Gaurav Gupta

About Me

2020-11-19T12:03:00.004+05:30

	I am totally a Biker Enthusiast. I recently toured across the coastal region of India totaling 8800km in 25 days. It was to create awareness about polio among the people of India and help eradicate it. Always ready to go for long trips on my bike. I own a pulsar 220cc. I have been to the World's highest motor able road, Khardung La in Leh-Ladakh. The other places, that i have visited on my bike are, 1. Jaipur, jaisalmer, Bikaner etc., in February, 2010. 2. Dalhousie, Chamba,Khajjiar, Kalavan etc., in March 2010. 3. Bareilly, Nepal, Nainital, Badrinath etc., in March 2010. 4. Shimla, Kufri, Chail, Kasauli, Morni etc many a times. Frequent visitor!!! Other achievements of mine include: 1. Featured Pic in Danik Jagran 11th May 2009 2. Featured in Danik Bhaskar 11th May 2009 3. Featured in Hindustan Times April 2010 4. TEAM A2B's Coverage on << DAY & NIGHT NEWS CHANNEL >> 11th August 2010 - 10.30 PM -Video1 Video2 5. Featured in Bike India magazine, many a times, including my trip log of Rajasthan in the march edition. 6. I have performed in more than 5 stunt shows, in Chandigarh as well as the surrounding region. Planning to break many records and be one of the best riders not only in India, but in the world.

I am totally a Biker Enthusiast. I recently toured across the coastal region of India totaling 8800km in 25 days. It was to create awareness about polio among the people of India and help eradicate it.
Always ready to go for long trips on my bike. I own a pulsar 220cc. I have been to the World's highest motor able road, Khardung La in Leh-Ladakh. The other places, that i have visited on my bike are,

1. Jaipur, jaisalmer, Bikaner etc., in February, 2010.
2. Dalhousie, Chamba,Khajjiar, Kalavan etc., in March 2010.
3. Bareilly, Nepal, Nainital, Badrinath etc., in March 2010.
4. Shimla, Kufri, Chail, Kasauli, Morni etc many a times. Frequent visitor!!!

Other achievements of mine include:
1. Featured Pic in Danik Jagran 11th May 2009
2. Featured in Danik Bhaskar 11th May 2009
3. Featured in Hindustan Times April 2010
4. TEAM A2B's Coverage on << DAY & NIGHT NEWS CHANNEL >> 11th August 2010 - 10.30 PM -Video1 Video2
5. Featured in Bike India magazine, many a times, including my trip log of Rajasthan in the march edition.
6. I have performed in more than 5 stunt shows, in Chandigarh as well as the surrounding region.

Planning to break many records and be one of the best riders not only in India, but in the world.

Journey of four years: The engineering

2011-05-15T00:58:00.005+05:30

Now that we have come to an end of a beautiful saga of four years of our lives, i would like to revive some of the old memories since our first day of the college.

We had entered our college after being pampered for many years at home and in school. The first day at college seemed to be the worst nightmare when the groups of seniors came and ragged and bullied us. At first I wanted to leave this place and go away. But, after a few days, a beautiful relation of seniors and juniors developed amongst us and The seniors. Then the nightouts with friends and riding to the hill stations nearby, was like living your own life without any restrictions.

Then came the second year. We were seniors now and The Fatchas entered the college with the same ardor and zeal as we all had. We too ragged them and made them good younger brothers and many of them stood against us and fought. That bond grew stronger and stronger as the days passed. We still enjoyed our early years of college life to the fullest and started to bunk the classes as if we didn't care about that creature standing in the class and speaking unnecessarily for the next one hour. While sitting in the class, we would still make noises and Then the teacher would escort us till the door and humbly requested us to leave the class. Then came the final exams and we didn't know what to do other than making chits and writing on the palms and arms.

Then came the third year. This was the year when we were little worried about our future. Some of us got engaged in the preparation of CAT, few were for GRE and other entrance exams. But still we managed to enjoy our third year till the fullest. Sometimes the head of department would come to scold us, but all in vain. Final exams were taken in the same old way as in second year.

Then came the last year of our college life. It was then when we all started to worry about our future after the college life. Old grudges and rifts were solved in this year and many of them just enjoyed last year to the fullest. Booze parties, trips and picnics was what we all did in the last year. Being with your buddies till late at night is what I feel is the best part of your college life. We did nothing but enjoyed our last few days to the fullest and who shall see these days again in the life ahead?

These years will just be cherished as sweet memories throughout our lives and We won't get them back. In all, these four years were the best days of my life...

And one of my friends,, Parambir Singh Salar described these 4 years in his own words as

"sessionals.internal.externals.presentations.gogo.jaali-medical.freshers.jhankar.goonj.sopu.pusu.stu-c.chaa.paronthe.larhaiyaan.bai-kithe-ho.night-out.gerhiyaan.savitri-bai.9to9.pu-ground.akhand-path.shake-shop.hasna.rona.aoukha-hona.kasauli.mass-bunk.ashiqi.kaimbwala.grari.YAARI.4 years just seem like one whole day"

A new family member-Tweet!

2011-05-09T10:19:00.003+05:30

Hi all,

I am hereby going to tell you all about our new family member called Tweet. He is a Black Labrador retriever. Ever since, I brought him home on 28th of April, 2011, I am in love with him like anything. He looks into my eyes like an innocent child and asks me for my love and licks me. I too hold him tightly in love. Its like he is a part of me. My mother, is also very fond of him, and sometimes keep shouting at me as he keeps littering around and creates a mess in the house. But, still she loves him like her own son. He keeps roaming around my mom, as he wants to play with her. He holds her feet and starts licking her feet and asks that he wants to play with her.

My father too, when he comes from his office, plays with him. Tweet is like a baby in our house and has brought happiness in our home. Here are some of his pics.

Polio- The Last Inch.

