TimeTripGo

CROSSING BARALACHA PASS

2020-05-25T13:08:00.002+05:30

Leh Ladakh Bike Trip Video

Sainj Valley Trip Video

2020-05-25T13:00:00.003+05:30

Leh Ladakh Bike Ride Video

2020-05-25T12:42:00.007+05:30

Sainj Valley -A Snow Paradise

2020-05-20T01:16:00.007+05:30

Sainj Valley in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Sainj Valley covered with snow in January Month

Where is Sainj Valley located ?

Sainj valley is located in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh. It is 53 KM away from Mandi, 47 KM from Kullu and 18 KM from Aut at Chandigarh -Kullu-Manali Highway.

Sainj is the nature's hidden treasure to retreat in Kullu Valley.

Entrance of Sainj and Tirthan Valley

It was January month of 2019. Me and my friend Rocky has planned to go for a short trip in Kullu valley. We decided to explore the Tirthan and Sainj Valley. On 24th Jan we packed our bags and start our carrier RE thunderbird and left for our destination from Hamirpur. We had entered in the Sainj valley at 1 PM and stopped for lunch break at a small market just before Shanshar village. We would like to saw the Manu Rishi temple first which was in Shanshar village of the Valley. Manu Rishi Temple built in pagoda style with a multi-tier design is a unique spectacle. This wooden temple made with the wooden of single tree.

After covering the road which was full of mud and snow on it but finally, we reached around 4 PM at the temple. We enjoyed the sight seeing at Manu Rishi temple and left for our journey towards homestay which was in Shangarh.

Manu Rishi Temple in Shanshar village of Sainj Valley

On the way to Shanshar - Sainj Valley

Heading towards Shanshar Village

Way to Manu Rishi Temple

View of the mountains from midway to Manu Rishi Temple

Mountains of Sainj Valley

Sainj Town

Earlier our plan was to stay in Tirthan valley in night, but we decided to go Shangarh as Rocky has heard about the natural beauty of this place and also road to Shangarh was in our way while we were heading back from Manu Rishi Temple. It was almost dark, but still we have to go long to reach Shangarh. Also, we don’t have much information about this place but the last clue we have that we asked a little kid in mid-way about the road to Shangarh and he said yes, it is heading to Shangarh and we can reach through bike. We were almost feeling lost in the dark night since there was no movement of any other vehicle on the road and even there was no sign of any house nearby the road and also there was no signal in our mobiles. After covering the few kilometers, we saw an abandoned house on roadside which was not looking like someone could be inside, but we think to give a try to knock the door and we were lucky. A gentleman came out from the house and we asked him for help to guide us to reach Shangarh. We were out of water so that person also gave us hot water to drink since it was freezing temperature and also called up a homestay guy who was known to him so request him to provide us a room in his homestay. We were very thankful to that gentleman for his all help, this is the beauty of Himachali peoples.

Shangarh was two KMs away from that place and road was completely covered with snow so it was very difficult to ride the motorcycle on it but after lots of struggleful efforts finally we reached at homestay. We ordered the dinner and toast our drinks for this journey and then we had the dinner and went for sleep.

Shepherd returning to home in evening in Shanshar village

Darkest night and we were still heading to Shangarh

We would have no idea where we were reached in last night but when we woke up in the morning it was complete surprise for us. It was snowing outside and wherever we could see from the window of our room every place was covered with snow. We don’t want to waste our time any more in the room on bed so quickly we got ready and had our breakfast and went outside to enjoy the fresh snowfall.

Surprising morning at Shangarh - This was the view from our room window

Our Homestay at Shangarh

Our bike -Night was very cold !!

We stepped out from the homestay and went to Shangchul Mahadev temple. This temple is the main attraction of Shangarh as it is located in wide open ground. The complete ground was covered with blanket of snow and that view was treat to our eyes. We clicked couple of pictures in snow.

Shangchul Mahadev Temple in Shangarh covered with fresh snow

Closure image of Shangchul Madev temple

Wooden work on the walls of Shangchul Mahadev Temple

Life in snow white

It was snowing since morning, so temperature was very low, and our clothes were getting wet in snow so we could not explore the valley more. Only thing we could enjoy the snowfall and we were happy with it. After spending some time in snow, we decided to go back to homestay.

