My new found love 'ROYAL ENFIELD THUNDERBIRD 500'

Imagine winding your way up the treacherous valley and mountains, crossing boulder struck rivulets and thumping your way through roads surrounded by green mystic pastures and snow clad mountains in the horizon. My dream is to ‘thump’ my way up to the Leh Ladakh on the New Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500. 

The bike was launched in October 2012 with a lot of fanfare. The Thunderbird models have been customized keeping in mind the young and urban crowd. The new bike has the capacity and the pure brute force to power your way to the remote corners of the world. Priced at Rs. 1,82,571 this is one investment I aspire to make in the near future.

Bon Voyage!!

Biker's route map to Leh Ladakh via Manali

Biker's route map to Leh Ladakh via Manali

Manali - Leh Road (NH 21)

Manali is the starting point of this dramatic jouney. It is a beautiful hill station at an altitude of 2050m above sea level, nestled in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. This was the ancient trade route to Ladakh and the far reaches Traim Basin. Manali holds great significance in the Indian culture and heritage. The road is open from the month of June to mid October. The route passes through five high altitude passes. The terrain is high and barren. There is no settled habitation. Infrastructural support is at a bare minimum. There are no repair or service stations after Keylong, no petrol pumps either. This scenario makes planning very important. Adventure and bliss while riding and lifetime memories after the ride is something to always look forward to.

Rohtang Pass (Height - 13,000 ft/3,978 m)

Rohtang Pass is 51 kms from Manali. Open from May to November, it is the gateway to the Lahaul, Spiti, Pangi and Leh valleys. Rohtang literally means “pile of corpses” due to people dying on this pass while crossing in bad weather. Several episodes of History Channel's Ice Road Truckers have been shot here. 

Keylong (Height - 3080m / 10100 ft)

Keylong is 44km from Rohtang Pass. It is the highest jeepable road and 115 kms from Manali. This road was once part of the ancient trade route between India and Central Asia winding its way through breathtaking mountain views via the Rohtang Pass, Gramphoo, Kokhsar, Sissu, Gondla, Tandi. One can also reach Kaza, the main town of Lahaul and Spiti.

Bara-lacha la Pass (Height - 4892m /16,050ft)

This 8 km spectacular pass is literally a 'pass where many roads meet'.  

Barlachala Pass is 73 kms from Keylong. Beyond this steep pass lies Sarchu, 43 kms away, in the adjoining state of Jammu and Kashmir. This trail hits the highest regions of Ladakh. Two rivers of Lahaul, Chandra and Bhaga emerge from the snowfields on either sides.  

Zanskar Range- (Height - 6,000 m /19,700 ft)

Zanskar is a sub district or tensil of the Kargil district. This is a mountain range which separates Zanaskar from Ladakh.

Upshi  

Upshi is a small village, 60 kms ahead of Tanglang La pass is Upshi--A junction on the Indus. This ancient trading road heads toward Tibet. The road bifurcates from here towards Rupshu and for Demchok, and little ahead at Kiari for Chang la. 

Leh (Height - 3524 m / 11,562 ft)

Leh is the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh. It is the second largest district in the country. Well known tourist spot with an airstrip. It is above 50 kms from Upshi. The roads leads to Khardung la (in north) and to Kargil (in west). Important stop over trade routes along the Indus Valley between Tibet to the east and Kashmir to the west.

Thumping my way to Leh Ladakh

  The first destination on my bucket list is Leh Ladakh. Located on a high altitude plateau in the north of the Himalayas, this magical destination is one my favorite destinations to travel. This remote destination is known for its Gompas perched on mountain tops, gentle people, cliff hanging palaces, crystal clear streams with a burst of green around. Home to one of the most memorable passes on the planet, Leh Ladakh is known as “The Last Shangrila” as it is home to the last surviving authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture.

   

 Though you can travel via road or fly down to the Leh Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, I believe that most exciting and adventurous way to reach Leh Ladkah is on a motorbike. It is a thrilling experience to ride through one of the highest mountains in the world. The adrenaline and sheer feeling of the chilled wind gushing by as you wind through the treacherous mountainous terrain and cross hazardous meandering streams is an experience worth considering at least once in life.   

   When deciding on the trip, the first and the most important factor to have in mind and heart is the passion for adventure and sheer thrill to ride through whatever comes in the way. Once this game of the heart and mind is won, you have won half the battle. Then next step is to plan and plan well. Planning includes, arranging for money, travel equipment, a good reliable motorbike, warm clothing, physical fitness and travel documents.   The planning needs to be done meticulously and carefully. Poor planning can lead to disastrous trip.

    I came across an informative blog related to the planning of the trip by an experienced bike enthusiast. http://gearheads.in/showthread.php?4638-Preparation-for-Ladakh-Ride-for-Bikers.

                My next blog will be showcasing the route map to follow on the way to Ladakh. So get on and enjoy the enthralling experience. 

Bon Voyage!!

Travel is Incredible

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." - St Augustine

The above phrase sums up what I think of travel. This phrase is true to every word. The army background has brought out the essence of travel in me. Travelling far and wide to various destinations across India and parts of the world was always exciting and adventurous. Whenever I used to go to a new destination, there was a sense of anticipation, a bit of anxiety and the thrill of the unknown. There is a sense of adrenaline rush from new adventures and freedom. Travel speaks to you, opens your eyes to a new world, connects with people from different races and cultures, creating experiences all the way which get converted to memories we can cherish when we grow old. 

 One of the best ways to escape from the corporate jungle is to travel or get involved adventure activities. . A lot of young professionals get burned out due to tough and stressful corporate lives. There is a need to take a break and try something new and different. Travel and adventure activities are stress busters which will rejuvenate and get your lives back to shape. 

This blog will give a preview of the wildest destinations and activities that can be carried out across the planet at feasible costs. The intent is to provide some of the most reasonable plans and important information that need to considered while planning the trip. At the end of reading these blogs do not hesitate to pick up a backpack, travel far and wide and explore the adventure and beauty the world has to offer.

Bon Voyage!!