My Diary

Happy New Year – Goa 2012

omvaikul — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:43:48 +0000

My dream was to spend New Year in Goa at least ones and finally in the end of 2011 it came true. 2012 began on the sand of Goa. A trip to remember for life time.

I’ll not go in the detailed log but I’ll just say I had lots of fun. Here are some pictures I took, they themselves will speak a 1000 words…

Happy New Year – Goa 2012

Somewhere in the back of my mind I have decided that my New Years will be in Goa only. The fun I had here I don’t think I’ll have anywhere else.

RAJASTHAN jaunt 2012

omvaikul — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:27:10 +0000

It had been over 6 months since the Spiti Valley trip. And had just come home from Goa where I had gone for the New Year 2012. Rides were going good but still felt some thing was missing.

Just two days after this thought a friend from my first Leh trip back in 2008 mentioned about riding to the state of Royals… And yes Rajasthan plan was ON.

In just couple of days our itinerary was ready and we were ready to make the circuit this winter.

I won’t be able to make this log in a full story as I have been on a hectic schedule in recent times… so this will be a full photo feature entry.

Hope the photos are treat to the eyes…

We were 3 on two bikes. Me on Ninja 250R and Varun – Anita on the Classic 500.

Our ride went from the coldest part of Rajasthan to the remote region of Dholavira, up to the Golden city and far east to the life in the wild – Keoladeo National Park.

The ride ended with a good note of making back together safe and sound. A new dawn awaits to head back on the highway. But until then, its the office office game in foreplay.

Day 17 & 18 – Home Sweet Home

omvaikul — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:28:09 +0000

Day 17 & 18 just a race back home. I did took some snapshots but nothing worth uploading.

Day 17 – We started early as usual and took very less breaks. We also encountered a little rain on the way.
We met up with our MBC guys by evening 6pm near Udaipur bypass. Had a long chat with them and we started for Ahmadabad. We got heavy showers here so we rode very slowly and covered as much distance as possible. Found a decent stay just before Ahmadabad and dried ourselves.

Day 18 – Last day of the trip. As soon as we hit the road we again got light showers but the sky got cleared ones we crossed Ahmadabad. With breaks after every 100kms we reached Manor by 4.30pm. And got the biggest traffic jam I have ever seen. After cutting through, we reached Mumbai city by 5.30pm.

Swapped our luggage and after dropping Anahita I stepped in my house around 8pm.

Words have been invented to describe a trip like this. Spiti is a place where I’ll keep coming again and again.

T.H.E. E.N.D.

Day 16: Leisure walk in the park

omvaikul — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 11:04:20 +0000

13th August, 2011

From today onwards its a straight ride back home.

We started the day by dumping our bikes at Probiking by 9am. All our bags were in the hotel and we had now good 3 hours to kill.

So we decided to visit the famous Rock Garden in Chandigarh.

We took a Rickshaw from the workshop and in 10 minutes we were at the place.

Bought the tickets and straight went in. The entire place is really made of rocks. One good thing I liked is they have made it in such a way that you have to be on one pathway only otherwise its so big that one can get lost.

We took so many photos here but I’m uploading only a few which I liked.

After finishing till the end we were sweating so had some drinks and ice cream. And gave our feet little rest.

By 11.45am we were out of the park and took a rick back to the hotel.

It was almost noon now and it was close to checkout time.

So we dropped Anahita at the hotel and Angelo and I went to the showroom to check on the bikes.

Mine was ready and Angelo’s was almost done.

We cleared the bill and rode back to the hotel. Anahita was ready and packed up everything.

We mounted our luggage and were on the highway by 2pm.

We rode non-stop till Ambala and found a decent place where we can have lunch.

Lunch was all veg for a change.

By 4pm after lunch our target was to cross Delhi any how.

We did a non-stop ride to Delhi entrance from this side. Took a 10mins break and again made a long stretch all the way across Gurgaon. Back to that famous McDonald on NH-8.

