Readme before you journey
"12 Days of Solo Travel: Exploring the World Alone"
"The aimless journey of a woman lacking substance and purpose."
"First attempt at a review, but… it can hardly be called a full-fledged review. The information may not be complete. Apologies in advance."
Part 1 Delhi - Shimla: https://th.readme.me/p/14393
Episode 2: Dharamsala - Manali
This sentence describes the second episode of a journey from Dharamsala to Manali. The link provided leads to a Thai-language resource with more information.
August 21, 2014
05:00 AM arrival in Manali. It was still pitch dark, and everyone was still sleepy and sluggish. Since I hadn't made any friends on the bus (secretly thinking I had made a mistake), I had to take the risk of taking a taxi to Old Manali alone. I gambled with the Indian driver, wondering if this time I would be tricked into staying in a terrible place. He said the same script as everyone else: "If you don't like the place I take you, it's okay, but if you're okay with it, you don't have to pay for the taxi."
However, due to the pitch-black darkness surrounding us, I couldn't help but feel suspicious of him. I wondered where he was taking me, and how far we had come. I couldn't help but ask him repeatedly, "Can I trust you? I've encountered so many awful rooms in the past. If you're going to take me to another one like that, stop right now. Don't waste my time. I can find a room myself." He replied innocently, "Look! I have pictures of the room. It's exactly like this, I wouldn't lie to you."
"Come on, let's see! … Honestly, I was curious and wanted to see too, so I decided to follow…"
The guesthouse entrance was very local, passing through huts, houses, and cow sheds into a small alley. I thought to myself, "I've been tricked by the guest again." But I still held my breath and continued walking. After a while, I found a guesthouse called Karma Cottage. It was a two-story building, relatively new. When I opened the room, it was a bit stuffy and dusty, but it was still good value for 300 rupees. I took it. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I fell asleep. I'll go sightseeing in the morning.
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Manali: A Charming Hill Station in the Himalayas
Manali, nestled in the picturesque Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is a captivating hill station that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural charm, and adventure opportunities. Its strategic location makes it easily accessible, while its compact size allows for convenient exploration.
Divided into two distinct sections, New Manali and Old Manali, each offers a unique experience. New Manali serves as the modern hub, housing the bustling bus stand, shopping mall, and tourist center. In contrast, Old Manali, the heart of the tourist scene, boasts a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of Patong Beach in Thailand. Here, visitors can find a plethora of guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and trekking equipment rentals, catering to every need.
The charm of Old Manali lies in its lively streets lined with shops and cafes, offering a delightful mix of local and international flavors. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the tantalizing scents of Indian spices. The vibrant atmosphere is further enhanced by the presence of numerous adventure enthusiasts, creating a dynamic and energetic ambiance.
A culinary highlight of Manali is the delectable Trout fish, a local delicacy that is expertly prepared in various styles. Whether grilled, fried, or curried, the Trout offers a unique and flavorful experience that is sure to tantalize the taste buds.
In conclusion, Manali presents a captivating destination for travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and adventure. Its convenient location, diverse offerings, and charming atmosphere make it an ideal choice for a memorable Himalayan escape.
It was past 11 am when I finally left my room. I wandered around looking for something to eat (I noticed that I use the word "wander" a lot, haha). I stopped to ask about transportation from Manali to Leh… my goal was the Bus Stand (this trip has me constantly thinking about bus stations). I was told that I could walk there, so I continued walking until I found my destination. After checking the information, I summarized it as follows:
The provided text is a hyperlink to a specific topic on the Pantip website. As a large language model, I am unable to access and translate the content of the linked webpage. To translate the content, you would need to provide the actual text from the webpage or the specific information you want translated.
Please provide the text you want translated, and I will do my best to assist you.
1. Two-day Leh trip, departing in the morning and arriving in Leh in the evening of the next day. Includes everything: camp, food (2 meals), and transportation. Price: 2,000 rupees.
- Advantages: Convenient, easy, no need to arrange anything else. The minibus is more comfortable than a jeep.
- Disadvantages: Too comfortable! (Haha)
2. One-day trip from Delhi to Leh:
Pros:
- Faster arrival: Reaches Leh faster.
- More affordable: Costs 1,000 rupees.
- Popular choice: Preferred by most travelers.
Cons:
- Excludes meals: Does not include food expenses.
