Beautiful scenic valleys, the Beas River, the Pandoh Dam and the Kullu Tunnel constituted my today’s ride. The weather was too awesome the whole way as it rained yesterday and I didn’t see the sun the whole day. Luckily, it did not rain as well while I was cycling. I was in touch with a person who posts about Manali to Leh road status on the Internet and I met him after crossing the Pandoh Dam as he was coming from Manali and I was going towards it. We had a good discussion at a tea stall about the opening of that road. I learned that this highway will not open at least before two weeks from now.
There were small, tented dhabas at places beside road, where I had Maggi and omelette. The view there could beat any good view you can get from an expensive restaurant with a valley going on the eastern side and it looked like the Beas river was originating from there. There came a long and steep climb as well but it did not bother me much as I was already mesmerised by the scenery.
When it came to going downhill, the wind blew too fast it didn’t let the cycle speed increase. It so happened somewhere in-between that I was coming down the slope speedily and looked backward at a beautiful valley with palm trees on the other side of the river. When I turned my head and looked in front, I was about to smash into rocks, which could have resulted in serious injuries. But thanks to the disc brakes on my cycle, I was saved the ordeal.
I entered the 2.97-km-long Kullu tunnel and it was quite dark at some places inside and water was dripping down through the rocks above. This ride was enchanting.
I reached Bhuntar and started looking for cheap accommodation, asking at various places, when suddenly I happened to look at the pole of a gurudwara on the other side of the river. I could not believe there was a gurudwara in Bhuntar as well. Nothing more I needed. I was really happy and went towards the other side through a bridge. For the first time, I found an expensive gurudwara, where room charges were Rs. 300. I enquired for a hall and per bed price was Rs. 50, so I took that.
There was something else on my mind. I thought of keeping my cycle in the gurudwara and going to Manikaran by bus and coming back for my further journey to Manali. So I asked the administration and they agreed. I knew my luggage and cycle were safe in the gurudwara. Then I left for Manikaran in Parvathi Valley, which is just 35 km from Bhuntar.
