Day 18: 22nd September, 2011
Pandharkavda-Hyderabad

We left Pandharkavda early in the morning without wasting any time. The roads were also good and hence, the ride was peaceful. We left Maharashtra and entered Andhra Pradesh. This was easy to identify due to the change of language on the milestones and hoardings but it also made it difficult for us to understand anything. However, since we are all one country, we had no problems and we moved ahead quite quickly.

According to our original plan, we were to spend two nights in Hyderabad but due to all the delays, we shortened our stay to one night only. The volunteers of Hyderabad Kutchhi Mitra Mandal were extremely enthusiastic about our trip and therefore, had made extensive plans for our stay there. From amongst them, Mr. Pankaj Savla, himself an avid bike rider, was one of the most enthusiastic member. He used to regularly call and message us to ask us about our progress so that he will be able to make the best of the plans possible. He had arranged with many other young bikers to go to Kulpakji (Jain Pilgrimage place) when we would be there. So, even we were super-enthusiastic about reaching Hyderabad. However, we were late and hence, this plan had to scrapped.

Members of Hyderabad Kutchhi Mitra Mandal waiting for us

Meeting the members of Hyderabad Kutchhi Mitra Mandal

So, instead, 30 kms before we were to reach Hyderabad, all of them came to receive us. We met them around 1 pm and heartily welcomed us with a lot of warmth and happiness. Now, there was a whole procession of motor-bikes moving towards Hyderabad.

A few of the 15 odd bikes going towards Hyderabad city

At the Monastery, after the talk

On reaching Hyderabad, we went directly to a Jain monastery near Kutchhi Bhuvan first. The other members of Hyderabad Jain Sangh and Kutchhi Mitra Mandal welcomed us once again. We took blessings from Naresh muni, a Jain monk at the monastery. Naresh muni works very actively for controlling addictions amongst youth and gave us an enlightening speech about the same.

Lunch @ Hotel Tourist Plaza

After that, again, without wasting any time, they took us to Hotel Tourist for lunch. Dr. Y. Reddy, a friend of Dr. Kaushik Gada joined them there too. The two friends had met each other after 18 years and it was a joyous reunion of the two. After lunch, we all reach Jain Kutchhi Bhuvan for some free time. A few of us freshened up and took a little nap while Mr. Pankaj Savla took the others to a mechanic for the regular vehicle check-up.

At 6 pm, there was another meeting with Hyderabad Kutchhi Mitra Mandal. Here, all of us exchanged our experiences about the trip and they spoke a little about their activities and social causes in Hyderabad. At the end, we thanked them profoundly for their enthusiasm and hospitality. The meeting ended with high tea.
There are a lot of KVOs in Hyderabad. And so, everyone had some or the other friend or relative in the city. All of them had come here to meet us as well.

Dr. Gada, with his friend, Dr. Reddy

At 9:30 pm, once again, Mr. Pankaj Savla had called youngsters to listen to us. So, we talked a bit about our previous biking experiences and had a great interaction with them. Finally, at around 11, being very tired after an activity-ful day, we crashed out. 

The Centre of India

Day 17: 21/09/2011

We left Narsimhapur early this morning. We had to reach Nagpur soon as the Nagpur KVO group was waiting for us and had made some arrangements to receive us. Already because of the previous delay, we couldn't reach Nagpur the previous night and that had slightly disturbed our schedule as well as that of the Nagpur KVO members.

As we started approaching the Maharashtra border, forest area began to get a bit denser. So, the roada were bad again. But it was just a short stretch of about 30 kms which was the most horrible. Everything else was pretty manageable. We finally reached Nagpur at around 1:30 pm and found that the enthusiastic Nagpur KVO members were already waiting for us at Hotel Gomati, just near the outskirts of Nagpur. Already, with their love, enthusiasm and guidance, we were able to chose the best route from Narsimhapur upto Nagpur.

After having picked us up from Hotel Gomati, they escorted us to the Kutchhi Bhavan for freshening up and then, we went out for lunch. Their love, warmth and respect greatly boosted our morale, which was a bit sagging after the previous day's sad events. However, where one member of our gang left us, another new member was added for a short while to lift up our spirits. Mr. Deepak Savla's son, Ruchit joined us here for a few days.

The Nagpur KVO group had really arranged for some fabulously interesting conversations later. But, since we were bound by our target and had already lost a significant amount of time in the past, we moved on. Mr. Bharat Savla and his wife, Mrs. Bhavna Savla came with us for until some distance just to keep us company and also to show us some interesting things on the way, which we would have missed if they hadn't come with us. They took us to a special place, called Zero point - which is exactly the centre of our country. We can see the "0" on the milestone depicting that it's the centre of India. We were very grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Savla for introducing it to us.

After we moved on towards Hyderabad, we finally stayed at a place called Pandharkavda when it was late.

