My life is all about travelling, photography and I love riding as most of the members. It was Feb 2016, when I actually planned for Leh ride along with my Biking group.
The plan was to start our ride on June 8th from Pune to Amritsar via flight and start our Leh expedition from Golden Temple.
Flight tickets were booked and GATI travels was selected to transport our bike to Amritsar. However, Luck was not in favor of us, The plan was cancelled just 2 days before as my friend was getting married the same day we were supposed to start the ride.
Anyways I got married too later and the same plan was shifted to June 2017 with my wife as my pillion on DUKE 200.
So here we go, we were 2 couples Me and Sudam (my office friend), we transported our bike via GATI from Pune to Amritsar and booked our flight tickets.
From Pathankot we were to meet the rest of the team whoever turns up.
The plan was as follows:
DAY 1 : June 7, 2017 : Pune to Amritsar - Flight
DAY 2 : June 8 : Amritsar to Pathankot - Plan - Get our bikes - Local Sightseeing - Wagah Border - To Pathankot : Distance - 150 kms
DAY 3 : June 9 : Pathankot to Srinagar , Distance - 340 kms
DAY 4 : June 10: Srinagar - Local Sightseeing and REST
DAY 5 : June 11 : Srinagar to Kargil, Distance - 210 kms
DAY 6 : June 12 : Kargil to Leh, Distance - Distance - 220 kms
DAY 7 : June 13 : Leh - Local Sightseeing, REST, Permits, BIKE cleaning
DAY 8 : June 14 : Leh - Local Sightseeing, Actually it was wasted because of weather problems
DAY 9 : June 15 : Leh - Local Sightseeing - Actually it was wasted because of weather problems
DAY 10 : June 16 : Leh - Pangon Tso Lake - Merak, Distance 225 kms
DAY 10 : June 17 : Merak to Chushul to Nyoma , Distance 285 kms
DAY 11 : June 18 : Nyoma to Tso Moriri Lake to Tso Kar Lake, Distance 135 kms
DAY 12 : June 19 : Tso Kar Lake to Jispa, Distance 145 kms
DAY 13 : June 19 : Jispa to Manali, Distance 145 kms
DAY 14 : June 19 : Manali, REST, Bike Transport to Pune and Sightseeing and Night bus to Delhi
DAY 15 : June 19 : Delhi to Pune Flight
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So Here it goes.....
DAY 0 : I would say that DAY 0 is basically a 3 months tenure wherein we arranged everything for the ride.
Ex- Getting accessories, ticket booking, Bike ready, negotiating with GATI travels, places to visit etc.
I used Michelin tires for my DUKE 200 and used 3 inch cushion for my and pillion seat.
That's the only modification I did on my bike.
The other requirements are very well available on xBhp inclusive of the medicines and all.
DAY 1 : June 7, 2017 : Pune to Mumbai to Amritsar - Flight
Took the flight from Mumbai to Amritsar. Reached the hotel "Country Inn and Suites By Carlson".
Immediately after check-in went to get our bikes (KTM and P220) from GATI. Its better to arrange petrol in a bottle beforehand.
By God's grace, the packaging was superb and didn't find a single scratch or dent whatsoever.
At 4pm, went to Wagah border PRAYING, that we should get the entry. However, we were denied entry as we didn't have a pre-approved pass/reserved seats and we turned up late.
All the efforts were in vain. However, one army major told us that we can get pre-approved pass from the central unit which is on the road to Wagah.
Tired, went back to Hotel, had dinner and immediately went to Golden Temple for inner peace.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAY 2 : June 8 : Amritsar to Pathankot - Local Sightseeing - Wagah Border - To Pathankot : Distance - 150 kmsWe went to the SHQ office at 9.30am, to reserve our seats & get VIP pass. All you need is your aadhaar card and just mention the aadhaar number and nos of people accompanying you on the back side of aadhaar photocopy.
Plus you have to write an application for VIP pass to the DIG SHQ BSF. It's very simple and immediately they will reserve the seats for you and your people.
I am attaching below the format as well. Takes hardly 10 mins & it's free. You don't have to enter inside the SHQ premises, thr is a small cabin before the gate.
