Day 17 & 18 just a race back home. I did took some snapshots but nothing worth uploading.
Day 17 – We started early as usual and took very less breaks. We also encountered a little rain on the way.
We met up with our MBC guys by evening 6pm near Udaipur bypass. Had a long chat with them and we started for Ahmadabad. We got heavy showers here so we rode very slowly and covered as much distance as possible. Found a decent stay just before Ahmadabad and dried ourselves.
Day 18 – Last day of the trip. As soon as we hit the road we again got light showers but the sky got cleared ones we crossed Ahmadabad. With breaks after every 100kms we reached Manor by 4.30pm. And got the biggest traffic jam I have ever seen. After cutting through, we reached Mumbai city by 5.30pm.
Swapped our luggage and after dropping Anahita I stepped in my house around 8pm.
Words have been invented to describe a trip like this. Spiti is a place where I’ll keep coming again and again.
We started the day by dumping our bikes at Probiking by 9am. All our bags were in the hotel and we had now good 3 hours to kill.
So we decided to visit the famous Rock Garden in Chandigarh.
We took a Rickshaw from the workshop and in 10 minutes we were at the place.
Bought the tickets and straight went in. The entire place is really made of rocks. One good thing I liked is they have made it in such a way that you have to be on one pathway only otherwise its so big that one can get lost.
We took so many photos here but I’m uploading only a few which I liked.
After finishing till the end we were sweating so had some drinks and ice cream. And gave our feet little rest.
By 11.45am we were out of the park and took a rick back to the hotel.
It was almost noon now and it was close to checkout time.
So we dropped Anahita at the hotel and Angelo and I went to the showroom to check on the bikes.
Mine was ready and Angelo’s was almost done.
We cleared the bill and rode back to the hotel. Anahita was ready and packed up everything.
We mounted our luggage and were on the highway by 2pm.
We rode non-stop till Ambala and found a decent place where we can have lunch.
Lunch was all veg for a change.
By 4pm after lunch our target was to cross Delhi any how.
We did a non-stop ride to Delhi entrance from this side. Took a 10mins break and again made a long stretch all the way across Gurgaon. Back to that famous McDonald on NH-8.
This non-stop riding made us hungry very quickly. We grabbed ourselves couple of bites and were looking down the highway hoping to cover atleast 100kms before we check in to a place for the night.
The road had little traffic but we managed to cover 110kms to reach a town where we found a comfortable clean stay.
Cleaned up and went straight to bed as it was a long day.
Tomorrow we had to catch up with our friends from MBC at Udaipur and we were just a day and a half away from Home Sweet Home.
Today was our last day in Himalayas. And till now it was a roller coaster ride. Wonderful experience. Everything was packed, even Camera I had put inside. We left Hatu hotel on time for Chandigarh.
After our breakfast we were on the road with wide eyes in search for apples and apple products.
We reached Shimla in an hour and half. And while bypassing Shimla we stopped at most places to look for them but couldn’t get a good deal.
Finally we found a place where 25kgs Apple was for Rs.500, excellent deal but after holding it we realized this is no way we can carry with us and couriering might spoil them.
We had to make heart hard and drop the idea of Apples. But apple products were must.
After covering some distance, in Parwanoo we found lot of shops where Apple products were up for sale.
We spent nearly an hour here shopping and packing all the stuff.
We packed them in the backpacks for time being and carrying the stuff from here to Chandigarh was mission steel.
I had noticed my rear brakes were out and front almost. So I was keeping ride in control only by gear down shift. Ninja really decelerates quickly. Good for me.
After 2 hours we reached Chandigarh. And riding with all the bags was like a circus.
We managed to reach Pro biking by 5pm. I knew it was late but still we took a chance. The guys over there recognized us. They told it was a 3 hours thing so now not possible.
We now had to stay in Chandigarh. So bikes can we worked on tomorrow morning.
A senior mechanic came with us to show a decent accommodation very close by.
It was a government run place and it was quite decent. Big place infact.
We took the family room because it had two rooms in it. Bargained on a fair price and checked in.
Cleaned up. Took an hours rest and later rode to a mall near by for some fun.
Movie idea was in mind but nothing great was on show so we went up the entertainment and games section. We were behaving like kids over there.
We had light dinner over there and close to 9pm we left back for to hotel.
Tomorrow onwards will be just straight road to home.
Today is the day I realized riding in Ladakh or Spiti is nothing compared to riding on real offroad.
We started the day on schedule. By 6am we were up and by 7 on the breakfast table and by 7.40am on the road going up to Jalori pass.
