Finally the day arrived when we started for our legendary and most awaited trip - Manali to Leh. We decided to cover this 470KMs distance in 3 days making night halts at Sarchu and Pang. But fate had something different planned for us.
preparing to start
Abhilash
We started on our bikes at 9 AM in the morning. After fuelling the bikes and filling the 5 litre tanks (2 per bike) we headed for Rohtang Pass, our first pitstop-to-be. We decided to have lunch at Marhi (35kms from Manali), a small settlement before the Rohtang Pass.
Ready to roll
But as soon as we reached Solang valley, the road ahead was closed due to a landslide that just occurred few hours ago. When we reached there, they were on the final stages of clearing. Luckily it didn't take quite long and the road was opened in 30mins.
Landslide near Manali
After the road was opened for commute, we headed to Rohtang, It had been 11AM and we were getting hungry now. Between Manali and Rohtang, there are many small villages. We kept crossing them one by one when we were around 15kms away from Manali.
Right when we thought we are on our trail to Rohtang, a second unwanted pitstop happened. A flat tyre. Sabir's RE ran into tyre puncture and it was clear that under no circumstances, we are going to make it to Keylong even.
Puncturrrrrrrrre
We called the guy from whom we rented these bikes and he assued to arrive within half an hour with a spare wheel. Till then it was a long wait. we were getting hungry. Me and Gaurav found out a small settlement, actually a house where a housekeeper was preparing his meal for lunch. We bargained with him for a meal for 6 and he was ready to cook us 'khichdi' for our lunch. I went and called others while the bike was getting repaired.
The guy's hospitality - our khichdi getting prepared
The joy on our faces while our lunch getting cooked.
Meanwhile the punctured wheel got repaired and we started again for Rohtang after the 'khichdi' meal. We crossed Rani Nalla and reached Rohtang in half an hour.
Rani Nalla
crossing Rani Nalla
Lola at Rohtang
Rohtang Pass
Reached Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass
The other side of Rohtang Pass
Descending from Rotang Pass towards
By eve, we reached Kokhsar and planned to stay there for the night. Although the plan was to reach Jispa or Keylong, but the flat tyre delayed us and we decided to stay at Kokhsar.
Got a comfortable accomodation and delicious dinner at a homestay for the night. Dinner especially prepared by our hosts on demand.
After a tiring ride of day 1, it was time to relax a bit in Manali with visits to Solang and Manali Mall Road for some shopping. Not much was planned for this day as we also had to take full rest before starting out Leh journey from Manali the next day.
View from hotel window
The day started with drizzles but then the clouds scattered and it kept switching between bright sunshine and cloudy weather.
Mighty Beas river in full valor
It was a clear bright sunny day and we headed towards Solang Valley after a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel. Solang is around 20 odd KMs and we reached there around 10 AM.
Solang Valley
Solang valley is famous for its adventure sports activities such as Paragliding,Zorbing, Kart Racing, Dirt Biking and also its serene landscape. Me and Ashish had already tried paragliding during our previous trip to Manali. Others wanted to try their hands on it so bought a ticket of Rs. 3000 each. There are 2 tickets available, one starts gliding from a shorter height and lesser duration (Rs. 1500 per head), the other one for much higher altitude and longer duration(Rs. 3000 per head).
Point where paragliding starts
You have to go via ropeway to reach the high point of the latter paragliding option. A professional also accompanies you during the glide.
Abhilash : "Let the 'glide' begin!"
We spent 3-4 hrs in Solang and then after they were done with their paragliding, we had lunch in Solang and then came back to Manali Mall Road by evening. We had to shop for some riding gears, especially rubber shoes for the journey to start next day and few other essential items for the trip.
We also got our bikes arranged by evening which we had booked in Manali for 10 days tour. We contacted Hadimba Motors for this and their servicing had been good. These folks prep the bikes especially for hilly terrain. Their entire fleet consists of Royal Enfields and you can get your desired one starting from 1000/- per day per bike to 2000/- per day per bike.
Royal Enfield 350cc getting ready at Hadimba Motors.
You can rely on them undoubtedly.
These people know what terrain lies ahead so they prep the bikes perfectly for the trip and also gave advices regarding how to handle them under unforeseen circumstances.
