Three-day Tablighi Ijtima begins in Panipat; thousands of devotees cross the Yamuna River

If you wish to spend time in the quiet amidst the beautiful landscapes of Himachal Pradesh but want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Manali, you can visit this remote village in the Lahaul Valley. This village, situated among the mountains, is known for its tranquil atmosphere, traditional dwellings, and natural beauty. Here, you can enjoy time away from the city rush and also have the opportunity to get acquainted with the local culture.

Muling might appeal to travelers who value not only visiting famous photo spots but also deep immersion in the local culture. In the village, you can walk through the streets, admire the surrounding natural scenery, and spend time outdoors. It is an ideal place to relax from office routine and create unforgettable memories.

Muling is a small village located in the Lahaul Valley, Himachal Pradesh. To reach it, you need to drive through the Atal Tunnel from Manali towards Sissu. The road passes through high mountains, picturesque valleys, and changing nature, making the journey itself special. If you are planning a trip to a quiet place in Himachal, it is worth including Muling in your list of places to visit.

Muling can be reached via the road from Manali. The route includes passing through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu. According to available information, the distance from Manali to Muling is about 45 kilometers, and the journey takes approximately one and a half hours. Sissu is near Muling, and from there, you can take a local taxi to the village. However, it should be noted that the actual distance and travel time depend on your starting point, road conditions, and weather conditions. Therefore, before traveling, be sure to check information about local road conditions, weather, and available means of transport.

Firstly, you can enjoy walks through the village streets. The best way to explore Muling is by walking through its streets. Here, you can see traditional Himachali houses built from clay and wood. The architecture of these houses and the surrounding nature allow one to understand the local lifestyle of Lahaul. However, permission must be obtained before photographing anyone's house or private property.

Secondly, you should visit the apple and apricot orchards, which can be seen in the Lahaul Valley depending on the season. The view around these orchards will be especially picturesque in spring and summer. It is also a great place for photography enthusiasts.

Thirdly, you can get to know the culture of Lahaul by visiting local monasteries. The culture of the Lahaul Valley is heavily influenced by Buddhist traditions. Visiting small monasteries allows one to experience local religious customs and the peaceful atmosphere. When entering a monastery, established rules must be observed, and silence should be maintained during prayers or religious events.

Fourthly, you can go for a nature walk. If you enjoy trekking and mountain hiking, you can explore the trails and views around Muling. To enjoy the natural beauty, long hikes are not necessary; even short walks can make your trip memorable. It is important to avoid solitary walks on unfamiliar routes and always check the weather forecast.

Fifthly, you can observe the starry sky at night. Since the village is far from city lights, stars can be seen in some areas of the Lahaul Valley if the sky is clear. Under favorable weather conditions, you can also spend time outdoors in Muling. For this, choose a safe spot away from light sources and try not to stray too far from the village at night.

Sixthly, be sure to try the local cuisine of Himachal. Any trip seems incomplete without getting to know the local food. In Muling or nearby local guesthouses, you can try dishes such as thukpa, momos, and siddu, depending on availability. If you have the chance to stay with locals, you can learn more about traditional diet and lifestyle.

Before traveling to a small mountain village like Muling, it is necessary to book accommodation and transportation in advance. One cannot assume that public transport or grocery stores will be constantly available. It is also recommended to bring warm clothing to protect against the cold and plan the trip taking into account the characteristics of the mountain climate.

If you wish to escape the daily hustle and bustle and spend time in the mountains, you can plan a trip to Uttarakhand. Here, you will find high mountain ranges, lush forests, picturesque lakes, flowing rivers, and ancient temples. A distinctive feature of the region is the diversity of places to visit: adventure lovers can engage in trekking and rafting, while those seeking a peaceful retreat can enjoy nature by the lakes and in the mountains. With fifteen days, you can visit many beautiful spots in both Garhwal and Kumaon. Below is a plan on how to organize a 15-day trip to Uttarakhand and which attractions to include in your list.

15-Day Uttarakhand Travel Itinerary

The journey can begin in Haridwar, where you can watch the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri and visit nearby shrines. Afterward, you should proceed to Rishikesh to spend time on the banks of the Ganges, stroll through Ram Jhula area, and relax in a cafe. If the weather permits and you love adrenaline, you can also go rafting on the river here.

Days three and four are planned for visiting Mussoorie. Spending two days in Mussoorie allows you to walk along Mall Road, visit Company Garden, and see Kempty Falls. The city also has cafes and markets amidst the mountains that are worth exploring; it is recommended to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds.