The Black Day

Day 16: 20/09/2011

We left from Jhansi early in the morning and targeted reaching Nagpur today. We chose the route that went via Saagar and were not too disappointed with our choice either. The roads were over all good with little bad patches from time to time. But everything was manageable until we reached Lalitpur in Madhya Pradesh (about 100 kms from Jhansi).

Wounded Kunal

Bad luck struck us at Lalitpur and one of our team members, Mr. Kunal Vora had an accident. We flagged down a small truck and it helped us to get Kunal from Lalitpur to Saagar, which was about 200 kms from there. Luckily, Dr. Chandresh Pasad's father has extremely good business relations around here and so, one of them, a kindly Mr. Naradji Jain helped us immensely with the situation at Saagar. He arranged for everything from the visit to doctor to X-Ray to arranging Kunal's return trip back to Bombay. Kunal had fractured his wrist joint and hence, unwillingly he had to go back home. We couldn't risk waiting for 10 more days and letting the condition worsen.

Joking at the time of adversity makes the troubles look small :)

Nagpur: 314 kms. Narsimhapur: 65 kms

The memorable Hotel Atithi

However, the show must go on. So, after having reassured ourselves that Kunal will be well taken care of and okay, we moved on. However, we couldn't reach Nagpur since we lost almost 4 hours of driving time in all the chaos. So, we decided to go upto Narsimhapur via Kareli on NH7 and stay the night there. Once again, another one of Dr. Pasad's father's business friend, Shri Ramuji Lunavat helped us a lot there and he welcomed us extremely warmly in his own hotel, Hotel Atithi. It was clear that we were "atithis" in the real sense of the term and were served with a lot of respect and love. Mr. Lunavat's son, Atul was also very friendly, appreciative of the trip and dined and chatted with us for a long time. We enjoyed a very memorable hospitality here and were kind of glad that we couldn't reach Nagpur. :P

A Symbol of Love: A Wonder of the World

Day 15: 19/9/2011

The Monument that renders everyone speechless

Like mentioned in our last post, we had reached Agra the previous day. So, early in the morning, we went ahead to go, have a look at the greatest symbol of love in the world - The Taj Mahal. It is a monument that has now become a parameter of love in many senses. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan spared no expense and left no stone unturned to proclaim his grief on the death of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. (Yes, that is right. The Taj Mahal, in reality, is nothing but magnificent mausoleum.)

The Taj Mahal is built out of white marble, which came from Makrana in Rajasthan and it has many precious stones embedded in it, which were imported. These precious stones give out wonderful effects in light and increase the beauty of the Taj Mahal manifold. It is rightfully considered as one of the wonders of the world since such architecture can rarely be found anywhere. It has perfect symmetry and no matter which side you see it from, it will look exactly the same. At a time when gold cost merely Rs. 15 per tola, this structure cost approximately Rs. 385000. Also, one of the other specialties of this structure is that it's base is made of ebony wood, which is found in Kashmir. Ebony wood gets stronger with water. Which means that the base of this structure automatically keeps getting stronger every passing minute since it is built on the banks of River Yamuna. At the same time, the wooden base automatically makes it earthquake proof. To add to the caution, all the minarets of the structure also lean outwards so that in case of any natural calamity, the minarets will never fall on the structure but outwards.

The monument is so beautiful, we could have stood there and stared at it for hours on end. But the time restrictions beckoned us and we had to move on. We drove on until Jhansi on this day. The claim to fame of this route was that we crossed three states - Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh - on this day. :)

Chilling at the Taj Mahal

We wanted to reach Saagar in Madhya Pradesh. But the road conditions were extremely bad. Also, we were quite confused about the route . Two routes were suggested to us, which would take us to Nagpur faster: via Saagar and via Shivpuri. But we couldn't decide which one to take. So, we decided to rest our confusaddled minds and bodies in Jhansi and move ahead the next day. We stayed at Apna guesthouse in Ivory chowk, Jhansi. 

Three States and the Capital

Day 14: 18/09/2011

Today, we were all quite excited as we'd be finally visiting the Capital of the country. We had undertaken such a long and Trojan adventure. We were traversing the whole of our country. The capital lay right on our way. It'd have been not only foolish but quite disrespectful if we hadn't paid a visit to the capital. So, early in the morning, we set off from Karnal towards Delhi.

The Samadhi

Luckily, it was a Sunday. So, we didn't face much traffic in Delhi city when we reached there at around 11 am. We had decided that we'd only visit India Gate, salute the monument and get on with our plan. But Universe had something else in store for us. Something even better, that is. :) On the way, we came across Raj Ghat, the memorial to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Of course it's impossible that we come across this awesome monument and not visit it. So, ahead we went. And only after paying our respects to him did we go ahead to India Gate.

