"Mecca of Motorbiking" "Bikers paradise" are some of the superlatives associated with the roadtrip of LEH. Youth Hostel Association of India (YHAI) had organized motorbiking expedition in Aug-Sep 2009 for celebrating their 100 years of foundation. Itinerary covered Delhi-Chandigarh-Manali-Leh-Kargil-Srinagar-Jammu-Delhi in 17 days and total of 2200 km.
110 bikers few novice, some veterans coming from different works of life were on their way to experience the adventure. Members included 2 female riders, and people from age group of 18 - 55 years. They came from all parts of the country to truly make it an National motorbiking expedition.
This trip is sort of a graduation in motorbiking. And when you complete it, you can proudly say that you are a biker. You need to stick to the schedule, carry your luggage, ride long hours, manage breakdowns, camp in tents, service the bike, rest, get ready for another day. It is also a spiritual experience where you have loads of time for yourself. My fellow rider quoted "I find peace not at the temple but when I am with my bike".
We received great welcome at all places we traveled. We made headlines in the local newspapers. Few memorable experiences were to reach Khardung-la, worlds highest motorable road, help from Army's Border Road organisation when got a flat tyre, erecting tents, riding the 40 km moore plains, sunset on kargil hills, boating in Dal lake, the kashmiri wazwan food.
My toughest ride
It was from Leh to Kargil, We started by 8 am and drove past the famous magnetic hill. Expecting it to be a perfect day for biking as the weather was clear and sun shinning. But in the mountains the weather changes drastically and it soon started raining. Its freezing cold rain and even of 3 layers of clothing didn't help prevent the chill getting to our body. Soon the visibility got worse as we went higher and we could barely see 20 meters ahead. The rain made the road into a mud track and now our bike were skidding and getting stuck in mudpools. It was both exciting and fearsome experience. With the weather showing no signs of improvement we wanted to cross the mountain stretch faster but the road condition didnt help. This ride made me think "Why I am doing this?". And there infront was the most beautiful sunset. A silver-lining, sun rays falling on the snow-clad peaks of Kargil hills. It was a magestic view and answered my question.
I was riding for 12 hours with short breaks for food, water and mandatory halt for warming the fingers which were on verge of frost-bite. We reached at 8 PM changed to dry clothes, had our hot dinner. And with a announcement to start next day at 3 AM I was speeding to my bed.
Traveling in car is no substitute for a bike but I will recommend that if you want to experience the heaven on earth go to Leh and make sure you scroll the car window down and let it hit you. And with the recent calamity in Leh I would request you to help them not by money but by tourism.
This was my second trip to Leh and certainly not the last !!!
