Скачать или смотреть 1. Solo Road Trip, Nagaur & Jaisalmer, Day (1)...Amritsar-Hanumangarh (20th Jan 2026)

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20th Jan, 2026, Tuesday…Day (1) Amritsar-Harike-Makhu-Talwandi Bhai-Bathinda-Mandi Dabwali-Sangaria-Hanumangarh (350 km).

Winters are quite harsh in Amritsar.

Especially the two months, December and January. Temperatures dips to freezing cold sometimes, chill, fog, mist and gloom rule the day.

Learnt two events were taking place in Rajasthan.

Nagaur Cattle Fair 2026 from 24th to 27th Jan and Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2026 from 30th Jan to 1st Feb, also the days are sunny and much warmer in Rajasthan.

The two dots connected and I decided to embark on a Solo Road Trip to Rajasthan.

By doing so I would be able to avoid chilly cloudy days of Amritsar and enjoy the festivities and sunshine as well.

The first halt was Harike Wetlands.

Instead of the earmarked bird watching site, took a detour through the wild grass infested mand area, kutcha road to a much shallower branch of Sutlej River.

A boat was ferrying farm workers to the land in between numerous streams.

The boatman, Joginder, offered to take me to the other side and a round of the river as well.

Quite adventurous it was, riding a boat in Sutlej River, not many people around, shallow waters and infamous area.

Mand was infamous, hiding place of terrorists three decades ago.

Saw many birds though, a lovely sight, feeding and chirping at the less vulnerable areas, on an island.

Their shrill sounds, flapping of wings, and sudden flight made the place very lively.

Thanked Joginder, left the place and began driving again.

On the way met a very dear relative, childhood friend and his family after a long time, so nostalgic.

Left them and continued the drive in the evening and into the night.

The road (NH-54) was butter smooth and then even better (NH-754A) after Bathinda.

Encountered dense fog at Hanumangarh and decided to call it a day.

Parked the car adjoining a small dhaba on Hanumangarh-Sardarshahar Road, enjoyed 2-3 cups of tea and slept inside the car, thick fog and wilderness all around…!!!

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