13. From Chherna to Swad — A Walk Through the Misty Woods (21st June 2022).

#soloroadtrip #barot #barotvalley #sleepinginthecar #chherna #swad 21st June, 2022, Tuesday…Day (13) Barot-Lohardi-Chherna-Swad-Barot (17 km). Solo Road Trip to Barot Valley, Day (13)…Barot. Never thought I had any special qualities. Yet, somehow, adversity seems to bring out the best in me. The night before, Lalpari refused to start. Passers-by helped push her to safety, and I still managed over six hours of peaceful sleep inside my Home on Wheels, beside the Uhl. By 7 am, I started calling Badal Thakur, the only mechanic in the valley. No response. Finally, around 10, the call connected—and within minutes, Badal arrived from remote Swad village. He couldn’t find the fault. Then my elderly mechanic back home, Rattan Chand Mahin, came to the rescue over the phone. A little guidance. A little teamwork. And suddenly… Lalpari roared back to life! The kindness of Barot’s people continued. Local shopkeepers stood by me throughout—something increasingly rare in cities. After resting for a while, I headed towards Lohardi, determined to revisit the twin villages of Chherna and Swad. Chherna was almost deserted. Festival season had taken the villagers to their farms and workplaces. I wandered through its colourful lanes, met locals, watched children playing near the temple and walked till the nallah. Then came the drizzle. It was already 5 pm. Still, I couldn’t leave without visiting Swad. The trail climbed steeply through dark woods, jungle streams and rain. Breathless, I stopped every few steps. But kept going. Then came the Forest Rest House. Beyond it, a paved path wound through orchards, vegetable fields and beautiful homes. And there it was… Swad. Quiet. Beautiful. Almost fairy-tale-like. I walked till the very end, chatting with villagers along the way. Had there been a good homestay—and Neeru with me— I could have stayed there forever. Back in Barot by evening, lemon trout at JDP Food Villa, the Uhl murmuring beside me… And another peaceful night inside Lalpari. Another adversity overcome. Another village discovered. Another night beside the river. Another beautiful day on the road. For more videos and travel stories, search "Sunil Azaad".