In this bizarrely colorful world that I stand testimony to, camera in hand and a pair of wheels at feet, one fine day, it dawned on me - I could not let life in this cornucopia of dreams, pass me by - unrecorded. With the proclivity of an explorer, hence began a renaissance of beauty, that found its way into my enamored heart, through my faithful lense and into the windows of your wakeful souls. Come, walk with me...
What a nostalgia it is!!! 2 years back on the same day I just rolled down from the hills with a heavy heart and dampen eyes... The fortnight long dream ride almost came to an end when we hit Manali travelling from Keylong. I was sad like anything and it gulped down all the words coming in the mind and at the same time I was getting irritated finding myself so close to the plains. Why why Why I need to come back to the same life again, same people all around and ofcourse the same old lost memories! Absolutely nothing excited to create a mild curve on face. I so much wanted to stay there not only all the time but for couple of more life, simple innocent unknown people around but loveable than most known, a smile from a unknown at every node but sweeter than whom you loved, 10 minutes of friendship and 5 minutes of chit-chat but memorable than any hour long gossips... Enough, 13 seems to show it's lucky charm again... Yes, 2013 ;)
This particular image was shot somewhere on Srinagar-Leh Highway during my Leh Voyage in 2009, a journey of a life time. Leh, the capital of Ladakh region is connected by road basically in two ways, one from Manali in Himanchal Pradesh and the other from Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. The Srinagar-Leh route is one among the top TEN scenic routes in India and provides a variety of vivid as well as extreme landscapes. Some barren tall mountains similar to this really looks scary at times.
In the year 2009, Government was trying to make butter smooth roads on this stretch and I wish it must be over by now. But I can bet, it will not be of the same adventure to ride on a smooth tarmac.
The annual festivals in monastries of Leh-Ladakh region are one of the major tourist attraction. People from all around the world follow the festival calender to experience this colorful and traditional festival.
This photograph was captured in Phiyang Monastey in the month of July.
Captured in Lamayuru monastery on Srinagar-Leh highway, is one of my personal favorite portraits I managed to get. The numerous elements hidden in this frame shows another world existing beyond our materialized world. Lamayuru, being one of the oldest Monastery in Ladakh region houses maximum number of Monks as well as has a great importance.
'Hunder' the last Indian village on Indo-Pak border and in Nubra Valley is the place from where I took the 'U' turn during my last year Leh Voyage, is a pure bliss. The place is also famous ffor 'Double-humped Camel' and 'Ladakh Sand Dunes'.
This is the place where you can find sand, snow, mountain, river valley, forest all together.
Half of 2010 is HISTORY now..... The half yearly experience for me was mixed, can't say it was great. Hope you all are doing great and HAPPY with life. God bless you all....
'Indus Valley', a familiar name among the few ancient civilizations is truly a Beauty as a place.
This photograph was captured on the Sixth day of my last year Leh Yatra. The lonely windy road equally dividing the valley, surrounded by lovely mountains and a pure blue sky as roof are something which may attract you to visit this place again and again.
'BARALACHALA', a name that I pronounced properly after reading it 100 times. Yes, 3-4 years ago I came to know about this pass on Manali-Leh highway and the first picture was so exciting that every time I was forgetting to read the NAME properly. The photograph was actually that much breathtaking, 12-18 feets of snow on both sides of road was just beauty.
Baralachala Pass, at 16000+ feet above mean sea level on Zanskar mountain range connects Lalul and Spiti with Ladakh. And is considered to be one of the tough but beautiful passes. Suraj Tal, from where river Chandra is originated add more beauty to this place. The place is also surrounded by lovely treking routes.
Pay a visit to this area in Early May or just after opening of Manali-Leh highway and I bet the quantity of snow there will never disappoint you. I crossed this heavenly place on my XIIth day of LEH Voyage. And not to mention about the color of the SKY, it was simply unbelievable.
I do not know how much this image justifies to the surreal virgin surroundings of 'Hunder'. Hunder in Nubra Valley which lies about 150 kilometers to the North of Leh is the last Indian village accessible to general tourists.
During my last year's visit to 'Ladakh' I was lucky enough to spend a night in this beautiful place. The feel that came after seeing such a beautiful valley at above more than 10,000 feet above sea after crossing Khardunga La, worlds highest motor able road can not be described in words.
Hunder houses 'Ladakh Sand Dunes' and also 'Double Humped Bactrian Camels', who are originally from Central Asia and were part of ancient 'Trade Routes'. With the end of traditional trading policies and the development of modern transport system, some of these Camels remained along with Nubra or Siachan River. These camels are capable of surviving in both sand and snow so were preferred as porters. A camel ride in the Ladakh Sand Dunes is no less fun than a Camel safari near Jaisalmer.
A dream ride to the 'Roof of the World' covering some 2500+ kilometers on the trusted 'Uni'.
LADAKH & NUBRA: A cherished dream
A Biker’s Pilgrimage
Leh, capital of Ladakh region always stands in the top of a Biker’s to-do list. So how can we be the exceptions!!! It was a dream when we shifted to Delhi with the Uni in Feb ’08 just after completion of our B. Arch.
