Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaAnother objective of this trip - drive to the end of the road in Kinnaur. To the final village on the Indian side - Chitkul. The actual border with China is another 90 kms away, but the road ends at Chitkul. After that it's a trek and in any case this is the domain of the Indian army and more specifically the Indo Tibetan Border Police. No civilians are allowed, but I understand there is a trekking route up and beyond the Baspa glacier and then onwards to the valley in the neighbouring state of Uttarakand. These are real high mountains with snow all year around. Completely inhospitable terrain. Even the two armies I don't think maintain any presence at the actual border.
The roads are bad , but it was only about 20 kms from my previous stop at Batseri. Speeds were strcitly at 10 kmph ! The real trouble was in allowing the oncoming vehicle to pass - that required tricky maneuvering. It was also a good elevation change - some 900 mtrs elevation in 15 kms. Not as steep as Jalori pass, but then this was a gravel track and not a road. Again my companion performed impeccably.
On such drives the scenery is stunning, but God help you if you take your eyes off the road for even one second. A drop of 1000 mtrs into the valley awaits the unwary. So I just stopped every time I wanted to soak in the scenery , put the parking brake on and then let the eyes wander off the road.There's hardly any traffic, so you can do such things.
It took me all of 2 hours to cover the 20 kms, stops and all, but what hurry was I in ? Have a taste of the ride through the dashcam video - yeah, I am falling in love with the dashcam, ain't I !!
This place is taking my breath away every day. Such majestic beauty.
Sandhya Sriram
2018-09-27
I still remember your attempt to reach the end of the road on the western frontier and then east and now you go north. What’s this fascination to see where boundaries end... My psychological explanation is that you hate boundaries, and all your life, you have been lived boundary less.. you lapped up and opportunity to see Pakistan with both hands and full heart, your thiru kungzhu period were some of the most enjoyable periods of your life This is maybe your little victory on these border makers to say... boundaries can limit the human body but not the human mind Keep going Ramesh
Suja
2018-09-27
@Sandhya - Thank you for pointing out the possibility of deeper meanings in these travels. I too am an inveterate traveller but always stay within 'boundaries'. Now I have to think deep to see what my travels reveal about my psych.. Ramesh, this road looks scary to me! Your car has all wheel drive, right? I noticed that the webcam says 21st...are you posting these with a delay? ie Post date says 26th but this was your adventure from the 21st?
indigoite
2018-09-27
@Sandhya - Oh my God. That is some deep analysis. Have no idea - just like to go as far as possible !
indigoite
2018-09-27
@Suja - Yeah, the posts are jumbled up a little bit because of the impact of the rains. From tomorrow, I'm back to virtually live blogging, or at best a day or two backlog. But from now on internet connectivity is going to be a challenge. Let's see. You stay within boundaries ??? No way, dear lady. Nobody can "accuse" you of that !!
indigoite
2018-09-27
@Suja - All wheel Drive ?? I have a humble small sedan. No chance. I am not venturing into territories that are strictly 4WD areas. These ones I can do on 2WD - just patience and care is needed.
Gils
2018-09-28
Apdi ipdi unga china paasam ungala enga kootitu vanthruchu:)
indigoite
2018-09-28
@Gilsu - Yes, brought me to a remote corner of the country. Would have done it even if the border was with any country.
Vincy
2018-10-03
I see this as a great opportunity for me to visit these boundaries along with you. I probably would never do it on my own. glad to see you connecting with yourself through such brilliant scenery all around you. The roads are terrifying, especially when you have to give way to an oncoming vehicle. take it slow and drive really safe.
Vinod
2018-10-03
Road looks motor-able but bumpy.The look into the valley is sheer adrenalin! Hats off to braving this terrain without AWD and traction control. Reminds me of David and Goliath for some reason! It must be after moon festival time now, do they do that there?
indigoite
2018-10-03
@Vincy - I travel to places with you and you travel to places with me. Isn't that wonderful.
indigoite
2018-10-11
@Vinod - Very motorable. Any car can do this if the driver is confident. Lots of careful driving though. No Moon festival. There is simply no Chinese influence.