The smog in the Capital carried a strong sulfur-like pungent odour. The visibility was around twenty metres. And the citizens moved around with masks over their faces. I stayed indoors for most of my time in Delhi – the time designated to prep my bike and luggage for the journey ahead.

A good old friend Devender Bijania and new friends – Yuvan, Avi and Ana

Day 16:

The day’s ride to Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh was supposed to be relatively short – four hundred kilometres and a ride time of nine hours. The first half of the ride demanded throttling across four-lane highways till the mountains arrived. This was the first time I had clad my bike with dual-purpose tyres – the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR and was worried about the performance on the canyons. I was amazed to see that they broke my insecurities by clinging onto the tarmac much better than most road tyres while leaned over.

Day 18:

I had ridden into the Last village on the Indo – Tibetan road Chitkul very late the previous night. I’d managed to find a decent hotel, one of the very few open. And woke up to some more snow-capped mountains. “Riding around in the Himalayas can never get boring,” I said to myself.

‘Overlanding’ has many meanings. One of them is “a self – reliant journey” – one that involves camping. I had never travelled in that fashion before and it became one of the goals of this ride. Hence the name – Overlanding in the Himalayas. I had rented a Quechua 3-person tent from a store called X-DOG Trekking in Bangalore along with my decent sleeping bag and other camping equipment. I didn’t have the tent with me in Ladakh and I’d been eager to use ’em. Spiti would be colder than Ladakh and I wouldn’t be able to use it there either. Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district of Himachal would be the perfect place. The weather on the day was forecasted to be cool at 8°C – the best conditions I could hope for.

The town is perched almost on the top of a big mountain in the Sutlej River Valley. I had heard that finding a spot to camp here was quite easy. Which I found to be untrue. The town reminded me of many other growing towns throughout India with reducing open spaces – ones not occupied already or not having a dry apple orchard. The two hours spent searching for a spot was a bitter reminder of the need for Humanity to ever expand. Notwithstanding I had to find a place to camp.

I wandered upwards into a smaller town with a sweet name – Kalpa. I came across a young boy who worked in a homestay nearby. He turned around and pointed higher up the mountain towards the alpine forests. Saying there’d be ample space for me to pitch my tent there. Ample free space. Along the way, almost everyone I enquired about a place to camp had pointed towards only one direction – Up! I was quite unsure if the teen’s suggestion was reliable.

Venturing up, I took a left turn onto a mud road. The kid had told me about this. The sun which was shining bright when I began the ascent a few hours earlier was now running into the horizon. The path turned dark. The evening breeze grew strong. A while after chugging through the loose soil, I found one flat spot. Eight by eight feet. Enough for me to set up camp. Not enough to light a fire and walk around. Covered by trees on either side, a cliff in the front and the road behind, it wasn’t the most tempting spot. But the only one I’d seen all afternoon.

A thin old man, who I’d passed earlier on the path caught up with my stalled bike. I asked him if the spot was safe. The question seemed to make him wonder why I’d wanted to sleep there. Alone. He gave me the same suggestion that I’d got all day long – “go higher up!”. He stopped my eyes midway, which had begun rolling by telling me that he’d show me the place.

The spot was at the very next turn up the dirt road. It was a big patch of absolutely flat land about half the size of a badminton court. The rear side was the mountain, the left was the road, the right was an orchard and in front was an uninterrupted view of magnificent snow-capped mountains – which the day’s last rays of light painted gold. One can try to imagine a better spot. But cannot. The generous man walked me further up to the house he lived in, to get me a 5 litre can of water and half a dozen apples – freshly plucked from the orchard. On my way down to the spot, I borrowed some firewood from their pile.

I had a warm fire started. My ‘ready to eat’ food cooked slowly on the butane stove. I sipped on my hot cup of water and gazed at the slightly cloudy, star-studded night sky. I am fortunate to have my first moto-camping experience high up in the Himalayas.

Day 19:

The night was supposed to be cool. Not cold. At around three in the morning, it started to drizzle. At around seven, the drizzle seemed to become lighter. But the ground grew colder. From atop the mountain, there was a voice. A man yelling “Tent wale babu, utho, baraf padh rahi hai ” which translates to “Tent man, wake up, it’s snowing”. I’d never experienced snowfall before, and I was tempted to get out and admire the phenomena. But the chill from the night had kept me mostly awake. I wanted to get some more sleep. But failed to. A little later the enthusiastic voice came closer. Next to my tent. He asked me to open up. He had chai, he told me. That always gets me right up. I unzipped my tent, and it was indeed snowing. Pure wonder. The mountains in front had disappeared behind the precipitating clouds.

The view from my tent

It was the first time I saw this stranger’s face and I let him in my tent. He had two cups into which he poured his hot tea. He told me that his twelve-year-old granddaughter had asked him to bring me the tea. His name was Mani Lal. A proud Kinnauri Himachal man with an old brown checkered blazer and a traditional ‘pahadi’ cap. As he left he handed me a dozen apples from his orchard. Of which I kindly accepted only a few.

Mani Lal

Worried that it would get difficult to pack up if it snowed more, I started getting ready. I heard another voice coming towards my tent. It was the old man I had met the previous evening. The one who showed me the camping spot. He had come down with another flask in his hand. Some more chai. I stopped my work and invited him in. He told me he was a daily wage worker. When I’d met him, I’d assumed he was the owner of one of these apple orchards.

Amar

He had come down from Nepal in search of work. To put his son through school to see him become a local doctor in his village. The man’s name was Amar. He was probably in his fifties. And I would consider him ‘old’ to be working as a daily wage labourer. But such is the reality of life.

Amar helped me pack up my tent. Mani Lal came down too to lend a hand. Two people I had never met before, showered me with love and generosity. Both of whom had no reason to do that. But such is the beauty of life.

It snowed till I descended to Reckong Peo, the big town below. Where the snow turned into the bitterly cold rain. The rain lasted for four more hours all the way till Spillow. My jacket and pants held up very well against the downpour. But my gloves and shoes did not. Two hours in, my hands and feet became wet. With the cold wind, they soon became numb. And riding became a task. I fell short of my destination of Tabo by sixty kilometres. With the weather getting worse again, I halted at the small village of Nako. It snowed all night long. I snuggled into my sleeping bag, under two blankets.

Friends made at the Dhaba in Nako – (from right) Karan, PK, Chacha, Kamal and gang

Day 20:

Spiti and Lahaul District begins at the check post at Sumdo. I took a right after the yellow coloured steel bridge to the village of Gue. A place that came under the spotlight many years ago for housing a naturally mummified body of a Buddhist monk. At noon, the place looked deserted. With not a human insight. And spectacular. With all the snow in sight.

The chilly, overcast day got cloudier, darker and colder. My visor fogged up and my face was exposed to the prickly wind. I entered Kaza, the biggest village in Spiti. This too seemed deserted. I went from street to street in search of a hotel to stay the night. All but a handful were closed. The only open shop at seven in the evening, in the market, directed me to a Hotel Mandala.

To be continued…

Instagram: @mentlmanja

Also Read – OVERLANDING IN THE HIMALAYAS #7: FINDING PASSION ON THE ROAD & DAY 10-DAY 11

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There are a couple of routes to travel to Lucknow, but I decided to take a tour of the Mughal city, Agra, and explore it en route. The trip is around 554 km when we take the newly built Taj or Yamuna Express. After looking at the views of it in the movie Piku, I couldn’t resist my temptation to see it through my own eyes. 

Lucknow – The City of Nawabs 

I always wanted to travel to Lucknow after reading and watching about it while growing up. Besides some of the best Nawab Kothis, the city offers the best Mughlai cuisine as well. This Uttar Pradesh capital has a list of tourist spots and some of the best eateries to rejoice. –

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Route Map:

To reach Lucknow there are a few ways but the common route is via Agra. 

Delhi > Mathura > Agra > Kannauj > Lucknow 

Taj/Yamuna Expressway and then Agra Lucknow Expressway 

Distance: 533 km

Essentials Needed 

The journey from the national capital to the Uttar Pradesh capital is around 7 hours 30 minutes. In this day’s long journey, one must be prepared with all the necessary documents and essentials. These are mostly the vehicle documents and enough cash. Most importantly, ensure that the car has Fast Tag, as per the new Motor Vehicle Act. 

I decided to hire a self-driving car from Delhi as it ensured that the car is in good condition and has the necessary documents needed for the travel. If you’re travelling in your car, along with all the essentials make sure your tyre is proper. It’s always important to get the car thoroughly checked before making a long journey, like this. 

Delhi to Agra  Road Trip

Delhi and Agra are not that far, thanks to Yamuna Expressway. It is just 212 km away that gave me the courage to take a halt here and check out the city before moving towards Lucknow. I started early from Delhi, at around 7 AM so that I can be at Agra by around 10 AM, the time by which restaurants will start operating and I can eat amazing breakfast. 