Fresh snow spell in the Sainj Valley

Road covered with fresh snow

Around 12 PM we decided to say goodbye to Shangarh and checkout from homestay. The road was completely covered with snow, so it was very difficult for Rocky to ride the bike. Many times, he dropped the bike in snow and also, I pushed the bike on many points where the bike was getting skid on snow. Somehow, we managed to move out from Shangarh.

Dropped the bike in Snow and it happened many times

Snow in the complete valley

Home where we got the help from a Gentleman in last night

We were riding the bike on snow

Morning view in Shangarh

Road condition after snowfall.

Returning from Shangarh

Entrance of Great Himalayan National Park

______________________________________________________________________

Naveen is the Author of this blog. Naveen loves to explore the Himalayas. He has covered almost all main tourist destinations in Himachal. Now he is exploring the unexplored destinations in Himachal.

TimeTripGo would like to thank him for sharing his wonderful travel experience with us.

Things to carry for Leh Ladakh Bike Ride

2020-05-11T01:28:00.021+05:30

Things to carry for Leh Ladakh Bike Ride

Here are the following things that you would be needing for the Leh Ladakh Bike Ride:

For Bike:

1. Saddle bags or tail bag with rain covers

2. Tank bag with rain cover

3. Puncture kit*

4. Foot pump*

5. Chain lube spray and chain lube oil*

6. Extra pair of tubes if riding spoke wheel bike

7. 2 to 4 bungee cords*

8. Empty Can or 2 bottles to carry fuel*

9. RC, DL, Insurance and Pollution paper

10. 2/3 microfibre cloth to clean the bike and luggage

Saddle, tail and tank bags are fancy things and can put extra burden on budget. Anyone can use a simple Rucksack bag which can hold all the stuffs for ride. * are must needed items. If you are carrying a bike which is giving 45 kmpl or more mileage and have 15 litres or larger fuel tank, then no need to carry Can or bottles to carry fuel but make sure to refuel the bike as much as possible on every filling station.

For Rider:

1. Riding Jacket with all liners

2. Riding pant

3. Riding gloves and Surgical gloves*

4. Helmet with defogger*

5. Biker face mask -Balaclava*

6. Elbow and Knee protectors if don’t have riding pant and Jacket*

7. Riding shoes or high ankle shoes and a pair of waterproof shoe covers*

8. Rain suit*

Anyone can go for the ride with normal Denim-shirt and Jacket but make sure to wear good quality helmet, elbow and knee protectors for safety.

Clothing:

1. Water/wind proof Jackets and pullover

2. Denims as per ride schedule. At least 5/6 needed for 10 to 12 days trip.

3. 5/6 Full sleeves t-shirts

4. 2 pairs of Thermal

5. 5/6 pairs of warm socks

6. Woollen cap and muffler

7. Woollen gloves
8. A pair of casual shoes and slippers

Clothing can be adjusted as per the riding schedule.

Medical Kit:

1. Pain relief spray*

2. Cough, cold and fever medicines*

3. Stomach ache medicine -ORS

4. AMS tab (Diamox or any other) *

5. Band-aid and crepe Bandage

Travel Kit:

1. Lip care*

2. Sunscreen lotion above 50 SPF*

3. Oil, comb, moisturizer

4. Toothpaste and brush

5. Facewash, body wash, paper soap, tissue paper

Miscellaneous:

1. Mobile charge, power bank

2. Extra batteries and memory cards for Camera and GoPro if carrying

3. Laptop and external hard drive

4. Backpack to carry laptop and other stuff

5. Extension or multiplug

6. Thermosteel water bottle*

7. Small Torch

8. Goggles

9. Chocolates or few energy bars

10. Few snacks or dry fruits

11. Swiss knife as a tool kit

12. Tent for camping, if interested

13. Mats for camping tent

14. Sleeping bag -30 degree temperature

15. Few garbage bags to carry your garbage in case of camping

16. Disposable cups, instant tea bags

17. Lighter or matchstick box

18. Tent light

Saddle bags, tank bag and sleeping bag on my Duke.