2011-04-01T16:34:00.000+05:30

Trip to Naina Devi from Mandi Gobindgarh(350km)

2011-02-13T23:23:00.002+05:30

My father came back from the office and was having his dinner, when he asked me if I wanted to go to Naina Devi, the next day. I replied in affirmative to his question. So, it was decided that we may leave at 8 in the morning. I slept at around 1 at night.

I woke up at 8:15 am, that too when my dad came to wake me up.Any how, I got ready in around half an hour and we had morning tea together. We left for Naina Devi at around 9am. It was a nice cloudy day with little showers of rain drizzling. So, we were on the way to Naina Devi, going via Sirhind, Morinda and Ropar. When we reached Ropar i.e. around 80kilometers from Mandi Gobindgarh at around 11am, we stopped to have our breakfast. It was Hari Sweets where we halted and had our breakfast. We had Chane and Bhature in the breakfast.

Then, after the breakfast, we left for Naina Devi. With lot of obstructions on the road, we started with the upslope of the hills leading to Naina Devi. While we were driving towards the shrine, we were met by some landslides. We had to wait there for good 30 minutes, till the workers cleared the roads. But, while waiting for the roads to be cleared, I didn't feel bored, as the scenic beauty around just stole my attention and left me spellbound. I clicked some pictures around. The roads were cleared now. So, we again started off for Naina Devi.

The drive till Naina Devi was too good. The famous Bhakhra river was flowing along the road. It was a very nice view. We reached Naina Devi in another half an hour and started the final journey towards the bhavan. We waded through the narrow streets towards the Shrine. It was a very crowded courtyard of the Shrine. It seemed as if many books were stacked together so as to leave no space to even let the air pass through it. All the people were chanting "jai mata di". Two of the worshipers got into quarrel, for one of them entered into wrong queue. The others said,' Mata ke darbaar pe ladne aye ho ya Maatha tekne?(Have you come here to preach or to fight)." While we were in the queue leading to the shrine, many monkeys came and started staring at us in anger. Some of the worshipers got scared and started shouting. I asked them to stay calm and not to look into the eyes of the monkeys. So, in another 5 minutes, we entered into the shrine. It took us 1 hour to reach the room where the idols were kept. It was only 100 meters away.

Finally, my parents took blessings and we moved out of the room. I didn't take blessings as I am an atheist. Then, we had some rest in courtyard of the premises. The cold breeze was blowing and it was a nice atmosphere around. After sometime, we started to go back to the parking, where our car was parked. Then, in no more time, our driver started off for the journey back to our home. He drove till Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab, and then boarded a bus back to his home, as we had to go further to Rajpura for dinner. So, I drove after that. We reached Haveli at Rajpura at around 5pm. I had burgers at the Mc Donalds, while mom n dad had there dinner inside the haveli. So, after the dinner, we came back to our place. It was a 350 kms long trip and a very nice one.

P.S. Pics are here.

Naina Devi

Teama2b Media coverage

2011-02-10T17:02:00.000+05:30

Media Coverage

2011-02-08T19:42:00.005+05:30

1.RIDING FOR CAUSE

HEROES ON WHEELS: Gaurav Gupta (left), an engineering student and Deepak Sharma, a BA student from Chandigarh, ride across the nation to spread the message of polio awareness. The ‘polio warriors’ began their journey on December 28 from Chandigarh

2. Novel way to spread the message on polio

The Hindu

Rotarians Gaurav Gupta (right) and Deepak Sharma, who are on a motor bike tour from Chandigarh to spread awareness about polio, address a press conference in Vijayawada on Tuesday. Photo: V. Raju

With the objective of creating awareness about eradication of polio, two students and Rotaracts from Chandigarh – Gaurav Gupta and Deepak Sharma – have embarked on a tour across the country on motorcycle intending to log about 7,600 km in all.

The rally, which began at Chandigarh and will conclude at Goa, touching various cities and towns, including Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Varanasi, Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Chennai, Kanyakumari and Thiruvananthapuram.

Speaking to reporters during their arrival here on Tuesday, Mr. Gupta said the 25-day rally was funded by the National Polio Plus Committee of India for the Rotary Club. He said the PAIN (Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Nigeria) countries were the only four countries in the world that were still reporting polio cases.

Mr. Gupta said both of them were trying to interact with the parents and educating them about the need to administer polio vaccine on January 16. The team asserted that efforts will be continued in association with several partner organisations and agencies till polio was totally rooted out from the globe.

Rotary Club of Vijayawada Krishnaveni president Ashok K. Sethi appreciated the youngsters for spending time and undergoing physical strain for a noble cause.

He said around Rs. 706 crore was spent in India by the Rotary International to eradicate polio through the WHO and the UNICEF.

The rally was flagged off on December 20 last year and it would conclude on January 20. The team will be leaving the city on Wednesday for Nellore en route Tamil Nadu and other areas in south India. The club secretary T.V. Krishna Rao and others were present.

2011-01-09T07:10:00.005+05:30

Trip To kanyakumari

Day 1: Chandigarh to Delhi

Day 2: Delhi to Agra to Kanpur

Day 3: Kanpur to Varanasi

Day 4: Varanasi to Dhanbad

Day 5: Dhanbad to kolkatta

Day 6: Kolkata to Bhubaneshwar.

Day 7: Bhubaneswar to Vishakhapatnam(Vizag)

Day 8: Vizag to Vijayawada.

Day 9: Vijayawada to Chennai.

Day 10: Chennai to Pondicherry

Day 11: Pondicherry to Madurai.

Day 12: Madurai to Trivandrum (320km).

How to mount a Camera on your bike???

2010-12-17T22:24:00.004+05:30

Itinerary For India Tour.

