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| Magnetic Hills |
The skies are blue, like a
clear water body—calm and serene. In a flash of a second, with the eyes
blinking, it felt like I suddenly am in the best place. I am in heaven, maybe
or is this just a dream? I am forging my way through the fierce winds, echoes from
mountains, breaking every barrier with my Royal Enfield Classic. - 499cc engine
blasting 27 horsepower at 5,250 rpm. Suddenly an unwelcoming tone strikes
through my ear, and it was the alarm. I just don't like it when my dreams get
disturbed because of it. It's the 7th time this week, and I am troubled in the
same fantasy. You must be thinking why the same dream daily? Well, dreams are
not in our control. Every one of us has a dream destination, and mine happens
to be Leh. Travelling on that long, empty road and beneath the clear blue sky
is the perfect getaway from daily life. So, to make my dream come true, I have
planned the perfect trip. Yes, I am going to Leh with my buddies.
It's been almost a week now,
Shorya will be in Delhi with Abhiraj today, and tomorrow we have to leave for
Chail. I am excited and nervous at the same time, maybe because the dream I
pictured about since the day I learned how to ride was finally turning into a
reality. Perhaps this was the one destination that I genuinely think I belong
to, the mountains and the bike. Or maybe because this was my first one real
idea of why I want to become a traveller—to explore new places, learn about the
places and to see new faces. I am prepared for the next day as the journey
begins tomorrow.
It's 7 in the morning, and
Shorya & Abhiraj will be here anytime soon. Our 1300 km long journey begins
today! The 32 hours of the ride, if we go non-stop. Both of them are finally
here to end the never-ending wait. Mark my words, the actual plan for this trip
was made when we passed our college, but now is the time to finally execute it.
With hope, enthusiasm, travelling gear, and money, we are all set to go.
The first stop is Chail. Now
for those who don't know Chail is a place situated in Himachal Pradesh which is
40-45 km before Shimla. This place is a perfect camping spot. We have our tents
with us; an ideal way to complete the trip in less budget. Additionally,
Himalayan Nature Park is just an hour's drive from Chail. And this park has
Himalayan species such as Snow leopards & Brown Bears. Our next stop from
here will be Reckong Peo.
A new day, a new purpose, and
old friends, I think it is the best blend one can think of for a perfect road
trip. So, our destination for today is Reckong Peo. It is approximately 250 km
from Chail and almost seven and a half hours of drive. Yes, I know it sounds
tough and especially when there is a Nature Park amidst to cover. I know you
must be thinking, "We can always skip the places to visit if we are
getting late for the destination." Each significant-stop only has one
place to visit, selected by one of us, and we made a pact that no place will be
skipped. Abhiraj chose this one as he loves the wild. He is just made for it.
Let's stop the thought process and hurry, as we have a destination to
reach.
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Brelengi Gompa
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In the Kinnaur District of
Himachal Pradesh, Reckong Peo, a small village has a lot in it to explore.
According to Shorya, the essential thing to visit is Brelengi Gompa. This
monastery is very famous for a 60-feet tall Buddha statue. You have to walk
around 1 km to reach the statue, and it's all worthy. Shorya is very excited
about this place. The society of Mahabodhi constructed the Gompa for the Dalai
Lama in the year 1992 for performing the Kalcharkra Ceremony. It is a perfect
example of Buddhist architecture. So, time to say goodbye to this beautiful
place with the best memories. Kaza, our next destination of my choice is
waiting for us.