With just one halt we were at Jalori Pass and since we had breakfast and tea just few minutes back so stopping here was not needed. We just inquired about the road and came to know that the main road going down is blocked due to landslide.
But a traveler waiting for a bus said that just go down 3 kms from this road and take a diversion on the right. It straight bypasses the landslide. We thought how difficult would that could be and we anyways have no choice.
The start was okay. Little offroad here and there and just a couple of streams but then the latter…pheww… After covering 3 kms down the path the road just disappeared.
All terrain looked the same. We had to ask the locals every time on a turn to make sure we are on a right road. We later learned that this was a link road which connects all the villages on the mountain over here.
I couldn’t take much photos here. My focus was only on the road as it was slippery, slushy and pure offroad track…that too down hill.
This below is the patch where it looked like steps going downhill. We again stopped and asked a local to be sure. As here I had decided that if we are on the wrong path or we have to go uphill then I’m selling my bike and settling down here.
Some patches we so slushy that Anahita had to walk few kms.
You see the path on the right side of this photo. That was the road we were on. Wish I had covered more of it.
After riding for 4 hours we came to know we had just covered 10kms… that was a laugh.
We were now back on the highway and we rode straight non – stop to the junction where right up goes to Narkhanda and left back to Spiti valley via Rampur.
We had our lunch here as the AC place tempted us and quite frankly we were getting tired now.
After nearly an hour spent here we decided now straight to Hotel Hatu. But just as we went up couple of kms we saw an accident where a lady sitting pillion fell on the ground while the bike was in motion.
We immediately rushed to aide her. In 5 minutes a van arrived as there was a hospital located near by.
Ones the situation was calm we moved on towards Hatu.
On the way up I realized I have a flat tyre. So I was careful on the turn. The bike was little wobbling because of that.
Finally after an hour we were at the Hatu Hotel. And what a news greeted us. The hotel was full.
We all were very disappointed. Specially Anahita.
We decided to have some tea here and then look for some place ahead. By the time Angelo and Anahita were sitting in the restaurant I went out to the market area to get the puncture fixed. I had the repair kit, just needed air.
I returned in 10 minutes and came to know the best news of the day.
Anahita was sitting near the reception with a sad baby face. The manager came by, a very senior man and asked what was the problem. The reception guy explained and also after they learned that we had come from Jalori area they were delighted to hear about it. It was his native place.
With quick action he made two rooms available to us. And bouy what service was offered to us at a fair price.
We all were very very happy now. Staying at this place was something even I was wishing.
This place at a misty feel to it and the food we know was just superb.
Today all the offroading and stream crossing ends. Tomorrow is race back home…but wait there is more entertainment right ahead. Keep an eye out tomorrow
What a trip it has been till now. From the scenic views of Chitkul to the daring valleys of Kaza.
And here we are now back on the highway, the main highway. No potholes, no slush, no track roads, nothing. Just plain two lane highway. I was so wrong.
Our balcony had a great view so we though of having breakfast here. It was pleasant in the morning. And sitting in the balcony and taking photos was quite a treat.
And when good shots were coming up, look what we noticed hanging on the wire just across the balcony. Somebody had some last night. But by its location it seem a great night for the lucky dude… hahaha
Breakfast was little cold but doable. After we wrapped up here we were off to Solang valley for some adventure stuff.
As we reached the ropeway amd inquired on the possibility of para – gliding. Two of the local guys came forward and like always Anahita struck a deal with them.
We went up the ropeway and even before taking off the adventure began. These guys told us that the take off point is little trek on the downhill side. So holding hands we slowly started moving down but this path was just slushy and slippery.
Some how we managed to reach the take off point but Anahita slipped at the last few steps. Nothing serious just dirty jeans.
After these guys had set up their stuff guess who had to go first. Me…Yeahhh..
I was the first one to take off and was able to take one photo while handing on.
At first it was frightening but then in just seconds it was the best thing that I did till date.
Then was Angelo to follow and he seem to have enjoyed it.
And finally here comes Anahita. She also had super duper fun but only sad thing her landing was bad.
She landed straight on the hip and her hip and back area got screwed big time.
She acted as if nothing has happen but there was a little pain till the end of the day. But I know Anahita, she is a fighter. Popped a little pain killer and was back on the saddle in no time.
From here we went back to the hotel, packed, couriered some of the luggage home. fixed my number plate and checked out.
We fueled and just as we exited Manali this site caught our eye and braking was must.
Though he served only maggi but stopping and eating here was totally worth it.
