Manali-Shimla - part 1

Wednesday 4 September

Up at 0530, bags out by 0600, on the busses and on the way by 0630. Back up the pass we were on two days ago to go over to the Spiti river valley and do a loop around to Shimla.

traffic in the pass - single lane and anywhere there's a holdup, everybody tries
to pass if there's the slightest bit of space. Eventually the police appeared and
made people reverse to make room for opposite direction traffic

Once we were over the pass the bus transfer, the 'road' was unbelievably rough, largely  trip over river rock that moved every time the rain falls. If the river is happier on the road tracks, then that's where it flows. Progress would have been painfully slow if we'd had to ride bikes on this.

But the scenery was beautiful and we got into Losar as the sun was setting

our room was the far left window.- basic, but we slept well 

Thursday 5 Sep - good breakfast and off to an early start. We're back up at altitude, so cool start in the morning. A lot of dirt road, dry and dusty.

Following the river with amazing erosion patterns

 

 

 

Of course we had hills...

...and eventually a bit more cultivation

...as we went over high ground and passed by Chichum village, reportedly the highest altitude settlement that is inhabited year round.

The roads are built all over the hillsides with switchbacks everywhere to handle the steep hills...

...and here at Kibber village a deep valley with a big suspension bridge.

Friday 6 September - we get a first glimpse of anything bigger than a pigeon - not a great photo because you can't really see the head but we're assured it is a griffon or Himalayan vulture.

Shortly before tonight's destination we passed the Key Monastery built as so many are on high point in the valley.

More erosion...

...and agriculture...

...even some paved road. The roads are routinely swept by crews of women.

Tonight we're in Tabo which is home to the region's oldest continuously operating monastery, the photo below being of the new building (can't take photos in the old).

Outside, a monk and another local person hand-making slats for a ceremonial drum.

...and kids are the same everywhere, coming out of a shop with some candy on their way home from school.