After the amazing ride up the Himalayas Mountains from Manila, we had several days to relax in Leh, and get ready to ride up to Khardung La, which is the highest Motorable road in the world!! Khardung La (Khardung Pass, la means pass in Tibetan) at 5,359 m (17,582 ft) elevation is a high mountain pass located in Ladakh region of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Leh is a touristy town because it is a jumping off point for the mountain trekking and other activities. It has some large Temples and other Buddhism and Islam sites. They seem to live together well.
Enjoying the views of the city
The kids are so cute….. These two posed right away!
Bills photo of two girls sharing the headset.
We catch up on some shopping and walking around the town. Had some great food, and other than one day that I had “travelers diarrhea ” which lasted about 24 hours (no photos for you but I though about it :loll )
There are lots of markets selling Tibetan goods and interesting artistry.
Did a little gift shopping, but mostly enjoyed or time.
The wood working is amazing in many of the hotels and buildings.
and Local produce
Lots of goods to buy….
everyone uses these to sweep their floors.
Meeting Tibetan monks on the street. He was shopping also!
Trying on a very small and uncomfortable headdress. Shop owner was fun!
Bill stocking up on Snacks!
They make up bags out of Newspaper to take your goods home.
Wisdom…
and some other signs around the town of Leh
A view over the Polo fields and Leh
Then time for Lunch!
Chicken MoMo’s … Yummy
As we continue our walk about town, there is so much to take in…..
Like the wiring
Cart wheels
Building techniques
Buildings of all types
Huge Prayer wheels (thanks SmilinJack for the hat!)
I rented a new Royal Enfield for the ride up Khardung La as my bike was still in the hands of Mahon ( who has been working on Enfields for 32 years!).
The first one I rented was running real rough,
so I switched to a different one with only 830 KM and it ran great!
Then we headed the 40+ KM from 11,500 feet to 18,380 feet of the Khardung La
Oh Yea here we go!!!
Royal Enfields are a great time in the mud, snow, water…
and a few obstacles
3Km from the top…. air is thin, but it is awesome!!
Once they were on the hop of the hill, a family from Bombay was all over us!!
First photos with MoBill
They wanted photos ….
and photos on the bike with us….. I let her pretend to drive
Sign at top. Julley is the region greeting.
Leaving a mark on the top of the world.
Just a quick jump at 18,380 feet. Huff huff huff Sticker from Mrs C-stain…
with about a 25 foot drop next to me….
Had to rest when I got down from the sign.
MoBill covering my sticker up 🙁
Spectacular views looking down into the valley
Still road work going on.
It was a thrill to ride up the Highest motorable pass (although I have read there are a couple in Nepal that are higher…… Oh well still was fun to ride!)
After riding to the top of the mountains we came back to Leh, and checked on my bike. It was done and running. He charged me $3,200 Rupees ($59.22 USD) to repair the tappet and get me back on the road. Thanks Mohan!
Here is what was broken…
As we were gassing up the bikes so that we could ride back to Manali, I look over and saw Bills rear shock. 
Bill you better ride back and get this fixed…. He said no It will make it… Then he road back, and Mohan, said “Will not make it.” You need new. And he asked the parts guy, started replacing them. New shocks. 2,600 Rupees install (48 usd) Made a huge difference for Bill.
Installed
MoBill thanking Mohan for getting his bike in good order.
We awoke at 4:30 am and got on the road at 5:30 since we had about 12 hours riding ahead. Great to be back on the road with the amazing scenery ahead.
Hydration was really important in staying away from altitude sickness.
Said goodbye and tipped the staff who carried our bags, got us water etc. Amazing service!
One last stop at the huge prayer wheel on the road out of town.
Some Temples on the way out of town. We are excited about the riding!!
The adventure continues!!