The army person sitting over thr will do that for you.
FORMAT for VIP pass. Just write whatever is written here, ignore the grammar.
After reserving our seats, we were chilled . So planned to visit Jallianwala Bagh and paid our respects to the martyrs.
Did some shopping at the nearby market and had some food.
After relaxing a bit, went to Wagah border. This time we were punctual.
Wife and friend dancing with foreigners at Wagah.
Our proud army and canines at the parade.
SPG unit marching towards the Gate.
At Sunset, flags down for both countries.
After saluting our army and flag, we headed to Pathankot to meet the rest of team who were joining us.
On the way from Wagah border to Pathankot, just after the exit, one can buy original Army boots, clothes etc from army shops located on the right side of the road at a very cheap rate.
We took 2 hrs from Wagah to Pathankot and at 9.30 pm reached our hotel at Pathankot "Hotel Pushkar Dee Pee Residency" on the highway.
Had awesome food and went to sleep.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAY 3 : June 9 : Pathankot to Srinagar , Distance - 340 kms (The day chaos ride started with the group)
As I mentioned, the previous night we reached the hotel late night. The rest of the group which included mostly RE riders were already relaxing in the hotel.
We met them and went to sleep. The ride today was supposed to start early morning may be by 7am, that's what I thought. But we actually started riding at 10am.
Most of the time went in paying the hotel for breakfast and stay. I was little irritated as I wanted to drive early and reach early.
The news about Srinagar bothered me at the back of my mind, since thr was some chaos at Lal Chowk the previous week, so curfew situation.
Somehow riding just after an hour or so, one of the RE broke down. Again we waited till it got fixed.
Anyways, almost after an hour, we started riding again. The newly inaugurated tunnels and bridges were so beautiful. It was like a dream watching the valleys and greenery all around and riding on the smooth tarmac was magical.
My wife took the arduous task of capturing videos and stills while we were riding throughout the journey.
Some images are attached below showing her effort clicking pictures while maintaining posture on Duke 200.
The roads were super smooth but it was getting late and most of us were riding for the first time in this region.
We stopped for lunch midway just before the famous newly opened Chenani-Nashri tunnel. We gorged on some yummy rajma chawal and parathas.
It was a beautiful spot with deep valleys and curvy highways enticing us to extend our rides further.
Now, we were passing through a really horrible patch of road with heavy traffic. Duke picked well and I was able to overtake the 100s of trucks but rest of the guys were pretty far behind. I stopped ahead after clearing the traffic. My group was crossing but somehow Sudam was left behind.
I gave a go ahead to the group but was waiting for Sudam, after almost half an hour thr was no sight of him and his wife. I was getting little worried and thought of going back. But few mins later they appeared from down the curve. I felt relieved as it was getting darker as we were moving uphill.
Just as we were about to cross the Jawahar tunnel, one of the RE got a puncture on its rear tire. The issue was only 2 bikes were left behind and rest all crossed the tunnel.
Since the tunnel is controlled by army and at a time a single passing line is only allowed as its one way. We waited on the other side hoping them to come. But sooner we got the info that the tire is punctured and no way they will be able to find a puncture wala at 630pm in that region. They managed to get help from the army and used a pick up truck to load the bike and reach close to Awantipora in a different hotel.
Although precious hours were again lost , we were happy that they at least got a hotel.
After passing the tunnel, we were into the beautiful Ghats of Kashmir. This was the first time we saw the beautiful snow clad mountains and lush green fields.
We stopped and clicked few snaps before moving forward.
On the road to Srinagar, thr was total chaos. A truck was looted by some vandalism activity at around 10pm on the highway and bottles were being thrown here and thr.
I was really scared at the moment, I had only 1 thing in my mind which was to cross that zone and reach Dal Lake asap which was our stay for next 2 days.
My Duke helped me in maneuvering thorough the mess and I maintained a good speed to cross the trouble zone.
Later at around 12 midnight we reached our Dal Lake boats. The boat was very beautiful and they helped us in getting our luggage and made food ready for the team.
