Last Month in July, I did something I had been dreaming about for many years – I was riding over 18000 feet above sea level where the cool mountain air greeted me. It was an absolute adventure with Brahman Tour Motorbike Tour in Himalayas, India covering many high-altitude motorable passes. This place is a land of stark beauty with its rugged mountains, gorgeous lakes and endless open skies. I knew it would be amazing, but it came from the actual ride, which is beyond anything I could have dreamt of. It was not only a challenge to me physically, but it was also one of the most incredible experiences of my life.
The trip lasted 10 days and was organized by Brahmand Tour, a motorcycle tour operator in India. It started in Leh, where I met the group of riders and got my Royal Enfield (awesome bike) for the journey. Everything was arranged—permits, support vehicles, accommodation as well as meals. So I didn’t have much to worry about logistics. Although while packing i did pack all the essentials like – Driving License, Passport or you can say ID proof and a List of important contacts. The last one might sound a little kiddish, but prevention is always better than a cure. Other than this it was all basics like Personal medication, sunscreen, toiletries, 5-7 handkerchiefs, cash, lip balm, Chocolates, biscuits, nuts etc.
The trip flowed day by day. We started with exploring local spots like Shanti Stupa and monasteries while getting used to the altitude. The ride to Nubra Valley came next with crossing Khardung La , one of the highest motorable passes in world. From Nubra, the road to Pangong Lake was kinda long as well as tricky with all the water crossings and dusty stretches. But the first sight of that gorgeous lake made me forget the struggle. The water was so clear and blue like sky that it almost didn’t look real.
Soon the real sense of adventure began as we climbed a little more higher into the mountains. It was like the roads were testing us with sharp bends and suddenly changing weather. The higher we rode, the thinner the air became making even simple tasks more tiring and hard.
We then headed toward Hanle and Tso Moriri. These were long – isolated rides, with almost zero traffic – it was just open land and endless skies. The remoteness was challenging but it is what gave a true sense of adventure. The final stretch back to Leh over Tanglang La was like another test of patience and focus. At more than 17000 feet it was another tough pass, with cold winds and rough roads. Even though it was a little hard to breathe, the feeling of reaching the top and looking back at the route we had covered was incredible.
I loved Ladakh because it was all about extremes. One hour you’re sweating on a climb and the next you’re shivering in the wind. Let’s just say that carrying my grandma’s sweater helped me a lot. The roads throw everything at you – the river crossings, sand, broken tarmac – but that is exactly what makes them fun. Oxygen there is thin, phone signals usually drop off and plans rarely go as expected. Yet, every rider comes here for the same reason: the raw challenge that it gives. Ladakh doesn’t pamper you, it will strip travel down to basics—your bike, the road and your will to keep going.
With evenings being all about food, tea and conversations with fellow riders, we stayed in camps and guesthouses while enjoying the Ladakhi hospitality. Looking back to those ten days were about more than just riding. It was demanding but it gave me memories and confidence that will last a lifetime. Tackling these problems was part of the ride and finishing each day felt like a solid accomplishment.
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