Day 3: After a two-day long drive up to Nathiagali, we were all exhausted. Nevertheless, my better half & I woke up at the break of dawn and went for a walk. The weather was just lovely...low flying clouds that hung in the air, the sun shining through with beams of light piercing through the clouds, different shades of green for as far as the eye could see and crisp fresh air…just what the doctor ordered. A wonderful sight and an awesome experience. Subhan Allah!
Nathiagali town was a sleep. We headed to the only restaurant open that early, for some anda, paratha and garam chai. Very satisfying indeed.
By the time we were back the kids had woken and were dressed to go for breakfast and to hit the bunder track for some casual trekking. I on the other hand was in need of some shuteye, so took a nap. The break & rest was followed by more fresh air outside in the verandah enjoying the intermittent rain, passing clouds and some sunshine. That's the beauty of the weather here.
For lunch, we went up to the bazaar again. But let me first tell you about the location of this gem of a place called Raees Khana. Very convenient, just below the market and away from the hustle and bustle of the Nathia Gali bazaar. Yet, very close by to go up for; an espresso, Kashmiri chai, hot chocolate or just some karhak chai, ice cream from the machine or from the freezer....challi from the vendor, dry fruits & nuts or fresh fruit from the phulwala...or you could shop for trinkets or sweaters, shawls and umbrellas or enjoy garma garam pakoras…or an awesome variety of traditional food and some perennial favourites such as the famous Patakha chicken or karhai/handi.
Anyway, for lunch we ordered vegetable handi, karhai chicken, fried rice and roti. After lunch we took a stroll in the bazaar, had some Kashmiri chai, espresso and some garma garam mazedaar julebis for desert.
Time for another nap i say...so back we went and took some rest. The kids spent some time outside in the verandah enjoying the weather.
It was very windy and cold in the evening...the hotel has a place for a bonfire and though we wanted to stay and enjoy it but couldn't bear the almost freezing temperature. Once inside our rooms we decided to order room service and asked for it to be served in the dining area. Very cozy indeed. Had Chinese for a change...fried rice, chicken Manchurian and chowmien.
By 11pm we were all in our respective razaaieezzzzz...brrrr.
