7. From Pohlani Mata to a Night Around the Fire (15th July, 2021).

#roadtrip #soloroadtrip #sleepingincar #sunilazaad #khajjiar #pohlanimata #dainkund #jot 15th July, 2021, Thursday…Day (7) Khajjiar-Dain Kund-Shivay Cafe (Matooni) ( 52 km). Eight Days of Bliss at Jot, Day (7)…Khajjiar-The Shivay Cafe, Jot. Another beautiful morning in the mountains. After a peaceful night inside my Chalta Firta Ghar near Khajjiar meadow, I was up at 5 AM. Mist floated over the softly lit meadow, making the morning feel magical. A quick tea at Lakkad Mandi, and I was soon walking towards Pohlani Mata Temple. The trail was heavenly—green meadows, wild poppies, dense forests, Gujjar huts, birdsong and the mighty Pir Panjal appearing through drifting mist and clouds. At the temple, I met a few Gujjars and enjoyed a glass of fresh buffalo milk—no sugar, no tea, just pure mountain goodness. Then I found a quiet meadow and simply sat down. Cool breeze. Wild flowers. Floating clouds. Mellow sunshine. Complete silence. I lay on the grass, gazing at the sky. For a few moments, time seemed to stop. Later, I met Shakina and her newly married daughter Reshma, two Gujjar women living their summer life in the wilderness. We talked about their world and mine. They envied my freedom. I envied theirs. As evening fell, a call from my dear friend Nitin Marwaha changed the mood. He invited me to The Shivay Cafe for a campfire and barbecue. I reached around 9:45 PM. The fire was blazing, laughter filled the air, and friends and families were enjoying the evening. A delightful surprise awaited me—Nitin’s friend Kaushal Dhawan turned out to be the son of an old college friend. What a lovely coincidence! After a wonderful evening, I slipped away quietly. A room was offered to me, but why sleep indoors when Lalpari was waiting? I drove back to Matuni, parked my little HOME ON WHEELS, crawled inside my CHALTA FIRTA GHAR, and fell asleep. Another day of mountains, memories, friendships and freedom. ❤️ For more travel videos, search "Sunil Azaad".