The beautifully maintained gardens

India Gate and the Bike Riders: Delhi - Success

Finally, after all the excitement about visiting Delhi, we moved on towards Agra on the fabulous National Expressway. We crossed Mathura and finally, reached Agra, where we stayed at Hotel Vimal, by 8pm.

A drive to remember

Hello, friends. We are sorry for the lack of updates after we reached Manali. We had very little time and very long distances to cover. Hence, the negligence towards our blog. But, now, we have finished our target, reached our goal and also reached our homes. So, we will now endeavour to upload all the information and pictures as soon as possible.

Day 13: 17/9/2011:

Waterfall on the way from Manali to Chandigarh

We started from Manali at around 7 am after having our breakfast and changing the spark-plug for one of our bikes that needed some mending. It was a lovely morning and we decided that if the weather and roads support us, we should try and reach Delhi, which is about 500 kms from here. So we set jet-setting off along the lively river Beas, enjoying the most beautiful, scenic and picturesque environment ever! The early morning fog swirling on the river was an arresting sight. Kullu is 40 kms from Manali and the river stilled and slowed down a bit here.

Finally, after crossing Bilaspur, the ghats gave way to the National Highway and we crossed the border to enter Punjab from Himachal Pradesh. Thankfully, it wasn't raining at all and we could move faster. Until now, we had enjoyed the wonders of nature in it's full glory: the high altitude desert, the rivers, the valleys, the various-coloured mountains et al. Now was the time to enjoy the wonders of man's innovations. The National Highways were so good, we just zoomed past everything in a jiffy. We crossed Chandigarh, ther capital of both, Punjab and Haryana states (Manali-Chandigarh: 310 kms) and continued towards Ambala.

Lunch-break!

Lovely roads! :)

We reached Ambala at around 7pm. So, we had already entered Haryana by now. Amabala to Delhi is 200 kms and since the roads were fantastic, we thought we'd probably finish it and reach Delhi tonight. We started towards Delhi and crossed the holy ground of one of the most important battles ever fought, Kurukshetra.One of the imporatnt things about this road is that on this stretch of road, there are lots of Vaishnav (ergo, vegetarian) dhabas which are open all 24 hours a day. We had a brilliantly fulfilling dinner at one of these dhabas.

However, after dinner, we were quite tired. So, we decided to call it a day and stay at Karnal (85 kms before Delhi). Here, we stayed at Hotel Star near the bus depot. 

The struggle to reach "The Abode of Manu"

Day 11: 15th September, 2011:

Tea at Fauji Restaurant in Sarchu

Early morning, after the breakfast we prepared ourselves for the onward journey. We loaded our luggage in the vehicle and replenished our fuel tanks with the reserve petrol. 30 kms from Sarchu, we crossed the Baralachala pass (Altitude: 4800 metres.) Unfortunately, as there was no notice or board there, we couldn't click pictures.18 kms further ahead, we came across Zing Zing Bar village (Altitude: 4285 metres) and enjoyed some tea.

Our accommodation in Sarchu

Start from Sarchu

Darcha - a lovely village view just before Keylong

We relished each moment of our journey knowing that these are probably the last of the North Indian mountains we'd be enjoying. We were in Lahol Spiti valley area - one of the most beautiful valleys of Himachal Pradesh. 8 kms after Zing Zing village is Keylong, where at Tandi, we find a petrol pump. This is the first petrol pump after Leh (at 365 kms) and the only one before before Manali (another 110 kms.) So, be careful while planning such a trip and refill your fuel tanks, no matter how little you need wherever you find gas stations.

Sarchu to Manali - picture on the way

From here on, the roads were quite good and we could enjoy the serene and green beauty of Himachal Pradesh. All this green is such a treat to the eyes after the brown, harsh and cold desert of Ladakh! A few kilometres after Sisu village, the ghat for Rohatang Pass starts. Here again, much to our dismay, the road conditions were very bad. And to make matters worse, we faced torrential and continuous rains, making our journey that much more difficult. We reached Rohatang Pass at around 4 pm.

We rested at Rohtang Pass for a bit, had piping, hot tea to warm ourselves up and finally, started the final lap of our journey to Manali. This stretch was probably the worst one we've had to face in our entire journey. The road was full of mud and the rain made it very slippery . It was extremely difficult driving. A few of our bikes kept getting stuck in the mire and had to be constantly pulled out and pushed down. This journey, which should ideally have taken us an hour, lasted 4 hours and we finally reached Manali at 8 pm. We stayed at Hotel Valley View, near Hidimba Chowk. It was a crazy and tiring adventure today but we know how to find our good moments even in the worst of the situations! Our constant camaraderie and unflagging enthusiasm did the trick. :)

*Manali is called "The abode of Manu" as the legend says that the Brahmin law-giver, Lord Manu, stepped off his ark here to recreate human life after a great flood had deluged the world - much like the legend of Noah's ark.

