The Great Himalayan Expedition on Motorbikes


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Ram, The details on the war memorials were very informative. Also the write ups on the small small details of the various wars.

Momo has become a household name and item in Kolkata. It is now available in every nook and corner of the city from big shops to the street side eateries
 
Thread Starter #33
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How did you take this video(Hunder Nubra Valley)? Camera on hand and driving?
Nice photos with explanations. Where are the other guys? Yes, we are waiting for that.

Meantime, dedicating home made momos for the Team.
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In fact we parked two bikes in the hotel itself and four of us went in two bikes. I was a pillion rider in Satheesh's bike and taking the video.

Thank you so much for the momos.

Ram, The details on the war memorials were very informative. Also the write ups on the small small details of the various wars.

Momo has become a household name and item in Kolkata. It is now available in every nook and corner of the city from big shops to the street side eateries
Thank you CN for your inspiring comments.

In down south another version of momos are available and its a favorite one as well, its called "kozhukattai" and those are mostly sweet ones.
 

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Thread Starter #34
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Travelogue (Episode 11)

The great Himalayan Expedition on motorbikes

Day – 12

16th September, 2016 – Diskit > Spangmik



“Wonderstruck by the fact that the camera, the machine responded quite differently the moment we were placed by the side Pangon Tso...
Seeing the blue placid waters, we began to float a few inches from the ground, hair rising around our face...”
read further

After the breakfast at the hotel we fastened the baggage to the bikes, started the engine for warming up and kept them idle for few minutes. At 8 am we settled the bills and checked out from the hotel. Myself and doctor rode out of the gates and took our left turn to Khalsar – the right way to Spangmik, the day’s target destination at a distance of 162 kms. We had the impression that our co-riders Suresh and Satheesh would be following us, After cruising 30 minutes, to our surprise we realized that they were not seen behind us; doctor stopped his bike and was waiting for them, where as I proceeded thinking that all of them would be following me. I was riding on a slow pace and traveled almost 30 kms and stopped on the way side. But none of them were seen even after a long time, and I had no mobile connectivity as mine was a prepaid SIM. Got panic, didn’t know what to do, thought would go back to the hotel and see what the situation was. To my horror, none of them were there as well; I decided to wait there. Meantime the hotel manager came out; from his mobile I called up doctor, but was not responding. I was getting nervous – started working-out various options, in case my fellow riders were not been traced out; for a moment thought of aborting the journey further. OMG! There the doctor’s call has come on the hotel manager’s phone; and he was asking me where the other two riders gone? He said their mobile phones are out of coverage area and at times ringing but not answering. He said he too would be coming back to the hotel and asked me to wait there. After half an hour he had reached and no call from them till then. He said he went back to the opposite direction till Hunder town but couldn’t trace them anywhere there.

We wanted to wait there itself and see the situation, and were sure they would call us back. As expected we had the call from them after a while and they asked us where we were...

Instead of taking the left turn after the hotel gate, they took the right turn that the road goes to Siachen base till where the civilians are allowed. They kept on riding thinking that we were ahead of them.

Anyway, it was a communication gap that puzzled all of us – we were in a horrifying situation for a couple of hours. It was a great reunion afterwards when they also reached the hotel. Over a cup of tea, we put an end to all wreaking havoc in the morning and started again; by then we were late by three hours...

The road condition was neither good nor bad and mostly on the banks of Shyok River, and the river bed was almost dry in many places. We reached an army and BRO out post at 1 pm. There was a small eatery by the side; had tea and Maggie noodles. Mean time few personals from BRO and army came to us seeing the license plates of the bikes; most of them were Mallus and a few from TN. They were very much excited to see us riding all the way from south! We took few pictures with them and started from there. We were told that the road further was a in a very bad shape and mostly it would be an off road riding.

