One of those places which one has to see to believe. In such a fragile ecosystem are preserved some miracles of the nature. Dhankar and its surrounding areas are one of them. On the left bank of the Spiti river at a distance of 32 kms downstream from Kaza, near Shichling at an altitude of 3870 m, nestles the citadel of Dhankar, the erstwhile official capital of Spiti. Needless to say that Spiti valley makes you speechless with its sheer beauty at every step. Dhankar has a fort and a monastery. The citadel is built on a spur which projects into the main valley and ends in a precipice. The location of this fort is strategic as Spiti always had to suffer innumerable aggressions by its neighbours. The location allowed the Spitian to keep vigil on the approaches and to submit ...
Read MoreTag: Biking
On way to Kaza in the Spiti Valley, Nako, at an altitude of 3660 m is the highest village in the valley of Hangrang surrounded by barren and dusty landscape. Nako village is just 20 kms from Ka, once the zigs end. It is roughly four kms before Malling (Nullah) towards Kaza. Kaza is around 110 kms from Nako. Nako is almost a customary stop-over for all adventurists (read: bikers, riders, drivers, tourists) going to Kaza. How much time to spend here? This is upto each traveller because there are different time constraints for everybody coming here. Those who are on a mission to complete Shimla-Kaza in a day, might even give this a miss. Others with more time may stop here for couple of hours and that will also depend on there last stop over and time left for them to reach to Kaza. But...
Read MoreWell, I would have always preferred a Harley Davidson under me, having driven its country cousin (RE TBTS) for years, but still Ducati was always a welcome option for many reasons. Firstly, I had never rode a Ducati before (so I haven't even a Harley for that matter!). Secondly, I had an opportunity to test ride two of yet to to be launched, very high end Ducati bikes. Thirdly, location couldn't have been better than Munnar in Kerala. Munnar to Ooty has been among the best driving routes among the world sheer for its amazing terrain and beautiful refreshing landscape. So it goes, and for the record, that happened sometime ago. Only that, I haven't shared it with my readers. Sharing here some of the images from the event. Well, honestly enough I might not be the appropriate person to...
Read MoreIndia Bike Week get underway on 20th at Vagator, Goa- The biggest Biking Mayhem of Asia is back for the third time! India's leading festival of mean machines and music— India Bike Week— will be held in Goa from February 20. The two-day event is organised by SEVENTY Event Media Group, together with the Travel and Lifestyle channel, FOX Life, at Vagator beach. Over 10,000 riders and bike enthusiasts are expected to ride cross-country to Goa to celebrate the spirit and lifestyle of the Indian Biking community. Just like the last two editions, Harley-Davidson will be the principal sponsor of the event for this edition as well. Brings alive various elements close to a biker’s heart- The IndiaBike Week is considered to be bikers’ heaven, which gives them an opportunity to get indulged i
Read MoreOnce, adventure travel was the exclusive domain of daring young backpackers, this on longer is applicable. This season you can head for an adventure escapade filled with endorphin-boosting and some eye-opening extreme activities at Independent India’ s first planned hill city Aamby Valley City. 19 Degree North at Aamby Valley Cityis an ideal adventure getawaywith diverse range of fun activities, the adventure park promises an exhilarating experiences to enjoy the first-of-its-kind rides for the whole family! 19 Degree North, the epitome of adventure in Maharashtra is the place for all adventure and adrenaline junkies. If you are one of those brazen person who wants to get down and dirty, who revels in the mud and fears no twist or turns; who simply holds the handles of the bike and let
Read MoreNako is a high altitude village in Hangrang valley (Himachal Pradesh, India) on way to Spiti, situated at more than 3200 metres. It is a historical village known mostly for its monastery. Part of the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Nako is on the way to Kaza, just before Malling and almost eight kilometres after Kah zigs. Location wise this is one of the most beautiful villages of region. Village also has a beautiful small natural lake. Nako is one of the few important stops for bikers going to Spiti valley.. Historical monastery of Nako was established in the first half of the eleventh century by Lochen Rinchen Zangpo popularly known as the great translator Ratan Bhadra. This monastery has four chapels. On entering the main gate and walking clock-wise one can see an ordinary single...
Read MoreKaza in Spiti valley is one of those places in the Himalayan India which bikers yearn for, besides the all-famous Manali-Leh route. But unlike the Leh-Manali route in Lahaul valley, the Spiti valley remains open for almost all the year round. Although winters might be severely cold there, but coming two months could be the ideal time to go there. It is not as challenging as the Leh route because there are no high mountain passes to cross, but the route, the terrain and the topography is something which you will not find anywhere else. Kaza is in spiti valley and one has to pass through Kinnaur valley before entering into Spiti. Trip to Kaza normally starts from Shimla, capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Biking in these roads is alwaya a fun... See it for yourself! Going from Cha...
Read MoreRecent death of a Bengali tourist due to cold near Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh, when struck in an unusually heavy snowfall brought to my mind a chilling reminder of that day… or perhaps night when me and my partner could have met the same fate and almost at same place and in similar… or may be tougher conditions. It was by large distance, the toughest night of my life and but for those three kind souls, could have been the last one. 5th July 2005 was intended to be one of the most significant dates in my adventure life, and it indeed proved to be albeit in starkly different context. It also proved, like in this case too, that weather can be too deceptive; it could topsy-turvy all plans and put your entire carefully planned itinerary into waste bin. It could be a cruel joke sometimes.
Read More