Even bad cameras give good pictures at Ladakh, Zanskar, says intrepid biker

MANGALORE: Intrepid biker Sajal Sheth from Cuttack, Odisha, rode all the way from Cuttack to Manipal to see his daughter Isha Sheth, a physiotherapy student at Manipal University, covering 3,800 km in six days, in November last year. The 48 year old share broker has another feather in his cap.
In June this year he rode to Ladakh and Zanskar on his motorcycle covering 3,987 kms and 19 days.He ride started from New Delhi - Ambala- Udhampur -Srinagar- Kargil- Zanskar - Leh - Khardungla -Nubra - Pangong Tso- Marsimik La - Chusul - Tso Moriri - Tso Kar - Manali - New Delhi, on his Pulsar 200 NS. “This is once in a lifetime trip,” says Sheth. He got inspiration from an advertisement on Zanskar which stated: In 20 years from now you will regret the things you didn’t do far more than things you did."
"I wish I had more time on hand. I covered 14 lakes and 14 passes. I could do many more if I had more time on hand," said Sheth. "You have to do this trip once in your lifetime," he told the correspondent. "The place is so beautiful that even a bad camera gives good pictures," he says.
Though Sheth rides long distance every often, he is not an aspirant of any record. He rides just for the kick of it. "I do not have any plan for breaking any type of record. I achieve my own goals. I ride because I enjoy riding. I wish to ride to Gurudongmar Lake of Sikkim, Nohkalikai waterfalls located near Cherrapunji, Meghalaya. I also want to ride to the highest mountain peak in Odisha (Deomali about 550 from Cuttack) and to the coldest place in Odisha (Daringibadi about 300 kms from Cuttack)," observes Sheth.
His trip to Zanskar was not child’s play. His main problem was to carry additional fuel. "I consulted Sabbas Bhai, my expert mechanic in Cuttack. He gave me a solution to carry two jerry cans of five litres each," he said. And it came very useful on the last leg from Leh.
"While going to Ladakh from Manali, the last bunk is Tandi. From there for another 365 km there’s no bunk on highway and I took interior roads where there are none for another 700 kms," notes the biker. Petrol, however is available in the black market at Rs 113 per litre. "The quality is suspect," he adds. He spent Rs.21,500 in total which included all expenses of food, stay and fuel.
"This travel has improved my self confidence. I discovered a new person in myself," he says and advises all riders three things - Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly; There is always someone who cares for you without your knowledge; Keep your family members and friends in mind and do not take unnecessary risks.