Absolutely there was no road at all at many stretches and we had to follow only the tracks; and some places it diverted to right and left and no soul around to ask the route. The GPS was a great help to us but for it we would not have made our way. The tracks were covered with loose sand besides big boulders at some stretches and needed to have a good riding skill. We had to negotiate few deep water crossings as well on the way which were totally challenging to us.

We passed Khalsar, Agram, Shyok, Durbuk, Tangste and Lukung besides some wildlife sanctuaries near Tangste.

Just before 5 pm, we had seen a concrete board on the left side of the road towards Pangong Tso. It was written, one can see the first sight of the renowned Pangong Lake from that particular spot. We were so much excited, stopped our rides and took as many pictures as possible. The lake was another 4 kms away from there.
 

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Reached Pangong Tso at 5.15 pm. The mind blowing sight of the lake was a real outlet for the day’s incessant off road riding.

We parked our rides near a restaurant and had light refreshment to light up our energy level.

Pangong Tso

The name of the lake Pangong was got from a Tibetan word Banggong Co that means a narrow and enchanted lake.

Pangong Lake is situated at an altitude of 14270 feet ASL. It is 134 km long and extends from India to China. Approximately 60% of length of the lake lies in China. The lake is 5 km wide at its broadest point. All together it covers 604 km2. During winter the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water and because of this the lake cannot have any kind of vegetation or even aquatic life. But again, you do not have to be disappointed; you will be treated to the views of many migratory birds like black necked cranes and also seagulls. This place is paradise for bird lovers especially with sightings of other birds like rodents that are said to grow up to the size of a dog. For activities, you can camp on the shores of this lake and that one is going to be sheer delight for adventure enthusiasts.
It is not a part of Indus river basin area and geographically a separate land locked river basin.
One factor that makes this Lake so popular is the fact that it keeps changing colors. And now you know that the lake has got its name rightfully. You will know this when you visit the beautiful lake of Pangong. You are sure to be enchanted by the charm.

The first glance of this alluring lake and its blue waters is enough to leave a lasting impression on your mind. What tourists and explorers love the most here is the narrow stretch of land that goes straight into the lake. This spot has also been a favorite among many photographers. If you are planning to visit Pangong Lake, make sure you do not visit during winters because the whole lake freezes during this season of the year. Also the region has really harsh winters, so avoid places like these during winters. The Pangong Lake falls on the Sino-Indian Line of Actual Control. And because it is situated very close to the border, you will be allowed to visit only up to a certain area. You can explore the lake till the Spangmik village. Whenever you plan to visit this magical place, make sure you do carry a lot of winter clothes. The climate is cold and after dawn it gets harsher. Do not expect any kind of boating activities here. Being situated very close to the border, Pangong Lake is considered to be a very delicate region to visit. Visit this place only for its beauty and magnificence. And for any kind of adventure, the only option that you got is to camp on the shores of the lake. If you love photography, this place is going to be an absolute delight.

Pangong Lake has also featured in a Bollywood movie- 3 Idiots. Remember the scene where Kareena Kapoor goes to meet Aamir Khan riding a scooter? That was Pangong Lake and those of you who have watched the movie know that the picturesque beauty of Pangong Tso or the Pangong Lake is unmatched for.

The temperature then was dropping drastically, we left the place around 6 pm and Spangmik was hardly a few kms away; most of the accommodation facilities were available only there.

Reaching Spangmik, we went around the village searching arduously for a suitable stay but ended up in a vain attempt. Finally we had to compromise on a home stay with the basic facilities. Few minutes after we checked in even that also became full, mostly by bikers.

A family was running the show there; more or less like a one man show. We ordered for our dinner and asked them to keep it ready by 9 pm. It had a small dining area where we had the dinner and later retired for the day.

Coming up – Exploring Pangong Tso, destiny made us reach Jorchung hotel, Leh again... stay tuned for the next episode.
 

