Shimla Day 1

We met our guide this morning and he looked at the program set down for us and decreed the travel company's visit to Kufri not of interest to international tourists.  He suggested that we take an hours walk in the Mountains.  After checking that he did not have a 10km hike in mind (we are at 2200m!), we happily agreed.  In fact it was a good idea.

Lookout on the way to our walk.  Valleys around Shimla.

The Himalayas were amazing, although there were two other mountain ranges in between. 

We survived the altitude.  We could not go anywhere near our usual pace, but we could take our time and stop to catch our breath.  The first third was uphill, then it was downhill.  There are no level bits in Shimla!

And we have learned that a dhaba means you can buy food!  There were also lots of dhaba along the roads - like service centres.  Note the ubiquitous sleeping dog.

 A Shimla sheep!

Then Shan showed us the town. Below is Christ Church.  BTW, the red statue on the hill behind is the Jakhoo Temple, a Hindu temple to Lord Hanuman.  No bells in this church.

A couple of interesting plaques inside.

Presumably this was his wife.

We had lunch at a cafe, and the manager spoke perfect English.  He was married to a Korean lady and another in-law was Vietnamese.  We asked who the owner was, and were told that the owner lived in Melbourne! So Shimla tourism has many connections!

 Then we went back to our hotel.  It is 2km from the shopping centre, with up and downhill parts. Given the altitude, we had done well!