Saturday, June 18, 2016

Bike Trip to Ladakh via Srinagar

BIKE TRIP TO LADAKH {KHARDUNGLA AND PANGONG LAKE} VIA SRINAGAR-LEH


Hello Adventurers! 

Sharing my adventure trip details to amazing land of Ladakh! I hope this help you in planning your trip. Also shared some important tips and pointers. Keep reading!

ITINERARY:

Day 01

Fly in to srinagar. Rent the bike and test drive local srinagar. Night stay at srinagar.

Day 02


Morning After breakfast leave for Kargil, by visiting Sonamarg (Known As Meadow of Gold), cross famous Zodjila pass, Drass Village (2nd Coldest Inhabitated place in the World), Enroute have a magnificent view of Kargil war Famous Peaks (Tiger, Tololing) from Vijay war memorial hall site, reach Kargil by evening. Overnight stay at Kargil.

Day 03

Morning after Breakfast leave for Ule, enroute visit Mulbek, Giant Living Buddha Sculpture on Rock Mountain, Lamayuru, one of the oldest Monastery of Ladakh and enjoy the view of Moon Landscape. Arrive Ule by afternoon.
Leave for Leh enroute visit Alchi, Likir Monastery, Magnetic Hill, Pathar Sahib Gurudwara and Hall of Fame museum. Reach Leh. Overnight stay at Leh.

Day 04

After Breakfast drive to Nubra Valley via Khardungla (Highest Motorable road in the World, 18,380 ft) Arrive at Hundur by afternoon. free to explore Deskit, Hunder Villages and camel Safari in Sand Dunes between Deskit and Hunder Village. Overnight stay at Nubra Valley.

Visit Deskit Monastery, where you can have a magnificient view of Nubra Valley.

Day 05

After Breakfast leave for Pangong Lake 14,500 ft, through Disket – Khalsar – Left after few kms from Khalsar to follow road to Agham – Right after Agham bridge –Tangiyar – Wari La – Sakthi (or Serthi as on boards) – Zingral – Chang La – Tangste – Pangong Lake.

or

Disket – Khalsar (after a few kms towards Khardung take left and follow board towards Agham).
Just after crossing Agham bridge you can see 2 routes. The route on left is to Shayok which opens up at Durbuk on Chang La – Pangong lake road. From Durbuk, Pangong lake is about 40kms.

Leisure and enjoy the color changing lake and the sun set on the banks of lake. Overnight stay on the banks of Pangong Lake.

Day 06

Early morning enjoy the pictuereque view of Sun rise on lake. After Breakfast drive back to Leh, enroute visit Hemis, Thikse Monastery, Shey Palace and Changla Pass 17,350 ft. (third Highest Motorable road in the world). Overnight stay at Leh.

Day 07


After breakfast drive to kargil via a more scenic view as Skurbuchan - Dah - Batalik(ILP) - Kargil.

Day 08


Morning after Breakfast leave for Srinagar. Overnight stay at srinagar.

Day 09


Transfer to the airport and fly back to Delhi with memories of a lifetime trip.



Ladakh Map with Distances in KM 

















No Permits Required in Ladakh for Indian Tourists / Nationals(Effective 1 MAY 2014)

  • In the recent circular published by DM in Leh, it has been stated that Indian Nationals or Indian Tourists DO NOT need any inner line permits in Leh – Ladakh region any more starting from 1st May 2014 in order to visit the restricted places: “Dah, Hanu Villages, Pangong Tso, Man, Merak, Tso Moriri, Nyoma, Loma Bend, Khardung La, Nubra Valley (up to Panamik), Turtuk, Tyakshi, Digger La, Tangyar (for trekking only)“ 
  • As an Indian Tourist or Indian Nationals, now you can just present your valid Photo ID Nationality Proof (Driving License, Indian Passport, Aadhar Card, PAN Card, etc..) at the ITBP/Army check-posts, when and where asked from you and that will just acts as permit for you … 




Wait, Some Very Important Points to Remember / Take Care

  • Please note that being an Indian or domestic tourist, you STILL NEED to apply for Inner Line Permits in order to visit places like: Hanle, Chusul, Tsaga, beyond Loma bend, Chumur, Marsimik La, Batalik sectors. 
  • Hence, if you need to visit non-touristy places in Ladakh like Hanle, Chusul, Tsaga, Loma, Chumur, Marsimik La, Batalik sectors then you need to apply for inner line permits using the same process as it used to be. 




