We left Delhi just after midnight to start our long road trip into the Himalayas.
Our first stop was Shimla where we organized the Inner Line Permits allowing us to enter border areas and drive all the way to the Spiti Valley. The weather in Shimla was foggy and generally unpleasant, but we still took a short walk along Mall Road seeing some of the historic buildings. The next morning, we left early for our drive along the Sutlej River to Sarahan. Unfortunately, it was raining a lot and the low-hanging clouds blocked most of the mountain scenery which I had enjoyed a lot on my last trip here in 2016.
fog in Shimla
Shimla
small temple in Shimla
Mall Road
Gaiety Theater
shopping in Shimla
Christ Church
Christ Church
on the way from Shimla to Sarahan
small restaurant
temple
fog in the mountains
on the road to Sarahan
Sutlej River
on the road to Sarahan
mountain scenery
We reached Sarahan shortly before sunset and checked into the hotel. I put my GoPro on the balcony and took nice time-lapse videos.
The sun came out in the morning and offered a beautiful view of the mountain scenery.
view from the hotel in Sarahan
mountain scenery
water fall near Sarahan
water fall near Sarahan
Impressive water falls were visible on the other side of the valley.
After breakfast, we went on a short stroll through Sarahan and visited the famous Bhimakali Temple. Afterwards, we left for the long journey to Nako at the southernmost end of the Spiti Valley. Driving further and further into the Himalayas, the scenery became more barren and harsh with rugged mountains. The narrow road is considered one of the most dangerous in the world passing along the sides of steep cliffs always exposed to rock falls.
Hotel “The Shrikand”
Bhimakali Temple
Bhimakali Temple
door detail
door detail
Bhimakali Temple
Bhimakali Temple
Bhimakali Temple
tiger at the entrance
Bhimakali Temple
Bhimakali Temple
Bhimakali Temple
Bhimakali Temple
Bhimakali Temple
King’s Palace
beautiful roof
leaving Sarahan
leaving Sarahan
leaving Sarahan
leaving Sarahan
deep valley
big trees along the road
road construction
sheep on the road
crazy road into the mountains
village
road along the Sutley River
road
narrow road in the mountains
narrow road in the mountains
Sutlej River
driving further into the mountains
on the Hindustan Tibet Road
road construction
road construction
driving further into the mountains
driving further into the mountains
driving further into the mountains
driving further into the mountains
old bridge
road along the Sutlej River
driving further into the mountains
short break in Spillow
driving further into the mountains
road construction
driving further into the mountains
driving further into the mountains
folded rocks
veins in the rocks
confluence of Spiti and Sutlej rivers
confluence of Spiti and Sutlej rivers
confluence of Spiti and Sutlej rivers
hotel and food corner
driving further along the Spiti River
driving further along the Spiti River
Spiti River
Spiti River
narrow road along the steep cliff
Spiti Valley
mountain scenery
reaching Nako
Nako
Nako
Nako
We reached Nako late in the evening. The temperatures were already very low and after a good dinner, we soon fell asleep.
4 responses to “Into the Himalayas from Shimla to Nako, India (09/2018)”
What an adventure! Thanks so very much, Matthias, for taking us along on this intrepid road trip. That narrow road looks harrowing, I’m so glad you arrived safely. Loved seeing Shimla, the temples and details, the mountain scenery, the GoPro videos (those tiny lights moving were fun). Especially enjoyed seeing the outstanding Himalayas.
thank you for your comment and checking out my post! A road trip through the Himalayas is definitely a fantastic adventure and I can only recommend it for everyone!
Such a great adventure you’ve had! The narrow roads made me dizzy, though🙂
haha – yes, it was a wonderful trip! Wait for the coming posts to see more of the impressive Indian Himalayas! 🙂
What an adventure! Thanks so very much, Matthias, for taking us along on this intrepid road trip. That narrow road looks harrowing, I’m so glad you arrived safely. Loved seeing Shimla, the temples and details, the mountain scenery, the GoPro videos (those tiny lights moving were fun). Especially enjoyed seeing the outstanding Himalayas.
thank you for your comment and checking out my post! A road trip through the Himalayas is definitely a fantastic adventure and I can only recommend it for everyone!
Such a great adventure you’ve had! The narrow roads made me dizzy, though🙂
haha – yes, it was a wonderful trip! Wait for the coming posts to see more of the impressive Indian Himalayas! 🙂