A Biker’s Tale: Ramesh Dev’s Journey Through Ladakh with Thrillophilia
It all started with a passion for the mountains that took Ramesh Dev on a week-long bike trip to Ladakh. He knew he was in for something special - an adventure that would push his limits and offer him experiences he would never forget.
Although he had made his way through different parts of the country, Ladakh was different. The high-altitude passes, the rugged mountains, and the peaceful landscapes had always been a dream for him.
And the idea of exploring it all on a Royal Enfield only added to his excitement. On top of that, the entire itinerary was organised by Thrillophilia, so nothing would go wrong!
Ramesh could not shake off the thrill he felt in the days of the trip. The thought of riding through the heart of the Himalayas on a powerful bike, surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, was enough to make his heart race.
He had no idea how much this journey would mean to him, but looking back, it was a week that changed him in more ways than one.
“I’ve been on many trips before,” he reflected, “but nothing has ever made me feel so alive as this one. It is like discovering a new part of the world, and a new part of myself, with every mile we rode”.
It Was Indeed a Breathtaking Welcome...
Surrounded by rugged and barren mountains, he arrived at Leh Airport. He felt like he had landed on another planet. The landscape was so beautiful that one could see the snow-capped peaks standing guard in the distance.
After settling into his cosy hotel, Ramesh could hardly contain his excitement.
His first stop?
The ancient Leh Palace. Climbing up to the top gave him an aerial view of the bustling Leh like a beautiful painting. He thought to himself, “Does this unreal thing exist on the Earth or is it just my dream?”
He soaked into the beautiful experience of the place, whispered to himself, “This is just the beginning” and went on his journey to the Shanti Stupa. He could see the wave of peace on every traveller’s face upon arriving at the stupa.
And what surprised them was: A GOLDEN HUE OVER THE VALLEY that was created by the setting sun behind the peaks.
Embracing the Open Road
As Ramesh opened his eyes in his hotel room, he knew that it was time to meet his fellow riders. He quickly got ready and went for the adventure that he was here for. When the group was handed the keys to their Royal Enfield Himalayan bikes, Ramesh felt a surge of adrenaline rush through him.
“This is it! We are about to hit the road and dive into this adventure!” he thought, barely able to suppress his eagerness.
The entire group rolled out while cruising along the gorgeous Sham Valley with the Indus River flowing alongside. When he looked to his side, the entire scenery appeared so mesmerising with luscious green fields lined with tranquil monasteries that seemed to emerge from the very earth.
What blew his mind along the way was the meeting point of the Zanskar and Indus Rivers at the Sangam Point. He parked his bike for a moment to absorb the natural scenery before him.
Chasing the Unexplainable
The day continued with visits to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and experiencing the mind-bending phenomenon of Magnetic Hill. Ramesh was in complete disbelief as he watched his bike roll uphill with no engine running.
“How is this even possible?” he wondered, shaking his head while trying to capture the moment on his phone.
But perhaps the most important part of the day was visiting SECMOL, the alternative school made famous by “3 Idiots”. While walking through the campus, the innovative approach to education in such a remote region inspired everyone. Everybody reflected on the possibilities for change that existed when people dared to think differently.
Conquering the Legendary Khardung La
Ramesh had read about Khardung La, but nothing could have prepared him for the reality of riding up there. His eyes lit up as he recalled the experience.
The climb was steep, the road full of twists and turns, and the air grew thinner with each passing moment. With every turn, he faced a new challenge, and every breath reminded him of just how high they were climbing.
Standing there at 18,380 feet, with snow-covered peaks all around and clouds beneath us, made him feel on top of the world. The entire group celebrated at the top and enjoyed the panoramic views, but it was the descent into Nubra Valley that left him equally mesmerised.
The landscape changed so drastically. One moment, Ramesh was surrounded by a winter wonderland, and the next, he found himself riding into a valley decorated with luscious greenery and shimmering sand dunes. He took an ATV ride through the cold desert, which was a thrilling contrast to the snowy heights they had just conquered.
A Night Under the Stars
The next destination he got attracted to was Pangong Tso. Although the ride was tough, it was worth every bump in the road. When he saw the lake, he could not believe his eyes.
“Wow, this is incredible!” he exclaimed.
Every shade of blue one could imagine reflected perfectly in the water. There was incredible silence all around and they could only hear the soft rustling of the prayer flags in the wind. That night, the group camped by bike under the clear sky.
Sitting by the bonfire and sharing stories with their fellow riders with the lake in the background and the stars above, he was reminded of his school days when he used to camp with friends.
As the week drew to a close, Ramesh smiled to himself, “I have never felt so alive. The trip reconnected to my inner self in a way I never expected”.
Although the journey had come to an end, the memories would stay with him forever.
With a bittersweet tinge in his heart, it is Goodbye for now, but not forever.
Read More: Thrillophilia Ladakh Bike Trip Review