Ride into Kinnaur Valley

Riding down into Kinnaur valley from the Jalori pass the road is spectacular! Beginning with pine lined switchbacks every corner presents another amazing view up or down the Sutlej river. There are patchworks of  irridescent green barley fields dotting the steep valley sides and only reachable by foot along pathways and goat trails.

The next hour of wide tarmac riding up the mighty Sutlej river is pure easy riding! The valley is steep and narrow with the road carved from the Kinnaur valley side in places and we were amazed when we rounded a bend to find a 10 Ton truck broadside across the now narrow road.  How the driver managed to get his truck in that position without ending up in the river I will never know, he has to be the luckiest driver ever on these roads, as you can see from these pictures!

There are always interesting characters to see on these Kinnaur valley rides, not the least being the wandering Sadu’s.  These orange clad bare footed ascethics only carry a begging bowl  their mala’s and chant holy mantras. Only in India have I found such acceptance and support for the inner spiritual journey!