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Re: Ride To KISS
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Re: Ride To KISS
Awesome ...
A Biker who .. race the rain, ride the wind & chases the sunset ...Comment
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Re: Ride To KISS
Originally posted by Rituraj_singh View Post
Thank You [MENTION=62667]Rituraj_singh[/MENTION] jiComment
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Re: Ride To KISS
6.9.2019
Day 4
Dalhousie to Bhaderwah
Total 169 kms
Today I was ready to ride at 6.45AM. My target was to reach Bhaderwah before sunset. The condition of road was also not known to me. I informed my family that my mobile will not work as soon as I enter Jammu & Kashmir due to Government restrictions after Article 370 matter. There was no internet also. I told them I will contact them from local phone/mobile after reaching Bhaderwah. I had prepaid BSNL with me, which does not work in J&K.
I crossed Banikhet and took first break at 7.30 AM.
After that it started to drizzle at bit, but I continued riding. I stopped at a road side eatery for breakfast.
A lady runs this eatery and I had Alu Paratha with Dahi there.
I rode further ahead to reach Chamera Lake.
It was 8.40 AM but there were lots of cloud there.
Previously vehicles were not allowed on dam and one had to take 6 kms long route to cross the Chamera dam. But now vehicles are allowed on dam.
The Chamera Dam impounds the River Ravi and it is a hydroelectricity project.
The dam was above clouds. And view was breathtaking due to clouds below dam.
But the water of Ravi River was not clear before dam. There were lots of wood etc floating there.
Due to morning time and lots of clouds around, view was very nice.
I stop again to click this beautiful view.
There was a diversion due to landslide. And then I crossed dam. I stopped to get view of river below and above. There was a tunnel just after crossing Chamera Dam. I would have come via tunnel if vehicles were not allowed on dam. But just to feel the tunnel I entered in.
And then came out after clicking pictures.
I reached Koti Bridge at around 9.55 AM. , But did not cross it. It stead rode ahead towards Salooni.
I did to cross the bridge and went riding ahead towards Salooni. With lots of clouds, River Ravi was looking nice.
And then ascend started.
I stopped again at 10.45 AM to enjoy the natural beauty.
I was now much up on hill than River Ravi and the view below was great.
Lush green mountains below with clouds and River Ravi on far was looking astonishing.
Just around Salooni, there were lots of Apple Gardens. I felt happy to see lots of apples on trees near road. At around 11.20 AM, I stopping near one apple garden.
Workers were waiting on road after plucking apples.
They were pouring plucked apples to sort them size wise.
Video
Since I was looking at them and clicking pictures, they gave me 4-5 apples as gift. They asked me about my ride and my plans. They told me that road ahead will not be good.
I stopped again to click this picture at 12.10pm.
There was a school below and lots of children were playing there.
After that bad road started which continued till Padri Pass. I think at least 20-25 kms road is very bad here.
Again I stopped at 1.25 PM for clicking pictures.
This patch was total off road and I could ride only at a speed of 20-30 kmph. There were very few vehicles on that road.
There was a check post and they asked for my RC book and other identity papers. They entered my and bike’s details in register. Perhaps I was nearing Jammu & Kashmir.
Suddenly good road started and I was at Padri Pass at 1.40 PM.
It was tar road now onward and lots of lush green hills around.
Padri Pass was my second mountain pass of this ride and it was at 10400 feet.
Cows and buffaloes were grazing on green hills nearby and it was a pleasant site.
I reached near some dhabas near top.
The enchanting Padri Pass or Padri Galli or Padri Top which connects Chamba in Himachal Pradesh with Bhaderwah in the Jammu Division of Jammu and Kashmir at around 10400 feet.
Padri Pass is the highest point of the Chamba Bhaderwah Highway.
This is view towards Bhaderwah from Padri Pass.
I climbed the mountain of Padri Pass to get better views around.
Also clicked few pictures of mine at Padri Pass for memories.