Though there were a couple of restaurants on the highway, I thought of entering the city and get mesmerized by the Taj Mahal. After all, if you’ve not seen Taj Mahal, the token of eternal love when you’re in Agra, it a shame.

Taj Mahal – A Token Of Love

I decided to go someplace close to the monument so that I don’t have to spend much time travelling from one place to another in the city. I zeroed on Yes Restaurant, which is located at the Western Gate of Taj Mahal. The food served is decent and economical. Besides, it’s hygienic 

After having a good breakfast, without wasting a moment, I visited the Taj Mahal. There are e-rickshaws to take you to the ticket counter from the main gate and they’re quite reasonable.  The rickshaw pullers will take you to the small indigenous shopping centre within the premisses. They have handicrafts form the region and is set up by the government to promote local art. 

From the ticket counter to the monument, there is quite a good walk. However, you can stop at various places to admire the beauty of the Taj Mahal. I was there when the sun was already moving up in the middle of the sky, but I couldn’t control my imagination how it would look during the wee hours of the day when there is mist in the air and the sun is just rising. That would be the picturesque moment one mustn’t miss. 

After spending some time there and refreshing my soul by the sheer beauty of the surrounding, I decided to move ahead in my journey. 

Raja Sumer Singh’s Fort – Etawah 

After driving on the Yamuna Expressway, it was time for me to drive on Agra-Lucknow Expressway. On the way, I decided to take a detour to another historical monument, Raja Sumer Singh’s Forst at Etawah. It is around 124 km from Agra and towards the south of the city. 

This fort has a rich history. It is also known as Barah Dwaar Kila, the fort with 12 doors. However, people have always failed to locate the 12th door. The original fort got damaged due to the natural wear and tear. The government re-built a fresh fort, which stands atop on the original structure. This is now been maintained by the government. 

The fort is next to the River Yamuna. Built on the hill close to the river, the legends say that the fort was known to have various tunnels or secret passages. Indeed, there is no comparison to its original structure, this fort still depicts the lavish lifestyle people had during that era. 

Kannauj – A City With Historical Importance

Kannauj, which was once the prominent city of northern India, is around 110 km from Etawah. It is established on the banks of Ganges. The city is rich in archaeological findings and they are all displayed at Government Archaeological Museum in the city. The department found various ancient artefacts, such as coins, pottery, sculptures, and terra cotta. These were, until recently, at the common man’s house and now are displayed at the museum. 

Upon studying them it was found that these belong to the different historical periods, right from the Maurya Empire of 325 BC to the Gupta Empire, which as between 319-600 AD. Besides these, some pre-historic bone were also found in the area. 

The list of must-visit was big, but I decided to pay a visit to the 500-year-old Siddheswar Temple on the banks of Ganges. This temple is known for its construction and faith. During the full-moon night in October (Sharad Purnima) a large number of devotees come to pray. During my visit, the rather quiet bank of Ganges turns into a bustling Mela ground during Sharad Purnima. 

Apart from the historical connection and amazing temples or historical monuments, Kannauj is also known for its perfumes. Before I make a move to Lucknow, I decided to buy some of the perfumes from here to remind me of my lovely trip to this ancient town. 

Kannauj to Lucknow – The Final Destination 

Kannauj was my last halt on my way to Delhi to Lucknow. From Kannauj, Lucknow is around 123 km from the Agra-Lucknow expressway. As I moved towards my final destination to Lucknow, I looked back at the halts I took and their historical significance. Be it Agra were I had a lovely trip to Agra and appreciated the token of love. Or, be it a walk at the Raja Sumer Singh’s Fort that’s full of mysteries. Or be a visit to 500-years-old Siddheshwar Temple on the banks of river Ganges. 

These small detours and halts did make this journey memorable. As far as Lucknow is concerned, it has got a rich history that can’t be explained in just words. As I went to all the historical monuments, like Rumi ka Darwaza, Chota Imambara, The Residency, Dilkusha Kothi, Safed Baradari, and others. 

Rumi Darwaza

If you’re also planning a road trip from Delhi to Lucknow via Agra, do keep in mind that these three halts, Agra, Etawah and Kannauj, are lovely places. You can either take a couple of days halt to roam around or can just take a small detour to enjoy the beauty of the city. Have a lovely trip! 

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The post A Road Trip Worth Remembering: Delhi – Lucknow Via Agra -+- appeared first on Roadtales.

The pristine woods will fill the void of your heart with happiness. Shillong receives the highest rainfall in the world and looks more lively during monsoons. Considering heavy rains are not favourable for road trips, we planned our expedition in the month of September when the rain is scant and the place is still very enjoyable.

The 99-km Guwahati-to-Shillong road trip is a 3-hour journey and is teeming with breathtaking scenery. We took the NH40 route, which is well connected and maintained. It drizzled lightly while we were travelling, which was enthralling and soothing.

On the GS Road, we took a short break and had refreshments at a local eatery and commenced our road trip.

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Places To Visit In Shillong

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, houses exciting places enthralling mountain peaks, museums that preserve and reflect Shillong history and culture, beautiful landscapes, waterfalls and more. It took us 3 hours 15 minutes to reach Shillong from Guwahati and we took a short halt and started exploring the ebbs and depths of mystic Shillong.

Umiam Lake

Ten kilometres from the north of Shillong lies a spectacular man-made reservoir that generates hydroelectric power to cater to the State’s electricity needs. The dam led to the formation of the beautiful Umiam Lake surrounded by the lush greenery of the East Khasi hills. We picnicked at a park adjoining the lake, went on a boat ride, clicked amazing pictures and watched the beautiful sundown. The eye-catching flora and fauna around the reservoir include coniferous forests sprawled over 222 square kilometres of land. We sat back and savoured the Gulmohar trees and the pleasant winds, and observed the daily life of the natives who came to the river for foraging twigs and grass, and fishermen paddling in the steady waters.

There are provisions for pedal boating, water scooter ride (5 to 10 minutes), speed boat, river bus ride (20 to 60 minutes) and water skiing at the lake from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Elephant Falls

The next day, we visited the most popular waterfalls in the country, Elephant Falls, which is 8 km from the city centre. During colonial rule, the British named these waterfalls after the elephant-shaped rock at the foot of the waterfalls. You don’t get to look at this elephant-like stone anymore as it was lost to an earthquake years ago. The locals now call these falls “Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew,” meaning the three-step waterfalls.

There are three waterfalls layered in succession, accessible to people from different vantage points. The top-most step of the waterfall is very broad and crammed between dense forests, the second step waterfall has thin waters that go obsolete during winters and the third step of the waterfall is the tallest with clear and milky-white water cascading from the black stones. We are in awe of these impressive waterfalls, especially the third step. This place also makes a great backdrop for pictures and will act as a great canvas for photography enthusiasts.

Shillong Peak

Towering at a height of 6,449 ft and 1,965 m above sea level, Shillong Peak is the highest point in Shillong. From this point, you can get a panoramic view of the entire city, the Himalayas and the Bangladesh plains. Telescopes are made available at this peak for the tourists to get a 360-degree view from the peak. We trekked our way to this amazing peak. Check the weather before scaling the peak, as the place may experience heavy snowfall and can be quite risky to climb.

It is believed that Shillong got its name from this peak and that the patron deity Lei Shyllong lives in this peak and protects the people from all evils. Rituals are conducted at a U Shulong site at this peak as it is considered sacred and spiritual. As the peak situated at the airforce base it houses the radar station of the Indian Air Force due to which high-security checkings are made at the entry point to the peak, so you need to carry a valid id proof with you.

Don Bosco Museum

If you want to learn the culture and tradition of North East India, you ought to visit Asia’s largest Museum of Indigenous Cultures, Don Bosco Museum, in the Mawlai area. The museum has 16 galleries showcasing artefacts, figurines, and paintings related to Northeastern culture in a seven-storey building. We experienced the local culture and got insights into the living and lifestyles of North-East people.

Prominent people from across the world, like the princess of Thailand, have visited this museum. The Don Bosco Museum also exhibits high architectural artwork with its hexagonal shape and is referred to as Shillong’s architectural pride. Art competitions are often held at this museum, so you will see many writers, artists, musicians, and lyricists from different parts of the country at this museum.

The museum is open from Monday to Saturday (9:00 am to 5:30 pm) during summers, and Monday to Saturday (9:00 am to 4:30 pm) in winters (December 1 to January 31). Entry fee is Rs. 100 for adults, Rs. 50 for students, and Rs. 200 for foreigners.