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Travelogue (Episode 12)

The great Himalayan Expedition on motorbikes

Day – 13

17th September, 2016 – Spangmik > Leh (160 Kms)



“The one opportunity we didn’t want to miss out on was something memorable all thru the life time – one attraction completely unique to the mountain pass is the ‘World’s Highest Restaurant’ – and that was truly special” - read further

We all got up at 6 in the morning and the stay was nearly comfortable with basics. However the breathtaking views around the home stay especially the sight of Pangong Lake were something really great. The surrounding cliffs were covered with snow and glittering against the Sunrise; the tiny droplets on the bikes, on a close inspection revealed were the melted snow. The color of the placid water in the lake was totally different from what we saw last evening. And the day’s photo collections featured more snapshots of mesmerizing views of the lake and unique brown hill formations around, with the Sun shining and seldom any cloud in the sky.

We ordered for the breakfast and were ready by 9 am. We didn’t waste much of time; had it at the dining area. The food served was yummy, homely and reasonably priced as well. We then tied up our baggage to the bikes and hit the tracks at 10 am. The weather was very cool and pleasant, the view of marvelous wonders never ceased to amaze me and the ride by the lake side was really awesome!

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In no time we reached one end of the lake where there was an approach to the shallow waters. The place was hardly crowded, even then few of the tourists were attracted by our bikes with down south license plates; it was indeed a surprise to them that ‘we rode off all the way from south’. We were riding on the tracks close to the water and captured lot pictures.
 

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After spending an hour there we started our day’s journey and the destination set was Karu and onwards to TsoMoriri on the following day. But later plans had been changed as there was no accommodation available there in Karu due to ongoing Himalayan Kumba Mela there. So, we were forced to ride up to Leh and then to Hotel Jorchung with a distance of 160 kms from Spangmik.
 

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We left Pangong Tso at 11 am and reached Changla top in two hours covering 82 kms en route Tangtse and Durbuk. The road condition towards the top was very steep and scary.

Changla Pass

Changla Pass is the third highest motorable mountain pass in the world, situated at an altitude of 17590 feet above sea level. The pass is located on the 160 km-long road between Pangong Lake and Leh. The name literally means "Pass towards the South" or "Pass in the South" (Chang = south, La = Pass). It is falsely claimed that the pass is named after the supposed sadhu Changla Baba, a myth propagated by the dedication of a temple at the pass to the supposed Changla Baba. If any such sadhu exists or existed, he would have been named for the pass, rather than vice versa (since the name "changla baba" means the "baba of the southern pass". The small town of Tangste is the nearest settlement. The Changla Pass is the main gateway for the Changthang Plateau situated in the Himalayas. The nomadic tribes of the region are collectively known as the Changpa or Chang-pa.

The pass is guarded and maintained by the Indian Army due its proximity to Chinese border. The world’s highest research station, established by the Defence Research and Development Organization is functional in Chang La at a height of 17,500 feet. Though it’s covered with snow throughout the year, this road is usually opened all the time, but it can be closed anytime when the access is not cleared of snow. Road closures can be frequent, so check for the conditions before travelling to this area

Chang La is approached from Leh via Kharu and Sekti village by an asphalt road. The climb is very steep and requires a careful drive. During the summer months specifically the tourist season, small streams appear across the road, making the climb a challenge for the bikers. The descent from Chang La towards Tangtse or Darbuk is again very steep.

The place is famous for its scenic and serene natural beauty which attracts tourists from all around the world.

There are certain precautions necessary while visiting this place due the cold and chill climate and less of oxygen due to the altitude. 15 -20 minutes would be the ideal time one can spend on the Changla pass and enjoy the snow along with the views of the snow-capped mountains as many visitors experience breathlessness. Fully warm clothing with ears covered and appropriate footwear is a must and it is best to have warm water frequently to bear the extreme cold climate. It is best to carry a medical kit containing medicines for altitude sickness, headaches, nausea etc. as a precautionary measure. Though the Changla Pass has extreme cold and chilly winds that can blow you away, the breathtaking views from this region leave any visitor speechless and will be a memorable adventure trip.

