After longer then expected halt at Delhi… I started my ride… The ride for which I came all the way to Delhi… “HIMACHAL”
But took a little detour to visit Golden Temple, Amritsar… what better way to start you’re challenging ride then taking God’s blessing.
So as usual… Being an early riser… Planned to leave Delhi by 5.30am. Got up at 4.30am… got ready in a hour (which is quick for me) and Quietly left the place without disturbing my brother’s sleep. Let me tell you this. My brother is well organized. So he arranged the whole process for me to take my bike out and myself quietly.
Within no time… I was on Delhi – Amritsar highway… It was little foggy but roads in Delhi were well lit.
The visibility was improving on highway so did my bike speed… The only drawback was that there were under construction bridges and detour… What is appreciable is that the detour roads were broad and smooth unlike what I faced in Karnataka and Rajasthan.
Soon I realised why I hear good about Punjab roads.. The highest was quite straight… Noticed that in my Google Map too… So I covered the first 150 Kms in 1 hour 45 minutes. Yah yah. I was covering 85 Kms in an hour. Took a break for breakfast at one of the Dhaba for Parantha’s… Yummy food…
It took 30 minutes for breakfast, yah the restaurant was slow in serving… Anyways, started the bike to come out of the restaurant to join highway… So WHILE joining the highway… I was looking at the right side from where the traffic comes… USUALLY … and with in split second, a bike in high speed came from the wrong direction ( yes on highway) … There was no time even to react… So it was near miss… Since I was at a place where I could curse the guy in local language… I shouted… But this guy didn’t even bother to stop… Phew
Anyways, didn’t want this to spoil my mood as it could affect my riding pattern… Happily started to ride…. The roads were wide… Smooth and straight… At around 10.30am, I was in Ludhiana… Could not believe that it would be so quick.
Here I met a family at a parking lot… Where the parents were happier to know that I rode all the way alone from Bangalore… In disbelief… They told me… “Tell my kids to do something like this… They are not doing much outdoor activity”… But all I did is click picture with their kids…
I took some snacks leisurely here as I was way ahead of my planned time.
From here it did not take much time for me to reach Amritsar… And a place of stay in very posh locality…
Before reaching Amritsar I had already taken place of stay it was an old house beautifully decorated the simplicity of this house was its best advantage.
So after half an hour of stay I decided to go out for the sightseeing.
Before that I had to take care of my hungry stomach and I went to another best place for lunch.
The place of lunch at Amritsar was a famous restaurant by the name ‘Kesar Da Dhaba’.
After having my lunch I straight away drive to “Wagah Border” to see our arm forces ceremony at India Pakistan border.
It had been my long pending dream to come to this place and I was happy that I could finally do this.
The atmosphere there was so live so energetic so much about India… There were patriotic songs and people were dancing.
After attending the ceremony which took almost two hours,I headed to my place of stay , didn’t had enough energy to do anything else and I skipped the dinner too.
Next day morning I got up , got ready and headed straight to Golden Temple. spent couple of hours there, had langur food and the taste of the food was way beyond my imagination.
As per my plan schedule to leave Amritsar by 12:00 p.m. I could come back to my place of stay, pack everything and start by 12 for Dharamshala.
The roads from Amritsar to Pathankot were amazing.
It is only after crossing to the Himachal border I realised what I was up to for next 3 weeks.
Honestly the roads were not bad in Himachal but the roads were narrow and curvy. So you cannot go beyond the speed of 40-50 km per hour.
Nevertheless, I had some idea how much time it will take for me to reach the hotel.
On the way the road was very scenic, stopped for a while to click few pictures and continued with my journey.
It was so beautiful that it was becoming really hard not to stop and admire the beauty of Himachal.
At around 5:00p.m. After 5 hours of leaving Amritsar, I was in Dharamshala.
There was a chill in the weather and it was difficult to be out in the open after 7 pm..
I called it a day and went to my room.
Next day morning, as per my usual plan of getting up early… I had plans to go out for a walk.
It was quite cold outside but I had come fully prepared to this place.
The best part of walking is that you discover so many places which are otherwise difficult on a vehicle.
The walk was very scenic and I was in complete awe of the beauty around me.
So the next few days in Dharamshala were spent going around some famous places especially the Dalai Lama temple.
The ride to the Dalai Lama Temple was quite challenging … But I enjoyed it thoroughly.
The atmosphere at the temple was very calm, spent an hour there before going to the local market to do some shopping.
Headed back to hotel after that, had lunch in the hotel and had very relaxed evening.
From here, I will be heading to Palampur.
Dharamshala to Palampur:
The distance was not too much … 33 km. It was an Hour ride but due to under construction highway it took me one hour and thirty minutes.
Reached an Village area which was 5 km from highways… roads in village area was decent but lot of curves.
