The next day I started early and cycled peacefully. I was going solo, enjoying the breathtaking views and moving forward. The pangi valley was heaven for cyclists, the roads were muddy but not cobbled or landslide prone. Only one place next to Tindi was prone to landslide which was crossable as well. I crossed Mindhal and Poorthi villages, it was so silent and calm everywhere. I stopped at a dhaba and had noodles. It was drizzling, but was enjoyable. I saw a poster about temple expedition to Mani mahesh Kailash via Kugti. Kugti pass was another pass in Pir Panjal range in Chamba district. My pannier started to vibrate and mess with the cycle. I had to fix it using the tools I had and then I proceeded. I noticed apple trees and some people working in the forest. Soon a guy signed to me go back and i halted. It sounded like thunder and I was like was it another landslide? The locals said the road expansion work is happening. Watch out!!
It became dark so early and I entered Tindi , soon two officials noticed me riding in the dark and asked me to rest in this village and start in the morning. They invited me to join them for dinner in a small dhaba. Both of them were with the army training camp, and they suggested that the mushrooms from this forest are really tasty and the speciality of this dhaba is the mushroom soup. They asked me why I was separated from my friend and to never get separated from team. Even if that’s the case, try to reunite and proceed. I accepted their inputs and rested next to the dhaba. I still remember the old lady from that place. There were lot of truck drivers resting as well. The next day morning I was hoping to reunite with my friend and I asked the people nearby. They said and I quote :”A white man was running early morning 4 am at a rapid pace crossing past this place”. It was 7 am and I was hoping to catch up with my friend soon. I pushed really hard and couldn’t notice anyone. Soon I reached Udaipur and I heard a sound of my name from someone. I was hoping it to be my friend, and I looked back. I realized they were the locals from Udaipur who helped me out in Sach pass. They invited me to their vehicle and made me sit with them and eat Aloo paratha. They told to go to Triloknath, enter Miyar valley if time permits and stay in Udaipur for more time. They were kind and hospitable. I asked them about my running partner. Soon they said and I quote, “yes he flew past the town in the morning ” . I told them I have to reconnect with my team, and will visit next time leisurely with them and in the village. We exchanged numbers and I left. I decided I will go to Tandi and enter Keylong if possible to catch up with my friend. I crossed Pangi valley and crossed Thorang village. It was a beautiful village with a picturesque valley. It was an enjoyable downhill and left to Keylong. I soon reached Keylong, but no sign of my friend. I decided at that moment, we are not going to reunite , so will proceed with plan towards Leh instead of entering Zanskar. So, I decided to take it slow and had momos for dinner and stayed in Keylong that night.
Keylong entrance
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