2. In Full Bloom: Exploring Jot Pass and Sundal Naag Temple (19th March, 2022).

#roadtrip #soloroadtrip #sleepinginthecar #sleepingincar #jot #buransh #nagtemplejot #jaisundalnaag #sundalnaag 20th March, 2022, Sunday…Day (2) Matuni (Jot) and Around ( 24 km). Waking up to a crisp morning in Matuni, the cool mountain breeze and a hot cup of tea with a fresh bun from Tandan Dhaba set the perfect tone for the day. Tandan Dhaba is a favorite stop among HRTC bus staff and commuters—clean, welcoming, and equipped with hot showers. By early morning, I was on the road to Jot Pass, driving five kilometers beyond to the Pir Panjal Range View Point. Even in late March, patches of hard ice still lined the road alongside full-on spring sunshine. Sitting at 9,400 feet, Jot Pass remains one of the most underrated spots in the region, offering sweeping rolling meadows and stunning vistas under an azure sky. Spring brings vibrant red and pink Rhododendrons (Buransh) to the Himalayas. Having spotted glimpses of red on the drive up from Chowari, I set out after a hearty breakfast of stuffed paranthas and dahi to explore the blooming forest. Driving through the vibrant red canopy, I paused every few meters to take in the colorful landscape. In the afternoon, on local advice, I decided to hike the two-kilometer trail to Sundal Naag Temple. Taking a gentle pace up the unpaved trail, the path wound through a dense Buransh forest with fallen petals creating a soft carpet underfoot. Along the way, I met local villagers collecting the blossoms, which are harvested for medicinal use, juices, and chutneys. Despite visiting Jot Pass for over 25 years, reaching the peaceful, empty temple grounds offered a completely fresh perspective and panoramic mountain views. Back at Matuni, the evening settled into a comfortable rhythm. Watching the coming and going of local commuters, taking a quiet walk along the road, and enjoying a simple meal made for an ideal end to the day before turning in inside my car for yet another memorable sleep. For more such videos and travel stories, pls google "Sunil Azaad".