06/07/2021
At a height of around 4000 metres, Batal is a perilous region with no network signal, no petrol pumps, negligible human habitation and only deadly roads. Despite that, this old couple at a make-shift dhaba, ensures delectable food and comfortable accommodation for every visitor who ever halts here.
On our last sojourn to Chandrataal, we got to know these gems in person - Chacha is a witty, full-of-life person, with a very dry sense of humour. It is unimaginable to be as quick witted as him in such testing situations.
Chachi is the humblest, most docile person, with boundless motherly love to give.
The couple has been running this dhaba for 45 long years now. And in all adversities, they have lived here till the end of October every year to host travellers, shelter them and more often than not rescue them from formidable situations. This couple has also been awarded with the prestigious Godfrey Philip bravery award for their relentless support and rescue to innumerable people visiting the region.
They shy away from accepting donations, even though it is pretty evident that their earning is barely enough to sustain life in a region like Spiti.
Bollywood's macho man Sunny Deol once visited Batal for a film shooting, and was so bewitched by their hospitality, that he visited there again, and twice! He stayed with them at the dhaba, enjoyed their service and paid the due rent of ₹120 a night, Chacha wouldn't charge a penny more than that!
For travellers who have frequented Spiti, Chacha Chachi are the most reliable and trusted guys as they know the mountains inside out.
This is a story of ordinary people with extraordinary courage and an inspiring attitude towards life.
Selflessness, Unconditional Love Humanity & Service to Mankind Is what drives them
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