Street kids in Kargil |
(See video diaries for how it went riding with the group)
That night, in Srinager I treated myself to slightly more than basic hotel and enveloped myself in soft pillows and a working shower. I even had sky telly and room service! It was luxury and I made the most of it.
I had not planned on hitting the Himalayas alone and so I was not completely sure what was ahead. However, that night I did some homework, checked my route and by the morning, with my GPS now working again, I was back on the road and once more singing in my helmet with all my optimism and excitement well and truly restored! Back in control of my own destiny. I was confident that being alone was going to give me the best experience and so, with Janis Joplin keeping me company, I left Srinager and headed further in to the beautiful green Kashmir, onwards and upwards to Kargil.
The people here are so friendly, I stopped several times for a drink or for some ice cream, had lots of photos taken by welcoming strangers and lost count of the amount of times I explained to concerned passers by that my headlights are automatic and are always on when the engine is running(I have been doing this ever since I left europe)! It was not a problem. It seems the majority of people speak english in this part of India and so I made the most of the company I found myself in.
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Kargil main street |
Entrance to my hotel |
Eventually we started descending and soon I found myself on tarmac as we passed a sign saying
WELCOME TO THE REGION OF LADAKH
We had made it all the way from Mumbai, nearly 2,000 miles across india in crazy temperatures and chaotic traffic, to the start of the famous Ladakh AKA Bikers Paradise! I smiled and patted Rhonda on the tank in gratitude. Many people here put their faith in God, I put my faith in a pair of Sidi boots and a Honda called Rhonda!
I found a cyber cafe and posted a quick message to let people know I was OK as I had no phone and once again my Spot Tracker was letting me down. I then found a hotel and lay on the bed. My headache by now was intense and when I tried to get up I found it extremely difficult. I felt like something was pressing down on me. I also by now felt a little queazy. I knew that water was good for altitude sickness and so I drank lots but after a couple of hours of resting and drinking, I found it was only getting worse and so I went to see the hotel owner who agreed it looked like altitude sickness and sent for some tablets. As directed by the chemist I took one, drank more water and went to bed, taking the next one in the morning. By then all my symptoms had gone and I was extremely relieved. The hotel owner came to see me to check on my progress and I spent the morning in bed to be on the safe side, before heading out for a leisurely stroll in to town.
Kargil is a great little place. A relaxed muslim community and famous for it’s apricots. The entrance to my hotel was through a timber yard where everyone said hello to me and smiled warmly every time I walked through. I felt Rhonda was safe with them watching over her. The street we were on ran parallel with the Suru river which runs to Pakistan and it was the place where all the chicken men sold there chickens. Coops of live chickens and people ordering them as fresh as they could be. It seemed that every time I passed, another was being strangled while the rest huddled in the corner, hoping not to be picked and plucked next.
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The changing faces |
Whilst taking an evening stroll through the busy main street a racket started up and eventually I made out the sound of a guy singing Harry Krishna in to a mic whilst banging a drum. Every one was staring in disbelief. Who was this guy? I got over there to check it out and he looked european. Why would he be singing Harry Krishna in the middle of a Muslim community? The crowds gathered and eventually someone went over to him and pointed out it was not a good thing to do as these were Muslims not Hundu’s. I was surprised to find the response came back in BRITISH accent!! “I am not a Hundu and neither was Harry Krishna”. I did not hear the rest of the conversation as the crowds moved in very quickly and he was surrounded. It felt a little uncomfortable for a minute but no one was making any violent moves, they just crowded him until he had no choice but to get in his car and move on! Why do some people have to be so provoking?
I was glad I rested up and spent some time here. What lovely people. I felt so relaxed and could have pottered around for days! Next I climb higher to Leh and arrive just as the Dalai Llama leaves town!
Glad you ( and Rhonda ) are still having a great time and resting when you need to too. Great reading as always :)
ReplyDeleteGood going Steph, happy for you.wish you all the Himalayan luck
ReplyDeleteWonderful reading as usual Steph. You and Rhonda make a great team! Good luck and keep safe.
ReplyDeleteColin.
Interesting read. Have a great ride!
ReplyDeleteIn case you plan to go to Hardwar, Rishikesh from Delhi you will be passing Meerut on National Highway 58. In which case you are welcome to our home for a break. Me & my son love biking on Royal Enfield 500.
great to hear that you are doing well and so is Rhonda.
ReplyDeleteJanis Joplin? How old are you girl? Great choice though and some terrific photos as well as as an awesome continuing tale. Ride safe.....
ReplyDeleteLovable sharing...All the best for rest of the journey
ReplyDeleteHi Steph, it was nice to meet you in Kargil! I'm Marco, the German. We met in front of your hotel in Kargil and had dinner together. Good to see and read that your trip is going well! I'm really impressed by your travelling! All the best, Marco :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Marco. Good to hear from you. Nice to know you are following. I guess you got home safely then? Hope the rest of your journey was fun and I hope you got some more nice portrait shots xxx
DeleteIt's great, wish you success in the next blog, this is a post that we all should read at least once. I would love to keep track of your posts, it is really a useful source of information, wish you success.
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