dhankar
the spiti-kinnaur trail
2024-10-15
We come from Tabo. The Spiti River runs along the route.
Spiti River
There are rock formations created by the wind.
Art by Mother Nature
I stop to dip my toes in the river.
On the river
There are plenty of fields around.
Fields
On the way, there’s an isolated suspension footbridge that leads to the Mane village.
Mane Bridge
The bridge is made of planks that aren’t bolted on quite well. Each step has to be careful.
Fun exercise
I spend some time relaxing on the bridge, soaking in the view.
Hanging there
The Dhankar looks grand.
Views of the Dhankar
Then we head to the new Dhankar monastery. There are cool doors around.
Nice door
We have lunch there, and I order Thukpa for my sore throat.
Yo
The monastery
There’s a fancier door.
Nicer door
Just a little atop the Dhankar monastery, there’s a 180-degree panoramic viewpoint of the whole valley.
Stop Existing Start Exploring
It’s a little climb, but due to fever and slight weakness, I have to catch my breath every few minutes.
Stairway to Heaven
But the climb is worth it for the view.
The View
We head to kaza.