shubh Anshuman
Om Mani Padme Hum
Day 4 : Kargil to Leh
Date of Journey : 28th June, 2016
Distance covered: 253 Km.
Map:
After Shambha night, none of us were ready for early morning ride. Our hotel was very next to Anjuman Jamiatul Ulama Islamia School and Morning 4am Azan on loudspeaker was enough to wake us all. But due to last two day continuous ride we were all very tired. Backs were broken, wrist were sore, eyes were red, approx each and every muscle was in pain. With common intention “To hell with morning ride" and we we went for another nap.
By 7.30, we started to leave beds. But Manish bhai was still napping, Arun took the charge and poked him until he woke up.
It was a cold morning, and Suru River was still on full run with lots of noise. I went out to check bikes, and they were cool as always:
And to the right its Anjuman Jamiatul Ulama Islamia School
We made some query regarding Leh road condition with local, and review was good. We were happy that road is good and frankly each one got a bit relax. We came down for quick bike check-up, cleaned our bikes and chain lubes were applied.
While guys went to morning ritual, Surprise no water. We came to know that some main water pipeline got broken somewhere and supply was affected. Everything was paused. It took 1 hour for repair. By the time preparation for the day was resumed it was already 9.30 am. It took another one hour for the boys to complete the all ritual till luggage pack.
Every thing was set to leave, but taking in account of our last day ride when we had missed our breakfast and suffered for the whole day; Manish bhai has already decided that he will not start the ride until breakfast is not served. He was right and we went for the food hunt.
But it was month of Ramzaan and during day time many hotel also doesn't serve food out of respect _ I think.
Many restaurants were closed. We found one "Dehradun Dhaba" in kargil market. With close curtains we had our breakfast of Aaloo Parathe and Bread toast.
After breakfast all of us have taken Diamox tablet for the first time. By 11.30am we were ready to ready to leave:
There are two petrol pumps in Kargil. First is at the entry point from Srinagar side and another on Leh highway. We went for Leh highway. Due to traffic congestion, Kargil police has made many way one route and we went in opposite direction to cross the bridge. Moving on for next 4 km we found petrol station on left side. There are only 3 petrol station on this highway, 2 in Kargil and one after Mulbekh. After refuelling we moved for our destination, but again stopped for this beautiful view of Kargil city:
(Kargil City)
We rolled out and met NH1 once again. Road was same as we heard, smooth tarmac with awesome view:
(Anuj Bhai after kargil city)
In was already noon by now and With this luxurious road, confidence was boosted among us. With a plan to reach kargil by 6 pm we left off.
But the happiness didn't last long enough after some bad patches we thought it will be for small distance and will improve soon but it didn’t and turn out as dirt monster. There was only dirt and pebbles. :
One of the best of Ladakhi people is giving you Hope. During our journey whenever we had asked how long these roads will be? Every time answer was just few more Kms after that Road is good. Same has happened here and even after riding many miles, situation was still same.
We rode nearly 20Km on these bad stretch and like a wish was granted a good tarmac road showed again. So we took a break :
It was looking like lovely road ahead by the side of Wakha River:
And Leh was also not so far now:
We started our ride again. Soon we have to cross our first pass of the day. We crossed Shargole, Mulbekh and Wagoo. After crossing Wagoo climb started with numerous of blind turns. After 6km of climb we were near Namika La
By 01:35 pm we were at Namika La – 12198ft.:
View from Namika La:
After Mulbekh you’ll notice drastic change in Landscape. Till their mountains are green but after that it’s completely barren. After celebrating Namika La we moved on and went ahead. Road was still marvellous and we were rolling fast.
After riding for about an hour, we were at Budhkharbu. There we saw an army cafe and went for it.
