Bucket List Journeys: Chapter 2- The mesmerizing Spiti…
Two years of Covid Catastrophe, continuous work from home, and some kind of house-arrest — life had come to a complete standstill. The long-stalled bucket list of journeys had to start with something exciting, and it kicked off with :).. the Splendid Himachal!
Dreaming to explore the unexplored and offbeat Himachal, I booked a traveling agency — TheMountMonks (https://www.facebook.com/ MountMonksAdventures/) headed by Mr. Aniket Dixit offering a 7-day exciting itinerary at an extremely affordable yet luxurious price.
After boxing the mind and soul for 2 years in a pandemic, DAY-1 starts with the mixed emotions of excitement and hesitation of going solo again. Accompanied by my traveler bag and even bigger baggage of emotions, I boarded my morning 7 AM Indigo flight from Hyderabad to Delhi.
The traveler tempo picked us from Bangla sahib gurudwara in Delhi. We took the shortest NH 44,152 and 5 route(Karnal → Kurukshetra → Ambala) which takes 7–8 hours to reach Shimla. On the way, we stopped at an authentic village-like setting named Shiva Dhaba, the multi-cuisine eatery famous amongst family travelers for its shopping options, outdoor playing area, gorgeous ambiance, generous servings, and warm hospitality. From lip-smacking Panjabi meals to aalo paratha and pakora with your midnight kadak-adrak-chai, Shiva Dhaba is all time ready to leave you wanting for even more!
DAY-2: After 8 hours of bumpy highway ride overnight, we opened our eyes to a spectacular foggy 360-degree mountain view at Shimla, encompassing clusters of houses and old bungalows with their gabled roofs, and beautiful gardens, clinging to green hillside slopes, with apple orchards and potato growing terraced fields. Though our package didn't have a stay at Shimla, one can enjoy a heritage walk through Shimla’s Victorian-era architecture, labyrinthine bazaars, and lengthy pedestrian shopping mall. The Mall, packed with shops and eateries and Scandal Point, associated with the former Maharaja of Patiala’s escapades are the best historical places to visit.
After Shimla , we started for Kalpa via Rampur — Jeori — Wangtu — Peo route. This road from Wangtu to Tapri to Karcham, extreme hairpin bends along, will definitely give you goosebumps and mountain sickness even if you are not prone to it. Driving the crazy cliff-hanging narrow roads on the Sangla Road and one wrong move and you will land in the abyss! The narrow dusty roads curving along with snow-clad Kinner Kailash range and river Bapsa, surrounded by gravel, landslides, streams, waterfalls, ice, and boulders, this jaw-dropping beauty makes it a paradise for adventure lovers.
At night, we stayed at Hotel White castle- Kalpa, an ideal homely place to relax, rejuvenate and behold nature’s charm. Experiencing the beautiful sunrise amidst the mountains through your room window, beautiful surroundings, the melodious chirping of birds, the crisp mountain air mingled with the sweet aroma of roses and orchids filling the corridors and rooms, will definitely make your stay an ultimate paradise!
The next DAY-3 started with Kaza. On the way, we witnessed the majestic view of Kalpa Roghi suicide point and the magnificent Tabo Monastery. Evening we checked in to Kaza homestay and had some mouth ravishing Spiti cuisines.
The action-packed Day- 4 starts with the marine fossil village of Spiti -Langza. Stark but enchanted, this place will definitely leave you flabbergasted with its canopy of stars at night in the sky in the background of the vibrant 1000-year-old Buddha’s statue. Capture a timelapse of the Galaxy moving behind Buddha with your DSLR.
Next, we stopped at Komic, the highest village which is connected by a motorable road at an altitude of 15,027 ft above sea level. This place also has a lovely wall-painted monastery and a self-claimed world’s highest restaurant. The day finally ended at Hikkim-a village with the highest post office in the world — an unobtrusive red post box that snuggled amidst typical local homes. The experience of sending postcards, from one of the highest points of the world to your loved ones will definitely leave you exhilarated.
On Day-5, we started for our predestination- Chandrataal. We took the Kaza — Kibber — Chicham — Kiato route. Being on the rutted winding road, “Helmeted Bikers” were vrooming their adrenaline and testosterone in full throttle while traveler buses bumped like an ungainly elephant. After driving the scariest and the narrower bends, we finally reached Asia’s Highest spectacular bridge — The Chicham.
Next was the turn to witness the predestination and as a heads-up- Don't forget your DSLR to capture life’s most adventurous drive to Kunzum! The top of the Kunzum pass offers spectacular views of the Bara-Sigri glacier, the second-longest glacier in the world. Also visible from the top of the pass are the Chandra-Bhaga Mountain and Spiti Valley. Besides the panoramic view of the region, Kunzum Pass has got a temple of Goddess Durga at its topmost point.
Around evening we finally reached our Samsong Chandrtaal camp. The majestic camp experience was well complemented with stargazing, bonfires, kababs, wines (or any poison of your choice), and not to forget, some daring people playing the ultimate football and baseball match on bone-chilling, nose numbing windy nights. Sharing spine-chilling ghost stories over a tea-around bonfire was a perfect icing on the cake. At night, you won’t need your telescopes, the clear skies do enough for you to get a good look at our Milky Way galaxy. Just lie down with your gang, counting stars and if lucky, wishing upon them too!
Finally, it was The D-day, we embarked to witness Chandratal Lake, hidden in the deep gorges of the Spiti Valley, is truly a hidden gem. The crescent-shaped lake with its crystal water is symbolic of the moon and is divine! The glacial lake is something you’d need to unwind from your climb upwards. Soaking up the sun, the mountains, and the lake should be enough motivation to wake up to this exceptional spot!
After witnessing the magical and enigmatic Chnadrtaal, on Day-7, it was time to head back to Delhi via the last spot -The zen hippie town of Himachal-Manali! No wonder the towering peaks and verdant terrain of Manali attract adventure travelers, with heli-skiing, hiking, mountaineering, and river rafting the favored active pursuits. Renowned for its street shopping adventure and bustled with heaps of activities, the Mall Road of Manali has got a lot of things to see. Lined with multiple restaurants, cafes, and dhabas, this place is definitely ideal for those who have got a flavor of bargaining skills deeply rooted in them.
This journey may come to an end but only to plan and start another. In 2 years of the pandemic, I have learned that we need to find the courage to follow our dreams, laugh at our misfortune and change the way we look at the world. Spiti is not a usual eat-sleep-repeat travel destination. Traveling to Spiti will require some dedication and preparation. But once you are ready, be assured of many countless memories! Coming to an end, I hope I helped the readers plan a perfect holiday to the enchanting land of Spiti Valley!
