There could be no better way of paying a compliment to an age-old culture and an area rich in geographical diversity than to visit it. Unfortunately, the methods available for visiting such a large area are restricted to motor vehicles, which stand out as eyesores in the face of such an enchanting and unpolluted land. It is then that he decided to use the more environment-friendly bicycle. Being noise- and fume-free, it is a respite from the smoke belching monsters which run against the scenic backdrop of wildlife trails.On this fortnight-long trip, starting from the fourth week of June, the team will traverse the mighty Dhauladhars, the Kinner Kailash range, the Great Himalayan range, crossing the Kunzum and Rohtang passes to wind a circuit from the Simla district to Kullu valley along the Hindustan-Tibet Road. Halts en route shall be made on tentage carried along or in the villages and monasteries.The team will reach Sarahan by rail and coach. Sarahan, lying in the Himalayan foot hills, is the gateway to Kinnaur, which lies 250 km north-east of Simla. It offers good camping sites besides mountain streams. The next day's biking will lead to Sangla, located in the heart of a picturesque valley, and reach Chitkul - the last and highest village in Baspa Valley - the following day. The next halt is at the Kalpa Valley, which lies in the shadow of the mighty Kinner Kailash, also the legendary winter abode of Shiva.The team will bike ahead, crossing the green fields, vineyards, apricots and almond orchards of Puh onwards to Tobo, a 10th century monastery. It will then proceed to Dhankar Gompa, set in a spectacular rocky setting, which houses the diety of the `Thinking Buddha' and a large number of scriptures in Bhoti script.The route runs along the Spiti river and a diversion up north will take the team to the highest villages in the world, the Kibber and Gette at 4,270 m. Connected by the 4,950-metre high Kumzum pass to Lahaul and the long Hindustan Tibet Road to Kinnaur, Spiti is a sparsely-populated land with mountain peaks towering above 6,000 m and gorges 2,500 m deep.Bike ahead to Losar, located on the confluence of Losar and Paeno streams. Yak-riding and horse polo are the main attractions here. Then the bikers will advance towards Batal and cross the formidable Kunzum pass at 4,590 m.The fitness of the cycles and riders is tested on this very steep and long gradient. The air at the top of the pass is rarefied and can be trying for the first timer or the faint-hearted. But the ride up is rewarded by spectacular views of the Karakorams. Besides access for treks to the Bara Shigri and the Chota Shigri glaciers, this is also the starting point for a trek to the beautiful lake of Chandra Taal. The next day's ride reaches Khoskar, from where Manali is a day's ride away, over the second challenge of the Rohtang pass at 3,980 m.Those with a love for nature and a strong will and interested in scaling the Himalayan ranges on bicycles can contact K P S Brar on pager number 9622121212 for more details.