I was admiring the views around and clicking pictures.
This road goes towards Bhaderwah. Can you spot my bike?
My bike can be seen just near my right shoulder.
And one short video on Padri Top.
Video
It was 2.15 PM then, I was feeling hungry. I went to dhabas there but lunch was not available there. They only had fried food and magi. I also asked how tourist will come to know that this place is PADRI PASS? There is nothing mentioned here and there are no sing boards. They showed me this and told that find word PADRI on that sign board.
I decided to have apples gifted to me at Salooni and some biscuits for lunch.
I clicked some more pictures there.
There were a group of local families there at dhaba. I borrowed Himachali Cap and clicked a selfie.
At around 2.40 pm, I started riding on descend towards Bhaderwah.
I must mention that my Moto X4 mobile had dual camera for wide angle and it captures DSLR like pictures in HDR mode.
See above two pictures, second one is from mobile.
At around 3.30PM, I was nearing Bhaderwah and this is how Padri top looks from there.
I had list of hotels for stay at Bhaderwah with me. I visited 2-3 and decided to stay at Hotel Ashapati View. This hotel had good parking, Veg food and good views also. It is just opposite of new bus stand. I paid Rs.500 as room rent.
After uploading my luggage, at 5 pm I went to see famous places inside Bhaderwah. First I visited Gupt Ganga.
This is Gupt Ganga Temple of Bhaderwah.
And this is water stream looks from Gupt Ganga.
Inside temple I saw this information.
There is a story about Pandavas coming here and staying here. There is a pugmark of Bheem inside a cave of Temple.
ShivaLinga of Lord Shiva is there. I prayed for my family and offered water.
This was inside another cave.
Water that comes from this Temple’s cave is called Gupt Ganga and that mixes with water stream.
Another view of Gupt Ganga Temple.
Next, I visited Vasuki Nag Temple near Main Market and old bus stand.
This is very old temple also.
Lastly I visited Chandi Mata Temple.
This temple is on a hill and can be seen from every place of Bhaderwah.
Temple has rooms for stay also. But due to restrictions after Article 370, nobody was allowed to stay as temporary measure.
There were lots of Army personnel inside town and at every important place of Bhaderwah, including Chandi Mata Temple, Vasuki Nag Temple and Gupt Ganga.
I had to identify myself before Army man at many places.
After that I came back to Hotel Ashapati View and washed my bike. This hotel is run by a family who stayed behind hotel. Entire family is very helpful and cooperative. I talked to owner and his son about my ride and general situation there after removal of Article 370. I also used their phone to talk with my family.
This was my dinner.
This was my map for the Day.
Coming up …NEXT …. Bhaderwah to Kishtwar via Chinta Valley, Jai Valley, Doda pul, & Evening at Kishtwar Ground.
Click HERE for next update.Last edited by sajalsheth; 04-09-2021, 10:49 PM.Comment
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Re: Ride To KISS
Very inspirational. Amazing trip report sir, can't wait to read upcoming parts!
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Re: Ride To KISS
Thank you for this appreciation @ashwanth.r jiOriginally posted by ashwanth.r View Post
next update after the page changesComment
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Re: Ride To KISS
*** PAGE BREAK ****
(waiting for page to change as there are lots of pictures in next update)Comment
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Re: Ride To KISS
Amazing travelogue...waiting for next update eagerly...Regards,
Rajiv BhandariComment
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Re: Ride To KISS
Originally posted by rajivgb View Post
Thank you [MENTION=97199]rajivgb[/MENTION] ji ... next update as soon as the page changesComment
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Ride To KISS : Dt . 7.9.2019 : DAY 6 :: Bhaderwah to Kishtwar :
7.9.2019
Day 5
Bhaderwah to Kishtwar
Total 151 Kms
Ride time 8.45 AM to 4 PM
Today my plan was to visit Jai Valley and then ride to Kishtwar. It was a short ride and hence I was not in hurry to start early.