There is a tea point considered as the ‘world’s highest restaurant’ at the Chang La Pass where the Indian army serves hot tea to the tourists and public convenience is also available unlike many other passes in Ladakh. We went there and had tea which was really refreshing at the spine-chilling weather.

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We had to quit the place within 20 minutes as the weather condition was getting worst so as the oxygen lackness.

Around 4 pm we reached Karu and stopped for lunch at a restaurant. Later we were searching for an accommodation but nothing was available as the Himalayan Kumba Mela was going on. We were told that accommodation might be available near Chemrey which’s 10 kms behind. We went back to the place but resulted as a vain attempt. So, we were left with no other choice but to reach Leh that’s about 40 kms away.

Reached Jorchung hotel, Leh at 8 pm and went out for dinner at Tibetan Kitchen. Came back and hit the bed around 11 pm.

Coming up:

‘The unknown lady who had provided us with her tin shed for the night stay at Sarchu when the temperature was dipping below 0°C, else we would have frozen to death’.

Stay tuned...
 

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Travelogue (Episode 13)

The great Himalayan Expedition on motorbikes

Day – 14

18th September, 2016 – Leh > Sarchu (260 Kms)


‘It’s the time to say goodbye to Leh especially to Hotel Jorchung where we used as a base camp during the Ladakh expedition’


After the breakfast we checked-out from the Hotel Jorchung at 9 am, started our day’s journey to Sarchu and the distance to be covered was 260 kms.

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Route details

Leh to Karu – 35 kms.

Karu to Upshi – 16 kms.

Upshi to Tanglang La – 60 kms

Tanglang La to Pang – 69 kms

Pang to Sarchu – 80 kms

Mountain passes en route

Thanglang la – 17582 feet ASL

Lachung la – 16616 feet ASL

Nakeela – 15547 feet ASL

We reached Karu at 10.15 and filled the fuel tank at a fuel station there, continued the journey and reached Upshi at 11 am. After registering at the check post with vehicle and personal details we left the place in fifteen minutes.

The roads were on the banks of Indus River and the weather condition was pleasant for the time.

On the way we were stopped by two people who fell from the motorcycle and one of them was grievously injured in his legs. Those guys were on the way to Leh from Manali with their TVS Apache. As Doctor Rajeev was carrying the first aid box with essential medicines, the victim was given immediate first aid treatment and advised him to get further medical help from the nearest town.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ylp3Z0fhk7c&list=FLtUxSX5SnpboVPR9Cr-DrNQ&index=5

We then proceeded further; during the course the journey we stopped at many places for snapshots. Around 1.30 pm we had seen a yellow board on the right side of the road and it’s mentioned that Tanglangla the 2nd highest motorable pass in the world is 24 kms away.

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Around 2.15 pm we reached Tanglang La after a steep ascent and on a paved road.

Tanglang La

Nestled at an altitude of 17582 feet above the sea level, in the Zanskar range, Taglang La pass is the second highest mountain pass in Ladakh, the first being Khardungla Pass. It is the residence of the nomadic Changpa herdsman who can be seen herding their cattle and goats. The pass is adjacent to the Leh-Manali highway and is reached via 21 Gata loops from Sarchu. The two nearest settlements to this pass are Sarchu towards Manali and Upshi towards Leh. Upshi is a stopover on the route to Manali where tourists halt for a cup of tea.

As one drives through this high motorable pass, scenic views on both sides are likely to make his journey wonderful. Besides the pristine beauty, the pass also provides for an adventurous streak at its numerous rough and sharp terrains. Tanglang La’s pass can get particularly harrowing for first time riders. There is a holy temple and a number of sign boards to help you out where one of the sign boards give details about the altitude of the pass and the other tells that the distance from pass to Leh is around 111 kms.

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We spent about 10 minutes there and continued the journey. We were on Moore plains around 2.45 pm.

