Monday, 29 May 2017

THE TRIP RIDERS LADHAKH AND SPITI VALLEY MOTORCYCLE EXPEDTION 2K17

                                       

The Trip Riders ladhakh and Spiti Valley Motorcycle Expedtion 2k17

Ride To the land of high passes


Motorcycle checkup for Expedition


Now that you have prepared your motorcycle for Ladakh Motorcycle Expedition 2k17, and are ready to start your ride Delhi, there are a few checks you need to perform before the D-DAY….!!!
ü Check if all lights, horn and indicators are working.
ü Double check fluid levels such as engine oil, brake oil and coolant (in case of liquid cooled motorcycles).  
ü Check tyres for air pressure as well as look for any signs of puncture or damage.
ü Check if chain is lubricated properly and isn’t too tight or too loose.
ü Check for any leakages.

Detailed Itinerary

Day1:- Delhi to Udhampur (614 kms)

Early morning wakeup call for the meeting point. Later, we flag off our epic expedition starts from Delhi to Jammu ride, a distance of about 614 kms. En-route we cross Ambala, Jalandhar and later drive through to Pathankot and reach to Jammu in late evening.
During our ride, we stopover at for breakfast in Kurukshetra and lunch in Jalandhar. After dinner, overnight stay in Udhampur in a hotel.

Day2:- Udhampur to Kargil via Zojila Pass(405 kms)

We leave Udhampur after breakfast. The 405kms stretch to kargil takes approximately 10-11 hours. We will enjoy a tea break at Banihal and lunch in Sonmarg.




Today we start the ride which you will remember for the rest of your life. We take it easy this day and ride on various terrain which we would encounter later on in tour. We reach Sonmarg by lunch - time, enjoying the alpine landscape and snow­capped peaks. After lunch, move towards kargil via Zoji La Pass. The first real test of the ride. Zoji La pass at 11,575 feet overlooks the beautiful mountains of Sonmarg on one side and the high altitude Ladakh region on the other. The constant landslides at the pass mean that we ride through slush and broken roads before we can set eyes on the brown landscape awaiting ahead.



The historic road from Drass to Kargil is a delight to ride on, with majestic views, green villages and raging rivers alongside. After dinner, Overnight stay would be in hotel or camps.

                                                              
Day3:- Kargil to leh via Lamayuru(225 kms)

After breakfast we head towards Leh. We ride downstream along the River Indus on Leh – Kargil Highway. The striking rock sculpture of the Maitreya Buddha greets you at Mulbek soon after you depart from Kargil. Then you cross over two very beautiful passes, Namika La and Fotu La, before reaching the unique moonscape of Lamayuru.



After spending some time at Lamayuru monastery, we continue the journey ahead to Leh. You will also visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a beautiful Gurudwara constructed in the memory of Guru Nanak Dev ji. After Dinner, overnight stay would be in hotel.

Day4:- Leh Acclimatization,  Local sightseeing (Rest Day)

Today, you are on our own. It’s time for us to get acclimatized to the thin air, followed by an entire day at leisure in the capital city of Leh. You take a breather from the ride and rest at Leh. After a half day's rest you explore various parts of Leh, such as the local market, leh palace, monasteries and the Shanti Stupa.




Day5:- Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung la Pass (142 kms)

An early morning wake up, followed by Breakfast and checking our bikes and gear, we start our drive towards Nubra valley Via the one of the world’s highest motorbale road- KhardunglaPass (5602 mts). After lunch, visit the main Diskit Monastery and the giant statue of Maitreya Buddha, this is the tallest Buddha statue in Ladakh. Later visit the white sand dunes at Hunder where you can enjoy the Double Humped Bactrian camel ride. The rest of the evening is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay would be in Guest house Diskit or Hunder.

Day6- Nubra valley to Pangong Tso via Wari la Pass (230 kms)

Early wakeup call, after breakfast we will start our journey to the world’s highest salt lake (14272 ft.).

