Welcome to the mystical land of Ladakh with me, Ayush! As you land in Leh, prepare to be mesmerised by the breathtaking landscapes and the fresh mountain air. Ladakh has long been a dream, and finally, the chance arose to turn it into reality. With 11 nights and 12 days ahead, excitement surged as the journey started on the bus from Delhi.
Routes to Ladakh:
I started my trip on the Delhi Volvo bus. The time was spent travelling, with a quick stop at a roadside dhaba for dinner before reaching our destination in Manali.
Places to visit in Ladakh:
- Manali:
After checking into our hotel on day two, I immediately started exploring the local attractions like Hadimba Temple, Mall Road, Old Manali, Club House, Jana Waterfall, and Kullu.
- Jispa:
The real thrill began on Day 3 as we kicked off our Royal Enfield Himalayan bike trip from Manali to Jispa. Along the way, we made stops at Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel, and Sissu Lake, where I enjoyed a leisurely lunch before reaching Jispa in the evening. Our riverside Swiss camps provided a cosy setting for the night, complete with a delicious dinner.
- Tsomoriri:
On the fourth day, I was happy with the stunning scenery and incredible adventures. From Jispa to Tso Moriri, I was amazed by Baralacha Pass and Tsomoriri Lake while camping under the stars.
- Hanle:
Then, from Tso Moriri to Hanle on the fifth day, I explored colourful mountains and visited the world’s highest astrophysics observatory and Hanle Monastery before settling in a homestay for the night.
- Ladakh:
The adventure kept going as we visited Umlingla, Pangong, Nubra, and Leh, each with its own special appeal and thrills. I was blown away by the world’s highest motorable road, Pangong Tso, Khardung La Pass, and Magnetic Hill. Ladakh’s beauty and variety truly left me amazed.
As the trip neared its end, I felt thankful for the smooth experience offered by Destination Unexplored, the travel company I chose. They took care of everything, from meals and accommodation to providing a brand new RE Himalayan bike, fuel, stay arrangements, and even a luggage van and mechanic. It let me focus completely on enjoying the journey. Boarding my flight from Srinagar to Raipur on Day 12, I reminisced about my unforgettable Ladakh bike trip.
Best time to visit Ladakh:
The ideal time to visit Ladakh is from April to July during the summer season, when temperatures range from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. Ladakh is renowned for its consistently low temperatures throughout the year.
Necessary things to pack for the Ladakh trip:
Pack wisely for your trip.
- Layered clothing
- Suitable footwear
- Backpack
- Important documents
- Electronic gadgets
- Medications
- Toiletries
- Miscellaneous items
- Accessories
- Snacks
Tips for Ladakh travellers:
- Ensure that your motorcycle is in top condition for the challenging terrain by getting a thorough check-up, including brakes and tyres.
- To prevent altitude sickness in Ladakh’s high altitude, acclimatise by spending a day or two in Leh before embarking on long rides. Drink plenty of water and avoid overexertion.
- Respect the local culture and traditions.
- Ride cautiously and defensively, especially on narrow mountain roads and high passes. Always wear a helmet and appropriate protective gear. Keep an eye out for unpredictable wildlife.
- Dispose of waste responsibly, and respect wildlife by refraining from feeding or approaching animals.
The package cost was Rs. 55,000 per person, which covered everything. There was an extra expense of Rs. 18,000 for the flights from Srinagar to Raipur and Raipur to Delhi, making the total cost Rs. 73,000.
For anyone considering a similar adventure, my top tip would be to plan wisely and choose a reputable travel company like Destination Unexplored.For more captivating travel tales visit https://sowl.in/stories.
Happy Travels!!!