Day 1 – The Dream Begins: Packing, Planning & Pre-Ride Jitters
🌄 Introduction: Every Great Journey Starts with a Dream
Ever since I saw a photo of the Zanskar Valley, tucked away like a secret between giant Himalayan folds, I knew this journey had to happen one day. That day finally arrived, after months of watching YouTube vlogs, reading blogs, checking weather apps, and begging my college friends to join.
This is Day 1 of our motorcycle ride into the wild heart of the Indian Himalayas — from the plains to the snowbound Shinkula Pass, and beyond into the untouched world of Zanskar.
🧳 The Preparation: Not Just Packing Bags, But Packing Dreams
Planning a trip like this isn’t like going to Manali or Shimla. Zanskar is raw, remote, and wild. Once you're in, there's no quick return.
Here’s what I packed:
- Riding Gear: Helmet, knee guards, riding gloves, thermal layers.
- Bike Tools: Puncture kit, chain spray, spark plug, extra clutch wire.
- Essentials: Tent, sleeping bag, flashlight, power bank, medicines.
- Camera Gear: GoPro, tripod, extra batteries, SD cards.
- Food: Instant noodles, dry fruits, glucose, water cans.
I also checked my Pulsar 220F — oil change, brakes, tyre pressure, chain — everything had to be spot on.
🛣️ Route Planning: The Road Less Taken
While most travelers head to Leh, we chose the lesser-known but raw and challenging Shinkula Pass route to Zanskar.
Planned Route:
Hisar → Chandigarh → Manali → Atal Tunnel → Jispa → Shinkula Pass → Zanskar Valley (Padum)
This wasn’t a luxury vacation. This was an adventure into lands where fuel pumps vanish, phone signals fade, and silence speaks.
👫 Riders on the Journey
- Me: Passionate about road trips, first time entering Zanskar.
- Rider 2 (Name): My best friend on a Royal Enfield Bullet 350, the chilled-out soul who takes life as it comes.
We’ve done shorter rides together, but this one was different — this time, nature would test us.
💬 Real Talk: Nerves, Excitement & What-Ifs
The night before the ride, I couldn’t sleep.
“What if the bike breaks down?”
“What if we get stuck in snow?”
“What if no one’s there to help?”
But in between those worries came excitement — the kind that only a true traveler knows. I could almost hear the mountains calling.
📸 A Few Photos Ideas
- Flat-lay shot of packing gear
- Your bike ready with saddle bags
- You and your friend with helmets on, grinning wide
🔚 End of Day 1 – What Comes Next?
Tomorrow, the rubber meets the road. The first 400 km stretch toward the mountains begins, and so does the real test of willpower and friendship.
📣 Comment Box CTA
Have you ever packed for a Himalayan road trip?
What are your must-haves or pre-trip rituals?
Drop your thoughts below — I’d love to read your stories!
🔗 Continue Reading
👉 Day 2 – Into the Mountains: Riding Through the Plains and the Rising Hills
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