Monday 10 Sept - Manali Trek Day 1

Mum Dad and I left Manai (1865m) just before midday on a very warm and humid day climbing steadily through the Cedar forest
on the northern side of the Kullu Valley.

Our crew of 11 consists of 6 ponies, Dorje (Chief Guide), Prem (Asst Guide), Shaym (Cook), Amichand (Senior Pony Man), and
Bipin (Pony Man, & Son of Amichand).

It's a good climb, no flat at all through mostly open forest filled with good stuff like stinging nettle and other ground cover that keeps both Mum and Dad busy with their cameras.

During our lunch stop at 2pm we find shelter under the trees from first hail, and then light rain.

Reaching our camp ite (2950m) at 3pm the heavens open and pelt us with hail stones the size of marbles hile the temperature
plummets.

Safely tucked up in a tent was the only place to be!

Also starting their own trek at the same time were Mario and Tajana, a young couple from Croatia. Their party travelled with
us for the first half of our trek.