Pune – Ladakh – Pune | 6100 km long | 22 days wide | 5.80 km (19024ft) above the sea level

Read Part 1 to enjoy this part of my Road Trip

Day 12

Hunder – Sand Dunes Nubra Valley – Diskit

Every curve on the route from Khardung La Pass to Nubra was breathtaking, and the scenery was constantly changing. Though it’s actually a river bed, the sand dunes gave the impression that I was entering a desert, something I hadn’t anticipated.

Nubra Valley, which is the most northern region of Jammu and Kashmir, is well-known for its orchards, picturesque views, Bactrian camels, and monasteries. Nubra Valley, renowned as the Orchard of Ladakh and 150 kilometres from Leh, was formerly known as Ldumra, which means the Valley of Flowers.

I wasn’t prepared for Diskit’s breathtaking splendour; the statue of Matreya Buddha is magnificent, and its positioning and attention to detail make it appear so important and holy. I adore this location since it is so tranquil. I spent half a day in the monestary and the other half in the desert and Nubra valley.

The oldest bodhisattva around whom a cult formed is Maitreya, who is attested in texts from the third century a.d. He was acknowledged by all branches of Buddhism, and the Theravada tradition today generally honours him as the lone bodhisattva. The Sanskrit word maitr, which means “kindness,” is whence Maitreya gets its name.

Diskit Monastery is a major tourist attraction in the Nubra Valley, not just for its incredible location, but for the 106 feet Maitreya Buddha statue which is located just below the monastery.

The view was spectacular, and my stay was really comfortable; I won’t soon forget this place. My day was wonderful, and I appreciate how the food is always hot and fresh.

Stay: Sahara Desert Tent, Hunder
Cost: 3000
Distance covered: 140 km
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Day 13

Hunder – Diskit – Khalsar – Agham – Shyok – Durbuk – Tangtse – Tso Pangong Lake – Maan village

It was an enjoyable journey through the Nubra Valley, and the scenery is breathtaking. The route we chose to get to Pangong was typical, but in a few spots there was no road; instead, a river wound its way in your direction, and the mountains we passed were so wonderful and breathtaking that I couldn’t stop recording films and snapping photos.

The term Pangong Lake, one of Leh Ladakh’s most well-known lakes, comes from the Tibetan phrase “Pangong Tso,” which means “high grassland lake.” Hours of thought here would not be enough to fully appreciate its beauty. Pangong Lake is renowned for changing hues, appearing variously blue, green, and red. Don’t forget to visit Pangong Lake if you’re planning a vacation to Ladakh anytime soon. There, you will encounter beauty that is beyond words to adequately express. It needs to be internalized—seen, felt, and digested.

Stay: Hotel Pangong House
Cost: 3000
Distance covered: 160 km
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Day 14

Pangong Lake – Maan village – Merak – Chushul – Rezangh la war memorial – Rhongo – Hanle

It was a long ride—nearly 20 miles—as we followed Pangong Lake until it curved toward China. The vista to our left was so captivating that there were times when I wanted to stay put, but another experience awaited me.

The route we took to go to Hanle was all off-road up until Loma, where we had the finest scenery, fantastic riding conditions, and the most breathtaking Razang La Pass. We also learned about Shaitan Singh’s bravery in defending Chusul from China.

On 18 November 1962, the Charlie Company of the 13 Kumaon Battalion, Kumaon Regiment, fought a Chinese attack at Rezang La Pass in Ladakh, India. The company comprised 120 soldiers and was led by Maj. Shaitan Singh. Of these soldiers, 110 were martyred in the attack.

Hanle, a very arid area that isn’t really appropriate for settlement, is well renowned for its vistas of smaller mountains and the huge open spaces. The area is ideal for stargazing, wandering, and shooting pictures. Tourists can visit the Hanle Monastery, a Drukpa Kagyu branch of Tibetan Buddhism built in the 17th century and renowned for its Indo-Chinese architectural style. Hanle is also well-known for holding the Indian Astronomical Observatory, one of the highest spots in the world for astronomical observation.

Stay: Padma Guest House
Cost: 3000
Distance covered: 180 km
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Day 15

Hanle – Umling La – Hanle

You will be let down if you try to pinpoint Umling La Pass’ exact location using Google Maps. Google Maps does not yet show Umling La Pass as being nearby. However, it is known from trustworthy sources that the Umling La Pass, which connects the settlements of Chisumle and Demchok, is over 86 kilometers long. Both of these settlements are located in the eastern sector, not far from the Indo-China border.

The region surrounding the Umling La Pass is completely desolate and devoid of human habitation. You can feel the winds smacking your face from two directions simultaneously as you cross the pass. You’ll always be on edge because of the vistas at the Umling La Pass and on the way there. Of course, choosing to travel across this pass is not something to be taken lightly. The pass is dangerous as well as attractive. Your heart will beat quickly the entire time, and you will feel an unbelievable burst of adrenaline. But if you can get over all of these worries, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.

I must say, I am Done and Dusted Umling La

The road to the summit is managed by the BRO (Border Roads Organization). It’s a windy place and it’s one of those places where you can feel hard winds coming from two directions at the same time. At the summit is a small bar-cafe.

Stay: Padma Guest House
Cost: 3000
Distance covered: 160 km
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Day 16

Hanle – Rhongo – Nyoma – Mahi Bridge – Sumdo – Karzok – Tso Moriri Lake

The route up to Mahi Bridge was quite smooth, but beyond that, a new road is being built, so it won’t be finished for another year. In the meantime, we had to go the entire 45 kilometers to TSO Moriri Lake on sand and stones.

