Day 7 - Riverside Wonders and High altitude Desert Oases: From Leh to Khardungla to Hundar via Shyok River"

Dated 4th August 2023

"Day 7 promised a wealth of captivating vistas and unforgettable moments as we embarked on a 140-kilometer odyssey from Leh towards the towering Khardungla Pass, Diskit, and Hundar. With a day spent acclimatizing and exploring Leh behind us, anticipation for the forthcoming adventure to Nubra, Turtuk, and beyond ran high. The addition of two new members further enriched our group, solidifying our quartet of riders, complemented by our seasoned guide, Ali bhai, who became a part of our journey that very morning. Brace yourselves for a visual feast, as this leg of our adventure will be heavily adorned with a trove of captivating photographs."

On Day 7, the journey continued from Leh towards Khardungla Pass, Diskit, and Hundar, covering around 140 kilometers. After spending a day or two acclimatizing and exploring Leh city, the anticipation for the adventure towards Nubra, Turtuk, Hundar, and beyond started building up. The excitement was fueled by the addition of two new members to the team, making us a group of four riders plus our guide, Ali bhai, who joined us that morning.

Starting at 6 AM, we aimed to make the most of the first half of the day, before the ice on the mountains melted and water crossings became more challenging for bikers. Our first objective was to reach Khardungla Pass, the second-highest motorable pass in the world at nearly 18,000 ft. Leaving the core of Leh city, we gradually ascended, gaining altitude with every turn and kilometer. Before leaving the city limits, we underwent the necessary permit and vehicle checks at checkpoints.

The journey to Khardungla was an unforgettable experience. We climbed from 11,500 ft to 18,000 ft in about 39 kilometers. It took us around 2 hours, and the wide landscape that greeted us at the summit was awe-inspiring. While reaching Khardungla might be a checklist item, the journey itself holds the true essence. The warning was not to spend more than 15-20 minutes there due to the lack of oxygen and the possibility of altitude sickness, but we ended up spending around 40-45 minutes, captivated by the ice on the road and the people enjoying it. It was a unique sight, and we couldn't resist capturing the memory.

From Khardungla, we headed towards Diskit village, our Day 7 destination, but not before experiencing the captivating Hundar sand dunes and visiting Diskit Monastery. Hundar, situated at 10,000 ft, is a mini desert that's home to the main attraction: camels with twin humps. We decided to take a camel ride, which turned out to be a hilarious experience as balancing on a camel requires quite some effort. It was a fun diversion after riding bikes.

The journey between Khardungla and Diskit introduced us to many scenic spots. One particular place, along the Shyok river, was picture-perfect, with the river flowing from the mountains, a clear and cold water stream, and a plateau where you could grab a cup of tea or coffee. This spot allowed us to immerse ourselves in nature, and we enjoyed the moment thoroughly.

Later on, our guide, Mr. Ali bhai, took us to a distinct spot by the Shyok river, where we sipped Kashmiri Kawa and enjoyed the breathtaking view. The landscape, with mountains and the river, painted a mesmerizing picture, one that was hard to look away from. We resumed our journey, making a compulsory stop due to road work, but we were soon back on track and reached Diskit Monastery, which dates back to the 14th century. The monastery houses a 106 ft statue of Buddha, built between 2006 and 2010 to promote peace in the region. The serene atmosphere was captivating.

En route, we witnessed the Shyok river's width increasing, a river that flows from Leh through Turtuk, enters the Gilgit-Baltistan region, and eventually meets the Indus. This river, often referred to as the "river of death," showcased its various moods throughout the day. The bridges over it produced a roar reminiscent of a lion's roar.

As we left the majestic Maitrey Buddha statue, we continued alongside the Shyok river, and as we reached Hundar at 10,000 ft, we were welcomed by a sandstorm. It lasted for about 15-20 minutes, leaving us covered in sand. Despite the challenging conditions, it was a natural way of embracing our presence in that breathtaking environment.

Our Day 7 ended at Hundar sand dunes, a desert at high altitude. We spent time there until sunset, enjoying archery, clicking photographs, and absorbing the surroundings. Our stay was in Hundar village, known for its homestays, hotels, and tents. Day 8 held the promise of visiting Turtuk village, the Baltistan area, and a border village alongside PoK—an exciting prospect.

Stay tuned for the Day 8 adventure.