India > From Sarchu to Keylong

Despite the altitude of 4,200 meters, I sleep very well. High altitude can negatively affect sleep, but I feel fine. When I wake up, I hear most of my fellow travelers already moving around outside. I quickly wash, get dressed, and pack my luggage. After breakfast, I set off for Keylong. It’s a relatively short distance of one hundred kilometers, but the route runs along narrow mountain roads with poor surfaces. Today I am riding with Rasjid in the car. Rasjid is an excellent driver, though he doesn’t speak a word of English.

India - Crossing mountain streams that flow over the road by car

He keeps a close eye on everything, helps with whatever is needed, and even holds the accelerator steady when I want to take a photo. It’s cloudy today, and it rained a bit last night. As we climb higher into the mountains, I see more evidence of the recent rainfall. Several small streams cross the road. Sometimes Rasjid drives literally along with the flowing water. The water runs beneath the car as we navigate a sharp turn. Exciting! I can imagine the mountain pass would have to be closed in bad weather. At a small restaurant by a bridge over the river, I have my packed lunch and order some tea. Just after midday, I drive into Keylong. Back in the inhabited world after two days in the mountains. Keylong is a small mountain village, mainly visited by travelers passing through. The hotel we stop at initially turns out not to be the right one—a small misunderstanding. We quickly drive to the correct hotel on the edge of Keylong. In the afternoon, I walk along the small main street, looking at the shops and greeting the locals. I order a drink at a restaurant, though the menu has limited options. Eventually, I make a choice. At an internet café on the main street, I send messages home. Finally, I sink into a chair in the hotel garden and order a beer. A wonderful, lazy afternoon doing nothing. In the evening, I decide to stay at the hotel and order Makki Paneer with Cashews. Delicious!