The backyard of Hotel Ashapati View had lots of Apple Trees. Owner was kind enough to allow me to pluck fresh apples from trees.
There were lots of apples fallen from trees and damaging. I learned that apples are sold at Rs.20 a kg at Bhaderwah.
I washed my bike and loaded luggage.
I also clicked picture with owner of hotel and his son for memory.
I had breakfast of crispy alu paratha there. It was made by owner’s wife, specially for me.
I started for Jai Valleyat 8.45 AM. There was some hill road and from there I could get good view of Bhaderwah Town.
There was a view point for tourist also.
Riding ahead, the road was single lane but there were lots of pine trees.
At around 9.30 am, I entered Chinta Valley.
This was view of Chinta Valley.
At 10.15 AM, I reachedJai Valley.
Jai Valley, the Everlasting Green Valley lies on the North East of Bhaderwah town about 32 Kms. away connected to the town by beautiful Bhaderwah-Jai Link Road
It was a tourist spot, but I could found only grazing horses.
There was a sign board of Jai Valley/ Ghati also.
It was a green valley with 3-4 houses.
Jai Valley is a beautiful place with water stream and lots of greenery.
Due to disturbances and restrictions in J&K, there were NO tourists at Jai Valley at that time.
Valley was looking like a movie set with mountains, temple & few houses.
Jai Valley is a picturesque valley, located at a distance of 32 kilometers from Bhaderwah
The valley is divided into two by the Jai Nallah.
The valley is surrounded by coniferous forests on all sides.
Here are some pictures near Jai Nallah Bridge…
There was a tourist restaurant, but it was closed.
The sprawling green meadows are a breathtaking sight.
There were well designed Igloo Huts also.
At 11 am, I started for Doda. On the way I saw many apple trees and flowers near Chinta Valley.
At 11.50 am, I reached near Monda, where I was on state highway of Bhaderwah to Doda. There was very good road now onward till Kishtwar.
At 12.30 pm I reached Doda. This was famous Pul Doda.
River Chenab is flowing here with full flow.
I was told at Bhaderwah that Chenab View Hotel & Family Restaurant at Pul Doda serves good food. They have rooms for stay also for Rs.500. It is recommended to stay here instead of Doda as you get good view of Chenab River.
I used mobile of Kitchen staff to call my family and give my whereabouts.
This was my lunch at Chenab View Hotel.
I started for Kishtwar at 1.30 PM. The road was very good with River Chenab on my left side.
I took a break at 1.50PM and Kishtwar was another 44 kms ahead.
River Chenab was flowing on my left with lots of pleasant sound.
Riding further ahead I came across this section.
I could not understand this road sign.
Can anyone reply what this sign is for?
I stopped again at 2.20 PM to enjoy this beautiful stretch of road.
I must say that Doda Kishtwar road is very scenic with mountains and good views of Chenab River.
There were houses on opposite site of road also. People must be crossing River Chenab somewhere to reach other side.
I stopped again at 2.40pm. There was a big waterfall on other side.
View of road ahead of me.
View of road behind me.
After riding ahead, I saw a hanging bridge on River Chenab.
People staying uphill must be using this. I met two villagers from that upside village. They told me that it will take two hours to reach there from main road. Mountain people take so much trouble, just to reach their home.
I reached Kishtwar at 4PM. I checked in at Hotel Snow Valleyfor Rs.500 rent. All room here have small balcony.
I unloaded my luggage at room. I was happy to get a pure veg hotel.
Here also the owner was very nice and helpful. I used his mobile to inform my family about my stay at Kishtwar. I talked with owner to get idea of town and places of interest there. I also got idea about SINTHAN PASS TOP and its road condition from him.
At 4.30PM, I went to Kishtwar Chowgan Ground.
It is a relaxing place for residents of Kishtwar.
Surrounded by hills, it’s a lush green ground.
Not only people of town, but horses, donkeys and cows were present there.
