LEH-LADAKH BIKE TRIP -: ' DEL-MANALI-LEH-SRINAGAR-JAMMU-PATHANKOT-DEL '

IMP: Also its always advisable to get your bikes serviced properly before you proceed for this kinda road trip as this track passes through some of the world’s highest mountain passes in the world. Uncertain weather, high altitude, extreme cold and no civilization for miles make this a very treacherous track.This road is usually open for only about four and a half months in a year in summer between May or June, when the snow is cleared by the Border Roads Organisation of Indian army, and mid-October when snowfall again blocks it. Avalanches and heavy snowfalls can sometimes block some sections of the road and can be extremely dangerous due to frequent patches of ice. Conditions can change quickly and be harsh. Road closures can be frequent, so check conditions before traveling to this area.

​ ​Some usefull Tips for self planners : Always signal the rider if there is trouble ahead. Always keep your headlights switched on. Stop if you hear long uninterrupted honking from the rider behind you. Stop and wait if you don’t see the rider behind you for more than 20 mins. Always recommended to keep you safe and sound thoughout the trip.

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"LAND OF HIGH PASSES"

Lakhs of tourists and bike riders wishing to go to Rohtang pass and Ladakh from Manali route was over on Saturday May 19, 2018 , after Kullu administration decided to allow tourist movement along Manali-Leh highway.Looking ahead me along with my group were thrilled for the long awaited Bike trip to Leh,Ladakh which we had planned for a very long time.So the final date was been finalized between us .i.e. 12Jul'18 as we managed to get a break of 10 days from our busy work schedule as always.( Love for Travel )

Two of our group mates (Kunal and Youbraj) reached delhi a day earlier of our trip day,all the way from Gangtok,Sikkim to join us, leaving all their works ,which was really appreciated.Along with four ( Rajen,Damine,Sandeep and Sajan )of us who were already in Delhi (Working ).In order to reach manali,HP early to complete the route permit work and to buy some required stuffs for the trip ,we started from the early evening around 2000 hrs from Delhi on 11jul'18 .Reaching Manali around 0600 in the morning ,we checked in the hotel which was pre booked by one of our friend in Manali.So,we had a quick refreshment and got some good rest after a long journey.The distance from Delhi to Manali 540km,approx 11 h 45 min.

On day two we covered a stretch of around 115 km, as you traverse towards Keylong.If you were going via Manali towards Leh, then the last petrol pump will be at Tandi and last mechanic at Keylong .The journey will be spectacular, as you will trade through the National Highway 3, which is in the midst of jungles full of coniferous trees . Ride via districts of Spiti and Lahaul and reach Keylong.Due to some bike issue we had to start late from Manali ,so we reached Keylong late evening at 2000 hrs ,got a nice riverside camp.Even though we were bit tired but the aura of the camping area along with other groups around the bonfire gave us some more energized vibes.So,we had an amazing night with some of the amazing fellows searching there own WANDERLUST.

Next day we rode directly towards Rumtse instead of Sarchu which was suppose to be our next halt ,as we were already delayed on the scheduled.Ride through the districts of Spiti and Lahaul via Sarchu, where you can take a break .As it has several tea houses along the way and bike groups do prefer to take night halt as it also proffers tent accommodations. Rumtse is approximately a ride of 281.70 Km; it would take around 08h 21 min for you to reach . you will be crossing some of the highest passes in between " Bara-lacha la pass ( 16,040 ft) and is a high mountain pass in Zanskar range, Lachulung La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.059m (16,598ft).It is located some 54 km (34 mi) from Sarchu and 24 km (15 mi) from Pang and last but not the least Tanglang La, elevation 5,328 meters (17,480 ft), is a high mountain pass, it is actually the 12th highest motorable pass ).Also Deepak tal and Suraj Tal or Suraj Tal Lake lies just below the Bara-lacha-la pass."One can take a break in Pang as well as it has several tea houses who makes nice Maggie . We didn't wasted more time this day and reached Rumtse early evening around 1900 hrs ,got a nice home-stay as the evening was too chilling .Had a nice dinner n got into warm n cozy bed

