The Decision

I'm sure these ideas and thoughts were brewing somewhere inside but I didn't really think I'd want to do it so quickly after buyin g the Bullet and after the first drive. After my return from Daman, I smsed Bhaskar asking him if he'd be interested. The next day (yesterday) on the drive to work in a cab, I was going thru the Lonely Planet guide on India and firmed up my plans -- where it matters the most -- in my head. Read up all about getting to Khardung La and figured the difficulties. By evening, Bhaskar and I spoke (he said, his mom would faint if she knew! -- no one in my family knows yet ;-p). He said he's 90% confirmed. I'm starting this blog so I can document everything -- from the planning and what happens during and after -- so I can remember it. And as my friend Samir says, if it benefits someone else, hey it's an added bonus for writing it.

The toughest part indeed is going to be Manali-Leh and here's the best article I've found on it: http://www.60kph.com/interact/manali_leh_tips.htm

The basic plan is as follows (as of now): Mumbai-Ahmedabad-Jaipur/Ajmer-New Delhi. Stop over at Brijesh's place - unwind, check the Bullet, give it for servicing if needed (gave it for its first service this morning - check the pic 5555). Next Delhi-Chandigarh-Manali-Leh-Khardung La. Khardung La - the highest motorable place in the world is where I want to get to. Possibly drive back via Srinagar to Delhi and leave the Bullet under Brijesh's care in Delhi and fly back to Mumbai (it'll just be too difficult to be away longer).