More plains are crossed by the road from Leh to Manali. This stretch of 40 km falls in between Leh and Sarchu on Leh–Manali Highway. This road has an average elevation of 15750 feet ASL and is flanked by mountain ranges on both sides. At some places the road runs along the Sumkhel Lungpa River featuring some stunning sand and rock natural formations. Flanked by beautiful mountains on both sides, this area is a major attraction to the Bikers heading towards Manali from Leh. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) of Indian Army is now in the process of converting the road to two lanes - one in either direction.

The area is uninhabitable, has no construction at all and also no population.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6yLto6O2oQ&list=FLtUxSX5SnpboVPR9Cr-DrNQ&t=3s&index=3

We were passing on this stretch on 10th September 2016 and I had mentioned in my travelogue (episode 5) with more details of Moore Plains.However I couldn’t upload any photo as we didn’t stop for snapshots. Around 3 pm we stopped at a restaurant at Debring for lunch. The owner of the restaurant was posing for a picture with us.

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After 30 minutes we continued the ride on Moore plains. We stopped at many places for photo shoots and around 4.15 two guys from Uttarakhand on their bullet stopped near us and asking for petrol. Seemed, when their fuel tank got empty they bought petrol from the road side vendors and that happened to be adulterated fuel. Their bike started giving trouble like misfiring and they wanted help. Flush out the old fuel and refill with genuine petrol was the only option; and so we couldn’t help them in that situation. We could see they were stopping some other vehicles also and asking for help. We felt sorry for them and left the place.
 

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Around 5 pm we reached Pang where there was a check post and as usual we had registered with the vehicle and personal details. We then started and in no time we had entered the deadliest stretch on the high way ‘PANG’. It was on that stretch only we felt AMS when we were on the way to Leh; more explained in episode 5. During the ride I had stopped in few places for photo shoots.

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After covering 24 kms from Pang settlements we reached Lachung La at an altitude of 16616 feet ASL; the time then was 5.45 pm.

Lachungla pass is traversed by the Leh-Manali highway. The pass remains open only for around five months in a year during the summer season. The pass is located 54 km from Sarchu and 24 km from Pang. Due to elevation, the hikers face breathlessness during climb and those who have not undergone acclimatization may face severe symptoms of altitude sickness. There were distinctly 2 colors visible then in the landscapes-Blue and all shades of brown.

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After spending few minutes we started again. The road further to Nakeela was fairly plain.

From Lachungala you will descend in five long switchbacks to the bottom of the valley (only about 1000 vertical feet) and you will then drive more or less in traverse of the hillsides of “Jagged” mountain, which looks from close like a fortress. The road is improved every year and it is thus quicker. Years ago, there was mostly gravel road, now there are a lot of asphalt sections.

There are dozens of rock cairns around the half pass Nakeela. Looking back you can see the road twists and completely on the horizon also the pass Lachalung la. The way between these two passes was one of the less interesting passages on the journey, the sights then seemed familiar and somewhat monotonous. After riding 11 kms from Lachungla we reached the next pass Nakeela at 6.15 pm


Nakeela Pass

Situated at an altitude of 15547 feet ASL, the highest point in the slope of jagged mountains; although it’s pretty far from the classical pass. Behind the pass Nakeela open in a while the views of the deep canyon, on the opposite hill of which you will see the old trail winding upward in endless bends. From Nakeela await you the descent of more than 2600 feet of height to a large valley of river Tsarap – one of the major sources of river Zanskar.

We left the place in ten minutes and another deadliest stretch on the route, ‘Gata Loops’ was hardly 10 kms away. Gata loops with its 21 switchbacks are among the most popular places for bikers on the entire road. I had narrated more about Gata Loops in my 5th episode, during my onward journey. The ride from Nakeela was a ride that drove us crazy-quite literally.

As it was dusky and freezing temperature prevailed then we didn’t stop anywhere further for snapshots.

