Chitkul and on

22nd September 2022

Woke up easy. Had early breakfast as I had to take  a call at 0800.

Before I headed in to breakfast saw the snow clad tops that peep out for me to take a few shots.



 

Got done by 0930. Checked out and headed north towards Chitkul. It was a 12 kilometer drive that took me 60 minutes.

You could mark that against the absolutely unmaintained heavily ridden ghat roads that are constantly battered by the rains.

But not totally. Every once in a while I stopped to take pictures. That is, where the road was wide enough to allow me to stop without halting all other vehicles. Traffic that early was light, as only vehicles from Rakcham would have made it. Other tourists  would possibly come closer to lunch.

As the video I loaded last post does not seem to be working, cannot show you the drive. Will leave you with these instead.

 





 Entered the Chitkul valley. It is such lush beauty. Flanked by towering mountains, the River Baspa running at the feet of the mountains.





You can go on the road till this checkpost.
 


The Tibetan border is about 75 kilometers past this.  Much further from other posts I have been to. But, who am I ??

Stopped to pick up some tea and inaugurate my travel flask - drink as you drive variety.  

Got two cup full into the flask. Well loaded with sugar. It lasted a few hours, HOT. Every time I stopped to take a shot, I sipped. Indian flask brand name Yatch.

You must put Chitkul on your must come and stay list. There are loads of decent places here. My research was just not good enough. This is the place to spend 3 to 4 days. Just relax by the river, or trek. 


Get here. Stay here for a few days. Am for sure coming back. 

Started back towards the night halt for the day. Was actually supposed to stay another night at Rakcham. But the clouds and rain made me change night halt to my next stop.

The drive down to the highway was much the same. Fascinating.









Had a minor traffic hold up on the road. A ITBP truck was offloading supplies. 

All waited amicably for about 15 minutes. Had a chat with the Himachal bus driver about how he would get past me, once he got past the truck. All in good humour.

Reached Mansion Hotel at Kalpa by 1530. The windows from the room face East.

From Chitkul at 2643 meters, you come down to about 2000 meters. Then climb the last 20 kilometers to 2960 meters. Lots and lots of sharp bends, on narrow roads. Every single driver gives way, irrespective of up or down. Great driving pleasure.

Well, the weather held up. It kept drizzling. The room had a fascinating view, even in the clouds.

Went for a walk as the drizzle stopped. 


The drizzle picked up as I got back. Will leave you with these. Nature was giving me a glimpse of what could be.

 



Part of this was written 23rd September, as signals last evening were slow.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Into Religion and Culture February 2025

Image
17th February 2025 Departed Simlipal in Odisha at 0545 as planned. The gate keeper was waiting for me. The roads are just fantastic. NH18 then NH19. First hour had different density of fog. At times down to 10 meters. But the lack of traffic early made it easy. The speed limits were at 80 kmph. So stayed within that. Lack of traffic meant I was on cruise most of the while. Made great time. Crossed into Jharkhand. The roads stayed as good. Cost of fuel dropped by 10 percent for petrol !! The crossed into Bihar, reaching my destination Jataka Inn, Gaya. Got in by 1300. Had a relaxed lunch. Slept a while. Headed out to the Mahabodi Temple in the evening. Got an electric auto rickshaw for the round trip. Recommended by the hotel security. Got snapped up by a guide as soon as I reached. Thought why not. It helped in jumping queue to get a cloak room locker for my smartphones. They have been banned in most of the larger temples in the south. Effect of idiots planting explosive devices. Jumpe...
Read more

Gnathang Valley and Phadamchen

Image
  Being written on the 29th of November while waiting for my flight to Chennai. 26th November 2024 Departed Gangtok by 0930. Driver got stuck in city traffic. Exited using a less used road, with a steep gradient. Met up with the main road traffic in a bit. We were headed to the Gnathang Valley. Distance wise, not very far. Stopped to have our permit printed. The application and issue is online. It needs the vehicle and driver details. Apart from the passenger detail. The road we were taking went past Nathu La. Worked on the driver's mind to curb his natural tendency of allowing the weight of his right foot to decide the pace of the journey. Then explained to him that the pleasure of the journey should be absolute. The destination could be enjoyed when we reached. Traffic was not too heavy. We stopped to have the permit checked and signed. The scenic beauty of the place cannot be described. Any drive in the Himalayan region fills one with exhilaration. It is simpler for me to just p...
Read more

Towards Gaya February 2025

Image
 11th February The start of a postponed trip. Had planned this September October of 2024. But, a fervent request from my daughter got me cancel. The idea regenerated in January while in Sri Lanka. Thought of a early March Departure. The weather played a large part in pulling it forward. The route was thru the smaller Tiger Reserves in the East, North and Central India. With all the key religious places in North Central India brought in. Only when I reached Prayagraj in my bookings did I realise it was Kumbh time. So much for my religious indoctrination. The hotels were extremely expensive. Though of dropping it, the younger one agreed. The elder whacked me on my head. So, booked. Departed Chennai at 0600. Headed towards my first halt - Nagarjuna Srisailam Tiger Reserve - NSTR - also called the Nalamalla Forest Reserve. Had my booking for two nights at one of their camps at Pacherla. Each night had one Safari thrown in. Got out of Chennai very fast, Was amazed at the smooth run, til...
Read more