Ward’s Lake

Ward’s Lake is a simple yet popular picnic spot lying in the heart of Shillong; several locals and tourists come to this lake to unwind and spend time with loved ones. The lake is shaped like a horseshoe and is also known as Pollock’s Lake. We loved sitting near the lake and watching the colour play of flowerbeds and listening to the bird’s chirps. There is a small bridge created on the lake from where you can feed the fishes and watch. Paddle boating is also available at the lake.

The lake is open from 8:30 am to 5:20 pm during November to February, and 8:30 am to 7:00 pm during March to October. Entry fee for adults is Rs. 10 and for kids it is Rs. 5.

David Scott Trail

If you have an appetite for trekking, then you must scale the 16-km long David Scott Trail from Mawphlang to Lad Mawphlang. The trail has popular villages with rich culture, history and folklore. Directions to navigate the trail are not available. You have to ask locals to help you with this. There are breathtaking landscapes, rivers, cascading waters, massive rock formations, meadows and water streams along the trail, to keep you going.

If you start at the Mawphlang village, you will traverse through windy hills, mountains, and valleys. Take a short break at Ka Kor Ka Shonmai, explore the tomb of Camilia, experience the thrill of the hanging bridge over river Umain and listen to the folklores on the way to Lad Mawphlang.

Lady Hydari Park

Lady Hydari Park is the most popular park in Shillong, named after the first lady of Assam. The entrance of the park has a Japanese style garden that will catch the attention of the visitors. The round-shaped hedges and willow trees keep up the vibe of the park and connect to nature.

There is a small lake in the park where you can find ducks and colorful small fishes. There is a playing area for kids and the museum, zoo, and boating activities in the park which keep both kids and adults entertained. Even a leisurely stroll to the park on the paved walkways and manicured lawns is an experience in itself.

Sweet Falls

Located at 5 km from Happy Valley in Shillong, Sweet Falls is the steepest, most beautiful waterfall in India. But don’t let the name ‘Sweet Falls’ trick you because this mesmerizing waterfall is notoriously dangerous. The route to the falls is treacherous. The slippery stones make it even worse. Don’t plan a visit to this waterfall during monsoons. There are some stories of hauntings linked to this place. The locals say that people who visit these falls in odd numbers will return in even numbers.

The verdant greenery, butterfly museum, and a mini zoo at the waterfalls are also worth visiting. Government has restricted the place for visits for a while and marked the place as a danger zone due to accidents. With good safety measures and caution, you can make the most of this serene and amazing waterfall. Note, do not plunge into the waterfalls and wear slip-resistant shoes.

The vehicle entry fee for this falls is Rs. 70 and it takes 2 hours to tour the waterfalls.

There are countless museums in Shillong that preserve and feature the indigenous culture and history of Shillong. Every museum has its own grandeur; out of the wide list of museums in Shillong, The Butterfly Museum, Wankhar Entomology Museum, The Arunachal State Museum, Meghalaya State Museum, and the Rhino Museum are must-visits.

Shillong is a spellbindingly beautiful city, and you need to invest time to explore this magical place.

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Luckily, there are a number of great trekking places around Mumbai that would please any trekking enthusiast. Prabalgad Fort is one of them. After multiple delays in the plan, it finally came to fruition. 

How to Reach Prabalgad Fort 

Prabalgad Trek is located near Panvel and is 65 km from Mumbai. We drove till Panvel from where we headed to Thakurwadi, which is the base village for the trek. We grabbed an early bite from our homes itself so that we didn’t have to stop on the way. 

However, if you can’t do that, you can stop at McDonald’s in Panvel. It opens early in the morning and you can have a good breakfast there. 

More About Prabalgad Fort

Also known as Pradhangad or Muranjan, the Prabalgad Fort lies at a majestic height of 2,300 feet or 701 metres. This is a moderate trek that even beginners can finish easily. It was built by the Bahmani Sultanate and the fort witnessed the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms, such as the Marathas and the Mughals. 

Prabalgad Fort is settled on a top of a plateau and consists of a sister fort which is named Irshalgad Fort. Another fortress close to Prabalgad Fort, Kalavantin Durg, is one of the most difficult treks in Maharashtra. It shares the same base village as Prabalgad and is famously known as one of the world’s most dangerous treks due to its steep climb. 

As we trekked our way up, we took a ton of pictures and stopped at multiple spots to enjoy the views. Make sure you don’t rush through the trek; rather enjoy it at your own pace. There is a lot that this trek offers, which can only be experienced if you are present in the moment instead of focusing on reaching the top as soon as possible. 

Stay at Prabalgad Fort

After you trek, you can come back to Thakurwadi village to stay for the night. The locals are warm and welcoming. That being said, camps are one of the most popular ways people choose to stay.

You can pitch your tent on the open land near the fort and sleep under the starry skies. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that you wouldn’t want to miss. Inform the concerned people beforehand if you want to stay in a tent. Or you can carry your own tent and set up camp wherever you want. 

We chose to stay in a tent and I must say it was one of the most incredible experiences ever. At the end of the day, we were all tired from the trek and a calm night under the stars was exactly what we needed.  

Food at Prabalgad Fort

There are a number of snack shacks on the way to the fort. However, it would be wise to carry sufficient food and bottled water with you on the trek. 

There is a home restaurant in the village where you can place an order for the food to take for the tent stay. They serve authentic, lip-smacking Maharashtrian food. We packed it and took it with us on the trek.

We ate so much that walking further didn’t seem possible. But, eating such a delicious meal after the trek was truly a delight. 

Places to Visit Nearby

If you have more time on your hands and feel like you could take on a bigger challenge, head over to what is considered as one of the most dangerous treks in the world – Kalavantin Durg. 

Kalavantin Durg

According to a legend, it was built in honour of Queen Kalavantin. Once you reach the top, you will have stunning views but the climb itself has a notorious reputation. The terrain is rugged with narrow cut steps. The scariest part is that there is no support to these steps which makes the trek equally dangerous yet adrenaline-filled. 

The trek is also known as ‘Climb to Heaven’ as you get a heavenly, bird’s eye view of the surroundings when you reach the top.

You should avoid this trek if you have vertigo as it’ll prove to be extremely dangerous. You might get dizzy and getting down would be next to impossible in such a scenario. 

What to Carry?

If you do not pack the right things before the trek, you may not enjoy it as much as you could. Here are some things that you must carry:

• ID proof 
• Dry foods like snacks 
• Bottled Water (at least 2 bottles)
• First aid kit – keep sprays or gels for sprains and band-aids for any sorts of cuts and bruises. 
• Cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun
• Rain gear if you choose to go during the monsoons
• Torch with extra cells if you plan to camp there
• Hydrating and energy drinks 
• Energy bars
• Napkins and towels
• A good rucksack to carry all your essentials 

Make sure you wear comfortable clothes and the right pair of trekking shoes. Do not even attempt to trek in your regular shoes and sandals. Carry a camera to capture your trek. A phone camera would also work but make sure you take a ton of pictures. This trek is worth looking back on. 

It was a one-day trip was for us. Though we wanted to do the Kalavantin Durg trek, we couldn’t due to the lack of time. Well, it is a journey for some other time. Thankfully, the Prabalgad Fort trek was an easy one so we weren’t too sore the next day. It was truly a day well spent. 

If you are trekking enthusiast and haven’t been to this fort yet, it’s high time you did!  

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Day 10: Chumathang to Leh City

I woke up after a warm night’s sleep, the warmest in Ladakh, to begin the last day in the region. I packed my luggage and loaded up Ebony. In stark contrast to all the cold mornings, Ebony started instantly. The warm night and the instant start were attributed to the natural hot spring, which the valley was known for. I stayed in a budget hotel next to it. I let the engine heat up in idle and moved toward the compound to gaze at the sight in front of me. 

A hundred metres ahead, the hot spring released waves of vapours into the atmosphere. A little farther, the teal-coloured River Indus flowed north-west towards Leh which became my navigational guide for the day. 

The bike had idled long enough and it was time for me to get on the saddle. The road leading out of Chumathang was broken but was better than the road from Lukung to Chushul. My mind drifted back to the days I had spent in Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, Khardung La, Lamayuru and Leh city. And further back to a burning thought that was the reason behind me starting this ride. 

Bangalore, the place of my birth, is the only city I’ve called home. My father and his fathers have their roots in Devanahalli, which is an hour away from Bangalore. In the 80’s he came here to study and eventually built a life for himself and the family. I came into this world in 1994 in the Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences hospital. I studied up till tenth grade in St. Claret High school and the next two years in Vidya Mandir Pre-University College. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Sir. M Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology. All of my extended family live in Bangalore and so do all of my oldest and most of my closest friends. Bangalore, a city close to my heart, a city I shall always call ‘Home’. Yet, for the longest time, I’ve felt estranged here.