Saddle bags, Tank bags, Backpacks, Sleeping bags, Tent and Mats on both bikes

Shop online:

Most Awaited Bike Ride

2020-03-31T13:20:00.006+05:30

The blog is about Leh Ladakh bike ride that I have been waiting for years.

How I turn passionate for this ride..

2020-03-30T13:30:00.003+05:30

Ever since I was in school, I always loved to riding a motorcycle. I got my first bike in 2007 which I rode around 55 thousand KMs. In 2012 I notice some of my known person in office had gone to Leh Ladakh on a motorcycle. I saw the pictures shared on their social media account and all photos were absolutely amazing. The nature, Snow and Roads in the pictures were absolutely stunning. At that time I decided to go for this ride.

Nearly three to four years had passed since I decided but the ride was still in my pending list. I used to watch Leh Ladakh bike ride videos uploaded by other riders on Youtube to keep my goal alive in me. The most stunning series I ever watched by a Youtuber from Mumbai in 2016 who rode from Mumbai to Leh Ladakh on his KTM Duke 390. Guess the name of that Youtuber 😎

To be continued...

My riding companions..

2020-03-29T13:00:00.001+05:30

It's always be fun if our friends join us as our partner for such a long rides. We were going to have three friends for this ride, it was Rocky, Naveen and of course me. We are school batch mates and it is a friendship of 15 years. "15 years" Oh I can't believe it's been 15 years since we finished our schooling but yes time is moving very fast.

It was me who always encouraged my both friends for this ride whenever we met during these years. Now they had also developed the interest for ride to Leh Ladakh.

Preparation for the trip..

2020-03-28T12:30:00.002+05:30

It was early 2019 and yes it was the year when we were about to visit. It was a bike ride lasting 10 to 12 days. We have to do a lot of preparation. Especially me and another friend Naveen still have to buy a new motorcycle for the journey. Rocky had an RE Thunderbird and he is going to take it for ride.

I was decided to buy an naked bike, which is going to be helpful throughout the ride. So finally I booked the KTM Duke 390 in April 19 and after a few days I got delivery of my brand new bike. I was excited to ride it because it was about one and a half year since the last time I rode any bike.

Here is the new one!

Naveen was still looking for a bike for him. He wanted a budget bike that he could use for his daily use. After a few days he bought the bike and now the next step was to buy luggage, accessories and gear for the ride….

Shopping and schedule for the ride..

2020-03-27T17:10:00.001+05:30

We were in the month of March and now we have created a WhatsApp group to keep in sync where we used to share all the necessary details related to trip. In May month, we started preparing the shopping list as well as the trip itinerary. Rocky already had riding gear but me and Naveen had to buy all the necessary items for the trip. So I went to Karol Bagh, where I bought accessories for my bike, riding gears for myself, saddle bags, bike maintenance kit, and also buy some accessories for Rocky's bike. Naveen was in Chandigarh, so he was supposed to do his shopping over there.

Now we had finalized the date for the ride which was going to start on 10th June and to be completed by 20-22 June.

Final preparation and a bad news..

2020-03-26T17:30:00.003+05:30

We were about to left for the ride on 10th June but 2-3 days before Naveen quit the plan due to some personal reasons. It was painful for us that he was not going with us. Now me and Rocky were left so we prepared the final list of the items those we have to carry for the ride. We get our bikes service, installed saddle stay and mount for action cameras on our helmets.

Here is the list of items we had packed for the ride:

For Bike:

Bike in well condition. Get the bike's service done before the ride.
Extra pair of tubes if bike isn't have tubeless tyres.
Chain lube, cleaner, if possible carry Mobil oil to lube the chain in Ladakh region.
Saddle stay, saddle bags, tank bag, few bungee cords and 2 empty bottles or Can to carry few litters fuel.
Air foot pump, puncture kit.
All original papers of the bike.

For Rider:

Riding Jacket, Riding gloves.
Knee protectors, good quality helmet with defogger.
Riding mask and few pairs of surgical gloves.
Riding shoes or high ankles shoes.
Rain suit and waterproof shoe covers.

