Ladakh 2018

Riding around Ladakh after 10 years leaves me with mixed feelings. While Ladakh can still offer a stiff challenge with unpredictable and rapid weather changes, the rampant commercialization sours the overall experience a bit.

On this trip I couldn't pass through Chang La or Wari La. While both passes are challenging enough in good weather, un-seasonal snowfall and hard ice on the path above 16000 feet made it impossible on two wheels. These are the situations that test me as a rider and as a human being and while I tried my best to make it through, I backed out keeping the safety of the other two riders who were with me in mind. Bringing them back down safely took priority over bragging rights and rightfully so.

That said, we did traverse Khardung La in the dark with light snowfall so there is some scope for bragging after all.

I will be back to visit the only sector I haven't been on yet, Zanskar Valley. On this trip I completed Hanle and Batalik sectors. Once Zanskar is done I don't think I will visit Ladakh again. As beautiful as it is, the people have changed and it feels more like home...and not in a good way.