After enjoying the peace and solitude of the Goddess Temple, I went back to the hotel.On the way found this charming little cottage.
Exchanged pleasantries with a friendly village lady. People in the small towns always impress me with their simplicity and kindness.
A few backpackers and village folks were seen at the bus stop. The local men and women sport the traditional green cap known as “Thapang”.
Today we are going to Kinnaur_ the winter home of Lord Shiva. Himachal Pradesh is also known as the ‘Abode of Gods”. There are more than 2000 temples and small shrines here. Each village has its own deity and festivals.
From Sarahan it takes 5 hours to reach Kinnaur and the drive is through the National Highway 22. Inspiring vistas unfolded and lively chats resumed.
Our first stop was Taranda Devi temple. She is the guardian deity of the mountain roads and this temple is maintained by the Indian Army. No vehicle passes by without stopping to take blessings from the Goddess. The views changed dramatically from this point.
Now we are going through one of the deadliest roads featured on the History Channel. Taranda Dhank is notorious for landslides, shooting stones and fatal accidents. The road is carved out of the massive rocks.
The tension and excitement were palpable. But Deepak, our driver was cool. This young man was focussed on the road and negotiated the deadly curves and hairpin bends with remarkable ease. He wouldn’t talk much but could be quite stern if we tend to stay long for photo stops.
Driving on these roads is like being on a car rally minus the frills. One misstep could be fatal. Our drivers showed amazing skills, concentration, and attitude. They were always looking out for one another and also ready to help other drivers. Road rage and risky stunts don’t exist in their rule book. Deepak told us that the state road transport corporation has very strict criteria for selecting the drivers and rightly so. I can’t stop admiring our drivers and that tenacious bus and truck drivers who ply on this treacherous route every day.
Passed by the major hydroelectric project in Karcham and reached Reckong Peo__ the district headquarters of Kinnaur. Popularly called Peo, it is a bustling small town. The rocky terrains changed to lush green mountains with dense pine forests and orchards.
From here the winding road climbed up and we reached the Hotel Kinner Villa. After the hair-raising adrenalin packed drive, it was like entering a magical world. The majestic Kinnaur Kailash was standing there in all its glory with the peaks hidden by the clouds.
My room was on the second floor and from the balcony, I felt I could stretch out and touch the mountain. I am going to put my camera away and soak in the views.
This post is dedicated to Deepak and his friends__ the unsung heroes of this odyssey.
May God be on your road every way you go.
Amazing photographs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such beautiful and restful shots.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. This is one of the most beautiful places I had been to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Why is it the most astonishingly beautiful places in the world must be accessible only by the most astonishingly terrifying transportation?
LikeLiked by 1 person
In a way this makes us respect the nature more. Though I would like the infrastructure to improve, I don’t want it to go the touristy way like Ladakh.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Definitely worth the five hour trip…scary but worth it – fabulous photos as usual. Really enjoyed this post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it was, all the way and I would like to do it again. Thank you very much. Your comments are much appreciated.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Superb photos of nature and people.Excellent photo of the village woman and 4 friends
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you very much. The village lady was very kind. The four friends are the real heroes who made this trip possible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I almost felt myself n there, great post and photographs dear Sidran. The road is amazing, you are too. The mountain views fascinating. Thank you, Love, nia
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, dear Nia. The mountains and the mountain Gods made me feel safe all through this scary ride. Now I know why Gods chose to dwell in this land.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Taranda Dhank!!! Woohoooo…… what an experience! Himachal is so blessed with nature’s bounty and I hope it remains so. Such awesome photography of the place….. i must have already seen them more than 4 times 🙂 The fact about the drivers is so true. They need to live as a close bonded community….. that’s the secret of their survival.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much. Himachal Pradesh has become one of my favorite destinations.
I was lucky that there were 3 camera geeks in my group who captured most of the action and shared their pics generously.
Himachali drivers are special.
LikeLiked by 1 person
beauty 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, in every sense! Hope it stays that way.
Thank you.
LikeLike
Such a dreamy place… absolutely beautiful… I wish I was there right now 😀 Have a great day!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can’t agree more. Thank you very much.
LikeLiked by 2 people
WHEW!!! That was so brave of you! However, now that you are safe at home, it must be a fantastic memory. The photos are stunning, and I adore that you include some history and local knowledge. Extremely well done, my fearless friend!
I really like the shot of the drivers at the end. You’re right, they are deserving. They’re pretty cute, as well. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am happy that you liked it. Well, this was just the beginning as we had scarier roads soon. I am also glad that you appreciate the drivers.
LikeLike
I can see why the trip would cause some concerns. Those roads look narrow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One needs special skills to drive on these roads. A good deal of luck also.
Thanks for the visit and comment.
LikeLike
Thank you for your amazing post on a hair-raising adventure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Much appreciated.
LikeLike
Astounding photographs..Such lovely and soothing shots…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much.
LikeLike
It’s an impressive, breathtaking and spectacular scenery! The mountains are the gods, supreme and frightening, just as the road is terrifying! I would not dare to take this road, even with the best driver in the world! So, I admire you, as also my admiration for the people who risk their lives everyday! Nevertheless, it is enviable that you have been able to enjoy this mighty landscape in its unspoiled and ruthless beauty. Thank you for sharing this with us and also to enjoy it as if we were there too … I also like the picture of the brave men! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for your kind words. Much appreciated. I feel that you are seeing it exactly the way I want to. Mountain Gods are omnipresent and munificent.Thanks for the special pat for the brave hearts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find mountains impressive and mighty! They are overwhelming and force to respect! As a child, I often traveled to Austria with my father and grandparents and loved being in the mountains! Surrounded by these giants and enjoying the beautiful view … As a human you feel small and insignificant!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I share the sentiment, Heidi. Being with nature can do wonders.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, what an amazing journey you had; very, very scary; but, oh so wonderful too! I loved your narration; I felt I was on the trip with you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Carolyn. Your kind words fill me with delight.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s nice to hear about the superior driving skills of those plying the crazy roads. You captured some stunning scenery in your time here. One can believe that this is where the gods reside.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those drivers are indeed special and I am in awe of their amazing skills. The breathtaking landscapes kept the mind off the risky roads. Thanks for coming along.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my! I would not want to drive on that road, although I did enjoy seeing the culture/nature/love in the photos
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much.
LikeLike
A beautiful location but it is always the people that matter. Love that 2nd photo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike
Oh …Sidran, I think you will never forget this special experience. The photos are all so wonderful and breathtaking. I like that I was able to learn a lot again from a country that is so far away from Germany and I don’t know. Very well done, Sidran!
I especially love the photo of the mother with her children and the cute baby in her arms and that of the friendly smiling woman with her loyal dog and that of the happy laughing men at the end of the article. You have a wonderful talent for writing reports from your beautiful country, taking photos and telling stories.
Thank you for this wonderful post !!.
Sidran, I wish you all the best!
Rosie from Germany
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so kind and encouraging, thank you. It is a different world out there, Rosie, and I wish I can go there again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀☀️💕
LikeLike