Day-2 - Mansehra to Jalkhad
The day-2 started with high aims, it was first day of my own driving/biking. My plan was to reach upto Jalkhad on the same day. I reached Mansehra somewhat 7am.
Then the bike downloading was carried out. Got a group photo with the Bus driver. A nice fellow (Malang) with long hairs (Zulfain) from Mirpur (AJK).
After that I with the two person group, did breakfast and get the bike tank fuel and purchased mobil oil.
Start my journey. From Mansehra to Balakot at 8am. Mansehra was looking so much lush green and beautiful with high lush green hills all around. Locals told that there are several walking trails in the vicinity of Mansehra. There was a leaned rock, which can be seen from Mansehra.
Journey to Balakot was superb. High hills in the far all around seems to be more high and beautiful than Galyat.
At Balakot, I changed the oil. From Balakot, started to hike along the Kunhar River.
I stopped at Kewai, Paras, Malakandi, Manhandri, Khanian, Khanian, Kaghan. Enjoyed the serene beauty of the Valley, compared it with Neelum. It was my first visit to Kaghan Valley. Last year I have to returned from Malakandi due landslide.
Clouds were gathering, but I managed to reach Naran at 3pm when it started raining. I sat in the kokha, and did Lunch there and a tea.
From Kewai onward, I hanvn't any contact with the two member group from Multan.
I met a lot of bikers, which waved victory sign and thumb to me.
At 5, the group called me. I met them, they got a camp for Rs. 300/- for three person. They offered me to join them. They were tired and they have cancelled the decision to go Hunza with me. Actually with two person, CD70 didn't worked well.
I waved them gudbye and set off for Jalkhad. Enjoyed the beauty ahead Naran and reached Jalkhad at 7.15pm in evening. The access road of bridges at Burawai, Battakundi was not in good shape. Otherwise the road was excellent. The scenery was out of world. Especially the snow bound peaks peeping the valley.
At Jalkhad, when I was talking with Bismillah Hotel Owner, I saw a group from Lahore 5 person on a Honda Civic. They offered me to share the room. I told the hotel wala that I am joining them, He said its ok.
So I joined the group. They ordered Chicked Karahi and Daal. Chicken Karahi had very much Garam Masala.
After that I laid my sleeping bag in the wooden room and slept. I was worried about my bike which was in the open air, but the hotel wala assured for its security.
Thanks.