I’m excited to announce that I’ll be posting pictures of my incredible journeys, along with the stories behind them. May be its Ladakh, Spiti, Sikkim anywhere where you been!
Do you have your own #PicStory ? I’d love to hear them!
Share Your Stories and Pictures:
- Email Me: Send your pictures and the stories behind them to Falconriders@live.com.
- Be Featured: Your shared experiences might be featured on my platform, showcasing the unique beauty and adventure of Zanskar through your eyes.
- Prizes Will surely follow :).
Let’s create a community of adventure enthusiasts and share the magic of Travel together!
After a grueling, exhausting day of travel from Kullu, we finally limped into Pang well past midnight. The day’s adventures included a particularly harrowing water crossing; the water was so shockingly cold it felt as if it could freeze our very souls. In 2014, the roads were far from ideal—every kilometer seemed to stretch endlessly, each turn and bump testing our resolve. By the time we arrived, we were beyond tired.
We set up camp beside our bikes and gathered around a welcome bonfire. The warmth of the fire was a small comfort against the biting cold of Pang. Perched at 15,000 feet, Pang is far from a luxurious stopover. The altitude and conditions make it a harsh place to stay, but it was the only refuge available after such a long and arduous journey.
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There’s a ritual many believe in, where stones are carefully stacked one on top of another on high mountain passes. These acts are said to safeguard the people living in the valleys below, as if the high passes themselves are guardians watching over them. Even if you don’t believe in the ritual’s spiritual significance, participating with an open mind and heart might allow you to feel something unique—a connection to the land, the culture, or perhaps a deeper sense of peace. In 2014, I had the chance to cross Nakeela Pass, and this was my experience.
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This year in June 2024, we embarked on one of the craziest rides, covering over 5000 kilometers through central India in scorching weather. The heat was intense and at times, quite scary, but as a team, we had an unforgettable experience.
In this particular moment captured in the photo, we’re chasing the setting sun across Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan. What an epic place to be with our motorcycles! The endless straight terrain beckoned us to explore, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, the dust kicked up by our tires created a breathtaking scene. It was truly an epic end to a thrilling day.
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In 2011, I set off on a solo ride to Munsiyari. The previous day had been challenging, with a long journey from my home in Ghaziabad to Patal Bhuvneshwar, and then onward to Munsiyari. By the time I reached my hotel, I felt a wave of loneliness. That night, as I gazed at the moon, a big local dog appeared. He looked fierce, but I decided to approach him. To my surprise, he was a gentle soul. We sat together for a long time, taking in the breathtaking view. It was the perfect end to an exhausting day, turning loneliness into companionship under the moonlit sky.
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Sitting in the Morey Plains in Ladakh 2019, I find myself captivated by the raw beauty that surrounds me. The vast expanse of the plains, framed by towering mountains, feels almost surreal. It’s a stark contrast to ten years ago when I was here, unprepared for the elements. I remember the cold rain soaking through my clothes, making each moment a test of endurance.
This time, however, I am ready. The solitude of riding solo through these majestic landscapes has allowed me to dive deep within myself, finding peace and introspection in every moment. Each second spent here is priceless, a cherished fragment of time that will forever be etched in my memory.
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In 2014, on our way to Leh, we found ourselves descending the Tanglang La pass. Suddenly, we encountered the aftermath of a truck accident that had occurred just a few minutes earlier. The driver, visibly shaken, was emerging from the truck and calling for help. We noticed petrol gushing out of the truck and spreading across the road. Realizing the potential danger, we immediately stopped our bikes and carefully crossed the area with our engines off to avoid igniting the fumes. After safely passing the scene, we continued to a nearby military checkpoint and reported the incident, urging them to send assistance. Thankfully, the truck didn’t catch fire, averting what could have been a major disaster.
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In 2014, we had a memorable stay at Darcha in tents since the new bridge wasn’t built yet. Our journey towards Leh was delayed when Baralacha La pass was closed due to snowfall, forcing us to spend a full day and night there. The next day, the pass was still closed, so we went back to Jispa to stay, losing two days of our ride.
Despite the delay, the memories we made were priceless. The beautiful scenery, the shared experiences with fellow travelers, and the unexpected adventure turned a potential setback into a cherished story. We explored the local area, bonded over campfires, and truly embraced the spirit of the journey, making it an unforgettable part of our trip.
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In 2014, we were coming back from Leh when the Zojila Pass was closed due to a landslide. It was peak season, and Drass was overbooked, making it impossible to find a place to stay. Kargil was also fully booked, as there weren’t many hotels back then.
If you’re thinking we stayed in the building on the left, you’re wrong—that wouldn’t make for much of a story. Instead, we stayed in the building on the right, which was the only option available. The caretaker helped us by arranging a mattress, but it was a basic setup.