Other stuffs:

2 pairs of thermal, 4-5 pairs of warm socks, warm woollen cap and muffler and a pair of casual shoe and slippers.
4-5 denims if don't have riding pant, 4-5 full sleeves t-shirts.
First aid kit with necessary medicines like cough, fever, cold, high altitude acclimatisation relief tab and pain relief spray. Travel kit with soap, shampoo, hair oil, tissue papers, most important sunscreen lotion above 50 spf and lipcare cream, etc.
Some energy bars, chocolates (can be purchased in Ladakh) and dry fruits (optional).
Mobile charges, if want get one mount on bike if mobile is old, power bank, laptop and external hard drive to copy the videos from camera.
Camping tent, mats, sleeping bag up to -30 degree temperature, Tent light, touch etc.

Ready to ride..

Day 1 (10.6.2019)- Hamirpur to Patnitop..

2020-03-25T15:30:00.002+05:30

We started our ride at 6:00 AM from Hamirpur and our day one destination was Patnitop in J&K state. Our 320 KM long route was Jawalamukhi - Nupur -Pathankot-Kathua-Samba-Udhampur-Patnitop. We had our breakfast somewhere on the way nearby Nurpur. Next short break we took at Mansar lake in Udhampur. It was very hot day so we were getting tired and dehydrated very soon during the ride so we were taking drink breaks after every 40 to 50 kilometers. Rider who all are rode to Leh Ladakh from Delhi and other Northern states also encountered the hot summer effects until they reached nearby Patnitop in June or July month. We had to deal with huge traffic from Udhampur to Patnitop and it was mostly trucks on the road since trucks are major source of logistics in J&K.

Once we entered into the Patnitop area the weather had turned pleasant and we were enjoying the ride in nature. My bike had started giving the low fuel warning but luckily we found petrol pump in Patnitop and then we refueled both the bikes and continued to ride. Around 4 PM we were reached at Patnitop and our first task was to find out the hotel for stay. Since Patnitop is very small hill station so there are only few hotels and most of them are very old properties. After checking couple of hotels then we finalize one for stay but our experience was horrific with that oyo hotel. The market was almost closed by 8 PM so we had the dinner in a small restaurant and back to hotel for sleep.

Couple of pictures we captured on Ist day:

Fully loaded Duke!!

Some where on the way..

Rocky's loaded RE!!

View of Patnitop..

Day 2 (11.6.2019) -Patnitop to Srinagar

2020-03-24T23:33:00.003+05:30

In morning around at 6 we loaded the bags on bikes and checked out from the hotel. It was rainy weather as drizzling had started but we decided to move forward. Today we have to ride approx 190 kilometers. After covering the few kilometers heavy rain had started and we stopped at small temple shelter to put the rain covers on our saddle bags. There were military persons doing their duty so we had some words with them and after few minutes we decided to move ahead.

Around 9 AM we stopped at a Dhaba to have the breakfast. Again this day was going to be a tough day for us since there were lots of trucks plying on the road and still it was raining. The entire road had turned slushy. Once we crossed Ramban the military movement had started. The military convoy was also heading to Srinagar so after the Pulwama attack the security measures were tightened for the convoy movement which was very necessary at that time. Now we were stopping after every five kilometer to give the pass to convoy. After multiple stops we reached at Jawahar tunnel where we have to wait for approx half an hour due to security reason.

These pictures we clicked before the Jawahar tunnel.

Once we crossed the Jawahar Tunnel then stop for a moment at Titanic view point to click some pictures. Still we were riding in the heavy rain, after covering another 50 km we took a break for Lunch at a Dhaba. There were very few stops on the Srinagar highway where we can have b.fast or lunch. After having the lunch we started to move but still military convoy was on road so again we have to stopped to let them pass.

Finally at 4 PM we had reached at Srinagar where we were suppose to stop for night stay. The Srinagar valley was very silent which we observed on that day. Probably due to terrorism in the valley peoples get used to live in such situations. We decided to find the hotel at Dal Lake, after checking couples of properties unfortunately those were not hotel but at last we found a one hotel which wasn't very good but we were completely tired so decided to get the room in that hotel only.