Like every other soul on this planet, I’ve been searching for that place which has my name written all over it. After riding through 20 of the Indian states in 2018, I thought I’d found it – Mumbai. I fell head over heels in love with the city of dreams! The hyper-fast life, the energetic people and the ambition that seemed to be dosed in the air of Mumbai drew me in like a flame that draws a moth. As a young adult, with eyes on the business world and making wealth, Mumbai seemed to be the perfect fit. But life had other plans. 

I had completed my previous trip ‘Long Way Round‘ in April of 2018 after which, I had a choice to either get back to work and travel once in a year or live life by and for travel. I had chosen the former. In May 2019, I went on a short 4 day ride to Kerala and this is what I had posted on my Instagram (@mentlmanja).

“Man, I had an amazing time these four days. I really needed it and I’m so glad I decided to take this break from work. But I’ve been wanting too many breaks, haven’t I?  Well, it doesn’t matter, I’ve got to push through it because I need the money to keep travelling like this” I said to myself. 

It felt good that my mind was looping back to the thought that I had on the day that I’d started this ride – the quest to understand this unexplainable, ununderstandable “want” to earn big money.

Ten years back, my family could not afford most of the stuff that we can today. My father gave his blood and sweat for his work and sacrificed ALL of his wants for the family and to get us to the place we are in today. He had to do it all alone as mum was a house maker. But no matter how tough it got, my parents made sure that my sister and I had a happy childhood and gave us all that we needed without a second thought. But giving us things of ‘want’ was something they had to think upon deeply. 

I remember an evening when I was in my 4th grade. My old rusty second – hand bicycle which I’d named Raja had been stolen a few months earlier. As a kid, I loved riding a bicycle! (perhaps my love for riding motorcycles began then) and I desperately craved for a new one. I asked Appa for a new Hercules, one of the popular brands then, that was priced Rs. 2500/-. An amount that was not as easy to earn then as it is today. He asked me to wait another year and I broke into tears! I threw myself on the floor and begged him for two hours! Unable to see me so sad, he finally took me out to fulfil my desire. 

A stark contrast to our limited lifestyle was that of my uncle, who was a man of rich taste. He indulged in the luxuries of life to which I was a witness. And I guess that influenced me. For the longest time, I’ve dreamt of wearing a Hugo Boss suit and a Tag Heuer watch, chauffeured in a BMW 7 Series to a 5 – star hotel to meet with HNI clients. For the longest time, I’ve wanted to live the ‘high life’. 

Maybe, the reason I chose to get back to work once I returned from Long Way Round was partly to live that life of extravagance, which I got to do this year. I got to indulge in some of the ‘rich’ experiences that I, as a kid, saw my uncle indulge in. I thought they’d make me happy but they never seemed to satisfy my heart. Something was missing. 

I joined this company with the sole intention to earn. Maybe the motivation to work for money has dwindled down since the life funded by that earning isn’t fully satisfying. Maybe, that’s why I’ve been wanting too many breaks lately. 

“I believe that a person finds motivation to work for three reasons – passion, money or gratitude”, I had stated in an IGTV video that I’d made. ‘Working for money’ could mean ‘working for sustenance’ and/or ‘working for bigger aspirations in life’ and at the time, I didn’t see a distinction between the two. After this trip, I see that they are two sides of a coin. ‘Working for bigger aspirations in life’ is a lot like passion, heck, it is a passion. It requires unwavering determination, relentless dedication and ceaseless effort. Earning ‘big money’ was surely a big desire of mine, considering it’s been with me for ages, but I knew that it certainly was not my passion. 

These four days of riding have given me more happiness than all the other experiences I’ve had in the city in the year that went by. Maybe, the road is where I ought to be.” 

What I was missing was the beat of my heart and my heart would beat only on the motorcycle. A city, any city, any luxury would not make me “dil se happy”. The path ahead was clear. 

The dream of living the ‘high life’ was retired, framed and placed on the mantle as a memory of a former self. 

I put my papers down in the last week of June ’19, spent four months trying to find a sustainable way to live a life of travelling. Once I did, I got on the saddle to ride the great Himalayas.

And that brings me to this final day in Ladakh. Where a long quest seemed to have come to an end. I had finally found what I was looking for – the place where I felt belonged. It was on the road and in the vast, barren, cold, magnificent land that I’d come to love so dearly. 

Ebony had to be returned that evening, which left me with little time to explore the many points of interest that lined the road to Leh. 

Stakna Gompa 

The first was Stakna Gompa. Gompa means monastery in Ladakhi. Gonpa, Gumba are other versions of the same. The monastery looked majestic on top of the hill, with the blue background. Unfortunately, I couldn’t go in. 

Stakna Gompa

Thiksey Gompa

Like I’d mentioned, this road is lined with attractions. After a very short time on the road from Stakna, I took a right towards Thiksey monastery. I was stopped immediately by the imposing view of the Gompa and the traditional Ladakhi houses built around it. I rode to the top and made my way back down to head to Shey Monastery. Then to the Druk Padma Karpo School where the iconic Bollywood film ‘3 idiots’ was shot. The Choglamsar Gompa had to be savoured from a farther distance. 

Shey Monastery

Druk Padma Karpo School

Choglamsar Gompa

NH 1: Srinagar – Leh

I reached Leh by 5 P.M. and dropped my dear Ebony off with whom I’d travelled for ten days and enjoyed every single moment. 

Ebony

A stone’s throw away from the bike rental shop was a German cafe with an open courtyard. As the sky turned dark, I sat relaxed at the centre table and sipped on a cup of piping hot tea. The owner, Stanzin, an adorable and sweet woman kept me company till I finished my cup. In a way, she was the personification of Ladakh with her kindness, beauty and joy. 

Day 11: Leh – Delhi 

A shared cab dropped me off at the very busy Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport of Leh city at 6 in the morning where I boarded my flight to the Indira Gandhi International Airport of a very smoggy Delhi. The first order of business upon landing was to pick up my sweetheart – El Poderosa! 

Up next: Leg #2 – Spiti 

The post Overlanding in the Himalayas #7: Finding Passion on the Road & Day 10-Day 11 appeared first on Roadtales.

Hitting The Rishikesh Road

Rishikesh is good to visit at any time of the year. For adventure sports and outdoor activities, I suggest visiting the place between mid-September and April.

Rishikesh Route : New Delhi → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee → Haridwar → Rishikesh via NH 334

Rishikesh Distance: 235 km

There are two routes to Rishikesh from Delhi by road, NH334 and NH9. We took NH334, which in my opinion is the best route as it goes through Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, and Haridwar to Rishikesh with adequate time to spare.

Pit Stops On The Delhi-Rishikesh Route

Moti Bazar

We stopped at a Punjabi restaurant in Meerut to have breakfast. They make mouth-watering parathas. After having a satisfying breakfast and relaxing for a bit, we continued on our journey. In Haridwar, we visited Har ki Pauri, Gau Ghat, Ashti Parvath Ghat, and Subhash Ghat, as well as temples. We drove to Moti Bazaar and shopped for a while, and had street food for lunch.

Haridwar is one of the greatest pilgrimages in India. The city is livelier during Kumbh Mela when thousands of devotees visit the place. Chardharms in Uttarakhand—the temples of Gangadwara, Kushwart, Bilwa Tirtha and Neel Parvat—are also famous pilgrimage centres. People gather in great numbers for the Arati ceremony held every evening where priests light huge lanterns and chant religious hymns in chorus. We witnessed the Arati ceremony, watched the beautiful sunset, had tea at a small stall nearby, and set off on our one-hour journey to Rishikesh. 

The Rishikesh Experience

Rishikesh offers plenty of avenues for backpacking, spiritualism and adventure. There are numerous ashrams where sadhus teach yoga, spirituality, and meditation. Over the past few years, the place has been developed into an adventure hotspot with activities like bungee jumping, white water rafting, mountain biking and more. We were excited to explore this beautiful place. The following are the must-visit places in Rishikesh.

Lakshman Jhula

Located at a distance of 5 km from Rishikesh, Lakshman Jhula is a popular 70-feet-high hanging bridge over Ganga that connects two villages, Tapovan and Jonk. The mythology associated with the place is intriguing and will fill any Indian with pride. People believe that Lord Lakshman, the brother of Lord Rama in Ramayana, crossed Ganga on jute ropes where the bridge is built. The bridge was constructed in 1929 to mark the epic event. Today, the bridge serves as an adjoining bridge connecting religious shrines Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Thousands of people visit Lakshman Jhula each year to savour the richness of the grand temples and local markets. We toured Lakshman Temple, Terah Manzil temple, Ram Jhula near Lakshman Jhula and more.

Kaudiyala

Located at a distance of 22 km from Rishikesh, Kaudiyala is an adventure paradise. Surrounded by a dense forest, Kaudiyala is the heart of nature. Rock jumping to river rafting, mountaineering, camping and other exhilarating activities await adventurers. You need to book your tour package in advance to have the most fun with these activities. Camping amid the flora and fauna, bonfire in chilly nights, playing games and eating barbecued food is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Visiting Time of Rishikesh: 8 am to 6 pm (daily), night bookings are also available.

