TRAVERSE 149
TRAVEL- INDIA
JODIE ROGERS
A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE
Riding the Himalayas is an essential experience for adventure bike riders. After an exciting first tour, I couldn’ t refuse a second opportunity, aiming to ride UmLing La, the highest motorable road worldwide.
Arriving in Delhi again, despite the sweltering 37 ° C heat, the city’ s heavy smog made evening tours bearable. Highlights included exploring Parliament House, Lodhi Garden with its 14th-century tombs, and Safdarjung Tomb. Hiring a car with air conditioning is highly recommended amidst Delhi ' s heat.
Morning visits introduced more fascinating sights like Gadodia Market’ s vibrant life, the ancient Jain temple, and Akshardham, a massive Hindu temple. Humayun’ s Tomb resembles the Taj Mahal due to their familial ties. Gandhi Smriti, a poignant site marking Mahatma Gandhi’ s final days, was particularly moving.
Our tour group in Manali consisted of riders from diverse backgrounds, fostering camaraderie during the fortnight-long journey. The overnight bus to Manali provided rest despite its long duration through twisty roads. Initial setups involved familiarising ourselves with our bikes and adjusting to altitude changes smoothly.
Manali ' s scenic beauty at 2050 metres above sea level offered breathtaking views as we navigated towards Jalore Pass amid steep climbs and traffic challenges. Camping by the Sutlej tributary provided refreshing dips and shared stories.
Descending through mountain villages revealed the locals ' minimalistic lifestyles and manual labour methods. Encountering the impressive Karcham dam highlighted the region ' s hydroelectric power capabilities. Higher altitudes
TRAVERSE 149