Going to the end of the world sounded intriguing, adventuresome and exciting. I had to do it. But what is the end of the world? To Indians, it is the Baspa Valley and the Indo-Tibet border. Once named "the most beautiful Valley in the World", we have alloted 2 full days of our itinerary to this lush valley of snow-capped mountains in the Kinnaur region.
It is not easy getting to the end of the world. There has been a landslide on the road that leads to the valley with another crack about to break. We must detour over the breaking hillside by car. Thankfully the Indian Army has initiated a one-way traffic pattern in 3 hour increments to allow for smoother journeys along the narrow strip of road unintended for the heavy traffic flow of buses, trucks, tourist vehicles and local cars. We get up early and ride as far as we can up the Satluj Valley before jumping in the cars. It is our first look at the scale of the "hills" and what it is like to ride a bike on the edge of sheer mountain faces.
The landslide makes front page news.
Cycling up the Satluj Valley. Our ride started alongside the mighty Satluj river and we quickly climb to escape the heat raising from the plains.
You never know what is around the corner. Unlike my previous cycling trip, I can actually appreciate the blaring of the car horn.
The line of cars is a good sign that we won't have to wait too long.
Our bikes making their way up and over the pass.
Behind the far set of buildings is the landslide and the crack above it.
The beauty of Baspa Valley and it's glacier-fed river is revealed.
06.15.14
Rampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
6:47am
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