We saw a white DL reg. Swift parked toward Srinagar direction. We went into cafe and were welcomed by Army personals. There we met a young guy drinking coffee. After conversation we came to know he was coming from Manali. For general information regarding road ahead we made some query with him. He said they came for adventure but it turned out to be punishment. Out of shock we asked about it, he said there are 3 more members in car. They all are suffering badly from AMS, vomit and stomach ache is nonstop. They stopped here to take some medical help from army. About road he showed us some video of bad road condition, watercrossing etc and said not to go on Leh Manali Highway. Later he said, health situation was so worse that they had to even cancel their plan for Khardung la and Pangong.
After this short intro of road ahead, frankly all of us were worried. We ate some momose and bread omelette along with coffee. We wished him luck and guided him complete route till Srinagar. After payment silently every one came out and went for parking. We had some discussion in parking. Group members were worried a little.
With a little worry we started again. Soon we were at Heniskot and after that climb started yet again for another mighty pass.
Moving ahead I saw one Ladkhi home.
After few kms of ride we stopped at somewhere for the members who were left behind:
Soon all showed up:
And some spidersheep:
Landscape photography:
We left after little photography and after riding for about 15 mins. we were at Fotu La by 3.30 pm:
It look like some Ape also made it possible to reach Fotu La and made these graffiti to mark his presence. Pathetic.
View from Fotu La:
It was cold and wind was very strong, we soon left from there. And went ahead for Leh, which was still 125 km ahead.
Down Hill road:
Road ahead:
Enroute pics:
Soon by 3.30 pm we saw the first glimpse of Lamayuru Monastry:
And at same there was also a view point:
Lamayuru Monastry view from the Spot:
All came but Arun was not in sight, we moved ahead and decided to stop for some "Chai Break".
At this place I found mountains very different from other place, there was 5 diff. colour of mountain in single frame:
Landscape was looking very interesting. But the main concern was Arun. 30mins has passed and he was in no sight. Mobile networks was also not there. We were worried about him and group decided that since I can ride fast I was chosen to track him down. But by then he showed up. Actually he was in Lamayuru monastry. We had some chai biscuit and went ahead. Still I was not known of the place and was watching its beauty
Later it was we cme to know that it was Moonland, and it certainly was:
Leh was still 120km ahead, and it was already 4.45pm
And we moved on:
Day 4 Log continue.
Date of Journey : 28th June, 2016
Distance covered: 253 Km.
Map:
After Shambha night, none of us were ready for early morning ride. Our hotel was very next to Anjuman Jamiatul Ulama Islamia School and Morning 4am Azan on loudspeaker was enough to wake us all. But due to last two day continuous ride we were all very tired. Backs were broken, wrist were sore, eyes were red, approx each and every muscle was in pain. With common intention “To hell with morning ride" and we we went for another nap.
By 7.30, we started to leave beds. But Manish bhai was still napping, Arun took the charge and poked him until he woke up.
It was a cold morning, and Suru River was still on full run with lots of noise. I went out to check bikes, and they were cool as always:
And to the right its Anjuman Jamiatul Ulama Islamia School
We made some query regarding Leh road condition with local, and review was good. We were happy that road is good and frankly each one got a bit relax. We came down for quick bike check-up, cleaned our bikes and chain lubes were applied.
While guys went to morning ritual, Surprise no water. We came to know that some main water pipeline got broken somewhere and supply was affected. Everything was paused. It took 1 hour for repair. By the time preparation for the day was resumed it was already 9.30 am. It took another one hour for the boys to complete the all ritual till luggage pack.
Every thing was set to leave, but taking in account of our last day ride when we had missed our breakfast and suffered for the whole day; Manish bhai has already decided that he will not start the ride until breakfast is not served. He was right and we went for the food hunt.
But it was month of Ramzaan and during day time many hotel also doesn't serve food out of respect _ I think.
Many restaurants were closed. We found one "Dehradun Dhaba" in kargil market. With close curtains we had our breakfast of Aaloo Parathe and Bread toast.
