That’s the thing about mountains, they somehow make you travel within: it is not so much the winding road to the summit as it is to self discovery, your soul and the quiet peace that waits for you there. 

And as for Abhinav Chandel, he has found more than his soul; he has found a home in the mountains that called him, like they call so many of us. And you only have to scroll through his Instagram pictures to know that his love for Dharamshala is one for the books. 

You know what they say, you can see the photographer’s feelings in the way he photographs a subject. And here, you will only see beauty and love. 

“I came to Mcleodganj for a month, and was never able to leave. This place has so much more to offer than just the peace of the mountains. It is my playground, a learning experience. It is a society of progressive, and warm people,” says Abhinav, who works as a writer, traveler, photographer, and moved to Mcleodganj in 2014. 

“There is so much to explore in Mcleodganj. There are new people coming in everyday and you experience so much when you meet new people, hear of their stories. It’s an idyllic life,” he adds.  

And all we have to do is see the pictures he takes to know that. 

What won’t we give to experience a sunrise like this one?

Or to sit at a window ledge and watch the horizon?

 A trek atop a mountain is the end of a bad day. 

 And in Winters, you will find yourself on a snow laden path to peace.

 …and there will be sudden pop of colors within all the grey.

You will see sights that you only saw in postcards. 

The nights can be whatever you want them to be: for soft merriment, or quiet contemplation.

And the evenings can be spent watching sunsets such as these.

 Just imagine being here, under all these stars. 

Maybe you will have your faith in humanity reinstated. 

If not by people, then by sights like this one.

And this one.

 And this one.

Seriously, there are way too many for anyone to capture.

But we all try anyway.

And when it rains, the streets become prettier.

 You will learn to find pleasure in your own company.

Or to sit on some rock and let the waterfall wash away your worries downstream.

It is a beautiful place where time flows softly.

To walk on solitary roads and experience the peace that comes with it.

The water flows into the mountains, and the trees, and you will have no idea how much time has passed. 

And no matter the time and season,  there is beauty waiting to be discovered.

For more pictures that will make you want to rush to Dharamshala, follow Abhinav’s Instagram here. 

Packing your bags yet? I am.