00:00It's time to hit the road again and bid farewell to Leh, the heart of Ladakh.
00:17Today's destination is Sarchu, approximately 260 km away from Leh.
00:27Before the 101 regulars embarked on this journey, it was crucial to ensure that the vehicles
00:32are fully fuelled and reserves are kept as Karu, located about 34 km from Leh, is the
00:39last patrol station before Thandi, which lies about 340 km further along our route.
00:46Karu is a small village in Leh district, serves as an important stopover for travellers heading
00:51towards the Changla Pass, which is one of the highest motorable mountain passes in the
00:55world and Pangong Lake.
00:58Pangong Lake is known as the world's highest saltwater lake, sits at an altitude of 14,270
01:05feet and stretches nearly 160 km with one third of it in India and the remaining two
01:11thirds in China.
01:33About 47 km from Leh, we reach Upshi, the gateway to the Leh-Manali highway and serves
01:39as a starting point for exploring some of the eastern Ladakh's most remote and iconic
01:44destinations.
01:55From here you can proceed to Chumathang, famous for its hot springs and head towards Somoriri,
02:01a serene high-altitude lake known for its tranquility, birdlife and stunning landscapes.
02:12The same road also leads to Hanle, a remote and picturesque village, home to one of the
02:18highest observatories in the world.
02:21In Upshi, the 101 regulars take a halt to thank our brothers from the Border Roads Organisation
02:27for their tireless work in maintaining these treacherous landscapes and making these routes
02:32accessible and safe.
02:36The Border Roads Organisation is doing exemplary work in developing and maintaining crucial
02:41infrastructure in remote and challenging terrains.
02:44Their efforts in constructing roads, bridges and tunnels along India's borders enhance
02:49connectivity, bolster national security and promote socio-economic development in these
02:56regions.
03:02As the riders continue and gain altitude, the landscape unfolds into a panoramic vista
03:08of snow-capped peaks, rugged mountains and vast stretches of untouched natural beauty.
03:29The sight of the majestic Himalayas surrounding us is awe-inspiring, making it a photographer's
03:36paradise.
03:55Upon reaching Tanglang La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, the thin air
04:01serves as a reminder of the altitude.
04:16After having coffee at the highest Shoray Cafe in Ladakh, managed by BRO at 17,482 feet,
04:24the riders continue with their journey.
04:28However, after crossing Tanglang La, the riders encounter a minor setback as the backup vehicles
04:35got caught in a jam caused by a truck narrowly escaping a fall into a ditch.
04:49Descending from Tanglang La, the 101 regulars take another halt at Debring.
04:54The food at this altitude, too, tastes mesmerizing.
04:58From Debring, one road leads to Sokar Lake, known as the White Lake for its salt deposits
05:04and Phuga Valley, famous for its geothermal springs.
05:08Continuing further to Hanle, this route is perfect for those seeking an adventurous journey
05:14to the remote and unspoiled beauty of Ladakh.
05:19After taking a paratha break, the 101 regulars move towards the More Plains.
05:23The 40-kilometer stretch of More Plains offers expansive views of flatlands surrounded by
05:29towering mountains.
05:40The straight, smooth roads are a welcome relief and provide an opportunity to appreciate the
05:46sheer scale of the landscape.
06:07Next, the riders tackle Lachunglungla, another high mountain pass at 16,598 feet.
06:16The rugged beauty and challenging roads here are a testament to the raw nature of the Himalayas.
06:31The 101 regulars begin their ascent to reach the third pass of the day, Nakila, which offers
06:37equally stunning views and a thrilling riding experience.
06:45They navigate the famous Gata Loops, a series of 21 hairpin bends that descend sharply,
06:51providing both a thrilling ride and magnificent views.
07:02After crossing some bridges with whimsical names like Whiskey Bridge and Brandy Bridge,
07:08the riders spot camps on the horizon and a boat welcoming us to Sarchu, also known as
07:16Though the origin of the name remains a mystery, Sarchu is nestled on the boundary between
07:22Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, serving as a vital halt for travelers journeying between
07:29Leh and Manali.
07:35Sarchu was going to be the night halt for the riders, and even as the sun was out till
07:40late evening, a cup of tea and steaming dinner was all the riders could ask for before they
07:47bid goodnight to each other at the culmination of day 8 of their historic tribute to the
07:53Kargil heroes.
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