Spa first, sightseeing second

Eight hours on the highway left my shoulders somewhere near my ears. Check-in was smooth; the receptionist suggested spa availability before we even asked.

The treatment room was quiet, cooler than the afternoon outside. Afterward we sat on the lawn with juice and watched the light change — the same soft evening mood that runs through so many of the Panambi films online.

Next morning we felt human enough for Har Ki Pauri. Coming back to cottages and a pool, instead of a noisy town hotel, made the pilgrimage day land gently.

Lesson learned: on a short Uttarakhand break, book the spa for arrival day. Let the hills meet you halfway.