Day 4 of our ride began with an unexpected delight. Over breakfast, just as everyone was preparing for the long ride ahead, I brought out a bottle of Seeni Sambol—that bold, fiery essence of Sri Lanka. The surprise lit up their faces, and soon it was being heaped generously onto eggs and toast. In that…
Category: Asia
From River Valley to Crane Country. Gangtey Bhutan
It’s Day 03 of our ride, and we’ve still not hit the halfway mark. The journey through Bhutan is slower than expected—but not in a bad way. Everyday brings new experiences and memories to keep for a long time. We rolled out of Punakha early this morning, reluctantly packing up after an indulgent night at our resort….
Where Rivers Meet and Legends Rise. Punakha Bhutan
The day began strong. We rode out of Thimphu under a pale blue sky — the kind that makes the world feel fresh and full of promise. The early morning chill clung to our jackets, my new jacket, as we cruised out of the city. Traffic was minimal — if you can call a few silent, well-behaved…
Riders in the Mist. Thimphu Bhutan
Today’s the day we’ve all been looking forwards to—the start of our second cross-country motorbike adventure! After conquering Ladakh last year, this time we’re off to explore beautiful Bhutan—a destination that’s been sitting high on my bucket list for ages. Eight riders have selected their Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc’s—solid machines built for the mountains, geared…
The Last Shangri-La and Its Sacred Climb. Paro Bhutan
There are airport landings—and then there’s Paro. Nestled in a narrow valley flanked by towering Himalayan ridges, Paro International Airport is one of the most dangerous and visually spectacular runways in the world. Only eight specially trained pilots are certified to land here, navigating between 5,500-meter peaks using only visual guidance. No autopilot. No instrument landing system. Just raw skill…
Scenic Views and Surroundings. Pekoe Trail 17. Hali Ela Sri Lanka
We kicked off Stage 17 of the Pekoe Trail just after 6:20 a.m., fueled by excitement, good company, and the cool, sweet air of Demodara. But before taking even one step, we paused for a bit of Sri Lankan magic: the moment the iconic blue train snaked its way (sharp on time at 6:24 a.m.),…
The Soul of Sembuwatta. Elkaduwa Sri Lanka
After a couple of hours of twisting uphill from Kandy, we finally arrived at what felt like the edge of a storybook, Sembuwatta Lake. Tucked away in Elkaduwa, Matale, and perched at a breezy 1,084 meters above sea level, Sembuwatta is one of those places that makes you pause, and remember how beautiful Sri Lanka…
Hiking Against the Forecast. Pekoe Trail 21 Kandapola Sri Lanka
Stage 21 of the 300km Pekoe Trail is typically hiked from Uda Pussellawa to Kandapola, but for our adventure, we decided to do it in reverse—to avoid much of the climb. Covering a total distance of 19 kilometers over seven hours, this hike turned out to be a journey of changing landscapes, local hospitality, and…
Mountain Diaries
Exploring the Majestic Mountains of Sri LankaMountain climbing is more than a hobby for me—it’s a journey of endurance, connection, and discovery. Each ascent presents challenges of steep trails and rocky terrain, accompanied by the reward of fresh air and breathtaking views. Reaching the summit offers a sense of triumph, as each peak carries its…
Sunrise Safari. Yala National Park Sri Lanka
A morning safari at Yala National Park is an adventure like no other, and Fiona, Kumi, and I are excited to immerse ourselves in the wonders of the wild. The day starts early, with our safari jeep pulling out of the Hilton Yala driveway at 5:15 am sharp, ensuring we reach the ticket gate at…
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