Amit Saraswat 
There’s nothing quite like a late-night getaway with mates to escape the drudgery of daily life. That’s exactly what we did when we decided to embark on a backpacking trip to Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. Our trusty steed for this adventure was the Audi Q3, a compact SUV renowned for its punchy engine and Quattro all-wheel-drive.
We strategically chose a leisurely Thursday night to begin our journey, aiming to avoid the weekend rush crawling towards Shimla, the capital of Himachal. The initial leg of the drive from Noida to Shimla was a doddle, thanks to the wide-open highways and smooth tarmac. However, as we approached Chandigarh, the smooth path gave way to a rough patch, which soon transformed into an exhilarating winding road.
The Audi Q3 came alive on these twisty turns. The car’s exceptional body control allowed me to confidently push the throttle and navigate the bends with precision. The engine, while not known for being the most frugal, offered ample power (especially in non-economy mode) to propel us forward, even with three passengers and their luggage on board. However, our resident tall chap (standing at an impressive 6’3″) did grumble about a slight lack of legroom, a minor drawback of the Q3’s compact design.
Thankfully, the powerful sound system kept our music aficionado entertained throughout the journey, while the high-quality interiors ensured a comfortable ride. However, the ride quality suffered a bit on rough roads, with the suspension occasionally bottoming out on larger bumps.
After a few pitstops along the way, we finally reached Shimla at around 4:00 AM. As the first rays of dawn painted the mountain peaks with a golden hue, we pulled over for a quick and much-needed refreshment break, indulging in a steaming cup of chai and a plate of piping hot Maggi. True to the spirit of adventure, we hadn’t booked any accommodation in Shimla beforehand. So, after reaching the Mall Road, we found a quaint little hotel that required a bit of a climb to reach – a perfect way to energise ourselves after a long drive!
Shimla, teeming with tourists on a Friday morning, was a sight to behold. We parked the car and ambled along the Mall Road, a pedestrian-only precinct lined with colonial-era buildings and shops selling everything from handmade souvenirs to woollen shawls. This famous thoroughfare, established by the British in the 19th century, was once a favourite haunt of the Viceroy of India. We treated ourselves to local delicacies like Sidu (a steamed bun stuffed with potatoes) and momos, savouring the burst of flavours unique to the region.
The weather in Shimla was a welcome change from the scorching heat wave plaguing the National Capital Region (NCR) – a cool and pleasant respite. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we sought out a scenic spot on a hilltop overlooking the valley. Here, we basked in the serenity of the mountains until the shops around us shut down for the night.
The next day, we set off towards Dharamshala, another charming hill station in Himachal Pradesh. The roads to Dharamshala were simply divine – smooth, winding, and occasionally narrow. Thankfully, the Q3’s compact size proved to be an advantage on these narrower stretches, allowing for easy manoeuvring through the traffic.
Our first stop in Dharamshala was the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, nestled amidst the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range, perpetually capped with snow and clouds. This stadium, nicknamed the “HDCA Cricket Ground,” is known for its picturesque setting and is the home ground for the Himachal Pradesh cricket team. We spent some time here picturing ourselves hitting sixes over the boundary with the backdrop of the Himalayas, before continuing our exploration.
The following morning, we made our way to the lush green tea gardens of Dharamshala, a photographer’s paradise. Rolling hills carpeted with emerald tea bushes stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with quaint tea factories. The crisp mountain air was infused with the invigorating aroma of freshly brewed tea, making for a truly immersive experience. We captured some breathtaking shots of the landscape, forever etching this picture-perfect scene in our memories.
After capturing some shots, it was time to reluctantly turn back towards Noida. The return journey took us about 12 hours, with ample breaks for food and comfort breaks. Impressively, the Audi Q3 delivered a fuel efficiency of around 11 kilometres per litre, considering the spirited driving with three passengers and luggage.
This backpacking trip through Himachal Pradesh was an unforgettable experience. We conquered challenging roads in our Audi Q3, revelled in the stunning beauty of the Himalayas, and created memories that will last a lifetime. The camaraderie with friends, the thrill of the open road, and the serenity of the mountains – this trip had it all. As we reached Noida, a tinge of post-trip blues set in, but it was quickly replaced by a renewed sense of appreciation for the beauty that lies just beyond our doorstep. We returned with hearts full of joy, cameras brimming with stunning photographs, and a strong desire to return to the magic of Himachal Pradesh someday soon.