After running down the twists you get within reach of river Tsarap (approx. 13710 feet ASL), which is the lowest place after many hours of driving. From here you will ascend again, so this journey can be recommended only for well acclimated individuals. Otherwise, you may experience it with a headache or even worse symptoms of mountain sickness.

You will drive along the river a few kilometers before you see the tent camp of Sarchu on the horizon. Here leave Jammu and Kashmir and drive into Himachal Pradesh. The distance we rode from Nakeela to Sarchu was 31 kms.

But before we came to Sarchu, 14104 feet ASL, we had to make nearly seven-kilometer long detour into the canyon Tsarap before we finally came across a bridge over the river and got to the other side near whiskey Nala.

Around 7 pm we reached Sarchu. However getting accommodation was a real challenge to us. We were not able to get one suitable to us at least with basics. The weather was getting worst and dipping below 0°C.

During our search, a lady came from nowhere and offered her tin shed for the night stay. We had no other option but to take it. We were so grateful to her; but for her we would not have been there alive for the next day. Even she prepared a good food for our dinner.

We were so happy and considered her as a messenger of GOD!

Coming up – Goodbye to Ladakh – Stay tuned
 

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Travelogue (Episode 14)

The great Himalayan Expedition on motorbikes

Day – 15

19th September, 2016 – Sarchu > Manali (235 Kms)




‘We had seen it in all its glory, we took pictures of it, it was then time to say goodbye, an emotional moment with Ladakh, Ladakhi people, BRO and the Indian Army, with promises of returning soon’

As the tent accommodation was lacking the basics we didn’t stay for long in the morning. However the old lady prepared breakfast for us. When we came out in the morning we found our bikes were covered with thin layer white snowflakes. We were deeply skeptical about the easy start of bikes in the freezing temperature. But it wasn’t so... the engine came to life in the first attempt itself.

Given respect for the lares and penates and a million thanks to the old lady for the generous hospitality. We left the place around 8 am and crossed the state boundary after registering at the check post. Surprisingly the mobile connectivity became live though the signal factors were very erratic.

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We just wanted to have a short stopover at a hotel for our basic needs. After riding 44 kms, at 9.30 am we crossed Baralachala , the road till then were by the banks of Zankar River where in after Suraj Tal the road that transverse mostly of near Bhaga River. It took nearly one and half hours for us to cover another 51 kms to Jispa.

We travelled 25 kms more and reached Kelong town around 12.30 pm. We then took an accommodation at a hotel just for two hours to freshen up. There itself we had our lunch and started again at 3 pm. We stopped at some places for taking pictures.

Once again we stopped at ‘Hotel Aliyas’ at Sissu for tea. On our journey to Leh also we had a stopover there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmCG8SDFlTk&index=4&list=FLtUxSX5SnpboVPR9Cr-DrNQ

Rohtang Pass was 64 kms away and we reached there at 5.15 pm. The places we covered en route were Phuktal, Khangsar, Sissu and Khoksar.

The weather then was getting chilled. We had to ride another 50 kms more to reach Manali.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzCCBRx3Vrc&t=3s&list=FLtUxSX5SnpboVPR9Cr-DrNQ&index=2

Reaching Manali at 7.30 pm we thought of taking rooms at Hotel ‘Chichoga Holiday Inn’ by the side of Beas River. During my visit in 2013 to Manali, I stayed at this hotel which was very comfortable. The dinner was served at the room itself; later we retired for the day.


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Coming up – Manali and more – Stay tuned.
 
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@Ram Sir & others, great travelogue and kudos to your enthusiasm and energy levels. Its just a wonderful visual treat with those awesome pics !! I just fallen in love with that lake and will dream to be there some day for sure. Thank you very much for the detailed posting and the time spent to do so.
 
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@Ram Sir & others, great travelogue and kudos to your enthusiasm and energy levels. Its just a wonderful visual treat with those awesome pics !! I just fallen in love with that lake and will dream to be there some day for sure. Thank you very much for the detailed posting and the time spent to do so.
Thank you Gurrala 74 for your inspiring words and comments.[clap] The orientation is the integral part one's adventure travels. If you have a determination and strong mind rest everything will be pushed back to secondary.

