Leh Ladakh, the name itself is
enough to evoke the travel cells in my body. One of the top things in my bucket
list has always been a trip to Leh Ladakh on a bike. Recently I got
the opportunity to tick it off my bucket list. I went on my very first bike
trip to Leh Ladakh. It was magical. The feeling of sipping hot tea with scenic
views and winter chill around you is out of the world feeling.
Due to the busy city life, my bike
trip to Leh Ladakh remained to untick for a long time. But I was determined
that this year no matter what, I will tick it off my bucket list. So, I began
my preparation for the trip. I started with physically preparing my body. The
next step was to book the trip and take a leave from the office (the most
daring task I had to do to go for the trip). I booked my trip with BanBanjara
Travels upon my friend’s suggestion who has already travelled with them to Leh
Ladakh. I booked the Delhi to Delhi package which was for 11 days and 10 nights
as I only got leave for these many days from the office. Moreover, the package included all the major
tourist spots in Leh Ladakh. So I am not complaining as finally, I have the chance
to go on my dream vacation.
The
Dream Holiday
The day before I was to start the
trip, I was so excited that I could barely function properly. I have no idea
how I reached the Delhi bus stand or what the road captain said. The overnight
journey from Delhi to Manali is all a blur. Till the time I stepped on the
grounds of Manali I was not sure that this was happening. I have started with
the most awaited trip of my life. The feeling was surreal.
We were for a day in Manali, where
we stayed overnight in Riverside camps. I explored the town of Manali and got
to meet the beast with whom I will be taking my trip. I am talking about the
bike - 500 cc Royal Enfield will be my companion for the entire duration of the
trip. At last, the D-Day has arrived. I am on the bike about to start my
journey towards Ladakh. We took the Manali Leh Highway to reach Ladakh.
We started from Manali to reach
Jipsa, the first stop on our way to Ladakh. Along the journey, we passed by
Vashist hot springs followed by the famous Solang valley. Further down the
road, we stopped at the Rohtang La pass and crossed Keylong to reach Jipsa. The
wind grazing your skin and the roar of the machine beneath me was a magical
experience. No words can truly depict the ranges of emotions I was feeling
during the journey. The stopover at Rohtang pass was a dreamlike experience.
The next day we moved forward
towards Sarchu, one more step closer to Leh. On the way, we passed Bara-Lacha
la pass and spent some time at the Chenab river, Suraj Taal & Deepak Taal.
This again an adventure-filled day which ended with camping at Sarchu. The next
day, we were travelling to Leh. I was not able to comprehend the fact that by
the end of the day I will be in Leh. I was spellbound by the stunning beauty of
the valley. Upon reaching Leh, I just stood for a full minute to take it all
in. It was the best feeling in the world.
The next destination on our
itinerary was Nubra Valley, one of the most enchanting places on earth. The
ride to the cold desert was an enthralling one. It seemed like I was engulfed
by the beauty of my surroundings. These were some beautiful sceneries I have
witnessed in my life. We rode to Khardung La, the highest motorable pass in the
country. It was an experience of a lifetime. Nothing in my life could beat the
feeling of being at the highest motorable pass. It felt like a dream.
The next day we explored the
picturesque valley of Turtuk. I was instantly drawn to the spellbinding beauty
of the valley and it surely did tempt me to live here forever. However, we
moved forward towards another adventure-filled day. We were going to Pangong
Lake through some untamed roads of the mountains. The beauty of the lake was
breathtaking as its waters changed colours. The heaven-like landscapes were
like the cherry on top. On our way to Leh, we stopped at the Druk White Lotus
School (the school featured in the movie 3 idiots). It was a thrilling
experience. The visit to Shanti Stupa and magnetic hill was an altogether
different experience. With this, our last day in Ladakh was here. I woke early
to make the most out of the day before we started with our return journey
towards Sarchu. And then more forward towards Manali through the famous Rohtang
pass. The bus ride from Manali to Delhi marked the end of the trip.
My first bike trip to Leh Ladakh is
the highlight of my life. It is one of the most amazing and wonderful
experiences. No words are enough to describe my feelings for the trip. Everyone
must visit Ladakh once in their lifetime.
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