Cycling in NH3, amazing morning views of Kullu Valley and Shiva Temple Kalath.

Hi All,

Hope you all are healthy and happy!

I’ve been biking regularly these days to explore different places around Manali. In this blog I’m going to show you what it’s like to bike on NH3 of Himachal Pradesh and will also take you to a Shiva Temple near Kalath.

From my house to Tibetan colony 15 mile-

I started my journey at around 6:30 AM from my house. It takes around ten minutes from my house to reach to NH3 after crossing the narrow Garh road.

One thing that you might find strange is the name of the places here. Places are named as 14 mile, 15 mile, 16 mile and 17 mile in NH3 while travelling to Manali. These are named such because in olden times, when India was under British rule, there were milestones here which said 14 miles is the distance of Kullu from that particular place (that was inhabited at that time) and so the people named that place 14 mile.

This Tibetan colony is in 14 mile and it was built here when India gave shelter to Tibetan refugees when they were facing war with China. Many such places have been made for Tibetan people like these since then.

From 14 mile to 17 mile-

Just as names of these places suggest, 17 mile is 3 miles from 14 mile and there is one senior secondary school there which is the last one before reaching Manali.

There are many resorts and hotels on the way too that you can see in the photos. These small villages now have become a major tourist destinations of the region because of beautiful views and pleasant weather.

Kalath Shiv Mandir-

Kalath is about a km from 17 mile and there is one small Shiv Temple in on the left side of the road. One special thing about this place is the continuous flowing pure water that comes through the rocks onto the Shiva Lingam.

I worshiped there for some time and offered water to the Shiva Lingam. The NH3 is broken at many places because of recent floods in Beas river. You will see that in many of my photos.

Broken NH3 and Shiva Mandir Kalath

My bike-

I have a Firefox target that I bought about 7-8 years ago. This bicycle has proven to be a perfect one for me. It has been with me in so many expeditions and never ever had bought me down. It has 21 (3x7) gears with Shimano shifters, V brakes and a hard tail frame.

Back to my place-

Now it was time to have fun riding down the slope and so I got the time to capture some beautiful pictures for you guys.

Sun was also rising now and riding downwards in such mesmerising setting of morning sun and beautiful views is an experience of its own.

The Beas river to the left, Pir Panjal Himalayan range on the right and cool breeze right on my face. What a great experience it was!!!

The traffic is very light at this time of the day that makes it easier to ride. You can also see the NH3 board in the photo above.

The total one side distance is about 12 kms from my place till the Shiva Mandir and round trip is double that distance that I covered in an hour.

At last I found a peaceful spot with amazing views of the river and the mountains to do a little yoga to jump start my day. Just look at the view! It’s quite unreal.

That’s all for today.

Thanks for your time!!!