Day 0: The Adventure Awaits

The morning began with my beloved Bullet demanding attention- both its tyres were worn down to baldness. A hurried trip to the CEAT Tyres showroom saw it fitted with the sturdy CEAT Secura F67 upfront and the dependable CEAT Milaze at the rear. A quick spin through Dehradun’s snaking roads reassured me of their grip. Ready and excited, I anticipated the challenges the rugged Himalayan terrains would present. Tomorrow, with an enthusiastic subscriber at my side, we set off for Yamunotri.

Day 1: A Cold Dehradun Morning Beckons

The clock struck 6:30 am, and Dehradun greeted us with a shiver in the air. It was the beginning of an adventurous ride to Yamunotri, the first leg of a four-day odyssey, and I was thrilled to embark on this journey alongside my loyal steed and the exceptional CEAT tyres.

Our destination for the day: Janki Chatti, 175 kilometres from Dehradun. The route traversed through a mesmerizing landscape: Dehradun, Selaqui, Nainbagh, Naugaon, Barkot, Syana Chatti, and finally Janki Chatti, the gateway to Yamunotri.

Beyond Selaqui, the true essence of the mountains unfurled before our eyes. A brief stop at a roadside dhaba offered a glimpse of joyous Char Dham Pilgrims who had travelled from Nepal. Their radiant smiles and warm greetings added a delightful chapter to our journey.

As we continued our ride, the Himalayan scenery became increasingly breathtaking, with numerous waterfalls, meandering roads, and charming hamlets nestled in the embrace of the mighty mountains.

With every twist and turn, the altitude soared, and the temperature plummeted. Despite well-paved roads, unexpected potholes and water crossings kept us on our toes. As the clock neared 3:00 pm, we arrived at Barkot, one of the most densely populated towns in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. A satisfying lunch break unfolded at the outskirts of Barkot, and we uncovered the tale of “Bandarpoonch,” a prominent mountain range. Its history harked back to a famous incident from the Mahabharata when Bheem Sen had a remarkable encounter with Lord Hanuman.

Approximately 340 kilometres from Barkot, we reached a checkpoint, where our registration for the Char Dham Yatra was requested, an oversight that momentarily dampened our spirits. However, a swift resolution was found at a nearby counter, requiring only our Aadhar cards.

Soon, we arrived at the picturesque Paligar village, just 25 kilometres from Janki Chatti. The serene ambience, coupled with the earthy aroma carried by the breeze, was a sensory delight. We decided to slow down our pace to savour every moment this charming village had to offer. The golden hues of the setting sun at 5:30 pm marked the day’s end, but it also unveiled a sudden surge in the crowd and traffic on the route to Janki Chatti. This unexpected hustle led us to reconsider our plan, and 15 kilometres shy of Janki Chatti, we decided to halt at Syana Chatti. 

After indulging in a delectable dinner featuring “roti sabzi” and “dal rice,” with the highlight being the “roti” prepared on a traditional “desi chulha,” we ventured out for a post-dinner walk before surrendering to the embrace of our beds, securing a well-deserved eight hours of sound sleep.

Day 2: Trekking to Yamunotri and Beyond

Our morning in Syana Chatti commenced with a steaming cup of tea at a nearby dhaba. The day’s agenda included a 15-kilometer ride to Janki Chatti, followed by a challenging 10-kilometer trek to the sacred Yamunotri temple. The endeavour proved to be taxing but profoundly rewarding. We retraced our steps to Syana Chatti, concluding the trek at 3:00 pm, a reminder that a day without riding was seldom an option.

Resisting the urge to rest, we pushed forward towards our next destination- Tehri. A ride spanning 170 kilometres lay ahead, with the backdrop of Uttarakhand’s mesmerizing landscapes. Our departure from Syana Chatti at 5:00 pm was accompanied by the realization that reaching our intended destination was improbable. It was a departure from my usual riding schedule; I avoided riding after 8:00 pm. However, the evening sun, the chill in the air, and the stunning landscapes we encountered constantly beckoned us to pause and capture their beauty.

We found ourselves stopping every few kilometres to absorb the enchanting views. As we lost track of time and daylight began to fade, it suddenly became apparent that it was already 7:00 pm, and darkness was swiftly closing in. The urgency to find a place to stay grew, and our journey took us through small villages and dense forests, eventually leading us to DandelGaon. Here, a roadside hotel offered us respite, and we indulged in hearty “aloo parathas” cooked in “desi ghee,” followed by a comforting glass of warm turmeric milk.

