Page 3 - Manali to Leh

On the 6th day, I prepared for a challenging but shorter distance
as I was going to be cycling with bandaged hands and fingers.
Encouragement from passing motorcyclists inspired me to tap into

hidden energy reserves, pushing through the day’s difficulties.

The ride to the campsite after a lunch of rajma rice was delightful.....

I would put on my headphones and be as if in a trance, cycling along

mountains, winding rivers, uneven terrain.... As the day ended, braced
myself for the infamous Gata Loops, deciding to rest early around
7pm, giving the bonfire stories and games a miss today.

The 7th day began with a gradual descent and undulating hills,
seemingly preparing us for the hardships ahead. We faced 21 loops

of increasing altitude, navigating narrow roads with heavy traffic
passing us by.

The sight of the seemingly never-ending road sent shivers down my
spine and tested my determination as I pushed the boundaries of my

mind and physicality.

Each pedal and breath had become an act of courage!

Completing those loops made me feel on top of the world, especially
since it was the highest mountain in view.

A quote from the BRO, Border Rules Organisation, kept me going -

Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.

Finally, we descended towards the campsite, but I was struck with
AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), experiencing a splitting headache

that led me to forgo dinner and slept throughout the night.