From the remotest parts to India to the least populated places, great mountains and blue lakes, I saw them all. This adventure instilled in me a sense of hope, a feeling of courage and confidence and an urge to live a life of experiences, meaning and selflessness. These are ideals and values that I carry to this day. I hope they never change.
This roadtrip has been the biggest that I've done so far, and also the longest. I covered 8008km in 30 days. I did this solo. Little did I know back then, but this adventure has been the defining experience of my life. It taught me a lot, from the nuances of travelling, feeling comfortable with strangers, and being on my own. I came to appreciate the small essentials of daily life that we would otherwise take for granted in the city. Things like stopping for a while and simply taking in the view became moments that I looked forward to. This adventure showed me how stunning nature can be, and how unpredictable a journey would be.
In case you want to check out the previous parts, check them out from the links at the end of this story. Don't believe the silly thing in the name that I got bored and went around the country. I planned, prepared and then went around the country on my motorcycle! ;)
And part 3, here we go!
One of the biggest Tricolours in India, at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Ladakh.
The Kargil War Memorial at Drass is dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the Kargil War between India and Pakistan in the 1970s.
My first Ladakh sunset was fast approaching...
I forgot my hydration backpack at the war memorial, and realized it only after I had left half way to the town of Kargil. I doubled back, got my backpack and started towards Kargil again. The ride was a harrowing experience. The last few kilometers to Kargil were completely unpaved. There were plenty of 'oh shit!' moments, but I reached Kargil without any mishap.
Getting a room at the only open hotel in the town, after a meal of dry rice and some quick snacks at the only open restaurant in town, it was time to rest after a weary, long ride.
I left Kargil in the early morning. The air was cool, fresh and inviting.
Mulbek was the first stop of the morning. Breakfast at a small restaurant here was surprisingly good, with omlettes, toast, and jam.
The bike was constantly feeling the effects of reduced oxygen. I had to constantly tune the carburetor to keep the bike from struggling.
The ascent on the mountain roads that lead to Leh finally started. Looking back, they provided some of the best views that day.
Sums up my life and my Footloose soul...
Fabulous views all around kept me in good spirits and a happy mood!
FatuLa top, at 13,473 feet is the highest point on the Srinagar-Leh road. The wind blew fast and furious here.
FatuLa top offered some glorious views of the never ending mountains that are a feature of the Ladakh region. On that early morning, the pass was empty and there was no one to break the solitude. I loved every minute that I spent on top. It was only the cold and furious wind that blew at that altitude made me want to leave as soon as I could. Yet, I lingered on, before finally deciding to leave.
Prayer flags fluttered noisily in the wind. These are found throughout the region, sometimes blowing gently, sometimes raging.
A final look back of the view from FatuLa. Time to descend down the pass...
The town of Lamayuru at the base of FatuLa. The famous Lamayuru monastery can be seen in the backdrop of the town.
The longest, most beautiful road that I have ever seen.
Like an emerald in the rocks, like diamonds in the sky...
Arriving somewhere, but not here...
The town of Leh was my next stop. Not too far now, only a few tens of kilometers to go.
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You can read more stories from my blog via the links below. Thanks for reading this one and cheers! :)
Around India on a Motorcycle - Part 1
Around India on a Motorcycle - Part 2