After settle down in the hotel we step out to see the Dal lake and local market but our experience was not very good. It was early evening time but almost Srinagar was closed. Rocky was facing some noise in his bike's chain so we went to get it fix on few mechanic's shop but they denied to check the bike. At last we reached at one shop where the worker was from outer state and finally he agree to check the bike and fixed it. We observed like few local Kashmiri peoples do not like visitors from other states in Srinagar.

Anyway this was the long day for us but literally we were thinking that we should not stop at Srinagar. Hope next time if we visited again then we would not feel the same thing since article 370 has been revoked now.

Titanic View point

Full of dirt!!

Dal Lake in evening!!

Day 3 (12.06.2019) - Stuck in Sonamarg

2020-03-23T18:46:00.017+05:30

We started our next day ride at 8 AM from Dal Lake to Kargil. It was clear day in Srinagar so we were hoping for better day ahead. After crossing the Srinagar we had breakfast on a road side restaurant which was on the bank of Sind river. After having the breakfast we started to move forward. The scenic view of the valley was absolutely amazing. After covering almost 70 kilometers of our journey then the rain has started. We were still riding in the rain but suddenly it turns heavy and weather was also extremely cold. We stopped a kilometer before Sonamarg to clicked some pictures.

Sind River

Outer Srinagar

At Sonamarg entrance!!

Trying to capture some pics :)

Now we had reached at Sonamarg where we saw huge traffic on the road. We crossed the traffic and reached at a police barrier where we got to know that Zojila pass has closed due to snow. It was continuously raining since yesterday. Police staff has no update if road would open today or not so they asked us to return back. Now we had returned back into the market where due to extreme cold my hands were getting numb so I went to a chemist shop to buy surgical gloves those I wore under my riding gloves to protect my hands from cold wind. Also both of us purchased woolen cap and muffler those we were forget to carry. It was raining so we parked our bikes outside a cafe and ordered coffee so we can spend some time over there. Its been almost two hours passed since we were waiting in the cafe to get the update about Zojila pass but no luck. After covering 80 kilometers our today's ride came to end. We had lunch in same cafe and decided to do not wait anymore so we came outside and start to find a hotel.

Finally we got one decent room in a hotel for night stay. We brought our bags into the hotel room. After sometime we stepped out from hotel room to explore the natural beauty of Sonamarg.

Biker's room lol !!

Nature has so much to offer here in this beautiful valley. Snow white mountains on one side and green mountains enveloped with alpine trees on the other side. Sonamarg is a small valley, but it has all that makes it a perfect tourist destination. I was so much happy that nature has gave us a chance to explore this location. If road were not closed then we might crossed it without stopping here.

Alpine trees in Sonamarg

Sonamarg

Our hotel

Stunning nature

Rocky in style :)

Mountains covered with snow

Indian Army area in Sonamarg

Resting in Sonamarg

Blogger's foot prints on Hotel entrance door!!

Day 4 (13.06.2019) - Final destination Ladakh

2020-03-23T17:49:00.007+05:30

We woke up in the morning, packed our bags and checked out from the Sonamarg hotel at 8 AM. At 8:15 we reached at the police barrier where we were stopped yesterday, now the police person gave the signal to move the traffic because Zojila was opened. The pass is 15 km away from the Sonamarg but there was lots of traffic on the road. Somehow we were manage to overtaking all the Army's trucks those were also heading to Leh. Now we had reached at the top of Zojila pass where the road has blocked due to heavy traffic jam because multiple trucks were going towards Srinagar. We had to wait for more than one hour to clear the traffic jam and then finally we got the chance to move forward. It took us approx 2 hours to cross the Zojila pass. It was great experience for us because now we had to cross the multiple passes during the ride.

Baltal Valley -The starting point of Amarnath Yatra

Waiting for my turn !!

Stopped for 1 hour here

View from Zojila pass

Conquer the Zojila pass

Starting point of the Zojila from Leh side

After crossing the Zojila pass then we reached at a security check post where we have showed our identity and bike details for records. Our next stop was Kargil War Memorial at Drass. If we were not stuck in Sonamarg then our planning was to stop for the night stay in Kargil.