Day 3: Chamba Awaits

The day dawned, and we embarked on the road once more, well-rested and eager for the journey ahead. Our route took us to Chamba, a mere 15 kilometres from Tehri Dam. A delightful surprise awaited us when my subscriber, Ankit, extended a warm invitation to stay at his home. Nestled within the embrace of the mighty Himalayas, Ankit’s residence was a haven for travellers.

Our priority for the day was to find a petrol pump and replenish our machines. Riding approximately 25 kilometres, we encountered the village of Radi, a significant spot housing the revered Baba Baukhnath temple, a lord of this valley. A pit stop here offered us an opportunity to relish a sumptuous breakfast, with butter-infused “aloo parathas” as the preferred choice. The absence of butter led to an interesting twist as we opted for a “mustard oil” version, which, surprisingly, was equally delightful.

Our journey unfolded at a leisurely pace, allowing us to savour every nuance of nature’s grandeur. Along the way, we stumbled upon a natural waterfall hidden amidst the rocks, accessible through a clever “jugaad” with a pipe. Our next notable milestone was the renowned “Dharasu Bent,” a place where the road branched, leading to Uttarkashi and Chamba. This stretch presented a unique vista where the road ran parallel to the mountains. Quaint “pahadi homes” that previously seemed unreachable were now within walking distance.

Our interactions along the way were enlightening, such as when we encountered two dedicated bicycle riders journeying from Rishikesh to Gangotri. We exchanged stories, introduced them to the concept of xBhp, and how it embraced riders irrespective of their chosen steed. With well-wishes exchanged, we continued to Chamba, where the village of Badshahi Thoul, steeped in history and legends, awaited. An evening meal of “Matar Paneer” and “roti” culminated the day.

Day 4: The Home Stretch

Our final day in the land of the gods commenced with a “kadak chai” and an assortment of dry fruits, generously offered by Ankit’s mother. With a 7:00 am start, we began our ride to Tehri Lake, a mere 15 kilometres away. A thin layer of mist, combined with the intoxicating aroma from the pine trees, rendered this morning ride unforgettable. Upon our arrival at Tehri Lake, we were struck by its vastness. This man-made marvel, the largest of its kind in the world, cradled the mighty Bhagirathi river.

The peaks surrounding the lake were shrouded in mist, adding to its allure. Our exploration then took us to the grand Tehri Dam, India’s tallest and the world’s twelfth highest. While photography was off-limits, the sheer might of this massive structure was overwhelming.

Only 2 kilometres from the dam, the village of Tipri revealed another gem. A ropeway connected it with the village on the opposite bank, Madan Negi. This innovative transportation solution, traversing the lake and offering an unobstructed view of the dam, primarily catered to the villagers, but tourists were welcomed for a nominal fee. During our journey, we discovered the lake’s intriguing history; an entire town, Old Tehri, was submerged in the late ’90s for dam construction, displacing its inhabitants to Rishikesh and New Tehri Town.

This day was not just about exploring; it was also a time for farewells. Returning to Chamba, we bid our goodbyes to Ankit, and I steered my trusted steed towards Dehradun. An initial route through Chamba-Devprayag-Rishikesh was adjusted due to a reported landslide, and I opted for Chamba-Dhanaulti-Dehradun instead. This change in plans introduced us to the breathtaking hill station of Kanatal. 

Conclusion: A Ride to Remember

After traversing 600 kilometres across hidden valleys, braving water crossings, navigating muddy trails, and soaking in magnificent landscapes, our epic journey reached its conclusion in Dehradun. The reliability and performance of the CEAT Secura F67 and CEAT Milaze tyres played a significant role in making this ride seamless. A heartfelt shoutout to CEAT Tyres India and xBhp for facilitating this memorable expedition.

Tyre Review: 

On all our roadtrips, we expect smooth sailing throughout but what makes a journey epic is the unpredictability. While it is a welcome addition, one must also be prepared for whatever the road might offer. Having a good pair of tyres is one of the most important aspects of being prepared. My Bullet had seen a lot of miles and the tyres were all but done for. So when the time came to replace them before the commencement of this journey, I went with CEAT Tyres; Secura F67 upfront and Milaze at the rear. After more than 600 km, I cannot be happier with the choice. I encountered almost everything on this trip; from tarmac to a complete lack of it. Yet, the tyres performed flawlessly. The dry grip is worthy of praise but it is the wet grip that impressed me the most. The tread design mitigates aquaplaning to provide the rider with the confidence to deal with all eventualities. Even in the patches where the tarmac was sparse, the tyres never missed a beat and I could focus on just riding and enjoying putting all of my faith in the tyres. Needless to say, my faith was rewarded with a thrilling experience that enabled me to recommend these tyres wholeheartedly.