By PRAVEEN KUMAR
CEO, JOGURU.COM
A motorcycle ride to Ladakh doesn’t sound like a novel idea any more, everyone knows someone who’s done it or is doing it this season. That said, there are those who simply ‘like’ others’ Facebook pictures of bike rides while some vroom ahead and do it, all for that conquering moment of reaching Leh on two wheels.
Planning your bike trip to this region is sometimes futile, for there are many unpredictable factors such as road and weather conditions that will ensure your experiences change every kilometre. At the same time, it is essential to be prepared for them – get spares such as a puncture kit, spare tubes, break wires, clutch wires, engine oil, etc.
I started from Delhi, riding a rented Bullet Electra 350 cc beauty. Taking it to the Delhi–Noida Expressway to get a hang of it was a fruitful exercise to get a hang of things to come!
Day 1: We headed towards Chandigarh on NH1 at 5.30 pm. It’s important to get used to your bike and make minor adjustments in this stretch. This 270 kms-long route took roughly six-seven hours.
Day 2: Our first destination is Manali, and we leave Chandigarh early on the NH 21. Here’s when one gets a feel of winding mountain roads and the scenery to come. Piece of advice? Starting early helps you get your bikes serviced in Manali for the hike ahead. The one-night stay at Manali helps you acclimatise to high altitude.
Day 3: Again, we started early from Manali to be able to beat traffic at Rohtang Pass (this can range from frustrating to downright excruciating). It’s the first pass we encounter, at 13,051 feet. Nearly 18 kms from there is a sleepy village of Dishkit, a neat pit stop. Next important stop is Tandi, the only petrol pump before Leh. Immediately after that comes Keylong where getting your bike serviced is a good idea as bike mechanics too will be scarce from here on. Same day, about 35 kms later, one sees Jispa’s few concrete structures. As the accommodation options are costly here, I prefer Darcha the smaller village ahead. Getting a bunk to sleep for just Rs 100 or 200 is a pleasure!
Day 4: It’s business time from here on! Starting early, we pass the stunning Baralacha pass (16,040 ft) pass and get into Sarchu (14,070 ft). Its breathtaking views make it the most preferred location on the route.
Day 5: Here begins the J&K lap, and the terrain begins challenging your skills. After the Gata Loops (a series of 21 hairpin bends which will lift you by 1500 ft) and the two passes of Nakela (15,547 ft) and Lalchung la (16,616 ft), we reach a small settlement ‘Pang’ to stay here for the night and prepare for the final push to Leh!
Day 6: The final stretch is expectedly most dazzling, where we encounter one of the highest plains in the world, majestic mountains and wretched terrain. These 42 kms are the reason why we go to Ladakh on two wheels. Crossing Tanglang la, the secondhighest motorable pass in the world at 17,582 ft is certainly a high. Once past that, Leh is just 70-80 kms away. Touchdown!
In Leh: Once in the land of high passes, the bike rides just begin! Ride to the Nubra Valley crossing Kardung la, (the world’s highest motorable road at 18380 feet, interestingly with Airtel reception!). Try native breakfast called ‘Khambir’. Ride on the two humped camel in one of the highest deserts in the world (Hundur). Finally, go to the turquoise lake of Pangong, a different world altogether. The motorcycle diaries are incomplete without the return journey. For best results, get on the Leh–Kargil– Srinagar (NH 1) journey into Delhi!
Feedback: praveen@joguru.com
