We joined a team of river rafters for a 14-km stretch down the Beas river. Many from the team took a dip in water before boarding the raft. The rafting is carefully monitored by experts. One of them joins the team -- a raft typically boards eight to nine people -- to row the raft. While another one leads in a feisty-looking kayak to warn of any danger ahead.
Those who had previously tried rafting were rowing the raft while others steered along holding tight on to the ropes. While it is fun most of the time, it gets a little scary when a huge wave or a boulder hits the raft.
A little ahead the Parvati river meets the Beas and the water level rise considerably. River rafting on these rivers is quite different from doing it on the Ganga in Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. The former is more technical because of the big chunky rocks, whereas in the latter, one encounters frequent rapids and big waves.
Our five-day trip to Manali came to an end but with a promise to return, preferably during off season.
We hope to visit a few unexplored destinations; that includes a trek to Malana, a mysterious village near Chandra Khani Pass beyond Naggar. It is known for all the strange reasons: it is said to be inhabited by the descendents of soldiers from Alexander’s army, is ruled by the locally formed democratic authority and outsiders are not allowed to touch things around here.
Malana is famous for cultivation of the world's best charas.
Other interesting places around Manali are the hot springs in Vashist, Manikaran, and Rewalsar Lake.
For details on accommodation etc, visit the HPTDC web site.
Text and photographs: Vidisha and Manish Gupta
Also read: Mussoorie: The Queen of Hill Stations
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