Nestled in the breathtaking foothills of the Dhauladhar Range, Kangra is one of the hidden gems of Himachal Pradesh. With its serene beauty, lush green tea gardens, and mesmerizing views of the snow-capped mountains, Kangra feels like a paradise waiting to be discovered. While many travel to Kangra for its temples, forts, and natural beauty, it was during my stay in this tranquil region that I encountered a unique and surprising cold remedy that left me in awe.
In this article, I’ll take you through my experience of discovering the stunning landscape of Kangra and how a local, age-old remedy for cold and cough—eating fresh snow—helped me recover from a chest congestion during my visit. Let’s dive into this unforgettable journey!
Table of Contents
Day 1: Arriving in the Tranquil Beauty of Kangra
Kangra is a place that welcomes you with open arms—its charm is hard to miss. I arrived in Palampur, just a short distance from Kangra, with the weather crisp and the surrounding mountains dusted with snow. The first thing that struck me was the peace in the air. The hustle of the city felt like a distant memory as the tranquil beauty of the region took over.
The town is surrounded by lush greenery, with endless tea gardens painting the landscape in shades of green. As I took in the fresh, cool air, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of calm wash over me. Kangra isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s a place where nature speaks to you, and the mountains seem to hold centuries of wisdom in their silence.
Day 2: A Day in the Hills – The Unexpected Cold Remedy
On my second day in Kangra, the cold weather began to take a toll on me. I woke up with a sore throat and a slight cough, which quickly turned into chest congestion. As I was sitting in my cozy homestay, sipping on a hot cup of tea, the host—a friendly local aunty who was well-versed in the ways of the mountains—noticed my discomfort.
She smiled and said, “Eat this snow, beta.”
I was taken aback. Snow? As a remedy?
She continued, “I’m telling you this because I’ve tried it myself. If your chest is congested, the more snow you eat, the better you’ll feel. It may seem cold, but snow has a warm energy that will clear your chest. By evening, you’ll feel much better.”
I was skeptical, of course. Eating snow? It sounded strange, but at that moment, I was willing to try anything to feel better. So, without much hesitation, I went outside to the fresh snow piled around the homestay and took a few bites. The snow was incredibly soft, pure, and untouched—just the way nature intended.
Day 3: The Healing Powers of Snow and Kaadha
In addition to the snow, the aunty had also recommended drinking kaadha, a traditional herbal drink made from a mix of ginger, tulsi, black pepper, and other spices, known for its immune-boosting properties. As the day went on, I kept eating small amounts of snow and sipping on the hot kaadha. The remedy seemed strange, but I had to admit—it was working. By the evening, my chest felt lighter, and I was breathing a bit easier.
The beauty of Kangra’s untouched snow seemed to offer a kind of natural healing that I had never experienced before. Despite the chill in the air, the snow brought with it a warm sensation that I couldn’t quite explain. It was as though the mountains themselves were looking after me.
Day 4: Exploring the Hills – Snow-capped Peaks and Tea Gardens
As I recovered, I took a leisurely walk around the picturesque Palampur area, famous for its lush tea gardens. The snow-covered Dhauladhar Range loomed in the distance, casting a majestic shadow over the valleys below. The snow-capped peaks against the clear blue sky were an awe-inspiring sight—one that made me realize just how close I had come to nature’s healing powers. The pristine white snow around me seemed to hold a certain magic.
After taking in the stunning views of the mountains, I wandered through the rolling tea gardens, where locals were busy plucking tea leaves. The air here was incredibly fresh, and as I inhaled deeply, I couldn’t help but feel more energized and rejuvenated. The landscape of Kangra is not just visually stunning; it has an inherent peace that calms the mind and soul.
Day 5: The Local Life of Kangra – An Insight Into Nature’s Remedies
Kangra is a place where nature and tradition intertwine. The locals, who have lived in harmony with their surroundings for centuries, have developed a deep understanding of the natural world. Remedies like the fresh snow for treating a cold and cough are passed down through generations. In a world filled with quick fixes and modern medicine, there’s something special about these age-old traditions.
As I continued my exploration of the area, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much the land of Kangra offers—not just in terms of beauty, but in its deep connection to nature’s healing powers. In the heart of these mountains, the pure snow, the herbs, and the simple ways of life seem to carry the wisdom of the earth itself.
Day 6: The Calm and Peace of Kangra – Finding Solace in the Snow
On my final day in Kangra, I sat by a quiet stream, watching the snowflakes fall gently from the sky. The world around me was still, and for a moment, it felt as though time itself had slowed down. With my chest completely clear and a sense of peace within me, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the simplicity of the remedy I had discovered in the hills of Kangra.
The experience of eating fresh snow, combined with the powerful medicinal properties of kaadha, not only helped me recover but also reminded me of the healing powers of nature. Sometimes, the most effective remedies are the simplest ones, found in the very environment we often overlook.
Day 7: Departure – Leaving with a Heart Full of Memories
As I prepared to leave Kangra, I reflected on the unique experience I had just had. The journey wasn’t just about exploring temples or trekking through forts—it was about connecting with nature in a way I hadn’t before. The mountains, the snow, the herbs, and the people of Kangra had given me something far beyond just a remedy for a cold. They had given me a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the healing wisdom it holds.
Travel Tips for Kangra
- Best Time to Visit: Kangra is beautiful throughout the year, but for snow, visit during December to February. The spring and summer months (March to June) are perfect for exploring tea gardens and enjoying the cool weather.
- How to Reach: The easiest way to reach Kangra is by flying into Gaggal Airport, just 20 km from the town. You can also take a train to Pathankot and drive to Kangra.
- What to Pack: Warm clothes if you’re visiting during the winter months, comfortable shoes for walking in the hills, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
Kangra, with its fresh snowfall, ancient traditions, and healing remedies, offers a travel experience that is as much about inner peace as it is about exploring its natural beauty. If you ever find yourself in this beautiful corner of Himachal Pradesh, don’t forget to try the unique cold remedy of fresh snow—and let nature take its course.
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