News
BHPian Sujoy76 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
Certain experiences of life are always difficult to put into words. Feeling of being in Love is one of them and then there is 'Ladakh', where the soul finds its compass. In the heart of Ladakh, where the mountains touch the sky, there is a sense of peace that words can’t describe. After completing two Road trips to Ladakh in 2021 and 2022, I was again looking for an opportunity for third road trip and finally, completed it in the month of June this year.
Planning for road trip from Kolkata means you need to make an itinerary for not less than three weeks. The only time I could afford this trip is either in June or in October as there would be vacations for my kiddo. Having done both of my previous trips in the month of October, this time I wanted this to happen during the month of June but the schedule of Parliamentary General Election 2024 was causing hinderance for preparing the itinerary as being a Government Servant I was sure about being detailed for the Election Duty. So, till the time I came to know about the date of my duty I couldn’t prepare the itinerary. When I came to know that I would be performing duty of 1st June, during the last phase of the Election, the plan for Ladakh road trip hit a roadblock as the schedule became very tight. Firstly, my daughters summer holidays were till 17th June and secondly after performing election duty on 1st June, I could only leave for the trip as earliest as 3rd June. So, practically I had a window 14 days only and out of those 14 days minimum of 6 days would be gone for driving from Kolkata to Manali and again coming back to Manali from Kolkata. Given, the kind of traveller we are, we thought 7 days would not be enough for us to enjoy in Ladakh. Switching to Plan B was the only option left with me and we decided to give Ladakh a miss and instead plan for a trip to Gurez Valley. It was during May first week when all these discussions were taking place between me and Sharmila. Although, it was decided that we would be going to Gurez but somewhere at the back of my mind the disappointment of not being able to go to Ladakh was still playing. Then, one fine day at the dinner table I proposed “let’s go to Padum only”. I didn’t expect Sharmila to agree to it but to my surprise, she agreed in one go. There were no looking back after that. It was time for looking after the necessary stuffs like preparing the itinerary, applying for leave, Hotel booking and getting Falcon serviced. The itinerary was prepared. We had roughly two weeks at our disposal. By the time my leave was also sanctioned. The following itinerary was prepared:
It may appear funny that just for spending three days at Padum, the whole trip was planned but there were few reasons behind that. Firstly, we wanted to breath in the air of Ladakh, during our 2022 Zanskar Road trip, we couldn’t explore Padum the way we wanted as Sharmila had to be admitted at the community health centre for two days. This time we wanted to explore Padum and lastly to get a taste of the magnificent Leh Manali Highway.
Day -1: (03.06.2024) Kolkata to Lucknow. 1069 Km -18.30 Hrs.
The wheel rolled sharply at 00.05 hrs from our abode at Kolkata. The plan was to drive initial 648 Km on NH-19 or AH-1 till a point called Durgawati then leaving NH-19 and take Durgawati Ramgarh Road, NH-24 and drive till Gazipur and thereafter another 27 Km on NH-24 to join Purbanchal Express Way (PEW). Then next 300 Km on PEW and then last few Km on NH-731 till we reach the hotel. The time being midnight, roads were less congested and soon we found ourself cruising nicely on NH-19. I wanted to cover as much distance as possible before sunrise as the road would be comparatively less congested. At the break of dawn, we had already covered around 350 Km. The plan was to take minimum break till we reach Aurangabad where we planned to stop for breakfast at Vaishnavi Heights, a nice property by the side of NH-19 with good food and amenities. We spent more than an hour there, fuelled ourselves so that the food can sustain our energy requirement for maximum part of rest of the journey. We left Vaishnavi heights around 11.30 AM and by 2 PM we were at Durgawati.
Happy and Excited faces.
Ready to move after brunch at Vaishnavi Heights, Aurangabad.
Durgawati Ramgarh Road is a single lane road with both way traffic and frequent speed breakers. Feels like every one has constructed a speed breaker Infront of their house. After driving for more than 14 Hrs on NH-19, it took me some time to adjust my driving style suitable to the road. Gradually we crossed Zamania and thereafter entered Gazipur after crossing Ganga River. After taking PEW the drive was smooth. The speed limit on PEW is now restricted to 100 kmph and there are speed cameras installed like it is done at ALE.
Some beautiful memonets at PEW.
