“The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature.” — Joseph Campbell
They say the road to heaven is paved with good intentions. But the road to Kunzum Pass? That is paved with gravel, dust, and pure, unfiltered adrenaline.
If you have ever driven the stretch from Kaza to Manali, you know that “road” is a generous term. It is a scar on the mountain face—a testament to human stubbornness against the might of the Himalayas. This is easily one of the most adventurous off-roading experiences in India. It shakes you, rattles you, and demands your absolute presence. You cannot be worrying about next week’s emails when you are navigating a water crossing at 12,000 feet.
The Pause at Batal
somewhere in the middle of this beautiful chaos lies a sanctuary: The Legendary Chacha Chachi Dhaba at Batal.
It is more than just a food stop; it is an institution. In a landscape that is unforgiving and barren, finding warmth is a luxury. Sitting there, huddled against the cold wind, sipping hot tea and eating simple rice and dal, you realize something profound about life: Happiness is rarely found in the complex; it is almost always hidden in the simple.
The warmth of a stranger’s smile. The heat of a fresh meal. The realization that you made it this far.
Be Like the Rock
I took the picture above near a stream while we paused to let the engine cool.
I stared at that massive rock in the middle of the rushing water. The water was chaotic, fast, and relentless—much like our daily lives back in the city. But the rock? The rock was still. It didn’t fight the current; it stood its ground and let the water flow around it.
It reminded me of a thought by the stoic philosopher Seneca: “The whole future lies in uncertainty: live immediately.”
This journey wasn’t just about reaching Kunzum Top to spin the prayer wheels. It was about becoming that rock. It was about finding stillness in the middle of the off-road chaos.
Why We Go
We don’t take these roads because they are easy. We take them because they strip away the pretense. When you are standing at Kunzum Pass, looking down at the winding loops of the Spiti valley, you aren’t an MBA, or a factory owner, or a content creator. You are just a tiny speck of dust marveling at the infinite.
And in that insignificance, you feel strangely significant.
To the dreamers planning this trip: Pack your bags. Check your tires. But most importantly, open your heart. The road will be rough, but the story you bring back will be smooth as silk.