2010-12-15T12:08:00.005+05:30

Serial Number	Date	Place
1	29^th December, 2010	Agra
2	30^th December, 2010	Varanasi
3	31^st December, 2010	Dhanbad
4	1^st January, 2011	Kolkata
5	2^nd January, 2011	Bhubaneshwar
6	3^rd January, 2011	Vishakhapatnam
7	4^th January, 2011	Vijaywada
8	5^thJanuary, 2011	Chennai
9	6^th-7^th January, 2011	Pondicherry
10	8^th January, 2011	Kanyakumari
11	9^th – 10^th January, 2011	Trivandrum
12	11^th January, 2011	Mahe
13	12^th – 16^th January, 2011	Goa
14	17^th January, 2011	Mumbai(or, Pune)
15	18^th January, 2011	Ahmedabad
16	19^th January, 2011	Via Rann of Kutch to Mt. Abu
17	20^th January, 2011	Jaipur
18	21^st January, 2011	Chandigarh

Riders- 2
Bikes- P220cc and P200cc
Proposed distance-8000kms
estimated expenses- 30000 per head

Tea with pakode at Kasauli- An ultimate tea.

2010-12-10T20:28:00.001+05:30

It was a usual morning. I gave a call to one of my friends, Pamma. I asked if he wanted to accompany me to kasauli just to have tea. He just said yes and told me he would get ready in another hour. So I was supposed to reach his place in around 45 minutes. I had my breakfast at my hostel. Taking my gloves, wind cheater and helmet, I left for his place.I reached his place in around 10 minutes at 10:55am. So, we left for Kasauli at around 11:15am.

We then dared through the overly crowded roads of Chandigarh as well as Panchkula, and made it to a place somewhere on the way to Kasauli, which was around 35 kms away from Chandigarh. It was 12pm at that time. Clicked some photographs there.

Then we left at 12:15pm. I was enjoying every bit of the view of that beautiful nature running beside me. The cold breeze that blew around me, gave me an impression as if I were simply flying in the sky. Then at around 12:45pm, we again took some rest and clicked few more pics.

We had covered a distance of 45 kms by then. Then after sometime, we left for Kasauli, as it was the destination to our tea...:)... Then, at 1:30pm we reached Kasauli, around 60kms travelled.

Pamma took me to the tea stall, where he had always had his tea during his summers training in June, 2010. We ordered a piece of Gachak, 2 cups of tea, 250gms matrees and 250gms Pakode. Believe me, the stuff was too delicious to eat and that too in only 35rs. The cool weather added an awesome ambiance to have tea. It was just an awesome experience at that time. We had our tea with some cold air blowing and sometimes sun rays showering upon us.

Having our tea, we then moved to the lower mall to have fish fry there. But, to our surprise, we found that the market would be closed for the next 10 days, so the shop keeper did not keep enough stock of fish. The market is kept closed for 10 days in December every year as a rule made by the army there.

Disheartened, we moved towards a very beautiful trail called 'Gilbert Trail'. Pamma had discovered this trail while for his training in June. We then started off with the trail after parking our bikes. The trail is around 700mtrs long. We found an old person sitting at the corner of the trail reading newspaper. It was a nice view altogether. We kept walking towards the Gilbert Point with Pamma clicking pics all the way.

In no time, we reached the end of the trail. Seriously, it was such a beauty. I was feeling as if in heaven. Pamma left no angle to click the pics at that time. I sat on a bench facing the trench.

Aah! it was a relieving moment. We spent around half an hour there and then moved towards the bikes. The trail was some what risky. But it was good. We, then reached our bikes at around 2:45pm. Then left that place at 3pm.

We started our journey back. We reached Dharampur at 3:20pm. Then I started having a lot of fun driving after Dharampur, as I was curving my bike after about 6 months. Wow! The road was such a nice track for the ride. We reached Jabli at 3:45pm. There, I had mutton and rice while Pamma had Dal and Rice at Modern Dhaba near Mc Donalds. Mutton and Rice were too delicious.

We paid only 120 rupees for both. Then, started our journey way back to Chandigarh. The vehicles on NH21 were driving at speeds no less than 100kmph. I was almost scared to death when a speeding truck just overtook me. Whoa! I took a deep breath n kept moving. Anyways, we reached Chandigarh at 5pm.

*Total Distance- 130km

**Total Expenditure- 300rs per head.

Preparing for my trip to kanyakumari

2010-12-08T15:03:00.002+05:30

Having thought of going for this trip since last two years. immediately after coming from Leh trip. I am preparing for the trip to kannyakumari, covering whole of the Golden Quadrilateral as well as the total coastal region of India. I was waiting restlessly for the month of December to come as I am going to Kanyakumari on the 30th of December. I completed with my exams on 6th of December.

As soon as i completed with my exams, I told my parents about my trip. To my surprise, mom was not much anti trip instead she was like, its your wish son. I was happy having heard that. My parents already knew about my trips to Nepal, Rajasthan, Leh-Ladakh etc on my bike, which I never told them that I am going to these trips. So, according to me, they now know about my passion of biking. That's why they were not so anti trip.

Ok, now I tell you about my preparations of the trip. I completed with my exams on 6th of December. Immediately after I came out of my examination hall, I started off to Sector-21, which is the most prominent place to buy things for the bike, such as helmets, bungee cords, gloves, puncture kit etc.

The things that I bought from the sector were front and rear tyres for my bike, as the earlier ones are ripped. Then I bought gloves, puncture kit and not to forget, a foot air pump. I am really not able to stay calm, as goose bumps keep coming to me. Only 22 days are left for the trip and I am so excited about the trip that I feel like shouting like hell....

Now, I will write about my trip when i return. Take care till then!

trip to Dalhousie-Chamba-khajjiar-Kala top

2010-07-02T02:30:00.001+05:30

At the start of the trip at 3am.

The halt at a bridge enroute Phagwara. Partik, Manav, Pamma, Navit and Me.

Me and Partik, enjoying the ride.

The itinerants taking rest. Vinny, Partik, Navit, Me and Manav.

Navit, Vinny and Partik striking a pose for the camera.

