For years, the idea of riding through the Himalayas had been a dream of mine. The mountains, with their sheer majesty, always fascinated me, and I had been planning this trip for three years. However, life, business, and family commitments always got in the way. This year, an opportunity presented itself—Arul’s son’s wedding in Hyderabad, which was conveniently on the way to Ladakh. That was the final push I needed to set out on this long-awaited adventure, driven by my passion for riding, especially in the mountains.
To prepare for the trip, I didn’t solely rely on riding techniques but also focused on building strength, endurance, and flexibility—important elements for high-altitude travel. Inspired by “India Hikes” on YouTube, I developed a routine. About a month before the trip, I began jogging 7 kilometers, four days a week, while dedicating the other three days to strength and flexibility exercises. This regimen greatly helped when riding at high altitudes. Even though I had asked friends to join me, they wanted to fly to Leh and ride from there. I, however, wanted the full experience of riding from home and back. So, I embarked on this solo journey.
The trip itself was a test of endurance, both physical and mental. My route spanned close to 9,000 kilometers, crossing through ten states and union territories, including Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir. I passed through cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Chandigarh, and Agra, eventually making my way to Leh and beyond. I crossed some of the highest mountain passes, including the famous Khardung La at 17,982 feet and Umling La, the highest motorable road in the world, standing at 19,024 feet. Other passes, like Zojila, Lachulung La at 16,616 feet, and Baralacha La, were also part of the route.
The cold was relentless, but I was well-prepared with thermal liners, woolen gloves, and winter jackets. Acclimatization was key, so I stayed two nights in Leh, at 11,000 feet, to adjust to the altitude. As I ascended, I spent nights in Merak (14,000 feet) and Hanle (14,700 feet), allowing my body to adapt to the thinning air. Though I hadn’t thought of a Plan B in case of sickness or emergencies, I was fortunate not to fall ill. For navigation, I used Google Maps, although some remote routes like the one from Pangong required following road signs since maps didn’t cover them accurately.
While I had no moments where I thought of giving up, there were times when the terrain was challenging, and I had to be extra cautious. The mountain roads were both beautiful and dangerous, so I remained vigilant throughout. I was well-equipped for any potential issues, carrying a survival kit, important tools for the bike, a mini air compressor, a puncture repair kit, and, of course, water-proof riding gloves, socks, and an intercom for my helmet. Despite being prepared, I found that interpreting the weather was particularly tricky for bikers due to wind speeds, which often exceeded 40 kmph.
Throughout the ride, I encountered stunning landscapes and was constantly reminded of the sheer force that shaped these towering mountains. It was humbling to think about nature’s power. I didn’t plan my accommodation in advance; I picked places to rest as I went, choosing spots based on how far I could ride each day.
The most memorable part of the trip was reaching Umling La at 19,024 feet—a Guinness World Record for the highest motorable road. It was a dream-come-true moment, and I felt incredibly happy and fulfilled. The experience of interacting with such breathtaking landscapes and meeting new people along the way added depth to the journey. Would I go again? Absolutely, though next time, I’d love to bring friends along for a longer, more relaxed exploration—35 days instead of the 25 I spent this time
Speaking of time, the trip took 25 days in total, with two nights spent in Hyderabad for the wedding and two in Leh for acclimatization. Most of the time, I checked in at a place for the night and was back on the road the next morning. As for expenses, the entire trip cost me around Rs. 1 lakh, excluding riding gear and motorbike alterations that I had already made for trips to the Nilgiris. The KTM 390 Adventure I rode was well-suited for the terrain, needing only a regular service before the trip. I also installed fog lamps, dashcams, and Android CarPlay for navigation.
While I had everything I needed, in hindsight, I could have reduced my luggage to make the off-road riding easier. I did wish, though, that I had traveled with friends for the company. In terms of connectivity, phone coverage was manageable but inconsistent, especially in remote areas of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, until I reached Jispa in Himachal Pradesh. Despite being alone, I didn’t feel unsafe. I took extra care in dangerous terrain, continuously reminding myself to stay cautious while navigating the mountain roads.
This journey was a culmination of passion, preparation, and sheer determination. The Himalayas are truly magical, and while this trip fulfilled a long-held dream, the mountains still call to me. If the opportunity arises, I will definitely return, hopefully with more time and good company to share in the experience.
