Journey Never Ends

Preparing your motorcycle for Ladakh An arduous journey like Ladakh can take its toll, on not only the rider, but also on the motorcycle. In places like Manali - Leh highway, Zanskar Valley or Chumtang region, a mechanical failure can spell disaster. With nearest town miles away and a mechanic even further down the road, it is a good idea to get the bike serviced properly and get the worn out parts replaced, before embarking upon a journey of this magnitude. Things to watch out for when getting the bike serviced for Ladakh: Clutch Plates: For the steep and hilly terrain of Ladakh, it is best to ensure that your bike’s clutch plates have enough life left in them, to see you through the trip. So when you are getting the bike serviced, ask the mechanic to check the clutch plates and replace if necessary. Piston Rings: Another thing to watch out for is the health of Piston rings, if your bike has been drinking engine oil lately; it is best to get the piston-cylinder kit checked for wear

It is human nature to dream, but to dream, is one thing, and to achieve it is another. Take my word for it, Riding 2500 km at an average altitude of 16,000ft through 15 of Himalayan mountain passes and five of the worlds Highest Mountain passes Khardung La (18,380ft ) Worlds Highest Motoraible Pass; Marsemik La (18,634ft) Toughest of the lot and unofficially Highest Motoraible Road In world); through the lush valleys of Jammu and Kashmir, into the high-altitude desert of Ladakh , is an arduous task; and some thing that most will not even dream off. For past few years, some thing of this sort had been doing rounds in my thoughts. Since The Roads are opened from June to September and remains closed for rest of year!! The season for touring to Himalayas only lasts for 4 months. Ladakh being one of the remotest places on earth, at a height of more than 20,000 feet, largely devoid of any creature comforts whatsoever; Add freezing cold winds, sub-zero temperature, and inhospitable t