Conquering the Himalaya, why bother?

Actually, I don’t really think we are out to conquer anything on this trip, I laugh at the though of people thinking that they will conquer a mountain, which in fact does not even acknowledge your existence. We are embarking on this trip for the journey, the excitement and challenges it will bring and make us trust more in our ability to execute on our dreams, enriching us with sights and sounds and stripping us down to our basic needs, appreciating the little things in life such as food, camaraderie and a bike… that’s why I am doing it, not to conquer a mountain!

The important thing is not the finding, it is the seeking!

 

Tibetan prayer wheels (called Mani wheels by the Tibetans) are devices for spreading spiritual blessings and well being.
Rolls of thin paper with copies of the mantra (prayer) Om Mani Padme Hum, printed in an ancient Indian script or in Tibetan script, are wound around an axle in a protective container, and spun around and around.
Tibetan Buddhists believe that saying this mantra, out loud or silently to oneself, invokes the powerful benevolent attention and blessings of Chenrezig, the embodiment of compassion.

Moti Mahal

 

I simply relish Indian food, and I ma looking forward towards a succulent culinary experience, in short my taste buds are watery and I am happy to skip my diet for a couple of weeks.

Moti Mahal India's most famous restaurants and the forerunner of tandoori cuisine, was the first Indian restaurant to introduce Tandoori cuisine to the world.

Top 10 places to visit in Delhi

 

We have decided to spend a couple of additional days in Delhi, since we will be travelling to Agra back and forth, I have researched the top 10 must see which I think will be filtered down to the top 5 must see as we get there.

10. Bahá’í House of Worship

The incredibly progressive Bahá’í House of Worship is more famously known throughout Delhi as the Lotus Temple. A relative newcomer on the cityscape, the thoroughly modern house of worship has become a top photo op in the capital city and has won many architecture awards.

9. Connaught Place

The veritable heart of Delhi is also the pulse point of the financial district. Home to many corporate headquarters, Connaught Place is a notable remnant of British rule and has many Georgian landmarks to show for it.

8. Akshardham

Delhi is awash with gorgeous temples and places of worship and the Akshardham Hindu complex is no exception. The vast majority of tourists to the city make a pilgrimage to Akshardham and no wonder. The complex is magnificent and the most comprehensive in the Hindu world.

7. Chhatarpur Temple

The Chhatarpur, or Adya Katyayani Temple complex, ranks second in size in India and was built in 1974. The vast shrine area covers almost a quarter of a square km and features many inherent temples and spiritual landmarks.

 

6. Lodi Gardens
The fact that the Archaeological Survey of India protects Lodi Gardens in Delhi is proof enough that the park has many vital treasures to explore. The history of Lodi dates back to the late 15th century, when the mausoleum of the last Sayyid dynasty ruler was built. Since then, the serene calm of the Gardens has been ground zero for beauty and recreation in Delhi. With a lot to see in the premier city park, devote a few hours here.

5. National Museum
A National Museum is seldom not a go-to attraction in a capital city. The Delhi version is exceptional and quite immense. The museum has exhibits on just about every aspect of India’s prolific cultural legacy, from artifacts to artwork, jewelry to manuscripts.

4. Raj Ghat Memorials and National Gandhi Museum
Two landmarks in one form one of the best must-see attractions in Delhi. The eternal flame of Raj Ghat marks a prominent memorial to Mahatma Gandhi but tributes to other major figures throughout India’s history, from Jawaharlal Nehru to Indira Gandhi serve to inspire and educate visitors as well. The National Gandhi Museum rounds out this must-see area of Delhi.

3. Qutab Minar Complex

We end our look at Delhi with three excellent UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The first is the incredible Qutab Minar Complex, which dates back to the 12th century. The exemplar of Indo-Islamic architecture receives more annual visitors than the Taj Mahal.

2. Tomb of Humayun
A foremost archetype of Mughal design ingenuity, the 16th century Tomb of Humayun is a red sandstone marvel. Subject to a superb restoration effort which endures to the present day, the mausoleum is one of the most remarkable in the world, if not India.

1. Red Fort Complex
The Red Fort, or Delhi Fort, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Construction on the popular capital city landmark began at the behest of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in the early 17th century. The complex is massive and was once home to more than 3,000 people. As a result, book a few hours to fully explore the must-see attraction.

Video: Biking through the Himalayas - The National

Video: Biking through the Himalayas - The National

A trip of a lifetime for a common man but a pilgrimage for a motorcyclist.

All I can say words fall short to describe the amazing ride to this enchanting land. If you are well experienced rider, have the skills, the stamina and determination to ride long hours every day then make a note in your motorcycling diaries things to do before I die and this trip has to be one of them. by maddogdave

 

Riding Solo To The Top Of The World -Trailer

The Bike

Royal Enfield was the name under which the Enfield Cycle Company, a division of the British arms-making company ‘Royal Small Arms Factory’ in Enfield Lock. It made motorcycles, bicycles, lawnmowers and stationary engines. This legacy of weapons manufacture is reflected in the logo, a cannon, and their motto ‘Made like a gun, goes like a bullet.’ In India, you will rarely hear anyone talk about the machine as ‘Royal Enfield.’In popular parlance it is known as ‘Bullet.’ Royal Enfield Motorcycles has been a pioneer of powerful four stroke technology in India since 1955. It is one of the oldest motorcycle companies in the world and is a division of Eicher Motors Limited.

EngineSingle Cylinder, 4 stroke, Twinspark
Displacement499 CC
Bore x Stroke84 mm x 90 mm
Maximum Power 27.2 bhp @ 5250 rpm
Maximum Torque 41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Transmission5 Speed (left foot gear shift)
Ignition Digital Electronic Ignition
Speed130 Kmph