Khardung La — Local services in Ladakh Range

Recently I did watch an Indian movie , " Dahk Dahk " that made me to know about this beautiful place which I wish to visit in my life. After reading some reviews of the place it has been revealed this place is the most liked place of motorists and bikers around the world. Google shows multiple of reviews regarding this place but the most issues people often face that is related to travel but in the movie it is shown what issues women would face that is related to nature those are definitely common for both gender but there are some issue which are almost there for women in particular related to nature and also some of the issues come from the people particularly from men and there are some issues of infrastructure like there is no availability of women latrine. The movie shows both issues and also support from men motorist and bikers as well. It also revealed that , there is a peak which is even the higher than this known as Umling la that is at an altitude of 19300 ft. but this is not open to public due to its strategic location. so this peak is at an altitude of 18380 ft. that is open for public or we can say for the bikers who wants to go there to make new records or to enjoy the place . The movie dahk dahk defined the hardship of the travelling . The story tells about the lady she is called the maternal mom/ nani amma, she has a dream one day she would go to this peak through driving a motor. Her family members are reluctant that she can not go there due to her age related issues. She the old lady, luckily find a young woman she is a blogger and a crazy motor biker. later they would find two other women having different background they would agree to travel along. The movie is not solely on travelling it is on the travelling of the hardship related to women. Hardships of travel can be different but movie pointed out of oxygen availability and unavailability of hospital near the track. But movie shows some support from men to the women travelers also. All four women has a different background one from a muslim background she is an expert biker and knows the motor bike as machine and the team leader of the trip would offer her money she to go along with them. But actually the story wants to show that how the professionally women faces lot of issue like The Dia Mirza face in that story she is there just as a traditional woman but she is talented in cooking and also excellent in the matters of machines like the motor bikes but she is ignored and her husbands goes against her well and the movie wants to show such as not an story but it is a reality all around in India and Pakistan where in the majority of women living such a life due to cultural barriers and gender differences. There should have been so that she should be allowed to start her enterprise in either in the cooking or starting a motor bikes repairing shop but these kind of gender roles are there in these societies due to ossified / defined roles of men dominating so how much relief the women would get in the coming time that is still not known so very sorry to those women who are facing such discriminative behavior from their family members. Not even families are creating barriers for women but also the working professions are so wherein women are...

“One Of The Best Moments In Our Journey” We chose bikes over 4-wheeler to reach Nubra valley and in hindsight it was a great choice. Of course, it was fraught with danger as the roads do not exist and there is a dnager of landslide all

the time. On one side you have loose rocky mountains and on the other side you have steep and deep valleys.

If you meet with an accident do not expect help any time soon as cell phones do not work and the traffic is very light.

So, the bottom line is be very careful.

The ride itself is exhilirating. We started on the first day and one of the bikes developed a snag and we spent next 4-5 hours coming back to Leh and returning the bike.

TIP: Make sure that you have an understaning with the bike rental agency that you will get refund if there is mechanical problem with the bike. We had a royal arugment with the ladakhis. We got to

see the other side of ladakhis. Not a good one though. But, my friend is a good negotiator. We got all the fuel from the bike and the rental we had paid for two days.

As you approach the top of the world you will feel it in lack of oxygen,so they say. But, I did not feel it (maybe I was high on vacation time).

On the Khardung La there is a military canteen which closes in the evening. You get biscutis, tea, maggi, etc. Just snacks to keep you going.

There are some military buildings with wireless and mobile towers. Opposite the canteen, there is hill that you should definitely climb. It is tiring to climb at that height as it is Khardung La

is about 5 Kms above sea level. My friends were happy having tea and maggi but I climbed the top and took some pictures. Man, was I breathless on top of the world.

Then, I had to sit there for minutes before starting the climb down. The climb should be around 100 M. I am just guessing.

And, then, you have the famous Khardung La board claiming the title of heighest motorable pass in the world. Make it a point to take pictures of yourself to get the bragging rights. I did so on

Khardung La and Chang La.... 1st and 3rd highest passes in the world.

You can see for miles from the Khardung La... All you see are mountains with snow capped peaks and winding roads.... This is a desert ... You will not see any trees... Maybe around villages if you

spot one as the inhabitations are rare here. Of course, you will see our army all over but not everywhere. And, they help you a lot.

For example, on our way back on 10th or 9th August 2014, we reached Khardung La by 1800 Hrs IST and the military canteen had closed. We were tired, hungry, thirsty and cold as we had to endure

very low temperatures, icy winds and rains, not to mention dust on the bikes.

We had nothing to drink or eat and another 3-4 hours journey back to Leh and the sun was setting fast.

We asked some soldiers who were playing table tennis (make shift arrangement) if we could have something hot to drink. They laughed but not at us but with us and asked us to join them in their

living quarters.

There we had tea, biscuits and dry fruits. Salute to these men who are on duty 24*7 irrespective of the climate or location.

All in all Khardung La is a must do during Ladakh visit. Words cannot explain the experience and feelings of being on the top...

Khardung La - An Epic High-Altitude Adventure

Khardung La, often dubbed as the "Highest Motorable Pass in the World," is a legendary destination in the Ladakh region of India. My recent visit to this high-altitude marvel left me both breathless and in awe, but it also came with its unique set of challenges.

Scenic Beauty:

The most striking aspect of Khardung La is its jaw-dropping scenery. As you ascend along the winding roads, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the rugged Himalayan peaks. The stark contrast between the rocky terrain and the snow-capped mountains is a sight to behold, and it provides ample opportunities for photography.

Thrill of Altitude:

Reaching an altitude of approximately 5,359 meters (17,582 feet), Khardung La is not for the faint-hearted. The thin air at this height can be challenging to acclimatize to, and altitude sickness is a real concern. It's crucial to take it slow, stay hydrated, and listen to your body to avoid health issues.

Road Conditions:

The road leading to Khardung La is notoriously rough and can be treacherous, especially during the winter months. It's essential to check road conditions before embarking on this journey and have a reliable vehicle with an experienced driver. The adventure can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking.

Local Flavor:

At the top of the pass, you'll find a small army post and a cluster of stalls selling snacks and souvenirs. It's a great place to take a break, sip on some hot chai, and interact with the friendly locals. Their resilience and warmth in such extreme conditions are truly inspiring.

Permit Requirements:

Before planning your trip to Khardung La, keep in mind that a permit is required for foreign tourists, and there may be restrictions on the number of vehicles allowed each day. Ensure that you have all the necessary documentation to avoid any hassles.

Pro Tips:

Acclimatize: Spend a few days in Leh to acclimatize to the high altitude before attempting the pass.

Weather Check: The weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for sudden snowstorms and road closures, especially in the winter.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to combat altitude sickness, and carry essential medicines just in case.

In conclusion, Khardung La is an adventure that will etch itself into your memory forever. The stunning vistas and the sense of accomplishment at conquering such a formidable pass are truly remarkable. However, it's not a journey to be taken lightly, and proper preparation is key. If you're up for the challenge and crave breathtaking views of the Himalayas, Khardung La is a destination that should be on your...