Leaving Manali

Decided to stay an extra day in Manali - to get some strength back. My Manali-Runny took its toll. Everybody who sees me asks whether I am better. My burn is also healing. When people see it, "What is happening over here? Silencer problem? Ah, I know this one."

We got invited for supper by a jeweller. By day finely dressed and a successful businessman, by night shorts and shoddy t-shirt, squatting on the floor preparing food with ingredients in newspaper etc. I love it. I am now a ring wearer. On my index finger. I must see how it goes.

Having bike fixed. Brakes adjusted, and a smaller sprocket fitted to somewhere to give me more power.

Power is what we'll need for the Manali-Leh Highway - the second highest road in the world. It is a 485km stretch, which we'll break into three days. The first day takes us up the Rhotang-Pass ("Pile of Dead Bodies"), one of the steepest passes in the Himalayas. It all sounds daunting - and it is - but in return you drive through some of the most spectacular and sublime landscapes in the world.

We'll sleep in Keylong - only 115km from Manali (but 2000 meters higher). The next day in either one of two tent towns (Sanchu, or Panga). From there to Leh. Probably no Internet till then. But lots of snow and dizzying heights.