TheRoyale

The Trans Himalayas and the Dragon
Prologue:
As usual this time again, I had to struggle for the leaves and hence as usual, the plan was tentative with 2-3 possible destinations in my wishlist. The reason is quite obvious: we are blessed with a nation which is as diverse as human minds and as beautiful as it could be. Since there is no one to accompany me or perhaps I was not willing to tag along someone, my silent desire to conquer THE Sach Pass has to be buried for some more time because this is something where you certainly need someone’s help to get through. Next destination was valley of flowers in UK; let me tell you that this one is in my wish list from even before when I started touring. But this time I really wanted something different and zeroed on Spiti. Thanks to Archit, who kept on pushing me to visit this barren land.

Unconventionally, this time I had to start on Tuesday after off boarding from Lucknow-Chandigarh express on Monday afternoon , which means I have half a day to preapare for whatever I want to. Bike Service, Collect tools from friends, visit the doctor and some other necessary things to name a few. Somehow I managed to handle all important to-dos and pack my stuff by 2:30 AM which gave me an opportunity to have a sleep of 30 mins only. By 4.15 I was all set to embark my journey.

Day1, July 12, 2011: Panchkula to Puh:

The first day was non-happening as most of the part of the ride was on the NH22 which has already exceeded my counter limit except the green landscapes of monsoon. Left Narkanda by 9:45 after having an Aloo Paratha at Mahamaya Palace and 2 teas. Having a power-nap was call of the hour now because I could manage only 30 mins sleep last night, spending good 20 mins roadside and I was good to go. It was approx 1 or 1.30 when I had delicious lunch just after the petrol pump at Tapri and called Archit about my progress. As per my plan I was supposed to go to DC office at Recong Peo before 4PM today for the permits to visit Shipki-La and Kaurik which I have dropped because it would have been a waste of time as those guys are quite adamant to give permits to a lone person that too with a bike. I really cannot understand this simple logic. How a lone person is more dangerous to their security? Or why an Indian needs someone’s permission to visit a part of his/her own country. As I crossed Recong Peo and was approaching towards Puh, landscape was changing with the same pace as the setting sun. and vegetation was inversely proportional to the rising moon. So as per this equation Puh must be having very little vegetation because there is a full moon in a couple of days
I reached Puh at 6:30 PM and headed direct to PWD RH. It is a newly built property with 12 rooms but to my hard luck, all rooms are booked. The caretaker asked me to wait till 8 and I got room no 109, how? doesn’t matter. Since there is no power because of ongoing blasting on NH22, no mobile signal and hence no communication. Even PCO is not working. I had my meal at around 10 and went to bed, all I could think of that evening was "Shipki-La". Tomorrow I am certainly going to follow the road leading to Shipki-La no matter if I reach the top or not. Till then, Good night Puh…

Here are the pics from day 1:

Morning Fog over Solan:


Near Narkanda, Loving those green carpets on the rocks:


Near Narkanda:


The same famous spot, the rock cut road near Bhawa Nagar:


Gurgling Satluj through the green mountains, near Bhawa Nagar:




Road to Recong Peo:


A furious Nullah, On the way to Puh:


The vegetation started diminishing as I was getting away from Recong Peo:


Soon it was almost a Barren land, the road was mostly snaking through the deep gorges with roaring Satluj, far below:


one of the numerous iron bridges in those areas:


Loved this combination of light,shadow, greens, water and the barren land:


Beatiful reflection over the Satluj:


A Nullah contributing to Satluj, As far as i remember this was near the road to Ropa Valley:


Rocky mountains:


Ascending to Puh from NH 22:


That's your Puh:


PWD Rest House at Puh:


Rising Moon over the Mountain while the Sun is yet to set:

SKSy_Biker

Travelogue approved

Ananth

Very beautiful pictures! And well narrated log too!

Makes me feel jealous for you guys based out of Delhi / Chd - Snow capped mountains are so nearby

Awaiting the next lot !

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Please Wear a HELMET Regardless of what ever Bike you Ride. ATGATT!



My Travelogues:

The Maha RoadTrip | SaddleSore

Leh - Ladakh | Idukki | Coorg - Wayanad - Mudhumalai | Point Calimere | Thekkady - Munnar - Valparai

Solo to Ooty |South Western Karnataka |In Search Of "The God" - In God's Own Country!

daredemon

Beautiful Pics !!!!

I hope you must have sensed the feel of satisfaction after completing the ride....

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Ride Hard !!! Ride Safe!!! Enjoy every moment on your machine !!! Cheers....

Hyperion

Amazing pictures dude! Looks like an awesome trip.

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Our Saddle Sore Attempt

Ride to the unexplored, season 1 -
Episode 1 : Pilot
Episode 2 : Wrong Turn
Episode 3 : The Longest Yard
Episode 4 : Dead Ends
Episode 5 : Run to the hills
Episode 6 :In the End

sharath.chandra29

Wow, this trip really jogged some fresh memories in my mind. I did a trip through Kinnaur and Spiti in May and some of the pictures you've taken are exactly the same as the ones that I have. The carpets of green are a beautiful new addition, I am very envious of you, eagerly awaiting your next update!

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princesirohi

superb pics man, and ofcourse...wonderful trip.

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Tyre Sizes _ Spark Plugs

Pirelli & Michelin Tyres for Indian Bikes

Motorcycle Headlight Focus

ASHTAVINAYAK & SHIRDI BIKE TOUR WITH WIFE

TheRoyale

thanks SK for approving it

Thanks Ananth,
We are living in a cosmopolitan world man, come and settle in north

Satisfied but I am still longing for more. what to do?

yeah it was one of its kinda ride

Thanks Sarath, m glad that u liked it.

Thanks you prince!

guys, next part is coming soon

hitanshu

Verry naice pics and a lovely pace in the hills. Pray keep up the pikchas posting pace too!!

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TheRoyale

thanks Hitanshu, next part is just a few seconds away.