Itinerary Followed:
Day1: Delhi - Sarahan (12-13Hrs)Day2: Sarahan - Sangla
Day3: Sangla - chhitkul & Rakcham(4 Hrs) - Kalpa (3 Hrs)Day4: Kalpa- Tabo (10-11Hrs)
Day5: Tabo - Kaza (2-3 Hrs)
Day6: Kaza -Lasar- Kunzum (3-4 Hrs) - Kaza
Day7: Kaza - Kalpa (12 Hrs)
Day8: Kalpa - Chail (10-11 Hrs)
Day9: Chail- Delhi (7-8 HRs)
Our next destination was sangla, and as we knew that there
has been land slide near tapri, we started early at 7.20 to avoid any risks.
We made our Thumb rule for the
trip start early and reach early. Travelling after dark might be dangerous in
this part of Himalayas as the roads are not in good condition, your car can
break down anytime, limited supply of petrol at times, most of the area is
prone to landslides, not much fellow travelers on this route, scarcely
inhabited region, long patches of off-road travel, and if it rains then huge slushes and water puddles greet you with open arms..
As soon as we crossed jeori the
tarmac changed dramatically and suddenly we were into a different world all
together. Beautiful, narrow (rather very narrow) roads are chiseled through the
huge mountains to make a way for you. Certainly it is a very thrilling drive
though you have to be very careful while driving and should to salute the workers who
built these dangerous paths.
Beautiful Narrow Road Chiseled through the mountain |
Road cut through the mountain |
The condition of the road is very
good. We quickly covered our distance till tapri by 9.30AM only to know that
the pass to the other side is operational as one way at a time. Because of the
landslide we were supposed to take an off route through upsi village and
this was kind off one way, pass was available every 2 hours from each side. So we had to wait till 11 AM for
pass to open. At 9.30 the sun was pitty sharp, but the cool breeze was making
the weather bearable. But you have to be really careful for the sun burns incase
you are moving out of shade.
Finally at 11.20 AM the road was open for us to pass, as the traffic from other side had been stopped. It took almost an hour to cover that off-route distance of 18KMs. After crossing Tapri we took a right through a bridge (near Karcham) towards Sangla. Though the distance from Karcham to Sangla was around 25 kms but the entire journey was almost off-road, shooting stones from the top is a common sight there. All thanks to the JP’s power project!!
The thin line inside the red box the the road |
Finally at 11.20 AM the road was open for us to pass, as the traffic from other side had been stopped. It took almost an hour to cover that off-route distance of 18KMs. After crossing Tapri we took a right through a bridge (near Karcham) towards Sangla. Though the distance from Karcham to Sangla was around 25 kms but the entire journey was almost off-road, shooting stones from the top is a common sight there. All thanks to the JP’s power project!!
Power Plant Project |
Finally we reached the Sangla
valley at around 2PM, all our tiredness was gone in just one look of the
valley. Beautiful lush green Baspa valley, surrounded by huge green snowcapped
mountains, baspa flowing in full current with its crystal clear water, pine
trees standing tall on both side of the river and small residential
establishments on either side, looked as if we have entered in some fairy land.
Baspa Valley |
We stayed in Kinner Camps and to
add to our happiness Lama was there that day for the lunch. We were fortunate
enough to have a brief discussion with him. After having lunch (which was
DELICEOUS!), we had a detailed discussion with our camp manager on what all should
we visit and at what time. He suggested to go to Chhitkul right away and next
day for rakcham walk. But because of our laziness we rested in the camp and
decided to do both next day morning.
View from our camp |
Walk towards Basteri |
Baspa River from the Camp |
There we reached a temple of Lord Vishnu and were lucky to
witness a ritual, where in the two men (villagers) carry the idols of God on
their shoulders (there were extended wooden logs attached to the idol on both
sides, through which it can be carried on shoulder similar to the “Doli of
Indian Bride”), move back & forth and share their problem to the idol of
Gods and priest with a hope that their problems will be resolved. At the back
of it, the musical instruments creates joyful sounds. I had never witnessed such
way of prayer anywhere.
Spent our evening relaxing in the camp with
bonfire, music and delicious dinner. We were off to bed early as next day we
had to start our day at 5 AM. Journey of 3rd day will follow soon..
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