This non-stop riding made us hungry very quickly. We grabbed ourselves couple of bites and were looking down the highway hoping to cover atleast 100kms before we check in to a place for the night.

The road had little traffic but we managed to cover 110kms to reach a town where we found a comfortable clean stay.

Cleaned up and went straight to bed as it was a long day.

Tomorrow we had to catch up with our friends from MBC at Udaipur and we were just a day and a half away from Home Sweet Home.

Day 15: Back to the plain land.

omvaikul — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:56:43 +0000

12th August, 2011

Today was our last day in Himalayas. And till now it was a roller coaster ride. Wonderful experience. Everything was packed, even Camera I had put inside. We left Hatu hotel on time for Chandigarh.

After our breakfast we were on the road with wide eyes in search for apples and apple products.

We reached Shimla in an hour and half. And while bypassing Shimla we stopped at most places to look for them but couldn’t get a good deal.

Finally we found a place where 25kgs Apple was for Rs.500, excellent deal but after holding it we realized this is no way we can carry with us and couriering might spoil them.

We had to make heart hard and drop the idea of Apples. But apple products were must.

After covering some distance, in Parwanoo we found lot of shops where Apple products were up for sale.

We spent nearly an hour here shopping and packing all the stuff.

We packed them in the backpacks for time being and carrying the stuff from here to Chandigarh was mission steel.

I had noticed my rear brakes were out and front almost. So I was keeping ride in control only by gear down shift. Ninja really decelerates quickly. Good for me.

After 2 hours we reached Chandigarh. And riding with all the bags was like a circus.

We managed to reach Pro biking by 5pm. I knew it was late but still we took a chance. The guys over there recognized us. They told it was a 3 hours thing so now not possible.

We now had to stay in Chandigarh. So bikes can we worked on tomorrow morning.

A senior mechanic came with us to show a decent accommodation very close by.

It was a government run place and it was quite decent. Big place infact.

We took the family room because it had two rooms in it. Bargained on a fair price and checked in.

Cleaned up. Took an hours rest and later rode to a mall near by for some fun.

Movie idea was in mind but nothing great was on show so we went up the entertainment and games section. We were behaving like kids over there.

We had light dinner over there and close to 9pm we left back for to hotel.

Tomorrow onwards will be just straight road to home.

A significant trip was coming to an end.

Day 14: Into the unknown…

omvaikul — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:36:22 +0000

11th August, 2011

Today is the day I realized riding in Ladakh or Spiti is nothing compared to riding on real offroad.

We started the day on schedule. By 6am we were up and by 7 on the breakfast table and by 7.40am on the road going up to Jalori pass.

With just one halt we were at Jalori Pass and since we had breakfast and tea just few minutes back so stopping here was not needed. We just inquired about the road and came to know that the main road going down is blocked due to landslide.

But a traveler waiting for a bus said that just go down 3 kms from this road and take a diversion on the right. It straight bypasses the landslide. We thought how difficult would that could be and we anyways have no choice.

The start was okay. Little offroad here and there and just a couple of streams but then the latter…pheww… After covering 3 kms down the path the road just disappeared.

All terrain looked the same. We had to ask the locals every time on a turn to make sure we are on a right road. We later learned that this was a link road which connects all the villages on the mountain over here.

I couldn’t take much photos here. My focus was only on the road as it was slippery, slushy and pure offroad track…that too down hill.

This below is the patch where it looked like steps going downhill. We again stopped and asked a local to be sure. As here I had decided that if we are on the wrong path or we have to go uphill then I’m selling my bike and settling down here.

Some patches we so slushy that Anahita had to walk few kms.

You see the path on the right side of this photo. That was the road we were on. Wish I had covered more of it.

After riding for 4 hours we came to know we had just covered 10kms… that was a laugh.

We were now back on the highway and we rode straight non – stop to the junction where right up goes to Narkhanda and left back to Spiti valley via Rampur.

We had our lunch here as the AC place tempted us and quite frankly we were getting tired now.

