TRAVERSE 150
presented rougher roads with significant drop-offs, increasing caution among riders.
Rakchham ' s cold climate contrasted starkly with lower elevations, providing cozy evenings by the fire. The descent from Rakchham showcased spectacular landscapes, transitioning from green towns to arid terrains.
Nako Village at 3623 metres stood out for its lush environment amidst the barren Himalayas. Comfortable accommodations facilitated laundry and relaxation.
Entering the Spiti Valley involved navigating switchbacks and obtaining permits seamlessly arranged by our tour. Visiting Gue monastery offered insight into historical discoveries and local agricultural efforts.
From Gue, we returned to the main road where the condition of the road deteriorated again, mostly broken with rocks and dust. A bee went down the neck of my jacket and caused discomfort between my shirt and jacket, eventually leaving me with a swollen area. We rode onto Tabo, another small village with the oldest monastery in the Himalayas, which is 1028 years old. The monastery is well-maintained, and the fresco artwork inside is preserved. We had lunch there, and it was very hot in the sun. We followed the Spiti River through the changing mountains, observing layers of rock formations.
Leaving the main road, we followed the Pin River up through the Pin Valley. The roads were rough and dusty; one wrong move could result in falling off the edge. The campsite near Mud village is by the river and surrounded by mountains. Here, you can see wave-like rock layers formed millions of years ago when tectonic plates collided. At an altitude of 3565 metres, we had been adjusting to the
TRAVERSE 150