Fixed Dimensions

1. Paragliding along the Dhauladhar Range

   The Dhauladhar range (lit. The White Range) is a southern branch of the main Outer Himalayan chain of mountains. It rises spectacularly from the Indian plains to the north of Kangra and Mandi. Dharamsala, the headquarters of Kangra district, lies on its southern spur in above the Kangra Valley, which divides it from Chamba.
   

2. Amritsar Golden Temple

   There are a few places in the world that I have been that are truly awe inspiring, the golden temple is high on the list. I feel privileged to have been able to visit.
   

3. Amritsar Golden Temple

   The Golden Temple, is a prominent Sikh gurdwara located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab (India). Construction of the gurdwara was begun by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, and completed by his successor, Guru Arjan Dev. In 1604, Guru Arjan Dev completed the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism, and installed it in the Gurdwara. In 1634ra Valley, which divides it from Chamba.
   

4. Amritsar Golden Temple

   During the eighteenth century, the Harmandir Sahib was the site of frequent fighting between the Sikhs on one side and either Mughal or Afghan forces on the other side and the gurdwara occasionally suffered damage. In the early nineteenth century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh secured the Punjab region from outside attack and covered the upper floors of the gurdwara with gold, which gives it its distinctive appearance and English name of "Golden Temple".
   

5. Baijnath_Bus_Station

   Baijnath_Bus_Station. Baijnath is famous for its 13th century temple dedicated to Siva as Vaidyanath, ‘the Lord of physicians’. Originally known as Kiragrama, the town lies on Pathankot-Chakki-Manali highway (National Highway No. 20) almost midway between Kangra and Mandi. The present name Baijnath became popular after the name of the temple. The town is located on the left bank of the river Binwa, a corrupt form of ancient Binduka, a tributary of river Beas.
   

6. Cherabling Institute

   Cherabling Institute. Buddhist acolytes at play.
   

7. Billing launch site

   'Billing', is a little meadow at 2,400m (8500 ft) on the Dhauladhar ranges, 14-km up from Bir. This meadow one of the wonders of nature, perfectly designed as a launch pad, has become a legend on the international paragliding circuits and a destination for World Champion Paraglider pilots. The meadow directly above the villages of Bir and Chaugan, is one of the best gliding sites in the world.
   

8. Snow line in the Dhauladharrange

   A good view.
   

9. Snow line in the Dhauladharrang

   

10. Ridge hopping in the Dhauladhar range

    Trying hard not to think about lee side rotor.
    

11. The Kulu valley

    Time to relax a bit after a four hour flight in the mountains.
    

12. Selecting a landing in the Kulu valley

    Kullu, once known as Kul-anti-peetha - "the end of the habitable world", is the capital town of the Kullu District, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located on the banks of the Beas River in the Kullu Valley
    

13. Food stall in Chowgan

    

14. Road bridge across the Beas river

    It looks like a foot bridge but motor vehicles do cross it.
    

15. Greeting on landing in Dharamshala.jpg

    Everyone is always interested in a paraglider landing. You are always assured of a friendly welcome.
    

16. Landing in Dharamshala

    

17. Buddhist monks in McLeod Ganj

    Monks in McLeod Ganj during a visit by the Dalai Lama
    

18. Buddhist monks in McLeod Ganj

    

19. Farm workers in Chowgan

    

20. Prashar lake

    After a seven hour ride (up) on very rough (and narrow) roads you get to Prashar lake with its floating island. A very sereene palce.
    

21. Mani stones

    Mani stones are stone plates, rocks and/or pebbles, inscribed with the six syllabled mantra of Avalokiteshvara (Om mani padme hum, hence the name "Mani stone"), as a form of prayer in Tibetan Buddhism. The term Mani stone may also be used in a loose sense to refer to stones on which any mantra or devotional designs (such as ashtamangala) are inscribed. Mani stones are intentionally placed along the roadsides and rivers. Creating and carving mani stones as devotional or intentional process art is a traditional sadhana of piety to yidam. Mani stones are a form of devotional cintamani.