We spent a night at Kaudiyala, went river rafting in the afternoon, hiked a mountain during noon, and caught the sunset and at night, set a bonfire at camp.

Flying Fox

Flying Fox is the most thrilling activity to do in Rishikesh. In this, you zipline above the majestic Himalayas and the lively Ganges. I was stunned by the enthralling views of mountains and the river from the top. It was truly an exhilarating experience. Do not leave Rishikesh without trying Flying Fox!

Triveni Ghat

Situated on the banks of Ganga, Triveni Ghat is the biggest ghat in Rishikesh and has significance in Hindu mythology. The place organizes Maha Aarti, a religious ceremony where every evening devotees gather to offer prayers and milk to the Gods and feed the fishes in the river. The Ghat is open for religious activities from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm every day.

Bungee Jumping

Rishikesh hosts a plethora of fun and adventurous activities, and bungee jumping is the top exciting activity. If you have nerves of steel and yearn for the thrill of hanging in the air and swirling, then you should try bungee jumping at Rishikesh. I didn’t do this activity as I have vertigo. But I watched people scream, hovering above the ground, having fun in the air and falling in the water. Not only mountain cliffs, but bungee jumping in Rishikesh is also carried from helicopters and hot air balloons. Bungee jumping is open throughout the year except in the rainy season.

Neelkantha Mahadeva Temple

There are plenty of famous temples in Rishikesh. We visited the Neelkantha Mahadeva temple. The route to the temple is interesting with dense forests and rushing breeze. It relieved our travel stress and refreshed us. The temple is open on all days of the week from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. Devotees offer the water from Ganga to this temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Trek To Jadh Ganga

If you are interested in valley trek, then you should tread along Jadh Ganga. You will be accompanied by nature, gushing streams, pristine glaciers, abundant flora and dramatic landscapes. Trek to Jadh Ganga is said to be one of the most difficult treks in Uttarakhand. Go on this adventure only if you are absolutely sure.

Bharat Mandir in Rishikesh

Bharat Mandir is a shrine founded by Adiguru Shankaracharya in the 12th century. The speciality of this shrine is that it houses a statue of Lord Vishnu carved from a single piece of saligram (fossilized shell). The architecture and interiors of the temple are also very interesting.

Byasi

Located 30 km from Rishikesh, Byasi is a small village on the banks of Ganga. The village is famous for water sports like rafting, as the waters there are calm and predictable. The white sands, steady water and water sports keep you entertained and make it ideal for camping.

Raghunath temple, Swami Dayananda Ashram, The Beatles Ashram, Neer Garh waterfalls, Swarg Ashram, Osho Ganga Ashram, and Rishi Kund are the places worth visiting on your trip to Rishikesh.

There are plenty of eateries on the Delhi-to-Rishikesh route. You can relish on mouth-watering sweets made of pure ghee (clarified butter) besan ki barfi, besan ke laddu and nariyal barfi are a must-try in Rishikesh.

A road trip from Delhi to Rishikesh is an exciting and spiritual escapade meant for adventurers, travellers and families alike. Once you have been to this place, you will get to know why Rishikesh is a sanctimonious place and attracts global tourists.

The post A Road Trip With Family From Delhi To Rishikesh appeared first on Roadtales.

Why Mount Abu?

When we think of Rajasthan, we picture golden sand dunes and searing temperatures, but Mount Abu will put that thought to rest! It is the only hill station located in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan, nestled in the Aravalli mountain at an elevation of 1,220 m above sea level amid a 289-km2 wildlife sanctuary. Mount Abu is known for its Hindu and Jain temples, and shrines dating back to 400 to 1,000 years. My family wanted to visit these temples, so we planned a road trip to Mount Abu.

Mount Abu Route:

There is only one route from Mumbai to Mount Abu, and it is filled with exciting pit stops and activities.

Mumbai → Daman → Surat → Vadodara → Ahmedabad → Mount Abu via NH48

Time & Distance of Mount Abu:

The Mumbai to Mount Abu road via NH48 is 759 km long, and the journey will take 13 hours and 35 minutes. We slithered on winding roads across hills and shorelines, which was a beautiful experience.

Pit Stops Along Mumbai To Mount Abu (Via NH48)

Devka Beach

The Mumbai to Mount Abu, NH48 highway is filled with beaches, forests, hills and plateaus. From historic places to beaches, there are abundant places to visit on the way to Mount Abu from Mumbai.

Devka Beach: Situated 190 km from Mumbai, Devka beach in Daman is a must-visit. The serene waters and virgin shorelines calm your travel stress and fill your heart. We took a short lunch break at this beach and enjoyed the Portuguese seafood delicacies at a small dhaba by the sea. We collected shells from the sea, drenched our feet in sand and water, and got back to our car to continue our journey.

Mirasol Lake: Along the Devka beach road lies a man-made lake called Mirasol. It is a perfect place to visit if you are travelling with kids. It offers boat and toy-train rides. This man-made wonder is dotted with beautiful fountains, alluring nature, and food stalls serving mouth-watering food delicacies. We spent some time at the Mirasol lake garden. The garden made our travel sickness vanish. You need an entrance ticket to enter the garden.

Dominican Monastery: Once a Catholic Church, the ruins of Dominican Monastery is now a piece of Daman’s history from its heyday.

Dahanu Mahalaxmi Temple: My family has always been fascinated by temples. When we heard there is a Goddess Laxmi temple on the Mumbai to Surat highway, we dropped by and spent 20 minutes to take a tour and offer prayers.

Bharuch: Formerly known as Broach, Bharuch is a city on the banks of river Narmada in Gujarat. The place used to serve as a major trade port for Arabia, Persia and Africa. We stopped to glance at this ancient inhabited city and ate the popular salted peanuts sold by the roadside.

Vadodara: Vadodara is a city of artisans whose work can be relished at the Makarpura palace, Nazarbaug palace, Laxmi Vilas, and Kirti Mandir. If you have time, you must go for some textile and handicraft shopping at the local shops in Vadodara. We didn’t get time to tour this beautiful city, but I highly recommend you to explore this place for its ancient glory.

Places To Eat At On Your Mumbai-Mount Abu Road Trip Via NH48:

Jagjit Veera’s Dhaba in Daman 

There are umpteen restaurants and eateries along the Mumbai–Mount-Abu road that serve scrumptious food. You must try Italian and Asian cuisines at the Spice Galleon of the Gold Beach Resort in Daman. Jagjit Veera’s Dhaba in Daman serves mouth-watering Punjabi cuisines. Try dal makhani and kheer at Nirmal Dhaba in Vadodara. There are many other dhabas on the way where you can not only kill your hunger pangs but also satisfy your palate.

We got tired during the journey, so we stayed the night at a relative’s and regained our energies the next morning. There is no dearth of accommodation in Mount Abu; hotels are available throughout the year at affordable rates, safety and ambience.

The Day Begins…

Nakki Lake

We had a quick breakfast and started our journey to explore the hill station. Summers are the best time to visit this place. If you visit it during the winters, though, you can enjoy the Winter Festival celebration and New Year, which are celebrated grandly at Mount Abu.

Dilwara Jain Temples: These are a complex of Jain temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and carved and built from marbles in the Nagara style of architecture. There are small temples within the complex built by Vastupal Tejpal between the 11th and 13th centuries.

Museum & Art Gallery: Preserving the archaeological artefacts of the region, the Government Museum in Mount Abu is an intriguing place. With its display of cultural activities from the prehistoric era, including paintings, sculptures, unique brass artefacts, Jain bronze carvings and tribal works, the museum attracts people of all age groups. The museum and art gallery is open from 10.00 A.M. to 4.30 P.M everyday and closed on Fridays and public holidays.

Nakki Lake: Surrounded by gardens, mountains, and rock formations, the Nakki Lake lies in between the lush Aravali hills at a height of 1,200 km above sea level. You can sail on this river from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm on all days. The rock formations, Toad Rock, Camel Rock, Nandi Rock and Nun Rock near Nakki Lake make spectacular backdrops for clicking Instagram-worthy images.

Guru Shikhar Peak: Towering at a height of 1,772 m above sea level, this peak offers breathtaking views of the hill station. The peak is adorned with Guru Dattatrey temple, Mira Temple, Chamundi Temple, and Shiva Temple near the peak. Watch the sunset and click amazing pictures, or just stare at the city from this peak.

