Leh on Wheels- Plan the Perfect Road Trip to Leh

One of the most precise sayings about the trip to Leh isGetting there isn't easy; and thats the best part.Both bewildering and enticing, Leh journeys are more about discovering the ethereal beauty in this hidden bounty of nature.The capital of Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India, Leh lies on the intersection of the historic trading routes of Kashgar, Tibet and Kashmir on the momentous Indus River valley. Tourists with the itch for escapades flock to Leh every year. Leh road trips are one of the things on every adventure travellers bucket list and given its proximity with the Himalayas; they assure a great experience.

Triphobo chalks down a list of essential travel tips before your get Lehd.1. Routes to Leh:When planning a road trip to Leh, the most important step is to choose the route. The Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh are the most popular and scenic routes accessible by tourists.The Manali-Leh is a mountainous stretch of 434 kilometres and the Srinagar-Leh is 473 Kilometres long. Although you can pick any one of the routes, to explore this rustic bounty of nature, you can pick one route to get to Leh and return from the other!Gripping natural backdrop, the BRO (Border road organisation) sign boards that greet you at every mile and the diverse geography of this road trip are all set to enthral you.

1. Pick your ride:A road trip to Leh is best enjoyed on a bullet. Riding a classic Royal Enfield with its thundering charisma on the adventurous roads of Ladakh will make you feel like a rock-star!Here are few snippets to keep in mind before picking your ride:Although there are many options to choose from, Bullet Electra 350 CC (5S or 4S depending on which side you want your gear and brake to be) is the best pick. A Thunderbird is also a good option and can easily carry a weight of 150 kilograms.In case you have a pillion rider, opting for a 500 CC bike will be ideal.Make sure that the bike has a traditional kick start and drum brake design rather than the fancy self start and disc brake system. The former is more reliable and simpler to use.
2. Renting a bike:Delhi has a lot of rental companies offering bikes especially for the Leh Expedition. Stonehead Bikes is one such reliable name in Delhi where you can get a good bike and all the necessary paperwork without a hassle.You can also rent the Biker accessories and riding gear from Delhi which will save you money in case you dont want to buy them.Prep up your bike:Before you embark on a journey to remember by, here are few things that you need to get checked by a Bike doctor to make it road ready:Clutch Plates (make sure that they are not worn out)Engine Oil, Filters & Piston RingsTyres and wheel alignment, Handle alignmentElectricals & BatteryClutch & Accelerator WiresCarburettor TuningDrive chain and SprocketsSwing Arm & Timing ChainAir Filter & Spark PlugBrake oil and Brake padsHead light, tail light, break light and indicatorsTyre conditions (New tyres are a safe option)
3. Bike Accessories:The route is less ridden and comes with a few surprises; make sure you carry the following bike accessories:Helmet: Choose a full face helmet with transparent visor that will provide a better vision while riding.Back rest In case you have a pillion rider accompanying you.Spare TubePetrol Cans -2 (6 litre each). There is no petrol pump for a long stretch of around 300 kilometres and you need to carry fuel.Resin Pannier. You can preferably use the iron panniers; make sure that wields are strong. Scroll down to check out the Petrol cans held together by the Iron PanniersEngine oil: Make sure you carry enough quantity from Manali itself as it is no available en-route Leh. Funnel and Paper FunnelMotorcycle Jumper CablesClutch cableBrake CableReplacement FusesPuncture kit including manual air pump and pressure gauge.Head light LampTool Kit with extra Spark plugs
4. What to Pack:Road-trips can be overwhelming, especially when you have to pack everything you need in something that fits on your back; but that's the point of going on a road trip anyway. This frozen loveliness has unpredictable climate all round the year and the travellers should always be prepared for surprises!Here's the ultimate packing list for Leh road trip:Clothing:Balaclava/ driving Mask: Protection against cold windsBiker Jacket 1: Try and buy a semi-water proof to absorb excess sweating. With in-built Shoulder and arm guards.Water proof Jacket- 1. Can be replaced by a modest rain-coat, cheaply available in Manali.Winter jacket 1. Ideal if it can double up as a rain jacketT Shirts 6 to 8. At least two long sleeved in-case its freezing.Sunglasses- 1 Pair. Polarization preferredNight goggles 1 Pair (Optional)Sports shoes- 1 PairMuffler- 1 (Optional)Bandana 1. You don't want a messy hair in your selfiesFull Gloves (Textile) - 1 Pair. One with good padding on knuckles and base of the palm and Synthetic material. Leather gloves are a strict No-No.Winter gloves- 1 Pair. Light weight, offering good grip and waterproof.Socks 5 sets including 2 woollen pairs for the cold.Tarpaulin- These sheets will keep your luggage dry.Synthetic long underwear 10. Only 3 if they are antibacterial.Waterproof PantsThermals-2 SetsNight clothing- 4 setsJeans 1 pair. And the one you are wearing.Shin Guards 2 Hard plastic with steel capsGum Boots- 1 pair. For the rustic rides through slush and mud.