"Best Route of this Expedition"

The below route near to Wari La involves good amount of off roading with almost no road and a lot of water streams on the way. I am sure, any motorcycle rider will love this route. It is amongst my favorite trails in Ladakh as there are very less people, almost zero tourists, not at all developed, no roads, less Dhabas, no BSNL signals, no shops, no villages. Only you with some wild mules, horses, yaks, sheeps and a few distinct birds of Ladakh and the adhoc mountains with blue sky in background and cold water streams under you on the path or trail leading to Wari La.

Nubra Valley -Agham - Wari La - Sakti - Chang La - Durbuk - Tangste - Pangong tso

After today's hard core off road biking. Overnight stay be in camps at Pangong Tso lake.

Day7- Pangong Tso to Marsimik la (World’s Highest Motorable Road )  (90 kms)

Enjoy morning tea by the lake. Leave after breakfast and ride another 30 km northeast via Phobrang encountering tough and loose tracks on the Chang Chemno Range on an elevation of 5681 metre (18,640 ft) is the world’s highest motorable pass, even if Kardung la(5602M) is widely believed to be the highest motorable pass, this pass is another 100 metre on the higher side. We are always thankful to BRO(Border Roads Organisation) for providing us access to kiss world's highest passes and we adore their creative sign boards, but ITBP(Indo Tibetan Border Police) are not far behind constructing this world's highest pass which is less than 20 km away from China where you can see 2 lane highways of China..



Marsimik La is considered to be the actual, world's highest motorable pass at the height of  5,681.5 meters (18,640 ft). It is located about out 20km North-East of Pangong Tso lake. Permission from the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Leh is required to climb the pass, which is not easily given because of Marsimik La's location near Actaul line of control which is the India's border with China. The road to pass is quite bad and only 4x4 vehicles and motorcycles should be preferred means to get there.

After dinner, Overnight stay would be in hotel or camps.

Day8- Pangong lake to Tso Moriri  (280kms)

Early departure for Tsomo-riri Lake (alt: 15,000 ft.) driving through Chumathang (hot springs), Mahe and Puga Sumdo. Tsomoriri Lake (28 km long & about 8 km wide) is the breeding ground of many migratory birds including the rare bar-headed geese.
Post Breakfast, we do a complete gear check and drive to Tso Moriri Lake. It is a breathtaking journey on a trail that is literally a ‘no man’s’ land.




Tso Moriri Lake has no outlet and the waters are consequently brackish, although not very perceptible to the taste. The water is crystal clear and of a deep blue color. This Day will cover Thicksey, Hemis and Shey monasteries while going through this route Dinner & overnight in fixed camp or Guest House.


Day9- Tso Moriri to Jispa(317kms)

An early wake up call, followed by a stroll around and Breakfast, we start our ride back towards Spiti with our 1st overnight hault at Jispa. Jispa, in Himachal Pradesh lies at 3319 m (10,890 feet) on the bank of the Bhaga River, whose waters lull you to sleep at night. Mudhouses and Buddhist chortens complement the serene cape.



As the sun descends, the evening welcomes you to the warmth of the campfire. Overnight at the camps.

Tso Moriri (Karzok) – Sumdo – Tso Kar (105kms)
Tso Kar Lake - Jispa (212 Kms)

After dinner, Overnight stay would be in camps.

Day10- Jispa to Chandertal Lake via keylong (150 kms)

We start our day early and our ride from Jispa to Chandertal Lake. The route is slightly rough, so this day we shall try and cover the maximum distance with minimum stopovers.

Keylong to Chandratal Lake is a good 8-9 hours of journey, most of the time being spent on Gramphoo to Chandratal Lake stretch. Start early from Keylong towards Rohtang Pass and then from Gramphoo, take the road towards Spiti to reach Chandratal Lake.




Chandra Tal is also known as "Moon Lake" is the source of the Chandra River. It was once a tentative place for traders from Tibet and Ladakh who went to Spiti and the Kullu valley, but today it attracts a large number of adventure enthusiasts from across the world. Located at an altitude of 4300 m, Chandra Tal Lake is just 6 kms away from the Kunzum Pass in Spiti and Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh state of India.
We arrive in Chandertal Lake by the evening. Over Night stay in Jamaica’s camps.