During our lunch time. Pamma, Vinny and Navit.

At the Gandhi Chowk, Dalhousie. Me, Manav, Vinny, Partik and Pamma.

Me mesmerizing the beauty of nature.

Again me striking for a pose.

Me, Vinny and Navit enjoying sitting on a log of tree at a place somewhere between Dalhousie and Khajjiar.

Again we all posing for the camera.

Navit showing his wanderer looks... :)

Trying to climb it up to the hill.

Me, Pamma and Vinny on the way to Kala Top, which is in between Dalhousie and Khajjiar. Kala Top is at a distance of 3km trek.

At last we all reached Kala Top. What a natural beauty it was.

The picture speaks itself. The rest house at Kala Top was established in 1925.

Some views at Kala Top.

Me and Navit Posing for the camera.

Partik, Vinny and Me, while on the way back to the parking where our bikes were parked.

We all in a single queue heading forwards..

The view of Khajjiar at night.

Some camera trick by pamma. Good job indeed!

Khajjiar in early morning.

My bike resting amidst the trees of the hills of Khajjiar.

At a petrol pump in Chamba.

On the way to Sach Pass.

Pamma and Me had got a fancy of these lambs and goats... :P

The landslide.

The policewalas at checkpost warning us of the terrorists that might be present ahead.

They even cautioned us, if we were found doing some mysterious things then the army men their would even shot us. We were all scared literally.

The drive through a Landslide area.

Water curtain.

We all pose.

Thats at Kalavan, 10 km to Sach pass... Though we couldn't make it to Sach Pass, but this place was equally fun too...

On the way back to Chamba from Kalavan.

Some dam on the way to Pathankot from Dalhousie.

This trip was a fun too...

Total days- 3

Total expenses per head- 3000Rs

Bikes' conditions:

1. Mine- hunky dory

2. Pamma's- hunky dory

3. Navit's- foot rest broken and the chainset gave some problems. So he had to get his bike repaired at Chamba.

Trip to Leh(Ladakh)-Kargil-Srinagar-Jammu

2010-06-26T19:12:00.009+05:30

Juley!!

Having planned for atleast 4 months earlier, we started preparing for our trip. We bought a portable air pump, necessary tools, bungie cords, etc. I had my sister's engagement a day before we had to depart for our trip. After attending the function, i headed towards my hostel. Then the next day i.e. 3rd july, 2009, we got our bikes readied, got em serviced, etc. Then i bought a new battery for my bike, as the older one had been discharged to last. Then we didnt have much time to get that battery recharged. So i had to buy a new battery. Then till 12 midnight of 3rd july, we packed our bags and everything essential. Then had a nap till 3am.

4th july, 2009At 3:30A.M. We left our hostel after getting fresh and having prasad. We moved towards ropar, which is the route towards leh. We reached ropar(70km) at around 5:00am. Had tea there. And moved on towards manali. After ropar, around 15km away, we were near the hills. I was enjoying the every bit of moment. We reached bilaspur(140km) at around 7:30am and had some tea and had rest. We had our breakfast at around 9:00am(180km). Then we reached mandi(210km) at 10:22am. Wow! What a beautiful place was that, a river flowing by the roadside and the sound of the water making me feel fresh. I didnt feel any tiredness having driven so far. We reached kullu(280km) at 12:00pm after covering a long tunnel. Had some rest there, and left for manali. We reached manali(323km) at 1:15pm, had our lunch at some restaurant at the mall road and then left for rohtang. It was just an awesome ride from manali to rohtang(380km), where we reached around 4:47pm. Had some rest and then finally reached Koksar(415km) at 6:30pm. I was shivering with cold as i had been drenched in rain. We Had a stay at PWD guest house. Where we had our beds only for rs15 per bed. We had our dinner around 8:30pm. There we met four guys(Pushkar Ingale, Pradeep Deulkar, Parveen Bawankule and Ajinkya bhaiya) from pune I had to take an antibiotic as i had become ill. So finally we had a fine sleep after that.

Near Rohtang Pass.

At the dam near Kullu.

Myself resting to the fresh air.

Me and Punia Sir, midway between Kullu and Manali.

Enroute Manali.

Beasts taking rest.

Me and Punia sir.

5th july, 2009
We woke up at 6:00am and left koksar at 7:00am. Then we reached Tandi(438km) which is the last fuel station before leh i.e. Around 350km before leh, so we got our bikes' fuel tanks filled upto full and we were bit sacred & simultaneously excited. And then left again. Now we entered the spiti valley, and reached keylong which was 10km from tandi. Now we reached jispa(480km) at 10:30am. Had some rest and saw the scenic beauty of himachal. Then we reached zingzing bar(512km) at 11:30am and had our breakfast... Then we happened to reach Baralacha la(525km) at around 12:00pm. Oh man! What an experience was that to see snow everywhere around. I must mention here that snow that covered those peaks was around 10-15ft. Then we reached Sarchu(558km) at 1:45pm, which is the HP-J&K border. We had our camp booked at a bivouac which cost us rs500. Had our lunch at the same bivouac and slept till evening. Then we left our camp for some local site seeing. As we returned, we saw those four guys, whom we met at Koksar, coming towards our camp. I was glad to see them again. But i came to know that they were leaving. I was sad learning that. Anyways we had our dinner at 8:30pm with some foreigners in the dining camp. Then we went to sleep around 10:00pm.

On the way to Sarchu. It was just after we left Koksar.

Azure and the mountains of the Himalayas.

Rest.

Phew!

Near Tandi.

Tandi petrol pump. The so unique thing about this place is depicted in the picture itself.

A rivulet that we had to cross on our bikes. The water was more than chilled and 1-1.5 feet deep.

Barlachala.

Bivouac at Sarchu.

Barlachala.

