Ladakh Dreamride ~ June 2019

 

June 2019 | 1,300 Kms | Jun 16 to Jun 25

Manali > Rohtang > Keylong > Baralach La > Sarchu > Pang > Tanglang La > Chang La > Pangong > Shyok > Nubra > Turtuk > Thang > Khardung La > Leh (And had to complete further - Kargil > Zozila Pass > Srinagar in car)

Ladakh is true heaven on Earth and it was my dream to complete Bikeride which I could accomplish during 2019. Was lucky to have Life Partner, Cousin-Jiju1 and Jiju3 as well who accompanied me in this ride along with few other riders. We joined Dreamriders group who is well established and well versed in the region. Himalayas is never easy to handle and to ride through toughest roads and tricky weather is never easy. The Terrain looks amazing in pictures but is equally tuff to pass through however the fun and joy you get on accomplishment is priceless. After capturing above beautiful view at Manali, Our first day was to pass through Rohtang Pass and the road up was passing from middle of 12 Ft high Snow. We were lucky enough to get clear open road as previous trip had to return back to Leh as roads were closed due to snow. The day we passed was the time the road reopened.

Next day was Keylong and we passed through some water crossings and scenic views. The crazy road after was to reach Pang (passing through Baralach la traffic and Sarchu) and Altitude there was super tricky. Few riders had fell sick due to oxygen issues but Team Dreamriders was standby and helping everyone at their best. We did try out local food Thuppa there which was tasty.

We then passed through Tanglang La & Chang La. All the pass were having increasing altitude from previous as well as different weather was making it more scenic and amazing. 

Reaching Leh and site seeing there was as good as a day you live life of Rancho. War Memorial, Rancho School, Monastery and there are many more beautiful locations in Leh. Woodfire Pizza at Rooftop Restaurant and some shopping for loved ones makes it like cherry on the cake. Mall Road is live and varieties sold are very nice and cultural items are worth buying (one obvious item everyone will buy will be colorful Flag :)) 

Nubra and Turtuk ride from there was scenic. We went through last village Turtuk (which was in Pak till 1971), been in middle of mountains where few are captured by India while few by POK. Also we seen a tall mountain of Siachen. Bunkers and Flag etc. was giving goosebumps to all of us. Finally after returning Nubra, we seen camels with double humps. We did witness one of the best sunset view as well from Nubra Dessert. 

Pangong is off course having an eye-catching beauty and it became more popular after 3 idiots movie release. Spending a night there could give chance enjoying views at different times of the day. 

The most horrible ride was the day we went to Pangong from Leh because while passing through Changla Pass (17688 ft) there was snowfall with least visibility. It was World's second highest motorable pass and those circa 40 kms with snowfall, altitude, low visibility etc. was the golden moment and we will always remember that.

The feeling while at Top of the world was the feeling of achieving dream. We had great cheer, fun, captured lots of photos there. In life everyone carry some dream and the feeling you get after achieving the same makes you feel like on top of the world.  

Return flight from Leh had got cancelled due to bad weather and we had to extend our trip to Srinagar. We got a chance therefore to pass through Magnetic Hill, some other viewpoints and Amazing Kargil War Memorial. Kargil War Memorial is also a place you feel proud of Indian Army and we were lucky to pay visit at memorial which is made in memory of war. Passing Zozila Pass Zero Point for the second time was exciting. The whole 

There are thousands of pictures and videos, plus bucketfull of lifetime memory has been packed from this ride which we are going to cherish forever. #LadakhFaceoff :)

PS - All Photography Done by me / partner