Though going to Leh and Laddhakh via road was always my dream, dream since childhood..but I had never thought to go via bike. Its came in mind only after getting the article from G-4. I got the encouragement by seeing their pics and story. Many-many thanks to G-4 and specially to Anshuman....

And also special thanks to my team member Munna (Suryabhan), Sunil and Fazil, without their acompany, It was not possible at all...

All plans were set well in advance before starting the historic adventure on 12th Aug-2004 from Delhi (though Fazil and Sunil could make it only on 13th due to illness of Fazil). But real adventure was from Manali on 16th Aug. Starting of the day on that date was not at all incouraging from any corner, we were determined to start.. Very bad weather..and heavy rain..but we were on move.. Crossing Rohtang was not easy in that weather. Roads were in very bad shape somewhere, landslides were there. Somewhere, we ourselves remove stones from the Road. But we were charged with excitement. After having choclates and rest for some times at Rohtang, we started our adventure further and reached Kelong. First night at Kelong. Will like to mention here one most important thing, 7 km before Kelong, Thandi has having last petrol pump before Leh. so beware of that to fill the tank and your bottles.

Second day was one of the most dificult range upto Baralachha.. but we successfully were able to make it and reached at Bharatpur at 3 pm. Weather was at its worst, seeming testing our courage..but we were also of different metal... But will like to advise not to stay at Bharatpur as it is almost more than 15500 ft hieght and it can create high attitude sickness to anyone, specially at Night. We faced this problem as soon as night begun... Better to stay at Sarchu which is 80 km further to Bharatpur, for 2nd night..

Next day we were near to Pang, where we had planned to spend our night..but....Oh God.. what happend... Rear Bearing of Power Machine had got broken... We were still 30 km away from Pang.... Anyhow we managed to reach at Pang.. That was a nightmare night....

No other way... leaving behind Sunil and Fazil in tent to rest themselves, Myself and Munna started with the rear wheel of Infield on the second bike for Leh for repairing which was almost 200 Km away from Pang keeping in mind that we have to return back before night at Pang again.. This was the most challenging day for us.. driving 400 km in a single day in Hills at height of 14000 ft to 18000 ft.. ohh mygod..unforgottable day...

Also will like to mention here that We have crossed Tanglungla, the 2nd highest motorable Pass of the World 3 times within 24 hrs.. might be a world record....God knows..

Next day we were bound to be in Leh..at sunset time, little bit tired and spend almost two hrs to find out accomodation. finally got it in Barath Guest House, a nice place to stay..

Next day was totally rest day..spend the day in taking permission for Khardungla..and for other places.. which one can get it from local DC Office at Leh.... (It is important otherwise one will be send back any time from the way) ...and also got serviced our Power Machines..

And then time had come..for what we had started for.. Driving for Khardungla.... The Highest Motorable Pass..of the World.. Unbelievable.. but it was true.. our Dream was completed.. It was an Achievement..for all and ofcourse Specially for me.. who had never driven the Bike.. Not it was..?

Rest is the history..

Second part pf our expediiotn was not less..adventerous.. While backing.. we took the route via Kargil and Drass further to Sonmarg-Shrinagar-Jammu-Vaishno Devi--Pathankot-Ludhiana and back to home..... Most thrilling thing of this route, I will like to mention here, was Crossing Jojeela pass which I feel, the most dangerous Pass.. during our this expedition.. and also as we were forced to start for that at 02:00 am from Kargil, which we never thought.... But god hands were with us.... we all came back safely... as we were started...One should must visit.. Most beautiful place in the world... and one can see only by going there via manali-Leh highway........

Anyone is always welcome..for mroe detaill..

vkchaubey@yahoo.com