Today I set out on the other road from Joshimath - towards Auli, Malari and Niti pass - another Indo-Tibet border. 
Glorious views once you enter the Niti valley, which is drained by the Dhauliganga river
Amazing weather and godlike views!
The Niti valley is the birthplace of the CHIPKO movement, where the local villagers had to band together to save themselves from the environmental depredations of their own government. 
The government had been awarding logging and mining contracts to plains people who came and destroyed the ecology of the Himalayas completely and caused huge disasters and deforestation and  floods. 
the local villagers actually hugged the trees - stuck to them - hence the name 'Chipko' - and prevented the loggers from cutting down the trees - read about the story in the book. 
Hail Hanuman
This valley is so incredibly wonderful
First view of Malari village
Seems to be a nice and prosperous place
the Icarus tree? 
Malari was the last point to which civilians are allowed without a pass, so I had to turn around here. 
It was even more fun to ride back- as I could relax and enjoy the scenery even more
Oh dear! Rainclouds! I better make a run for it! 
Dangers of eco-damage! See the size of the boulders which might roll down on the tiny vehicles below! plant more trees, people! 
Beautiful terraced fields of Chamoli Gopeshwar
What a view for a cup of tea!