Despite the simplicity, we created a memory of a lifetime in that moment.
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Hi DJ, I am sharing my picture of Shinkula pass because it was the most difficult ride for me. Actually Shinkula was closed from last 10 days because of heavy snowfall and we were waiting at purne. When Shinkula pass opend we moved towards Manali but it took 8 hours to reach Shinkula from purne which is I think only 50 km. Because of snow and mud there was slush of around 2 feet moreover steep climb makes it more challenging when we reached Shinkula I just hugged Shinkula because of sense of achievement
You Fan n Follower : Inderjeet Singh
Post of : Inderjeet Singh
Every biker’s nightmare—the fall. We were just a few kilometers from the notorious Cliffhanger stretch from Killar to Kishtwar. The roads were terrible, full of treacherous U-turns. After navigating many, my rear tire slipped on a loose rock, and I went down. Miraculously, I avoided getting trapped under the bike and escaped injury. In this photo, I’m staring at the bike, wondering how on earth I’ll pick it up now. Thankfully, we were three friends, and together we managed it. Alone, it would have been nearly impossible with the steep incline.
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It was a terrifying moment. We arrived in Gunji (En-Route Adi Kailash)late at night, confident that our stay was arranged with the ITBP. But to our shock, they had no record of us. With the freezing cold setting in and no place to stay, we felt a wave of panic. We made desperate calls and waited in the biting cold. Just when all hope seemed lost, things miraculously fell into place. We endured a bone-chilling night at 10,000 feet. Despite the fear and uncertainty, it turned out to be an extraordinary, unforgettable experience. The memory remains incredibly vivid.
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2010, Fourteen years ago, the road to Kalpa and Spiti was incredibly tough. Between Rampur and Spillow, the conditions were harsh, and the picture doesn’t show just how bad it really was. When it rained, the roads became dangerous, turning into slippery, muddy tracks.
Back then, adventure meant facing real challenges. The ride was hard, with freezing temperatures and relentless rain. As a beginner, I wasn’t fully prepared, which made it even more difficult. But those tough experiences shaped who I am today. Despite the hardships, I have no regrets—only appreciation for the lessons learned on that journey.
The one ahead is me I rode an Avenger 180 at that time—my first love, the Ride behind is my friends on Machismo 500.
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On our way to Adi Kailash in 2023, we encountered this nasty fall. The roads were not just bad, but worse in many places. My friend was lucky; he didn’t get hurt and managed to jump off the bike as it fell. The water was icy cold and muddy. Our next challenge was figuring out how to lift the bike in the slippery mud. It was a heavy bike, loaded with all our luggage. The three of us, despite our strength being diminished due to the high altitude and low oxygen, managed to lift it. The satisfaction we felt in overcoming this challenge was extraordinary and rare in everyday life.
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Zanskar 2022 : On our way to Padum, near Gonbo Ronjon, we encountered river water crossing the path at various places. Due to heavy rains or melting snow, the water levels had risen significantly. I wanted to capture the moment, illustrating where I was, what I was doing, and the challenging conditions we faced. At an altitude of over 11,000 feet, everything looks beautiful, but real conditions for survival lack the basics, like sufficient oxygen to breathe. Shortly after this picture, the situation worsened. The weather shifted rapidly from sunshine to a rainstorm, with endless water crossings. Despite the adverse conditions, we managed to find shelter for the night just in time.
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On top of Baralacha La Pass 2017, heading towards Changthang, I had my first taste of Ladakh with my Versys 650, affectionately named Millennium Falcon. I wanted to feel free, embracing the cold breeze on my body. This pass remains one of the best high passes I’ve experienced, and I always love being there. I feel deeply connected to this place. Climbing onto the pillar was not easy due to strong winds, but sometimes you do silly things for great satisfaction. I was very cautious, knowing that any injury would end my trip with no help around.
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Ladakh 2018 – The Moment in life when everything around you got blurred, all the sounds got muted and the brain stops dreaming, the Reality of life took over. Deep in Himalayas, I thought I was in control but soon I found out I was the one who was about to be hunted!! I could see myself in her eyes, the fur was shinning in my eyes and my brain froze. The moment I still feel was unreal but shivers and excitement make me realize it was real.
Before this moment I had two options:
1: I move and scare her off or myself and the moment dies there.
2: I let her do what she wants and live that moment as it will never happen again.
I am happy my instincts made me live the best moment.
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It was my last day in Nilgiris. I have been riding in Tamil Nadu for 12 days, so I decided to rest in Ooty before the ride ends. Today, I wanted to visit Kotagiri and unfortunately, I couldn’t reach the place before midday. While descending the Connor hills, I saw a mesmerizing view. I stopped, sat there till the sun went down & clicked pictures of my Yashanti (the name of my motorcycle). It was the second most beautiful sunset I have seen on my trip. I triumphed over that movement.
