24/08/2017 Reckong
Peo to Kalpa
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| Malcolm's shirt under repair |
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| Street in Reckong Peo |
After a leisurely
start and some domestic chores like getting another phone card and finding
someone with a sewing machine to repair Malcolm's shirt we embarked on the 500
m climb to Kalpa. The road surface was good and it was not too busy or to
steep.( unlike the climb of the previous day) On the way up we met Nav again
who phoned ahead to book us into the Blue Lotus Hotel in Kalpa. 800 rupees
(£11.00) secured us a place in the hotel with the most amazing views of the
Kinner Kaislashh massif. It had a huge terrace and we could park our bikes
right outside our door. Everything felt right about this place and it was quite
different from the busy town of Reckong Peo. We had a lovely stroll around the
village. Admiring the views, the architecture, the temples and the prayer
wheels and flags that were snapping in the breeze. Kalpa was on the Silk Route
once and we were told that local traders
still obtain permits so they can travel by car and mule to Tibet (China)
where they barter for the products. The
Indian traders bring saffron (which the monks like for breakfast) and coffee in
exchange for cheap electrical goods. Foreigners can not cross the border here.
The inner line permit ensures that we are kept a close eye on whilst so close
to the border.
We bumped into a
man from Cambridge who comes hiking in the Himalayas every year with his wife.
This involves hiring guides, cooks, porters etc. because they are away from any
civilisation for two weeks at a time. It made our efforts seem puny but boy am
I glad I don't have his logistical nightmares. Booking a bike on the train was
enough for me.
In the evening we
had another amazing meal in the hotel. I wish I could spend some time in the
kitchens here. I thought I wasn't bad at preparing a curry but the food here is
blowing us away. And why do I always cook curries with meat when you can do
such amazing things with vegetables only.
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| Kalpa was a really nice place to hang out. |
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| The terrace outside our hotel room. |
After a leisurely
start and some domestic chores like getting another phone card and finding
someone with a sewing machine to repair Malcolm's shirt we embarked on the 500
m climb to Kalpa. The road surface was good and it was not too busy or to
steep.( unlike the climb of the previous day) On the way up we met Nav again
who phoned ahead to book us into the Blue Lotus Hotel in Kalpa. 800 rupees
(£11.00) secured us a place in the hotel with the most amazing views of the
Kinner Kaislashh massif. It had a huge terrace and we could park our bikes
right outside our door. Everything felt right about this place and it was quite
different from the busy town of Reckong Peo. We had a lovely stroll around the
village. Admiring the views, the architecture, the temples and the prayer
wheels and flags that were snapping in the breeze. Kalpa was on the Silk Route
once and we were told that local traders
still obtain permits so they can travel by car and mule to Tibet (China)
where they barter for the products. The
Indian traders bring saffron (which the monks like for breakfast) and coffee in
exchange for cheap electrical goods. Foreigners can not cross the border here.
The inner line permit ensures that we are kept a close eye on whilst so close
to the border.
Wow; that brings back memories. Was in Kalpa in 2005.
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