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

8 comments:

Milind Nagda said...

Very cool plan. I have personally wanted to do a motorbiking trip to Leh/Ladakh for a while - unfortunately I won't be able to get the time off. But, do keep us posted on your experiences.

Michelle said...

wow, u 'adventure capitalist' lol! u seriously going to embark on this trip? i better see u before u take off then. awesome! good on ya!

Vipin said...

dude, is it pulsar or is it Enfield?

Tarun Makhija said...

Not sure yet bro. Depends on availability (of which I will get an idea only once I reach Manali). Will go for a Bullet in all likelihood.

Harshavardhan said...

Happy journey..truly adventurous..good luck...

Yash Doshi said...

dude.. enjoy ur trip to the fullest!!!!

Renu said...

waiting for your travelog :) :)

Tarun Makhija said...

patience my friend! coming up very soon. For now I am chilling in aamchi Mumbai! :)