Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

Hello friends! I am from MUMBAI and am planning to do MUMBAI-leh-Mumbai in may last week or June 1st week on my bike. The trip would be around 18-20 days. I will be accompanied by my friends from Kolkata in Jammu... But from MUMBAI, I will be travelling alone. So anyone willing to ride along is most welcome

Tentative itinerary:

To ride is to live

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

I am in for sure (with my fingers crossed)

well.. I am sticking to this thread and keep posting on the updates..
[MENTION=13887]prateek2210[/MENTION].. bhai.. I will have to remove the Lower half of the fairing from my Black Pearl, right? any other measures and precautions?

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

Superb read! The reality is that each year, the road is getting easier and easier unless there is some major calamity.
This is one aspect of motorcycle touring I always see. There is nothing to 'conquer' or 'explore'. If there is a road - obviously workers have laid it there. Office chatter is around 4X4 vehicles being required. Hahh! even a Nano has done it.

I was suitably humbled on many occasions when i felt I had 'conquered' or 'achieved' something.

2010 - Chitkul in early April : We reached chitkul and posed around feeling elated at having achieved something. Soon, we saw a group of bengali tourists (monkey caps and all) having a picnic there.
2011 - First leh ride. Going up Khardungla I was having the feeling of 'conquering' something. Hahh! a 70+ year old man was cycling all the way to the top. Came to know he had been cycling from Manali. Nope, didn't have the heart after that to pose with an X :P
2012 - Climbing up Chang La after visiting Pangong Tso on the CBR, I was feeling 'alone' and in a zen like mood. Then, I saw this guy on a Discover, with a big bedroll and a small pillion in tow, climbing up too. Rest assured, I felt very small at having thought that I was doing something 'interesting'.

And then we have many crazy tourers who are literally living on the road. Puts our little excursions into perspective.

Its a cycle all of us will go through. The first little ride to the commercialized hill station followed by tons of pointless pics and facebook updates (Orkut in my time :P). Then onto the 3/4 days 'big' rides and its stories of near death and non existent roads. Finally, the 'ride of a lifetime' basic Ladakh ride. But, those who will hold on to their love of motorcycles for a lifetime - will pass all these stages and truly immerse and surrender themselves to the beauty of nature.

A long way to go! Not enough office leaves

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

I came across this article while going through the guide. Its a very interesting read. Bame Duniya: Motorcylcing across the Himalaya- its been done for more than three decades

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

[MENTION=13887]prateek2210[/MENTION]
Why only a day trip to Hunder (Nubra)? It is an amazingly beautiful place (both the Hunder/Diskit and Sumur/Panamik part) and you ought to give 2 days to this.

Also June would be almost the peak of tourist season. Not sure about others but I didnt like it one bit. The Changspa Road looks like Baga Beach of Goa!
And even locals' attitude is bad since they know there's no shortage of tourists (Indian and firangis alike). Hospitality goes down the drain.

And frankly Leh loses all its charm when crowded.
September is the best time to visit IMO. Monsoon subsides by that time and weather is amazingly clear.

And instead of rest on Day 8, take the Tso Moriri route from Pangong and then off to Morey Plains after a night halt at Tso Moriri. There's no point resting at Pangong for a full day.


See if the above is any helpful, will discuss the rest later.

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

I wish to second and third and fourth the heat aspect. I was struck by heat stroke TWICE. The first time at Ambala and the second at Delhi. I perspire very heavily and while the other 4 members of the team were okayish with the heat, I was in deep trouble.

The contrast between the chilled and then cold and then cool air of the hills and the oppressing, clammy heat and humidity of the plains is what hits very hard. I advise extreme caution here - continuous intake of fluids like fruit juices, not only water, covering the upper body (no riding in a T shirt) and frequent breaks to relax the body.

The tank bag is a must...

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

Before Rohtang -- Koksar is a charming settlement.
After Rohtang -- You can stay put at Kullu.

It would be good if you go through this link

Leh, Ladakh and Zanskar - The Ultimate Guide - Team-BHP

I think this is the definitive guide on anything to do with travel to Ladakh and should also answer all your questions.
Also, google up Ramkys map (2010 version) They will be good travel companions.

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

Some queries :

1. What are the options from Sarchu, if we want to avoid Manali? (while coming back)
Dharamshala?
2. What all permits needs to be acquired?

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

You are welcome! God and manager willing, I too will be on the circuit around the same time.

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

LoL,buddy you will freeze your ride and yourself.

Sent from my GT-S5360 using xBhp Connect mobile app

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

[MENTION=11584]Mik[/MENTION] Thanks for that info,i appreciate your guidance,we will try doing that.

Sent from my GT-S5360 using xBhp Connect mobile app

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

You mean this December? Try to find about weather during this time, you will get your answer.

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

I am interested. I wil join from hyderabad.
But thats too late.
Why not in 2013 ?


Sent from my GT-I9082 using xBhp Connect mobile app

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

@Mik : Thanks a lot. Will go through this too.

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

Guys I am also planning for same destination. So glued to this thread. Any body raiding from Pune?