Rains, Roads, and Royal Enfields: from Dehradun to Badrinath

It feel ages since I went on an outdoor adventure; my soul is crying out loud for an adventure to satisfy its appetite for adrenaline. However, due to the rainy season in the northern part of Bharat, I have to detour my trip from trekking to biking. After careful consideration of location, landslide and road condition we pick up Dehradun- Badrinath – Dehradun bike trip.

Gathering my gears, packing my bag for the bike expedition, I give my friend a call, and thus the blueprint for this journey takes shape. We share the past experience on numerous bike trips together, we settle on a date, dust off our Java and Royal Enfield, and kick-start our journey at 9:00 AM in the morning

Day 1: Dehradun to Langasu (230KM ~ 8 hours)

The roads up to Langasu are okay, except for some areas where the government is clearing debris from landslides. Due to this, it took us a longer time to reach our first campsite. We stopped at Alaknanda Adventure Resort and Rafting Camp and called it a day. The way to the resort was a bit eerie because no one ventures to this site during the rainy season for camping or rafting. We were the only ones staying in the resort that day. However, once we met the cook and caretaker, they extended a very warm welcome and did their best to provide top-notch hospitality.

We spent some time near the Alaknanda River while sipping tea. The view at this spot was incredible, with the river in front and a lush green forest on the opposite bank, followed by towering mountains that seemed to touch the sky. We dipped our feet into the water, relishing the tea, and delved into conversations about spirituality, like old souls connecting. As darkness fell, we returned to reality, heading back to the resort since it was getting quite cold, and hunger had begun to set in

The next day, we rose early, captured a few photographs, and packed our bags for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Langasu to Badrinath (110 Km~ 7 hours)

The road from Langasu to Badrinath presented challenges at certain points, because of boulders and landslides. It felt like we are for an off-road biking trail, emphasizing the wisdom of choosing a bike for this journey. Without the agility of a two-wheeler, reaching Badrinath within a reasonable timeframe would have been an tedious task, given the unpredictable conditions of the road. We managed to reach our destination by 3 PM, finding accommodation in a tent house situated a bit away from the main hub of Badrinath, atop a mountain dome. The panoramic view from this vantage point was nothing short of breathtaking.

In the afternoon, we visited Tapt Kund before making our way to the temple. The timing worked in our favor, as the temple was not overly crowded, affording us a secure a space to meditate within its sacred walls.

Taking advantage of the available time, we ventured to Mana, merely a 5–10-minute drive from Badrinath, marking the last Indian village before the Tibetan border. It proved to be an idyllic haven for tranquility and a leisurely brunch. Our exploration also led us to acquire locally crafted items, such as handmade jackets and blankets woven from sheep wool, adding a touch of the region's authenticity to our journey.

Day 3: Badrinath to Dehradun (330Km ~ 12 hours)

The next day, we undertook the journey from Badrinath to Dehradun in a single day, allowing only minimal breaks in between. My friends and I had prior commitments awaiting us the following day, compelling us to adhere to a tight schedule. This motivation fueled our determination to reach Dehradun on time. However, a 12-hour bike journey through the mountains is not a easy task. Upon our arrival in Dehradun, both me and my friend got soreness in our shoulders and backs.