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Manali to Moon
THIS ONE WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED BY ME at Sulekha.com:
http://yashasvi2001.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/11/manali-to-the-moon.htm
Standing on the rocky crest, with the drops of sweat on the brow , chilly waves of wind piercing the fabric of my clothes, as if reprimanding me on my audaciously brazen act of defeating the Nature’s challenge to conquer the heights of this rocky mountain in Kinnauri Ranges , near Tabo monastry.
The Buddhist monasteries, the deep passes, the gigantic glaciers, crystal clear lakes and ferocious turbulent rivers are the major attractions of this Spiti Valley.
It will give you an opportunity to hike to some lakes, villages, monasteries, exploring one of the most remotest & virgin land of Himachal – The Spiti valley.
Historically, geologically, geographically and archaeologically (don’t think I am counting my matriculation subjects !!!!!), Spiti is a living heritage , a true innocent museum facing the odds of nature with brave bold audacity. The mountains are under a curse of being devoid of any vegetation, and the erosion caused by the tormenting wind, sun and snow over thousands of years has left a scenery of bare rocks.
The well polished or I may say rugged and rocky mountain slopes bending down to the riverbeds giving the landscape a moon-like appearance. The surface looks like those shown in star trek episodes
The harsh accessibility to this valley has proved to be a boon in disguise in preserving its Buddhist art and culture. The monasteries of Spiti are rich repositories of ancient murals, thankhas, woodcarvings and golden images of the Padmasambhava.
The people are charming, friendly and hospitable with their own traditional dances, ballads, folk tales and legends.
Take a taxi from Chandigarh to Manali (say 300km taking 8-10 hours) and you reach 2100m above sea level at Manali, before the sun says good night . And for the trekking freaks there is Sollang Nallah-Kothi trek of 8-10 kilometres……(which seem to be 20 kilometres….!!!). This hike promises the benevolent scenery set amid Beas river winding through villages, green fields and orchards embedded in beautiful valleys, forests & mountains. And ou reach the Solang Nallah at about 2500 m This is a captivating panorama, the verdant grasslands and the silent magic of the high-rising mountains, interrupted only by the sound of the icy waters of the river coming from the mighty glaciers above. From Sollang Nallah you can choose between walking further till Kothi or can drive . Its quite adventurous to stay overnight in tents at Kothi (2,600 m appx).
Then we travel from Kothi to Dadarpul, crossing over Rohtang Pass (4000 m) on our way. Today, if we feel tired of sitting in the vehicle and want to enjoy a bit more of the nature, we have the option of walking along the road. The road beyond Rohtang to Spiti valley does not have much traffic and the views are nice. This torturing journey (more torturing for the vehicles) would compel you to stay in tents at Dhadarpul.
Next morning with the sun promising a clear day we travel from Dadarpul to Batal. And since I trust my legs more than the wheels I tried the trek from Batal along the right bank of river Chandra to the Chandertal lake . Chandra means Moon and Taal means lake. I must say this Chandra Taal proves that its lorry is worth its name at that 4300 metre altitude.. This lake is a majestic sight, located between a lower ridge and the main Kunzam range, with an outlet into the Chandra River, and surrounded by meadows of flowers positioned on the banks of the lake.
FILLL YOUR LUNGS with the fresh cool air….you would not be having it in plains……
Across Chandra river peaks of Mulkila & Chander Bhaga ranges mock the limitations this uman race has…… posing a challenge to the hard-core hikers……
Today we get up early and continue our trek after breakfast. Initially the trek led us to steep ascend from the lake through moving towards the southeast, and then melting into Kunzam Pass (4,500 m), a pass that provides the main access to Lahaul valley by the great Kumzam range. The Bara Shigri glacier is seen in front in all its magnificence. The crest of the pass has been marked by a chorten of stones erected ages ago. I am sure you would wonder the art work of erosion through winds and snow. We wonders if some atist had designed those rocks……..
This stretch provides you a beautiful vista of the Chandra valley, the
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