THIS IS A SMALL LIST OF THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD CARRY ON YOUR LADAKH EXPIDITION. THERE ARE ENDLESS ENTRIES TO THE LIST BUT THESE ARE THE ONES THAT WE THINK ARE THE MOST ESSENTIAL.

RIDING GEAR:

1. RIDING JACKET – IF ITS TOO EXPENSIVE TO GET ONE PLEASE GET ATLEAST A PAIR OF KNEE AND ELBOW GUARDS. COST 600 – 2500

2. RIDING PANTS

3. RIDING SHOES – IF YOU DON’T HAVE ONE, YOU CAN BUY ATLEAST DUCKBACKS ( GUMBOOTS ). THEY WONT GIVE YOU ANY PROTECTION BUT WILL ATLEAST SAVE YOUR FEET FROM GETTING WET. DO NOT WEAR SHOES YOU ARE INTTENDED TO WEAR ON YOUR TRIP ON THESE ROAD TRIPS AS THEY ARE BOUND TO GET WET ON THIS ROUTE. COST 250 – 400 RS.

4. HELMET – BETTER A FULL FACE WITH TRANSPARENT VISOR.

5. GLOVES – GET 2 PAIRS OF GLOVES. ONE SHOULD BE WATERPROOF AND WITH GRIPS. ANOTHER ONE CAN BE NORMAL

6. BALACAVA

7. MONKEY CAP AND A MUFFLER ­ THESE CAN BE LIFE SAVORS

8. SUNGLASSES



BIKE SPARES:

1. SPARK PLUGS : IF YOU HAVE A TWIN SPARK CARRY BOTH THE SIZES OF SPARK PLUGS.

2. THROTTLE AND CLUTCH WIRE : CARRY ONE OF EACH AS THEY DON’T REALLY BREAK MUCH. CLUTCH CABLE IS EASY TO CHANGE BUT MAKE SURE YOU KNOW HOW TO CHANGE THE THROTTLE CABLE AS IT CAN BE A BIT TRICKY.

3. DISK PADS : CARRY A SPARE SET OF DISK PADS. IMPORTANT: IF YOU ARE RIDING THE NEW THUNDERBIRDS 350/500CC WITH DISK IN THE REAR, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CARRY ATLEAST SET OF 2 DISK PADS AS THEY ARE VERY RARELY AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET

4. TYRE TUBES : CARRY ATLEAST 2 OF THESE. IT IS ONE OF THE WORST FEELINGS TO HAVE A FLAT TYRE IN MIDDLE OF NOWHERE AND UNLOADING YOUR WHOLE BIKE TO GET THE THING FIXED. EVEN MORE CHALANGE IF YOU ARE ALONE. ALSO NOTE THAT BE VERY CAREFULL WHILE USING THE TOOLS TO FIT THE TUBE BACK IN THE WHEEL.

5. 24 X 27 KEY: IT’S IMPORTANT TO OPEN THE WHEEL IN CASE YOU HAVE A FLAT TRYE. ALSO THE TOOLS TO OPEN THE TYRE.

6. ENGINE OIL : CARRY ATLEAST 1 LITER OF ENGINE OIL AS BIKES TEND TO EAT UP MORE OIL IN HIGH ALTITUDES . HENCE CHECK ENGINE OIL EVERY MORNING BEFORE YOU START YOUR RIDE.

7. CHAIN LINK : GET A SET OF 2 .. NOT REALLY REQUIRED BUT BETTER TO HAVE .

8. SPARE FUSE : KEEP A FEW OF THESE AND MAKE SURE YOU TAKE THE RIGHT ONE.

9. BLACK TAPE : JUST IN CASE YOU NEED IT… And Carry Feviquick and Mseal.

10. PUNCTURES : EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE TUBE, CARRY A FEW PUNCTURES AS WELL.

11. SPARE HEADLIGHT BULB : ACTUALLY YOU SHOULD AVOID RIDING AFTER 5 PM IN THE MOUNTAINS ESPECIALLY WHEN RIDING IN LADAKH. STILL FOR THOSE DAREDEVILS BETTER HAVE A SPARE BULB.