After breakfast all of us have taken Diamox tablet for the first time. By 11.30am we were ready to ready to leave:
There are two petrol pumps in Kargil. First is at the entry point from Srinagar side and another on Leh highway. We went for Leh highway. Due to traffic congestion, Kargil police has made many way one route and we went in opposite direction to cross the bridge. Moving on for next 4 km we found petrol station on left side. There are only 3 petrol station on this highway, 2 in Kargil and one after Mulbekh. After refuelling we moved for our destination, but again stopped for this beautiful view of Kargil city:
(Kargil City)
We rolled out and met NH1 once again. Road was same as we heard, smooth tarmac with awesome view:
(Anuj Bhai after kargil city)
In was already noon by now and With this luxurious road, confidence was boosted among us. With a plan to reach kargil by 6 pm we left off.
But the happiness didn't last long enough after some bad patches we thought it will be for small distance and will improve soon but it didn’t and turn out as dirt monster. There was only dirt and pebbles. :
One of the best of Ladakhi people is giving you Hope. During our journey whenever we had asked how long these roads will be? Every time answer was just few more Kms after that Road is good. Same has happened here and even after riding many miles, situation was still same.
We rode nearly 20Km on these bad stretch and like a wish was granted a good tarmac road showed again. So we took a break :
It was looking like lovely road ahead by the side of Wakha River:
And Leh was also not so far now:
We started our ride again. Soon we have to cross our first pass of the day. We crossed Shargole, Mulbekh and Wagoo. After crossing Wagoo climb started with numerous of blind turns. After 6km of climb we were near Namika La
By 01:35 pm we were at Namika La – 12198ft.:
View from Namika La:
After Mulbekh you’ll notice drastic change in Landscape. Till their mountains are green but after that it’s completely barren. After celebrating Namika La we moved on and went ahead. Road was still marvellous and we were rolling fast.
After riding for about an hour, we were at Budhkharbu. There we saw an army cafe and went for it.
We saw a white DL reg. Swift parked toward Srinagar direction. We went into cafe and were welcomed by Army personals. There we met a young guy drinking coffee. After conversation we came to know he was coming from Manali. For general information regarding road ahead we made some query with him. He said they came for adventure but it turned out to be punishment. Out of shock we asked about it, he said there are 3 more members in car. They all are suffering badly from AMS, vomit and stomach ache is nonstop. They stopped here to take some medical help from army. About road he showed us some video of bad road condition, watercrossing etc and said not to go on Leh Manali Highway. Later he said, health situation was so worse that they had to even cancel their plan for Khardung la and Pangong.
After this short intro of road ahead, frankly all of us were worried. We ate some momose and bread omelette along with coffee. We wished him luck and guided him complete route till Srinagar. After payment silently every one came out and went for parking. We had some discussion in parking. Group members were worried a little.
With a little worry we started again. Soon we were at Heniskot and after that climb started yet again for another mighty pass.
Moving ahead I saw one Ladkhi home.
After few kms of ride we stopped at somewhere for the members who were left behind:
Soon all showed up:
And some spidersheep:
Landscape photography:
We left after little photography and after riding for about 15 mins. we were at Fotu La by 3.30 pm:
It look like some Ape also made it possible to reach Fotu La and made these graffiti to mark his presence. Pathetic.
View from Fotu La:
It was cold and wind was very strong, we soon left from there. And went ahead for Leh, which was still 125 km ahead.
Down Hill road:
Road ahead:
Enroute pics:
Soon by 3.30 pm we saw the first glimpse of Lamayuru Monastry:
And at same there was also a view point:
Lamayuru Monastry view from the Spot:
All came but Arun was not in sight, we moved ahead and decided to stop for some "Chai Break".
At this place I found mountains very different from other place, there was 5 diff. colour of mountain in single frame:
Landscape was looking very interesting. But the main concern was Arun. 30mins has passed and he was in no sight. Mobile networks was also not there. We were worried about him and group decided that since I can ride fast I was chosen to track him down. But by then he showed up. Actually he was in Lamayuru monastry. We had some chai biscuit and went ahead. Still I was not known of the place and was watching its beauty
Later it was we cme to know that it was Moonland, and it certainly was:
Leh was still 120km ahead, and it was already 4.45pm
And we moved on:
Day 4 Log continue.
Last edited: