Re: KTM Duke 200. Bhutan. Solo.

Wooowwww
The pics just left me speechless
Please feed us more..!!!

"Bikers mark their Territory with Burnouts!!!"

Re: KTM Duke 200. Bhutan. Solo.

Wowwww...superb pics bro !!! by looking at the pics I got a feeling that I should take up photography.

Re: KTM Duke 200. Bhutan. Solo.

hi anirban, I am big fan of you. You and parveen(destination unknown) are my inspiration. when I visit on xbhp first time I read your ladakh travelogue that was a beautiful ride. I have some questions for you.... 1. how your bike perform till now?
2. Any problem in bike during your rides?
3. how about maintenance of your bike?
4. tell me about your helmet, how it works for you and from where you purchase it?
5. which saddle bag and tank bag you use?
6. which spare you carry with you during tours?
at last your pics are best in xbhp... thanx a lot to share them..........

Re: KTM Duke 200. Bhutan. Solo.

(Warning: Long Post. Contains images, may take time to load)

II. Wandering Western Bhutan


So. Little recap. Day 04. Reached Paro around 10.30AM. Bath, bowl of maggi, and I'm out to trek Tiger's Nest. I had my Weinbrenner sandals with me, but decided to wear the Orazos. I somehow managed to get 3 fractures on my left toe just 45 days before this ride. Hiking with the Orazos felt safer. Just carried my lid and gloves, didn't know whether I'll be able to keep my things somewhere safe, so didn't carry my riding jacket. Rain gear, tripod, camera and lenses. That's it. Was a stupid decision, because I soon realized that starting point of the trail was 20 minutes away. And I froze to death while riding back. But more on that later. It was time for expedition inside an expedition. Expediception!




The hike started from here. The white dot to the right is the Monastery. I got to the parking lot and was looking around for shops to keep my lid. None. A few elderly Bhutanese men were selling handicrafts by the side of the road. I handed over my lid/gloves to them and started hiking.


Hike through Autumnal Forests by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr

The forest was beautiful. Trails were pretty steep, with no flat sections in between. Steeper than say, Parvati Valley which I had hiked in the summer. I was quite tired from all that riding, so couldn't hike as fast as I would've liked. Also managed to take the shorter and steeper route. Great. Views were awesome though.


Immanence by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr

After probably 1.5-2 hours of hiking, I came to this section of the forest. It was enchanting.



And peaceful.



So reached the view point in about 2.5 hours. The usual photo of the Monastery that you'd see is taken from here. Even I made one, check the teaser shots in the first page for that.

A Life Embossed by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr


But Paro Valley had very interesting light happening over it at that point. Sweet. This was shot from the view point. You'd have to go down from here, and back up again to reach the Monastery. I wasn't sure whether I wanted to do that, considering the aching lower portion of my body. But then I thought what the heck.


Paro Takshang by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr

As seen from the bottom of the steps. Around 800 of them.



There was this waterfall at the bottom. I got excited initially, but then failed to find a convincing frame to set the tripod and get my neutral densitys out, so gave up and went up to the Monastery.

This was shot from the gate of the Monastery. Kind of reminded me of this video game called Desperados which I used to play as a kid. Bad news was, no cameras allowed inside the monastery. I had to sign the list, get myself a locker to put my stuff, wear a jacket (Bhutanese are pretty strict about this stuff, you can't enter wearing a T shirt. Felt good though, it was getting colder with each passing minute) in order to visit the Monastery. So no photos of that.



And then climbed all those stairs back up to this place. A small narrow hut kind of place, where the buddhist offer these. Exhausting! I was looking for water. There was a woman there who offered me tea and puffed rice. Best afternoon tea ever!



And I'm back to the view point. Golden hour was about to begin. The whole valley lit up. I'd someday like to shoot the golden hour from here. Couldn't this time. Soon realized that I was the only one there, sun would go down within the next 45 minutes, I still had a long hike through the forests, and I've forgotten to carry my head torch!




Takshang Trail Forests by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr

That partial light added much more character to this stretch of the forest. Looked very dramatic.


I wanted to stay and shoot this forest for much longer, but I was starting to get worried.

Reached the halfway point. Light show started happening over Tiger's Nest. Like I said, would love to shoot the golden hour from there someday. I met a monk here, who was hiking up to the Monastery. Said he lives in the last tower. So cool. He was the only human being I saw on my way down. He was alone as well, and he was playing music on his phone/radio. So I quickly adopted the idea. I was really getting worried, and Olafur Arnald's 2010 release did calm me down.



Shot the sunset over Paro Valley from the jungle. I was about halfway down at that point. Last 15 minutes or so, I did have a difficult time because of the darkness. The parking lot was now completely empty and had about 6-7 dogs who took an interest in me. I kept talking to them and got to my motorcycle. Those good men had left, and my helmet was now resting on top my bike. Gloves were there, too. I don't think this can ever happen in the plains.

And this was a November evening and I didn't have my riding jacket. So the raincoat was put to good use and I headed off to Paro. It got really really cold because I was trying to ride fast, still wanted to get the last of my blues.



Got back to Paro and pulled this shot.

Evening at Paro by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr



And here's another with car trails. Got back to my hotel after this. Diyas were being lit all around, kids were bursting crackers. Turns out even the Buddhist celebrate Diwali! Had dinner and slept like a baby.


Paro by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr

Day 05. Paro looked like a fairy tale that morning. Got up as early as I could and went outside to explore.


Dzong by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr

The Dzongkhang.


Battling The Years by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr

Found an opening so got down near the river to try some shots. This is one of them. Will upload the rest later, to my Flickr/FB.




The tripod was already out and had time, so I thought why not! My first selfie in the ride. Now as I was making this, an elderly gentleman kept searching for something. An arrow, he told me. So I started searching the bushes with him. But we failed. He said I could go inside this compound, if I wanted to shoot what was happening there.





And I was thoroughly impressed! They looked like Govt. officials, practising archery on a fine Sunday morning. Don't go by the looks, their target was about a football field's length away!




This guy was definitely the coolest.


Bhutanese Archer 1 by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr



They would concentrate for 30-40 seconds before taking a shot.



And would get excited and loud as their arrows touched the bull's eye. And they were hitting their targets, consistently. Like I said, i was impressed!



And there was folk music. And dancers. Quite a Sunday morning, eh!


Bhutanese Folk Dancer 2 by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr

So I started taking some shots of them, too!
















Now that's what I'm talking about! rockn'roll!



The girls soon spotted the camera and started getting shy. So I quickly reviewed my situation. I was kind of causing embarrassment to these Bhutanese women, while their men were nearby with bows and arrows in hand. Time to get out. Quickly.



And I'm back riding again after a quick brunch, bath and checking out of the hotel.



The countryside was beautiful. Roads were pretty good. I was headed up to chele la, highest motorable pass of Bhutan.



The landscape was changing fast, as I ascended through the twisties.



I felt bad about taking a selfie without riding gear, so took this shot. Camera was on a culvert. Take a good hard look, because there's only one more selfie to post in this whole trip log. I'm too lazy for selfies. They are too much work. Set tripod, set camera, set timer, walk back, pose etc etc etc. Time consuming.



And soon I was riding through the pine forests. And it kept getting colder.

Wandering the Autumnal Forests by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr


And it was Autumn.



And it looked and felt amazing. Roads weren't exactly smooth, but I wasn't complaining.

And this was soon conquered!



Enroute to Haa Valley by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr

This was the other side of the pass. Yaks grazing around.


Chele La by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr



Autumnal Western Bhutan by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr





Haa Valley. Now I didn't have a permit for Haa. Permits for Haa are not issued from Phuntsheling. But the checkpost wasn't till the town. So I could ride. There's another route which goes from Haa to Chuzom, which I had though I'd ride. But the local drivers at Paro insisted that I take the Chele La route, as the other one is in a bad condition. All that shooting in the morning meant I was running late, so I decided to go back via the same route. And I kind of wanted to ride through that forest again.



En Route Haa by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr



Haa Valley views.


Above by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr

Snow capped peaks all around.



