DAY 29 - MCLEOD GANJ, DHARAMSALA We arose at our now habitually later time (a result of the more relaxed atmosphere, we have decided) and had a hearty full English style breakfast at a chilled out backpacker cafe called 'Carpe Diem', boasting a popular roof terrace with floor cushions and interesting paintings on the walls (including, bizarrely, one depicting a scene from 'Alice in Wonderland' and another showing a couple of hindu gods in coital union), along wi...

DAY 28 - MANALI/DHARAMSALA Unfortunately, James wasn't feeling 100% on our last day in Manali and decided to get some rest, so I resolved to spend my last few hours in the area visiting the nearby hill town of Vishasht, a popular backpacker hangout during the peak season. After catching a rickshaw up, I made my way straight to the town's two main temples located in its centre. Although small, they were both nicely designed and cast great views over the surroundi...

DAY 27 - MANALI We decided to spend the morning visiting Manali's most famous site, the Hadimba Temple, so made our way to an opening in the forest where it was situated. One of the first things we noticed were the number of local women charging money for a picture with one of the many huge, dopey white rabbits that they carried round with them (a bizarre but very common practice in Manali). The temple itself was in keeping with the traditional feel of the town,...