Day four was the most awaited moment for all of us,as we were only 76.2 km away from the majestic and alluring city of Leh,which will take approximately 1h 40 min to reach.Filled and packed with good vibes within each other, we started early morning towards leh, after having a nice breakfast .Around 1100 hrs we arrived this City which was truly one of a exotic destination for all.Words can't describe the mesmerizing view which we were witnessing .Without wasting time we headed straight towards the Inner line permit office as we had to proceed towards Pangong Tso lake .We got a three day permit from the Leh District Permit office as to visit Pangong Tso lake ,Diskit Monastery,Nubra Valley ,hunder valley and Khardungla Pass.In order to obtain the inner line permit easier for Ladakh travelers, the government authorities have recently launched a web portal through which one can apply for inner line permit (ILP) online by paying INR 400 per Person as an environmental fee + 20 rupees per day as an Inner line fee.Once we completed all the procedure we proceeded towards Pangong Tso lake which is 222.9km from Leh city,approximately 5h 41 min.Pangong Tso is located approx 222.90 kms from Leh town across the Chang la pass. On this route you will pass via. Chang La at 17,590 ft, which is one of the highest motorable roads. You will witness the pristine culture of Ladakh as you will come across some villages on this route.Till the time we arrived the lake,it got too dark so we couldn't watch the evening view of this beautiful lake ( it is always recommended to start early).Although its a peak season,we were able to get a nice lake view camp which cost us 3000 bucks for two tents.The owner was too nice that even though we arrived late he managed to get us some big logs as to make the bonfire ,with the guitar which we had brought with us and some good music we were able to get into notice with some of our neighbor camps mates,who instantly joined us.We introduced with each other and enjoyed the night sitting aside the shore of this wonderful lake which we had only heard about.Night at the tents.

So,after a quick breakfast we had an early morning photo session on the shore of this mighty lake ,had a wonderful time.No doubt this lake is one of its kind ,just one word came into my mind to describe it "Gorgeous" .Today we headed directly towards Nubra Valley which is 230 km ,approx 6 h from Pangong Tso lake and the shortest route .Due to time bound we choose this route. Basically you have got two routes ,either one can take this one which is a bit fast and a risky track due to lots of flowing streams and short distance ,or else if you have got time one can opt to go back to leh .Once reaching Leh you can proceed for Nubra Valley ,a distance of 160Km,approx 5 h. Feel your spine tingle as you explore the Khardung La pass (18,380ft), the utmost motorable road in the world .

After reaching we Visited the Diskit Monastery which has an approx 32 metre Maitreya Buddha statue which is the landmark of Nubra Valley.After that went to hunder to experience and relish the true colors of Ladakhi tradition and enjoy the camel safari on the rare Bacterian Camel (400INR per person approx).The landscape is filled with natural sand dunes which in reality can only be found in hot deserts,"Yes you got it correct," . Doing plenty of stuffs the whole day,late night at the camp with cozy beds again with a nice dinner.Sleeptight...!!!

The next day we had to reach back to Leh,so we started at 0900 hrs from Nubra towards Leh via Khardungla pass which is in an elevation of 5,602 m (18,379 ft) and claims the world's highest motorable pass .Today we had to cover a total distance of 116.2 km ,03 h 37 min.Its highly recommended to start early as the weather conditions in this High passes can get worse anytime,also a set of warm clothes and better health check ups before you start the trip is always better.You feel proud to reach the World's highest Motorable Road.That's like a dream come true.Finally arrival to Leh city around 1500 hrs .Went directly to the Enfield Service center (its in the outer circuit of the city) for a routine check-up of our bikes as its been a long day for this bikes also tomorrow we had to leave early morning towards Srinagar,Jammu via Kargil.As our bikes were getting serviced so we thought of checking out the beautiful city of Leh for the last time.We had a wonderful time in one of a local cafe along with lots of travelers from around the world who had came there ,Dancing around the bonfire and playing our guitar with some nice numbers.That night we had booked a nice hotel within the city as its been Six nights we were sleeping in tents and home-stay,so were really in need of a Home sweet home feeling ...night in the Hotel.