We reached our hotel before sunset. It was around 6.15 PM when completed the checking in formalities. I had chosen Comfort Hotel Vista for the night stay. This hotel is located near to Lulu Mall at Sushant Golf City. The advantage of staying at this hotel is getting out of Lucknow is very convenient the next day where one need not to face the traffic of Lucknow City. Many hotels do not entertain ordering food from outside but here I was allowed to order food from Tunday Kababi through Zomato. All of us were tired after being on the road for more than 18 Hrs. It was a quick sumptuous dinner with Galawati Kabab, Sheermal and Biryani from Tunday Kababi. Day one ended on a good note.
Day -2: (04.06.2024) Lucknow to Zirakpur. 800 Km -11.45 Hrs.
As usual we couldn’t start on the pre-planned time. We had planned to leave the hotel as early as 8 A.M but finally we managed to leave Lucknow at around 9.45 A.M. Before that we made use of the complementary breakfast at the hotel. The next big meal was planned at Murthal. Here is a quick review about the hotel.
Exit from Lucknow for LKO Agra E Way was smooth. Once again it was a tale of three Express Ways. LKO Agra E Way, Jamuna E Way and Eastern Peripheral E Way. Initially G Map was showing the route through Noida Expressway to Rai but I avoided taking that route and instead drive through Greater Noida and then joined EPE.
You don't know if tomorrow will come, so do everything you want today.
Stopover at Murthal was already planned. So, we kept ourselves hungry for Murthal. Having tried Amrik Sukhdev, Singhu Pehalwan Dhaba and couple of other Dhabas during our previous trips, this time we wanted to try some other place and we found this beautiful property named Hawai Adda Murthal. Two Airbus A 320 both flown by Indian Airlines and Air India post-merger have been converted into Restaurants. Gr8 food and beautiful ambiance.
Beautiful ambiance at the restaurant.
The food.
The overall arrangements at this place will compel you to feel reluctant to leave the place.
Some we moments.
In the frame of life, make every moment count.
One more click before we leave.
Post Lunch hit the road and continued driving on NH- 44 and thereafter took the Ambala Chandigarh Highway to drive towards Zirakpur. It was already dark by then and due to construction work on the highway had to drive through numerous sports of traffic congestion. I had planned to stay at Zirakpur just for the purpose of avoiding traffic at Chandigarh the next morning. Finally, reached our hotel, Lords Inn at 9.45 P.M. Although, according to G Map the location of the hotel was on the Highway but wasted much time finding the approach road to the hotel. Due to construction work the road was in bad shape. Had nothing else to do, so finished our dinner and hit the bed. The excitement level was on the rise gradually. Jispa calling...
Day 3. (05.06.2024) Zirakpur to Jispa. 375 Km - 12 Hrs.
Review about Lords Inn, Zirakpur
The Hotel is conveniently located near to Aerocity Road. My plan was to start by 8 AM so that the morning rush of traffic can be avoided. However, as usual started late and left our hotel at 10 A.M.
Just before leaving Zirakpur.
Thereafter, negotiating through the traffic of Chandigarh soon we were on the highway to Rupnagar/Ropar. As we approached Kiratpur Sahib (from here the road diverts towards Himalayan Expressway) the vistas around us started to change. The road is filled with uncounted number of roadside Dhabas. Need not to worry about food when you are on this highway. We drove through tunnels which have made reaching Manali a cakewalk nowdays. Most probably the first tunnel starts at Thapna.
Muskuraiye !! Aap Himachal mein hain.
Beautiful scenary around Sutlej. This is the reason why people come to the hills.
Thereafter river Sutlej gave us company till Baloh. Sundarnagar bypass was not open and we had to negotiate through the traffic of Sundarnagar. Drove by the side of Sundarnagar Lake. Crossing Mandi was a nightmare. narrow road coupled with heavy traffic is a deadly combination which will surely test your patience. By this time, we had already entered the hills and the temperature was gradually going down. After some time, River Beas started accompanying us till we reached Pandoh Dam. Thereafter, crossed Aut Tunnel and moved towards Manali.
Random click on the go.
By this time, we had lost considerable amount of time due to various reasons, especially the traffic congestion. While leaving from Zirakpur we had expected to reach Jispa by evening but now I was sure that we won't be able to reach Jispa any time before 9 PM. Crossing Manali took lot of time. The effect of last year’s disaster was visible. The roads are still broken and administration is trying their best to regulate traffic with the limited space of road at their disposal.
Approaching Atal Tunnel. It's all dark.