After nearly an hour spent here we decided now straight to Hotel Hatu. But just as we went up couple of kms we saw an accident where a lady sitting pillion fell on the ground while the bike was in motion.

We immediately rushed to aide her. In 5 minutes a van arrived as there was a hospital located near by.

Ones the situation was calm we moved on towards Hatu.

On the way up I realized I have a flat tyre. So I was careful on the turn. The bike was little wobbling because of that.

Finally after an hour we were at the Hatu Hotel. And what a news greeted us. The hotel was full.

We all were very disappointed. Specially Anahita.

We decided to have some tea here and then look for some place ahead. By the time Angelo and Anahita were sitting in the restaurant I went out to the market area to get the puncture fixed. I had the repair kit, just needed air.

I returned in 10 minutes and came to know the best news of the day.

Anahita was sitting near the reception with a sad baby face. The manager came by, a very senior man and asked what was the problem. The reception guy explained and also after they learned that we had come from Jalori area they were delighted to hear about it. It was his native place.

With quick action he made two rooms available to us. And bouy what service was offered to us at a fair price.

We all were very very happy now. Staying at this place was something even I was wishing.

This place at a misty feel to it and the food we know was just superb.

Today all the offroading and stream crossing ends. Tomorrow is race back home…but wait there is more entertainment right ahead. Keep an eye out tomorrow

Day 13: Today we fly…

omvaikul — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 17:52:37 +0000

10th August, 2011

What a trip it has been till now. From the scenic views of Chitkul to the daring valleys of Kaza.

And here we are now back on the highway, the main highway. No potholes, no slush, no track roads, nothing. Just plain two lane highway. I was so wrong.

Our balcony had a great view so we though of having breakfast here. It was pleasant in the morning. And sitting in the balcony and taking photos was quite a treat.

And when good shots were coming up, look what we noticed hanging on the wire just across the balcony. Somebody had some last night. But by its location it seem a great night for the lucky dude… hahaha

Breakfast was little cold but doable. After we wrapped up here we were off to Solang valley for some adventure stuff.

As we reached the ropeway amd inquired on the possibility of para – gliding. Two of the local guys came forward and like always Anahita struck a deal with them.

We went up the ropeway and even before taking off the adventure began. These guys told us that the take off point is little trek on the downhill side. So holding hands we slowly started moving down but this path was just slushy and slippery.

Some how we managed to reach the take off point but Anahita slipped at the last few steps. Nothing serious just dirty jeans.

After these guys had set up their stuff guess who had to go first. Me…Yeahhh..

I was the first one to take off and was able to take one photo while handing on.

At first it was frightening but then in just seconds it was the best thing that I did till date.

Then was Angelo to follow and he seem to have enjoyed it.

And finally here comes Anahita. She also had super duper fun but only sad thing her landing was bad.

She landed straight on the hip and her hip and back area got screwed big time.

She acted as if nothing has happen but there was a little pain till the end of the day. But I know Anahita, she is a fighter. Popped a little pain killer and was back on the saddle in no time.

From here we went back to the hotel, packed, couriered some of the luggage home. fixed my number plate and checked out.

We fueled and just as we exited Manali this site caught our eye and braking was must.

Though he served only maggi but stopping and eating here was totally worth it.

Around late afternoon we started the ride towards Shimla via Jalori pass.

I didn’t know where exactly was the diversion but after asking the locals we came to know its the left turn just after the tunnel.

In an hour and a half we were at the tunnel and by 5.30pm we were just 10kms before Shoja.

This is where the road lost it tar and the offroading began. Ones again.

We were now loosing light and the fog was also going strong.

And the offroad was also slowing me down considering low on coolant and heating issue.

We stopped at this place for some tea and after evaluating the situation we decided to stay here for the night.

This was the first hotel we came across when we entered Shoja.

Though it looked creepy from outside but ones we settled in it was nice and warm.