Day11- Chandertal to Kaza (82 kms)

Enjoy the lazy morning at Chandertal Lake. After breakfast, move towards kaza via Losar and Rangrik. This is the one you will need to turn on from where the lake is about 10 kilometers. It is a very narrow dirt trail so caution is advised while driving on it. It will take about 5-6 hours to reach Kaza from Lake. Road conditions will be bad throughout.

Overnight stay in hotel at Kaza.

Day12- Kaza Local sightseeing (60 - 70kms)

After breakfast leave hotel for local sightseeing.

Ø Kibber : The road to Kibber from Kaza is the only tar road you will find in this area, actually the only tar road after you leave Manali. Once you enter Kibber, it will feel like any other village - houses built close to 5 each other, dusty little paths in between, snot-nosed kids running around, clothes drying on a line somewhere.
Ø Key Gompa : Key Gompa was frequently attacked by the Mongols, such as the 17th century raid during the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama. In the 19th century it was attacked and looted by various armies engaging in fights in the region. This was followed by a devastating fire in the 1840s. In 1975 a violent earthquake caused further damage to the building
Ø Komic : Komic in Spiti Valley, is the highest inhabited village in Asia with height of 5150 meters. The village has only 12 houses, one gompa and population of ~ 150 (including the monks). The village remains cut from civilization for 5-6 months in a year due to snow and no roads. Yaks being the only transport mode. There is no doctor and the closest school is a hour or more trek through the mountain. The villagers seem most happy and not bothered by lack of infrastructure or public services that seem so essential to us
Ø Hikkim : A 40 minute uphill drive from the town of Kaza in Spiti valley for 14km and one will reach the village of Hikkim. This place houses the highest post office in the world. The village of Hikkim is situated at a towering altitude of around 14,400 feet above sea level. Hikkim also has the highest polling booth in India.
Overnight stay in hotel in Kaza.


Day13-Kaza  to Kalpa via Nako (210kms)

This is the last day of our ride. Post breakfast we start are journey to Kapla via Tabo and Nako. This is a long journey due to road conditions, but we have to mentally geared up for it as know that the roads are in a bad condition.

Overnight will be in hotel at Kalpa or Reckong Peo.

Day14- Kalpa to Shimla via Sarahan (280kms)

After breakfast, move towards Shree Bhima Kali ji temple from Jeori.
Shree Bhima Kali Temple at Sarahan is the major monument that is duplicated no where else in the erstwhile hill states. Dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali presiding deity of the Rulers of former Bushahr Sate, situated at 2150 mtrs MSL this magnificent temple is about 180 kms. from Shimla with its capital at Shonitpur this former princely state was extended up to entire area of Kinnaur where for somtimes Lord Shiva disguised himself as Kirat. Today, the then Shonitpur is known as Sarahan. Banasur, the ardent devotee of Lord Siva, eldest among the one hundred sons of great oblative demon King Bali and the great grandson of Visnu votary Prahlad, during the Puranic age was the ruler of this princely state.

Overnight will be in a hotel at Kufri or Shimla.

Day15- Shimla to Delhi via Chail (375kms)

This is the last day of our ride. Post breakfast we start are journey back to Delhi. We move towards Delhi from Chail.



Before 9pm we reached to Delhi. 

Package Inclusions: -

ü Accommodation in well-appointed budget Hotels/ Camps on Twin or Triple sharing Basis.
ü Inner Line Permits and Wildlife fees for restricted areas for Indian Nationals.
ü Petrol throughout the expedition.
ü Basic First Aid Kit & medicines
ü Services of a Royal Enfield trained specialist mechanic for the full duration of the trip.
ü Use of equipment and the services of trained guides and professional.
ü Dedicated trip leader, certified in First Aid and CPR from NOLS, USA throughout the trip.
ü Food and Stay.
ü Back up Utility Vehicle including luggage transfers.

