12 years since we had dreamt of riding our motorcycles together in the serene landscape of Ladakh, here we were my best friend since kindergarten, his wife ( she turned out to be interested as well lol!) and I sipping our first coffee in the land of passes! Our flight from Mumbai into Leh was the usual Indian airport experience – families with crying babies, overfull suitcases, long security queues, enthusiastic couples and adventurers like ourselves trying to portray a composed demeanor while our eyes speak volumes about the expectations of the forth coming days!
Day 1 – Acclimatization
We visited the market on the first day of acclimatization. Tasting the local cuisine, buying things we had forgotten or realized we should carry after someone pointed out. The first day of riding was finally here. It’s not everyday I wake up at 7 AM with a smile on my face. It wasn’t for a work call after all! Some lip smacking Chole with hot Puris in our belly and gear on our backs, we were ready to zoom! We visited Magnetic hill, Patthar Sahab Gurdwara and the military museum. My favorite though was the memorial near the airstrip at the museum. Names of each life lost protecting the freedom we exercise as a right. The langar at the Gurdwara was the highlight though. The taste of the sweet rice is something God blessed without a doubt.
Day 2 – Nathula via Khardungla
Ride to the Khardungla pass is the main event of a Leh Ladakh bike trip. This is where one gets the display picture (DP) for a lifetime. The accent is slow and you can gradually feel the decrease in temperature and oxygen but it’s the sacred land a biker must bow to with excitement and reverence. The flat land at Nathula pass is where one finds a break from the never ending curves of the terrain. Some village style pizza for lunch and we carry on towards the sand dunes. Sun set brings out the beauty of the dunes. Scattered with games and street food vendors like any ‘fun n fare’ the landscape brings out the creativity of even the novice photographer
Day 3 – The last Indian village
This day we were riding locally at the Nubra valley and it was one of the most excruciating experience in terms of fatigue. We crossed 3 powerful streams of freezing Himalayan runoff water this day. A few riders fell while doing so but were more thrilled than let down by the incident. Picturesque landscapes, local huts, children excited by the long motorcycle convoy, military vehicles and some crazy curves is how I will remember this day. We also visited the last Indian village this day. The village of Thang We could spot the Pakistani army posts from our tables at lunch. The village saw exchange of hands between the two neighboring countries in 1971. Villagers unknown to what countries even mean were now strategic assets between the nuclear
Day 4 – Pangong Tso
Pangong Tso is a sheet of emeralds scattered in the mountains, it remains a mystery why it’s designated as a water body! While driving towards the lake one sees a glimpse of it from the elevated valleys leading into the lakebed. The spine chilling winds test the traveller’s motivation to keep going. A perfect camp fire destination would be another way of describing this natural beauty.
Day 5 – Tso Murari
Another beautiful lake in the valley. After riding an hour n half on gravel and potholes one reaches this beauty nestled away from the general masses. The many mountains surrounding the lake could be great hiking spots. One could easily get lost here if he isn’t cognizant about the routes and tracks used by the locals.
All in all!
Riding through streams of water was something I miss the most. Sometimes the current is powerful enough to carry the rider with it. Navigating these needs skills and courage. Like, sometimes there is nothing else one can do while living through life, it’s one’s resilience and ability that helps him cross the dangerous currents. A trip that will be a lifelong memory to cherish. Adventure, fun and some crazy albums – all in all a perfect bucket list check mark!
