Kodiaq Expedition

Skoda’s SUV takes on the treacherous Spiti terrain

Organised by Skoda India, the Kodiaq Expedition was about testing the strength of the Alaskan bear—yes that’s where the Kodiaq gets its name from. And we were determined to do just that. Leaving the hot plains of Chandigarh behind, it didn’t take long to hit cruising speeds in the Kodiaq. In the 6-day journey, this was probably the only stretch along the way, where we could enjoy the luxury of an allweather tarmac highway. Therefore hitting speeds of 140kmph in the Kodiaq came easy and often enough. The SUV drove like a dream and the cabin cocooned us from both the heat and the remotest possibility of engine noise. The refined NVH levels in Kodiaq can quite easily make you forget that you are driving a 2.0 TDI style engine and shortly after having silently crossed the plains and just before making our ascend to Manali, we began the journey by navigating our way through a giant storm. And as a result experience the first rain of the season.

Suitably briefed of the treacherous road ahead, we left early for Chandratal, also known as the scared lake. But before getting there, we had to take on the challenge of cross-

ing Rohtang Pass; where hordes of tourists descend each year for that quintessential 'snow experience.'

Shortly after Rohtang is where the road ends. Quite literally and so it was time to test the Kodiaq's offroad capabilities. This is where the bear showed its true strength of manoeuvrability, handling and its solid

SUV capabilities. Almost 12 gruelling hours through patchy and then no roads, through river beds, hair pin bends, waterfalls and to finally taking on the particularly treacherous approach to Chandratal base camp, the Kodiaq was undoubtedly the unbroken winner of the day.

Before heading towards our final destination in the Spiti valley, we made a quick customary pit stop at Chandratal, which includes an easy stroll (I will not call it a trek) through the mountains. Clear blue unpolluted skies, the soft rays of the sun and a mild howl of the wind, together usher in the magnificent site that Chandratal lake is. Open for a mere four months in a year, for the locals, this crystal blue lake is where god resides. Shaped like a crescent moon, locals say this is where Chandra, the daughter of the moon and Bhaga the son of Surayadev met and lived.

THIS IS WHERE THE KODIAQ SHOWED

ITS TRUE STRENGTH OF MANOEUVRABILITY

AND HANDLING

To really take in the lake's unimaginable serenity, you can walk up on a full moon night and see what true Himalayan magic is all about.

Considering our share of the Kaza magic lay ahead, we bid adieu to the lake to set off on our final journey through Losar towards Kaza that became slightly less challenging and even more scenic than the one we see in pictures. Blue skies flanked by the gorgeous Himalayan ranges sometimes make you forget trivial worries of roads or no roads. And the plush interiors of the Kodiaq ensured we take in the beauty of our surroundings in utmost comfort. This is perhaps the best route to fully experience the grandeur of the Himalayas and of the 'Middle Land' that Spiti is also called— for this valley is what separates India from Tibet. As you go deeper, the topography transforms into what I can only call nature's artwork. Caused by wind erosion and the melting snow, the mountains here have taken distinct shapes and forms. For those with an overactive imagination, this could very well be your version of the Shangri La!

The next day was about exploring the tiny little hamlet that's now a hotspot of sorts for backpackers, motorcyclists and off-roaders alike. We set off to visit Komic, the highest motorable village at 15,049ft and the highest functioning post office in Hikkim (14, 567ft) ending with Langza, the fossil village. The highlight of the above three is not the destination but the journey to them. At Komic, there's a monastery open to visitors and for those who fancy a traditional meal, the only dhaba at Komic ensures you get your fill of a traditional meal along with popular hill specialties like maggi of course! The post office as well, is one among the many hamlets in the Hikkim. Were it not for the proudly flaunting board outside, it could easily be mistaken for a someone's house! Our last stop in Kaza was the hilltop Dhankar Monastery that was originally built as a fort monastery and continues to be a scared religious hub for the locals here.