Drive to the Mountains – The 2018 Himalayan Spiti Escape with Mahindra Adventure

By Deepankar Sadekar • 6 years ago

Oct
2018

Day 10 – Manali – Chandigarh

The mood in the morning was very somber as everyone knew that the wonderful trip was going to end today. We had breakfast and got ready to leave at 9 am. It was “Headlights on, seatbelts on” one last time as we said our prayers and took to the road. Today was a 320 km drive to Chandigarh and we would be passing Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur and Ropar on the way. We had a tea break around Kullu followed by a lunch break at Visco Resorts Mandi. Temperatures were now rising and we began feeling the heat. After lunch got done, we carried on and stopped for a tea break before the final dash to Chandigarh. Once we entered Chandigarh, the traffic and the honking was the last thing we wanted to hear. We reached Hyatt Regency at around 8 pm where we would retire for the night. With a heavy heart, switched off the Thar one final time and checked into my room. Everyone met up at 9 pm for what was the farewell dinner. I got a chance to share my thoughts and memories of the trip too. We all got participation certificates and relived the trip through photos that were projected on the big screen in the room. As everyone had different flight timings the next day, we said our good byes and promised to keep in touch and we still are through a very active WhatsApp group. The next morning, I left for the airport post breakfast with a few others. Manish was on the same flight as me back home so I had him for company. Landed in a hot Mumbai and I already had withdrawal symptoms from the expedition.

It is hard to put in words what this trip has been for me. But what I can tell you 10 days and 1200 km later, it was totally a life changing experience. It is humbling to see the simple life that people live in this region and still have smiles on their faces every time you meet them. I have to admit that at one point of time during this trip, I wished for a life in the mountains. Another thing you discover is to how beautiful our country is. There is just so much to explore and see and it will definitely have you come back for more. I can also see myself as a better driver and it has been a personal achievement of sorts to have driven on that terrain. Once you drive here, you can drive anywhere. And my trip experience cannot end without the mention of my faithful companions on this trip, the Mahindra Thar and the Scorpio. My respect for both these machines has gone up 10 folds after this expedition. Never once did they let us down. The Scorpio 4×4 is a very capable off-roader and will take anything that you throw at it. Plus, it comes with features, is comfy and has lots of equipment. The Thar on the other hand is more basic but driving it is whole different thrill altogether. It has a character that is simply unmatched. It is these driving expeditions that highlight the qualities and capabilities of these SUVs. They never let us down even once. Last but not least a big shout out to Mahindra Adventure and Team Drivetech India for fantastic execution of the 2018 Himalayan Spiti Escape. Super organized and attention to detail. To end, all I would like to say is that if you love driving, adventure, taking the off beat path and the mountains, the Mahindra Spiti Escape should be high on your list. As for me, I came back with loads of memories that will last me a lifetime and new people who I now call friends. I’m already ready to sign up for the next one. Till then…Julley….