From Srinagar to Kargil: The Start of an Unforgettable Himalayan Motorcycle Adventure
The wait is finally over! After months of planning, dreaming, and recovering from spinal surgery, I found myself back in the saddle—this time, at the start of an epic journey through one of the most spectacular and demanding landscapes on Earth: the Indian Himalayas.
Episode 1 of my Himalayan Motorcycle Adventure Series kicks off in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, nestled at an altitude of around 1,585 metres. Riding through the bustling markets, past shikaras on Dal Lake, and into the heart of the Kashmir Valley was a surreal way to begin. The smells, colours, and chaos of the streets were a sensory overload—and a perfect reminder of why I love riding in India.
But the real adventure began as we made our way towards Sonmarg, a beautiful hill station surrounded by towering pine forests and alpine meadows. From there, we tackled the Z-Morh Tunnel, a newly built route designed to improve access through these rugged mountains. Riding through this tunnel was like crossing into a different world.
Then came one of the most dramatic and challenging parts of the journey so far—climbing the mighty Zojila Pass. At 3,528 metres (11,575 feet), this infamous stretch of road is not for the faint-hearted. It's narrow, dusty, and unpredictable, with sheer drops and no guardrails. The ride tested both man and machine, but the views were absolutely worth it.
Crossing into Ladakh was more than a geographic transition—it felt spiritual. The terrain changed rapidly from lush greens to stark, high-altitude desert. With the air thinning and the temperature dropping, our group pressed on, riding off-road sections that pushed our bikes—and ourselves—to the limit.
We wrapped up the day's journey in Kargil, a town rich in history and emotion, situated at around 2,676 metres above sea level. The stories embedded in these mountains, the warm locals, and the sheer scale of what we had just crossed filled me with gratitude. From Srinagar to Kargil, this episode captures every bit of raw terrain, rider emotion, and dramatic landscape.
What to expect in Episode 1:✔ Departure from Srinagar✔ The scenic Kashmir Valley✔ Riding through the Z-Morh Tunnel✔ Tackling Zojila Pass✔ First off-road experience of the trip✔ Arrival in Kargil
A huge thank you to my sponsors who made this ride possible:
Lone Rider – trusted gear like the Tail Pack, Tank Bag, Travel Packing Cubes and Hydration Pack kept me organised and ready. 🔗 Lone Rider Gear
Chigee – the AIO-5 smart motorcycle dash added safety and functionality to every kilometre. 🔗 Chigee AIO6 10% Discount Code: ADVENTUREEXPLOREROZ
Zarkie Australia – for heated gear that kept me warm and well ventinated when in mattered the most. 🔗ZarkieOz
This is just the beginning. More high-altitude passes, remote villages, and unforgettable moments are coming in the next episodes. If you're into real-world adventures, raw riding, and exploring the road less travelled—this series is for you.
📍 Subscribe, like, comment and follow the journey. 🛵 ADVExplorerOz – https://www.youtube.com/@advexoz
Gurby signing out!
