Riding Through the Clouds: Day 3 Ladakh
After an early breakfast, we geared up and set off on our Royal Enfield Himalayans for another thrilling day of riding. The flat road to Nubra Valley stretched out ahead of us, offering a perfect canvas for the day’s adventure. As we rode, the scenic beauty of Ladakh continued to amaze us. The towering mountains, vast stretches of barren land, and the winding Shyok River created an almost surreal backdrop. The fresh, crisp air added to the exhilaration of riding through one of the most unique landscapes in the world.
Along the way, we took a brief detour to do some off-roading, which was one of the highlights of the trip. The rough, uneven terrain tested both our riding skills and the sturdiness of our Himalayans. It was an adrenaline-pumping experience, with each rider maneuvering their bike through the rugged tracks, feeling the thrill of conquering the harsh landscape. The sense of freedom that comes with off-roading in Ladakh is indescribable — it’s you, the bike, and the wild terrain, with nothing to hold you back.
By noon, we arrived in Hunder, a picturesque village known for its sand dunes and unique desert landscape. Here, amidst the cold desert of Ladakh, we had the chance to experience something truly special — riding the famous double-humped Bactrian camels. These camels, native to the Nubra Valley, are an iconic sight, and riding them across the sand dunes felt like stepping into another world. The contrast between the towering, snow-capped mountains and the desert below was breathtaking.
After the camel rides, we couldn’t resist the temptation of some more adventure and signed up for ATV rides in the Hundar Valley. Zooming across the sandy terrain on the ATVs was incredibly fun, with the wind rushing past us as we navigated the vast stretches of the desert. The combination of the camel rides and ATV biking gave us a unique blend of traditional and modern adventure, making for an unforgettable afternoon.
As the sun began to dip behind the mountains, we made our way back to our camp in Nubra Valley. Nestled in the heart of the valley, the camp offered a peaceful retreat after a day filled with excitement. Once we returned, we relaxed for a while before gathering for the evening festivities. The camp was set up beautifully, with a bonfire crackling in the center, offering warmth in the cool mountain air.
Dinner that evening was a delicious spread of local and traditional Ladakhi dishes, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The meal was the perfect way to end the day — hearty, flavorful, and full of warmth. After dinner, we gathered around the bonfire for games and conversations, sharing stories and laughter as the stars twinkled above us. The camaraderie and sense of togetherness made the evening truly special.
As we retired to our tents for the night, the sense of fulfillment was overwhelming. From scenic rides and off-roading to camel and ATV adventures, the day had been packed with unforgettable experiences. Nubra Valley has shown us yet another side of Ladakh’s incredible beauty, leaving us eager for more adventures in the days to come.