- Night departure: Departs at night, missing daytime views.
Local Bus to Leh: An Adventure with Uncertainty
Traveling to Leh by local bus offers an adventurous and immersive experience, allowing you to connect with the local community and witness the stunning landscapes firsthand. However, this option comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties.
Cost: The ticket price to Leh is typically under 600 rupees. However, additional expenses such as food, accommodation, and unforeseen circumstances can make the overall cost fluctuate.
Pros:
- Authentic Experience: Immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with fellow travelers.
- Adventure and Excitement: Embrace the unpredictable nature of the journey and enjoy the thrill of the unknown.
Cons:
- Accommodation: You may need to stay overnight in Keylong, which might not align with your preference for camping in Jispa.
- Limited Transportation: Only one bus departs from Keylong to Leh daily, requiring you to reach Keylong before the ticket counter closes.
- Uncertainty: The unpredictable nature of the journey can lead to unexpected delays or changes in plans.
Overall, the local bus to Leh presents a unique and adventurous option for budget-conscious travelers seeking an authentic experience. However, be prepared for the challenges and uncertainties that come with this mode of transportation.
The difference can be summarized as follows: I would like to take some time to think and review. I have finished sending the postcard. I am looking for a car to go back to the Old Manali area. Who would want to walk back? It's uphill. I saw a prepaid rickshaw and walked over to see the program. There are 3 types of sightseeing tours to choose from. I'll take one. I'm free to ride around the city. I can choose whether or not to go to each place, and they will calculate the price for me. The final price is 350 rupees, delivered to Old Manali.
However, to be honest, there are not many interesting attractions in the city. Most tourists come here for adventure activities, but it only takes about 2 hours to see, learn, and experience everything (including visiting the Hindu temple). Personally, I like Manali. The city is not too small to feel suffocating, but not too big that you can't walk anywhere. The people are friendly, and there is a good system for managing rickshaws, so you don't have to waste time bargaining unless you hail one yourself. The weather is also cool and pleasant, with a river flowing through the city and beautiful scenery surrounding it. Most importantly, it is a gateway city to the Ladakh region. Tourists also have a wide variety of activities to choose from, and the hotels are affordable.
Dodging cow dung on the path before reaching the accommodation was fun, until the point where my thoughts fell apart... In the end, I decided to find my own way to the next stop. The reason I chose this option was because I felt like experiencing some excitement and adventure (hehe, and it turned out to be more exciting than I expected).
The sun is shy this evening, making me crave congee with canned clams. I think I'll cook some congee myself. Bidding farewell to Manali, the gateway to Ladakh. Tomorrow, we'll prepare to climb to an altitude of 3,000-5,000 meters, entering the aridity of the sandstone mountains, cut off from the outside world. We'll follow the scenic highways of the Himalayas, where nature and destiny will test us.
.................................
Luggage in hand, I hoisted my backpack onto my shoulders and stepped out of my accommodation. The early morning streets were deserted, not a single rickshaw in sight. Panic set in. If I couldn't find a ride, the walk to the bus station would mean missing my 7 am bus for sure.
A familiar sound caught my attention. A rickshaw pulled up alongside me, offering a ride for 80 rupees. I decided to play hard to get and countered with an offer of 50 rupees, pretending to walk away. (It was a gamble, but I figured they wouldn't let me go.) My tactic worked, and the driver reluctantly agreed to my price.
But as if fate played a cruel joke, the car stalled in the middle of the road. Now what? We all had to get out and push, both passengers and the driver. When the traffic jam started, we were all happy (especially me).
The bus to Keylong hadn't arrived at the station yet. Suddenly, a man approached and offered to share a ride, claiming he needed to drop off his uncle nearby. I was cautious, asking if he was trustworthy and wouldn't sell me to someone. I mentioned having Indian friends and requested to see the car, its license plate, and the driver. I pretended to make a phone call, stating that if I disappeared, it wouldn't be his fault. He remained calm and allowed me to take photos and ask questions until I felt comfortable. Sensing no danger, I decided to join him (perhaps a bit too trusting?).
We were three people in total: Prashant, the driver, my uncle, and me. They were kind enough to let me choose whether to sit in the front or the back. Um... since there were two of them, I thought it would be better to sit in the back. What if something happened? I could still jump out (or could I?).
