One place that synchronizes the heartbeat of every rider to its own melodious serenity, one place that obliges every pilgrim to ruminate about salvation, one place that is just more than perfect to every naturalist – Himalayas. Oh, yes! Still the memories are just so fresh, each bit of it- bone chilling ride, hair pin roads, AMS, monasteries, beauty and everything.
Introduction- Hello Friends! I Vishnu, present to you my travelogue of “Yes, I too got Leh’d “. Well before that, I would like to introduce myself as fervid biker, amateur photographer and frenzied traveler. With passion for travelling, I have set my foot prints covering Maharashtra, Konkan coast, Goa, Karnataka, Kerela, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, U.P, Uttarakhand and many more yet to stamp on :)
If you are a true wanderer and have not hit the roads of Leh Ladakh, then this travelogue will certainly charm you to visit the place. For all those, who have had their “ride of life” can reminisce and hook up with all the memories.
It was a decision after getting “awesome”; indeed, the right choice to hit the roads of Ladakh, biker’s paradise. After hassle-some decision making keeping in views leaves from office, weather forecasting and many more, to add on, to our own amazement, the date finalized was indeed 4th of July 2015. The route (Srinagar- Kargil- Leh- Khardungla- Pangong- TsoMoriri- Manali- Chandigarh- Delhi) was finally concluded and we, 7 friends- 5 bikers and 2 non bikers were ready for the most awesome trip of life.
Pre-ride preparation
1) One month before the date, I started accumulating gears –(Royal Enfield jacket, Aphinestar knee guard, Cramster Gloves, spares for vehicles (Spark plug, brake wire, clutch wire and tube), customized t-shirts, polarized glasses, Quechua shoes, gumboats, saddle bag, bungee harness, medicine supplies, Snickers , energy bars )
2) Booking hotels at desired locations to ease out things. Thanks to Goibibo (saved 3k extra :P)
3) Endurance test Ride along Konkan coast
4) Lumping together Bike documents, personal documents etc.
5) Bike servicing and converting my RE tires to Tubeless
6) Transfer of Bike from Pune to Srinagar- Mitco Transportation
Day 1- Reaching Srinagar from Pune
So, with a mixed feeling on 4th July, I woke up early and reached Pune airport by 6 am for the Flight to Srinagar via Delhi. On reaching Srinagar at around 4 pm, I collected my bike. I was bruised to see the ROYAL ENFIELD decal was damaged. Clearing all the documents, I checked in to the pre-booked Hotel. Refreshed and rejuvenated, I roamed around Srinagar locally, talking to the locals and enjoying kahwah- the traditional Kashmiri tea prepared from Kashmiri roses and spices without milk. It was followed by dinner at Adhoosh. The blend of Kashmiri flavors was stupefying. Phirni, prepared with rich milk, saffron and dry fruits served chilled on kullars was literally cherry on the cake.
Having chit-chatted with my fellow riders in the hotel for some time, I catnapped at around 11 pm
Day 2- Fun-filled ride to Doodhpathri & Local visit in Srinagar
As was suggested by my girlfriend to ride to Doodhpathri, I started early morning at 7 am after a nice filling breakfast. The ride to Doodhpathri is an easy one, but we got lost as the GPRS was showing some route, which not in good condition. After inquiring from the locals, we reached the place at around 9:30 am.
Oh god, the green meadows, snow-capped blue misty mountains, colossal pine trees- they stole my heart. The temperature was around 15 degrees, 2-3 degrees lesser than Srinagar. The tiny cottages added beauty to the place.
The only shop amidst the green meadows serving Maggie, omelet and tea added to our delight. I was intently and instantly reminded of having Maggie at Kufri, Nainital – those old good days, way back in college. After treating my appetite, I visited the stream, pristine and white, flowing as a result of melted ice.
