Far
more adventurous and even more dangerous than the Manali-Leh Road, very few
people have heard about the gravity-defying Old Hindustan-Tibet Road, and even
fewer people have seen it. Some of them who have gone through the modern NH22,
which is a poor cousin of the Old H-T Road in terms of adventurous thrills, are
still raving about it. What to say about the original?
The
Old Hindustan-Tibet Road is like a spooky fairytale. Twisting and turning in
the mountains, the edge-of-the-precipice road runs through the rocky shelters
with the River Sutlej plunging thousands of feet below.
Immortalized
by Rudyard Kipling in his masterpiece, Kim, the romantic road
witnesses a transition in climate, vegetation, terrain, people, culture and
religion. The landscape transforms from magical green valley to the barren cold
desert; Hinduism morphs into local cults and finally to Tibetan Buddhism;
rudimentary temples make way for box-like monasteries; and paranthas are
superceded by tukpas and momos.
The
Transition becomes Complete once we enter Spiti Valley leaving you wondering
whether you are in India or in Tibet.
Trek
Mates India
announces
Bike ride cum Tour to Chandigarh –
Simla - Lahaul Spiti – Manali – Chandigarh
From
27th July to 10th
August
Spiti is the sub division of Lahaul
& Spiti district with its hqrs. at Kaza. It is called "Little
Tibet" because it has almost the same terrain, vegetation & climate .
Spiti also means "Middle Country". Its between Tibet, Ladakh,
Kinnaur, Lahaul & Kulu. From Shimla via Kinnaur there is a motorable road
which remains open upto Kaza for 8 to 9 months. About 10kms ahead of Pooh,
satluj enters India near Shipki la & Spiti river joins it at Khab. The road
then goes to Sumdo via Hangrang valley. From Sumdo Spiti valley starts.
The
Spiti river flows fast through deep gorges at some places. The valley is not
wide but there are villages and some fields where people grow barley, buck-
wheat, peas & vegetables. It has an area of 4800 sq. kms. Some inhabitants
have adopted Budhism as their faith and Bhoti is the spoken language. The
people are simple and honest. The main Spiti valley is split into eastern and
western valleys. They are connected with Ladakh & Tibet on eastern side
& Kinnaur and Kullu on western side through high passes.
Itinerary of the tour:
Day 1: 27th July
Start from tour from Mumbai to Chandigarh by train
Start from tour from Mumbai to Chandigarh by train
Day 2: 28th July
Reach Chandigarh
Reach Chandigarh
Day 3: 29th July
Chandigarh to Simla – 130km
Chandigarh to Simla – 130km
Day 4: 30th July
Simla to Sarahan – 124km
Simla to Sarahan – 124km
Day 5: 31st July
Sarahan to Kalpa – 90km
Sarahan to Kalpa – 90km
Day 6: 1st August
Kalpa to Nako – 104km
Day 7: 2nd August
Nako to Tabo – 63km
Nako to Tabo – 63km
Day 8: 3rd August
Tabo – Dhankar Lake – Kaza – 63km
Tabo – Dhankar Lake – Kaza – 63km
Day 9: 4th August
Kaza to Chattru – 118km
Kaza to Chattru – 118km
Day 10: 5th August
Chattru to Manali – 81km
Chattru to Manali – 81km
Day 12: 6th August
Explore Manali
Explore Manali
Day 14: 7th August
Manali to Chandigarh – 236km
Manali to Chandigarh – 236km
Day 15: 8th August
Chandigarh Siteseeing and Bike Transfer
Chandigarh Siteseeing and Bike Transfer
Day 16: 9th August
Train to Mumbai
Train to Mumbai
Day 17: 10th August
Reach Mumbai
Reach Mumbai
Note:
People
without bikes can opt for flight directly from Srinagar, in case they want to
cut short the no of days of the Tour.
Also
bikers can opt for flight from Jammu and their bikes will be sent by trains,
which they will have to collect from Bandra Terminus. The details will be given
accordingly.