Around late afternoon we started the ride towards Shimla via Jalori pass.
I didn’t know where exactly was the diversion but after asking the locals we came to know its the left turn just after the tunnel.
In an hour and a half we were at the tunnel and by 5.30pm we were just 10kms before Shoja.
This is where the road lost it tar and the offroading began. Ones again.
We were now loosing light and the fog was also going strong.
And the offroad was also slowing me down considering low on coolant and heating issue.
We stopped at this place for some tea and after evaluating the situation we decided to stay here for the night.
This was the first hotel we came across when we entered Shoja.
Though it looked creepy from outside but ones we settled in it was nice and warm.
One of the best decisions of the trip of staying back at this place because what I’m gonna tell you tomorrow will rattle your nerves.
Last night was scary cold. I think we all got sleep for few hours and then a wind used to wake us up.
I didn’t even remove my shoes or bother cleaning up much. As around 6.30am my eyes opened up straight went out, started the bikes to warm them up. Ordered breakfast and started mounting our luggage on the bikes.
Anahita and Angelo were also up by now and were getting adjusted to this weather.
Also took some shots of the area around. The tents, bikes and the dinning table in the open.
By 8am we cleared our bill, crossed checked everything and were off towards Batal.
The climate was just superb. Clear sky and scenic view all around.
Just when everything looked really nice I suddenly remembered the nallah at the entrance which welcomes you. Getting feet wet in the morning is something I was not ready for, so I decided that I’m going to cross without putting a feet down and balancing through.
In 15 minutes we were at the site. And Angelo had already crossed it. Now it was my turn. Yesterday I made Anahita get down when I crossed it but today I thought since the water is little low so why not try double seat. Chose a different path and the Ninja went in and came through. And the best part, feet were still dry….
Batal is not a very developed place. Just like how I heard. A few dabha stays and some quick snacks.
We were not hungry since we just had breakfast. We moved ahead and the road went from offroad to no road.
We crossed so many Nallah in this patch before we reached 20kms before Koksar.
Here is one video of Nallah crossing ,
Finally after some 50kms the streams stopped. By now we had become expert in it
Just after a small village we came across a spot which looked like picnic spot. Small streams running beside and grass fields on either side.
After the photo session, the mother of all streams welcomed us. It was not going across but with the road. And I realized that once I was half way in.
Thats the spot where I had to make Anahita get down.
And to her luck there was a Sumo coming from behind which took her across.
Lucky Girl.
Next break we got was at a site where all these horses were grazing or napping.
Whenever we used to think that must be the last Nallah here and a new one used to pop us. Boink…
Some 20kms before Koksar I don’t remember the place but there were many food stalls. We took a break there for lunch before we reach Rohtang top. All the stream crossing since morning made a very hungry by now. I remember even having haldi milk.
Ones the highway joined the Manali – Koksar stretch we came to know the road is crisp smooth all the way to the top.
After taking just few couple of shots here we moved non – stop to Rohtang top.
At Rohtang top we took a break for some tea and maggi. And just when we were about to leave the stall guy told us to be careful ahead. The road is such that we will start thinking where the hell have come.
But he didn’t know our taste
Ones we started downhill towards Manali we came across a huge ice wall that Angelo was dying to see since we entered Spiti Valley.
Just after the ice slap there was a huge landslide and traffic jam which too k an hour.
It was close to 2pm now so just an hour gone would have not bothered much.
But as the landslide got cleared there was only slush on the road and slush which is super slushy. The bikes sank almost till the upper side of the chain. There was no grip for the tyres. And Anahita had to walk most of it as with pillion my bike was sinking even more in.
After 2 agonizing hours we reached Marhi. And from Marhi is where the tarmic kicked in. Also light showers on the way down.
It was around 1pm when we were at Rohtang top. It was 5pm when we reached Manali. That means it took us 4 hours from Rohtang top to bottom with many halts and one big break.
Something new I came to know about this patch. Dare uphill in the slush only when you have good experience in hand. I don’t think going uphill from here is going to give a good experience for the rider. You need to be very focused at all times.
Ones we were together we rode till the Manali bridge and instead of crossing it this time I thought of staying on this side of the river.
There was a hotel just adjacent to the road and Anahita went in and got us a good deal like always. She’s the Man.
We went in our rooms, cleaned up, took a little rest and met again around 7pm for dinner in the market area. We walked to the mall road and found a small time non veg restaurant.
Food was not that great but today’s day was quite an experience. By 10pm we were back in the hotel and opened up a nice bottle of Rum. And the talk was great on how we succeeded in reaching till here…
