Honda Sunchasers 2022: 5 Things To Remember When Planning Your Next Trip To Leh

Leh-Ladakh has been the holy pilgrimage for bikers across the country for decades. Every year, thousands of motorcyclists ride through the harsh terrain, unpredictable weather and landscape. After seven long years, I took my first trip to Ladakh with the Honda H’Ness CB350, and here’s what I learnt from the ride:

Pack Smart

Carrying a bunch of heavy winter wear isn’t going to help. Not only do they take up more space in your bags, but also may not be usable all throughout. The best practice is to pack multiple thin layers so that you can add or remove easily as required.

 

Take Acclimatisation Seriously

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can hit anyone, irrespective of their fitness levels at the sea level. So, upon your arrival at Leh, take plenty of rest. Don’t explore the vicinity, do any heavy lifting (including your luggage) and try abstaining from smoking or drinking. The low oxygen levels, especially at high altitudes can play a number on your mind and body. So, especially at the mountains, keep the efforts at a minimum to ride longer.

Be Prepared For The Worst

Weather reports may not be the most accurate especially when riding through passes. So, it’s best to carry rain and winter gear with you. On our way to Khardung La, we encountered heavy rainfall, which was followed by snowfall as we reached the first checkpoint. We ended up being stranded for four hours, and my fleece gloves kept my fingers from being frostbitten.

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Use The Right Riding Gear

 A lightweight mesh riding gear or the knee and elbow guards aren’t the best choice when riding through the mountains. Heavy textile gear with decent ventilation is perfect for the weather conditions there. At (comparatively) low altitudes, you may feel hot and having decent ventilation helps you breathe better. As you climb higher, you can close those ventes to keep the cold wind from seeping in.

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Adapt Your Riding For The Mountains

Riding on our roads is very different from riding through the mountains. So, it is very critical to adapt yourself to those conditions. From loose rocks to black ice, the mountains can throw anything at you, so being mindful of the environment minimises the risk of a crash.