The food was yummy. Sooner we hit the bed after getting freshened up.
The plan was to start our ride on June 8th from Pune to Amritsar via flight and start our Leh expedition from Golden Temple.
Flight tickets were booked and GATI travels was selected to transport our bike to Amritsar. However, Luck was not in favor of us, The plan was cancelled just 2 days before as my friend was getting married the same day we were supposed to start the ride.
Anyways I got married too later and the same plan was shifted to June 2017 with my wife as my pillion on DUKE 200.
So here we go, we were 2 couples Me and Sudam (my office friend), we transported our bike via GATI from Pune to Amritsar and booked our flight tickets.
From Pathankot we were to meet the rest of the team whoever turns up.
The plan was as follows:
DAY 1 : June 7, 2017 : Pune to Amritsar - Flight
DAY 2 : June 8 : Amritsar to Pathankot - Plan - Get our bikes - Local Sightseeing - Wagah Border - To Pathankot : Distance - 150 kms
DAY 3 : June 9 : Pathankot to Srinagar , Distance - 340 kms
DAY 4 : June 10: Srinagar - Local Sightseeing and REST
DAY 5 : June 11 : Srinagar to Kargil, Distance - 210 kms
DAY 6 : June 12 : Kargil to Leh, Distance - Distance - 220 kms
DAY 7 : June 13 : Leh - Local Sightseeing, REST, Permits, BIKE cleaning
DAY 8 : June 14 : Leh - Local Sightseeing, Actually it was wasted because of weather problems
DAY 9 : June 15 : Leh - Local Sightseeing - Actually it was wasted because of weather problems
DAY 10 : June 16 : Leh - Pangon Tso Lake - Merak, Distance 225 kms
DAY 10 : June 17 : Merak to Chushul to Nyoma , Distance 285 kms
DAY 11 : June 18 : Nyoma to Tso Moriri Lake to Tso Kar Lake, Distance 135 kms
DAY 12 : June 19 : Tso Kar Lake to Jispa, Distance 145 kms
DAY 13 : June 19 : Jispa to Manali, Distance 145 kms
DAY 14 : June 19 : Manali, REST, Bike Transport to Pune and Sightseeing and Night bus to Delhi
DAY 15 : June 19 : Delhi to Pune Flight
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So Here it goes.....
DAY 0 : I would say that DAY 0 is basically a 3 months tenure wherein we arranged everything for the ride.
Ex- Getting accessories, ticket booking, Bike ready, negotiating with GATI travels, places to visit etc.
I used Michelin tires for my DUKE 200 and used 3 inch cushion for my and pillion seat.
That's the only modification I did on my bike.
The other requirements are very well available on xBhp inclusive of the medicines and all.
DAY 1 : June 7, 2017 : Pune to Mumbai to Amritsar - Flight
Took the flight from Mumbai to Amritsar. Reached the hotel "Country Inn and Suites By Carlson".
Immediately after check-in went to get our bikes (KTM and P220) from GATI. Its better to arrange petrol in a bottle beforehand.
By God's grace, the packaging was superb and didn't find a single scratch or dent whatsoever.
At 4pm, went to Wagah border PRAYING, that we should get the entry. However, we were denied entry as we didn't have a pre-approved pass/reserved seats and we turned up late.
All the efforts were in vain. However, one army major told us that we can get pre-approved pass from the central unit which is on the road to Wagah.
Tired, went back to Hotel, had dinner and immediately went to Golden Temple for inner peace.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAY 2 : June 8 : Amritsar to Pathankot - Local Sightseeing - Wagah Border - To Pathankot : Distance - 150 kmsWe went to the SHQ office at 9.30am, to reserve our seats & get VIP pass. All you need is your aadhaar card and just mention the aadhaar number and nos of people accompanying you on the back side of aadhaar photocopy.
Plus you have to write an application for VIP pass to the DIG SHQ BSF. It's very simple and immediately they will reserve the seats for you and your people.
I am attaching below the format as well. Takes hardly 10 mins & it's free. You don't have to enter inside the SHQ premises, thr is a small cabin before the gate.