Ultimately, reached my place of stay and was completely amazed to see the architect of the place. Just could not believe how practical and beautiful this place of stay was at such a remote place and very comfortable too.
By the time I settled down, suddenly the weather changed from Sunny to Cloudy… and within Minutes there was a hailstorm. I rushed to keep my bike under shade as this could have damaged the bike display screen.
Rest of the day spent in admiring the weather, the view, the rain and absolute pure air to breathe. Also walked around the place in the evening to find some very scenic views and nice local people. Later went out in the neighborhood to have a delicious home cooked food.
Next day went for a morning walk in the nature … there were some stones and marking for walking and it was really amazing time spent in nature.
After Breakfast, went to Bir Billing – One of the best destinations for Paragliding in World. But risk is only when pilot not following the safety norms for Paragliding and fly without safety factor, Hence skipped the paragliding.
After spending some time here, went to famous ancient lord shiva Baijnath Temple which is 15 kms from Palampur.Baijnath is situated at the bank of river Binwa, A stream of river beas.
After temple visit, headed straight to home stay , had food at the usual house in the neighborhood and relaxed for some time.
Prepared tea in the lovely kitchen at the home stay in the evening… watched some comedy show on the mobile. Yes, the home stay had a very reliable internet and didn’t have the TV, Thankfully.
Evening went for dinner and that’s where I made some dogs as my good friend.
Next day, Planned for a walk/ Trakking. Got to know from neighbours that there is a temple and a village above the hill, which is almost 8 kms from my place of stay. I could not have asked for more… it was beautiful walk, found some small snakes, water stream , a Temple and a House.
While returning there was someone walking past, I asked him where is he going and he told me – work. So this gentleman , in sleeper walk 16 kms up and down, mind it, evening there would be no street light EVERYDAY… and we have so much complaints about traffic, roads of Bangalore sitting in our comfortable cars… I realized that I shall complain less henceforth.
Later during the day, went to a famous Andretta Pottery and Craft Society… spent good amount of time there understanding what they do.
Later part of the day , spent in homestay.
PALAMPUR TO MANDI(94 Kms–3 Hrs)
Yah 94 Kms … 3 hours… Because of road construction (was stuck for more than 20 mins due to this) and narrow roads. Roads were decent though.
When I left Palampur, I Thought the I have already seen the best of my Journey… A beautiful Home stay, Amazing Home cooked food and the Surroundings around.
So, the Home stay owner Works in Mandi city and had advised that reaching his office would be most ideal then going directly to the location of stay. Never understood why, but realized when I reached the Home Stay, it was in a remote village 12 kms from Mandi City… Broken roads, to under construction bridge , to water stream… everything on this 12 kms route. But the last 600 meters were the most challenging as well beautiful.
This 600 meters road … Why I am saying road… there was literally no roads… this Village was supposed to be approached by foot and not any sort of vehicle… Nevertheless, The owner advised me to ride in front of his Car and if I get stuck he will see it to help… but Having done so much of ride already, I told him that I shall follow. Soon realized why he was saying so… all your riding expertise comes in this small stretch… It was the most challenging off road stretch for me. And I feel irritated to taking my bike through all this torture.
Anyways, reached the place of stay and when I parked my bike and looked around. I felt it was worth the effort. This house is in the foothill surrounded from all side…
Parked my bike, there was enough place inside to do so… removed luggage , went to the room. Was feeling hungrey and house owner wife had made some mouth watering food.
After that , relaxed for a while.
In the evening went for a walk… as usual… I was shown a Foot Bridge by the owner of the house close by hence the idea where shall I do to.
When I reached there… It was a bridge over a river… just WOW.
The air was clean, though I could see the under construction highway hereby…but the sound of flowing water stream was music to the ears…
Spending some decent time there, came back to the room. Had some talks with the owner… had dinner and crashed on the bed.
Next day morning, went for a walk towards the same bridge… and even further towards the Mandi – Kulu highway. This became my ritual for next few days I was here.
Today I decided to enjoy the local area around and in the evening walked on the same (No) Road where I came from in the bike leading to another highway. The view was beautiful, the highway had very less traffic so could sit on the road side and click few pictures
Next day, Planned to visit few temples… Till the First Temple, roads were decent… spent some time here and even had a chat with priest who showed me the way to the other temple which was on the hilltop.
It was difficult to find the proper way towards the next temple, was getting lost…(GPS was of no help) asked the few women walking there to get to know the route to the temple… there was a sharp turn from the main road to Temple and even the board was there mentioning the name of the temple but wasn’t visible easily.
Just before the temple, there was again NO ROAD… it’s a famous temple and thousands of people visit, Could not understand why authorities have not built the roads. So this was again a kilometer long challenging road.
Once I reached the temple, I realized that it is probably the most beautiful temple I have ever seen. It was renovated a year back but had this amazing wood work.
I spend significant time with the Priest to understand the history of this temple and it was nice to listen to him. He even offered a tea.
