Tuesday, 8 June 2010. Was up by 7am staring at the sky. It was gloomy and there was a sign that it was going to be stormy too.

Went downstairs and warmed Lil G. To go or not to go? My permit was only valid for a day. Out for breakfast hoping that the weather would eased on me. It was not getting any better but it was not raining so off I went with Lil G. By 9.30am, we were already riding uphill. Nice and superb view…breathtakingly beautiful.

But the moment was short-lived, the snow storm came rushing in. Talk about having fun, eh. The storm stayed awhile but the snow kept pouring down all the way. Surprisingly, Lil G was purring with pure relaxation in the weather. As long as  her engine is warm, she is running smoothly without hiccup. Ride lasted for about one and a half good hour to the top.

Yes, we’ve made it! We have reached the summit of Khardung La!

The summit was jam-packed with tourists and locals alike, so, it was not easy to get a spot for us. We were trying so hard to squeeze ourselves in-between the crowds and traffics. But we managed, haha, I had to pull my stomach in.

My shoes was already wet and freezing; trying to walk on numb feet in the snow seems funny to me. I am so not geared for this but hey, I’m already here! I am not going to mope about my numb feet and not enjoying the moment.  I had fun taking pictures and waited for the right moment before I finally got G to pose for history.

Yes, HISTORY.

I am the 1st Malaysians to made it here solo on a Malaysian-made bike. Others may have made it and said they made it big. Big bikes, yes. In a group, yes. Solo on a Malaysian-made Kapcai? Hardly so…

Had some moments with her on the top and as usual, people asking the same typical questions. How much, how fast. Guess I better print some t-shirts with details on it. Hahaha…this reminds me Forrest Gump’s ‘Shit happens’ bumper sticker.

Oh well, then it was time to head down. Weather was not getting better. We rode very slowly and cautiously as the road was very slippery and icy. Took more than 2 hours to descend. Glad that both of us were in a very good condition. None had any problem.

I was one hungry and cold man. Reached Leh late afternoon and headed for a meal. I feasted a bit, you know. Had good food and good coffee to celebrate the achievement. Good lunch and dessert too.

It’s really satisfying to be able to do this feat for my country, even though without at least a corporate sponsor. Even without the manufacturer of the bike, who has choose to remain silent. Still. It has been almost 2 months that I sent a proposal letter. I am giving up with the thought that my letter might have ended at the recycling center and is in the process to be made as toilet rolls. Ah well…at least I tried.

I tried at least.

Went back to my room, changed my clothing and later headed to a cybercafe to empty my memory cards. Man, how I wish I have my own laptop to do my transfer and editing. Doing everything in a cybercafe is so not it; with the slow PC, the virus and what not…it takes me forever to upload. Three hours at the cybercafe and all I managed to upload was few pictures and a video. Went for dinner and headed back to my room.

The rain came again, this time with heavier drops. I now need a good sleep and plan for the next ride.

Nitey nite, people. Khoda Hafez.

Enjoy the pics and video!

“You come tomorrow at 11am.” That’s what the clerk told me on Saturday.

“But tomorrow is Sunday,” I said.

“You come, no problem.”

And so, there I was at the gate of District Office on Sunday, 11am. Nobody was around but of course, it was Sunday.

Then I saw the very clerk; pretending not to see me.

Me: You told me yesterday to come at 11am. Here I am…

Him: OK, you wait.

He went inside and later called me in. There was this officer.

Officer: What do u want?

Me: I need a permit to go to Khardung La, sir.

Officer: Where you from?

Me: Malaysia.

Officer: It is Sunday today.

Me: I know, but he asked me to come today at 11am.

Officer: You need to go to an agent.

Me: Can’t I do it myself?

Officer: No, agent will do it for you. We are closed today, it’s Sunday. And road to Khardung La is closed on Monday. You can only go on Tuesday.

Me: OK. thank you.

Finding an agent to do it for me; this part tells me that I’m going to be robbed on a broad daylight.

Finding an agent sounds so simple, literally. But going around in this small town trying to find AN AGENT, was not.

Went to 4 agents and they were all giving me the same answers, “You need to have another person to come with you..another foreigner.”

Problem is I don’t carry anybody with me; it’s just me. The minimum requirement is 2 persons per submission. They told me to find any foreigner who is in the same situation like me, who needs another foreigner to apply for the permit.

I can’t just wait and pray for that somebody to come, can I?

So, I went around until I found this one agency.

“No problem, we can do it for you. Fill-in this form.”

So I filled in the form and later was told to come the next day at 9.30am.  And they need my passport to do it. OK to me.

All done and out I was for early dinner and came back fast for early bed. Warmed myself under thick blanket. It was snowing outside and I was shivering like crazy. Crazy that my teeth chattered. But funny thing was, I slept to the sound it.

– – – – – – – – – – – – –

Had a good of everything in the freezing temperature; good rest, good sleep and good hot shower. Went out for breakfast and later to the agency and waited till 9.45am. Office still closed. A guy from shop next door told me to go and have some tea and come back in half hour. This is Indian time, he said. Bummer! I totally forgot about that.

After some tea, I went to the agency again. “Sorry brother, we can’t do it for you. You have to find another agent,” the agent said. D’oh!

Process started all over again. Went to search another agent and finally found one who was willing to do it. Slightly higher fee…but that’s OK with me as long I get my permit. “You come back at 4pm. Leave your passport with me and fill up this form,” he instructed. I obeyed and off I went roaming about the small town for some pictures. I wanted to go and get some cash but as I didn’t have my passport, I have to wait until 4pm.

And there was the rain again and light snow.

Went to collect my permit and passport. Finally! Was in a list with a stranger but that’s so OK long as I got my permit. Weehoo!

Gonna be here for few days more…got my financial issue settled.

Back in my room and all set for the next journey.

Here is me, Khoda Hafez.