Helmets OFF to u and ur Skills Man

Part III : In Leh

I spent a couple of days in Leh. Got the permits done on day 1, and sightseeing the next day. In my opinion, Leh is one of the top 3 most beautiful cities of India. But all that offroading and grand views of ladakh made me a lazy bum and I was not enthusiastic about shooting sincerely, especially in respect of street/portraits. I even rode to Thiksay Monastery and came back without going inside because I didn't want to accentuate the fatigue. Well, next time.

Stayed in Chospa Hotel(Old Road), for 1000/- a night. Nice room. Good veg food. Excellent parking facility, there is a courtyard inside the hotel where only bikes can be parked.

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On day 1, I wanted to get the permits done asap, so went to DC's office at 10am sharp. It was a weekday, still I was told to come back at 2pm. So got the bike washed for Rs. 150 (was charged 100 next time). The washing facility is near Hotel Green(?) Dragon, on old road, close to the airport road crossing petrol pump.

My KTM getting a bath.

I returned to the DC's office post lunch. For anyone who is headed to leh, spot the national flag in the above pic(near the trees, to the left). That is DC's office. Also, one only needs attach a copy of photo ID to obtain permits, bikers or otherwise, provided he/she is an Indian citizen. NOTHING ELSE. But you do have to fill out a form, write an application addressing the DC, and get the same signed by him. I waited till 4.30pm, after which the officer arrived at his office and signed my form.

Spent some time playing with this fella, inside the office boundary.

200 Duke in the streets of Leh (near DC's office) post wash!

These dudes were practicing free kicks on the ground. And this was the day after Euro 2012 Semifinals. So clicked a picture.

Entering Leh Palace.

Superb view from the top.

Boxy! Go ahead and download a bigger resolution to zoom in, should be enjoyed in detail : https://dl.dropbox.com/u/34836513/DS...tonemapped.jpg

The roof of Leh Palace.

I tend to go batshit crazy with joy when I see cool cloud formations. Fortunately, this was such a day.

A guy enjoying the scene alone, much like me.

Ladakh mountain range rising behind the palace to the north.

Present view of the city from the palace. Wondered how it might have been in the 17th century.

Modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

I also got the RVM welded and headed to Thiksay. Met this Xylo driver from Ludhiana there who warned me about the Manali route. He also wanted to know the road situation of "Pong Lake" . I didn't know either.


These two siblings were playing near the Monastery. Reminded me of my elder sister.

Mars Bars: Gives you a nice energy boost after crossing a difficult section, and a great conversation starter with kids.

Only picture of Thiksay that I clicked.

And the next was Shanti Stupa, post sunset. It was a bit crowded though, had to wait for quite a while to get a shot without tourists filling the frame.

The cold light view of Indus Valley and the City from Shanti Stupa, after sunset. Now It was quite warm throughout the day and I was not carrying sufficient warm cloths. Dusk grew colder. Result, I almost froze from windchill while riding back to my hotel at night.

The only picture of Leh Market that I have. Vegetables to cyber cafes, everything is there. Here a Ladakhi guy(probably) asked me "bike bechna hay kya?" I laughed and replied. He was disappointed. Tried to convince me to do the same. Lots of bikers in Leh, local or tourer. You are bound to hear the thump of Bulls each and every minute, without fail. Felt nice. Afterall, my first proper motorcycle was a '79 standard 350.


Last picture of the urban mess of Leh. The building to the left has the SBI ATM. Nice rooftop hotels all around. All serve lager and steak which I enjoyed by myself before heading out the next morning.


Next Part: http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/tourer/2...tml#post854091

dude

you have the most amazing pics!! the best photoshoot of a travelogue i've seen in xBhp!! totally love the HDR effects.

and slightly off topic, what lens have you used to capture such wide angles??

Mouthwatering pics...

You really got us Leh'D!!!!!!!

was waiting for someone to conquer Leh on the Duke and you sir did it super stuff , hats off!

Sharing with you guys a link of one of the Dukes picture which was featured on their official facebook page "KTM - Ready to Race India"
P.S - the picture was taken from another photo sharing website and I was unaware till it got viral
Wall Photos | Facebook
do have look guys
ride safe

Classic ... Awesome... Super Stuff...

Hats Off !!!

Posted. Hoping to finish the logs within a week or so!
It's SOL SL-68S II. I had posted a short review in the Helmets thread when I got it. I use it mainly for touring. I also have a customized matt black Vega for city usage, attached a pic of it, clicked with phone-cam.
Hi dude! Nice to see you here! How was your trip?
Thanks a bunch for the kind words, mate.
Uploaded the same pic in high resolution for you. Download, enjoy.


Thank you Sirji! I've been using photobucket. Wait, I'll PM you a link to my FB album!
Done
Thanks

Thanks a lot. 18mm. I wish I had something wider

Thanks a lot, guys.

How the hell you managed to click such b-e-a-u-tiful pics....!!!? I envy your photography skills...

This, no doubt, is the best set of pictures I have seen of Leh.
Awesome!!

Also, if you have no problem, would you mind sharing the High-Res version of this : http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...image005-5.jpg

Thanks a lot guys. Here you go: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/34836513/DS...tonemapped.jpg

Thanks a lot buddy

When is the next lot coming BTW ?

I Loved the helmet BTW

Brilliant

am planning to ride delhi to jammu - kargil - leh - numbra - leh - pang lake - manali - delhi .. on my duke ..
can anyone tell me hows the road condition