The 2016 Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey is currently underway where riders from across the country get together for a ride to one of the best locations to ride to – Leh. This year's Himalayan Odyssey though is a bit different as the riders have an all-new bike to put to the test in the form of the Himalayan, which promises to be a true-blue purpose-built adventure tourer at a price range that sets it apart from all the other offerings in the Indian market.
Here's how Day 3 and Day 4 was in pictures.
Day 3
The Himalayan keeps tackling the roads with grace. The handlebar is nimble and the chassis continues to impress.
To ride or not to ride, that is never the question with the Himalayan. The answer is obvious.
The loopy hairpin roads that take you to the top of Rohtang Jot. Once you are near the top it is fun to look down and watch the tiny vehicles make their way uphill.
Petrol is a rare commodity at these heights. Seen here is the landmark last petrol station on the route to Leh. As is the case with most things these days, this sign has become an attraction for selfie enthusiasts and eager journalists.
On the way from Manali to Rohtang pass. The higher you climb, the more otherworldly it gets. The Himalayas are easel of nature.
Day 4
Jispa, located at an altitude of 3200 metres is the destination for the day. The posse of throttle-happy petrolheads successfully ripped through the silence of this village with daylight left to spare. What followed was the search for a moment's peace on the banks of the Bhaga.
Just after you leave Jispa, the vistas open up. This is what you have seen in those inspirational travel videos and travel guides. Only much, much better when seen with your own eyes. This point is also where you begin the climb to Baralacha La, one of the major passes on the way to Ladakh
In a strange way, motorcycles behave the same way the human body does at high altitudes. There is less oxygen in the air. This means less energy produced both at the lungs of the man and the carburettor of the machine. Even with the reduced power, the Himalayan makes mincemeat of the climb to the 4800 metres tall Baralacha La. On the other side, the man needed a breather, the machine could have carried on.
Bikes run on petrol and while on the road to Ladakh, humans run on chai and Maggi, dished out fresh and piping hot from one of the numerous makeshift Dhabas along the way.
Before there were motorcycles, there were mules. For thousands of years, they have carried human civilisation on their sturdy backs. And in places like this, they are still going strong.
The vast, windy plains of Sarchu – our stay at the end of a short but intense day 4.
(Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey is currently underway. Watch this space for daily updates as we take you from Delhi to Leh on an RE Himalayan.)
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