Trung Anh embarked on the motorbike adventure in mid-August to conquer Ladakh, a region in northern India, located in the Himalayas, known for its mountainous terrain.
For motorbike enthusiasts, Ladakh is a dream route that everyone aspires to ride at least once. Inspired by this, Trung Anh and his group of friends set out to take on the challenge.
They flew to New Delhi and took a connecting flight to Leh, the economic hub of Ladakh, on the first day. Upon arriving in Leh, Trung Anh immediately understood why this place is called the “Moonland”, with its rocky terrain stretching in every direction, as pictured.
From a mountain peak near Leh, the group could see the Shanti Stupa, a white-domed Buddhist monument built in 1991 to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of Buddhism. It also houses sacred relics of the Buddha.
His group decided to stay in Leh for two days to acclimatize to the high altitude of 3,500 meters before beginning their motorbike journey to explore Ladakh.
Trung Anh rode a rented Himalayan 411 motorbike and wore a full-face helmet for the long-distance trip.
The Himalayan 411, a popular choice for travelers in Ladakh due to its good suspension, occasionally had problems as the low oxygen levels at high altitude can affect the engine’s performance.
One of the highlights of their trip was passing the Likir Monastery, which features a 23-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha. The monastery, over 900 years old, is home to ancient manuscripts, paintings, and religious artifacts.
On the third day, the group crossed the Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, standing at 5,359 meters. The terrain and views make it a magnet for motorbike enthusiasts. The group stayed briefly at the top to avoid altitude sickness, and they even witnessed rare August snowfall.
“The 15 minutes we spent taking pictures at the top left us exhausted,” Trung Anh said.
The roads in Ladakh offered from rocky paths to streams caused by melting glaciers, though the conditions were mostly manageable. Each day, the group covered 300 kilometers without any issues. However, the mountain passes were narrow, often just wide enough for two cars, with few guardrails.
While crossing the Nubra Valley, the group encountered a sandstorm, a phenomenon not commonly seen at that time of year.
Trung Anh described the storm as less terrifying than he expected, though the winds and sand limited visibility, despite wearing a full-face helmet. The group found the experience exhilarating.
A woman that group met in Turtuk, a small village that started receiving tourists in 2010, on their fourth day of the journey.
“Just say ‘Julley’ to the locals, and they’ll smile and greet you back”, Trung Anh said, referring to the hospitality of the Ladakhi people. “Julley” is a common greeting in Ladakh.
Another highlight of their journey was Pangong Tso, one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world at an altitude of 4,350 meters.
The lake’s colors shifted between blue, green, and silver, depending on the light and sky conditions.
As they traveled through Ladakh, they encountered lungta flags, Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags that are often strung up in high places so the wind can carry their blessings.
On the sixth day, they saw these flags fluttering near Tso Moriri, a lake located around 4,000 meters above sea level. The lake is surrounded by mountains and is home to a variety of wildlife, including prairie dogs, birds, and Himalayan wolves.
According to the Leh district website, Tso Moriri is a destination with limited basic amenities like electricity and restrooms, which is why few tourists visit. Despite these challenges, Trung Anh felt all the fatigue and hardship disappear when faced with the beauty of the lake.
The stone houses seen throughout their journey were a testament to Ladakh’s architectural heritage.
According to Kaarwan, a website dedicated to Indian architecture, Ladakhi homes are constructed from locally sourced materials like mud, stone, and wood, which provide insulation.
On the final day, the group passed by another monastery near Leh.
Reflecting on the journey, Trung Anh felt that the trip to Ladakh exceeded his expectations. The scenery, landscapes, and the kindness of the local people left a lasting impression.
The total cost of the trip was approximately VND43 million (US$1,740), covering flights, accommodation, food, bike rentals, mechanics, and a guide.
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