On my return ride, I hardly found any vehicle on the road… except few villages and parked vehicle on the road side.
Reached back to the Home stay, yes Again went thru that 600 meters stretch of road. Had lunch and went to take some rest.
Evening spent in walking and I went to the same starch of road and decided that I shall not take out my bike unless unavoidable.
So the next few days, went with the owner in his Maruti Suzuki Wagon R to Mandi city siteseeing, he is a skillful driver I must say. He drives his vehicle no less than a Jeep Cherokee.
Finally the day came when I had to say this place a Goodby ( few Videos and picture )
Mandi to Kufri
Mandi to Kufri (145 Kms)
It was Planned that I would leave this village near Mandi at 6.00 am though I generally leave by 5.00am. Reason for late start wasto wait for the natural light so that I can clearly see the first 600 meters of the challenging road and the road further as well.
It was nice for my home stay owner to come along this 6 kms stretch till highway to see me off. I took the advantage and told him to carry my saddle bag with him till there.
Once I crossed this challenging but beautiful road…
The Distance of 145 kms was not too much but I was surprised to see the ride time of more then 4 hours. I crosschecked with my Firend Deepak that why it is showing so much time to cover 145 kms, his reply was that google is right as you cant find a stretch to ride fast in these hilly roads…
It took me almost 45 minutes to come out of Mandi town and touch the highway… what came to me as a surprise was Fog and cold weather. And due to this, there was no Sun. I prayed for sun god to come fast but it did not happen soon after.
So holding on to the bike grip in this chili weather even thogh there is a hand guard was challenging… keeping in mind the low visibility and continued my journey.
After almost riding for 2 hours, I stopped for breakfast.
I had some yummy Parantha and tea… not to forget water and carried on with my journey.
So the main town which comes before Kufri is called Shimla… so was stuck there for sometime due to traffic. It’s a diifcult combination to concentrate on road as well look at GPS as roads were narrow… too many small and bif crossings as well underbridge.
The cold breeze intensity increased once I was closer to Kufri from Shimla. I realized what I was upto.
Thankfully, the hotel where I stayed was right on the Highway.
I took as smaller room with better view of the Valley and room was cozy and staff welcoming.
The evening spent admiring the Kufri Valley View…and mostly inside the room as the temperature was hovering around 5 degree.
Next day, Got up ususal time , Went for a Morning walk… yes it was cold but thankfully sun was out… but when you walk on the ghat roads, Sun plays hide and seek with you… so during that time , the walk use to become difficult.
Anyways, got back to Room, Had tea. Got ready and left for Shimla , Luckly my friend Deepak was also in Shimla due to Diwali Holidays.
Had quick breakfast ( Not so good at Mall road)… went to the Famous Church and later to Mall road walk. After this went to a Famous Temple called “Jakhoo Mandir” Shimla .
Took up and down service of Cable car … Amazing view of Shimla I could see from this Car.
Spent some time there and came back with the same Cable Car.
Got down to mall road, did some shopping …
Had Lunch with Deepak’s Family at a very famous restaurant near Church in the open as sun was out.
After this went straight to the hotel as idea was to reach early before temperature dips and further. This is when I realized that it was too difficult to hold on to the Handle grip even after wearing riding gloves. I had to use some technique while riding so that the cool breeze does not hit my fingers.
Happy to reach hotel and get inside the cozy room.
Next day also, I went to Shimla first half , met Deepak , had some very good pastries and famous café on Mall road.
By afternoon I was back again to Hotel. Today is Diwali so hotel had planned some events in the evening but I did not enjoy them much. But the view of the Valley with Lights around glowing like a star was amazing.
Next Day was to start my Journey back to Chandigarh, Hence went to bed early.
KUFRI TO CHANDIGARH (131 Kms : 4Hrs 30 mins)
Started around 6am from Kufri , Yes it was quite cold but had to reach Chandigarh much before Afternoon. Had some plan. After riding for more then an hour covering 60 Kms… I stopped for breakfast- again the choice was Parantha and tea. Till now roads were in very bad shape… You never know when it will become 1 lane to 2 lane 2 hour lane… And in to of that diversions. I was aware looking at the map earlier that till Kalka (100+kms) roads would be bad. I kept riding to somehow reach Kalka… The width of the road got better but not the quality significantly.
Reached Chandigarh by afternoon… Met my friend cum Mentor .. I was offered fresh fruit bowl… We chatted for sometime , and keeping my plan to reach Delhi by 6pm. I had lunch with them around 1.30.
It was time to say a bye to then but deserved a selfie with him an his wife whom I met after 19 years.
On way to Delhi from Chandigarh where I though to ride non stop but end up stopping for water break just 50 Kms before Delhi. Met few curious onlooker.
Finally at around 6.00pm , I reached Delhi at my brother’s place. Rest of the evening went for a family get-together.
Metal Creed India 