Wander through India : THE SPITI EXPEDITION ( DAY XII

DAY IX – RANGRIK TO LOSSAR ( 60 KM)

DESTINATION : LOSSAR, HIMACHAL

1. So my time in the Spiti Valley was coming to an end as i prepared to journey towards Lossar and this marked the graduation of my Expedition in to the terminal phase but what lay ahead was discouraged by many to not be attempted especially in the INDOMITABLE. But the situation had shaped up in a way to propel me to attempt which in the initial planning phase was not even considered by me.

2. I was planning to tackle the dangers of Chhota Dara ,Batal-Grampoo stretch in a sedan and then drive all the way back to where i had begun this fantastic journey "The Land Of Seven Islands-Mumbai".Anyways that was to come tomorrow , for today I had a easy run to Lossar and then attempt the trek to "Lake of the Moon-ChanderTaal"

3. After a hearty breakfast we started towards Lossar and bid adieu to the Kaza Valley and I knew that I would definitely be back to this place nestled so far away from the maddening world that I have been living in the years to come. Our journey was to take us through some small villages and at an average elevation of 4000 mts.

4. But fate somehow had something else stored for us as my companion was not feeling too good this morning and as the journey progressed so did his health deteriorate. Though I was carrying a basic medicine kit to cover most issues he did insist on his own medication and somehow we were not able to provide relief , but there was no way other than the way forward and so I told him to hold on as I moved ahead as fast as I could .Finally as we were reaching Lossar his condition did improve and he started feeling better but was weak .I reached Lossar by 1130 hrs .

5. I must say that Kaza-Losar route is one of the real beauties of Spiti Valley. The views are just extra ordinary and we passed sumling , Moorang,Hull,Kiatoand Hanse villages. The Ke Monastery beckoned us in the distance sparkling in the morning sun nestled high up in the mountains as we continued our journey. Reaching Lossar I found out the place that we were staying and got the place opened up, yes we were the only guests that day out there. I debated the visit to Chandertaal but my companion was in no condition to undertake the same and I did not feel comfortable leaving him and attempting the trek alone so dropped the plan of Chandertaal, at least in this trip.

6. The day was spent in leisurely exploring the village of Lossar, interacting with the teaching staff of the government senior secondary school and generally doing nothing great. The power was not available as usual but by now i had grown used to the idea of staying without power for extended duration of time. As the evening approached we were treated to delicious dinner cooked on homemade sigri, I really do not know what it is called and ate our dinner in the warmth of burning wood and solar lights.

7. Tomorrow would be a crucial test for me as well as the INDOMITABLE as we cross the treacherous Nullahs , conquer two passes and reach the maddening civilization that we really did not miss these past 12 days.

8. Odometer for the day. Rangrik: 57251 - Lossar: 57308