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Published: October 26th 2012
I was really kicked about the bicycle trip. I was going to cycle from Khardung La, the world's highest motorable road (18380 ft) to Leh, a distance of 37 kms.
I reached the cycling company and test rode my bicycle. Since there was still time, I thought of having some breakfast, while all the others test rode their bicycles. Once all of us (there were 3 people from Italy and 2 from Switzerland), were done, the guys tied all the bicycles to the roof of the cab and we were ready to go.
We started our drive upto Khardung La. Since I had already crossed the Khardung La, on my trip to Nubra valley, I did not take much from the ride. After a couple of hours, I was there. I had a cup of black tea and got ready to bike.
I started cycling downhill with two golden rules in mind: Always keep to the left and keep on checking your brakes. It was chilly and I decided to ride slowly.
I had just left Khardung La when I saw a crane on that narrow road, clearing the path. The fact that I had not seen
it on the way up, indicated that a minor landslide might have taken place a little while ago. All cyclists, bikers and tourist cabs waited there, hoping for the guy on the crane to do his job fast.
A layer of fog had enveloped the place. I had just left Khardung La, which meant that the altitude was still high and the oxygen level, pretty low. I thought that I was well equipped to battle the cold, but as time passed by, the cold weather got the better of me. I made sure that I had water so as to preserve my body heat.
Once the crane was done with its job, all of us cyclists and bikers continued.
The road was unforgiving and I wasn't going to take it lightly. With the mountain on one side and absolutely nothing on the other side, I had to be careful at all times. The decline was pretty dramatic and the blind curves were ugly. One careless mistake would have been disastrous. I had to keep on applying brakes, to keep the bike under control, every moment.
On my way, I came across a stream of water with a strong flow. During summers ice from the nearby mountains melts down and it's a common sight to find water flowing onto the roads. I got down and crossed it but accidently stepped foot in the water. The water was chilling cold and made matters worse for me.
Nonetheless, I kept on going, focusing on the path.
I came across another crane on the way. This time since I was the first person to come across it, I took the liberty of signalling to the driver and carrying my bicycle and crossing over the heap of mud that was in front of me. There was a jeep at the other end, with cycles tied on top. The people inside, nodded at me and I nodded back.
Once I crossed the military check post of South Pullu, the road became better. The ride was smooth thereon and I enjoyed every moment of it. With the decrease in elevation, and increase in oxygen level, things became more comfortable. As I continued, the sun came up and it became warmer.
A little more than two hours after leaving Khardung La, I reached Leh.
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nisheeth
non-member comment
great
great one.. both