Package Exclusions: -

ü Any expenses incurred due to Force Majeure.
ü Personal expenses like Telephone, Laundry, Tips and Table Drinks etc.
ü Any item not mentioned in the inclusions

Other TERMS AND CONDITIONS: -

ü 100% Payment in advance.
ü The program schedule, route, or mode of transport might be changed due to unforeseen circumstances or for the safety of the group.
ü In case any participant falls sick during the tour, the expenses for medical treatment, travel & porter charges etc. will be borne by the concerned individual.
ü During the tour, the decision of the Program Director and/ or the Field director will be final and binding.
ü The Trip Riders shall not be held responsible for any accident, illness and loss of valuables or such other unforeseen events during the tour.

Things to Carry :

Ø At least two Copies of PhotoIDs
Ø All Motorcycle Documents
Ø Mobile Charger
Ø Saddle Bag
Ø Helmet (Good quality)
Ø All riding Gears (knee and elbow guard, Jacket , Shoes , gloves and face mask)
Ø TORCHLIGHT
Ø Watch
Ø Power bank – Extremely useful in case short on electricity, which will be the case mostl
Ø Hand Sanitizer
Ø Sunglasses
Ø Small water bottle, say 500 ml
Ø Cigarette Lighter
Ø Plastic Bags / Plastic Zip Lock Bags
Ø Twist-ties, safety pins
Ø Chocolates, toffees, chips, chewing gums, mouth freshener, dry fruits etc.
Ø Camera Kit
Ø Camera with bag
Ø Camera Charger and its cable
Ø Camera Battery
Ø Camera Cleaning Kit including Lenspen
Ø Tripod
Ø Extra Camera Battery, if possible
Ø Extra memory cards, if possible
Ø Toiletries
Ø Tooth Brush
Ø Tooth Paste
Ø Toilet Soap
Ø Shampoo Pouches according to the schedule or a small shampoo bottle
Ø Tissue Papers
Ø Face wash
Ø Hair Oil
Ø Deodorants
Ø Moisturizing Cream / Sun Screen (Strongly recommended)
Ø Lip Guard
Ø Shaver / Razor / Trimmer
Ø Clothing Kit
Ø Clothes as per the schedule
Ø Towels
Ø Socks
Ø Body Warmers
Ø Handkerchiefs
Ø Slippers
Ø At least one jacket

Medical Kit :

Ø At least 5 ORS or ORS –L Tetra packs
Ø Diamox tablets for altitude sickness/ acclimatization issues
Ø Spray for pain relief.
Ø An antiseptic cream like betadine.
Ø An antiseptic solution like dettol or savlon.
Ø Pain killers like combiflaim or flexon.
Ø Crocin or paracetamol for mild fever.
Ø Avomine for prevention from motion sickness and vomiting.
Ø Digene / Eno for relief from indigestion or acidity or gastric issues.
Ø D-cold total or Vicks Action 500 for cold issues.
Ø Pudin Hara for stomach pains.
Ø Crepe bandage, in case of fracture.
Ø Cotton and dressing bandage.
Ø A pair of scissors.
Ø Eye tone.
Ø Nasivion for blocked nose.
Ø Ongoing regular medicines (if any)

Notes:

Ø Camphor had been the age old remedy for altitude sickness.
Ø The best way to interact with the people of Ladakh is to greet them by saying “Jullay”. It means Hello/ Thank you/Bye.
Ø ATM card machine of SBI, J&K and PNB are available at three places in the Leh and Spiti Region.
Ø Help us maintain the fragile ecology and beauty of the place by bringing back personal garbage like pack lunch boxes, wafers, and mineral water bottles etc to your guesthouse, where it can be disposed in a dustbin.
Ø Only Post paid connections of telecom firms work in J & K. Telephone & post facilities are available in Leh, Kargil, Srinagar and Nubra valley. Only BSNL connection will work in Spiti Region.
Ø Always put your shoes off before entering a monastery.
Ø Take permission from the monks before taking photos inside the monasteries.
Ø Avoid offerings sweets / tips etc to local children.

“Always wear your smile, you will win many friends.”

Expedition Pricing:-
COST PROPOSAL FOR 15 DAYS 14 NIGHTS WITHOUT MOTORCYCLE - 25,000/- to 30,000 PER PERSON


For Reservation:-
Call us on +91 8950277111
Write us on akashvats12@gmail.com , dtripriders@gmail.com for any query