Manali-Leh Highway

Tomorrow morning we leave for Manali, on the Manali-Leh highway. The most talked about journey in the region. A tough three day ride. You need to get your timings right, as there are streams you have to cross before 2pm - as after that they fill up too much with melting snow making it very difficult to cross. You need to get your timings right for traffic. There are four major passes. Some of the highest and most treacherous in the world. And the scenery is some of the most unforgettable.

This trip has been on my mind since when we were first in Manali. I was very scared then, but am feeling totally confident now - we have done many passes, and the bike is in a good condition. Jeeps do it in 18 hours in one stretch. We'll do it over three days - taking it easy, taking it all in.

We're looking very much forward to it, and there will be no Internet on the way. No petrol on the way, no mechanic on the way, no villages for long stretches - only tent towns.