6th july, 2009
We woke up at 7:00am. Then left at 8:00am. After riding for a km, i found my bike's rear tyre punctured. I couldn't find anyone who could fix a tubeless tyre. Then i found a wise man from Jallandhar, punjab, Who gave me his puncture kit and left. I was more than very happy at that time. Then after getting the puncture fixed, we moved on. We then reached Lachulung La(614km) at 11:00am. It was also covered with a lot of snow though less than that of Baralachala la. We then reached Pang(638km) at 12:15pm. After that More plains started, dil dance maare, tashan was shot there, which extend upto 48km. Was an awesome experience to drive through those sand laden plains. We met a person from chandigarh. He asked me if he could drive my bike, i said yes. He drove my bike for the entire More plains. We crossed these plains till 1:30pm. Then we reached Tanglang La(705km) at 3:00pm. I could not acclimatize myself, So i had a severe headache there. I could not bear that pain. I asked my companion to leave that place early. We then started off as soon as possible. Reached Upshi(765km) at 4:30km. Had some rest and then left. Then we reached Leh(812km) at 5:15pm. And had our room booked at tongspon guest house on lower mall road which cost 300 per day. Pune guys soon joined us in the same guest house. We got fresh till 6:30pm and then moved around in the city and say shanti stupa. And had our dinner at happy world restaurant nearby our guest house. The preparation of that restaurant was too good. Then i went to sleep at 9:30pm.

The 21 mighty Gata Loops.

The Gata Loops start.

The artistic scenery formed because of winds, just after Gata Loops.

Myself, filling air in my bike's front tyre.

Checking my bike for any problem if it had.

Naki la.

Just after Nakee La.

Man Made.

Mighty Tanglang La. I had a severe nausea here.

60 kms before Leh.

Thiksey Monastry.

The two mechanic Brothers from Punjab in Leh since last 15 years.

7th july, 2009
It was a brighter morning the next day. We woke up with little happiness and smiles on our faces. I was enjoying every moment of my stay at leh(the land of lamas). Today we planned our visit to the world famous lake, Pangong tso, for which we had to get permission from the D.C. office . We had to visit the office at 9am. We got the passes till 10:30am. We left for pangong tso at 11:00am. We had to travel back till upshi to go to pangong tso. Reached upshi(860km) at 12:00pm. Then took a turn from upshi to pangong. The road to pangong was elysian. I was wondering of stopping my bike there and just look at the beauty of the nature we have in our country. The journey included places like, Shakti, tseultak, rumtse etc. We crossed chang la on the way. Met an army personnel who was from my native place. Was nice talking to him. Had kawa there, which was complimentary by the army. We reached the place from where pangong's first view was seen, was 2km behind pangong. We reached pangong tso(950km) at 2:00pm and had our lunch there. We saw its colour changing from afternoon till evening. Was just lovely experience. It was blue in the afternoon and at around 5 in the evening it was slightly grey-purple in colour. We met those guys from pune. They joined us for a walk along the lake side. We enjoyed a lot singing old songs and some senti songs. Then we reached to the top of a hill nearby, where some bunkers were there. We moved into one of the bunkers and sat there for around an hour, looking at the beauty of the lake from the top. Believe me, you cannot get your eyes off from the beauty. Then while going downhill, we were bit sacred as it was a very steep slope. At night we had tomato soup, as it was chilly outside with the cold breeze blowing. Then we slept in the same camp where we had soup.

The Leh Gate.

Shanti Stupa.

Thats me giving weird face expressions. And sitting on the left is Stanzen, the owner of Tongspon guest house in Leh.

8th july, 2009
In the morning again, we saw the changed colour of the lake. One of the members of the group from pune, jokingly called it a magical lake. We then headed towards leh again at around 9 in the morning. We reached back to leh(1088km) at around 12pm. Then after some rest, we hanged around in the city's markets and local temples. Had some bakery products at the famous german bakery at leh. It was a wonderful experience being there after a long journey.

Enroute Pangong Tso.

Chang La, enroute Pangong Tso.

Chang La.

The native Yak.

I worship this place. Its my only temple.

So, Pangong Tso conquered.

The mean machines facing Pangong Tso.

Me and Punia sir mesmerizing the lake.

Pushkar bhaiya(in red), Ajinkya bhaiya(in blue) and me(in purple), climbing up to the bunker.

Piece of photography by Punia sir.

The 5 musketeers guarding the lake. :)

Pangon tso at night.

9th july, 2009
We woke up to travel to the highest motorable road in the world. Yes! I am talking about the world famous khardung la. The journey started at around 10:30 am in the morning. We had our breakfast at ‘THE HAPPY WORLD’. We saw many of the army trucks heading towards khardung la. T’was a nice and patriotic feeling watching those army men. Then we reached khardung la(1128km) at around 12:00 noon. Phew! What a feeling was that getting to the top of the world. We stayed there for around half an hour. We had a feeling to go to nubra valley(the coldest desert in the world and the only place in India where double humped camels are seen). But being tired a lot , we decided to go back to leh. We then moved towards leh. While coming back to leh, we saw a stone lying on the roadside, it was green in colour and named as khardung frog. It was awesome. We reached leh(1164km) at 3pm. It was cool roaming around in the city. In the evening, we saw some shops having t-shirts embroidered with different designs of leh.

Khardung La, the world's highest motorable road.

Thats the road to Nubra Valley, the coldest desert in the world.

The temple on the K-Top.

Some landscapes seen from the Khardung La.

10th july, 2009

Today, we had to leave for Srinagar. We left for Srinagar at 4am. Bidding adieu to the city, Leh. We reached the famous place called Magnetic hill(1220km) at around 5:30am. But we could not experience the magnetic effect.

Then we kept on moving with the zephyr and the azure along us. The hills just seemed to be covered with gold everywhere. The colour of the sand covering the hills was golden in colour. Then we reached Lamayuru(1280km) at around 10:30am. This place was really awesome. Houses were made of sand.

