Connecting Remote Villages: A Himalayan Road

The Himalayas, for its grand peaks and serene beauty have always been a call to all the adventurers and travellers out there. Covering this expansive mountain range are some of the most isolated villages in existence, often reached by roads that challenge even seasoned drivers. As such, a road trip connecting these isolated settlements is more than just a journey, but also an odyssey through time and culture where the road itself becomes a story. Image: This is a story of the road that goes all the way to Chicham Bridge which happens to be Asia’s Highest Bridge, connecting two parts of one another – the isolated village with rest-of-the-world.

Setting Off on the Adventure

So, let’s start our excursion from Manali, that is paradise inside the Northern state of Himachal Pradesh which is famous for beautiful scenery and various cultural influences. We departed the booming town and went towards winding roads with green valleys, high mountains on sides. Crisp air and the fervour of uncertainty ahead. The objective: descend as deep into the Himalayas among remote villages and end with a traverse of Chicham Bridge.

The Road Less Travelled

For Manali to Kaza in Spiti valley is a journey that could pass for an experience. This route is popularly known as the Manali-Leh Highway and this highway passes from one of the toughest terrains ever. The road, narrow and often not paved at all, forces you to drive very carefully. Rohtang Pass at 3,979 metres is the first big hurdle. The pass is famous for its changing conditions, which can turn from dry to a blizzard in minutes.

But as we descend from Rohtang, the scene starts to transform. The beautiful environment turned into a desolate, precipitous and odd scenery. Throughout the valley flows the fierce grey coloured water of Spiti River giving more chiselled appearance to rocky mountains. The villages are small and not so close to each other; they all hold their individuality.

Kaza: The Heart of Spiti

The very moment you reach Kaza, it itself feels like an achievement. A tiny village, situated at an altitude of 3,800 metres and is a meeting place for trekkers. It is a great place to acclimatise before moving deeper into the wilderness. Kaza is full of impressive monasteries, and the most well-known one is Key Monastery which gives a more spiritual insight to you. The monks are so peaceful, for the calm of Himalaya.

The Road to Chicham Bridge

On our way from Kaza to Chicham Village. This part of the journey could be considered as one that is both difficult but also with monumental success. The Road is a narrow one, Most of the time just a muddy track dug along the mountain hostel900 The huge drops falling over the edge of one and cliffs at neck level on another road is bordering lunatic drive. The primary point of interest in and around the park is scenic: snow-capped peaks, crystal streams, rocky expanses.

The almost 25-foot high Chitkul or as the locals call it, Chicham bridge is an engineering marvel and so far has been the highlight of this journey. Perched at an altitude of 4000 m over a deep gorge, it links Chicham Village to Kibber Village. The villagers had to climb down into the gorge and then back up on a trek that could take hours, sometimes deadly, before the bridge was built.

Chicham : A Peaceful corner

It is a hair-raising experience of walking over the Chicham Bridge. View from the bridge is splendid: a swell of mountains on all sides, desolate floor under this abrupt gorge. Chicham Village: A village located at one of the highest areas on Earth.

Chicham, on the other hand is a small village with maybe 10-15 houses in total and all built of stone mud. The people in his novel are always welcoming and kind-hearted; their survival of the Caucasus events can only be managed through living a rough existence notorious to these birds. The occupation of the citizens is farming, and barley and peas are primary crops. The simplicity of life in Chicham stands on its head when we compare to the complex existence experienced now-a-days as urban beings.

The Essence of the Journey

The trip to the Himalayas is a kind of journey in itself rather than a destination. It is the hairpin turns that test your driving skills, the scenery of constantly shifting beauty and the detached villages which give you an insight into a world unchanged by modernity.

Chicham Bridge is more than just a bridge linking two villages, It connects past and present, it renders isolation to accessibility. This is an amazing example of human genius and people’s struggle in one of the furthest lands on earth.

Tips on Travelorealism

Prep: Ensure your vehicle is in solid mechanical shape-Bring all necessary spare parts The roads here can be brutal and breakdowns are abundant.

Acclimatisation: Altitude sickness can be caused by high altitudes. You will have to spend a day or two in Kaza to acclimatise before you proceed towards high altitudes.

Even so, be sure to load up for a day and half on food (fruit & potato chips) at the very least from Manali or Kaza as there would not really be much option otherwise. There are also supplies with lesser reserves in the remote places.

Permits: you need a few if you want to travel to remote locations and the Spiti Valley.

Climate: The weather conditions of the Himalayas are unpredictable. Expect surprises and travel during the summer months for a safer journey.

Conclusion

Travelling by road to remote villages in the Himalayas is once in a lifetime experience. It is an experience to strengthen you and add to your collection of stories. Their roosters were our alarms, their horses the town cars, and they always seemed to be ready with a cold coca-cola or coffee when we needed it. Of roads and mountains is a road trip tale that speaks of the timeless charm of the Himalayas along with its people.

For More Articles Click