Less than 250 kilometers southeast of Leh, the high-altitude Tso Moriri Lake is picturesquely situated in the remote, breathtakingly gorgeous Rupshu Valley. This tranquil lake is roughly 4,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by steep mountains. Tso Moriri measures up to 8 kilometers in width and about 29 kilometers in length. Wildlife from a variety of habitats, such as migratory birds, marmots, and occasionally Tibetan wolves, are drawn to Tso Moriri.

One of the most stunning, tranquil, and revered (by Ladakhis) high-altitude lakes in India is Tso Moriri Lake, located in the Changthang region of Ladakh. It is actually the biggest high-altitude lake wholly within Indian territory. This stunning blue lake is around 19 KM long and 7 KM wide at its widest point. The Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, which is a component of the Ramsar site’s wetland reserve, is where you cannot build anything or pitch a tent close to the lake’s edge. It is the world’s highest Ramsar site. There are many different types of plants and animals in the area. As a result of its proximity to the Line of Actual Control, one needs to get an Inner Line Permit to visit Tso Moriri and it gets checked at Mahi Bridge.

Stay: TSO Morii Grand Dolphin
Cost: 4500
Distance covered: 120 km
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Day 17

Tso Moriri Lake – Sumdo – Fuga Hot Spring – Tso Kar Lake – Morey Plains – Pang – Nakeela Paas – Gata Loops – Sarchu

About 22 kilometers to the east of the Salt Lake valley across the Polokonka La pass is the Puga valley in the Changthang valley (5,350 m). This Valley is located not far from Tso Moriri Lake and is only about 180 kilometers from Leh.

It is well-known for its hot springs, borax, and sulphur deposits. People with conditions including rheumatism and skin conditions visit the hot springs of the Puga Valley for a soak.

This Hidden Valley in North Will Soon Light-up Rural Ladakh as It Has Highest Geothermal Potential.

The two Ladakh lakes, Pangong and Tso Moriri, are more well-known than Tso Kar Lake. However, this is precisely the reason you should go there—to experience the feeling of arriving somewhere completely unexplored. The lake, which is adjacent to the Leh-Manali Highway, offers wonderful vistas, wonderful photo opportunities, and a perfect area to simply sit and take in the surroundings.

Stay: Hotel
Cost: 2000
Distance covered: 560 km
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Day 18

Sarchu – Killingsarai – Suraj Tal- Darcha – Jispa – Keylong – Tandi – Sissu – Atal Tunnel – Deepak Tal – Manali – Kullu – Mandi

The most picturesque views on this route, I clicked a maximum number of photos in a day and I enjoyed every single turn and totally lived the ride on this path.

lying 215 kilometers from Leh and 255 kilometers from Manali. Sarchu lies at a dizzying 14,300 feet above sea level. You must cross two passes, Baralacha-la (13,060 feet) and Rohtang-la (13,060 feet), to get from Manali to Sarchu (16,500 Ft). You will encounter three passes when you travel farther up ahead, in the direction of Leh.

The twin crossings of Nakee-la (15,547 feet) and Lachung-la (16,616 feet), as well as the formidable Tanglang-la, come first (17,480 Ft). There aren’t many things to do here in terms of entertainment. And chances are you won’t even have the energy to take in the breathtaking scenery. However, it is a really picturesque and scenic stop.

Stay: Hotel Haveli, Mandi
Cost: 2000
Distance covered: 300 km
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Day 19

Mandi – Bilaspur – Ambala – Gangheri – Mahendragad

The sole thought in my head and blood was getting home. Since it wasn’t raining and summer was still engulfing us, we were particularly focused on moving as quickly as possible in order to get home.

I shall never forget the 200 kilometers of perfectly straight road that ran from Ambala to Mahendragad and will soon reach Jaipur. The meal at the dhabas was excellent, and I really enjoyed it. In the summer, the buttermilk was very satisfying.

Stay: Oyo Hotel
Cost: 2000
Distance covered: 480 km
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Day 20

Mahendragad – Narnaul – Kotputli – Jaipur – Kishangad – Bhilwara

It was a typical summer day; we changed the engine oil, the brake pads, and the chain on our motorcycle. At this time, when we had travelled about 5000 kilometres and still had 1100 kilometres to go, it was desperately required.

Stay: Hotel Higway
Cost: 2200
Distance covered: 430 km
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Day 21

Bhilwara – Chittorgarh – Nimbhara – Neemach – Mandsaur – Ratlam – Indore (Manpur)

This was an unforgettable ride since we rode without any google maps since the complete internet was down in Rajasthan and I took the help of my friends on phone and asked for roads and turns. Though it was the fun same time it was very skeptical about whether we are in the right direction or not, and believe me we were just driven by the wind and reached safely.

Stay: Hotel Nirmal Palace
Cost: 2200
Distance covered: 450 km
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Day 22

Indore (Manpur) – Dhule – Manmad – Malegaon – Sangamner – Pune

I was eager to take this last ride of the Ladakh adventure as we were finally heading home. The entire ride was lovely, and I eagerly anticipated getting home to see my family.

I was so delighted and proud to have finished the full voyage when my family came down to greet me home with flowers and garlands. However, it wouldn’t have been possible without God’s grace and my family’s love. It would not have been possible for me to finish such a long journey without encountering any difficulties without his protection and guidance, making it the smoothest voyage of my life.

Distance covered: 560 km
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Read Part 1 to enjoy this part of my Road Trip