Conquering the Ultimate Kunzum La Pass: An Unforgettable Moto Adventure for UK Bikers”
Title: “Unveiling the Mystical Charm of Kunzum Pass: An Unforgettable Adventure for UK Bikers”
The ancient land of Spiti, nestled in the Highlands of Himalayas, holds many secrets waiting to be discovered. At the heart of this mystical region lies the Kunzum La Mountain Pass, a place where history, nature, and Culture intertwine. In this article, we delve into the captivating history of Kunzum La and explore the unique culture of the local Spiti Tribes, whose lives have been shaped by tough mountainous Terrain.
The history of Kunzum La Mountain Pass dates back centuries, with its origins deeply rooted in the ancient trade routes that connected India, Tibet and other Civilizations. It served as a vital link for traders, pilgrims, and explorers, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between the regions. The pass stands as a testament to the historical significance of the Himalayas as a crossroads of civilizations.
Spiti Valley Circuit is a popular destination for Adventure bikers from all over the world, who come to challenge themselves on its winding roads and unforgiving terrain. Kunzum Pass is also a sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists, who believe that it is a gateway to the heavens.
The road to Kunzum Pass is a challenging one, with steep climbs and hairpin bends. However, the scenery is simply breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and sparkling Spiti river.
When you ride from Kaza to Chander taal take a note in your Himalayan Diaries that here you will encounter Mesmerizing Chorten few miles before Kunzum. Chortens are often situated in locations considered inauspicious – river junctions, crossroads, mountain passes, & bridges – to ward off evil. The classical chorten shape is based on the ancient Indo Tibetan form of a stupa.
Kunzum La at 15,060ft holds immense spiritual importance for the local Lahaul Spiti Tribes. As we traverse the pass, we encounter several sacred landmarks, including ancient monasteries, chortens, and prayer flags adorning the landscape. These spiritual symbols reflect the deep-rooted Buddhist beliefs of the Spiti community, who have found solace and enlightenment in these rugged mountains for generations. These Fluttering Buddhist Prayer Flags make you forget about Altitude Sickness and missing tarmac.
The Spiti Tribal Folks, also known as the Bhotias, have thrived in this challenging environment for centuries, developing a unique culture shaped by their isolation and resilience. Living in remote Himalayan villages scattered across the region, they have preserved their indo Tibetan traditional way of life, customs, and rituals. From their colourful festivals to their intricate artwork, the Spiti people offer a glimpse into a world untouched by time. Standing at the Pass we will encounter The Bara Shigri Glacier, the one of largest glacier in Asia, it gets its name from the local Lahaul dialect, with “Bara” meaning big and “Shigri” meaning glacier. This impressive glacier has attracted the attention of mountaineers and geographical enthusiasts who have embarked on treks to explore its vast expanse. It originates from several large glaciers that converge in a magnificent Chandra valley above, filling it up before cascading over its rim in a massive ice-stream that flows down to the river.
In 1924, British Explorer Hugh Whistler described the Shigri Glacier as emerging from the mountains on the left bank of the Chandra River. It stretches for several miles, with its snout reaching all the way down to the river, obstructing the usual road between Kullu and Spiti. The breadth of the glacier varies due to its movement and roughness, and as a result, no two caravans crossing it take the same path. However, its width is estimated to be at least a mile. In 1836, the glacier caused significant impact when it burst its bounds, damming the Chandra River and forming a large lake. The lake eventually broke free, resulting in devastation downstream. The people of Spiti were so concerned about this occurrence that they stationed guards at the Kunzam Pass to monitor whether the water level would rise enough to flow into Spiti.
Bara Shigri Glacier gained attention due to the presence of valuable antimony deposits. The glacier was initially surveyed in 1906 by H. Walker and E.H. Pascoe of the Geological Survey of India. In 1955, an expedition sponsored by the Geological Survey of India took place as part of the Indian program for the International Geophysical Year 1956-57. This expedition aimed to examine several Himalayan glaciers and determine the position of their snouts.
Flowing northwards and joining the Chandra River, the Bara Shigri Glacier changes its direction westwards near the Spiti border. The glacier, situated at an altitude above 12,959ft and extending beyond 14,995ft, has recently been surveyed and mapped over a length of 11 kms. Surface moraine heavily covers the glacier, making the ice visible only in certain areas, such as along crevices and in ablation zones.
Adjacent to the Bara Shigri Glacier lies another glacier called Chhota Shigri. Although comparatively smaller, it is characterized by its steep and slippery terrain, making it challenging to cross. Unlike Bara Shigri, Chhota Shigri does not reach the riverbed.
Beyond this Point it is complete Off-roading and Chandra Valley will fulfil your appetite for Adventure Lifestyle. Bet you this is one of the Best Offroading trails in India. The Enfield Riders UK will give you better feedback on this trail.
Surviving in the harsh Himalayan environment has fostered a deep connection between the Spiti people and the natural world. Their sustainable agricultural practices, such as terrace farming and herding, reflect their understanding of the delicate balance between humans and nature. The symbiotic relationship between the Spiti people and their surroundings serves as an inspiration for sustainable living.
The mystical Kunzum La Mountain Pass stands as a bridge between history, spirituality, and culture. It is a testament to the resilience of the local Spiti people who have forged a unique way of life in this remote region. Exploring the history and culture of Kunzum La and the Spiti Valley offers a profound insight into the rich tapestry of the Himalayas and leaves us with a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of humanity and nature.