Vijay path at Kargil War Memorial

Fighter jet used during the Kargil War

Epitaph at Kargil War memorial

Our heroes name who all sacrifice their life for Nation !!

Now we got back to our bikes and start moving towards Leh. After covering the few kilometers we stopped at a small shop for lunch where we ate Maggie and omelette. It was 3 PM and we were reached in Kargil town.

Kargil town separated by Sindh river

Kargil town

Selfie time :)

We left from Kargil town and still we have to cover 210 Kms to reach in Leh. Around 5 PM we stopped at road side stall for tea break. Now we had completely tired but still our destination was far away. We took short breaks on road only to stretch the body.

Random click!

Rocky at Fatula top

Magnetic Hill

Now it was getting dark at 7 PM but still we were 40 kms away from the Leh. I was completely exhausted so I was riding non stop due to this I missed the magnetic hill. It was Rocky who managed to stop at magnetic hill. After riding for almost 12 hours we entered in Leh at 8 PM. Now it took another hour to find out the hotel. Today we covered 350 kilometers as per Rocky's bike.

Today's Ride stats on my Duke !!

Day 5 (14.06.2019) - A day in Leh

2020-03-23T01:51:00.011+05:30

It was cold morning in Leh and today we had no such long ride plan because it is advised to all Leh Ladakh travelers to do not go outer places without spending at least a day or two in local Leh area so that body can adapt the environment and we were also feeling the headache due to acute mountain sickness (AMS). Today our plan was to explore the local Leh. We stepped out from hotel and first went to tourist permit centre office where we got our inner line permit stamped which we already booked few days back through online. This permit is needed to visit Nubra valley, Pangong Lake and other outer places.

After getting the permit stamped we had the breakfast at restaurant in local market. Now we went to see the Leh Palace which is a former royal palace of the Leh Kingdom. It is one of the biggest tourist attraction of Leh city.

Entry of Leh Palace

Leh City

Leh City view from Leh Palace

Historic pictures in Leh Palace

Leh

Now we had returned to the Leh market. We were carrying the camping tent with us so still we had to purchase the mat for tent. We got the mat in local shop and came back to hotel.

Leh Market

We had to shift into another room in the hotel because the room we got last was booked for another guest in advance. After shifting the luggage to another room we planned to get our bike's washed. We found a washing centre few kilometers away from the hotel where we got our bike's washed and returned to the market for lunch.

After having the lunch we went to see the Shanti Stupa which is 5 km away from the City. It's a another nice palace to visit in Leh.

Shanti Stupa

View from Shanti Stupa

In evening we went to the market where we purchased few souvenir of Leh trip and also had our dinner. It was an amazing day in Leh!!

Day 6 (15.06.2019) - Khardung La pass and Camping in Hundar

2020-03-22T00:25:00.005+05:30

We left the hotel at 8 AM and first thing we got our bikes refueled at Leh petrol pump then we started our ride for Hundar that was 125 KM away from Leh. We had to cross the Khardung La pass which was going to highest pass so far that we were going to cross. After covering 30 kms we reached at check post where we showed our inner line permit and provide the details of bikes to get the permission to go further. At that check post we had our breakfast at a small shop and then move further. Now the closer we were getting to Khardung La the road and weather were getting to it worst condition. It was light raining due to that temperature I guess was in -minus degree. I tried to warm up my hands with the heat of my bike's engine but by mistake I touched the exhaust pipe that burnt my riding glove's from fingers tip. It took us approx 3 hours to reached at Khardung La from Leh where we stoped for 10-15 mins because we were feeling low in energy due to less oxygen over there.

Khardung La crossed!!

Now we proceeded to Nubra valley and reached up there at 3 PM where first we had the lunch and also bought few snacks. After finishing the lunch we started to find the place to setup our tent for night stay but when we asked from locals they told us that camping is not allowed in Hundar but we had decided that today we would stay in tent only because we were carrying it for camping purpose only. So we checked many locations but we unable to find any suitable place to set up the tent. Then we met with a local guy who showed us a place and gave us permission to set up the tent, all though it was chargeable but we were happy. We ordered the dinner from the guest house which was next to our tent. This is how we finished our another day of ride.