Parks: Mount Abu is home to beautiful gardens and parks such as Ashok Vatika, Peace Park, Gandhi Park, Municipal Park, Shaitan Singh Park, and Terrace Garden. It also has great nature trails, such as Craig’s Walk, Bailey’s Walk, Tiger Trail, Honeymoon Point, Rishikesh Trail, Bridal Path. If you love animals and are keen to explore the wildlife of Mount Abu, you must visit Trevor’s Tank, a water reservoir cum animal sanctuary. You will spot a lot of crocodiles at the Crocodiles Park.

Adhar Devi Temple: The temple is carved from a rock and features exquisite sculptures and idols. During Navratri, the temple comes alive with the sound of people offering prayers. You can get amazing views of Mount Abu from this temple.

Gaumukh Temple, Rishikesh Temple, Achaleshwar Mahadev and Shri Raghunathji Temple are the other popular temples in Mount Abu.

Tips For A Seamless Mumbai–Mount Abu Road Trip

• The NH48 route from Mumbai to Mount Abu is a ride through hills and shoreline. At some points, the ride becomes too windy. Do not accelerate your vehicle, especially when you enter Mount Abu.
• You can easily follow the route signs on the highway. However, for safety, check the route on your Google maps. If the map confuses you, don’t hesitate to talk to the locals for guidance.
• There are a decent number of petrol bunks and ATMs along the NH48 route. Use them often.
• Carry a stepney, tool kit with a car jack, pliers and wrenches for emergencies.

It takes two days to explore Mount Abu. The local shops will take care of all your needs and more. There are a variety of sightseeing options. But there aren’t many adventure spots. Mount Abu is a place for couples, families and friends who love to experience nature, divinity, and serenity.

The post Mumbai To Mount Abu – Road Trip Memoir appeared first on Roadtales.

Hunder to Pangong Lake :

Mr. Glen Livet made waking up a tad bit difficult for the lot of us, yet we managed to get on the road at a very early 8 a.m. (very early for me!). Me on my Ebony (my rented RE 500) and Jae, Saji, Arun and Geraldine in the XUV 500 headed towards the sand dunes of Nubra Valley. With the sun slowly rising behind the gargantuan peaks, the desert lit up like an Indian bride on her wedding day.

The road from Hunder to Pangong Tso (Tso means Lake in Tibetan) takes about 5 hours and goes alongside the River Shyok till Shyok village and this road like all the others in Ladakh is filled with wonder! Even after 8 days of riding in Ladakh, the landscape continued to surprise me and fill me with wonderment on how this heavenly land came to be. Some mountains are made of some sort of rock while some seem to be just piles of sand, some are grey in colour, some are green, some yellow, some purple and some with a mix of a million shades of brown. Never in all of India had I seen this landscape where there’s absolutely nothing but in that nothingness there’s everything! For long I’d abstained myself from going to Ladakh as it was on the mouths of every wannabe biker in India and assumed it to be just an overrated holiday destination, but man was I happy to be wrong! 

I rode on dirt and gravel for most of the hundred-odd kilometres till Shyok village along which I got to do some tiny river crossings, well you can call them stream or puddle crossings as it was the beginning of winter and the water levels were quite low.

After Tangste though, the roads were arrow straight, pitch black and butter smooth! And the best part about travelling to Ladakh in October which is the end of the tourist season is that there are hardly any vehicles on the road! So empty that the gang and I had a makeshift photography studio right on the road with the clear blue skies as one of the most perfect backgrounds that one can imagine!

My friends had to return to Leh city that very night so we kept moving and in an hour we reached Lukung Village of Pangong Tso. Pangong has 4 main villages on its banks on the Indian side – Lukung, Spangmik, Man and Merak and some smaller villages. The majority of the lake is in the Tibetan a.k.a Chinese side.

The 5 of us got down to the shores of the pristine, multi-blue coloured Lake, jumped around like little kids, took more pictures, shared more stories and made more memories till it was time to bid goodbye to them. I’ve had the blessing of meeting hundreds of people in my travels, but it’s not always that I find someone, in this case, a group of people that I got along so well. I wished I had more time with them. To date, I miss the company of Jae, Saji, Arun and Geraldine. 

Lukung had only a few campsites operating at the end of October and I’d chosen one for the night’s rest. A night which was probably colder than the one in Lamayuru (Day 3) owing to the cold winds blowing over the vast lake. Google had forecast the temperature to be -5° C. But even with my sleeping bag and a couple of rugs on top, it certainly felt a lot colder than that.

Day 9:

Lukung to Tso Moriri

Fortunately, being in Ladakh for more than a week, I’d gotten used to the cold and I could manage to sleep quite well which was essential for the very long day ahead. With no cellular network and neither offline nor paper maps, I had to rely on people for directions.

“Take the road right alongside the lake and in three hours you’ll reach Chushul and from there Tso Moriri is just another 4 hours,” said the owner of the campsite with great certainty. He added, “The roads are all Kaccha (dirt roads) but it’s not too difficult”. I took off with his suggestion and got lost three times in the first half-hour. There was a tarred road for a short distance but it was either split into bits by landslides or just wasn’t complete, which got quite frustrating. There were several trails available to keep moving forward, but with so many options came confusion. The trails were a mix of sand, talcum sand (the tricky one), gravel and rock. If I had my bike which was much more capable (with the tyres) to handle these terrains, I would not have worried. But the RE had road tyres and I did not want to get stuck with no vehicles nor people around to help me if I did. I slowly reached Spangmik, asked for directions, continued to Man, asked for directions and finally reached Merak. The trail took me inside the village wherein after a turn I came across a steep ascent. I hadn’t looked far ahead enough to rev the bike right and ended up losing power very close to the top. And once you lose power on an ascent, especially on gravel, it’s almost impossible to regain traction from that point. One has to make their way back. 

Pangong Tso is at an altitude of approximately 11,500 feet and some bikes suffer from altitude sickness here. They lose the capacity to rev high and climb steeper ascents. While freer-flowing air filters make a difference, I wasn’t going to buy one for a rented motorcycle. Furthermore technique is far more useful and effective (till it’s not!). 

There was a school on the other side of the road. When the kids saw me get stuck close to the top they all came running towards me, along with two men. I slowly began walking my bike down in reverse but soon lost control and dropped the bike over myself. I saw the kids who had their curious eyes on me break out with laughter and looking at them I too joined them! It was such a silly way to fall! I’d forgotten my training where Sanjay and Deepak (my trainers) had taught me that first I should always look as far ahead as possible, choose a path and then twist the throttle appropriately! In the event of getting stuck (like how I had) I was taught to always kill the ignition switch and control the bike with the clutch and not just the brakes to move back down. The exact opposite of what I’d just done.

The two men helped me up and I got the bike back down to take another shot at the incline. I told them I feared that the bike could still not make the ascent so they offered to push the bike in case I got stuck again. With that confidence, I revved all the way up (to 4000 rpm!) and reached the top! 

It had taken me more than two hours to reach Merak and according to the information by the campsite owner, I was supposed to reach Chushul in an hour. And the next hour went something like this, have you ever seen a movie where the protagonist rides a motorcycle on an absolutely empty road and his position is fixed in the frame but the landscape behind him keeps changing? An effect that filmmakers use to portray a faster passage of time? In my head, it felt like I was the protagonist! Cause man, the road just did not end! Well, until it did, three hours later.

The fuel gauge blinked as I reached Chushul, which was the biggest of the small villages, yet had no fuel pump. I found a small shop which sold loose fuel and topped up my tank. While I was having my lunch (a packet of Parle G biscuits) an ITBP Officer parked next to me. We had a brief conversation and I asked him about the route ahead. “Don’t take the dirt road further, it’ll take you many hours to reach Tso Moriri, instead take the road to Mahe. It is 60 kilometres longer but the road is new and you can cover the distance faster” he said. And he was right! The road ahead was incredible! My average speed from less than 10 kilometres an hour until Chushul rose to around 30 kilometres an hour. What he did not tell me though, was that this road too would seem never-ending!

So, I had to cross a pass to reach Mahe, the next town, and the pass, in my experience was one of the longest to ascend (from the Chushul side). There were no markers to indicate how far Mahe was or even the name of the places I was riding through. There wasn’t a single soul on this road, neither human nor animal, I doubt if there were even any insects on that 100-kilometre stretch. As the sun began its descent behind the mountains, I began fearing a breakdown. I would have felt more secure if I had my tools with me but they were in Delhi with my bike. And even if I couldn’t repair the bike, I would have felt secure if I had my tent with me, but that too was in Delhi. “Getting stuck here can be dangerous” I warned myself. 

As the ascent continued, the bike slowed further down, it struggled to pull in the third gear, then after a while in the second gear and eventually even in the first gear. I had only one gear to ride in, if the ascent got any steeper or if the altitude got higher, the bike would NOT move forward. And if the bike stalled and if I had to push the bike, it would take me hours to reach the summit! “This pass is a 100% higher than Khardung La where apart from a tiny headache, I had zero problems to ascend. So which pass is this!?” I asked myself in utter bewilderment. 

