Leaving Delhi, arriving Leh & BIG BIKE TRIP pics

We left Delhi on an early flight and therefore had to take a taxi to the airport at 3am in the morning. All along the highway bodies were littered on the sidewalks – most people with nothing over or under them. Sleeping just like they are with the rags they have on their backs. What was interesting and intriguing was the apparent system followed: the sidewalks are from concrete but about every 1.8m there are concrete blocks that stand out. People space themselves between concrete blocks, parallel to the highway and that is where they sleep – each in their own space. Airport bureaucracy was funny too – we each got about five different stamps all over our hand luggage tags, boarding passes and luggage. We also had to check in luggage, go through security, and re-identify our already checked in luggage ;-)

The flight was amazing – classed as one of the most scenic in the world. High peaks (we think we saw Everest in the distance) stand out above the clouds. The Himalayas are breath-taking. The pilot deftly negotiated the difficult route through the mountains (we were pleased there was no mist) and after a second go at landing on the valley floor got it right. It looks like the moon here. There is very little greenery and the valleys are flat, brown and look like dry riverbeds with fine brown sand. The mountains look like they are made from mud and loose sand with white snow peaks creating a brilliant contrast. Leh’s altitude is not as high as we thought – about 3500m but we did feel a bit strange yesterday. But that was cured by a huge dos in our luxury top end hotel (12pounds, all mod cons) which we will be leaving tomorrow for a 4pounder room in a family run guesthouse. We watched a polo match yesterday (pic) and wandered the streets of Leh. It is a small village that survive I think only because of summer tourism. There are tens if not hundreds of travel/hiking/tour shops, quite a few internet café’s, guesthouses, hotels, restaurants and the odd shop that sells live chickens. It is quite a good place to chill. Winter temperatures go down to -25 and most places close down completely. BUT we hear that there are some die hard travellers that head this way in winter for some climbing and hiking - not my cup of tea!

We are heading to the Nubra Valley tomorrow on an Enfield motorbike for 2/3 days. It promises to be an exciting drive - the highest motorable road in the world (5600m I think) with again great scenery. We will take lots of photos of our first real adventure. Off to get our permits now – can’t venture to Nubra without them.

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Here are some pictures from our bike trip to the Nubra Valley, our walk over the sand dunes between Disket and Hunder, and our visit to the Disket Gompa (Buddist Temple & monastery). I didn't realise that I had not written anything about it yet... will post commentary soon.

Prepping the bike

Two rough and tough explorers

Action man

Typical Indian truck on the mountain pass.

Action woman

Me at the highest motorable pass in the world.

Action shot.

This old man couldnt help his curiousity when we stopped for a water break. He immediately came closer and just stared without saying a word. Was very happy to pose for a picture!

Sand dunes on the green valley floor - strange isn't it?

Pictures from our visit to the Diskit Gompa with Sid, our new friend who lives in Delhi:

View from the Gompa..

Sid..

Monks preparing a table top with pigment - will write more about the process later..

The floor must be about 500 years old - as old as the Gompa itself.