Winding roads[/caption]
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Snack time[/caption]
There were small, tented dhabas at places beside road, where I had Maggi and omelette. The view there could beat any good view you can get from an expensive restaurant with a valley going on the eastern side and it looked like the Beas river was originating from there. There came a long and steep climb as well but it did not bother me much as I was already mesmerised by the scenery.
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Pandoh Dam[/caption]
When it came to going downhill, the wind blew too fast it didn't let the cycle speed increase. It so happened somewhere in-between that I was coming down the slope speedily and looked backward at a beautiful valley with palm trees on the other side of the river. When I turned my head and looked in front, I was about to smash into rocks, which could have resulted in serious injuries. But thanks to the disc brakes on my cycle, I was saved the ordeal.
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Road Carved Out of Mountain[/caption]
I entered the 2.97-km-long Kullu tunnel and it was quite dark at some places inside and water was dripping down through the rocks above. This ride was enchanting.
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One day more for Manali[/caption]
I reached Bhuntar and started looking for cheap accommodation, asking at various places, when suddenly I happened to look at the pole of a gurudwara on the other side of the river. I could not believe there was a gurudwara in Bhuntar as well. Nothing more I needed. I was really happy and went towards the other side through a bridge. For the first time, I found an expensive gurudwara, where room charges were Rs. 300. I enquired for a hall and per bed price was Rs. 50, so I took that.
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View from bridge at Bhuntar[/caption]
There was something else on my mind. I thought of keeping my cycle in the gurudwara and going to Manikaran by bus and coming back for my further journey to Manali. So I asked the administration and they agreed. I knew my luggage and cycle were safe in the gurudwara. Then I left for Manikaran in Parvathi Valley, which is just 35 km from Bhuntar.