Post of : @kalakaar_kahi_ka a
In September 2018, I made my first journey towards Hanle in Ladakh. The cold was so intense that even standing in the sun, my face and ears were hurting. I tried to smile for the camera, but with each passing kilometer, the journey became tougher, and Hanle still seemed far away. All I could think about was reaching Hanle and finding a cozy, warm bed. That night turned out to be eventful, and the entire experience is documented in my YouTube series, #UpNorth.
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It was my first time Ride to Ladakh in 2023, I started from Jaipur via Srinagar and returning via Manali. When I was returning from Leh I feel too much AMS at Changla pass but I can’t stop myself to take some photos and videos in front of beauty of this beautiful pass, That’s my PicStory.
Post of : Vijay Sharma (Incredible Safar)
Marsimic La, a hidden pass ahead of Pangong Lake towards China, presented a daunting challenge. There were so many trails that we got lost a few times and had to retrace our steps. Exhausted and nearing the final stretch, my motorcycle, the ZMR, and I pushed through the last few kilometers. So many times, I wondered if this was a good idea. The journey was so isolated that, for a moment, you feel lost in time. In 2011, it was completely nomadic and still is. Tested to our limits, with no roads in sight and so little oxygen for both my body and my machine, dreams were on the line. At that moment, I thought, “This is it. I won’t make it to the top.”
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Adi Kailash 2023, the Majestic Setup, stands as a Divine Holy Land, bathed in a heavenly glow. Reaching this sacred place on my Vstrom 250 motorcycle was a journey through tough terrain and challenging roads. There were moments when I lost hope but never my spirit. This was one of the best moments of my life. The energy of this place is something I’ve never felt anywhere else, but you have to experience it to believe it. The road from Dharchula towards Gunji and then to Adi Kailash is narrow, tough, and scary, and you need a permit, which you can get from Dharchula. If you are here, take time to meditate and truly feel the unique energy of this place
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Marsimic La – Yes, I made it to the top! Pure, unbridled emotions took over me, and the first thing I did was taste the success—literally. It was a journey that redefined the word “difficult.” Just 100 meters from the summit, both my machine and my body teetered on the edge of collapse. Yet, fueled by sheer determination and the unwavering spirit of my riding brothers, we conquered it. To date, it remains the toughest climb I’ve ever faced, marked by staggering altitude and an unforgiving, nomadic landscape. I can still feel every second of that moment, seared into my memory. When you push yourself to the brink and triumph against the odds, the victory becomes a part of you forever.
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UMBA LA , In 2012, my wife, my two friends, and I embarked on a journey that began with amazing roads, but slowly everything changed. We started to question, “Were there any roads? Is it even open for people?” Not a soul was anywhere to be seen. Until that day, none of us had ever heard of Umba La. Locals had suggested it as a shortcut to reach Zanskar from Drass, and we thought it would be a great new adventure. But everything turned upside down. We found ourselves stuck, torn between turning back and pressing forward. At this moment in the picture, we were discussing what to do next and you can see Tiger Hill in the background . As if that weren’t enough, the weather started to change, and there was no place to take shelter. It was a day filled with thrill and uncertainty.
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Spiti – In 2015, we took an unforgettable trip to Spiti. We wanted to camp but never found the right time or place. Before reaching Kunzum La, we realized this was our last chance to camp before heading to Manali the next day. Late in the evening, we quickly set up camp at the first good spot we found, it was near Losar.
It turned out to be an amazing experience. Under a sky full of stars, we cooked dal and rice, played music, sang songs, and shared stories. It was cold, but our laughter and fun kept us warm. It was a night full of excitement and joy.
In this picture, taken the next morning, we were trying to warm up after a long, cold night. Despite the chill, the memories we made were worth it. You can also notice we parked all the bikes around the camps to block the cold winds in night, but be sure they are parked properly and should not fell.
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In 2011, we were riding through Ladakh and got late reaching our destination, Pang. At the final stages of our day ride, we encountered a surprise water crossing. The roads that time were like riding on stones, and we were totally tired. But there was nothing we could do; the only way forward was through.
The water was icy cold, and our brains were exhausted. One wrong move, and we would be drenched in cold water, creating a serious health risk. It was pitch black with no auxiliary lights at that time. We couldn’t see the other end of the water crossing with our naked eyes. The picture above has been brightened a bit, but in reality, we couldn’t see this much.
Despite the challenges, we did it together. My wife was on her first Ladakh adventure, making this moment even more memorable.
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