Nubra/Indus Valley

Sand Dunes between Diskit and Hundar

Our tent

Day 7 (16.06.2019) - At Pangong Lake

2020-03-20T19:31:00.007+05:30

We woke up in the refreshed morning in our tent then gave the order for breakfast in nearby guest house. After having the breakfast we wrap up the tent and our bags and started our ride for Pangong Lake which was 175 kms away from Hundar. Just after leaving from Hundar the rain has started so we had to stopped at a restaurant to put on rain suits then we started further. In mid way we stopped to take some pictures near by Diskit and also refueled the bikes at a petrol pump.

Pangong Lake

In Diskit

Somewhere b/w Hundar & Diskit

Nubra Valley

We took one short drink break and another for lunch before we reached at Pangong Lake. It was comfortable ride because road was almost smooth for ride so at 2:30 pm we had reached at Pangong Lake. We preferred a stop a few KMs ahead from main spot of Pangong Lake to explore more and also were thinking to find out the night stay. We checked at one camp that was looking bit crowded so we decided to setup our own tent again for night stay. Now we were looking for the place to setup the tent and then finally we found one. We parked our bikes and setup the tent then had a cup of tea. We went to near the water at lake where we clicked some photos.

At Pangong Lake

Duke at Pangong

Horses and Yaks at Pangong Lake

RE at Pangong

Our Tent

Tent at open place

Morning at Pangong Lake

For RE lovers

Now it was about to dark so Rocky went to the main location to get packed the dinner and I stay in tent to look after it. We had the dinner in tent and got slept under the silent sky. It was another adventurous day in our ride.

Day 8 (17.06.2019) - Pangong to Sarchu

2020-03-19T12:58:00.003+05:30

It was fresh and clear morning at Pangong Lake. We wraped up the tent and load the bikes but before we said good bye to Pangong Lake, Rocky took his bike to near the Lake water where we clicked few photos and then we started our ride back towards Leh. We had the breakfast at Durbuk that was around 30 km from Pangong Lake. After covering the few kilometers from Durbuk now we were heading high towards the Chang La pass. Road and weather both were in worsen condition. Rain and snow both were troubling us to ride. I was afraid about to stuck in snow storm but we did not stop and keep riding. After facing the worst phase of ride we finally had reached at Chang La pass. Due to high altitude and less oxygen we were feeling bit sluggish at Chang La so we stopped there for few minutes only and then we started for Leh. The road strech from Durbuk to Leh was completely like hell. Around 12 PM we had entered in Leh where we have refueled in our bikes for further long ride.

Sunrise at Pangong Lake

At Chang La Pass

Prayer flags at Chang La Pass

Chang La Pass

Now from Leh we started our ride towards our home State. Initially we had plan to stay at Pang in night but we stopped at somewhere else. After covering approx 100 kms from Leh we had to cross the Taglang La. Again it was snowing here and weather was almost in frozen state. Today it was the second time we were facing the snow storm. We stopped at Taglang La to click some photos.

World 2nd highest pass per this board

Duke at Taglang La

Snow on jacket

After crossing the Taglang La we stopped at Debring for lunch and took another tea break at Pang. The road was completely smooth till Pang. After crossing the Pang now road was completely shattered. At one place I almost dropped my bike but somehow I manage to hold it until Rocky came for help me to lift it. At 6 PM we reached at Nakee La, at that time we were completely tired but still we have to ride for one more hour so we could reached in Sarchu at Himachal border. Sarchu was the most coldest place in this ride where we stopped for night stay. The temperature was in -minus degree and there were only tents for accomodation and luckily we got a brand new tent for stay. There was no electricity and mobile signals in Sarchu and it remains same for complete year.

Today it was 350 kms long ride where we faced rain, snow storms, dirt and long stretches of unpaved roads.

