The second day of our Ladakh adventure dawns bright and clear, with the crisp mountain air invigorating our spirits. Unfortunately, we have our first casualty, suffering from the dreaded “Delhi Belly.” While he takes it easy, the others begin their day by getting acquainted with the Royal Enfield motorcycles organized by the Ladakh Travel Hub, (with the expert facilitation of Raj from Himalayan Trekkers,) a necessity for navigating the rugged terrain of this breathtaking region. Even today we have been advised to go easy and to let our bodies acclimatise to this altitude, so we will be spending the day sightseeing in and around Leh.

After a few test runs, the bikes are tanked up, helmets secured, jackets fastened and the boys are off riding through the streets of Leh, the throaty purr of their bikes blending with the sounds of the bustling city.

Our first destination for the day is the crowded Hall of Fame museum on the Leh-Kargil Road. Constructed by the Indian Army in memory of the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the Indo-Pak wars, the Hall of Fame is both a museum and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for the nation’s security.

Inside, the museum is divided into various sections, each narrating a different facet of the Indian Army’s history and their operations in Ladakh. The OP Vijay Gallery displays an array of weapons used during the Kargil War, and the apparel and amenities section showcases the gear used by soldiers in the harsh conditions of the Siachen Glacier. Particularly moving is the “Lest We Forget” wall, adorned with photographs of fallen soldiers, and “The Last Post,” a letter written by Captain Vijayant Thapar to his parents before his martyrdom.

We are told that photography is prohibited, so I can only amble through, exploring the Hall of Fame.

Our next stop is the impressive Shanti Stupa, a magnificent white-domed structure perched on a hilltop in Chanspa. Built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura, the Shanti Stupa is not only a symbol of peace but also a repository of sacred relics of the Buddha, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama. The stupa’s construction is a collaborative effort between Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhists, and it stands as a testament to the enduring ties between Japan and India.

We proceed up a dusty and winding road to the Spituk Monastery, with its panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding mountains, which are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Upon reaching the top, we are greeted by the serene sight of the stupa, its white dome gleaming against the azure sky. The intricate reliefs and the central golden Buddha image, depicting the “turning wheel of Dharma,” are fascinating. We spend a quiet moment absorbing the tranquility and the spiritual ambiance of the place, which offers a perfect contrast to the adrenaline rush of our ride.

We also spend a considerable amount of time just “plane spotting” as the airport and runway is just below us.

From here we proceed to the bustling Leh market. Very similar to those I’ve seen in Nepal and Tibet, it is at an open- air town square where one truly experiences the local culture. Ladakhis are extremely hospitable and friendly and everyone I met had a story to share of their villages, lives and families.  They are also highly aware of geo politics and had lots of questions about our political situation.

It’s time to head back to the hotel. The thinness of the air and the cold is something we are still getting used to.

The combination of spiritual enlightenment at the religious places and the profound respect garnered at the Hall of Fame leaves us with a deep sense of gratitude and admiration for the resilience and spirit of Ladakh and its people.

Day two is a perfect blend of getting comfortable with our bikes and delving deeper into the cultural and historical tapestry of Ladakh. As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the mountains, we know we are only just beginning to scratch the surface of this incredible region. Tomorrow promises more adventures, and we are ready to embrace whatever comes our way.

This is us, the three fearless females (!) who will start our rides from tomorrow.

Good to know: 

Entrance ticket to the Hall of Fame- INR 125 pp (for foreigners). Payment is only by card. 

Entrance ticket to Shanti Stupa – INR 30

Entrance ticket to Spituk Monastery – INR 30