By the time we crossed Manali and approached Atal Tunnel Rohtang it was dark. I had been planning to drive through this Engineering Marvel since a long time and finally I am here. The time being late in the evening, traffic was almost NIL at the tunnel. Otherwise during daytime this very place witness’s huge traffic. Mostly due to tourists wanting to have their photos clicked at this iconic place. As we crossed over to North Portal, we officially entered Lahaul Valley.
We are entering Lahaul.
Though it was dark, but we could feel the change now. Temperature had gone down drastically, which prompted us to take out winter clothing but to our surprise we found that while leaving Zirakpur, we had forgotten to take them out from the luggage. Only Diya was lucky to wear a warm jacket here on. On the way tanked up falcon at Tandi. Now there is one more fuel station at Keylong but didn't want to take chances. By the time we reached Jispa it was 10 PM and it was raining. Pang Jispa Guest House, our stay for the night is located just by the side of the road and the owner was very helpful. It was 4 degree C at Jispa and raining.
Falcon resting under rain.
We hurriedly settled ourselves inside the warm clothing. At 10.30 in the night, I hesitantly requested for some tea and that was served happily. Finished dinner with rice and sumptuous Chicken Curry.
Every moment is an opportunity for excitement. Seize it!
Sumptuous Chicken Curry and Rice. We couldn't have asked for more.
The guest house is located by the side of Bhaga River. The sound of the river kept entertaining us till we called it a day. It was still raining at Jispa and I was praying for the weather to clear up so that next day we are allowed to cross Sinkhu La and enter Zanskar. The real trip starts from here.
Day 4: (6.6.2024) (Jispa to Padum)
Review about Pang Jispa Guest House
Part 1: Jispa to Sinkhu La. 56 Km. 3 Hrs
Early morning view from the window of my room.
During Road trips, I am an early riser. The excitement of driving to Sinkhu La and then Gonbo Rongjon pushed me out of the bed at 6.15 A.M. Sharmila and Diya were still enjoying their sleep under the comfort of blankets. Got out of the bed and straightway headed to the window and mesmerised by the view of show capped mountain peaks and the sight of Bhaga River flowing by the side of the guest house. My room was in such a position that I could enjoy both of the views from the windows. The roads were still empty with occassional movement of vehicles (especially cars) towards Darcha. They were rushing to the check post just to ensure early exit from the check post towards Leh or Sinkhu La. I was told last night that traffics are being allowed to move from the check post after 8 A.M, provided the weather is clear. Last night it was raining when we arrived at Pang Jispa Guest House and in the morning it's all clear. The clear weather gave me the opportunity to fly the drone and captured some stunning shots.
Where the wilderness whispers, I listen
That's Pang Jispa Guest House.
Snowcapped peaks towards Sinkhu La.
Today is the day when we will officially start our Zanskar Escapade 2.O. In 2022 we entered Zanskar through Kargil, which is considered comparatively easier route but this time the route is far more difficult and more picturesque.
My plan was to leave Jispa by 9 A.M. Accordingly we started gearing up for the day. The temperature had gone down drastically that all the tyres were showing pressure less than 25 Psi. The TPMS constantly started giving warning signal. So, first thing first, before heading to the breakfast table filled up the tyres with required air pressure. Carrying a tyre inflator comes handy under this kind of situations. Sonam Ji, the owner kept on asking us to leave early as the weather at Sinkhu La could turn bad by 12 Noon. You can never trust the weather god at the mountains. Finally, the wheels rolled at 10 A.M and we Started our journey towards Darcha. Though I had planned to leave early but couldn't manage to leave before 10. It happens when you travel with family. Upon reaching the Darcha Check Post, saw many vehicles were lined up one after another, However, most of them were travelling towards Leh and wee waiting for a green signal from the authority to move towards Leh. The highway towards Leh was not open at that time but the road to Sinkhu La was open and free for vehicular movement. So, obtaining permission from Darcha check post was not very difficult.
Gateway to Zanskar.
Almost 95% of the road till Sinkhu La has been blacktopped and it was a pleasure driving on it while observing the mesmerising vistas all around. There were 3-4 broken patches on the road where any 4X2 vehicle would struggle a bit to move forward.
Some beautiful moments on the road towards Sinkhu La.
Few kilometres before Sinkhu La, the road became narrow with ice walls on both of its side. It was a pleasure driving between the ice walls.
Few Kilometers ahead of Sinkhu La. It;s all iced up.
Reaching Sinkhu La was not very tough given the condition of the road. All credit to BRO for maintaining such good road under the conditions.
Continue reading on BHPian Sujoy76's Ladakh road trip for BHPian comments, insights and more information.