful photos
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Much appreciated.
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A glimpse of heaven indeed ~ those photos of the clouds wrapping around the peaks and the sunlight breaking through…moments so beautiful and rare, and you’ve captured this feeling so well with your words and photos. I would imagine people visiting this place could easily stay for months just enjoying the nature and scenery unfold every day. Wonderful.
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I wish I could do that. And I fervently hope this place retains its charms. Thank you very much.
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The opening shot is phenomenally beautiful! It looks like a famous painting.
Clouds or not, you captured the peak, and it’s spectacular. I am so impressed with your bravery, and all the gorgeous images and culture you have captured for us all to see on this journey you went on.
Looking forward to the next post!
Take care, Sidran, and much admiration to you. xo
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Your comments are so encouraging, Resa. Thanks a lot and looking forward to your art gown.
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I love nature in all its facets! But the mountains, WOW, amazing and enchantingly beautiful! I love the pictures where the mountain top rises from the clouds… As it tells us: “look here I am, your lord!” I have enjoyed your pictures…
Best regards, Heidi
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I am enchanted by your kind words, Heidi. Mountains have that incredible power to hypnotize and transport one to exotic lands.
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simply beautiful 🙂
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The abode of Gods!
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Stunning photos! I love the first few – orchards are always so gorgeous.
Kathrin — http://mycupofenglishtea.wordpress.com
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All the more if they are following organic farming.Thank you very much.
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Absolutely. My mom has an orchard like that.
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There’s something about mountains – immense, powerful, seemingly defiant of time. Add clouds, dramatic light, and it does seem you get a glimpse of heaven.
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It was surreal and supreme. Thank you very much.
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Magnificent photography
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The heavens.. captured from eye level 🙂
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Wish I had more time out there! Thank you.
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The scenery is magnificent. The clouds add a lot of drama but it would have been good to have seen it on a less cloudy day as well. The fruits are tempting. Were you allowed to pick them?
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Yes, the clouds had the upper hand that day. No complaints; we gorged ourselves on the vistas and fruits!
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