Leh Adventure : 11/15

We woke up around 9am again being "Lazy Riders". We were in Hunder also known as Cold Desert.

We had breakfast in the guest house itself, Breakfast -> Alo paratha, Pickle and Curd.

Double Hump Camel

The desert was only 5km from guest house.It was all-together different environment. The double hump camels in India can be only found here.

During war times, Camel was used to transport goods to China after which few of the Camels were left over this side hence the origination of Double Hump camels in India.

We went for a ride for 15-20mins. It was fun, different experience after we encountered Snow, Rain and stuffs.

There were stalls which contained the costumes of local people. Few of our members tried and they had lot of fun posing for photos.

Now, we had to ride back. Again Khardungla pass will be challenging and also fun.

The roads as mentioned were having many blind curves, the concentration of the rider was very important. A small slip could cost us really bad.

While going back to Khardungla, the snow fall had increased. The roads were filled with Snow. For bike, it was very difficult to ride as it was causing bike to skid. We had to push our bikes during up hill. Finally after the struggle we reached the Khardungla top again, struggle was fun :P.

From Khardugla to Leh it was 40km. While riding towards Leh, my bike got hit by stone. It was the stone in the snow and could not been avoided. It had hit the gear and the shaft was moved from lock position that is I could not change any gear. Best part is the gear was at first. 

Since those areas are prone to avalanche I did not wait and thought of going in Single Gear (First Gear). I was happy that I got locked to the best gear in this condition.

Since the route from Khardungla to Leh is downhill ie from 18300 feet to 12000 feet.

I was slow (by force :-) )and finally reached leh around 5:30pm. I managed to go in Neutral for most of the distance and went required just some raise in first gear and then hold the clutch :P.

We had a nap till 7pm, then went out for shopping after giving the JK registered bike back. We settled the payment of Innova. For overall of 400km the charge was 10,000rs :-). 

The passes were open, this was confirmed as we met few riders from Manali to Leh. We were very happy about this.

So, tomorrow we were heading back to Manali.

Next : Leh 12