Cycling to the Rohtang pass

The first few kms run along the beautiful beas valley, with a cover of green all along. In the distance shrouded in clouds and mist, there is a sheer wall of rock and snow called the Pir Panjal range. The Rohtang pass will take us across the the Pir Panjal range into the Lahul/Spiti valley.

We’re cycling through forested mountains and come across several magnificant waterfalls. The grandeur of the valley and the mountains really does make one feel tiny and insignificant before nature. The whole sight is stunningly beautiful.

Gorgeous waterfalls

Somewhere up there hidden in clouds, mist and snow is the Rohtang pass which we have to cross.

Rohtang... hidden in clouds and mist

After cycling a fair bit of distance, we decide to take a break at a shack in the middle of no where. At this stop, there is a sense of exhilaration. Looking back, I see a long road winding through the valley which I have just covered. It is quite a satisfying feeling to see all that I have managed to cycle through.

The road behind...

Rain stop

It takes a while before Shrenik and Mike catch up at the shack. As always, our break turns out much longer than planned. It is a while before we start cycling again. Soon after we start, it starts raining and out comes the rain gear. Before we know it, it is pouring, however, thankfully the road is still great and thanks to our rain gear, we’re quite dry except for the feet, hands and face.

It is turning out to be an amazing experience cycling through the rain and personally, I have an “aha” moment. I realize that I’m enjoying the ride through the rain, and it sure beats cycling through soot and dust on a hot sunny day.

After cycling for some distance, the road starts deteriorating, and soon enough it pretty much disappears. Little did we know how long this is going to continue. We cycle through mud, slush, rivulets, rocks and craters and ponds and everything imaginable (except a road).