Day 6, 7 and 8 Manali

Today's destination: Manali. Though because of bad weather unfortunately I had to settle for the day by the time I reached Mandi. I reached Mandi at around 6 PM and locals suggested to take a halt if it rains and it did. I met my friends Yash and Purshottam and they had arranged a press meet.

Next day I was at Manali where Godwin hosted me. Godwin owns a beautiful cafe for bikers called "RIDEINN". A delightful place to relax and laze around. This place is also very close to the highway en route Rohtang La. Manali is an amazingly beautiful small town and the spellbinding view from the guest house was good enough reason to stretch my trip by another day. I just couldn't resist and the next day I was hopping all over the town, shopping and wandering. I visited Hidamba temple and met with Prashant and Moksha, two of my good friends. Prashant helped me with some really good tips and advice for the upcoming ride. Manali is expensive to shop but I urgently needed a gum boot, gloves and few essentials to get ready for the next few days of ride. I was all set, I knew next couple of days are going to be the toughest and the most challenging as the stretch from Manali to Leh is often considered demanding and formidable track. Commonly riders heading south would prefer to start their ride fresh from Leh covering the toughest stretch earlier in the trip. But for me it was the other way around, I was exhausted and after 7 days and 3500 km the major challenge was yet to come.

Had delicious food and nice chit chat and gossip with Moksha over the lunch, didn't realise when that perfect day just flew away. Moksha, she is one courageous lady. hats off to her for riding Manali to Leh in just 20 Hours, usually 3 days task.

Honestly, I was nervous for what I was stepping into next. It's different in a group or on a 4 wheeler but riding all alone from Manali to Leh on one of the world's most dangerous roads ?? Certainly, not many people would advice that but that's how I wanted it to be, free, and just heading on my own.

Next destination : Sarchu

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Walking on the Compass

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