Give space to oncoming traffic

Give space to oncoming traffic specially in a long water crossing. 

Tuphchilling

Because the Royal Enfield crew had to take a call and change the route of the ride via Manali (the road passed Kunzumla was closed) we got to spend an extra day at Tuphchilling just bumming around.

Road works

This is what 70 bikes look like when they come to a halt due to roadworks. Lots of road widening all the way to leh this year.

Water Crossing Fun

Even though the road gets better every year there are always a few water crossing to add to the fun.

Objects in the mirror are closer than they seem

We left Manali early to beat the traffic up to Rohtang but nothing could prepare us for the madness and the lines of cars snaking up from Marhi. The moment we crossed over the pass we were the only ones on the road finally.

A day off in Manali

A leisurely day in Manali starts with breakfast in old Manali followed with a ride to Solang Nala to meet up with some friends for a lunch. Tomorrow we start off to Leh can't wait to ascend the snow clad passes.

The good news and the bad news

Well the bad news is the road hasn't opened after Kunzum La so we are changing our route and we are off to Manali. The good news is that it's a brilliant day and we are on our way over Jalori Pass to Manali. I guess there will be trout and beer tonight.

A good day

A great day of riding comes to an end in Narkanda. The weather is great the roads are wonderful and the food brilliant. What more could we ask for ?

Lunch

Seventh three bikers take over Theog for lunch. Not a morsel of food left

The 11th Himalayan Odyssey

So I am on assignment on the Royal Enfields 11th Himalayan Odyssey riding towards Spiti and then to Leh. Yesterday was a blistering hot ride out of Delhi to Parwanoo. Today's rainy cloudy weather has made up for how miserable we were yesterday.

Helmet Stories Ladakh Beginners Guide at Mini Motorcycle Travellers Meet, Mumbai

MTM is hosting its first Mumbai MTM on the 22nd of June. Come check catch the interactive session by the Helmet Stories Crew. The session will cover various aspects of preparation of self and the motorcycle to embark on a journey to the most popular destination for motorcycle travel in India. How to prepare the bike, gear, chose the best route, places you should not miss, other logistics and specifics will be discussed during this session. For people who are riding to Ladakh for the fist time this session will be a guide to approach your preparation and planning.

Sign up on the MTM website now seats are limited.

#headabovetheclouds Instagram competition

So the Manali - Leh road is almost open and its time to start packing up your saddle bags and get your bike ready to head out into the depths of the Himalayas. Be it alone on the top of Baralachala or with your crew camping by Pangong Tso or tearing it up on the More plains. We want to see your view when you are out on your bike with your #headabovetheclouds. We will pick a winning photo every week

See contest details below.

1. Follow @helmetstories on Instagram

2. Post a photo with the hashtag #headabovetheclouds and #helmetstories to enter.

The winner will be sent a Helmet Stories T-Shirt and some other goodies (you will only know what it is once you have won it).