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The Mountain Pass

From Srinagar, our next destination was Leh, a town cradled in the Himalaya range in the Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir. It was a two-day journey on a so-called “super deluxe” bus through the winding mountain roads. Let’s just say that the only thing “super” about it was the miraculous fact that it held together.

The narrow dirt roads carved out of the mountain sides looked to be designed for one vehicle yet functioned as if for two. Not only were the roads dangerously gravelly and narrow, the constant twists and turns while watching out for oncoming traffic made it a perilous journey. The bus moving even closer to the mountain’s edge while another vehicle scraped past on the inside was the most heart-stopping of tasks.

At one point, there was a line of vehicles stopped on the road. We, of course, had to stop too. Not going anywhere fast, we got out to see what was causing the delay. Walking past the parked cars, we saw people pointing. As we cautiously moved closer to the edge, we saw what they were looking at. It was a car that had fallen off the dirt road and plunged into the river below. Apparently, there had been three occupants inside but there was no sign of them. Their bodies did eventually wash up some time later…in Pakistan, more than 300 kilometers away.

It was a relief to finally reach our destination. It had been an extremely uncomfortable and long journey. However, it seemed Leh was about to surprise us.

Travel, India, Jammu, Kashmir, Srinagar, Leh, bus, journey, roads, mountains

Living on the edge…

Travel, India, Jammu, Kashmir, Srinagar, Leh, bus, journey, roads, mountains

Travel, India, Jammu, Kashmir, Srinagar, Leh, bus, journey, roads, mountains

Travel, India, Jammu, Kashmir, Srinagar, Leh, bus, journey, roads, mountains

Traffic…

Travel, India, Jammu, Kashmir, Srinagar, Leh, bus, journey, roads, mountains

Travel, India, Jammu, Kashmir, Srinagar, Leh, bus, journey, roads, mountains

Such contrast…

Did you miss our previous posts on our adventure in Kashmir? Catch up here:

Part One: The Houseboat

Part Two: The Practice Hike

Part Three: The Gypsy Family

Part Four: The Himalayan Trek

Part Five: The Water Trek

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under the skies of arkansas

Thursday 25th of October 2012

that is one scary looking road to ride on

Jessica Korteman

Monday 29th of October 2012

Indeed! :)

sherijkennedyriverside

Wednesday 3rd of October 2012

Wow! Incredible place! I'm pretty adventurous, but that road might have been my limit. Yikes! Great B&W shot. Thanks for sharing this one!

Jessica Korteman

Sunday 7th of October 2012

Thank you! It was pretty crazy in hindsight hahaha

ianhellbusch

Wednesday 3rd of October 2012

Reblogged this on The Jeep Experience and commented: That is Awesome! Someday I hope to be able to get out there like that.

Jessica Korteman

Sunday 7th of October 2012

Thank you, Ian. I'm sure you will! Thanks so much for sharing this post!

Liz Picking

Sunday 30th of September 2012

Leh believe it or not reminded me abit like Dargo's countryside. Just add bush and I'd recognise the road to Lower Dargo in the High plains Ha! OK maybe your road has a longer drop and we had a more reliable vichele but the width of the road and the threat of falling into the river is the same! Afew ales or three could have maybe helped the jouney although I doubt it . Next instalment pleeeeese!

Jessica Korteman

Tuesday 2nd of October 2012

There are some interesting roads the world over, aren't there! Next installment is here :) https://notesofnomads.com/landing-in-leh/

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