TRAVEL ZONE

Chandigarh to Solang Valley in Himachal

Distance coverded: 300km

After receiving bikes from transport, we started from Chandigarh with 44 degrees of blessing combined with riding gear & loads of excitement. We reached Solang Valley around 8pm & relaxed under the Himalayan weather.

Night stay at Hotel Iceland (Solang Valley)

Elevation approx: 8400ft

Solang Valley to Sarchu – Ladakh Border

Distance coverded: 165km

Our excitement doubled to pass through the mesmerising beauty of Himachal with snow-capped mountains & Green landscapes. Enroute was Atal Tunnel, Sissu Village , Kelong , Jispa , Darcha , thick snow wall route in Baralacha la Pass leading to Sarchu at 6pm

Night stay at Gangri Restaurant (Sarchu - elevation 14,000ft)

Highest elevation crossed: 16,040ft (The Baralacha La Pass)

Sarchu to Tso Kar

Distance coverded: 140km

Encountering mild headache due to high altitude & minus degrees at night in Sarchu we headed to Tso Kar. We passed through rough terrain via Gata loops , Nakeela Pass ( 15547ft ) , Lachunga La Pass (16598ft) , Pang , More Plains - Cold desert to Tso Kar Village

Night stay at Norboo guest house (Tso kar - elevation 14,860ft)

Highest elevation crossed: 16,598ft (The Lachunga La Pass)

Tso Kar to Hanle Via Tso Moriri

Distance coverded: 260km

Tso Kar was again another cold & freezing night for us. We then headed to Hanle via Tso Moriri, one of the most famous lake in Ladakh. After our lunch in Tso Moriri, we headed to Hanle, crossing Mahe , Nyoma , Loma & the typical Ladakh landscape. We reached Hanle around 6pm & checked in to a Homestay. 4th night was memorable as we could witness the Milky Way – Galaxy through the clear sky & captured the moments through our lenses.

Night stay at T Paljor homestay (Hanle - elevation 14,764ft)

Highest elevation crossed: 15,000ft (The Tso Moriri)

Hanle to Umlingla & Return

Distance coverded: 184km

From Hanle 15000ft to 19024ft Umlinga Pass was the Dream ascend. The wait was for this to touch the World’s Highest Motorable Pass with our own Machines… & We did it. We experienced the steep ascend via Photila Pass at 18124ft , with low oxygen level & tough riding. We were thrilled when we were on Top of the World !

Night stay at T Paljor homestay (Hanle - elevation 14,764ft)

Highest elevation crossed: 19,024ft (The Umingla pass)

Hanle to Thiksey – Leh

Distance coverded: 300km

This was one of the most scenic ride in the whole episode via Chumthang Valley & Upshi. With river Indus giving us company for quite a distance. Our stay was remarkable in Thiksey Organic Resort. We could feel the basic luxury after 4 days. This was rejuvenating. We explored Leh Mall road for shopping & ended the night was bon fire & BBQ at the resort.

Night stay at Thiksay Organic Resort (Thiksay/Leh city - elevation 11,800ft)

Thiksey to Dras

Distance coverded: 290km

This route had many highlights , crossing Leh , Hall of Fame , Magnetic Hill , Pathar Sahib Gurudwara , Zanskar – Sangam, Lamayuru ( Moonland ). We also experienced the most unexpected Snow – Rain, freezing our bones. We then crossed Kargil & reached Dras ( 2nd coldest inhabited village) around 9pm. We checked into Tololing Eco Resort opposite to the Kargil War Memorial.

Night stay at Tololing Eco Resort (Dras/Kargil War Memorial - elevation 10,830ft)

Highest elevation crossed: 12,139ft (The Namika La pass)

Dras to Srinagar

Distance coverded: 158km

Saluting our Heroes at the Kargil War Memorial , we headed to Srinagar. Enroute we rode through the Zojila Pass , one of the most popular pass in Kashmir – Ladakh region. We again experienced thick snow all over the Zero Point in Zojila. Then came the most beautiful valleys of Kashmir with Sonamarg. Jannat – ey – Kashmir ( Heaven on earth ). We experienced rain & thick tourist crowd in Sonamarg before reaching Srinagar. We handed over our Bikes to VRL Logistics in Srinagar to Ship it back to Bangalore. With hands free we relaxed in Srinagar for 2 days. Enjoyed the view of Dal Lake, Stepped into Lal Chowk , Mughal Gardens & Hazrath bal. Finally we relished the traditional Kashmir Wazwan & Headed back to Bangalore.

Night stay at BLOOMING DALE (Srinagar - elevation 5,200ft)

Highest elevation crossed: 11,575ft (The Zojila pass )