12. SPRINGS : CARRY A FEW OF SIDE STAND SPRINGS ARE THEY ARE TEND TO BREAK VERY OFTEN.


ALSO CARRY YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE, LICENSE, INSURANCE PAPERS, PUC. HAVE ATLEAST 2 COPY OF THOSE.




Rider essentials

Medical kit: Which came with your motorcycle should be good enough for most small injuries, if it has expired or has been lost/used, then you can visit your local chemist and ask them to prepare a civil defence medical kit for you.

Other medicines: Carry Diamox if you aren’t allergic to sulfur drugs (helps reduce some of the symptoms of AMS) and medicines for headache, fever, stomach ache, cold and cough syrup. You can find more detailed list for medicines here, First Aid Travel kit.

Sunscreen lotion: UV rays at high altitude can be quite damaging to the skin, even during the harshest of winter, so don’t forget to carry a good quality sunscreen lotion eg. Lotus Herbal with rating of SPF30 or higher.

Lip balm: Dry and cold weather of Ladakh will make your lips dry, which can get quite painful due to cracking and skin coming off, so make sure to carry a lip balm or Vaseline.

Mustard oil: Mustard oil can be used for moisturizing skin, putting it in your hair and for lubricating insides of nostrils, which can become quite dry and painful due to dry and cold winds of Ladakh.

Glucose: Carrying water mixed with Glucon C/D is a good idea while riding at high altitude, as it provides instant energy on the move, when your appetite is likely to be reduced due to AMS and at the same time, doesn’t act as a diuretic, like most caffeinated energy drinks. Carry couple of small packs with you, which you can mix in water, at the beginning of the day.

Couple of water bottles: One for plain water and another for Glucose. Make sure you are drinking at least 4-5 liters of water each day to stay hydrated.

Chocolates, biscuits and nuts: Carrying couple of chocolates, a pack of biscuits and few hundred grams of almonds, raisins and cashews is a good idea, as these provide instant energy and easy snack and don’t take up too much space.

Other essentials: Paper soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb and toilet paper. You can also carry your shaving kit and face wash if you have the space and need for these.



Clothing Essentials

Jeans/pants: If you have a riding pant, carry 1 pair of jeans or pant. If you do not have a riding pant, carry at least two spare pairs.

Shirts/t-shirts/sweatshirt: carry at least 2-3 spare shirts/t-shirt along with a sweatshirt (if you have one). Leh has laundry services, where you can get your dirty cloths washed, so no need to carry a lot of cloths.

Sweater: Sweater can not only be worn while riding to add another layer of insulation, but it can also be worn in the hotel or while out in the town. Of course if you are traveling in June, July or August, you can skip it, if you have a good quality riding jacket with warm liner.

Cap: Buy a warm cap which you can wear while roaming at high altitude passes like Khardung La, where cold winds can lead to headache. A warm monkey cap will cost Rs. 150 or less and takes up little space and at the same time offers protection to head, forehead, ears and even neck.

Warm inners: If you are traveling in September or October or in case you do not have a good riding jacket and pant, carry a pair of warm inners (upper and lower) from the likes of Neva. These will provide quite a bit of warmth and in case of your legs, will likely be the only warm layer.

Underwear/vests: Carry at least 4-5 pairs of underwear and inner vests.

Socks: Carry at least 5-6 pairs of socks, thick cotton ones if you have warm and insulated boots and couple of woolen ones if in case your shoes let in air.

Handkerchief/towels: carry at least 4-5 handkerchiefs, a small hand towel and also a large one if you aren’t comfortable using towels provided by the hotel.

Pajama: Carry a pajama or whatever you like to wear while sleeping at night, so that you can sleep comfortably.

Slippers: Not really essential, but it is a good idea to carry these for usage in hotel or while loitering around town on foot.



Bike Renting

Bike renting details can be seen here:

http://www.kashmirbikers.com/terms.html