22-Aug (Wed):
|
Khajjiar
|
Jammu
|
Khajjar – Pathankot – Jammu
|
12.15 PM
|
8 PM
|
219 KMS
|
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| Route Map |
Day break was with a mist cover all around our
hotel. It had also rained overnight. We
felt it was a flop show for all the adventure that we had planned for the day
(Paragliding, Zorbing) at Khajjiar Lake. Avinash was pretty disappointed that
with this weather, he would not be able to have clear view of the Guest House
that was on his mind all night long.
Cloud cover cleared by around 8, and to his
surprise, the lake and the guest house that was on his mind was right in front
of us. Cheered each other like mad guys after a cricket match. Got ready
quickly to go out for a photo shoot which almost lasted 3 hrs long!
 |
| View from hotel room |
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| Zoomed view |
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| Golden pillar on left has a direction / distance board to SWITZERLAND (6194 Kms) |
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| Walkway all around the lake |
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| The Team |
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| The famed HPTDC Guest House (Haunted ??) |
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=334384833305135&set=pb.188236081253345.-2207520000.1350404452&type=1&permPage=1
Meanwhile
Pandu had left both the keys of Scorp inside Scorp and he was getting ready for
a shower of swears from Avinash. Even though we got to know from Pandu, we did
not want to spoil Avinash’s elated mood. We found a right moment and prompted
Pandu to disclose the same.
Avinash walked back to car in a bad mood (as
it would certainly spoil the plan for the rest of the day) and was working out
an all alternatives to open up the car. We completed last leg of our shoot and
when we returned, the work was not yet over. He had tried all the known tricks
till then. By then a HP gang of guys came in a XYLO. I spoke to them and asked
for the help (from the driver). But to our surprise, the whole gang of boys
were on the job of saving the car from any damage, and yet open up the car.
They showed their dexterity in opening up the beading of the rear door window
and helped us opening the car. With the same dexterity, they also replaced the
window pane. Job done without a bit of damage to the car. However, Pandu came
to senses and was happy that all ended with a happy note. The guys also shared
info on the quality of the road ahead towards Kishtwar where Avinash was to
drive.
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| Men at Work |
We split the convoy till Srinagar where we
were supposed to meet after 2 days of drive. Wished each other a happy journey
and drove towards Dalhousie. We got to realize that it was our share of
Kishtwar road as we had not realized the quality of cliff that was on our side
as we drove yesterday night. As our
breakfast itself was at around 1.30 , we did not stop anywhere till Jammu for
next pET pUjA. Post Dalhousie the road was drying up, yet it had been
battered by yesterday night’s rain. We also came across a live Landslide that
was not yet cleared. Drive till Pathankot
was uneventful except that we took the RIGHT route from Dunera.
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| Landslides that we had not seen yesterday night |
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| Lakhanpur Excise Toll Both - Marks the entry to JK |
Exit of Punjab at Lakhenpur was indicated with
a (welcome!) check post before Ravi
river. Driver Id, details of the vehicle and passengers were noted down before
we were permitted to enter Jammu & Kashmir.
Lakhenpur entrance was pretty empty as compared to the stories of long
traffic jams that we had heard about it before our trip.
When we had stopped for a tea break, we
received a call from our colleague Ayesha, we invited us to host at her home at
Jammu. After a small deliberation, we decided to accept her invite. Our dAridIpa
(map my India GPS Device) showed the exact route to her doorstep. We were treated to some delicious Kashmiri
food at her house.
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| We with Ayesha's Father |
Had a good rest overnight.
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