Travel by Bike Series-1 :- 😀😀
India offers several fantastic destinations for Solo travelers and bike enthusiasts who enjoy exploring the country's diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. While there are many popular bike travel destinations in India like Leh-Ladakh (Jammy & Kashmir), Spiti Valley (Himachal Pradesh), Rajasthan by road, Western Ghats (South India), Tawang, Bomdila Valley (Arunachal Pradesh), the Coastal route from Chennai to Kanyakumari, etc.We will start our Travel by Bike Series
with Leh-Ladakh located in Jammy
& Kashmir, India. 👇👇
Known for its breathtaking mountain
scenery and challenging roads, Leh-Ladakh in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is
a dream destination for bikers. The high-altitude passes, such as Khardung La
and Chang La, offer thrilling riding experiences amidst the stunning Himalayan
vistas. To reach Leh by bike, you can
follow the popular route from Manali, which is the most common starting point
for the journey. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reach Leh by bike:-
Prepare and Plan:- Following are prerequisites before venturing by
Bike Travel. 👇👇
1. Ensure that you have a reliable and
well-maintained bike suitable for long-distance rides. ✅
2. Bikes to be considered are:- Royal
Enfield Himalayan, KTM Adventure Series, BMW GS Series, Kawasaki
Versys, Suzuki V-Strom, and Honda Africa Twin. Each of these bikes
is specially built for adventurous travelers with its durability and peak
performance. They offer a good ground
clearance, comfortable seating position, and robust build quality, making it
suitable for off-road and rough terrain.✅
3. Obtain all necessary permits, including
the Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for Indian nationals to enter certain
areas of Ladakh. ✅
4. Check weather conditions and road status
to ensure safe passage during your travel dates.✅
5. Pack appropriate gear, including riding
gear, warm clothing, a tool kit, spare parts, and first aid supplies.✅
6.
Catch
hold of a long and big backpack for carrying out the essential items. ✅
Reaching Manali:- 👇
1. Arrive in Manali, which can be reached
by road or air. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, approximately 50 kilometers
from Manali.
2.
If
you're traveling by road, Manali is well-connected to major cities in northern
India.
Start the Journey:- 👇
1. Begin your journey from Manali, by taking
the Manali-Leh Highway, which remains open from around June to September,
depending on weather conditions.
2.
Start
early in the morning to make the most of daylight hours and avoid any possible
traffic.
Pass Rohtang Pass:- 👇
Ride through Rohtang Pass, located at an
elevation of 3,978 meters, and follow the well-marked road that leads to
Keylong.
Continue Through Lahaul Valley:-👇
1. Proceed along the Leh-Manali Highway,
passing through picturesque towns like Keylong, Jispa, and Darcha.
2. Enjoy
the stunning landscapes as you ride through the Lahaul Valley. Take a halt in between to enjoy your ride and
also to capture the scenic views.
Cross Baralacha La:-👇
Ascend to Baralacha La, a high mountain
pass situated at an altitude of 4,890 meters. Take in the magnificent views
before descending towards Sarchu.
Reach Sarchu:-👇
1. Sarchu is a popular resting point for
bikers, located at the border of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
2.
You
can find campsites and basic accommodations in Sarchu to spend the night.
Ride through More Plains and Gata Loops:-👇
1. Continue your journey through the vast
plains of More Plains, a surreal flat stretch surrounded by mountains.
2. Challenge
yourself with the series of hairpin bends known as Gata Loops, which take you
to a higher altitude.
Conquer Tanglang La:-👇
1. Ride to Tanglang La, one of the highest
motorable passes in the world, standing at an elevation of 5,328 meters.
2.
Take
a moment to appreciate the achievement and enjoy the panoramic views.
Reaching Leh:-👇
1. Descend from Tanglang La and continue
your ride to Upshi, which serves as an entry point to the Leh district.
2.
From
Upshi, it's about an hour's ride to reach Leh, the capital of Ladakh.
Ensure that you acclimatize yourself
properly to the high altitude, stay hydrated, and ride safely. Take breaks as
needed and enjoy the stunning landscapes and cultural experiences along the
way. It's advisable to have a flexible itinerary to account for any unexpected
circumstances and delays. Keep 2-3 days at least for rest in between.
We will explore Travel by Bike series
one by one in the succeeding posts.
Have a safe journey !! 😀😀