Leh

Post for 8th October, started on the 12th of October.

Departed Diskit to beat the tourist traffic. Need not have bothered.

Got down to the flats and filled my tank. Then turned towards Leh.

Had to climb up to Khardung La and drive down the other side.

The first time I had done the pass was in 2004. It had been from the Leh side. That was in a tourist vehicle with a youngster driving. The experience had been implanted in my skull, as we went into a spin on the road as the driver touched his brakes on an ice patch while trying to keep pace with a army Gypsy. Fortunately, we were the only vehicle on the road. And, there was a pile up of ice on the side of the road to stop the vehicle.

The next trip was in 2014. We went up once and aborted another half way up because of a traffic jam. Good thing we did that because the traffic that got to the other side of the pass that day were stuck for a couple of days due to heavy snow fall and had to be rescued by the army. The road in 2014 had been full of water channels.

Started up, not knowing what to expect. But, with the last two weeks behind me, was comfortable.

The road leading to the turn off had been good.

  The road continued to be good all the way to the top. Got overtaken a couple of times. But, was too early to get oncoming tourist traffic.

The snow lines started getting more visible, as I climbed.

The road I had to take is clearly visible in the last picture.

Well, that was Khandung La. The drive had been more comfortable than expected. The tourist crowd was not that bad. And the place had developed. The best part of the development was the row of toilets. Get out of your vehicle and it is cold. The need is immediate.

Started down towards Leh. There was little snow on the other side.

Checked into Overland Heights by 1200.

Decided to head out and give the vehicle a basic check up. Had run around 7000 kilometers.

The engine oil needed change. By the time that was done, the accounting staff had pushed of for lunch.

Waited. Met an ITBP officer who had come to get his vehicle fixed. It had a four wheel with an electric switch, the motor for which was low down. Got whacked and the switch stopped working.

The service center only accepted cash or UPI. Did not have UPI so paid cash.

After lunch checked for the nearest ATM. And, then the closest booze shop.

Decided a walk would do me good. Little did I realise the length of the walk. Once committed, kept going.

Net result, walked 7 kilometers. The first ATM was dead. The second dished out INR500/=. The third, fortunately was kind.

The booze shop was crowded, but had what I wanted. Paid cash.

Had enough time during the walk to decide that expecting ATMs where I wanted them with cash as much as I needed to pay if I had to for fuel and hotel was a stupid plan.

Setup Bhim for myself. Will test as soon as possible.