So the milestone here read Haa - 7kms. I turned back from there. It was already afternoon, and I was planning to get to Thimpu. So I kept canonballing. And screeched to a halt near chele la top. A group of 20-25 yaks blocking my way. There's a mountain to my left, a drop off to my right and a big male yak looking at a orange motorcycle without moving it's eyes, backed by its herd. Winner of nerve wracking minute of the day right there! I slowly turned back to a safe distance. Waited a good 10 minutes for a car to arrive. Then asked the driver if I could tail him. He said yes.



Paro town from Chele La top.


Autumnal Contrasts by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr

Missed shooting macro for a moment there.


Wandering Western Bhutan by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr

And I kept on canonballing, trying to cover as much distance as I possibly can before sunset. Ride through the afternoon was a bit difficult. Chele la forest now had no sunlight seeping in. Riding in November at that altitude meant a very chilly ride. Ishifted to cramster tundras after making the shot above, still had to stop a number of times and touch the engine for some comfort. Heated grips seemed like a nice idea then.


Yellow Teeth by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr


Back to good tarmac from broken tarmac after an hour. Cold was now manageable, with the massive drop in altitude.




This forest was really beautiful.


Valley Sunet by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr

This was the day's sunset.


I kept riding. Light was finally gone near Bodney, which is 7kms from Paro. So geared up for the night ride. Cold was the only real issue though, roads were pretty fantastic. Had some snacks, and started riding towards Thimpu.


Thimpu at last by Anirban Banerjee Photography, on Flickr

And reached Thimpu within a couple of hours, after an amazing night ride through the twisties. Finally!



Thanks for looking.


Next Up: In Thimpu!

Re: KTM Duke 200. Bhutan. Solo.

It is such a delight to see your update - made my day, honestly man! Looking forward to Thimpu.

Re: KTM Duke 200. Bhutan. Solo.

Good going buddy........ Nice pictures there. Waiting for the rest.

Re: KTM Duke 200. Bhutan. Solo.

awesome pics
waiting for the rest

Re: KTM Duke 200. Bhutan. Solo.

Keep it coming dada, I'm speechless ..
Super awesome Photographs ..

Re: KTM Duke 200. Bhutan. Solo.

Thank you so much, chaosaddict!
Glad you like, Sandeep!
Thanks Ramprasad
Thanks. Trying to upload the next set as soon as possible.

Re: KTM Duke 200. Bhutan. Solo.

Really stunning Log Anirban. Kudos

Re: KTM Duke 200. Bhutan. Solo.

Stunning captures,Loved the HDR's you have created.Very very neat and sharp photographs

Cheers
Biru

Re: KTM Duke 200. Bhutan. Solo.

I'm glad you liked them Jitu, thanks

Thanks moses.thella. I'm humbled. I hope you actually do!

Thanks a bunch for your kind words, Jassi! Let me answer your question. 1. It has been performing flawlessly 2. Nothing apart from the usual punctures. But I do carry a whole lot of spares and tools. 3. Regularly serviced at KTM service. 4.SOL SL68 S-II, got it from Chennai 5. Cramster colt, no tank bags 6. Whole lot of spares, too long to list here. Plugs cables fuses levers et al and even a couple of sensors. haha.
Thanks, Phanikar!
Thank you, Biru bhiaya. Glad you like them. Have always loved going through your logs, very inspiring.

Re: KTM Duke 200. Bhutan. Solo.

A long & brave ride for sure!!!!

Re: KTM Duke 200. Bhutan. Solo.

Brilliant pictures man, I'm at a loss for words.. Especially the last post, spellbound..
I wish I could click half as good when I got Leh'd.. Eagerly waiting for the next post..

Re: KTM Duke 200. Bhutan. Solo.

Superb, mesmerising, brilliant photography. I myself do some photography, so I am a little bit aware of the patience and knowledge required to take those fantabulous shots. I think I am falling short of words for praising the pictures. They themselves depict a story. You are great the way you captured all. Superb composition and I like the one, shot at Paro from he river bed with the river, the most. Also the trail ones are to good too !!! Hope I can learn something from your shots and do some real good worthful photography.

I do have some small queries though:

1. Why you took the Burdwan-Suri-Dumka-Dalkhola route instead of Burdwan-Rampurhat-Farakka-Dalkhola/Krishnanagar-Berhampore-Farakka-Dalkhola routes?
2. What prime lenses you used for this trip?