This is part 2 of the editor’s story about touring the Himalayas. For part 1, see issue #170 or roadrider.com.au
DUST, ROCKS AND ROADS
After a few days of air travel, acclimatisation and riding in the Himalayan mountains, we started heading out across tougher terrain. Our hosts, Moto Himalayan, didn’t simply take us on a looping ride around the districts, but planned visits to spectacular locations via incredible roads.
There were the rides over three major passes (Khardung La, Chang La and Taglang La), each one offering tougher conditions than the previous. Khardung La is close to Leh and has become so popular that it’s at the top of a well-sealed and often quite wide bitumen road… but you still need to have your wits about you because it does get narrow near the edge and oncoming trucks can invade your side of the road, so keep left.
The scenery at the pass is good, but stop along the way to take in the spectacular views of Leh and then the valleys and mountains as you climb higher. Don’t stay too long at the top or you risk altitude sickness, especially if you climb the stairs to