One of the best decisions of the trip of staying back at this place because what I’m gonna tell you tomorrow will rattle your nerves.

Day 12: Mission Rohtang

omvaikul — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:02:14 +0000

9th August, 2011

Last night was scary cold. I think we all got sleep for few hours and then a wind used to wake us up.

I didn’t even remove my shoes or bother cleaning up much. As around 6.30am my eyes opened up straight went out, started the bikes to warm them up. Ordered breakfast and started mounting our luggage on the bikes.

Anahita and Angelo were also up by now and were getting adjusted to this weather.

Also took some shots of the area around. The tents, bikes and the dinning table in the open.

By 8am we cleared our bill, crossed checked everything and were off towards Batal.

The climate was just superb. Clear sky and scenic view all around.

Just when everything looked really nice I suddenly remembered the nallah at the entrance which welcomes you. Getting feet wet in the morning is something I was not ready for, so I decided that I’m going to cross without putting a feet down and balancing through.

In 15 minutes we were at the site. And Angelo had already crossed it. Now it was my turn. Yesterday I made Anahita get down when I crossed it but today I thought since the water is little low so why not try double seat. Chose a different path and the Ninja went in and came through. And the best part, feet were still dry….

Batal is not a very developed place. Just like how I heard. A few dabha stays and some quick snacks.

We were not hungry since we just had breakfast. We moved ahead and the road went from offroad to no road.

We crossed so many Nallah in this patch before we reached 20kms before Koksar.

Here is one video of Nallah crossing ,

Finally after some 50kms the streams stopped. By now we had become expert in it

Just after a small village we came across a spot which looked like picnic spot. Small streams running beside and grass fields on either side.

After the photo session, the mother of all streams welcomed us. It was not going across but with the road. And I realized that once I was half way in.

Thats the spot where I had to make Anahita get down.

And to her luck there was a Sumo coming from behind which took her across.

Lucky Girl.

Next break we got was at a site where all these horses were grazing or napping.

Whenever we used to think that must be the last Nallah here and a new one used to pop us. Boink…

Some 20kms before Koksar I don’t remember the place but there were many food stalls. We took a break there for lunch before we reach Rohtang top. All the stream crossing since morning made a very hungry by now. I remember even having haldi milk.

Ones the highway joined the Manali – Koksar stretch we came to know the road is crisp smooth all the way to the top.

After taking just few couple of shots here we moved non – stop to Rohtang top.

At Rohtang top we took a break for some tea and maggi. And just when we were about to leave the stall guy told us to be careful ahead. The road is such that we will start thinking where the hell have come.

But he didn’t know our taste

Ones we started downhill towards Manali we came across a huge ice wall that Angelo was dying to see since we entered Spiti Valley.

Just after the ice slap there was a huge landslide and traffic jam which too k an hour.

It was close to 2pm now so just an hour gone would have not bothered much.

But as the landslide got cleared there was only slush on the road and slush which is super slushy. The bikes sank almost till the upper side of the chain. There was no grip for the tyres. And Anahita had to walk most of it as with pillion my bike was sinking even more in.

After 2 agonizing hours we reached Marhi. And from Marhi is where the tarmic kicked in. Also light showers on the way down.

It was around 1pm when we were at Rohtang top. It was 5pm when we reached Manali. That means it took us 4 hours from Rohtang top to bottom with many halts and one big break.

Something new I came to know about this patch. Dare uphill in the slush only when you have good experience in hand. I don’t think going uphill from here is going to give a good experience for the rider. You need to be very focused at all times.

Ones we were together we rode till the Manali bridge and instead of crossing it this time I thought of staying on this side of the river.

There was a hotel just adjacent to the road and Anahita went in and got us a good deal like always. She’s the Man.

We went in our rooms, cleaned up, took a little rest and met again around 7pm for dinner in the market area. We walked to the mall road and found a small time non veg restaurant.

Food was not that great but today’s day was quite an experience. By 10pm we were back in the hotel and opened up a nice bottle of Rum. And the talk was great on how we succeeded in reaching till here…

Rohtang from this trip I will never forget.

