By Amanpreet Singh
Hey, Cloggers! We decided to tackle a truly epic dual challenge: experiencing the green, misty magic of Shillong in the East and then crossing the continent to climb the snow-dusted peaks around Manali in the West. This was a massive logistical challenge, but the payoff—two completely different versions of the Indian Himalayas—was worth every chaotic moment with the crew: Rahul, Simran, Vikram, and myself.
The Misty Magic of Shillong (The Lovely Start)
Shillong is pure romance. The city, often called the “Scotland of the East,” is characterized by rolling green hills, dense pine forests, and constant, ethereal mist. We spent our first three days soaking in this Lovely atmosphere.
The fun with friends began immediately at Shillong Peak. We drove up the winding road, and when we reached the viewpoint, the entire city was covered in a thick, cotton-wool blanket of fog. We couldn’t see anything! We spent half an hour making up stories about what was hidden beneath the clouds, laughing at the irony of chasing a viewpoint only to find zero visibility.
The Beautiful Moment came later, at Ward’s Lake, a serene spot where we rented a paddle boat. Surrounded by lush greenery and the faint, cool mist, we slowed down. It was a peaceful, quiet afternoon of easy conversation and shared appreciation for the gentle beauty of the Khasi Hills—a true contrast to our usual high-speed trips.
The Rugged Peaks of Manali (The Epic Finale)
After the peaceful mist of the East, we flew west to Chandigarh and drove toward the intense beauty of Manali. Here, the landscape changes from gentle green to stark, snow-capped rock. This was the Epic phase.
Our main mission was to ascend to Solang Valley. The air grew thinner, the roads grew steeper, and the adrenaline returned. Solang Valley is a hub of adventure, and we plunged headfirst into the action—paragliding! Seeing Rahul, the perpetually nervous one, launch himself off a massive slope was a spectacle of courage and pure terror. The views from the sky were immense, showcasing the rugged, overwhelming scale of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges.
The final fun with friends moment came at dinner. We were bundled up in a cozy cafe in Old Manali, trading tales of our near-tumbles during paragliding and discussing the crazy logistical leap we had made across the country. We realized that whether we were covered in the green mist of Shillong or dusting snow off our jackets in Manali, the real adventure was always the shared experience.
This journey—from the gentle, spiritual beauty of Shillong to the high-octane, breathtaking altitudes of Manali—proved that friendship is the only constant across any landscape.
Which part of this dual adventure would you tackle first? The East or the West? Let me know below!
Stay high, Amanpreet Singh clogtheblog.com
