Mudh - Pin Valley

 26th September 2022

Woke up and left Tabo comfortably by 0745.

Checked the sky as I waited. The direction I was going seemed clear.

Had to however wait from 0700 for the locals to rise and shine. Needed breakfast.

The drive from Tabo goes along the River Spiti.

The road was a single lane, with a not so great top.

But, the environment more than made up for it. 

The changing patterns of the mountain side is enough to keep one engrossed.

Crossed the River Spiti to turn of the main Highway towards the Pin Valley.

The road then curves south to run along the River Pin, which is a tributary of River Spiti.

The rest of the drive heads south. Was not a long drive by any standards, but, had to stay on lower gears because of the road conditions.

And, mountain conditions. 

Some parts of the road had stones rolling down the side. Thankfully, rains the previous evening had brought down most of the loose stones.

The roads get cleared every day when there is a stone fall. Must commend the people for this as there is no other way to do it than pick up the stones by hand and toss them off to the river side. 

Drove into the Mudh village for lunch. Altitude of 3800 meters.

Given the sun was shining nice and bright, it was actually warm. But, played safe. Got into my heavy jacket. And, wore a cap.

Mudh is surrounded by snow clad mountains. It sits on the banks of the River Pin.

Must show you the view from my room.

Took a walk down to the river post lunch. Had to very specifically brief the cook on the recipe. Else, all theses guys load in the infinite number of powders available.

Stuck my feet in the water briefly. Had to make sure they did not freeze.

Started back up as the clouds seemed to be coming in.

Got back to the hotel to be told that there was no hope of power coming. Fortunately there was genset that lit one bulb in the room. The ground floor that accommodated the kitchen and dining area was dark. The kitchen staff worked with head lamps.

 Decided that I would leave the next morning instead of the two night that was planned.

As the sky cleared, stayed out till the sun hid behind the western hill, putting Mudh into the shadows.

Walked in the opposite direction, west,  from which I had driven in. Half a kilometer up, the road is cut by flowing water.

Sure to see more of this as I drive along.

The setting sun forced me to head back to the hotel, where sunlight was still shining. Sat outside and watched the pretty local ladies go about.

Guys did not turn on the genset till around 1900. Did not make a real difference, as the moon was giving much needed company for my evening drink.

Went down for dinner in torchlight.

There was a foursome of westerners. One was talking. Kept to myself, till he cracked something nasty about India. Told him to stop talking like a horse's butt. He did. Switched to talking about Croatia.