TOP 50 (+1) Words of GRE

2010-06-22T19:32:00.001+05:30

TOP 50 (+1) Words of GRE

abstain - - - - to choose not to do something
adulterate - - - - to make impure
apathy - - - - lack of interest or emotion
audacious - - - - fearless and daring
capricious - - - - changing one’s mind quickly and often

corroborate - - - - to provide supporting evidence
desiccate - - - - to dry out thoroughly
engender - - - - to produce, cause, or bring about
ephemeral - - - - lasting a short time
pragmatic - - - - practical as opposed to idealistic

propriety - - - - correct behavior; obedience to rules and customs
vacillate - - - - to sway physically; to be indecisive
volatile - - - - easily aroused or changeable; lively or explosive
advocate - - - - to speak in favor of
nemesis - - - - a powerful river, a usually unconquerable opponent

bolster - - - - to support; to prop up
pariah - - - - an outcast
gullible - - - - easily deceived
surfeit - - - - abundance, excessive amount
enigma - - - - a puzzle; a mystery

spurious - - - - false, fake, not genuine
erudite - - - - learned; scholarly; bookish
fervid - - - - intensely emotional; feverish
lucid - - - - clear and easily understood
opaque - - - - impossible to see through; preventing the passage of light

placate - - - - to sooth or pacify
precipitate - - - - to throw violently or bring about abruptly; lacking deliberation
prodigal - - - - wasteful; reckless with money
zeal - - - - passion, excitement

cacophony - - - - harsh, jarring noise

deride - - - - to speak of or treat with contempt; to mock
dissonance - - - - a harsh and disagreeable combination, often of sounds
enervate - - - - to reduce in strength
eulogy - - - - speech in praise of someone
rescind - - - - to cancel, to repeal

ingenuous - - - - showing innocence or childlike simplicity
lethargic - - - - acting in an indifferent or slow, sluggish manner
malleable - - - - capable of being shaped
misanthrope - - - - a person who dislikes others
obdurate - - - - hardened in feeling; resistant to persuasion

ostentation - - - - excessive showiness
paradox - - - - a contradiction or dilemma
respite - - - - an interval of rest, a temporary delay
prevaricate - - - - to lie or deviate from the truth
venerate - - - - to respect deeply

homogenous - - - - of a similar kind
laconic - - - - using few words
laud - - - - to give praise; to glorify
loquacious - - - - talkative
mitigate - - - - to soften; to lessen
pedant - - - - someone who shows off learning

NOTE: THESE words might not occur that frequently.

Travelling tips

2010-05-17T04:30:00.001+05:30

Safety tips for driving in hilly areas

Before going for a long trip, check for the following:

1. Tyres 

2. Controls 

3. Lights 

4. Oils n fluids 

5. Chassis 

6. Stands   

Another necessary packings:

1. Carry a rehydrant or lot of water with you, as u may get strokes or get tired while riding. 

2. Carry some light food to eat, in case u dnt find a suitable place to eat. 

3. While packing your luggage(try carrying as less as u can), put the heavier things at the bottom and the lighter ones at the top and tie them to the seat wid the help of bungee cords. 

4. Carry a good working gps system or road map. 

5. Last but not the least, protect yourself fully. Carry a good solid full face helmet, jacket, travelling shoes, gloves etc.   

P.S.-Plan your trip before you leave.  

Driving tips:

1. Don't change your lane, as there are many blind curves 

2. Drive at a speed not more than 55kmph as it may be difficult to control the bike if some vehicle comes in front. 

3. When raining, slow down or prefer not to drive, as it may lead to a major accident. 

4. For fuel efficiency, try to move at constant speed. 

5. Don't travel more than 100kms at a stretch. Take rest for minimum 30min or more. 

6. Take a nap of around 10-15 min at every 2-3 break. 

7. Avoid travelling at night, as it is less visible during night. 

8. Use scratch free visor for your helmet 

9. Be attentive on your road while driving  

Things to carry:

1. Tool kit 

2. First aid kit 

3. Extra tube for tyres. 

4. Puncture kit for tubeless tyres 

5. Compact Air pump 

6. Extra bulb for headlight, tail light and indicator 

7. The must, carry all the documents viz. license, registration certificate(R.C.), pollution check certificate, insurance cover note etc. 

8. Get your tank filled to full after half of your tank is empty, as you never know, how far the next filling station may be, and what if the next station is out of stock? 

For really long trips(>2500km), get your bike serviced every 2250km-2500km...

trip to rajasthan

2010-05-14T15:00:00.002+05:30

HEREBY I AM WRITING THE SMALL DESCRIPTION ABOUT MY TRIP TO RAJASTHAN ON MY NEW PULSAR 220CC S (NAKED).

I BOUGHT MY NEW BIKE ON 4TH FEBRUARY,2010. WILLING TO COMPLETE FIRST 500KMS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, I PLANNED A TRIP TO DHARAMSALA, MC LEOD GANJ INITIALLY AT AROUND 7:30 IN THE EVENING OF THE SAME DAY I BOUGHT THE BIKE. I CONVINCED ONE OF MY FRIENDS AMIT RANJHA OWNING A P200 AT MY HOSTEL FOR THE SAME. WE THEN STARTED OFF WITH THE PACKING AND ALL. THEN AT AROUND 11:30PM, WE LEFT OUR HOSTEL FOR THE FUEL FILLING STATION. THEN I HAD A WHIM OF DROPPING THE PLAN TO DHARAMSALA, INSTEAD GOING TO JAIPUR, JODHPUR, JAISALMER, BIKANER, CHANDIGARH, WHERE I WAS WILLING TO GO TO BY BIKE SINCE LAST YEAR, AS I HAD GONE TO JAISALMER BY TRAIN WITH MY FRIENDS. THEN I AGAIN WAS ABLE TO CONVINCE MY FRIEND FOR THE SAME (BUT ON THE CONDITION THAT I SHOULD GO WITH HIM TO LEH-LADAKH, SINCE I HAVE ALREADY BEEN THEIR LAST YEAR). I HAD TO SAY YES FOR THE REASON. SO, THEN WE STARTED OFF FOR OUR TRIP TO RAJASTHAN. IT WAS AROUND 12 AT MIDNIGHT WHEN WE LEFT CHANDIGARH.

