Batseri, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaBatseri - Altitude : 2500 mtrs ; 8200 ft
I've come to one of the most beautiful places I have been to.
The small village of Batseri on the road to the China border.
This is a small village in the valley next to the Baspa river. The Baspa river originates from a glacier in the border area between Himachal, Uttarakhand and China and then flows down into Himachal and merges with the Sutlej. Tall mountains and a swift flowing very pretty river - what more can you ask.
I went down to the river naturally and stepping across stones, went into the river and sat down on a rock. The roar of the river, the view of the tall mountains, the peace and calm - outstanding. The water is crystal clear, but icy cold. After all its just flowed off a glacier.
This is why I have come to Kinnaur. To soak in the tranquility of remote places in the mountains. I sat, with the sun on my back for as long as I wished and was at peace. I even took a video snippet, which is in the photos section.
You can camp here, or chicken out and stay in a lovely hotel . No prizes for guessing which one I opted for. I am a wuss and am justifying the need for comfort on the grounds of advancing years !
The village is a neat quaint village. There is a nice Badrinarayan temple, which I went to in the evening. Apple orchards all around - this is their chief source of income. The fruit is waiting to be plucked - apparently it will be done in the next couple of weeks. Life is hard here. In this one, and every other village I am going to visit from now on, winters are brutal. Water freezes in the pipes and they have to melt ice for water. No plumbing all through winter. Roads are frequently blocked by snow. Nature makes you pay a price for beauty.
You really can come to this place and forget the rest of the world. I did, for at least a day.
PS : This was the day before the rains started and in beautiful sunshine.
Suja
2018-09-25
In ancient times, Sadhus and Sanyasis used to go to these kind of places to meditate...I can imagine you sitting on your rock in your own kind of meditation and communion with nature :)
Sandhya Sriram
2018-09-25
Continuing with Suja’s comment, you are no less than a yogi yourself Ramesh, through our your career and your life, you have been a rare example of a true Karma Yogi, relentlessly pursuing excellence with no personal expectations, the only pursuit more important than your work probably is your care for your people. And till date you stand like a banyan tree in whose shade many rest and whose branches many seek support. Beautiful pictures !!!
Vaingluory
2018-09-25
+1 to both the above posts.
indigoite
2018-09-26
@Suja - God, I am starting to sound like a sadhu !
indigoite
2018-09-26
@Sandhya - Oh My God. The only words in your comment I can relate to are the last two !
indigoite
2018-09-26
@Vaingluory - Et tu ?
Dada
2018-09-26
I am glad you found this place, and I hope you keep finding yourself as well. Otherwise what is the point of solitude in the Himalayas? Drive safe.
Gayathri Shenoy
2018-09-26
Wow!! Its truly beautiful!
indigoite
2018-09-26
@Dada - Indeed so. Very such place is very conducive to reflection and peace.
indigoite
2018-09-26
@Gayathri - Indeed so.
Emma
2018-09-26
Oh so beautiful! Did you try drinking the river water? I bet it’s tastier and healthier than any Evian or Himalayan water in Bangalore!
Gils
2018-09-28
Pazhaya Hindi Padam paakarapola iruku. Semmma locales
indigoite
2018-09-28
@Emma - Missed the trick. Should have done it
indigoite
2018-09-28
@Gilsu - Pudhu padamla India scenay kadaiyatha ? Only Switzerland ?
Vincy
2018-10-03
I have heard this from my Trekker friends that life in the mountains is not easy especially in the winter and many of them tell them the treks to the mountains have made them value the simple things that we so easily get in our lives - like tap water all through the year. Yes important to realise the value of what we have got. most of the time, we realise it only when we lose the simple joys of life.
Vincy
2018-10-03
after reading Suja's and Sandhya's comments, i feel lucky to have known you, even if its just through blogs.
indigoite
2018-10-03
@Vincy - Absolutely so , on the simple necessities of life.. And awwwww. I am lucky to have known you too likewise from the blogging world.