Manali Zanskar Ladakh Ride

If person is restrained with self then asthetic possession is possible with perseverance.

While I was even to start the ride to Ladakh, was sitting quietly near beas river, observing a shepherd travelling with herd towards Lahaul which is far distance and higher in altitude.

When I left Pune behind had no plan to visit Ladakh, but that happened eventually. I had visited Lahaul a few times but never went further. The confluence of chandra and bhaga rivers is very scenic further know as chandrabhaga river after merger near tandi.

Lahaul which sit at altitude of 10 thousands feet and above at some points surrounded by heavy mountains range with more high peaks. Did halt for first night at a camping site at Jispa on the way before Darcha was a nostalgic experience as used to stay in tent quite frequently.

So decided to take a walk towards river which was flowing just behind the campsite situated. On the way found women collecting some sort of berries called Seabuckthorn, which they said are highly nutritional.

Morning view after cold night in tent, temperature was around minus degree centigrade. And if you don’t have company in tent its gets more cold.

After throttling the motorbike in crisp morning air, gives a sense of happiness though cold makes a little discomfort if not wearing a right cloths. It’s did made challenging as i had not put the right kind of handgloves and pant needed for such weather. But the scenic views on the journey kept me moving forward with out hesitation.

The day before had fueled the tank of motorbike near tandi as there is no way refilling fuel in motor bike till leh, as got to know from local people.

Never been on this road, so had no plan about which route will be taking to reach leh, even had no idea how much distance will be covered. But was sure to enjoy the ride and appreciate the views of nature on the way. Riding with group or with a friend have a benefit of support in another form, but to ride alone is sheer thrill of adventure.

So decided to take Shinkula route and while coming back will take baralacha route was the call.

Had to stop for many times in between as to make hands warm, getting cold due to cold wind while riding. Do carry proper clothing if riding motor bike in month of mid September as its cold out there. Finally making to top of Shinkula pass was a sense of achievement bearing the roughness of terrain and weather.

While riding towards Padum from darcha you will come across beautiful landscape and also a stand alone mountain called Gumbok Rangan.

The peak is at 5,520 m (18,110 ft) and the base of the mountain is about 4,500 m (14,800 ft)

Gumbok Rangan a standalone mountain peak in the Lungnak Valley of Ladakh, India. It is part of the greater Zanskar Range, which is itself a part of the Himalayas. It is considered holy and referred to as “God’s Mountain” by the local inhabitants.

So started the ride again after tea break and some rest. There are tents near by of which, I have not taken photos. Later came across a group of animals, do you know them? Please mention in comment.

As was near to reach Padum was tired of riding and it was post afternoon as i reached Padum. Padum is really beautiful if you travel there do stay and visit nearby areas. Its beautiful valley. Today skipt breakfast and now lunch too but kept riding towards leh on tea power had at Gumbok Rangan.

Let me tell you, usually people do this route with fellow members accompanied.

Keep drinking water on the way to keep hydrated. Look at natural himalayan water refilling station on way I found.

The force of water was so high that i almost got wet while refilling the bottle.

Riding through this beautiful valley gives you feel of canyons.

Finally reaching to leh post evening.

As many places close for winter, if planing a winter trip, it is best to pre-book accommodation. It is best to choose guesthouses that remain open all year round and have reliable heating.

Leh is well developed with all amenities, here is view of its mall road for tourist and locals to shop. It has all kind of shops and restaurant cafes situated there. Momos, thukpa, butter tea, and rice with vegetables are some of the locally available meals. Some homestays make hearty, hot local dishes.