Finally Leh’d! A Bike Trip to Ladakh
Leh like no other, bounded by two of the world’s highest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram. The district is bounded by Pakistan occupied Kashmir in the West, China in the North and Eastern part and Lahul Spiti of Himachal Pardesh in South East. Leh is an amazing place of cold desert mountains of various colors, rivers..streamsage old monasteries… stupas… momos…Buddhism…and most importantly the maggi noodles… basic living!
This trip is a favorite of both adventure freaks attracts travellers from all corners of the globe, cycling, biking, camping for days together. Our journey began from Manali at early morning. It was a smooth ride to Keylong via Rohtang Pass (13000 ft).. a few halts… a few picture sessions. We reached Keylong by evening, showered & were out in the hotel corridors in no time..
Highlight of the entire journey…Manali – Leh Highway: The 485 km route opens only for 4 months in the year, June to Sept. . Every stop on this highway provides you with ample of good photo sessions and fell the magic of lush green terrain in Manali.. brown, black, grey mountains towards Leh… the colors though dull were unique and pleasing to the eyes, a few of them were covered with snow, melting to form small streams of water that flows on the road which makes the bike riding much more adventurous.
Travelling on this route is one of the most pleasing and the most difficult part of the trip. The highway is full of dangerous passes like Barchala Pass (15000 ft), Lachlung-La Pass (16000 ft), Naki-la pass, and the most toughest of them is Tanglang-La Pass second highest motor able pass of this world at 17,582 feet. Enroute you pass the coldest places like Pang, More Plains and then most beautiful place Sarchu which will test you and your lungs. The best feeling is when you leave Sarchu to Leh. This route is famous for its road having hairpin turns known as Gata Loops and second highest motor able pass at 17,582 feet known as Tanglang-La. The highlight of this trip is travelling to world’s highest motor-able road- Khardungla Pass (18390 Ft), reaching at worlds highest motorable road was the best feeling, and watch the spectacular views of sand dunes at Nubra Valley. This entire highway is of 90% no road and only 10% of good tar road. Travelling to Tsomoriri was a treat to eyes. Vast barren land with very little or no human civilization. We also had a chance to travel at night and pass the Barchala Pass at night. It was the ride of mixed feelings and lots of prayers was heard while crossing the gushing waters on the roadway.
Riding through the Leh was the experience of life time and that to riding with completely unkown people was full of excitement. Trust me no pictures no blogs no words can describe the beauty of this part of the world.
I want to thank all the members of Aspen Adventures for planning the trip. Its only because of your support and encouragement we enjoyed a memorable trip.
Fellow travelers it was good to know you all and enjoyed a lot with you