This is our secon day in Nubra and currently we are lodged in Diskit,the largest town of Nubra valley,headquarters to
adminster the entire Nubra valley.Many govt offices sign boards can be seen here.

Today,we are going to explore another less explored place called Agham-Shyoke road.We have to back track on Nubra-Leh road
towards Leh and reach Khalsar.Diversion for Agham is at Khalsar.Agham-Shyok is valley within a valley.We had to asend little only to descend down inside Shyoke river valley and flat river bed of many kilometers welcomes you.

And this road on river bed is virtually traffic less.Only one village Agham is there which has barely 3-4 houses.So it was a very deserted place and we did not meet any vehicle while going towards Agham village.No doubt it was a exciting experience to ride on Agham Shyok road.We reached Agham village,and continue towards Shyok river crossing bridge and found a huge landslide blocking the entire road width.The dust/soil on the road had no tire marks suggesting the absence of any movement for months here on this section.Landslide was very big and did not left any margin for bikes to cross.This Landslide was many kilometers before river bridge on Shyok river.

I decided that we push a bike over the landslide and do a recce to see the possibility of crossing the river few kilometers ahead.Amit's bike was chosen as he had already been on this road in 2012.Circus of lifting bike,pushing it over big boulders started and this circus left all of us panting for breath with our mouth wide open.Our clothes were soiled during this landslide circus but our team work finally paid off and bike was successfully put at other side of landslide.Amit went ahead to see the road condition ahead and Aman and Me stayed back at the landslide site.

Amit came back after half an hour with a news and my heart was broken.He told that river is flowing at very high level with a very fast speed and few days back a Bulldozer was submerged in the water.Even truck could not pass the river leave alone the bikes.All this info was provided by a JCB operator posted at Shyok river bridge.


The prospect of crossing Shyok river lost,we decided to back track towards Khalsar then K top and finally Leh.But before leaving this beautiful deserted anothet world type place,lets make coffee on and spare some time to spent some wonder moments here.

Kya pata fir kab wapas aana ho???

My heart was filled with despair....First Umba La...and now Agham Shyok.....two places I could not see....To make the matter worse,it was constantly snowing and raining and my photography thirst was still not quenched.

While I was relishing the coffee on that river bed and pondering over with a retrospection,I took an oath.....

Next time,September mein Ladakh aaoonga......

With a somber state of mind,heart filled with melancholy,I turned back towards Khalsar and my scooter was zooming towards K-Top.3/4 kilometers before K-Top,we were flagged down.A landslide has obstructed the road.We had to wait here for almost an hour...landslide site was at pretty high altitude very close to K-tOP and staying here due to landslide triggered an agonizing AMS in me and my already despair filled head was now throbbing with a pulsating speed.Next few hours would be going to be very agonizing for me.

An AMS hit body,the legendary 18 thousander mountain pass,broken roads and a scooter without any shock absorbers ,it was surely a swim against current for me.I had to swim against current,reached Leh and found a refuge in my old SDM's guest house.As soon as I reached GH,i saw friend Sumit Sharma(BCMT ID maharaj)welcoming me.He had rented out a room in the same guest house.

I was recovering from severe AMS when Vikas Shokeen &party visited me in the Guest House.It was a wonderful and memorable experience to see so many BCMTians in a tiny room at far flung Leh town.Talikng to so many friends in a light mood lifted my spirit and alleviate AMS and i felt better.Vikas/Meenu,Swati Suman Mishra/Upma and two other friends stayed for sometimes and left for their hotel.

Thanks Vikas,thanks Swati for paying visit and I appreciate your gesture.You made my day.