Very very true!!!

Will keep this in mind & appreciate your feedback. Pls share the other hotel that offers Rs 1800+meals?

If I were you, I would do the same without bragain for one matter - SON

Are these the army truck or the ones carrying fuel?

At Zozilla, Mostly it is the trucks, carrying fuel most of the times. If there is a Army Convoy - Its just that you would have a very Bad day , Tucking behind the huge trucks for hours together.

Yeah, I heard it from Apar & Xinfii that one is not supposed to overtake them. Horrible!!!

Its not that its a strict rule not to overtake them..if they give space you can go ahead.

But there're chances that they don't give space as well as look you with suspicion is it?

^ No, its not like that..they never looked at us with suspicion(even to me as i having a tinted visor ). Army/truck personnel are extremely friendly and even do help in case of need.

Very nice. Waiting to read and see the rest of the log.

On the Kargil-Leh Route






Some patches of green provide contrast to the barren desolate landscape




I made several stops to take pictures, some makeshift videos with my N86 despite the good roads of 4 years ago having been eroded out of existence by thick persistent winter snow. But the road was still less than catastrophic and in portions was even close to being excellent wherein I reveled in trying out some of my antics in leaning not forgetting the fact that often a biker is was and will be chased by maniacally jealous four-wheeled cagers and in our county it was no less than the seemingly bulky but ubiquitous in Ladakh, the Toyoto Innova! But such incidents paled in significance compared to the magnificence of the beauty that enveloped me as I moved along like an insignificant speck of dust in the vastness of this marvelous landscape.

A short stop at Hansikot to note the extreme temperatures recorded in this village. Next stop at Fotu LaThe Extreme temperatures of Hansikot!
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Photostop at Fotu-La










Lamayuru is not far from Fotu La, a mere 13 kms from Fotu La with some nicely laid new tarmac. I was already beginning to visualize my lunch; remember, I had not had a real breakfast. No matter how beautiful the landscape, after a point in time, hunger is primordial and vital.

Lamayuru

After a satisfying lunch, we went on to visit the gompa at Lamayuru standing at 3621 mts. The gompa on the rock at Lamayuru is one millennium old dating from the 11th century making it one of the oldest monasteries and temples in Ladakh and housing 150 resident monks with some more from the surrounding areas making it one of the most active and populous temple-monasteries in Ladakh. The positioning and building structure of the Lamayuru monastery reminded me strongly of the Meteors that I have visited in continental Greece. Both were built with the idea of isolation from the local population and invaders alike for spiritual pursuits. Steeped in legend, this monastery belongs to the Red Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. We went in and took our time taking some pictures. Tibetan Buddhism is not my strong point and I am far from comprehending their rites and customs despite having visited close to a hundred temples of their kind.




The Lamayuru Monastery atop the rock!


Exquisite Paintings at the entrance of the Monastery


Prayer Offerings


Main Prayer Hall


After spending a good hour at Lamayuru, we were back on the saddle riding towards Leh. We were made to stop after Khalse for registration of our papers, passports etc. As we approached Leh, we were getting longer and longer stretches of better roads. It was a delight riding on these roads. Not only did we move fast and gained time, but we could relax a bit, a remark that Brigitte made that I will be presenting shortly.

Some Good Roads!


Stop at the Magnetic Hill Phenomenon!


Brigitte: The Harley Rider from France in Ladakh!LehAmit Kalra, xBhp id Styler, we went to the Oriental Guest House just below the Shanti Stupa. If you want to stay in a truly cosmopolitan atmosphere, I too strongly recommend this guest house which is entirely run by a local family. They have excellent, clean, hygienic rooms from 600 INR to 1000 INR, almost all rooms facing the Zanskar range in front. Buffet dinners are at 85 INR per pax and a good choice of substantial breakfasts at 80INR per pax. I met and talked to people from Canada, the US, Germany, Switzerland, Japs, Swedish from all walks and ages of life. Met a group of 20 francophone students from Quebec, Canada on a Buddhist theological visit for over a month who were staying there. Quite a few of them were fascinated at my riding gear, especially my pants still with those sponsor logos from 4 years ago!

Entry Into Leh!Conclusion at EOD

Yes, hats off. It was indeed challenging for her!

Kashmir is fascinating and beautiful. You MUST do it!

The 1800 with meals was at the houseboat on Nageen Lake.

The trucks were mostly from Indianoil carrying fuel. There were army trucks too but they were largely outnumbered by the fuel trucks!

Really? I do not have such problems overtaking the Army fellas!

Not really. I honk gently, if there is space, they let us pass!

True.

I agree.

Yes, they ARE VERY-FRIENDLY. Thing is that sometimes, they carry important supplies(read arms supplies or some important personnel) on board, when they view everyone with suspicion. The last truck in the trail signals u not to overtake then. We encountered 2 - 3 instances like this. Sometimes they are very friendly and we even managed to dodge between them, overtaking 1 truck at a time.

Hey Ken, Have a great trip.. The blog is super and pictures very good.

I liked this photograph the most from the current lot, and the writing is also very engaging.

I guess that is true!

Hey, that reply is from one of my favourite countries! Way to go Anurag. I did not expect a reply from you coz I have no idea what kind of connection you guys got. Besides you must be busy riding, writing, editing photos, uploading, updating... the works.

A HUGE thanks for your reply!

Thanks Enfro. Have not much interacted with you. It is amazing that you took the pains of choosing photographs out from the Autopictorials and discussing them. Really appreciate that.

I know what you are talking about. But I do try to shoot with a lot of attention. Some come out well, others do not! I try my best. Good to hear criticism. Thanks.

Thanks Aryan!

ohhhh do I have words to say for your pics and log..... no. But still I will Ken Da one of the most different way I have seen..and its simply AMAZING... I think some of your pics are simply mind blowing and very much better than others and yes with your vocabulary your log is very different from others too, but more interesting and informative... Great Dada keep it up!!

Though I would like to know, how did Mael feel sitting as a pillion for so long, and also how did Brigitte feel riding to Heavenof India. I am eagerly waiting for more!!!!