Day 11: Chandratal is just one more mountain away.

omvaikul — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:49:15 +0000

8th August, 2011

The day had perfect start to it. Before even brushing I got loose motions. Don’t know how to move on today and to add more things to it, rain started pouring in at Kaza.

So now we had to wait till the weather Gods come in our favour.

I till then took some medicines and got rest everything done. Packing, checking out, bill… stuff like that.

In an hour the skies got little clear and the rain also stopped. We had also finished our breakfast here so it was now time to move on.

It was close to 9am ones we exited Kaza.

The air around was still quite cold so we took one break at the first village we came across for tea and coffee. The place also had a clean loo and by the weather I think by loose motion froze inside

Anahita bought some chocolates for the local kids and they happily posed with our bikes.

It was time to move on to Losar now.

But before we reached Losar we came across a stream and stream crossing in this cold weather is just what you need to get your heart beating fast. Super fasttttt….

Getting my feet wet so early morning was not something I had anticipated. But I think my body is used to it by now.

We reached Losar, removed our shoes and had some bite here. The usual stuff, maggi and eggs and thin soup.

By 1am we crossed Losar after making the entries in the register. Took some photos as this is the entrance of Spiti Valley if you are coming from Manali side.

Here onwards the road started to gain a little height. There was no drop in performance but as I was on low gears the low coolant thing was an issue. So I took more breaks and we reached the Kunzum top in 45mins to an hour.

Took some photos here and immediately started heading downhill to the Chandratal junction.

In less than 30mins we were 5kms before Batal where a turn takes you to Chandra Tal in about 10-12kms. And the road is not just narrow but some curves are blind and very much on the edge.

One mistake can be very fatal. So we rode very carefully. And to our luck in just 2kms we got one of the biggest streams I have seen on this trip.

Crossing it took a while as it was not very straight. And at the end the road quickly goes up so you can’t even take a breather as you go across.

After covering this obstacle, the rest of the patch was mostly downhill. And in couple of kms we were on flat road.

Ones we reached the North face tent stay we went in and checked out the place and price. Also what all they give for wind protection and the cold in the night.

But then thought of just checking out how far the road goes and till where we can get the bikes near the lake. Also if there were more tents ahead.

We came at a point where the bikes couldn’t go ahead. So now we were confused whether to go back and trek in the morning….or skip the place and head to Batal directly as it was quite freezing out here. The winds were running quite strong.

After a big argument and debate we decided to check in to those North face tent, have some food and come back at this point. Park our bikes at the start of the trek and hike all the way to the lake.

All packed.

Now the bigger problem was that we didn’t know how far exactly is the lake from this point. When you know some distance I think the hike becomes little easy. Its like you know where you have to it.

But we were walking in blank.

And the first couple of kms were quite up hill. The ascent was slowing us very much.

We took many breaks as possible to catch a breath. And the joke was that as soon as a small mountain use to come by we were believing the lake must be just behind it.

In this way I think we covered 4-5 hills, but no lake in sight.

Finally after an hour the first sight of the lake hit our eyes.

I noticed in this season Yes its possible to get the bikes all the way to the lake. We did cross a bulldozer who was at work, trying to make this possible.

We took n number of shots here.

Chandertal is really quite scenic. You can actually tent here and stay if you are carrying all the equipment you need to sustain for a night.

As we started to see the light fading away we decided now its time to head back to the tents.

Return was fast. As most of the patch is downhill so in just I think half an hour we were back at the place where we had kept our bikes.

By now the weather was very cold and I don’t know what it affected on by bike but it just couldn’t start. There was ignition but the rpm refused to go above 1. After 2-3 times hitting starter also it did not woke up.

Then finally it started but I had to open up the throttle fully to get it above 1 rpm. And then in 2 minutes it heated up to ride normal.

We reached back to the North face tent in 2-3 minutes and just went for the Rum.