The army person sitting over thr will do that for you.
FORMAT for VIP pass. Just write whatever is written here, ignore the grammar.
After reserving our seats, we were chilled . So planned to visit Jallianwala Bagh and paid our respects to the martyrs.
Did some shopping at the nearby market and had some food.
After relaxing a bit, went to Wagah border. This time we were punctual.
Wife and friend dancing with foreigners at Wagah.
Our proud army and canines at the parade.
SPG unit marching towards the Gate.
At Sunset, flags down for both countries.
After saluting our army and flag, we headed to Pathankot to meet the rest of team who were joining us.
On the way from Wagah border to Pathankot, just after the exit, one can buy original Army boots, clothes etc from army shops located on the right side of the road at a very cheap rate.
We took 2 hrs from Wagah to Pathankot and at 9.30 pm reached our hotel at Pathankot "Hotel Pushkar Dee Pee Residency" on the highway.
Had awesome food and went to sleep.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAY 3 : June 9 : Pathankot to Srinagar , Distance - 340 kms (The day chaos ride started with the group)
As I mentioned, the previous night we reached the hotel late night. The rest of the group which included mostly RE riders were already relaxing in the hotel.
We met them and went to sleep. The ride today was supposed to start early morning may be by 7am, that's what I thought. But we actually started riding at 10am.
Most of the time went in paying the hotel for breakfast and stay. I was little irritated as I wanted to drive early and reach early.
The news about Srinagar bothered me at the back of my mind, since thr was some chaos at Lal Chowk the previous week, so curfew situation.
Somehow riding just after an hour or so, one of the RE broke down. Again we waited till it got fixed.
Anyways, almost after an hour, we started riding again. The newly inaugurated tunnels and bridges were so beautiful. It was like a dream watching the valleys and greenery all around and riding on the smooth tarmac was magical.
My wife took the arduous task of capturing videos and stills while we were riding throughout the journey.
Some images are attached below showing her effort clicking pictures while maintaining posture on Duke 200.
The roads were super smooth but it was getting late and most of us were riding for the first time in this region.
We stopped for lunch midway just before the famous newly opened Chenani-Nashri tunnel. We gorged on some yummy rajma chawal and parathas.
It was a beautiful spot with deep valleys and curvy highways enticing us to extend our rides further.
Now, we were passing through a really horrible patch of road with heavy traffic. Duke picked well and I was able to overtake the 100s of trucks but rest of the guys were pretty far behind. I stopped ahead after clearing the traffic. My group was crossing but somehow Sudam was left behind.
I gave a go ahead to the group but was waiting for Sudam, after almost half an hour thr was no sight of him and his wife. I was getting little worried and thought of going back. But few mins later they appeared from down the curve. I felt relieved as it was getting darker as we were moving uphill.
Just as we were about to cross the Jawahar tunnel, one of the RE got a puncture on its rear tire. The issue was only 2 bikes were left behind and rest all crossed the tunnel.
Since the tunnel is controlled by army and at a time a single passing line is only allowed as its one way. We waited on the other side hoping them to come. But sooner we got the info that the tire is punctured and no way they will be able to find a puncture wala at 630pm in that region. They managed to get help from the army and used a pick up truck to load the bike and reach close to Awantipora in a different hotel.
Although precious hours were again lost , we were happy that they at least got a hotel.
After passing the tunnel, we were into the beautiful Ghats of Kashmir. This was the first time we saw the beautiful snow clad mountains and lush green fields.
We stopped and clicked few snaps before moving forward.
On the road to Srinagar, thr was total chaos. A truck was looted by some vandalism activity at around 10pm on the highway and bottles were being thrown here and thr.
I was really scared at the moment, I had only 1 thing in my mind which was to cross that zone and reach Dal Lake asap which was our stay for next 2 days.
My Duke helped me in maneuvering thorough the mess and I maintained a good speed to cross the trouble zone.
Later at around 12 midnight we reached our Dal Lake boats. The boat was very beautiful and they helped us in getting our luggage and made food ready for the team.
The food was yummy. Sooner we hit the bed after getting freshened up.
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