'Love at first sight' - that's the image of Pangong Lake. When you are near to it hardly you can take your eyes off from it...

I am sure your dreams are very close to the reality.
 
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Watch out IRT Ice Road Truckers Indian version in History TV18 ; all about deadliest roads across rugged Himalayas. Airing everyday - look for timings...
 
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Travelogue (Episode 15)

The great Himalayan Expedition on motorbikes

Day – 16

20th September, 2016 – Manali


Manali is nestled in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh near the northern end of the Kullu Valley, at an altitude of 6726 feet ASL in the Beas River Valley. It is located in the Kullu district, about 270 km north of the state capital, Shimla. Manali is a high-altitude Himalayan resort town, a popular tourist destination and serves as the gateway to Lahaul & Spiti district as well as Leh. It has a reputation as a backpacking center and honeymoon destination. Set on the Beas River, it’s a gateway for skiing in the Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley. It's also a jumping-off point for paragliding, rafting and mountaineering in the Pir Panjal mountains, home to 13058 feet high Rohtang Pass.

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After an adequate and restful sleep in the night we woke up at 7 am. Morning we wanted to dedicate our time for our rides and so after the breakfast we went out searching for service station. I had some minor works in my bike like cleaning the air filter and changing the fork oil etc. That took nearly an hour; meantime the other bikes were taken for water service nearby. I too joined them after the repairs were done in my bike. We all came back to the hotel around 1 pm and had lunch at the restaurant.

Around 3.30 pm we hit the streets again in two bikes. The first place to visit was Hidimbi Devi Temple also known variously as the Hadimba Temple. It is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, wife of Bhima, a character in the Indian epic Mahābhārata. The temple is surrounded by a cedar forest at the foot of the Himālayas. The sanctuary is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground which was worshiped as an image of the deity. The structure was built in 1553.

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Part of the movie “Roja” was shot at the temple and surroundings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32-Eb0bK6zA

Around the area there were lots of road side vendors selling woolen and novelty items which were very colorful and attractive; shopping was a sheer delight there and we did in a small way.

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Our next visit was to Solang Valley. Solang Nala (Valley) derives its name from combination of words Solang (Nearby village) and Nullah (water stream). Located at a distance of 14 kms from Manali town, on the way to Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley lies between Solang village and Beas Kund. It offers a beautiful view of glaciers and snow capped mountains. Since the valley has fine ski slopes, it is a perfect destination for skiing. The guest house of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali is based here. This institute is the venue for winter skiing festival and also offers training in skiing to the tourists. In winter, the valley becomes a skiing paradise with children of all ages slipping and sliding over the fresh white snow. When snow melts in the summer, skiing is replaced by parachuting, zorbing/globe riding (a giant ball with room for 2 people which is rolled down a 200 meter hill), paragliding and horse riding. For snow lovers, the best time to visit Solang Valley is between the months of December to February. A ropeway was also opened for tourists. Going towards the summit would be possible by ATVs, Rope-way or Trekking.

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We had light refreshments at the cafeteria there and wound up the activities at 6.15 pm. We returned back to the Mall Road – Manali and loitered along for some time; we were all gaga over the cool weather then prevailed there.

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We came back to our rooms had a small session of “Himalayan specialties” ‘Among all, Apple Cider was the drink of the day’ – a unique product available in Himalayan region.

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Around 10 pm we went back to Mall Road again for our dinner. When we were there in the late evening we had chosen “Sher-e-Punjab” for it; the authentic Punjabi delicacies par excellence. By the time we reached our rooms it was almost midnight and so, straight away hit the beds.

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Coming up –
‘Goodbye Himalayas – Day’s longest ride in expedition (600 kms)’
Stay tuned
 

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