Travel Tales: Day 2 from Ladakh 2012

Posting from Day 2

Leh – Khardungla – Leh
Day 2 started with finding a reliable jugaad for permits. I had a 1 point contact in Leh who I never really met till that day and was helping me out with almost everything.

So 1st thing to do was to meet him and hand over my ID for permits, I was told Ktop received heavy snowfall the previous day and I should not do it till I feel all comfortable and ready for it. While Salim bhai advised to go since its all about testing yourself. Felt instant adrenaline rush and hunt for a ride started.

1000Rs/ day + Petrol quoted 2 of the bike renting stores while I was on a real tight budget so had to pass those options. Hunt continued till Changspa where Noma Adventure came to rescue – since the store is on the Shanti Stupa road (less known) and was off season so agreed to lend an old RE for 500/day + fuel (not a bad deal ) – this is the time when real journey started.
A journey to the top of the World – a place I only heard about on forums - a place high enough to increase your chest size. It was my time to experience that feeling.

A pic is worth 1000 words, so here's my attempt to deliver them.

Integrity in Service

My ride for the day

I too throb to the brain and beauty of the earth,
and of all the growths of the earth,
I too have felt the resistless call of myself.

I was advised to not to do Khardungla since I m too new for this altitude, but how can you be sitting in city with dreams of doing Khardungla and let another day just pass on. I was told that its pretty dry and very much doable however I had no idea what their dry means. All i know that I was riding to Khardungla with a basic sports shoes with little or no grip to hold on to cold and provide grip on snow.

Every kilometre beautiful then the previous one, Every turn revealing another face of nature. Journey was pretty smooth till South Pullu check post.

Roads changed to this

The bullet I was riding didn’t have a side stand which means everytime I stop for pictures I have to get down and put the centre stand which also makes petrol to spill from the lock. So was being too cautious and clicking mostly from being on bike itself. Also the lack of oxygen was making it hard to start it after every stoppage. At one occasion i had to give sum 20 odd kicks to start it – leaving me tired and breathless.

I was more concerned in drafting my thoughts on how I will express my experience when I go back, at the same time I was feeling cold since my not so good sports shoes got wet leaving me shivering. How will I tell where I was, what I did, what I felt? I cannot explain my state of mind, except that I’ll remember it all my life.

Next i remember was standing just next to Leh’s India Gate. Without much energy left to take camera out I tried to capture moments via my phone.

There was hardly anyone at the top – reason it’s too cold and tourist has not yet started coming in which worked in my favor as I was paying less price for ride & stay also getting to see the raw and clean side of Leh. Altitude was taking a toll and headache was rising which was mistook as tiredness, coming to ktop with a regular sports shoe was another mistake which spoilt my fun time at the top.

Next aim was to go on to decent altitude to be safe from heavy head which was not really accepted to nature. 1st there was a jam – A truck and an Innova got stuck cos f narrow lanes (regular scenario) which made me waste an hour while for 2nd there was snow that came up on road while this didn’t bother much as I was able to ride over it leaving behind the cars who will now wait for BRO to come for rescue. I too had my share of slips and skids here:

This one made me lose time here

Is was just starting to; so quite an easy escape by bike

Lonely roads, snow covered mountains and a nagging bullet.

Yes I rode on these roads

Once down the masala chai from German Bakery came as remedy while i was still doubtful on to keep same bike for NH1D next day also if I would be able to dry my shoes which remained loyal on one of the toughest terrains. Ride decision was left onto next day while shoes were left to dry on gas heater.
Next was time to utilize free skype from hotel and pass time on facebook. Few shots clicked while on the way back to city.

Stay glued for Day 3. It was Buddha Jayanti and whole town had celebrations going on followed by a small ride to and rode down to the famous Alchi Monastery.

Originally Posted: https://www.bcmtouring.com/forums/threads/a-journey-to-the-skies.50870/page-4

From the Archives:

Missed Part 1? https://steemit.com/themotorlife/@thenomadictales/travel-tales-ladakh-2012

Teasers are not to be missed: https://steemit.com/adventure/@thenomadictales/travel-tales-from-ladakh-teaser

Some Pampering for my bike: https://steemit.com/themotorlife/@thenomadictales/much-needed-pampering-for-bike-70dfe36ad9b29

I also have a steepshot channel for all the "NOT SO RANDOM' things. Click link to reach out http://steemit.com/@notsorandom