TRAVERSE Issue 49 - August 2025 | Page 157

The local horse called Kiang roam free in the valleys. After lunch at Chisumle Bridge, we encountered gravel roads and rough terrain. Some riders fell, but I managed to stay upright throughout the trip.
Our visit concluded with a game of cricket against Indian cricket enthusiasts staying at our cabins in Hanle. The camaraderie and fun marked the end of a memorable journey.
As we awoke the next morning, the realization that our adventure was nearing its end began to set in. Our final journey from Hanle to Leh promised to be a significant day on the bikes, and we were instructed to proceed with caution, which we adhered to diligently. We cruised through the breathtaking mountain ranges, transitioning from one valley to the next. It was quite remarkable to observe the geological variations, the contrasts in colour, and the extraordinary beauty of such an elevated landscape on Earth.
Our lunchtime encounter brought some unexpected tension when a vehicle attempted to overtake our group at blind corners. The situation escalated when the driver tried to pass everyone who had slowed down to turn right, doing so on the wrong side of the road, nearly causing a collision with several members of our group. This incident quickly led to police intervention and was resolved with the driver leaving the scene. The audacity of taking on 17 bikers was questionable. Having travelled over 2000 kilometres through the Himalayas with only this single incident is a testament to the group ' s cohesion and the unity we developed over the past 14 days.
Despite some minor accidents, we were fortunate that no one sustained serious injuries. The Himalayas left us with bumps, bruises, and slightly