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PRABUDHHA JIVAN
NOVEMBER 2012
whether to continue or stop. It was a tough decision since hearts was like we had never experienced before in our it was nearing 7.00 p.m. We just couldn't stay since it entire lifetime. And here we were all of us having just was not only cold but also very windy. So we decided to experienced serenity. carry on. And from 4630 m to 5360 m, we cleared 730 m With prior permission from district magistrate office (it climb in the fading light. It was lucky that we took this is compulsory to get clearance), we started our journey decision because it was one of the smoothest climbs and from Leh on the second day. The 54 kms ride from Leh we found it easy, even in bad evening light. But, it was to the Khardung La the highest motorable road in the getting really cold at this altitude. Temperature was world is one of the most exciting and picturesque ride. A plunging going down at a fast pace as the night climb to 5603 m (18380 ft.) above sea level, is not a feat progressed. Along the way we met a couple of truck one does everyday, and the sight of the signboard on drivers next to their parked trucks. They warned us not to top is one I will never forget in my entire lifetime. This go up further at this time, because the cold sometimes place has a small Army checkpost with medical facilities. freezes the engine oil leading to breakdowns. But our It was lucky for us, because Garima-Akash's wife had to minds were made up by 8.30 p.m. we were exactly at be given oxygen twice, due to sudden rise in altitude, 5360 m the top of Tongdung La'. We were happy but not the feeling of accomplishing something is one of the best in a state even to get off from our bikes. We were feeling in this world, and all of us on the trip had that exhausted plus the temperature was (-) 5 degree C. We feeling, especially when we reached Khardung La. really wanted to get the hell out of there. We really didn't The Army guys up here are a real friendly lot, very expect the nature to test us so much. But the worst was nice to talk to and perfect hosts even in their `Hostile yet to come. Descending Tongdung La, was four times Homes'. We met a South Indian Officer who was really as difficult as coming up.
happy to talk to Sapna in Tulu (their mother tongue. It We were actually riding on slippery stones through was a great sight to watch two unknown people chatting ice cold water flowing down the road at a fast speed and away to glory in a South Indian dialect on the highest our bikes just would not stay on the ground. We were wet road in North India. Normally it is said that spending about and miserable, the cold water was piercing the skin like 45 minutes is enough and safe at this heights but we pins and after some time we really could not feel our feet. actualy spent 3 hours including the time we spent buying We had to make a serious effort while changing the gear, souvenirs such as Tee Shirts, Mugs and wall plates from or applying the breaks. After completing the toughest part a small museum-cum-shop. of our journey we were greeted with a lovely sight of two All I can say about this place is 'What a place! this is large tents and within minutes of parking our bikes, a place where you feel proud to be an Indian and feel everyone's feet were parked over a stove.
humbled in front of the Tricolour fluttering above a After having hot cups of tea we got talking with the monument built in the memory of all our brave army local guys and were told that in all the four years in which heroes who have laid down their lives for our country'. those guys have been working there, we were the first Because of these brave men we could travel on these guys to have come down that road at this time of night. roads peacefully. I really have no words to describe my Since there was no place to stay we next headed for Upshi nice feeling of being there. After relaxing & enjoying the about 40 kms away. It is on the outskirts of Leh. We were nature's beauty of Leh we were reluctant to start our return told that we would get a small hotel or something to stay journey. We started return journey to Shrinagar via Kargil in Upshi. We landed there but due to lack of accomodation & Drass. Kargil is the place where India fought the last we ended up sharing a room with some truck drivers. But war & won. We reached Shrinagar & stayed in a we were happy since we had just 51 kms. to go on this Houseboat on Dal Lake. Shrinagar has its own beauty of ‘road to serenity
flowers with the backdrop of snow capped mountains. We could hardly sleep, all of us could actually feel the The journey from Shrinagar to Jammu-our last end of the journey, but we were all quiet. We did not want destination, passes through the Jawahar tunnel. Here to talk about it, may be we were superstitious.
we had to go in a convoy due to security reasons. At last The ride to Leh from Upshi was a fantastic one with from Jammu we boarded the train with our trusted bikes, good roads, cvilization, people working along the to go back to Mumbai, thus ending our wonderful journey roadside, etc. All of us were in a light mood, riding casually of about 2200 kms on bike. Amen.
*** for the first time in 3 days. A beautifully painted archway 6/B Kennaway House, 1st Floor, V.A.Patel Marg, Mumbaigreets & welcomes you to Leh. The feeling in our own 400 004. Tel. 23873611.