WE HAD TEA AT A DHABA NEAR AMBALA CANTONMENT(60KM) AT AROUND 1AM. THEN DEPARTED FOR OUR NEXT STOP AT PIPLI(100KM), WHICH WE REACHED AT AROUND 2:30AM FOR REST AND TEA AGAIN. THEN AGAIN WE LEFT FOR PANIPAT(165KM), REACHED AROUND 4:30AM. BEING TIRED, WE STAYED AT A LOCAL GURUDWARA N SLEPT TILL 7AM. THEN LEFT PANIPAT AT AROUND 7:30AM. THEN AT 8:11AM, WE REACHED SUKHDEV DHABA(210KM) FOR OUR BREAKFAST. THEN LEFT. IMAGINE WHAT?? WE HAD TO CROSS DELHI AFTER THAT, WHICH WAS ALL IN ALL EXHAUSTIN (AS WE WERE ABLE TO COVER 20 KMS IN 2 HOURS(SIGH)). DARING THE CONGESTED ROADS N TRAFFIC OF DELHI, WE REACHED MANESAR(350KM) AT AROUND 12:15PM, AND HAD OUR LUNCH AT THE MC D, FAMOUS AMONG THE MOST OF THE RIDERS ON THAT HIGHWAY. THEN AFTER THAT WE REACHED KOTPUTLI(475KM) AT AROUND 4:07PM. HAD OUR TEA N SOME REST AND THEN DEPARTED, AND THEN WE HAD A BREAK AGAIN AT MANMOHANPUR(510KM). HAD TEA N THEN LEFT. WE REACHED JAIPUR(576KM) AT 7:10PM. THEN WE HAD OUR ROOM BOOKED AT HOTEL PADMINI PALACE, MOTI DOONGRI, JAIPUR. WE HAD OUR DINNER AT MUGHAL DARBAR RESTAURANT, NICE ROGAN JOSH AND ISHTU WE HAD AT M.D. WE VISITED THE ANCIENT AND WORLD FAMOUS HAWA MAHAL, WHICH WAS NEARBY OUR HOTEL. THEN OFF TO BED AT AROUND 10:30PM.

ON 6TH FEBRUARY, 2010, WE WOKE UP AROUND 4:45AM IN THE MORNING. GOT READY FOR OUR DESTINATION(JAISALMER). DEPARTED FROM JAIPUR AT 6:00AM AFTER REFILLING OUR TANKS. WE HAD A BREAK N MORNING TEA AT A DHABA(608KM)AT AROUND 6:30AM ON THE NH LEADING TO JAISALMER. THEN DEPARTED OFF. THEN WE HAD OUR BREAKFAST AT PANDIT RESTAURANT, AJMER(683KM) AT 8:15 AM . LEFT. THEN WE HAD REST AT SOME PLACE(764KM) AT 10:30AM WHICH WAS JUST DESERTED. LEFT AGAIN. THEN REACHED JODHPUR(916KM) AT 1:30PM . HAD LUNCH AT B. MODERN SWEETS. LEFT. THEN WE STOPPED FOR SOME REST AT BARESAR(990KM) AT 4:00PM. AGAIN LEFT, REACHED POKHRAN(1100KM) AT 5:40PM, LEAVING PUSHKAR ON THE WAY. THEN AT AROUND 7:48PM, WE REACHED JAISALMER(1213KM). BOOKED OUR ROOMS AT NEERAJ HOTEL, IN FRONT OF THE FAMOUS KONARK FORT. THEN WE HAD OUR DINNER AT 'THE SUNSET POINT' RESTAURANT'S ROOF, IN THE FORT ITSELF. HAD AN AMAZING FEELING BEING THEIR.THEN LOITERED AROUND IN THE FORT FOR SOMETIME. THEN BACK TO OUR ROOM. WENT TO SLEEP AT 10:40PM.

THEN ON 7TH FEBRUARY, 2010, WE LEFT FOR CHANDIGARH AT AROUND 6:10AM.
REACHED A PLACE(1328KM) AT 7:34 AM FOR OUR MORNING TEA. THEN LEFT. HAD REST AT KHIDRAT(1459KM) AT 9:37AM . THEN AFTER THAT WE HAD LUNCH AT KUSANSAR(1573KM). AFTER RIDING ON THE STRAIGHT ROADS OF RAJASTHAN AND SOME PEACEFUL ATMOSPHERE, WE REACHED SRI GANGANAGAR(PUNJAB-RAJASTHAN BORDER) (1813KM) AT 4:25PM. HAD OUR FUEL TANKS FILLED. THEN REACHED MALOUT(1880KM) AT 7:30PM. HAD OUR DINNER AT A LOCAL DHABA N STAYED AT ROYAL HOTEL. SLEPT AT 9:30AM.

ON 8TH FEBRUARY, 2010, WE TOOK OFF FOR CHANDIGARH FINALLY. WE LEFT AT 8:30AM AND STOPPED AT SURAJ MAHAL HOTEL, NEAR RAMPURA(1964KM) AROUND 9:30AM FOR OUR BREAKFAST. HAD A DISCUSSION OVER AN ATHEIST AND A WORSHIPPER WITHE THE OWNER OF THAT DHABA(LOL, HE WAS A PURELY RELIGIOUS KIND OF PERSON). THEN TOOK OFF. DARING THE RAINS, WE REACHED PATIALA(2122KM) AROUND 1:15PM. REST AND THEN MOVED FOR OUR LAST STAGE i.e. CHANDIGARH(2183KM). WE REACHED CHANDIGARH AT 2:30PM.

