Kargil Chronicles: 25 Years Of Glory | Day 8 | Leh to Sarchu | Gata Loops | Oneindia English
Day Eight saw the 101 Regulars departing Leh for Sarchu, a 260 km journey. After fuelling up in Karu, the last petrol station before Tandi, they travelled through notable stops like Upshi, where they thanked the Border Roads Organisation for their tireless efforts. They climbed Tanglang La, one of the highest motorable passes, and paused at Debring for a meal. The route offered breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, More Plains' flatlands, and the challenging passes of Lachulung La and Nakee La. They navigated the thrilling Gata Loops before finally arriving at Sarchu, the night's halt, where they enjoyed a warm dinner, marking another day in their tribute to Kargil heroes
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#25YearsOfKargil #KargilChronicles #KargilRideDay5 #MotorcycleExpedition #KargilWarHeroes #KargilDiwas #IndianMilitaryAcademy #101RegularCourse #VikramBatra #KargilAnniversary #MilitaryTribute #Sacrifice #NationalSovereignty #ArmedForces #IndianArmy #JaiHind #LestWeForget
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NewsTranscript
00:00It's time to hit the road again and bid farewell to Leh, the heart of Ladakh.
00:17Today's destination is Sarchu, approximately 260 km away from Leh.
00:27Before the 101 regulars embarked on this journey, it was crucial to ensure that the vehicles
00:32are fully fuelled and reserves are kept as Karu, located about 34 km from Leh, is the
00:39last patrol station before Thandi, which lies about 340 km further along our route.
00:46Karu is a small village in Leh district, serves as an important stopover for travellers heading
00:51towards the Changla Pass, which is one of the highest motorable mountain passes in the
00:55world and Pangong Lake.
00:58Pangong Lake is known as the world's highest saltwater lake, sits at an altitude of 14,270
01:05feet and stretches nearly 160 km with one third of it in India and the remaining two
01:11thirds in China.
01:33About 47 km from Leh, we reach Upshi, the gateway to the Leh-Manali highway and serves
01:39as a starting point for exploring some of the eastern Ladakh's most remote and iconic
01:44destinations.
01:55From here you can proceed to Chumathang, famous for its hot springs and head towards Somoriri,
02:01a serene high-altitude lake known for its tranquility, birdlife and stunning landscapes.
02:12The same road also leads to Hanle, a remote and picturesque village, home to one of the
02:18highest observatories in the world.
02:21In Upshi, the 101 regulars take a halt to thank our brothers from the Border Roads Organisation
02:27for their tireless work in maintaining these treacherous landscapes and making these routes
02:32accessible and safe.
02:36The Border Roads Organisation is doing exemplary work in developing and maintaining crucial
02:41infrastructure in remote and challenging terrains.
02:44Their efforts in constructing roads, bridges and tunnels along India's borders enhance
02:49connectivity, bolster national security and promote socio-economic development in these
02:56regions.
03:02As the riders continue and gain altitude, the landscape unfolds into a panoramic vista
03:08of snow-capped peaks, rugged mountains and vast stretches of untouched natural beauty.
03:29The sight of the majestic Himalayas surrounding us is awe-inspiring, making it a photographer's
03:36paradise.
03:55Upon reaching Tanglang La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, the thin air
04:01serves as a reminder of the altitude.
04:16After having coffee at the highest Shoray Cafe in Ladakh, managed by BRO at 17,482 feet,
04:24the riders continue with their journey.
04:28However, after crossing Tanglang La, the riders encounter a minor setback as the backup vehicles
04:35got caught in a jam caused by a truck narrowly escaping a fall into a ditch.
04:49Descending from Tanglang La, the 101 regulars take another halt at Debring.
04:54The food at this altitude, too, tastes mesmerizing.
04:58From Debring, one road leads to Sokar Lake, known as the White Lake for its salt deposits
05:04and Phuga Valley, famous for its geothermal springs.
05:08Continuing further to Hanle, this route is perfect for those seeking an adventurous journey
05:14to the remote and unspoiled beauty of Ladakh.
05:19After taking a paratha break, the 101 regulars move towards the More Plains.
05:23The 40-kilometer stretch of More Plains offers expansive views of flatlands surrounded by
05:29towering mountains.
05:40The straight, smooth roads are a welcome relief and provide an opportunity to appreciate the
05:46sheer scale of the landscape.
06:07Next, the riders tackle Lachunglungla, another high mountain pass at 16,598 feet.
06:16The rugged beauty and challenging roads here are a testament to the raw nature of the Himalayas.
06:31The 101 regulars begin their ascent to reach the third pass of the day, Nakila, which offers
06:37equally stunning views and a thrilling riding experience.
06:45They navigate the famous Gata Loops, a series of 21 hairpin bends that descend sharply,
06:51providing both a thrilling ride and magnificent views.
07:02After crossing some bridges with whimsical names like Whiskey Bridge and Brandy Bridge,
07:08the riders spot camps on the horizon and a boat welcoming us to Sarchu, also known as
07:16Though the origin of the name remains a mystery, Sarchu is nestled on the boundary between
07:22Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, serving as a vital halt for travelers journeying between
07:29Leh and Manali.
07:35Sarchu was going to be the night halt for the riders, and even as the sun was out till
07:40late evening, a cup of tea and steaming dinner was all the riders could ask for before they
07:47bid goodnight to each other at the culmination of day 8 of their historic tribute to the
07:53Kargil heroes.