Day 3, 1st July 2013 - Part 1

Srinagar to Kargil
Distance Covered: 227 Kms
Route taken: Srinagar-Sonamarg-Zozilla Pass-Drass-Kargil

            Today again we got up on time and were all set to leave 6 AM. Took the Boulevard Road to bypass the city roads. The previous night it had rained a lot and it was getting cold outside. I was more concerned about crossing Zozilla in rains. 
       Managed to reach the outskirts of Srinagar after crossing lots of army barricades. Today we were kind of riding alone as the Amarnath Yatra convoy vehicles had not started. After crossing the narrow lanes of Ganderbal the valley opened up a little. 

Just while entering Ganderbal saw CRPF positioning themselves for a possible riot while shields and batons ready. Now, I was really getting wary about the situation and did not stop anywhere and moved along. Once you near Sonamarg the valley treats you with its beautiful vistas.

;After crossing Kangan, again a huge line of vehicles. They were held as all of them were heading for Amarnath Yatra and needed to register themselves at this checkpost. Also, the army would then accompany this convoy all the way to Baltal(Amarnath Base Camp). I moved ahead as usual and just crossed ahead of the checkpost and there came an army personnal running behind me. They were asking me as to why I have not registered. Had a tough time explaining them I was heading to Ladakh and not for the Yatra. Fin ally managed to move ahead and now we were the only people driving on the road. We reached Sonamarg by 9 AM and had our b'fast of Chole Bhature. It is truly a meadow of gold , the beaty of the valley cannot be expressed in words.

             Here, we were advised by the shopkeepers that the army convoy would reach by 9:30 and we should move on. The Zozilla climb starts soon after Sonamarg and here the traffic was almost nil as the road to Baltal goes from below. Within a few kms you can see the Amarnath Base Camp from above.

Again an army officer from Mahar Regiment stopped me, he was quite astonished to see a Pune registered bike on this road as he was also from Pune. He gave me an amazing cup of black tea and also asked if I wanted to go for the yatra as he can arrange it. But, I was tight on schedule and could not manage it. 

      Bid good bye to them and then started the dreaded Zozilla climb. Due to the last night rains the roads were slushy at places. But apart from it was a beautiful road to drive on. Met an Australian biker Josh who was riding solo. The Zozilla climb is really intimidating and give you goosebumps once you look behind to see the road that you have done.

Finally crossed Zozilla at about 12 PM but unfortunately missed the board :(.. There was almost no snow up there but the views were breathtaking.

Zozilla Pass

After crossing Zozilla came the board every rider would love to see. The vistas have be seen to be believed.

To be continued....

Day 2, 30th June 2013

Day 2, 30th June 2013

Jammu to Srinagar
Distance Covered: 300 Kms
Route taken: Jammu-PatniTop-Banihal-Anantnag-Srinagar

               Yesterday had a sound sleep and got up fresh as planned by 4:30 AM. Tied up the luggage again( which was really a pain) and were all set to leave at 6:00 AM.

By the time we started the Amarnath Yatra convoy had already started and man the traffic was hell. Being on a bike proved to be a boon as we could move ahead wherever there is a traffic jam. The uphill climb starts as soon as you reach Jammu outskirts. Managed to reach someplace near PatniTop for breakfast. 

Was talking to this kid who has to climb up from his village to get milk.

B'fast near PatniTop

Tanked up again at Kud and both the uphill/downhill traffic was killing. Reached PatniTop by 9 AM and it was getting up quite pleasant there. The Taxi's drivers were rash to say the least and it was getting difficult mitigating the traffic. But, PatniTop has its own charm and it is a very beautiful place for a stay with your family.

Riding on the hills is an amazing experience in itself. I was reaching Banihal when I saw a huge line of cars lined up for atleast 2 kms. Managed to reach the front and cross the narrow bridge which was proving to be a bottleneck causing the jam. 

           After crossing Banihal you get the whole feel of being in Kashmir with huge mountains and valleys and complete green cover all over. After riding a few kms reached the Jawar Tunnel. This tunnel is the main link between Indian mainland and Kashmir. It is a 2.5 kms long tunnel where traffic is allowed only from one side a time. When I reached the tunnel, I was stopped suddenly by the army jawans(BSF) posted there and they wanted to check my luggage. Managed to show just my license and get off. Now, crossing the tunnel is an amazing experience, it is a very narrow tunnel and very dimly lit. Followed the vehicles ahead and reached the other side to be feasted with the first views of the Kashmir Valley.

Now, riding in the Kashmir Valley makes you a little nervous. There is army deployment every 100mts and the valley had recently witnessed some tensions with a terrorist attack on CRPF when the Banihal-Quazigund railway line was opened by the PM.
Saw many bat manufacturing factories near Anantnag. From there it was again boring ride till Srinagar. Crossed the Tree tunnel a few kms after Anantnag.

 Reached Srinagar by 4:30 and got a room near Dal Lake for Rs 800. Freshened up and went for a Shikara ride. 

While taking the Shikara ride we were advised by Shaukat(who took us around) that we should leave early tomorrow as there was new that a few locals got caught in crossfire between BSF and terrorists and this could lead to curfew in Srinagar tomorrow.
Again had just Dal-rotis and dozed off at 10 PM. Our next days plan was Kargil.

Petrol filled at: Kud and Quazigund.