Day 12: 16th September, 2011:

Today, it was raining heavily and continuously all day in Manali and everyone was quite tired from yesterday's adventures. So, we decided to take a day's rest and sight-see in Manali. At the same time, we also had to wash and check our vehicles and make them healthy enough to take on further journey. They were already quite healthy, of course. But after yesterday's arduous journey, we decided we'd be better off with precautions rather than suffer unexpectedly on the way later. We also had to update the blog, which we couldn't do for the last 3 days and charge our various camera, laptop and phone batteries, which also we couldn't do on the account of having stayed in tents for the last 2 nights. Now, tomorrow, our goal is to head towards the capital. So, until the next, then! Stay tuned. :)

Drive, drive, drive....

Day 10: 14th September, 2011

It was very chilly in the morning and very cold winds were blowing. We almost didn't feel like leaving Tsomoriri. But the nature outside compelled us to get out and feel it. First, it was the sunrise on the beautiful lake. Then, we could see both the moon and the sun at the same time. And finally, the reflection of the sun and  mountains in the lake: three most heavenly sights in the world, we'd say! We had our breakfast and set off for Manali. We drove back to the place where we had parked our bikes in the vehicle and then, re-set off on the bikes.

On the way to Pang from Tsomoriri

The desert of Pang

After 43 kms, there is the original diversion from where we turned left for Manali. The road and driving conditions were mixed - we had both, good and bad patches. After 22kms, we enjoyed some tea at Sokar. Finally, after 6 more kms, we came back on the Leh-Manali Road. We turned left towards Manali.  Immediately the desert of Pang started. For almost 40 kms, the road was quite straight at the height of 15000  ft.

Lachulungla Pass

We crossed Pang and after 20 kms, the Lachulungla Pass (Altitude: 16616 ft.) After 38 kms, we reached Sarchu. Sarchu is at the border of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu  & Kashmir. We decided to halt here for the night, had our dinner and retired in our tents at Fauji Dhabha.

The Mirror called Tsomoriri

Finally, we have time to update ourselves after 3 long days!

Enjoying nature on the way to Tsomoriri

So, day 9 (13th September): After an invigorating tea we finally left Leh at around 7am for Tsomoriri lake. We had been told that after Leh, for almost 500 kms, there are no petrol pumps. Hence, we replenished our fuel tanks and carried another 30 litres of petrol in cans. Thankfully, since we did hire that utility vehicle until Manali, we weren't worried about excess luggage. We decided to add this little diversion in our trip as we had heard that this lake is worth a visit and anyway, it lies on the Leh-Manali road, just a little way away on a diversion at Upsi. Here (at Upsi), we turned left and were delightfully riding alongside the Indus river flowing the opposite direction. Lovely, warm morning, mountains, the river and good roads made our journey extremely pleasant and one to be remembered. We noticed the playful river, which was a bit naughty at some places but calmed down when the valley got broad enough. Even the simple marvels of the nature seem great in such pure and pretty surroundings.

Small Lake before Tsomoriri

"Shradhhanjali"

On the way, we came across Likche (21kms from Upsi) and Hymik (29 kms from Upsi) villages. These are ideal for a tea-break or two. 29kms further ahead lies a big military camp and canteen for outsiders in the Kiari village. We also saw a petite monument called "Shradhhanjali" (13500 ft.) constructed by the military in the memory of our brave soldiers who have laid down their lives for country. After paying our respects here, we moved on. After 28 more kms, we come across the hot water springs in the Chumthang village. There are also a few good restaurant there. We had lunch at one such nice place, Lamjing, which is a pure vegetarian restaurant. 20 kms after Chumthang comes the police check post where we have to show our permits. Turning right from here, we continued for almost 35 more kms before the roads started turning quite bad. We travelled for 10-12 kms on bike but finally, we preferred to leave them on the side of the road and went to the lake by our utility vehicle. We reached the Tsomoriri lake by 5 pm. It was quite chilly due to the hight altitude. But we didn't notice it. The sight of the lake took our breath away and we were completely mesmerized and transfixed by the view. Nobody wanted to speak or move and break the moment of bliss. It was quite like we had landed in heaven itself!

The Crystal Clear waters of Tsomoriri

Tent Accommodation on the banks of beautiful Tsomoriri

There are quite a few hotels, local house accommodation and tent accommodation available here. We chose tent accomodation and enjoyed sunset on the lake from there.We had our dinner and took some much needed rest.

Tsomoriri Lake is such a divine place, we would definitely recommend everyone one who reads this to go and experience it for yourself! :)

Back soon with more updates!

Panoramic View of the Tsomoriri Lake

Beautiful road to Tsomoriri

An assault of the blue! :D

Hope you all enjoyed the pictures! :)

If there is Heaven on Earth, it is here, it is here, it is here!