Our food was also ready so we were sitting in the dinning tent.

Had food and drinks together and the vegetables were cooked neatly despite of this cold weather around us.

By 10pm we went in our tents and the caretaker gave us sleeping bags, blankets and light for the night inside the tent.

I don’t even remember that I removed the shoes before sleeping.

This was one place where I didn’t care much about hygiene.

I was able to get some sleep and also took some medicines for the muscles which were so dearly used up today evening. Hoping that no pain should start tomorrow morning.

Today’s experience taught me some new things on preparing for such events.

I love the way father Himalayas teaches me new things on my every visit to his feet.

Tomorrow the smooth and buttery roads end

Manali is where we end the day.

Day 10: To one of the highest villages in the world.

omvaikul — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:57:59 +0000

7th August, 2001

We slept well last night. Very peaceful and cool. So today morning had charged us up. The climate was clear and we were at the dinning hall by 8am. Ordered king size breakfast for me and small mini meals for Angelo and Anahita.

By 9am we started for Kye monastery first. It was just 14kms from Kaza and it was a quick ride.

But ones we reached Kye what we saw was that the place had already filled up with tourists. And there was also a waiting for the next group to go in.

We decided instead of wasting time outside we will ride to Kibber instead. Its just again another 8-9 kms from Kye I think.

Ones we reached the village we headed straight to the Norling guest house I had heard about.

We checked out the place and ordered some pancakes and tuna sandwich for us. We realized this could have been a great place to stay for a night. Very decent accommodation and the village is just amazing to stroll around.

We took some photos around and after spending close to an hour here we started downhill for Kaza.

On our way down an Israeli chic wanted a lift down. Angelo gladly jumped the gun and took her all the way to Kye monastery.

After we reached down we now were enroute to Komic, Hikkhim and Langza route.

We covered some kms up the road and it was quite challenging. Its not a very wide patch and very inclined with very little road group.

We rode till a diversion and then got confused which one to take. After a little thinking we took a shot by taking the right turn and I also noticed my bike was heating up slowly. My guess the coolant must have gone low so Anahita sat with Angelo for next few kms. Only after reaching Chandigarh I came to know the radiator had just too much mud and slush stuck on the front and it only needed cleaning.

But since we didn’t know what was the issue back then we decided to keep my Ninja back down only till the point it made it and Anahita waited with the bike. I rode the P220 and Angelo sat with me to ride up and just check how far we need to go.

We made it till Hikkhim and the returned as I was getting worried about Anahita. Even the sun was very hot by now.

We returned back to where Anahita and my bike in less than half an hour. And we quickly started moving downwards back to Kaza.

It was past lunch time now and we were definitely very hungry.

We had ordered in the morning only what we wanted for lunch. So when it we arrived it was almost ready for us.

The specialty of this place, Timo Chapta.

It was a delicious thing to have here. But a little spicy thing. Look what happened to Angelo after few bites.

All Red

Around 4pm it started raining in Kaza. And whether too cooled down. But all our clothes got wet which were drying outside. i quickly ran and get them out but then was breathless for next few minutes.

After the rains stopped and weather cleared up so we decided to head to the market for final shopping and withdrawl from the ATM as money was almost over.

For some reason it was quite empty.

Now the highlight of the day. When we reached the ATM it was out of order. And we all panicked.

Anahita became restless and Angelo tensed, I little worried. Then from the bank we came to know this was because there was no electricity in Kaza.

As the light comes back the ATM will start working.

We waited over 2 hours for the light to come and then after getting frustrated we went back to the hotel.

We came back in few minutes on our bikes. And still nothing was active.

Again we waited and then went back to the hotel. But the moment we reached the entrance, the light turned ON.

We didn’t even got down but quickly rode our bikes to the ATM.

We were the first, the manager came and rebooted the machine. As everything came to normal we made our withdrawls quickly before the ATM runs out of cash…

What a day it was…. I’ll remember this, my first visit to Kaza always.