Day 9: A Relaxed Ride to Kaza and Fun by the Satlej River

Today’s journey was a welcome change of pace as we covered a short distance of just 50 km to Kaza. After the long, adventurous days leading up to this point, we all agreed to sleep in and start the day around 10 AM, giving us the chance to rest and recharge before continuing deeper into Spiti Valley.

Morning Routine: Prepping the Bikes

After breakfast, we took our time getting ready. Since the dust from the previous days had built up on our bikes, we spent some time cleaning the chains and making sure everything was in order. With the bikes refreshed and ready to roll, we took a few group photos to capture the moment before setting off on our leisurely ride.

Dhankar Valley and Monastery

Our first stop of the day was Dhankar Valley, home to the ancient Dhankar Monastery. Perched high on the cliffs, the monastery offered breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. The steep, winding roads leading up to the monastery were exhilarating, and once we arrived, the sight was awe-inspiring. We spent some time exploring the monastery, soaking in its history and the peaceful atmosphere that surrounded it.

Himalayan Treats and Scenic Moments

While in Dhankar Valley, we had the opportunity to try a famous Himalayan drink made from sea buckthorn berries. Known for its health benefits and unique flavor, it was the perfect refreshment before we continued our journey. As we rested, we also saw some locals playing cricket on a nearby mountain slope—a sight that was both impressive and amusing given the high-altitude setting!

Spiti River Stop: Peace and Beauty

As we continued along the road, we couldn’t resist stopping by the Spiti River. The turquoise-blue water flowing gently between the towering mountains created a tranquil, almost magical atmosphere. We took a much-needed break by the river, soaking in the serene beauty of the landscape and taking time to relax after the morning’s ride.

Moonland and Fun at the River

Next, we arrived at the Moonland area, where the landscape truly lived up to its name—it felt otherworldly, almost as if we had landed on another planet. The unique rock formations and barren beauty of the area made it a perfect spot for taking photos. With fewer travelers around, everyone got busy making reels and snapping shots of their bikes against the stunning backdrop.

To add some fun to the moment, we even did a little garba dance by the river! The combination of dancing, laughter, and incredible views made this one of the most memorable stops of the day.

Journey to Kaza

After spending about an hour and a half at Moonland, we set off for Kaza, the main town in the Spiti Valley. Once we arrived, we freshened up and realized that in the excitement of the day, we had completely skipped lunch. So, we headed to a nearby restaurant for some snacks to refuel.

Exploring Kaza Market

With our hunger satisfied, we took a leisurely stroll through Kaza’s market. The vibrant market offered a wide range of souvenirs, and we couldn’t resist picking up a few items for friends and family back home. It was a relaxing way to end the day, wandering through the lively stalls and taking in the local culture.

Bus Idea for Tomorrow: A New Adventure

During dinner back at the hotel, we came up with an exciting idea—why not explore the Kaza region by bus tomorrow? It would give the riders a break from the bikes and allow everyone to explore at their own pace. At first, finding a bus on short notice seemed challenging, but eventually, we managed to arrange one within our budget. The plan for tomorrow was set, and we were all excited to experience Kaza in a new way.