The next day morning, I was highly motivated and started early from Tandi where the confluence of chandra and bhaga happens. My first target was Sissu and then Khoksar. I was enjoying my ride as deep inside me I know i am going to enter a new valley and explore it as much as I can. Spiti, was one of the regions I always wanted to go to. This was the time.
There were landslides on some part of the road and one stretch was heavily damaged. Still i noticed there were vehicles incoming in that route as it was supposed to be the entry to Keylong. There was an ongoing project of a tunnel that was happening on after Sissu. I stopped in a nearby dhaba and had my lunch there. It was really a hot day and i saw workers everywhere repairing the roads.
As per the call with Sankar the plan was to go till Chatdu and return. I was like if I have time maybe I can go further and end up in the other side of the valley. I should take diversion after Khoksar and enter Spiti. The views were breathtaking on the opposite side. I could see shepherds with their sheep on the ridges. It was a offroad welcome into Spiti. There was a small board next to the diversion which was pointing only for the people coming from Manali to Leh. I quickly entered into it and i realized there was not a single soul on this track as the roads changed into the one shown below in the picture.
I was highly elated as i enjoyed being alone listening to the sound of stream, the breeze, beautiful light hitting on the opposite ridges. The views enroute Chattru was amazing, there was a big waterfall on the way. I enjoyed being drenched while crossing it by pedaling on offroad dirt tracks. soon I noticed a jeep , saw me and waved hand. There was literally way only for one vehicle. He said he organizes camps near Chandertaal and invited me to join his camp. My plan extended just like that as I wanted to see where the beautiful moon lake is and wanted to bike till there. So I replied, I will meet you at the camp tomorrow as I will camp in Chattru today. He was very kind, smiled to me and left.
Around evening I reached the dhaba at Chattru. There was an old man and lady who had place to sleep and i had rice and dal for dinner. There I met another cyclist from UK who used to do winter rides in India in Spiti, Pangi valleys regularly. He was well equipped, we were exchanging stories over a cup of chai.
I was really happy at the end that i entered spiti valley. No more trucks, no more highway noise, peaceful valley to cycle. The next day the plan was to go to Chandertaal.
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