Holi in the Mountains: A First Forest Hike with My Puppies

The snow has melted away from Shilha village and its surroundings. It has almost started to feel like Spring. Or more like Summer if we go down the mountains to the cities. As unusual as it sounds to have Summer in March, this weather has allowed us to start our hikes and treks in this part of the Himalayan mountains.

So, on the day of Holi, I decided to go for a hike with my 4-month-old puppies after the snow-filled winter of 2025-2026. Since this is their first hike in their puppy life, I wanted to do this on an auspicious day.

We started around 8.30 from Shilha village, aiming to reach the meadows up in the forest. The forest, filled with tall pine trees and wildflowers, is a beautiful experience. But the meadows feel special and unexpected in between the sloppy mountains.

This hike was more about seeing how much Echo, Shai and Kai enjoy mountain hikes and treks. I have a long-term plan to take them on longer, higher treks like Sar Pass in the future. I also want them to accompany me and the guests on our treks.

So, we started strong. They climbed up the slopes with ease and stayed back in between to play with each other. The first part was the apple orchards. It is still closer to the village, and there were a few villagers pruning the trees for the next season.