After that I visited Gouri Shankar Temple of Kishtwar. Army was present at both Temple Gate & Chowgan Ground gates to verify my identity.
This is recently renovated temple with beautiful statues of Gods.
Then I top up my petrol and again came back to Kishtwar Chowgan Ground to relax. There was no internet working for ongoing restrictions for Article 370. So many people were on present at ground to enjoy evening, including me.
This time I went to other side of ground. I enjoyed sun, grazing animals and scenic view with fresh cool air.
A dog was also relaxing nearby.
I went near bus stand area to see the town. I found a boy making tasty snacks. This was snacks cum dinner as I had two plates of Chole Alu Tikia.
I went to sleep early as next day I wanted to start early.
This was ride map for the day.
Coming up….. next…. Sinthan PassTop and an unlucky mishap.
Click HERE for next update.Last edited by sajalsheth; 04-09-2021, 10:55 PM.Comment
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Re: Ride To KISS
The roadsign you mentioned is "Built Up Area Sign."
Reference website is http://shitalsigns.com/cautionary_signs.htmlRegards,
Rajiv BhandariComment
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Re: Ride To KISS
Was inactive for few months due to "reasons". First thing that i saw after i logged on the website and was browsing through the 'The Tourer' forum and i see a thread titled RIDE TO KISS..and that was posted by Sajal Uncle!!!!! There are no words to describe your adventurous soul sir...keep them coming!!!!
After missing the paradeep ride with xBhp Bhubaneswar, looking forward for an opportunity to with ride with you sir...Comment
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Re: Ride To KISS
Thank You [MENTION=97199]rajivgb[/MENTION] ji for this.Originally posted by rajivgb View Post
The website is very helpful.
----consecutive posts auto-merged-----
Thank you so much [MENTION=97526]Anuvav Routray[/MENTION] , these words means a lot.Originally posted by Anuvav Routray View Post
[MENTION=81032]xBhp[/MENTION] Bhubaneswar will ride to Mahendra Giri next.... on 25-26 January,2020.
Event will be created soon.
I also look forward to ride with youComment
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Re: Ride To KISS
8.9.2019
Day 6
Kishtwar - Sinthan Top/Pass
Total 168 Kms
Ride time 6 AM to 4 PM.
I got up early and was exited to ride to Sinthan Top/Pass. But I was not aware that a mishap is going to happen today during ride.
I wanted to reach Sinthan Top as early as possible. I was ready to ride at 6 AM. I had taken one backpack only to carry two water bottles, two apples and few snacks. I was told by my hotel owner to carry bike papers and id card with me. These will be checked by Army post on way.
I passed by Bindrabal Temple after riding on descend.
Then I crossed Bridge on Chenab River.
Riding ahead I came across an army check post, where my details were noted and my id card was checked.
Now I was riding besides Chatroo Nullah water stream. I crossed one bridge at 6.40 AM.
It was early morning and there was no traffic on road. But I had to stop at this traffic jam.
I crossed this small village near Chatroo water stream at 7.10 AM.
I again stopped after crossing another village at 7.30 am.
Till now road was good one, but now bad road started. There was good sunlight and weather was good.
There were no one on road and there were lots pine trees besides road.
I got one pine fruit on road also.
Then I came across second Army check post. Here also my id card was checked and my details were registered. I was asked to show bike registration papers also. There was an Army camp nearby also.
Riding ahead in that bad road, in some patches new road construction was also going on.
This was view of far mountains at 8.30 AM, and that was Sinthan Top / Pass. It was looking near. But road was very bad.
Then I came across third Army check post at Sinthan Plains at 8.50AM. This was a big Army camp with surveillance Cameras recording my entry. Here also my id card was checked and details were registered. Bike papers were also checked.
And good thing was that the road was also good. This area was very clean and green. This was Chingam Check post.
I asked army person to click pictures of me avoiding army area.
Just 100 meters after Army check post there are few eateries and a very small village. I had breakfast here at 9 AM. Only roti sabji was available for breakfast.