PHEW!!! WHAT A HAPPINESS WAS THAT REACHING OUR HOSTEL AFTER DARING THOSE RAINS SINCE LAST 100KMS.

*DISTANCE FROM OUR HOSTEL.
** TOTAL EXPENDITURE- 3500RS PER HEAD
$ TOTAL DISTANCE- 2183KM

trip to uttaranchal and nepal

2010-04-08T23:06:00.003+05:30

2 countries, 6 states, 2 bikes, 2 bikers, 4 days, 1700kms

Riders: GRV(Team A2B) on pulsar 220cc S, and Amit Kumar on pulsar 200cc

After coming back from the rajasthan trip last month, we were getting
bored and decided to go for a long trip again. i cooked up an idea for
a trip to kinnaur, but I had to drop the idea as my friend Atul (aka
Himalayan Rider from Team A2B) told me the roads were closed. So I had
to change the idea but we again were excited about our trip to
Nainital, which was only decided about 3 hours before leaving for the
trip. Even though he told me about the curfew in Bareilly, I didn't
change my mind this time and just planned about the trip. I just
called my cousin in Bareilly to tell him that i was coming and get
lunch and accommodation ready for me.

I (Gaurav Gupta) asked my friend Amit Kumar Ranjha owning a P200 about my plan, if he
wanted to join me. He replied in affirmative as usual.

Day 1:

Leaving for our trip at 2am, we bid farewell to our friends at the
hostel. We crossed Zirakpur (Punjab). We reached Panipat(Haryana) at
around 5am, where I had to sleep on the pavement adjoining the road as
I was very sleepy. We both had a nap for around 15 minutes. It was a
nice windy night. The GT road leading to Delhi is well tarred n smooth
to ride a bike on. I was feeling as if the bike was being ridden on a
carpet of flowers (exaggerated). Anyways, we reached Hapur via Delhi,
which lies in Uttar Pradesh at 8 in the morning. The road till
Hapur(NH 24) was very fine, but after that the road was bumpy with
many pits. Braving the sun’s heat and the tiring ride, we reached some
Shiva Dhaba on the way, where we had our breakfast. As we all know,
Uttar Pradesh has the most number of buffaloes in India, many of them
became hurdles on our way. Anyways, we reached Bareilly cantonment
till afternoon. There I had to stay at my cousin’s place, who is Lt.
Col. Amit Sharma in Indian army. There we had a very nice stay and
got fresh till next morning. While there, we cooked a plan for going
to Nepal, as was suggested by my cousin. We both then searched maps
for the roads to Tanakpur (India-Nepal border in Uttaranchal).

Day 2:

Deciding to go through Khatima, we left for Nepal the next day. We
reached Tanakpur at around 12:20pm. But we were not allowed to enter
Nepal as the timings at that border are from 12-3pm. So, we decided to
go through the other border which is Gadda Chowki around 10 kms from
Banbasa. We had to get the passes for our bikes’ entry to Nepal. We
went to Mahendranagar (Champawat distt), the first station in Nepal.
We were not allowed to go further as Mr. Koirala had died that day. So
we decided to stay at Nainital that night. Resting for around 2 hours
in Mahendranagar, We left for Nainital via Kathgodam. On the way, we
found a giant water body, called Nanak Sagar Dam, Nanakmatta. We
reached Nainital that evening. Got our room booked at Army Holiday
Home, in front of Naini lake. Roamed about in the market and the
governor’s house. Went off to bed early, as we had to go to Badrinath,
the next day.

Day 3:

We woke up early to the fresh air of Nainital. We left for Ranikhet.
Ranikhet is a well known place for its beautiful landscapes. Had our
breakfast there and then left for destination, i.e. Badrinath (one of
the four dhams). Going through Karnprayag and Nandprayag, We reached
Joshimath till 5pm. There we had some rest and then left for
badrinath. We were disappointed to learn that, we were not allowed to
go beyond Pandukeshwar(20 kms before Badrinath) as the roads were
closed. We had a sad mood for a while but then we started off for
Srinagar(Garhwal in Uttaranchal) for our night stay. The roads were
really awesome on the way. I was told by some passerby that the fish
at Nandprayag was very famous and delicious. So I made my mind to have
fish while on the way. So I had fish and it was really as good as was
told by the guy. Having had fish, we finally left for Srinagar. Had a
night stay at some Kaali Maari guest house. Next day, we had to travel
around
400 kms.

Day 4:

We had to reach Rishikesh as early as possible so that we could reach
Chandigarh soon. So we woke up very early. Left early too. We crossed
Devprayag on the way to Rishikesh. The road was in good condition. We
reached Rishikesh at around 9am. Had some stay at a local dhaba and
had our breakfast there. We decided to go to Renuka lake( in Himachal
Pradesh) on our way back to Chandigarh. We reached Paunta Sahib
(Himachal Pradesh) at 12pm and had cold drinks to chill ourselves away
from the baking heat. We then reached Renuka lake at 2pm. The road
leading to the lake was very less travelled by. It also It was an
awesome experience going through that road. Stayed there for around 2
hours and then left. We reached Mal village in half n hour, where we
had tea and it really an awesome place, very peaceful and soothing. We
then left for Chandigarh.

The ride had become tiring, and every mile seemed to be a thousand
miles leading to Chandigarh. We somehow tried and reached Chandigarh
in not more than 2 hours. It was a nice trip and nice experience to
drive through those 6 states, viz. Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar
Pradesh, Uttaranchal, and Himachal Pradesh. The bikes didn’t even give
us a single problem. The pulsar family rocks.

P.S.- We had to come back from Srinagar, as we fell short of money,
else we had planned to go to Gangotri, Yamunotri and Kedarnath also.

*Total Expenditure-Rs. 3500

Regards,
GRV(Team A2B)