One Living Life: January 2017

Tuesday 17 January 2017

Motorcycling across Sikkim | Day 6 | Gangtok to Lachen


I woke up before the alarm. It was around 5:30 am. On a normal day, it takes at least 3-4 alarms to get up. But, that thought was running through my head once again. Should I ride to Gurudongmar? 
I knew that the roads I had faced till now were too good to compare to the terrains that lead to the highest lake of India. Riding to an altitude almost equal to the Everest base camp, it was not amusing to think of the journey that lay ahead. Siddharth had completed Gurudongmar a day before and warned me about the conditions last night. There were almost no roads to that place. Rocks, gravel and black ice lay like a devil. No rubber could grip its surface with ease. On top of that, narrow roads, steep inclines, sub-zero temperatures and thin air made things worse. He had fallen four times during his ride. But, still had the zeal and passion to conquer the terrain. I wondered how my journey would take its shape. Could I do it? But, challenges are what brought me here in the first place.

Before all that, I had this day to make it to Lachen, the quaint North Sikkimese village from where I would start riding tomorrow and for that permits were needed.
At M.G. Marg, Gangtok (6 am) for permits

Tuesday 10 January 2017

Kolkata to Leh Ride 2017 Plan

Plan is Finalized and joining the event is Free, of course.

Join the ride here - https://www.facebook.com/events/205261933270541/ 
Or, Scan QR Code below to join the ride:

People ask others, "lahaul spiti kiaa... killar kishtwad kiaa... gurudongmar kia... world ride kiaa.... lekin Laadaakkhhhh kia kyaa???"
So, now its time to ride to the Mecca of Indian motorcycle touring enthusiasts!!!

As for me, I am planning to ride from Kolkata (2.5 weeks plan) and join with my friends from Delhi (2 weeks plan from Delhi). But, if you wish, there are easy options to parcel your motorcycle to Delhi and start from there.

Full Plan (Kolkata - Leh - Kolkata)
Main Leg - (Delhi - Leh (via Srinagar) - Manali - Delhi)


Wednesday 4 January 2017

Motorcycling across Sikkim | Day 5 | Pelling to Gangtok

 
While friends woke up early morning to see the magical Kanchenjunga from our balcony, treading outside the warmth of my blanket was out of question. Instead, I removed the curtains and peeked from my bed, keeping a balance between lethargy and curiosity. After sleeping for a few more hours, it was time to pack up and leave. Except Okhrey, the plan did not include halting at the same place for more than a day. Time bound plannings like these were too swift to enjoy the essence of a place.
Somewhere on the way...