and prepped for the journey ahead, which was to be the
longest and the most challenging as we were to cross
many high altitude regions in a short span of time.
The riders commenced their journey and passed Jispa
and Darcha with ease but came across a bump in the form
of the nallah at Zingzingbar. Here the team work of the
riders came into play and all were able to cross the
muddy terrain. The convoy then forged ahead to the
‘Baralacha La’ which is at an altitude of 16040 ft, braving
slippery roads, their dangerous curves, and sometimes
Soil Mates
Canon 60D 18mm F/13 1/400 ISO500
extremely cold weather. We were rewarded for this effort
by being greeted by snow-capped mountains, riding along
the marvellous Suraj Taal and experiencing the thrill of a
challenging journey.
After crossing Sarchu, where the AMS usually kicks in,
the signboard that read ‘GATA Loops Start’ had the
adrenaline pumping in the veins of the riders as the series
of 21 hairpin bends at a height of 15302 ft were both
bone-jarring and formidable. These loops lead to the 3rd
high-altitude pass in the region, Nakee La which stands
at an altitude of 15,647 ft above the sea level. This pass,
along with Lachulung La tests the patience of even the
most seasoned riders with its gravel sections and frequent
patches of ice on the paved surface of the roads.
By the time we
reached Pang, most
of the riders were
beat, exhausted to
the bone and running
low on motivation.
The early symptoms
of AMS had started
to set in, it was
already dark,
temperatures were
going down and we
were yet to reach
Tsokar. Our Marshals
then stepped up
and motivated the
riders to complete
the journey to Tsokar.
Riders on the Move
Nikon D800 26mm F/20 1/2000 ISO1000
War Dogs
Canon 60D 18mm F/22 1/400 ISO1000