The journey began around 6:30 AM. The air was pleasantly cool, and the scenery was breathtaking. Prachan (allow me to write it this way) was incredibly polite, patient, and spoke fluent English with a clear, almost accentless voice. He frequently stopped the car for us to take pictures, even without us asking, which made us feel a bit不好意思. He also acted as our guide, explaining the route, rivers, and mountains. After a while, we realized we could truly trust him, so we started chatting about various topics and hit it off.
Soon, we reached Rohtang La Pass (3,980 meters), the first pass on this route. We took a break to enjoy warm tea in the cool morning air. The lush pine forests were shrouded in mist that drifted along the valleys. After crossing the pass, we entered the Ladakh region, where the landscape began to change. The lush greenery gave way to a dry, rocky terrain. The scenic views continued to captivate us, and we arrived in Keylong after approximately five hours.
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Parachan, acting as both our friend and driver, checked the Leh-bound car schedule, which departs daily at 5 am. He then asked us what we wanted to do next. We expressed our desire to stay in Jispa and take a shared taxi there, hoping for better luck (our initial plan of 1-2-3 days didn't work out as we were restless and kept looking for places to stay). After saying goodbye to Parachan, we stopped for lunch. Parachan confessed that he hadn't eaten breakfast yet. He had refused the bread we offered him earlier on the car ride out of courtesy and then insisted on paying for our lunch. We were the ones who should have been feeling grateful.
This is a link to a Pantip topic.
Approximately 20 kilometers from Jispa Camp, Prachanapha searched for accommodation, but options were limited. He began to express doubt about finding a shared taxi from this location. He repeatedly asked if we were sure and if we should return to Keylong, where at least there were local buses with predictable schedules. He felt it was a better option than waiting to hail a ride at Jispa.
Translation:
We came across a rather large hotel compared to the others, so we went in to inquire. We were told that all the rooms were full, only tents were available. That's exactly what we wanted! A full hotel means we have a chance to meet many groups of tourists, as most people who come this way are heading to Leh. If no one agrees to take us with them, the worst-case scenario is that we simply go out early in the morning and wait for the only local bus coming from Keylong at dawn.
He looked at the wise man with a firm gaze, saying that he would stay there. If he couldn't find a car, he would hitchhike. If they didn't stop, he would stand in the middle of the road. But he still asked again in case we changed our minds, if we would go back to Keylong... But then, when he saw that we wouldn't change our minds, he entrusted us to the hotel staff and left his phone number in case we needed help. Before leaving, he asked to take a picture to remember the moment, the moment we helped and took care of each other so well... and promised that if everything went well, he would call.
Today was another memorable day on this trip. As I marveled at the scenery passing by, I couldn't help but smile. I couldn't help but think that if we hadn't opened our hearts, we wouldn't have made these friendships along the way. It's true, we have no way of knowing who or what we will encounter each day, but if we close ourselves off, we will never discover the new things that come our way.
I explained to the wise men that I had originally intended to purchase a ticket with a package, but I felt it was too easy and lacked excitement. So I decided to come and find it myself instead.
Indeed, Prachan, we share the same sentiment. Had we chosen differently, we wouldn't be here today, surrounded by such kind and compassionate individuals, even though we were initially strangers.
This is a great opportunity to relax and unwind. Since 2 pm, I've been busy doing laundry and writing notes about the Tent accommodation. It's excellent, with a private bathroom separate from the tent (well, it is 1200 rupees, after all). However, I'm worried it might get very cold at night, and I don't have much in the way of warm clothes. I only brought the bare essentials, so I'll have to layer them up and hope for the best.
Translation:
The original text describes a change in travel plans. The speaker initially intended to travel to Lake Moriri from Leh, but later decided to meet a friend from Leh in Pang to avoid backtracking. They made a tentative agreement to meet, but planned to confirm the details later.
Here's the translated text:
The original plan was to travel to Lake Moriri from Leh. However, to avoid backtracking, we decided to meet a friend from Leh in Pang. We made a tentative agreement to meet, but planned to confirm the details later.
Here is the translation of the text:
At Jispa, where there is usually a phone signal, there is none today! I wanted a thriller, and I got it!
The provided text is in Thai. Here is the translation in English:
Part 4:
Wanderer Error
Friday, November 8, 2024 4:30 PM
