The middle land (Lahaul and Spiti), Royal Enfield diaries

After covering Ladakh last year and seeing enthusiasm across all segment of the society for Ladakh, I along with my two friends (Pankaj and Aman) decided to find another peaceful place. Here it is, Lahaul and Spiti Valley, the least traveled roads, the middle land. 

It was 12th June' 2015, A kick on Royal Enfield Classic 350CC, exploded Dug Dug Dug and journey begins. After driving almost 200 Kms, another friend (Pankaj) joined in from Kurukshetra and we drove till Shimla. Actual itinerary said, we had to reach Narkanda but the rain messed it all. Finally, we reached Shimla.

After Shimla, it was mesmerizing. Breached into Kinnaur valley, beautiful views and landscape all around and then Sangla (Chitkul) route and Tabo route were waiting for us with the toughest roads one can imagine. Enroute Tabo, we also visited 550 years old mummy in Giu Nala village. 

Reaching Kaza was the best feeling since we crossed the toughest stretch but unfortunately the road from Kaza to Manali was blocked by a huge glacier and will take another week to clear it up. The calculated risk was taken after the fuming discussion and we headed towards that glacier, it was in Batal. Before reaching Batal, we visited Kunzum Devi temple on Kunzum top at 15000 Ft. We stayed at Batal and witnessed humanity, a wonderful couple running a small tea shop with few shelters was our halt for the day. Suddenly news from GREF came that we can cross the glacier tomorrow early morning and we all took a deep breath. 

The toughest day of life was here, started 5:30 AM in the freezing cold. The giant glacier was waiting for us and we almost 35 bikers helped each-other to pull the bikes and cross the glacier. Finally, we all did it and became the first batch of biker this year to cross this pass. According to locals, no one had ever attempted this route in such critical conditions. Proud moment for all of us.