Guys,
This was one of the trips that I had only dreamt of and now that I have done it, the travelogue that follows looks like a dream. Its one of those feelings when a cloud passes through you, and you realize the vapours only after it has gone. Please bear with me for the limited time I have because of the backlog of the work. It will be my endeavor to complete this travelogue at the earliest.
Day 1: Delhi – Chandigarh – Bilaspur – Mandi – Kullu – Manali (06-Jun-09, Saturday)
Start time: 0415 hrs (from GT Karnal By Pass)
Reach time: 1800 hrs (Manali)
Total Distance covered: 591 kms
Average Speed: 42.67 km/hr
The moods were high, and so were the energy levels. Why not, it was going to be a trip of a lifetime for us 3 guys doing Delhi-Leh-Delhi on our bikes. First the guys:
Me (Kapil), Sandeep (my Bro-in-law) and Sunil (Sandeep’s friend) on P150, Avenger and P200.
Sandeep dropped in at my place on 05th evening and we decided to set up our bikes by the night so that we can charge early morning at 3am. Sandeep decided to mount the saddle bags and the tent on his Avy, while I was to carry the 2 sleeping and 2 additional bags (with stuff in them). Reason was simple, Saddle bags and tents were waterproof while all other were not, so the logic of carrying all non-waterproof stuff on one bike.
Sandeep happy with the outcome
By the time we were done, it was already 12. So, we hushed back into bed to catch atleast 2 hrs sleep. Got going at 3. As soon as we neared ISBT bridge, the stuff mounted on my pulsar started going to a side, and Sandeep noticed it. No sooner that we stopped were we joined by 2 police men who wanted us to prove our identities to them since it was so early in morning and that area is considered as prone to thefts. After pacifying them and telling them we were headed to Ladakh, the next task was to fix the stuff. The moment I touched the bungee cords, I found 2 of them had snapped!!
This was attributed to the naivety amidst us who had pulled the bungee cords from over the seat to the space between the rear tyre and the wall above it. We didn’t realize at that time that the tyre would also move up and down (due to shocker effect) and thus snap the cords. Thankfully, we had a spare cord, and our lesson was learnt.
Reached GT Karnal road around 4am, where Sunil joined us from Gurgaon on his P200 at 415 am. We did a final check on the bikes, high five and were off…..
Butt break..Sunil and Sandeep
Next stop was at Karnal, where we stopped for light breakfast. Did a check on bikes, stuff, cleaned the visor and then headed on. After that, every stop had a visor cleaning exercise dedicatedly.
It was a configuration that was maintained till the time we were in plains. No prizes for guessing: P200, Avy and then poor me (on 150). While the 200 really ran amazingly, I was able to keep the Avy in sight. We crossed Chandigarh around 8 am, and our next stop was Bilaspur, where we had a heavy brunch (paranthas).
Bilaspur bus stand
Some time after Bilaspur, the thirsty Avy and P200 wanted petrol while I was smiling all the way. I knew there was more than enough to take me to Manali, and boy was I right.
Onwards was the first time we saw the mountains of the trip, and we were excited nonetheless.
The first sight..
Worth mentioning is the change in configuration (now reversed), since I always had this something for driving in hills – feel like I belong to the mountains. No time for nostalgia, we stopped for a refreshing banta (lemon soda) since it was getting hotter.
Pandoh Dam
Water power
Sandeep
Minutes after crossing the Pandoh dam, it started raining, and my raincoat was with Sandeep. I decided to push for another 15-20 minutes anticipating the rain to stop, but it didn’t. At last, I stopped and waited for the others to arrive. Got my raincoat and from then on, it was with me always. Stopped just before Kullu for a meal. All this while, it had been raining. We took the decision to head to Manali no matter what since our days for the trip were limited, and we reached Manali at 1800 hrs.
We were surprised to see that there was an entry fee of Rs.100 per bike in Manali. Checked in at a hotel, and unloaded our bikes. We then decided to have a visit to the Mall road, and have the dinner there only. Also, we had forgotten to buy Diamox and me my leather gloves back at home. The hills looked spectacular, and we were excited about the next day. There was no sign of a fatigue or anything, just pure passion and adrenalin to head ahead next day. Mall Road was jam packed with all tourists, being the tourist season.
Me n sunil at Mall road
Got gloves, diamox, had dinner, got our bikes filled up and collapsed on bed.
The heater was on all night so that our stuff could be dry for the next day, and not to mention it was a sleep well earned.
1 heater to dry all that stuff...omg
View from our room
More view
Snoring was not prohibited in the room, and this privilege was not underutilized by any of us.
Tomorrow was the day we were really looking forward to, and just one day stood amidst us and Leh.
Things to come