And few packed snacks were available. I bought biscuit packets to eat on Sinthan Top.
There was a bakery there, from where all eateries were getting rotis. They were also making sweet bread.
At 9.15 am, I was ready to ride ahead. This was my view ahead.
View behind
I came across one small water crossing also.
Water was coming from this area.
Road was very nice and so was the scenery.
Looking back I could see entire Sinthan plains area, which was very scenic.
I took a small video also.
VIDEO
But again back road started. But it was compensated with scenic views of mountains and pine trees.
And this was Sinthan Top/ Pass. It was looking more nearer now.
At 9.45 AM, I came across a very small village. Many children were playing nearby. I met then and gave them biscuits. They were happy to get this small gift.
There were young boys among them also. They wanted to ride my bike !!
I allowed then to sit on my parked bike, one by one. They were happy for that also.
This was view of mountain and road from there
These children were playing near this mud house.
View below that mud house.
This was that small village, where these children were staying.
I rode further ahead on ascend.
This was view behind me.
The road was also very bad.
I took a small video here to show how dangerous that road side area was.
VIDEO
This was view behind me.
This was my bike on those roads.
I had to climb at 12300 feet to reach Sinthan Top/ Pass. But my bike did not give any trouble.
At 10.20 AM good road started again with scenic views.
View on my left
That was bad road, I left behind.
That road was bad, but scenic.
Riding further ahead, I could see snow capped mountains.
I came via that road.
At 10.25AM, I stopped again to capture beautiful green mountains.
At 10.45 AM, I reached Sinthan Top Pass at 12,300 feet.
There is no sign board mentioning Sinthan Top / Pass there. This road goes to Anantnag ahead. There was nobody at place that time.
Kishtwar was 83 kms behind from Sinthan Top.
This was again a proud moment for me.
Then two three vehicles came from Anantnag side. They had come here to talk over mobile, as they don’t get mobile signal at Anantnag and other areas of Kashmir. So they come to sinthan top to get mobile signal of Jammu and Kishtwar side towers.
They started complaining about Aricle 370 and other policies of Modi Government to me. I did not pay much attention to those talks and requested one young person among them to click pictures of me.
I also took a 360 degree video at Sinthan Top / Pass.
VIDEO
I decided to ride further toward my left side mountains to get Anantnag side descend view. This is how it looked from there.
Clouds with clear weather day was helpful to me today.
I found lots of small yellow flowers there on mountain. I tried to click it with different background.
Some view of snow capped mountains from there.
Sinthan Top / Pass is at 12300 feet, but this mountain top might be at 12500 feet.
Five young boys came and overtook me on ascend and parked their Scorpio vehicle on mountain edge.
I also rode there and reached at par with them. They asked about my journey and we clicked pictures together.
This was view towards Anantnag side descend roads from that place.
I rewarded myself an apple for achieving Sinthan Top. This apple was gifted to me at Bhaderwah.
I spend around 45 minutes at Sinthan Pass Top and at 11.30 AM, I started my ride back to Kishtwar.
Descend was even more beautiful and scenic.
Due to sun on top, I could get better lights for my pictures.
This was my best pictures at Sinthan Pass. You can see vehicles from Srinagar and Anantnag side parked there and people talking over mobile after getting signal.
Now riding back will be fast and easy for me.
While descending, I could now mark snow on mountains.
At 12.05 PM, I saw one big piece of melting snow on my right side.
I was happy to pose with snow as this was my first view of snow on this ride.
Somehow I missed this while riding on ascend. Perhaps it was camouflaged due to dust on it.
I touched it and felt it.
Also took a selfie with that melting snow piece for memory.
I stopped again at 12.30 pm to capture this scenic road.
I was nearing Chingam check post at Sinthan plains.
At 12.40 PM, I was at village at Chingam Check post. I stopped at same eatery for lunch. This is owner of that bakery.