The fifth day is dedicated to traveling from Mussoorie to Dhanaulti and Kanatal. These places are famous for their green forests, mountains, and tranquil atmosphere, making them ideal for nature lovers. It is important to book a hotel or guesthouse in advance for accommodation.

Next, days six and seven are dedicated to Chopta and Tungnath. Chopta is considered one of the most beautiful mountain locations in Uttarakhand, offering magnificent views of mountains and green fields. Depending on the weather and physical fitness level, you can plan a trek to the Tungnath temple. Before hiking, you must consult local guides and study information about the route and weather.

From the eighth to the tenth day, a trip is planned from Chopta to Joshimath, and then to Auli and Badrinath. Joshimath serves as the starting point for visiting Auli, known for its snow-capped peaks and beautiful mountain scenery; on a clear day, you can see the high Himalayan peaks. The next day, considering the time and road conditions, you can travel to Badrinath Dham and Mana village. In this region, you should proceed slowly due to the altitude and mountain roads.

Eleventh day is allocated for travel and rest after continuous mountain excursions. On this day, you can stay in a town like Karnaprayag or Rudraprayag located along the route. This will allow you to recover from the long journey and facilitate further travel.

On the twelfth and thirteenth days, tourists head to the Kumaon region, visiting Nainital. In Nainital, you can take a boat ride on Naini Lake, walk along Mall Road, and make a pilgrimage to Naina Devi Temple. It is also worth enjoying the local markets and surrounding hills; at Nainital, you should allocate at least one full day.

Fourteenth day is reserved for visiting Bhimtal and Sattal, located near Nainital. These places offer greenery and a quiet environment around the lakes, which is perfect for those who want to avoid crowds. In the evening, you can return to Nainital or stay in a neighboring town.

The last, fifteenth day, is dedicated to preparing for the return. If time permits, you can stop at a local market or a favorite spot on the way. Remember that traveling through mountainous areas can take more time, so you need to allow sufficient time for the return according to the train or bus schedule.

Important Things to Keep in Mind Before Visiting Uttarakhand

For a 15-day trip to Uttarakhand, it is best to choose the period from early April to June or from September to October. During these months, you can plan visits to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Nainital, and other mountain areas. However, you must check the opening dates of temples such as Badrinath. In July and August, trips may be difficult due to heavy rains and landslides, so be sure to check the weather and road conditions before leaving.

Note: This 15-day itinerary is only a suggestion, including many places in both Garhwal and Kumaon. The journey from Joshimath to Nainital can take a significant amount of time, so you should research the route and estimated travel time before departure. Furthermore, before visiting the Char Dhams, high-altitude areas, and trekking spots, you need to learn about local rules, road conditions, and weather forecasts.

The opportunity to witness the famous Ganga Aarti of Goddess Ganga in Varanasi has reopened at the Dashashwamedh ghat. Due to flooding, the Ganga Aarti was held away from its traditional location for 64 days, but on Tuesday, October 20th, it returned to its original spot.

As soon as the Aarti began on the installed platform of the ghat, thousands of devotees gathered to witness this miraculous spectacle. The entire ghat was filled with an atmosphere of reverence thanks to the lamp lighting, chants, and worship of Goddess Ganga.

Due to the rising water level in the Ganga, the organization of the Aarti at the Dashashwamedh ghat had to be changed. Since August 17th, the Aarti was conducted in the Ganga Seva Nidhi office on the roof. Because of the floodwaters, devotees could not observe the Aarti from the traditional ghat platform. Now, after the water level dropped, the Aarti resumed in its original place.

On Tuesday, when the Aarti took place in its traditional format at the Dashashwamedh ghat, there was great enthusiasm among the attending devotees. A significant number of people participated in the Ganga Aarti. The return of this Aarti, which is the calling card of Kashi, to its old place brought renewed vibrancy to the ghat.

Sushant Mishra, Chairman of Ganga Seva Nidhi, reported that due to the rising water level of Goddess Ganga, the Aarti was held on the office roof for 64 days. On Tuesday, the Aarti took place at the traditional location of the Dashashwamedh ghat. Nevertheless, he noted that the water level in the Ganga still exceeds the norm by about 10-15 feet. He also added that the connection between the solid ghats has been restored. Cleaning of the ghats is being carried out in preparation for upcoming festivals. For the devotees, the return of the Ganga Aarti to its original place after the changes caused by the flooding was a special moment associated with relief and faith.