Personal Items:

Cargo net (Optional)EarplugsSwiss-style Pocket knife: For the Ninja in you.TowelsTrash bags: To separate used clothes from unusedSafety pins: Little life Savers.Bungee cords (6 -8)Power BanksDuct tape: you can fix almost anything with a duct tapeSleeping bag/ mat: If you plan to camp under the sky including a flannelTravel tissuesZip-lock bags: To wrap liquid toiletries.Jars of SunscreenSanitizerDisinfectants and Mosquito repellentsFace towelsBasic toiletries

Electronic Must-haves:

Cellular phone with Post-paid SIM card, prepaid doesn't work in the state of Jammu and KashmirCamera with extra batteries, chargersextra memory cardsPower banks to keep your phone alive. A 10K mAh power bank will give your average smart phone up to 4 5 times charge.Flash lights

Medications:

First Aid kit containing following medicines:Analgesic (pain relief) medicine such as Paracetamols or aspirin.Antihistamine tablets for bites, stings or allergies.Cold and flu tablets and Nasal decongestant, Inhaler for people with asthmatic conditionsMotion sickness tablets.Throat lozenges.Antiseptic solution for cleaning wounds or bites.Antiseptic ointment to apply to a wound.Blister and wound patches, such as sticking plasters.Medical adhesive tape, e.g. Micro-pore.Wound dressings, e.g. a crepe bandage, gauze swabs and OpSite, and Steristrips, which can often take the place of stitches.Safety pins, scissors and tweezersInsect repellent containing DEET (Diethyl Toluamide).Sting relief solution, e.g. Stingose (aluminium sulphate).Diarrhoea medicine, e.g. Imodium (Loperamide).Fluid and electrolyte replacement powder or tablets, e.g. Gastrolyte or HYDRAlyte.Eye lubricant drops.ThermometerHigh altitude sickness medicines Food items:Although you can find plenty of food stalls selling Maggi and a hot cup of Chai, it is always good to carry some food.Keep calm and dont starve yourself. Some quick carry-ons:Energy DrinksChocolates especially dark chocolateDry FruitsCuppa NoodlesGlucose BiscuitsPeppermintsNut Chikkis/ BrittlesGranola BarsGlucose powderRehydration salts Documents to Carry:Being an area under army surveillance, there are bunch of documents you should keep handy. In case of Emergencies, this also ensures that you are tracked and get all the needed help.

List of emergency contacts.Photo ID proof.Passport Size photos- 6. You need them for the various permits on the way.Inner Line permits for international touristsValid driving LicenseBike registration and insuranceMaps and driving directions -who would want like getting lost; unless intendedPUC- Pollution under control certificate for the BikeCredit/ Debit cards, Cash and loose changeList of medical conditions and allergiesPrescription of Medications carriedPrep and Pack on the lines of this comprehensive list and you will be good to go!

Hang in there; we will be back with more tips to plan a Kick-ass Leh Trip Part 2 soon!Blog Source: Leh on Wheels- Plan the Perfect Road Trip to Leh

Traveler..Photographer..Love to spend time with family and friends..