The
Expenses
The
whole tour is on Actual. Which means the expense will be shared equally
among the members as well as the leaders and coordinators.
Trek
Mates India will be charging Rs.4000 per head as expertise charges.
The
approximate expense for
the event will be Rs 25000/- for bike riders, or 30000/- for 4 wheel tourists.
Inclusions:
1. To and
Fro Sleeper class train tickets (If you book well in advance)
2. Accommodation
on Triple sharing basis in Hotels and sharing basis in tents
3. All
Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
4. Permissions
wherever necessary
5. Utility
vehicle (For Bikes and accessories)
6. Transportation
by Jeeps (for 4 wheel tourists)
Payment
details:
One
needs to pay Rs 15,000 as advance at the time of booking.
The
amount is to be deposited in the following account.
SBI a/c no: 30665796091 S/A in the name of Mr. Nilesh Patil.
Branch: Panchpakhadi, Thane.
SBI a/c no: 30665796091 S/A in the name of Mr. Nilesh Patil.
Branch: Panchpakhadi, Thane.
IFS
code: sbin0007232.
Last date of registrations will be 1st March. Registration after that will be depending upon the availability of train tickets. Late / fake tickets can be issued, but the fine amount should be paid by the participant.
Last date of registrations will be 1st March. Registration after that will be depending upon the availability of train tickets. Late / fake tickets can be issued, but the fine amount should be paid by the participant.
Things to carry:
Bike Papers and Helmet
Hat / Cap 01 nos.
Woolen cap / Balaclava 01 nos.
Warm Scarf, Pair of Woolen Gloves
Round neck T-shirts, min 03 nos.
Fleece Sweatshirt / Sweater min 01 nos.
Windproof Jacket 01 nos.
Leggings from a Track-suit, min 01pair, shorts,
Pair of sturdy sports shoes with rubber sole
Cotton Socks, Woolen Socks, min 03 pairs each
Thermal Inners, Lower & Upper, min 01 pair
Raincoat / Poncho 01 nos.
Full Body Towel 01 nos.
Torch with spare batteries, 01 set
Sunscreen lotion, min 30 SPF, Toiletries
Medicines as specified by doctor
Extra Pair of shoe laces
Sleeping Bag, Umbrella.
Camera, Cam charger, Mobile Charger.
Etc.
Bike Papers and Helmet
Hat / Cap 01 nos.
Woolen cap / Balaclava 01 nos.
Warm Scarf, Pair of Woolen Gloves
Round neck T-shirts, min 03 nos.
Fleece Sweatshirt / Sweater min 01 nos.
Windproof Jacket 01 nos.
Leggings from a Track-suit, min 01pair, shorts,
Pair of sturdy sports shoes with rubber sole
Cotton Socks, Woolen Socks, min 03 pairs each
Thermal Inners, Lower & Upper, min 01 pair
Raincoat / Poncho 01 nos.
Full Body Towel 01 nos.
Torch with spare batteries, 01 set
Sunscreen lotion, min 30 SPF, Toiletries
Medicines as specified by doctor
Extra Pair of shoe laces
Sleeping Bag, Umbrella.
Camera, Cam charger, Mobile Charger.
Etc.
Please Note:
It is very important that you line the inside of your bags with a big polythene sheet. Doing so will ensure, that in the event of rain, even though your bag may get wet, your clothes will still remain dry!
Ø Registrations are done only by
phone calls and will be confirmed only after the receipt of advance.
Ø Only 40 Seats
Ø Registrations will be on First
come First served basis.
For more details and Registration, Please feel free to contact us on:
Nilesh Patil: 086555 88508 / 96199 90866
For more details and Registration, Please feel free to contact us on:
Nilesh Patil: 086555 88508 / 96199 90866
Vikramsingh:
99877 61562
Thanks
& Regards,
Team-
Trek Mates India.