I could not resist myself from eating sweet bread at that bakery.
As there was no other better option available for lunch there, So I ate sabjee and roti with sweet bread. They had rajma chawal also, but I preferred roti sabjee.
I crossed first Army check post after showing id card and bike papers again. They captured me on surveillance camera also. I rode back again in bad roads and crossed second Army check post and did all procedure of id card and bike papers and registering myself.
At 3.15 PM, I was at confluence of Chatroo Nullah Water Stream and Chenab River.
Some young boys were enjoying bath there in that cold water.
I crossed third Army Check post after showing id card and registering myself.
And then came the most unexpected mishap of my ride. The road near Bandarkoot is very much on slope or on descend, as the road goes down. We need to cross bridge on Chenab River. There a new bridge is under construction. So there were lots of sand on road on descend.
Suddenly a honey bee entered into my helmet visor from below. It was so sudden and moved my left hand to open helmet visor. Suddenly I saw lots of sand spread on descend road and only right had of mine on bike handle. Left hand was removing that bee from visor. And due to reflex action I pressed front break to slow down. And the bike skidded and I felt down. It was so sudden that I could not understand how I fell down.
But I had riding jacket, gloves, knee guard, helmet etc for my safety. So these all riding accessories saved me from impact from fall. But my right hand wrist got scratched on sand. And I was feeling shocked due to fall.
But my bike was damaged. Right foot rest was broken. Mirror and leg guard was bent and lots of scratched on bike.
I talked to people working on new bridge and requested them to remove sand on road so that some other person will not skid there.
Kishtwar was 11 kms ahead from there.
Somehow I rode till my hotel at Kishtwar and met my hotel owner and asked him about mechanic to get my bike repaired.
Today was Sunday. Bajaj showroom and service center was closed today. He suggested me to go to Kuleed area and find bike mechanic there.
And then I met Mr. Jasmit ji of Ashoka Enterprise. He has a bike repair shop also. As it was Sunday, he was about to close his shop.
I requested his to repair my bike then close shop. He asked his expert mechanic Dilip Bhai to check my bike.
Dilip bhai took only 10 minutes to repair my bike.
The scratches on bikes could not be removed / repaired.
Bike break foot rest was broken, and as it was Sunday no bike accessories shops were open. But this expert bike mechanic Dilip bhai intelligently replaced pillion foot rest with rider’s foot rest.
While my bike was being repaired I talked to Jasmit bhai about my solo ride. He was very impressed on me. To my surprise, Mechanic Dilip bhai and owner Jasmit bhai charged nothing to me! Such a nice and helpful people are of Jammu and Kashmir.
Not only that, Jasmit bhai gave me ointment to me for my injury on right wrist. Such are the gem like people of Kishtwar. God Bless such good and helpful people of Jammu and Kashmir.
So God takes your exam & gives you trouble and also sends angels to your help.
So this unexpected mishap happened but my ride was on track.
Next day I was to ride to Killar via The CliffHanger Road. There will be next petrol pump at Tandi of Himachal on Manali Leh Highway. I had to ride to Sach Pass also before that. There will be no petrol pump in between.
I had all these calculated before my ride.
Then I bought two empty water bottles from my hotel and went to petrol pump to top up my tank and to take two more bottles of extra petrol with me.
I went to IOC petrol pump first, they said petrol is over. Then I went to HPCL petrol pump and got petrol.
In evening I had potato chips at Hotel Snow Valley where I stayed.
This was my dinner.
While having dinner, I talked with owner of my hotel about road ahead towards Killar. He told me that there is NO Petrol left in entire Kishtwar. All petrol pumps are empty. I was lucky to top up petrol and also to get extra petrol.
This was my one side map for the day.
Coming up …NEXT…The CliffHanger Road, and another surprise of broken bridge at Urai Ungtar Nallah.
Click HERE for next update.Last edited by sajalsheth; 04-09-2021, 10:58 PM.Comment
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