Day 10:
I started early in the morning from the workshop towards Mandi. However, the roads quickly proved to be challenging, which continued for the next 20 kilometers.
Eat Right:
Around noon, I decided to stop, recognizing that despite my hard pedaling, I had covered a mere 10 kilometers. My energy levels were running low, and I knew I needed to replenish my strength for the upcoming climb. Since all I had for breakfast was the usual chai and bread, I decided to cook myself a decent energetic meal.
I was resolute in my decision to stick to a daily budget of just 100 bucks, which made everything quite challenging. I couldn’t allow myself to be tempted by anything expensive, whether it was clothing, food, or accommodation.
Also I had absolutely no interest in shelling out 100 bucks for a small bowl of dal and rice. My commitment to staying within the budget is unwavering.
Nature’s tricks:
Everything was prepared, and I was just moments away from enjoying my meal when suddenly, a heavy downpour began. I had to halt everything and quickly repack my belongings to protect them from the rain.
At that moment, for the first time on this journey, I found myself missing home. It was as if someone had taken food right out of my mouth. There was an inexplicable and unbearable pain within me that I couldn’t quite explain.
This brief experience of rain in the mountains, which lasted only a few minutes, almost felt like moutians were testing me to see if I’m worthy of it.
The Messenger! :
While sitting under a tree, feeling extremely disappointed with the way things had unfolded, a local passerby caught my attention. He stopped next to my cycle , with a friendly smile, said, “From this point, it’s all downhill until Sundar Nagar, and from there on, it’s a plain road to Mandi. It’s just 20 kilometers ahead.”
It was as if someone had felt the throbbing pain in my heart and sent a messenger to offer assistance.
However, just as he had described, those 10 kilometers turned out to be a downhill, adorned with beautiful colors of different crops lining the highway. Now, I understood why they named this place Sundar Nagar.
Monkey Mind:
Few minutes ago, I had been on the verge of tears, but now my heart was filled with excitement and happiness. It’s fascinating how our human minds can swiftly shift from one extreme to another. We can leap for joy one moment and plunge into the depths of misery the very next.
Although I had initially wanted to camp at this picturesque spot, my urgent need for new spares became apparent. This compelled me to continue towards Mandi, which was 10 kilometers away from where I am now. Additionally, I had learned that Mandi had an official showroom for my bike, so I was assured that I would find the necessary spare parts there.
After covering a total of 52 kilometers, which was the highest so far on the mountains, I arrived in the small town of Mandi.
Regret:
To my dismay, Mandi was incredibly congested and bustling with traffic. Navigating through the different lanes of the market, I eventually located the store I had been searching for. I inquired about the spares I needed, but upon inspecting my cycle, the shopkeeper confidently informed me that nothing related to my bike could be found anywhere near, except in Manali.
At that moment, I couldn’t help but regret my decision not to camp at Sundarnagar. Instead, I found myself stuck in this noisy and chaotic town. Setting aside my regrets, I now faced another challenge: having only one punctured spare tube to rely on for the remaining 120 kilometers of my journey through the ghati (valley roads) to Manali.
The Hidden Gem:
The locals suggested that I stay at one of the nearby Gurudwara. Reaching the sacred place , I was astounded by its sheer size and grandeur. I had never expected such a massive place, especially after look at the narrow lanes and heavy traffic just minutes ago.
I rode my bicycle inside and approached the person sitting at the counter. He was in his 30s, wearing a turban and sporting a well-groomed long beard. He inquired if I was single, and upon my nod, he explained that Gurudwaras primarily accommodate families, and if there was space available, it would be shared.
I readily accepted these terms, feeling grateful to have a roof over my head at such a sacred yet enchanting place.
After I got freshened up in the the shared bath rooms : In most of the Gurudwaras the showers are lined up in a common bath room but here I find separate bathrooms , super tidy , unlike any other gurudwara which I’ve seen so far.
Sharing is Caring:
Resting on the mattress provided , I lay legs on top of warm mattress I was assessing how cold would it supposedly get in the night , cause the days were pretty hot here , meanwhile a door knock I see a lean guy looking young yet tired asking if I’m okay with sharing the room , but felt he was assessing if I’m a safe bet to stay with for a night.
I really needed room all by myself , just to have to space to dwell in my own thoughts and caring less to answer anyone. I have no choice now.
After engaging in an interesting conversation about my journey and discussing how his community, had been categorized as a Scheduled Tribe unfairly, we delved into the topic of careers and government jobs a widespread obsession, which is particularly prevalent India.
He extended an invitation to visit his hometown, Chamba, which I had no prior knowledge of. A few pictures showcasing snow-capped peaks and snowy landscapes made me consider adding it to my itinerary the next time I’m in the area.
Sc and ST are groups designated by the Indian Constitution who are socially and economically disadvantaged due to certain prejudices and discrimination faced historically, so now they have certain privileges over other communities be it in Recruitment, Schemes, and also a few legal legislations which are slowly changing their situation these days.
After having langar (a community kitchen that provides for all), went for a short walk, it was super cold nothing like the day, unable to walk any further on casuals headed back to our room.
I settled on my bed, shutting my eyes, with the lights still on. Observed my roommate, who was deeply engrossed in his books, preparing for an exam scheduled for the next day.