I lived for many years in the Kulu Valley of Himichal Pradesh. I traveled on foot and by motorcycle extensively throughout the whole district of Himichal Pradesh.
I sympathize that you have to live in Delhi for work. I often had to go down from the mountains to Delhi for business reasons, but hated to do so!
Wow ! That is so cool. To travel in a bike and trek. A dream ! I love mountain treks. And yes, I too detest cities. But in India , all amenities and facilities are in the cities. Kulu is a beautiful valley. My aunt belongs to Kulu. They had an orchard there. My childhood and all my holidays were spent in the mountains. Himalayas are an integral part of my growing up. It is really nice to know that you lived many years in Kulu. I love Sikkim too. Sikkim is dream for trekking and biking. Awesome monasteries in Sikkim.
Did you visit McLeodganj and Dharamshila and Simla too, while your stay in Kulu ?
Simla yes, the other two, no. And I have never been further south than Agra. I spent some time in Benares, but did not go to Nepal although I twice got visas to do so. Something always came up to prevent the trip. Just like I spent two years getting permission to go to Leh in Ladakh (back when it was a military restricted zone) but had a motorcycle accident the day I was to leave. So I never got to see the monasteries of Ladakh.
Then McLeodganj is a place to visit. It is very quaint and has an awesome energy. Dalai Lama lives there. Simla is lovely . How unfortunate that you couldn't visit Leh Ladakh due to your accident. Zanskar valley is a different dimension altogether. I have never been to Ladakh .
By the way, McLeodganj is known as mini Lhasa . Hope you get a chance to visit many beautiful mountains all across the globe 😊
The Dalai Lama came often to Manali, where I was living. There is a large Tibetan community there too.
Yeah . True. In Himachal, many areas have Tibetan settlements. You met Dalai Lama ? 😊 McLeodganj was specifically given to Tibetans. It is Dalai Lama's official home and office in exile. Many Hollywood stars visit him there .