The road being empty had a plus side though, it let me enjoy the enthralling scenery in all its glory. I came across two lakes in the valley which was crystal blue in colour, just like Pangong and looked absolutely stunning! For a while they made me forget about my breakdown worries. And just as I began to forget, the bike began to struggle more with the ascent, to an extent where my fear was about to be realised – the bike was losing air even in the first gear! And I didn’t even know how far I was from the summit. I pleaded with Ebony “Hang on dear!”. To my fortune, that was the last stretch and I finally reached the pass! There were no markers even at the top so I left the question to be answered by Google when I’d be back in a network zone. Looking at the road going all the way down, my choked lungs finally let out a sigh of relief.

By the time I reached Mahe, the clock had struck 5, the sun was down and I was both mentally and physically exhausted and I asked myself if I really wanted to go to Tso Moriri. I hardly ever back away from my plans, but if I ever feel like, strongly, I pay attention to that feeling. The town of Mahe was in sight and I put off making the decision till after I had a REAL lunch. REAL lunch translates to piping hot momos dipped in hot chilli sauce!

My flight to Delhi for the next leg of the trip would take off in less than 36 hours and after considering my tired state, I decided to not ride 60 kilometres in the dark, cold night to Tso Moriri, instead made my way to Chumathang en route Leh where I halted for the night.

The name of the pass is Kaksang La is the 8th highest motorable pass in the world, at an altitude of 17,841 feet. It was, in fact, taller than Khardung La which is the 11th highest motorable pass, at an altitude of 17,582 feet. The two lakes I came across are Mirpal Tso and Yaye Tso.

Next: Chumathang to Leh City. The last day in Ladakh!

Recommended Story – OVERLANDING IN THE HIMALAYAS #5 : KHARDUNG LA, DISKIT, TO HUNDER. (DAY 6-DAY 7)

The post Overlanding in the Himalayas #6: Nubra Valley to Tso Moriri (Day 8-Day 9) appeared first on Roadtales.

Delhi To Jaipur By Road

There are plenty of options to get to Jaipur, but nothing beats the joy of a road trip from Delhi because you get to explore beautiful places along with the rustic towns and villages along the route. There are three route options for a road trip from Delhi to Jaipur, read and pick up a route that suits you the best.

Route 1: Delhi To Jaipur Via The Neemrana Route (Delhi → Gurgaon → Manesar → Bhiwadi → Neemrana → Kotputli → Shahpura → Jaipur)

View Map 

Distance: 280 kilometres

Duration: 5 hours via NH 48

Toll Charges: Rs 320 (one way)

Popular Stopovers On Your Delhi To Jaipur Roadtrip Along Neemrana Route

Neemrana-Fort-Palace

Sultanpur National Park and Bird Sanctuary:

If you are travelling with kids or love being close to nature, then you must stop by Sultanpur National Park and Bird Sanctuary, as there are a variety of animal and bird species to watch.

NeverEnuf Garden Railway:

It is an open-air museum with a one-acre landscaped park that features interactive scale-model towns and miniature model trains.

Heritage Transport Museum:

If you love cars, its conceptual novelty and history of human transportation, then you should visit the Heritage Transport Museum in Haryana.

Soka Bodhi Tree Garden:

Sprawling over 170 acres of land near the Jaipur highway 60 km southwest of Delhi at Bilaspur Khurd lies Soka Bodhi Tree Garden. The place is surreal and an ideal stop for a short break from your drive.

Ancient Vrindavan Palace:

The Ancient Vrindavan Palace is a historical landmark in the proximity of the Neemrana Highway in Rajasthan.

A Short Heritage Tour To Neemrana Fort:

If you seek adventure, you will enjoy zip-lining over the Neemrana Fort.

Nahargarh Biological Park:

Situated about 12 km from Jaipur, the Nahargarh Biological Park is worth visiting for Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, panthers, hyenas, wolves, deer, crocodiles and more. The sunset views from this serene place are truly magical.

Places To Eat On Your Delhi–Jaipur Road Trip Via Neemrana Route:

The Neemrana route off NH 48 in Gurgaon has lots of roadside eateries offering traditional Rajasthani cuisines. Rao Dhaba is especially great for its appetizing thalis. Try vegetarian fare at Haldiram’s in Rewari, Haryana, and check the village-themed restaurant, Just Desi, on the way to Kotputli, Rajasthan.

Route 2: Delhi To Jaipur Via The Alwar Route (Delhi → Gurgaon → Bhiwadi → Alwar → Jaipur)

View Map

Distance: 297 km

Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes via NH 48 & NH 248A

Toll Charges: Rs 255 (one way)

Popular Stopovers On Your Delhi To Jaipur Roadtrip Along Alwar Route

Alwar:

An ancient rocky royal estate well known for an 18th-century palace adorned with marble pavilions and lotus-shaped bases in the courtyard, Alwar is a popular tourist spot in Rajasthan. If you are nearby, do visit Bala Quila, which is noted as Alwar Fort from this hilltop you can catch panoramic views of beautiful Alwar city and is definitely a great place for photography.

Garwaji Waterfalls:

If you are travelling in monsoon, then Garwaji Waterfalls is a must-visit.

Sariska Lake:

Located between Alwar and Sariska National Park, the Sariska lake offers boating activities. If you don’t want to paddle, you can still sit at the gorgeous marble palace on the banks of the lake and savour the placid view. Also, you can go on a jungle safari through the Sariska National Park and will spot a tiger if you are lucky.

Bhangarh Fort:

From the Sariska lake, head to Bhangarh Fort, which is a 17th-century fortress in Rundh Bhangarh, Rajasthan. The fort is said to be the most haunted fort in India and the drive to this fort is an eerie experience. Explore this place with your friends, alone if you have nerves of steel. Note that the entry to the fort is prohibited after sunset.

Places To Eat On Your Delhi–Jaipur Road Trip Via Alwar Route:

You can have a healthy and tasty breakfast at Sohna Tourist Complex, Gurgaon. If you are looking to grab a bite late into the night, then go to Patel restaurant by NH248A near Mubarakpur, and if you are seeking for contemporary ambience, Citrus Café in Alwar serves food outdoors with a modern touch.

Route 3: Delhi To Jaipur Via The Faridabad Route (Delhi → Faridabad → Manesar → Bhiwadi → Neemrana → Kotputli → Shahpura → Jaipur)

View Map

Distance: 348 Km

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes 

Popular Stopovers On Your Delhi To Jaipur Roadtrip Along The Faridabad Route

Asola-Bhatti-Wildlife-Sanctuary

Surajkund:

Located between South Delhi and Faridabad, Surajkund is an ancient reservoir built in the 10th century in the backdrop of Aravalli hills. Each year, an international art and crafts festival is held by the Surajkund lake, where artisans from countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, etc. visit and showcase their artwork. Apart from art shows, the lake and the hills alone offer a great deal of leisure and recreation.

Badkhal Lake:

Located at a distance of 32 km from Delhi, Badkhal Lake is teeming with wildlife, Bordered by the Aravalli hills, the place offers scenic views and is a treat for nature lovers. Numerous migratory birds flock to the lake and hearing them chirp can feel like listening to a serenade. One can indulge in water adventure sports like boating, canoeing, swimming, angling and kayaking.

Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary:

Situated on the Delhi–Haryana border over an area of 32.71 sq km, Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary houses a variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Get up close with nature and discover the treasures of Indian biodiversity. You can also take a nature tour, watch the sunset, and gleam at the peacocks, koels, kites and nilgai herds. 

Nahar Singh Palace:

Located at Ballabgarh in Faridabad, Nahar Singh Palace is a royal palace built in the 18th century, but the beauty of the palace has remained untouched, attracting a pool of visitors every day. You can relax at this well-furnished heritage property and explore the ins and outs of the palace closely.

Tips For Seamless Travel On Your Road Trip

• The strip from Delhi to Gurgaon is pretty congested, even if you start early in the morning.
• From Neemrana to Shahpura, you will find occasional traffic jams, but it is manageable.
• You can reach Jaipur in an hour from Shahpura as the roads on this route are in good condition.
• On the Alwar route, you do not have to worry about the traffic or the roads and drive without any interruptions.
• Once you have passed Alwar, you have to beware of the diversions with poorly maintained stretches awaiting you.
• The Neemrana route is good for reaching Jaipur fast, but you should control your speed, as the highway is packed with heavy vehicles and is prone to accidents.
• To avoid confusion at intersections, bypasses or diversions on your road trip, use GPS to get through.

Popular Attractions In Jaipur

Jaipur embodies a fine blend of history and heritage in it that will attract artists and literary minds equally. Where there are a plethora of tourist spots, the following places one must visit for a wholesome Jaipur trip itinerary.

