My First Bike Trip to Leh Ladakh

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.