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| Key Gompa |
It's the first time in these
three days we planned to take rest for the day and enjoy the marketplace. We are here to visit Key Gompa, the biggest monastery in the entire valley that was
constructed sometime in the 11th century. This abbey has old Buddhist texts, scripts,
and paintings. Many monks and nuns live here as it is the most significant
training ground for the lamas. It has been attacked often and therefore
repaired several times. Each time it gets repaired, they add a new story to it,
making it look like a fort of knowledge for monks. After the visit suddenly
Abhiraj came up with a plan to camp at Chandratal/Chandra Taal Lake. So, now on
our rest day, we have to travel 90 km. The unexpected camping next to the lake,
which is 4,300 m above the sea level, covered with snow for almost six months
makes this experience more enjoyable. When you camp around such a beautiful
place, your energy for the rest of the journey ignites. Chandra Taal means the
Lake of the moon, and last night matched the sentiment. It was breathtaking
when the moon met the lake on the horizon. We came to the lake for casual
camping, but the reflection of the moon was a blessing.
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| Chadra Taal Lake |
It's 7 a.m, and today it will
be the longest and most challenging part of this journey—470 km long drive to
Leh, our most awaited destination. Plans changed yet again as we all choose one
place each to visit in Leh. I don't know yet what Leh has in store for us.
Let's see what happens tomorrow.
The old saying "there's
beauty everywhere, all you have to do is just look around" is true to the
core when it comes to the mesmerizing Leh & Ladakh travel. I am not sure
what Abhiraj and Shorya have planned for, but my place is already decided.
Yesterday we reached here, and tomorrow the exploration to the latter will
begin!
Day 1 (LEH)
Pangong Tso is one of the most
famous places in the world, and this is where Shorya decided to take us. It 134
km long and extends from India to the Tibetan Autonomous Region, China. The
major part of this lake lies in TAR. The place has much to see, much to
cherish, and much to take back home. The sound of a duck moving on the water is
precisely audible at the Pangong Tso only. Here you can stand knowing that
across the turquoise water lies the mountains of even more isolated and
gorgeous land, Tibet. It is about 250 km from Leh, basically a 5-hour journey.
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| Pengong Tso |
Day 2 (LEH)
Abhiraj's plan for the day is
to visit Nubra Valley, yes so, it's time for Ladakh. Yet another place which is
surrounded by snowcapped Himalayan ranges, Nubra valley lies sandwiched between
Tibet and Kashmir. The view of the valley is picturesque and breathtaking.
During winter, the whole valley looks like the landscape of the moon (the
reason for calling it a Moon land). In contrast to summer, when it is full of
greenery. Known for its orchards, scenic vistas, Bactrian camels, and
monasteries, the valley is about 150 km from Leh. Everything here is so
beautiful and peaceful. After every trip, all our dizziness goes away just by
the view this place bestows us.
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| Nubra Valley |
Day 3 (LEH)
And as usual, when you go on
and on for so long in these mountains, you need a little rest as it gets very
hectic. So, this is a perfect day to rest, and what is better than shopping to
refresh your mind? Leh market, the main attraction of the city was made back in
the 15th century. From native handicrafts, rugs, and carpets to woolen carpets,
you can find everything here. The market of a particular site tells you a lot
about their culture, sanctity, and society.
Day 4 (LEH)
Today is my day, my place on
the list to visit. And it is not a place I want to visit. It's the road I want
to be a part of. Magnetic Hills, one of the best routes in the entire Leh, is a
downhill road that miraculously makes things appear going uphill. Just a small
stretch of road that defies the phenomenon of gravity. Doesn't it sound
interesting? Villagers residing nearby believe that there once existed a way to
heaven. Those who rightly deserved were pulled to the path undeviatingly while
some could never make it there.
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| Kinnaur District - Himachal Pradesh |
The skies are blue, like a
clear water body—calm and serene. In a flash of a second, with the eyes
blinking, it felt like I suddenly am in the best place. I am in heaven, maybe
or is this just a dream? I am forging my way through the fierce winds, echoes from
mountains, breaking every barrier with my Royal Enfield Classic. - 499cc engine
blasting 27 horsepower at 5,250 rpm. I am grateful that both of my best pals
are with me here to live this part. I still don't know if it's a dream or
reality, but it's perfect!
Thank You for helping me with the pictures Anunay Sood, Take Me To Himalayas and Ultimate Ladakh. They have some great shots for the places, do check there profiles.
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