We wanted time to get ready for the trip in all senses. With proper riding skills in the hills (which started only after 7 days with a ride to Nainital), proper bike (a ZMA was in the pipeline along with the Uni), proper riding gears etc, we were suppose to hit the road for Leh. We were not in a hurry, so just decided to do Leh during Aug ’09.
Along with many rides to the hills, the research for Leh/Ladakh was in it’s own pace. SPITI peeped in-between and we headed towards it during Aug ’08. It was the real base for a big ride. We were 4 people on 2 bikes (Uni & CBZ) and it taught us many things. And it is the most adventurous ride for me till date. It showed us how the nature/weather can be and how you can expect the unexpected. You can find it here. Though Spiti was untouched because of bad weather and landslides but we managed to reach Chhitkul (Sangla).
Some more research on Leh and at the end of the tunnel I reached NUBRA, a beautiful valley on the ancient silk route.
Things were absolutely fine until my crash on 12th December. This incident turned everything upside down and it’s still a nightmare for me. Ladakh dream was just disappeared as Om gained some weight with the 6 inch long plate and 7 screws in his right ankle. It was because one drunken auto driver hit from behind outside an ATM and we were leaving for Manali then. His first operation was on 13th Dec. On 27th March he was operated again only to remove 1 screw so that he can able to walk without any support. On the very same day we drove to Gulaba to break the jinx over Manali along with our sister and a close friend. And after this we drove to the hills a couple of times and then ‘Ladakh’ came to mind. ‘Scorpio’ was the option to make the ‘Leh’ trip. But nothing was certain.
Till 10th July ’09, we had absolutely no idea, whether we are going / when we are going / how we are going. Strange!!! But it was very true.
There was no permission from home, no confidence on myself to do the ride; I was working in office though I served my notice period after my resignation. But it was sure we are going to Leh for minimum 15 days and we‘ve to return Delhi by the end of July. And initially I had a 20+ days plan doing the Spiti, Ladakh, Nubra, Srinagar and Amritsar but it was to be changed in anyway.
On 11th night we sat together and discussed about the trip. After 2-3 hours discussion we decided to hit the road on ‘Uni’ from 13th. And the route was via traditional Manali-Leh highway. A quick gold service of Uni, some missing spares for the emergency kit from Karolbagh and onetime usable Saddlebag were to be bought in 2 days and I was really excited.
But later we decided to ride via Srinagar because the route is more scenic than the Manali-Leh route and we wanted to enjoy the route to its most. But the whole thing was concentrated with the condition of Om’s ankle, how will it react with long sitting hours on bike!!! As per our Doctor’s suggestions, it is fine to sit for 5-6 hours means 150-200 kms maximum in a day; still it was a great relief. It was fine for us, as in hills this distance is good enough. But what about the initial day, we have to ride long!!!
Till 11th I was working late in the office and there was only one day for every preparation. So with a sudden idea from Om, we searched for Tatkal tickets till Jammu. It was really a fantastic idea. We were lucky enough to get the tickets. So one major problem was solved by this and we got decent time to take rest and as well as avoided the boring stretch in plains till Jammu. The idea proved to be fantastic and saved lots of time and energy. The train was scheduled for departure at 4.00 PM on 13th from Purani Delhi and to reach early morning at Jammu next day.
And it was the unexpected way we started for the expected ride. Good Luck to us to complete the ride and back home safe.
I always wanted to visit Old Srinagar, and what could be the best to take the water route along with a Sikara ride!!! It was an early morning start and we were back to the boat after 3-4 hours. And now it was time for some rest and then shopping for the things those were left from the essential list.
Lotus Garden…
Old Srinagar…
Bought polythine for luggage and proceeded to Shree Sankaracharya Temple. It’s under the control of Army because one can aim the whole city from this place. Another highest point is Srinagar Palace which is not accessible to the public for the security reasons.
Some random snaps/macro attempt…
Next while visiting Mughal Gardens we met ‘Sourin’, a guy from Mumbai roaming in Ladakh region for more than 30 days on his ‘Yam FZ’. This decent guy became a very good friend in a short while and his inputs made everything easy and smooth. Thanks man, your plan came out really well. He made the final layout of our ride spending more than 2 hours on it.
Sourin and Om…
Sunset from houseboat terrace…
And here we decided to go Shree Amarnath Jee. It was a four hour trek route from Baltal, some 100 kms from Srinagar towards Leh. We planned to start early morning from Srinagar for Baltal, some 20-25 kms from Sonmarg. We thought we will be back by the same day evening but it was a different story next day.
Route – @ Srinagar Total distance covered - 52 Kilometers Road condition - Excellent city roads, some parts are very dusty. Event of the day - Sikara ride at Dal Lake and watching sunset from the houseboat terrace. Important places - Old city (can get all your necessary things) Tourist interest points - Shree Shankaracharya Temple (beautiful aerial view of Srinagar), Sikara ride at Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens-Nisath garden, Chasmasahi, Parimahal, Old city) Precautions – Polythene is banned in Srinagar, sales person may bother you, avoid roaming late in the city.
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