SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

DAY 0
The riders congregated in Shimla for the start of the ride. Registration formalities were complied with, bikes were checked up and small niggles fixed, and a briefing was provided to all participants about what to expect for the coming days.

DAY 1
The riders set out from Kufri towards Batseri in the Sangla Valley, which was to be our base for the night. The route comprised smooth and broken tarmac both, and the riders made it to camp in the dying hours of the day, greeted with the most picturesque views of the sunset anywhere in this part of the country!

DAY 2
A leisurely start for the group, with a ride up the narrow, winding road from Batseri to Chitkul – the last Indian village on this axis – being the first order of the day. Lunch was in a solitary spot by a stream amidst the forest, a cookout that was thoroughly enjoyed by the riders. The short journey down to Karcham followed, and the group continued on towards Kalpa – our halt for the night.

DAY 3
Day 3 was a long day of tarmac, broken tarmac and dirt riding from Sangla all the way to Kaza, through Nako, Gyu and Tabo. The day’s riding would prove to be a test of both skill as well as endurance for all the riders involved. The varying landscape and stark beauty of the region was an eye-opener to all, even those returning to the area.

DAY 4
After the toils of the previous day, Day 3 was an optional rest day for riders who wished to recuperate for what was to come. Those able and willing rode from Kaza to Hikkim, the village playing host to the Highest Post Office in the world! After sending off post-cards to their loved ones, the riders proceeded past Komic, where they were familiarized with certain off road riding techniques. After a few hours’ training, the group returned to Kaza for a hearty meal and well earned rest.

DAY 5
An early start greeted the group with a long and possibly treacherous day ahead. Mercifully the weather Gods were on our side this year, and the riders made their way to Lhosar and up to Kunzum La without any incident. After paying our respects at the Pass, we continued down the other side and had lunch at the renowned “Chacha Chachi” Dhaba before continuing on our way. The road became continuously rougher and it was a challenge to navigate both safely and at a steady clip. A few falls and many jarring kilometers later, the riders emerged on the tarmac at Gramphoo, a sight for many sore eyes!


The group then carried on through the Atal Tunnel through into Manali, where we stayed at the brilliant Anant Maya Resort to culminate the event. A group dinner and certification ceremony followed, before the participants headed off their own ways the following morning.


Spiti remains a challenging destination despite the progress in roadworks etc. across the region. Whether it be the treacherous water crossings or even the unexpected change in weather, it remains a memorable ride for a number of reasons no matter how many times we go back!