07th Day : Now the day had came that we have to say a hard goodbye to this awsome City of Leh and the places which we had visited within this three days .Had a strong feeling that we will for sure visit this place of wonders once again in future.As our bikes were fully serviced and good to go,Post lunch we started our long day towards Srinagar which we actually planned for ,we had to cover a distance of 421.4 km ,approx 10 h 34 min .We crossed the entire city of Leh via Magnetic hill through the district of the famous Battle field"Kargil" .You should definately visit the "HALL OF FAME",in Kargil and feel the vibes of brave hearts 'INDIAN ARMY' who fought for the pride of our Country.

Due to lack of time,also it was already dark and roads were not clearly visible ,so we decided to stay back in Kargil city that night ( Distance 216.7 km ,approx 5 h ).The best thing about this Route is that you can easily get a nice (Hotels,Camps and Homestays)for the night stay,even though you have arrived late.But its always recommended to start early and arrive early.

Today was the 8th day of our trip and we had to reach the city of Jammu which was another 479.3 km ,approx 13 h 44 min.Likewise this trip was getting over as we headed back to Delhi ,and our boys were so much tired and exahusted,as we were continuosly riding for the 8th day.But ,despite being tired we still had some of the excitement left as we were about to enter the magnificent Valley of Sonmarg (Gateway of Amarnath yatra) ,also the marvellous Dal lake,srinagar.Encouraging one another ,we started the day riding our bikes.Crossing Drass sector as it said that Drass is the second coldest inhabited place on earth. The temperature can dip to -45 degree Celsius in winter. We crossed the Mighty Zojila pass which is a rugged road on a steep rocky mountain and is one of the most narrow and difficult passes in India.From the top you could see the Amarnath Yatra camp spread out all over the valley.As we entered the Valley of Sonmarg ( distance 123 km ,3 h 22 min from Kargil ),we were excited to ride along beautiful and exotic landscapes .From there onwards, the road is much better as we entered into the valley and it was like a great relief. Sonamarg is the last town with decent vegetation. From here on the green mountain gives way to orange and red Rocky mountains occasionally tipped with snow.We reached Srinagar around 1500 hrs,so we had got time to enjoy the Shikara ride in Dal lake.There is no better way to admire the Dal Lake than on a Shikara ride. An hour long ride will cost somewhere around Rs. 300 approx.As we had a guitar with us ,our shikara man was singing along with us and sharing the stories of the lake ,and the feeling was just awesome.Also you will ride across the floating market where you can buy eatable stuffs and the local goods.

After that we proceeded towards Jammu without wasting the time.Even though it was a long ride ,the restless shikara ride ,and the view of green valleys of Sonmarg boosted us to ride further ,Keeping the time left with us.The distance between Srinagar to jammu was 266 km .Piercing through the inner Himalayas "Chenani-Nashri Tunnel"reduces the distance between Jammu and Srinagar by 30 km and travel time by two hours, also some new Banihal road tunnel and other small tunnels. We reached Jammu by midnight .Half of the city was almost slept,but,luckily we got a hotel to stay.As we already had our dinner on the way ,so we jumped straight in the beds,Sound sleep.

With one day left with us, we had to wake up early morning at 0700 hrs as we had to reach Delhi by today evening ,the distance was 587.8 km ,approx 10 h 21 min .You will enter the national highway crossing Jallandhar ,pathankot and chandigarh .As 80% of the road is really good to drive during Day Time & Night except for the usual rush at certain points.We arrived New Delhi around 0100 am after midnight .Even though this road trip was tiring and exhausted, but for sure it was filled with lots of adventure which everyone should do once in life .Now this trip had ended,but the feeling of achieving what we had dream off,was the best of all."Proud Feeling"

I hope this information will help you guys in your future trip to Ladakh,incase of any suggestions or feedback you can definitely comment on the below given box.

ALSO,IN THE LAND OF LAMA,DON'T BE A GAMA...!!!