Somewhere nearby Pang

Wild Goats in Pang area

Pang Area

NakeeLa

Sunset before Sarchu

Stats of today's ride

Tent for night stay

Day 9 (18.06.2019) - Sarchu to Manali

2020-03-19T02:01:00.003+05:30

We woke up at 6 am in Sarchu and it was mild snowing over there. I was not feeling well due to AMS, my body was out of energy but fortunately Rocky was feeling well. To get rid from AMS I drank lots of water and also had a Diamox tab. After sometime I started feeling bit better so we prepared our bikes for ride and then after had breakfast at camp where we stayed in night. We started ride after 7 am because we want to cross the Baralacha La Pass early in morning without stucking into the traffic but we were not that much lucky. We stuck at top of Baralacha La pass due huge traffic jam. It was very cold because the Pass was completely covered with snow and also it was raining and snowing there. We were freezing, we saw few peoples who were regretting to come on this trip. We had to wait approx two hours to get the traffic clear then we moved further. I think it was Darcha where we saw the trees and greenery after covering the long distance. Around 1 PM we had entered in Keylong where we stopped for lunch at a restaurant.

Morning in Sarchu

Starting point of Baralacha La pass

Stuck at Baralacha La pass

Keylong Valley

After having the lunch, we reached at Tandi petrol pump where I refueled my bike and started for Manali. We were thinking that we would easily reach in Manali but we were wrong. It was Rohtang Pass which was another last toughest Pass we had yet to cross. After crossing the Gramphu it became very tough to ride on stiff high road. It was heavy raining and road was completely unpaved, slushy, muddy and the traffic all were biggest challenge for ride. After struggleful ride of one hour we reached at Rohtang Pass where we stopped to click few pictures. There was snow everywhere at Rohtang Pass which was beyond our imagination.

Mountains at Dalang

At Rohtang Pass

It was still raining at Rohtang Pass then we started for Manali but suddenly then road covered with dense fog. We were barely can saw the 10 mtrs road only, we moved very slow for few kilometers. At 5 pm we stopped at Marhi for tea break and at 6 pm we had reached in Manali. We took a room in hotel and took a bath because it's been three days we had last bath 😋 We went to mall road where we had dinner and back to hotel for sleep. It was the second last day of our ride.

Day 10 (19.06.2019) - End of the Ride !!

2020-03-18T00:43:00.003+05:30

Post title itself telling that our 10 days long ride was going to end today. We left at 8 am from the Manali hotel and had breakfast on road side restaurant after crossing the Manali area. We were 200 kms away from home and it was very hot day so we were completely exhausted till we reached at Hamirpur. After riding ten long days our ride has come to end. We rode approx 2100+ kilometers in 10 days. It was an dream ride for us 👏👏🙏

Checkout below Youtube links on Rocky's channel:

LADAKH TRIP 2019 (GLIMPSES)

CROSSING BARALACHA PASS - WATER CROSSINGS - TRAFFIC JAM

Morning in Manali🌄

Somewhere on the way!!

Mission Accomplished 💪💪

10 Days Ride of 2164 kms !!

RIDE END !!

Leh Ladakh Trip Pictures

2018-01-01T13:50:00.004+05:30

Leh Town

Leh Market

Lah Palace

Leh

Shanti Stupa in Leh

View from Shanti Stupa in Leh

Khardung La

KTM DUKE 390

Indus Valley

Nubra Valley

Nubra

Hunder

Sarchu Himachal Pradesh

Camping at Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

RE Thunderbird at Pangong Lake

Morning at Pangong Lake

Yak and Horses at Pangong Lake

Pang Valley

Wildlife at Pang Valley

Keylong Himachal Pradesh

Sarchu Himachal Pradesh

Tent at Sarchu HP

Baralacha La Pass

Duke's Trip Console

Rohtang Pass Manali

Manali

Leh-Ladakh

Leh Palace

Patnitop J&K

Magnetic Hill Leh

Kargil War Memorial

Kargil Town

Kargil War Memorial

Kargil Town

Zojila Pass

Baltal

Zojila Pass

Duke at Sonamarg

Sonamarg

Sindh River

Dal Lake Srinagar

KTM Duke 390