To Thrills and Chills: Suman’s Bike Adventure in Spiti Valley with Thrillophilia
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." – Helen Keller
Suman had always been a passionate rider, but somewhere along the way, life got in the way. Between the business meetings, and the hustle of daily life, his love for the open road began to slip away.
And one afternoon, as he watched a group of older riders cruising by on their Royal Enfields, carefree and full of life, something inside him clicked.
It was like a spark had reignited.
That’s when he made up his mind—he needed to break free, and what better way than a bike trip to Spiti Valley with Thrillophilia?
Suman instantly felt a rush of excitement he hadn’t felt in years. His KTM 390 Adventure was waiting, and the rugged landscapes of Himachal Pradesh was promising an escape unlike any other.
The moment he landed in Chandigarh, the starting point of his journey, he could feel the buzz in the air. The pre-trip briefing wasn’t just about routes and safety; it was a chance to connect with fellow riders, each one as eager as he was to leave the ordinary behind.
As their road captain shared stories of challenging mountain passes and awe-inspiring views, Suman felt the familiar pull of adventure calling him once more.
This was going to be more than just a ride—it was going to be a story worth telling.
Riding the Winds of Change
The journey began in Chandigarh, where Suman met fellow riders and the experienced road captains, Maneet and Rajan. The excitement in the air was palpable as everyone gathered to get a briefing on what lay ahead.
But little did they know that the true adventure was just waiting to begin.
As the engines roared to life and the group navigated through the Himalayan Expressway, Suman felt the thrill coursing through his veins. The wind whipped through his hair as he rode past the scenic beauty of Chail, with its blooming flower orchards. “This is what freedom feels like,” he thought, exhilarated by the open road ahead.
After a day of riding, they arrived at Narkanda, the “Apple Capital of India.” Suman couldn’t resist snapping a few photos amidst the apple and cherry trees lining the roads. The air was filled with the sweet scent of fruit, making it hard to believe he was still in India.
That night, after an adventurous day, he had dinner with his fellow riders, bonding over tales of bravery and laughter. “It’s like a brotherhood on wheels,” Suman thought, grinning as he exchanged stories.
Chasing Shadows and Conquering Peaks
The next day, they were brought to Chitkul, the last village inhabited before the Indo-China border.
The thrill of riding towards such a historic place was electrifying. Suman made a pit stop at the famous “Hindustan ka Akhri Dhaba,” relishing a hot meal that seemed to taste even better due to the chilly wind.
As they continued their ride towards Kalpa, Suman marvelled at the magnificent Kinnaur Kailash mountain range. Each twist and turn of the road revealed jaw-dropping views, and he couldn’t help but think, “Is this real life, or am I dreaming?”
Moreover, the sunset over the mountains was a breathtaking canvas painted with shades of orange and pink, leaving everyone in awe.
However, no adventure comes without its challenges.
As they rode towards Kaza, Suman felt the thrill of excitement mixed with a tinge of fear when they encountered the Gue Village, home to a 500-year-old mummy.
“I’ve seen some strange things in my life, but this takes the cake,” he chuckled nervously as he snapped a picture.
Meanwhile, Kaza was a whirlwind of exploration. The team visited the Key Monastery, perched high on a hill, surrounded by an awe-inspiring landscape. Suman couldn’t resist the urge to climb a few rocks and get a selfie with the monastery in the background.
Snowfall and Starlit Nights
On the seventh day, Suman and his fellow adventurers made their way to Chandratal Lake, a crescent-shaped wonder that looked even more magical under the starlit sky. Our trek to the lake was a thrilling experience, and as they set up camp, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement.
But nature had a surprise in store for them.
That night, a heavy snowfall caught them off guard. “I can’t believe we’re camping in a snowstorm!” Suman exclaimed, half terrified and half thrilled. Their guides made the wise decision to stay put, ensuring everyone’s safety.
“We’re in good hands,” he reassured himself, recalling Maneet and Rajan’s expert guidance.
Waking up to a snowy wonderland was surreal. “This is definitely the one from dreams,” Suman thought as he watched the sun rise over the white landscape, painting the world in hues of gold.
As they rode through the Atal Tunnel the next day, Suman couldn’t help but feel a sense of triumph.
“We did it! From the heart of the mountains to the world’s longest highway tunnel, this trip had it all!” he cheered, reflecting on how much he had grown as a rider and a person.
The Adventure Lives On
As the trip came to a close, Suman felt a mix of emotions. He had encountered breathtaking landscapes, conquered challenging terrains, and forged lifelong friendships. “This isn’t just a trip; it’s a chapter in my life story,” he mused, already planning his next adventure.
Suman returned to Chandigarh with a heart full of memories, stories to tell, and a newfound sense of adventure. Riding through the mountains wasn’t just about the thrill of the bike; it was about the experiences, the laughter, and the breathtaking beauty of the world around him.
He realised that sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that push you out of your comfort zone and remind you of the beauty life has to offer.
“Every ride is a new story waiting to be written, and I’m just getting started!”
Read more: Thrillophilia Spiti Reviews