We started getting ready quite early and by almost 730 we are ready with luggage on top of the Scorpio and behind the bike. We are to reach Darcha within an hour of drive. It was awesome. Early morning sun with good mood all around, the good times are all back.

Leh Trip, July 2011

All of us enjoyed the mid-way water flows on the road as well as some ‘solo’ pics.

Leh Trip, July 2011

Leh Trip, July 2011

After some good time at Darcha, where we stayed for about an hour, we moved on soon to reach Deepak Tal Lake. The enthusiasm is beyond any limits as we see the freezing water getting some company.

Leh Trip, July 2011

We got to again wait after crossing Deepak Tal, for road clearance. Helped as much as we could 🙂

Next is the most beautiful Baralacha La, with the accompanying Suraj Tal Lake. The whole area is just perfect. Supposed to be covered with full snow but the season is already late. Didn’t expected that, still the scene is so awesome, its breathtaking.

Leh Trip, July 2011

Leh Trip, July 2011

Leh Trip, July 2011

Leh Trip, July 2011

Leh Trip, July 2011

After some perfect time enjoyed on that monstrous heights, we planned to move ahead, with the scorpions still behind us. But, things won’t go as we want. Not so easily. The moment I ignited the engine and moved a yard, I heard a shout from behind signaling to stop. The black bike is now going to have a black time. The chain got broken ! thanks to the repair work that happened last night, the chain got tight and a slight movement is good enough for it to break. Big Break. The concept of  ‘deenemma jeevitham‘ revisited us within no time.

Leh Trip, July 2011

Not exactly like last time. We are now strong. Not discouraged anymore with the tough situations, we started right away looking at the problem, and its solutions.

Meanwhile, the scorpio got past us, only to stop after another 40 km as it has its own problems creeping. Tire got punctured.

The biggest side effect of these kind of breakdowns is that, the rest of the people who are not working on the solution would get the time of the world to enjoy the location. In our case its Mahesh doing all sorts of pics, and the gang for the scorpio.

But it was a great effort. I cannot believe it even now. Two guys, both IT-pros, can repair a bike break down ! Fascinating to see the toolmanship.

Thanks to Chandu, the prime expert and knowledge source, to design the repair. No other thoughts were made whether to leave it there or not. Even when the scorpio passed us, we didn’t stop them for help. That’s what I call spirit. The spirit of deenemma jevitham

Chandu and Vineesh tired sweat hard even in one of the coldest place of India, fixing the chain. We removed one of the locks, then joined the remaining locks making the chain short, and bringing the rear tire nearer to make up for the short chain. It worked !

Me and mahesh tried to help wherever we can (with least effort from me), but still it all came up ok finally. We moved on.

For the puncture, it was Naresh who gave the big hand along with the driver. Fantastic guys.

Leh Trip, July 2011

Leh Trip, July 2011

I was not able to take up the height for some time and had to lie down on my bike.

Leh Trip, July 2011

Even Mahesh had a tough time adjusting to the altitude. He too stayed quite for some time (though, not captured on a pic).

Leh Trip, July 2011

You can also see the other hard working hands , Vasu and Naresh (with Yuva joined as well) making some important efforts all through the journey.

Overall it was a four hour stop four us at 13000 ft. We started again to reach Sarchu. It was again fun time. The more we went near to Sarchu, the better it got. We had a very awesome photo session (all of us, at different times and little different places) with some bike stunts as well.

Leh Trip, July 2011

Leh Trip, July 2011

Leh Trip, July 2011

Leh Trip, July 2011

We reached Sarchu. By that time scorpio has left to reach Pang which is the destination planned for stay for the night. By around 830 PM, scorpio is in Pang with all of them directly going to bed. Naresh had some breathing and other problems, else things are fine. They are now awaiting us to reach.

We reached Sarch at around 5 PM, and it is tough to reach Pang before it gets dark. We now had to take a decision whether to stop there, whether to reach Pang or if there are any other alternatives. We are unable to reach to any conclusions. Soon we found that some other bikers are starting then itself, to reach Pang. Instantly, I drove behind them , and getting past them. We reached a place 30 Km away from Pang by 730 PM, from where its up hill to Pang. We decided not to go anymore (though the other bikers continued!) as we found a place to stay. I would say, its a good decision in the end. Reaching a place is secondary, had we made it to Pang that night, we would have missed some fantastic beauties on the way, the next morning.

Some of the pics below shows the enjoyment, as expected for the day.

Leh Trip, July 2011

Leh Trip, July 2011

Leh Trip, July 2011

Leh Trip, July 2011

Leh Trip, July 2011

Leh Trip, July 2011