Amber Fort

Cushioned on the top of the Aravali Hill 11 kilometres away from Jaipur, Amber Fort is an architectural masterpiece and one of the most magnificent forts in India. The fort is significant to Indian history; it was built by close generals of Akbar and used by several Rajput rulers as their residence. The fascinating building has maze-like passages, serpentine staircases, and several gateways overlooking Maotha Lake. It will take at least 3 hours to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The elephant ride is the most popular tourist activity at the fort. But the plight of the animals is condemnable and I personally would not recommend it. Otherwise, Amber Fort is everything you’ve been told about and is a must-see place in Jaipur.

Time Required: 3-4 hours

Timings: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Light Show timings: English: 7:30 pm, Hindi: 8:00 pm

Entry Fee: For Indian nationals Rs 25, students Rs 10, and foreign nationals Rs 200.

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is a site for medieval astronomy built in the 18th century by a Rajput king. It features the world’s largest stone sundial that helps interpret the position of celestial bodies and calculate time. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar attracts tourists, architects, mathematicians, photographers, geographers, artists, poets and historians alike.

Best Time To Visit: Noon, when the sun is above, making it easier to interpret the readings on each instrument.

Time Required: 30-45 minutes

Timings: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

Entry Fee: For Indian nationals Rs 50, students Rs 15, and foreign nationals Rs 200.

Light & Sound Show Timings: 

Oct – Feb: 6:30 pm onwards 

Mar-Apr: 7:00 pm onwards 

May-Sep: 7:30 pm onwards

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal, which translates to ‘Palace of Winds,’ is one of the popular tourist hotspots in the Pink City. The palace is a built-in embodiment of Rajput architecture; red and pink sandstone carved in a pyramid shape, 953 windows or ‘Jharokhas’ decorated with intricate designs from where the royal women used to get a peek into the everyday lives of the common folk. The mahal is believed to have been constructed in the form of the crown of Krishna (a Hindu deity).

Timings: Opened on all days except on Fridays

Address: Hawa Mahal Rd, Badi Chopad, J.D.A. Market, Kanwar Nagar

Albert Hall Museum

The Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur resembles the architecture of the Victoria and Albert Hall Museum in London and is the oldest museum in Rajasthan. The museum preserves the works of artisans from around the world in its 16 galleries. The museum looks breathtaking at night as it is lit with yellow lights. You can lay down in the garden and soak in the beauty of the palace, as the museum is flanked with lush gardens.

Time Required: 1-2 hours

Timings: 9:00 am- 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Entry Fee: Indian Visitor: Rs 40, overseas visitor: Rs 300

Jaipur Palace, Jal Mahal, and Nahargarh Fort are other places to visit on your trip to Jaipur, and if you like shopping, visit Bapu Bazaar.

Take a well-maintained cruising vehicle and follow the above points, and you can make your road trip from Delhi to Jaipur interesting.

Recommended Story –TOP 10 MONEY-SAVING TIPS FOR A MEMORABLE ROAD TRIP

The post From the Capital City to the Pink City; Delhi to Jaipur appeared first on Roadtales.

One misconception about road trips is that they are quite expensive, especially long road trips. However, it isn’t necessarily true. With proper planning and smart hacks, you can enjoy a road trip that doesn’t break your bank. Frugal road-trips are possible and, in fact, they are here to stay. Let’s look at some money-saving tips for a fun and memorable road trip.

10 Money-Saving Tips to Make Your Road Trip Even Better

1. Plan Ahead and Set a Budget

The very first thing you need to do is plan the route of your road trip in advance. This will ensure you don’t drive around aimlessly or backtrack a wrong route, both of which will be costly in the long run.

Determine the distance of the trip, the time it might take and where the stops would be.

Next, set a budget for the road trip and stick to it. It will prevent you from overspending and help you stay on track. Be aware of the expected costs and think of ways you can cut them down. If you project your expenses beforehand of how much money you will spend on each leg of the trip, you will be more confident about managing the expenses.

2. Carry Snacks from Home

 One expense that quickly adds up without you realising is buying snacks for the road. It is normal to want to munch on something on a road trip, but don’t buy something at every stop. It is better to pack snacks from home that will keep you full on the road.

Choose snacks and munchies that stay well in different weather conditions. These include crackers, trail mix, fruits, nuts or energy bars.

3. Avoid Bottled Beverages

Carry your own reusable water bottles that you can fill at different places. Bottled water is a major expense and it will add up quicker than you realise. Refill the bottle at restaurants or at your hotel before you leave.

Avoid bottled beverages like sodas too. If you buy one at every rest stop, it’ll burn a major hole in your pocket before you even realise it.

4. Book Affordable Accommodation

Look for affordable options like local accommodation and inns over expensive hotels. Book in advance as hotels generally list rooms for cheaper prices well ahead of time. Compare the hotel prices on different comparison sites and choose the best deal. You can even go to the hotel’s website directly as they may have some special discounts or deals.

Another option is to check if anyone you know stays in the places you are visiting. Crashing at your friends’ or relatives’ place will eliminate the accommodation expense altogether in that particular city.

You can also use websites like Airbnb and Couchsurfing. Airbnb offers affordable yet unique local accommodation options for a great value. Couchsurfing is a great platform where you can connect with travellers who are willing to let you crash for free on their couch.

5. Improve Fuel Efficiency

While road trips are a lot of fun, there may be times when you want to speed up to reach the destination faster. However, fight the urge to speed. Why? Because it will affect your fuel efficiency.

Studies have shown that fuel efficiency decreases as speed increases. That means fuel consumption would be more and you would have to fuel up more often. This would make your road trip pricey.  Drive at a steady speed throughout the trip and stick to speed limits.

Another thing that uses a lot of fuel is rapid acceleration and braking. Start the trip early in the morning as the roads would be empty and you wouldn’t have to accelerate and brake often due to traffic.

And finally, air conditioning also uses a significant amount of fuel. Wherever possible, turn off the air conditioning and roll down those windows. If you don’t need the AC, don’t use it.

6. Pack Light

Does the way you pack and load your car affect the car’s mileage? Well, it does. Extra weight will impact your car’s mileage at the rate of 2% per 45 kgs. That means the more weight you carry, the more money you will eventually spend on the fuel due to poor mileage.

Don’t overpack and load the car with excess bags. If you think you may not need something during the trip, leave it out.

7. Pack Wisely

Forgot your charger at home? Left the sunscreen and medicines right on the table? Well, then you will inevitably have to buy them on the road. Spending on something that you already have at home is an unnecessary expense that you can avoid.

Make sure you keep all the chargers, batteries and other tech gadgets that you need for the trip. Carry essentials like napkins, beach towels, sunscreens and medicines without fail so that you don’t have to buy them on the road.

8. Fill Up Your Tank When You Find Cheap Fuel

Did you come across a petrol pump that has cheaper fuel than normal? Well, in that case, fill up your tank. Different states and cities have different fuel prices, so do some research beforehand.

Find out where the fuel prices are cheaper and try to fill up your tank there rather than other petrol pumps on the way.

9. Avoid Toll Roads

Technology makes travel much easier and allows you to cut down costs in unexpected ways. For instance, you can use GPS apps like Google Maps to choose different routes for your destination. When you have that advantage, choose the roads that don’t have any tolls.

You might have to take a longer route in certain cases but it could turn out to be more scenic. You can avoid high toll charges and reach the destination with some extra money in your pocket.

10. Visit an Auto Shop

Before you start the road trip, take your car to an auto shop. Assess the condition of your car and make sure it is in proper working condition. If your car isn’t in good shape, it would ruin the entire road trip.

Ask the auto shop to do a complete tune-up of the vehicle. Get an oil change, check the tire pressure, change the windshield wipers, check the brake fluid, antifreeze and power steering fluid. Doing this will ensure you have minimal to no breakdown on your trip. Sudden breakdown or repairs will set you back financially.

However, be prepared for a breakdown. Carry a spare tire and jack in the truck that will help you change a punctured tire with ease. Keep an emergency repair kit in the car.

Lastly, keep all the necessary documents in the car. Forgetting even one document like your license or insurance will result in hefty fines. This is another expense that you can easily avoid. Make sure you have all the documents in place before you leave the door.

Plan the Best Ever Road Trip

It’s the small things that you may overlook that end up being expensive on road trips. Take out your pen and paper to list out expenses that you can cut down. Map the route and try to stick to it. If you are planning to go to offbeat destinations, make sure you book accommodation beforehand. You don’t want to get lost or find yourself stranded without accommodation after reaching there.

Proper planning and smart driving will help you save money. All you need to do now is gather your friends, start that road trip and make a ton of memories.

The post Top 10 Money-Saving Tips for a Memorable Road Trip appeared first on Roadtales.