The Roads of Spiti
Roads of Spiti
One of the most beautiful, most treacherous and much feared roads of Spiti... on the way to Chandratal Lake.
I walk in a
land
so dry , so
bare.
I wonder
where I Iead,
I wonder
what it held.
The land
unfolded in a maze,
of dust and
dunes.
The river
unfathomable,
to the
valleys juxtaposed.
The
mountains loomed high,
the cold
biting me even in the summer high.
The warmth
of the sunlight,
busy somewhere
playing peek-a-boo with the clouds unaware.
The rains
came in sheets,
basked in
the sun's limelight.
The azure
real skies,
ironical to
the seldom mirage ...
The oasis
such a relief,
like the
lamas who rule the land.
The prayer
wheels turning,
and the
saintly flying prayer flags.
I now knew
where I lead ...
I now knew
what lay ahead...
As the
locals warmly welcomed me
to their
home & land.
Let the destinations not come easy, as the roads which
transport you there, might be just roads then.
Spiti is a district in Himachal Pradesh, India.
Spiti is a district in Himachal Pradesh, India.
Spiti gave me reasons to sigh and gasp. The dusted
mountains, deep ravines and charged up rivers were the elements of the
landscapes but the highlights of this trip were the roads.
The roads that carried me, the roads that transported me
, the roads that lead me, the roads that became my journey.
This photoblog is an account of the roads which took me
and brought me safe home. The several inhibitions and warnings prior to
visiting Spiti were heard, yet on deaf ears. As what is planned and what is
meant has to go on...
How about some Ride!!
At Trunda Dham on the way to Sangla Valley
And that's how they do it!!
Though road formations were encountered at many places during the Spiti Trip, a discipline is followed. The vehicles are made to wait not more than 15 mins. The work is halted, traffic dispersed and work resumes.
Roads that shared such beautiful sites.
Ever caught in an animal jamm!!
On the way to Chandratal
On the way to Langza
On the way to Chandratal
This is a beautiful loop on the way to Chandratal, the natural formations are spellbounding and so are the vistas this place offers..
View from Key Monastery. The pea fields, azure sky and the snaking roads break the monotony of this barren land.
A Himachal State Transport bus attempting to cross the narrow road.
A flat tyre gave ample time to enjoy this landscape on the way to Chandratal
The way to Chandratal is known for the most treacherous and narrow roads. This himalayan traffic jam on the way to Chandratal left many stranded as the riders and drivers were contemplating and analysing every forward and reverse
The seasoned local drivers too remain highly cautious on this road.
What's like having rolling landscapes with feral horses running crazy in the frame. I had my share... not in "Zindagi na milegi doobara" movie song, but my very own at Chandratal.
Road or Nala, stop contemplating and cross it before the noon comes and swells the nala further. These nalas are ubiquitous and alarming.
My driver made me start journeys as early as 4 -5 am to avoid swollen nalas. The sunlight melts the glaciers and the nalas swell post 7 - 8 am.
The cliff hanger or Trunda Dham is one arduous road on the way to Sangla Valley.
Lahaul District
On the way to Rohtang Pass
The greens of Rohtang pass
At Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass
A tunnel on the way to Sangla Valley
Cliff Hangar or Trunda Dham on the way to Sangla Valley
Chitkul
Pagal Nala ( an unstoppable Waterfall)
A Himachal State Transport Bus
At Pooh on the way to Nako - Confluence of Sutlej and Spiti Rivers.
Bridge at Pooh - on the way to Nako
Colorful prayer flags at Kunzum Pass
Some tussle here. Two vehicles stranded on the way to Nako.
Bikers on the way to Kaza
Desert roses and serpentine ways on the way to Langza
An ariel view of Kaza
On the way to Kaza
Pea fields and the wavy roads against a backdrop of rugged mountains at Kibber
A few kilometers from Tabo on the way to Dhankar is marked by albino rock formations which stand out strikingly in the landscape and make you awe.
The serpentine roads on the way to Nako make you wonder how these roads were built in such remoteness. At the same time, you will wonder on the quality of these roads... which our metro cities lack.
Cliff Hangar or Trunda Dham
Cliff Hangar or Trunda Dham
Himachal Pradesh has a beautiful network of roads and the remotest villages are well connected by tar roads. Nature being furious to this land, the slowdowns are the unscheduled road blocks, but that's part of the travel. I was but cautioned and was well prepared to stay put on the road whole night, if such emergency arises. But guess being prepared to handle situations and your power of positive thoughts, as my friend Pranali Wadaskar says, makes you sail through calm.
Pranali Wadaskar was my companion on the Spiti trip.
Remember, travel experiences are not good or bad, they are merely
circumstances .. and being a true traveller is facing the odds and saying.. Where
Next!!
Text & Images by - Jyoti Rane
Visit - www.myodysseys.com
