Day 14 & 15
A shift from spontaneity to planning:
The two days in Manali flew by as I kept busy with my blogs. Luckily, I discovered the Himalayan Bike Bar near Mall Road a go-to spot for bike repairs and parts, perfect for anyone gearing up for the critically acclaimed Manali to Leh circuit.
This store owner, also a former Ladakh cycling guide, gave my bike a thorough check at a minimal cost. With his guidance on essential apps, maps, and must-have accessories, I left with a sense of direction. This was a shift from my usual unplanned and spontaneous approach.
Indian Soldier’s Invitation to Rajasthan:
While searching for recommended gear, I wandered through Mall Road’s maze-like alleys and discovered a store stocked with adventure essentials. Every item seemed vital for the journey ahead, leaving me overwhelmed with choices.
Despite a friend’s suggestion to carry bear spray for uncharted territories, locals at the store laughed, explaining the area was mostly boulders and stones and no need for such precautions. I trusted their advice and opted out, still holding onto the pepper spray I had purchased much earlier.
At the store, I found myself alongside two bikers from Rajasthan, one of whom was an Indian soldier. The shopkeeper expertly guided them on essentials, emphasizing the importance of ‘Diamox’ for altitude sickness. To my surprise, the soldier advised that as a cyclist, I might already possess sufficient lung capacity to handle low oxygen levels and suggested I could consider skipping this medication.
Why Dimox? : As you ascend to higher altitudes, the air becomes thinner, resulting in lower oxygen levels. This rapid change in environmental conditions can cause various reactions in the body, known as altitude sickness. Symptoms like headache, fatigue, nausea, and dizziness can occur due to this decrease in oxygen.
“Diamox” could be a helpful preventive measure. It aids in acclimatization by promoting better breathing and reducing the chances and severity of altitude sickness symptoms. Cyclists, due to their relatively slower ascent compared to other means of transportation, might require a lower dosage. It’s often advised to consult a healthcare professional for guidance on dosage
Leaving the store, I carried a torch, hat, woolen cap, and gloves. Grateful for the kind shopkeeper’s and his daughter’s generosity, who offered a generous discount as a gesture of goodwill towards a fellow cyclist. I couldn’t help but capture a moment with these wonderful souls, which they warmly accepted.
Before departing, the Indian soldier I met, invited me to his hometown in Rajasthan. Despite any potential posting elsewhere, he assured me, “I’ll ensure my people come to pick you up and make the necessary arrangements”.
Not Everything Goes as Planned:
I was super happy and headed back to home after having a gharam chai in this cold weather of manali. with a sigh relief things were going as planned. Although , How can there be a story without a little twist to it.
After a delightful cup of piping hot chai in Manali’s chilly weather, I headed home, feeling content that everything was falling into place. However, as fate would have it, a small mishap occurred. I carried snacks to munch on while working on my blog, but they turned out to be stale, causing discomfort, dizziness, and vomiting due to indigestion. Worried about falling sick the next day, I took paracetamol and thankfully, by morning, I felt much better, ready for fresh start.
Chopsticks and Little Monks:
While taking a leisurely stroll along Mall Road, I encountered a peculiar situation. Twice, a petite person approached, whispering “charas” before swiftly vanishing. It brought a smile, the seller perhaps mistaking my appearance for interest, even though I had no such inclination. Mall Road has its surprises!
Later, at Chopsticks, a favored eatery, I relished Veg.Fing Gyathuk (rice noodles). To my surprise, someone recognized me as a cyclist exploring India, might be from a local newspaper or social media.
They shared insightful tips for navigating icy terrains like Lahaul and Spiti, emphasizing the importance of informing the nearby police station before entry and advice on other essentials, this conversation was of great value and these people belong to the region I’m about to explore.
Late in the evening, I sought tranquility at a nearby monastery. Watching little monks gleefully skateboard adding a lovely touch of joy to my final day here in Manali.
Next Previous