Day 11:
Which road to take from Mandi?:
Having savored the delightful prasad for breakfast at the Gurudwara and feeling fully rejuvenated, I eagerly set out for my much-anticipated destination, Manali, which was not very far. My journey commenced from Mandi in Himachal, offering me two distinct routes—a National Highway currently undergoing renovation and a State Highway cutting through dense, forested terrain with minimal traffic but a higher likelihood of encountering wildlife.
Despite being advised to take the State Highway due to its tranquil traffic conditions, I inadvertently found myself on the National Highway.
As I proceeded, I see a lengthy queue of trucks where drivers impatiently awaited the resolution of an obstruction.
Despite the chaotic situation for most travelers, I smoothly glided through the traffic relishing the astonished expressions on the faces of onlookers , As my bicycle allowed me to navigate with ease, offering a sense of freedom amidst the road congestion.
Careful with Landslide’s they said:
Cycling through the congested traffic for nearly a kilometer, I encountered a scene that riveted my attention: two cranes laboring to clear a massive rock slide that had obstructed the highway, caused by a mountain adjacent to the road. The sheer spectacle of witnessing these colossal stones being lifted and deposited into the nearby river Beas was truly a sight to behold.
Following an hour-long wait, the guards finally permitted the passage of two-wheelers, including my bicycle, roads narrow- graveled and dusty , necessitating a 14-kilometer pedal through rugged terrain. As I pressed on, I eventually arrived at an unexpected checkpoint—an army camp.
Salute to the Indian Army:
To my surprise, a uniformed soldier gestured for me to approach, and with a keen sense of intuition, asked if I hailed from Hyderabad , Astounded by his accurate guess, I nodded in affirmation. This surprising meeting turned into something special. The soldiers kindly shared delicious biryani , showing a strong bond and warmth in an unlikely location—the army camp. It painted a picture of unity and kindness among the soldiers, making the experience truly unique.
Though I had always aspired to be a part of Indian Army, certain eligibility criteria prevented me from realizing that dream. Nevertheless, I’m embracing every moment of my life, finding joy in unexpected adventures and experiences.
Hanging bridge & a stranger:
Later on , I stumbled upon a serene and secluded spot, a hidden gem unbeknownst to many travelers. It provided the perfect setting for my lunch break—a picturesque hanging bridge offering a breathtaking view of the meandering River Beas. Despite having to take a detour and navigate a challenging downhill stretch of 2 kilometers to reach this spot, the thrill of the adventure made it entirely worthwhile.
As I reached I was astonished with a sight of this swinging bridge across the Beas River, one car waited for another to finish crossing, despite the bridge shaking vigorously. Surprisingly, the drivers remained confident. Nonetheless with some determination, I cycled across this shaky bridge to reach the other side.
As I sat by the mesmerizing the sight , was preparing to relish the Fauji meal. Just about I see a person in traditional local attire approaching the bridge. As he drew nearer, a graceful smile adorned his face , with an air of ease, he settled beside me, elegantly lighting his bidi mumbled ‘kaha se ho bhai’, which sparked an engaging exchange and led to a wonderfully spent time with an amazing personality.
In the midst of this picturesque scenery, this newfound friend contributed an enriching cultural exchange, showcasing the profound bonds that can swiftly develop when exploring unfamiliar territories.
The Beautiful Disaster:
After navigating a challenging 30-kilometer stretch on NH3, the tough, dusty, and steep terrain began to take its toll on me. Along the way, I couldn’t help but notice the extensive construction of tunnels through mountains, using heavy machinery piercing through her almighty Mountains.
While these tunnels undoubtedly make life easier for people, witnessing this unbearable site left me hapless and demotivated.
However, a silver lining emerged in the form of a small canteen nestled next to a temple along the river. The individual managing the place greeted me with a warm smile, offering assistance in parking my cycle and assuring its safety while I indulged in a meal.
Savoring the delightful combination of Pakoda and chai, a perfect companion in the chilly weather, I found myself in a serene state. However, my peace was interrupted when a large group of enthusiastic travelers from Punjab entered the scene.
Dharmshala it is then:
Engaging in a pleasant conversation, I shared snippets of my journey with the group. As the conversation wound down and I prepared to depart, a helpful tidbit came my way. With the assistance of the canteen worker, I discovered a Dharmashala adjacent to the temple.
At a cost of 300 rupees, the room I settled into offered a spectacular view and a comfortable cot, despite the disappointment of a non-functional geyser , in this cold environment, One of the exceptional aspects of staying at such accommodations managed by trusts is the provision of complimentary meal.
Although everything seemed in place, a challenge emerged with the location of my room on the 3rd floor, which meant a descent rather than an ascent, owing to the building’s positioning alongside the hills. Carrying my 50 kg bike down the stairs & securing it with multiple locks took almost half an hour.
Never defy her:
As I sipped my tea and gazed at the valley I’ve been ascending while ago , the day, despite its minor inconveniences, evolved into one of the most remarkable experiences of my life. Nature, in its unpredictable splendor, surprised me with a gentle drizzle that escalated into a relentless, powerful thunderstorm.
Observing the river, which had been serene like a monk moments earlier, my thoughts gravitated towards a tragic incident that occurred in 2014. This very river had claimed the lives of 24 students. It’s a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the power of nature.
Nonetheless , it serves as a poignant lesson on the importance of adhering to safety protocols and respecting the immense force of nature.
Apple a day … :
The next day, the geyser surprisingly decided to work, allowing me to indulge in a refreshing, much-needed hot shower after several days. For breakfast, I experimented with a new recipe—maggie with soya chunks—and prepared ragi malt to keep myself energized throughout the day. Although the new dish didn’t quite meet my taste expectations, it served the purpose.
As I went about my usual routine of fixing my gear, a young man approached me with a generous gesture, offering a large apple with a warm smile. I happily accepted it, knowing it would make for a satisfying snack later in the day.
Navigating a 50kg cycle down the stairs is manageable, but pushing it back up the stairs is an arduous task. Nonetheless, my spirits were lifted when I encountered two helpful men nearby who were eager to lend a hand. Their assistance, however, came with a condition—I had to allow them to ride my fully loaded bike, a situation I typically find uncomfortable. Nevertheless, they were delighted to take some pictures as part of our exchange. A few kilometers away from Manali, I bid them a warm goodbye.