I never thought I would go for it, no one sensible would have opted for an annual holiday like this. Even the thought of it is enough to get goose bumps. Yes, I am talking about my road trip to Leh, Ladakh.
I distinctly remember what started as a funny idea after downing a couple of beer came into being and interestingly I was in for it! With the much needed guidance and support from my friend, Vivek I set-on this adventure trip with my beloved who despite her reservations came along smiling. I never knew this trip would set forth newer definition of words 'smile' and 'adventure' for me.
I distinctly remember what started as a funny idea after downing a couple of beer came into being and interestingly I was in for it! With the much needed guidance and support from my friend, Vivek I set-on this adventure trip with my beloved who despite her reservations came along smiling. I never knew this trip would set forth newer definition of words 'smile' and 'adventure' for me.
Reading various blogs, forums and advisories for the challenges and things to keep in mind, we planned all resources and set on this escapade with huge list of carry-ons including medicines, camping gear (courtesy Vivek) and yes a disposable oxygen cylinder. Sitting in Delhi its tough to be able to imagine the concept of AMS – Acute mountain sickness which is attributed to low oxygen at high altitudes.
We set off to Manali from Delhi on early 09 June. The route is charming with numerous canals, rivers and dams on the way to Sundar Nagar and Mandi. The road is really wonderful and cars cruise in the hills at 60-80 kilometeres per hour. Plush green hills with numerous bridges and the breathtaking view of over 3 kilometers long tunnel was adorable. Having driven to Manali before, the scenic view and local dhabas were a delight. I have never been able to understand how Maggi tastes this well in the hills! Having covered the 600 odd KM long journey, we too a break in a nice cozy hotel for the night.
We wanted to start early next morning, but plans seldom are followed when on a holiday, atleast till now we thought it was! We woke up early to find it was pouring heavy. Opening the room window facing the valley, we could feel the chill in the air reminded us of school days with mom waking me up everyday to get ready. The bed was more than welcoming and we dozed off again to wake up again around 8 AM. We were all packed and set off by 9:30 AM to a journey of a life time. The freshness of mountain air kept us active on the route to Rohtang which is about 52 KM from Manali. We reached Rohtang La only to find it being flocked with tourists and hoards of dirty black snow, the blackness from the exhausts of taxis and trucks. With nothing new there, we moved on. Road existed but was a mere eyewash as the pot holes and rocks were filling our way. It wasn’t long before we were accustomed to the uncertainty of the road, thanks to Delhi traffic that has made us agile and adaptive. We crossed the mighty big town of Keylong which even has a Kendriya Vidyalaya. After a brisk Lunch we started off to Jispa, about 3 hours drive. We crossed numerous streams of water flowing onto the road and thanks to the 4x4 option, managed al of them like a cake walk.
Himank, the local arm of BRO (Border Roads Organization) responsible for maintaining all roads in HP and J&K region, is working on road widening project on the Manali – Leh route. We came across a few road blocks which these guys cleared in no time, and I am genuinely thankful to the vastness of their operations across the entire route. Keylong onwards tarmac vanished and we were on a gravel and mud road. Bikers and followers maintained a distance owing to the huge pile of dust rising from our car wheels. Local dhabas and habitation existed till now, reinforcing our hopes. We managed Jispa by 4:30 PM, which is not bad seeing the condition of road. Sun was shining and the excitement or the lack of it prompted us to carry on. Without a minute delay, we pressed on. Darcha is a small town by the river bed around 7 KM from Jispa. We halted there to have tea. Aunty ka dhaba is one of the famous places which offers nigh beds inside the dhaba at as low as INR 20! The incredible tea topped with serene view of river, ones which must have been a tarmac reminded us of the natures power.
We wanted to start early next morning, but plans seldom are followed when on a holiday, atleast till now we thought it was! We woke up early to find it was pouring heavy. Opening the room window facing the valley, we could feel the chill in the air reminded us of school days with mom waking me up everyday to get ready. The bed was more than welcoming and we dozed off again to wake up again around 8 AM. We were all packed and set off by 9:30 AM to a journey of a life time. The freshness of mountain air kept us active on the route to Rohtang which is about 52 KM from Manali. We reached Rohtang La only to find it being flocked with tourists and hoards of dirty black snow, the blackness from the exhausts of taxis and trucks. With nothing new there, we moved on. Road existed but was a mere eyewash as the pot holes and rocks were filling our way. It wasn’t long before we were accustomed to the uncertainty of the road, thanks to Delhi traffic that has made us agile and adaptive. We crossed the mighty big town of Keylong which even has a Kendriya Vidyalaya. After a brisk Lunch we started off to Jispa, about 3 hours drive. We crossed numerous streams of water flowing onto the road and thanks to the 4x4 option, managed al of them like a cake walk.
Himank, the local arm of BRO (Border Roads Organization) responsible for maintaining all roads in HP and J&K region, is working on road widening project on the Manali – Leh route. We came across a few road blocks which these guys cleared in no time, and I am genuinely thankful to the vastness of their operations across the entire route. Keylong onwards tarmac vanished and we were on a gravel and mud road. Bikers and followers maintained a distance owing to the huge pile of dust rising from our car wheels. Local dhabas and habitation existed till now, reinforcing our hopes. We managed Jispa by 4:30 PM, which is not bad seeing the condition of road. Sun was shining and the excitement or the lack of it prompted us to carry on. Without a minute delay, we pressed on. Darcha is a small town by the river bed around 7 KM from Jispa. We halted there to have tea. Aunty ka dhaba is one of the famous places which offers nigh beds inside the dhaba at as low as INR 20! The incredible tea topped with serene view of river, ones which must have been a tarmac reminded us of the natures power.
Theres so much to write and am a lil tired nownow.. please come again as the journey has just begun
