Sangla, Sangla Valley, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India, 8 July 2017, 1600 hours

It’s been an odd trip so far. Odd in the sense that I don’t find myself running off to a hill or dale at every opportunity. Usually, when I travel in the mountains, I notice every turn and trail and while I immensely enjoy the experience every minute, I also realise that it is work for me since am walking with a purpose. But this time around, I am not working, my work mind is switched off completely, and I am soaking in everything with no intention of doing anything with all the experience and information except to just be in the moment with the family and enjoy all of it for myself and them.

We came back to the hotel around 3 and after a relaxed lunch of hot rotis, steaming rice, dal, garden fresh vegetables tossed in a light masala and omelettes, I have been just lounging around the hotel, looking at the hills, watching clouds go by, and listening to the conversations.

Occasionally a thought about the nearby Trout Farm or Rupin Pass or Khanits crosses my mind. I smile at the thought, say hello and goodbye and go back to lying prone with no intention of doing anything worthwhile.

That’s the point of a holiday. To do nothing.

Here’s a view of the Baspa at Chitkul from a hill that we climbed this morning.