The biggest challenge (I thought) was riding a motorbike on these "roads". Call it ignorance, but I completely underestimated Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), until I read a few articles on the web after tonight's dinner with Vince & co - where we spent a lot of time discussing this topic.
http://www.ismmed.org/np_altitude_tutorial.htm
I will still go. But at the back of my mind, I know that I need to be extremely careful and not be over enthusiastic.
Riding a Pulsar/Splendor is fine. I am confident of managing it on any terrain since I have pretty good control. But any serious symptoms of AMS, and I will be heading back down right away. Unfortunately, the problem, as I understand from Vince, is that one cannot just "head down right away". Due to the nature of the terrain, if struck by AMS, I might need to go up another 1000meters, before I can actually start heading down again.
We'll see.... need to read more about this!
About me
Friday, April 24, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Operation Kashmir
If you are still strong and energetic but don't wish to be an old balding man driving a red Ferrari several years down the line regretting having spent your youth banging on a keyboard and staring at a Bloomberg terminal instead of whizzing past picturesque landscapes at 15,000 feet, then this trip is for you.
Mission codename: "Operation Kashmir"
Objective: To drive from Manali to Leh on a motorbike crossing several passes at 15K feet and to enjoy spectacular views of the placid Pangong lake at 15,000 feet. We may then do the Nubra valley circuit riding across Siachen glacier and Khardungla pass..
The squad:
- You have to be Indian citizens (we need special permits only issued to Indian citizens) with exceptional motorbiking skills and a license to drive in India
- So long as you are confident in your driving abilities, there is no need for you to have driven at high altitudes before
- You have to be adjusting, accommodating and should possess a good sense of humor and a spirit of adventure
Leaders:
- Prashant Kukreti
- Vince Natteri
The Plan: (tentative)
June 26th 2009:
Leave from Hong Kong or wherever you are for New Delhi, India
June 27th 2009:
Reach Manali and get the bikes. Kukreti and I will see if we can talk to the bike shops beforehand and get 5 Pulsars ready
June 28th 2009:
Drive from Manali to Keylong and chill there
June 29th 2009:
Drive from Keylong to Sarchu and chill there
June 30th 2009:
Drive from Sarchu to Pang and chill there
July 1st 2009:
Drive from Pang to Leh and get all the permits sorted out
July 2nd 2009:
Give Pang Gong lake a visit (350KM back and forth)
July 3rd 2009:
Rest
July 4,5,6 2009:
Nubra valley circuit
July 7,8,9 2009:
Reserve days
July 10th 2009:
Return from Leh to Delhi
July 11th 2009:
Return to Hong Kong
Risk assessment:
1) Do not underestimate AMS. These altitudes will give anyone a headache even if you are hulk Hogan. Please Google online
2) Weather is unpredictable: It can literally change overnight. If Rohtang pass is closed, this trip will be off and we will plan a new trip on the spot
3) Roads are used by crazy, drunken Sumo drivers who drive like maniacs and the Indian armed forces. You need to have good driving skills
4) Your boss might fire you for taking 10 days off but this is not as big a risk - you will still survive.
This trip does involve risk which you will be taking on your own accord. We will all help each other out and share all costs equally.
Original Source: http://hikeinhongkong.com/?p=528
Mission codename: "Operation Kashmir"
Objective: To drive from Manali to Leh on a motorbike crossing several passes at 15K feet and to enjoy spectacular views of the placid Pangong lake at 15,000 feet. We may then do the Nubra valley circuit riding across Siachen glacier and Khardungla pass..
The squad:
- You have to be Indian citizens (we need special permits only issued to Indian citizens) with exceptional motorbiking skills and a license to drive in India
- So long as you are confident in your driving abilities, there is no need for you to have driven at high altitudes before
- You have to be adjusting, accommodating and should possess a good sense of humor and a spirit of adventure
Leaders:
- Prashant Kukreti
- Vince Natteri
The Plan: (tentative)
June 26th 2009:
Leave from Hong Kong or wherever you are for New Delhi, India
June 27th 2009:
Reach Manali and get the bikes. Kukreti and I will see if we can talk to the bike shops beforehand and get 5 Pulsars ready
June 28th 2009:
Drive from Manali to Keylong and chill there
June 29th 2009:
Drive from Keylong to Sarchu and chill there
June 30th 2009:
Drive from Sarchu to Pang and chill there
July 1st 2009:
Drive from Pang to Leh and get all the permits sorted out
July 2nd 2009:
Give Pang Gong lake a visit (350KM back and forth)
July 3rd 2009:
Rest
July 4,5,6 2009:
Nubra valley circuit
July 7,8,9 2009:
Reserve days
July 10th 2009:
Return from Leh to Delhi
July 11th 2009:
Return to Hong Kong
Risk assessment:
1) Do not underestimate AMS. These altitudes will give anyone a headache even if you are hulk Hogan. Please Google online
2) Weather is unpredictable: It can literally change overnight. If Rohtang pass is closed, this trip will be off and we will plan a new trip on the spot
3) Roads are used by crazy, drunken Sumo drivers who drive like maniacs and the Indian armed forces. You need to have good driving skills
4) Your boss might fire you for taking 10 days off but this is not as big a risk - you will still survive.
This trip does involve risk which you will be taking on your own accord. We will all help each other out and share all costs equally.
Original Source: http://hikeinhongkong.com/?p=528
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