Kargil Chronicles: 25 Years Of Glory | Day 9 | Sarchu to Manali | Baralacha La | Oneindia English
The 101 Regulars woke to a frosty morning, with a crystalline layer of ice on their bikes, symbolizing their resilience. After refueling in Leh, they set off to Manali, crossing Sarchu, the gateway between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
Their ascent to Baralacha La (16,040 ft) offered stunning views and marked the confluence of the Bhaga, Yunam, and Tsarap Chu rivers. Navigating challenging terrains, they reached Suraj Tal, a serene high-altitude lake. After a pitstop at Zingzing Bar, they continued past Darcha, crossing Himachal’s longest bridge, and followed the Bhaga River to Jispa.
Skipping Rohtang Pass, they opted for the Rohtang Tunnel, a marvel of modern engineering, ensuring year-round connectivity. One lone rider paid homage at war memorials near Turtuk and Siachen Base Camp.
In Manali, the Regulars reminisced about their IMA days, cherishing the bonds forged during their service. This journey from high-altitude passes to serene valleys strengthened their camaraderie and spirit.
#25YearsofKargil #KargilWar #CaptainVikramBatra #KargilChronicles #IndianArmy #HeroicStories #MajorHarminderMultani #KargilHeroes #NationalInspiration #BraveryAndSacrifice #IndianHeroes
~PR.274~
Their ascent to Baralacha La (16,040 ft) offered stunning views and marked the confluence of the Bhaga, Yunam, and Tsarap Chu rivers. Navigating challenging terrains, they reached Suraj Tal, a serene high-altitude lake. After a pitstop at Zingzing Bar, they continued past Darcha, crossing Himachal’s longest bridge, and followed the Bhaga River to Jispa.
Skipping Rohtang Pass, they opted for the Rohtang Tunnel, a marvel of modern engineering, ensuring year-round connectivity. One lone rider paid homage at war memorials near Turtuk and Siachen Base Camp.
In Manali, the Regulars reminisced about their IMA days, cherishing the bonds forged during their service. This journey from high-altitude passes to serene valleys strengthened their camaraderie and spirit.
#25YearsofKargil #KargilWar #CaptainVikramBatra #KargilChronicles #IndianArmy #HeroicStories #MajorHarminderMultani #KargilHeroes #NationalInspiration #BraveryAndSacrifice #IndianHeroes
~PR.274~
Transcript
00:00This is day 9 for the 101 regulars on the moon.
00:11The night before was a cold one that the 101 regulars endured.
00:19As the riders stepped outside their tents, the first thing they noticed is the crystalline
00:24layer of frost on their bikes.
00:39The frozen water becomes a symbol of resilience and the harsh beauty of this adventure.
00:58After refueling with reserve fuel bought from Leh, the 101 regulars set out on their journey
01:04to Manali, approximately 222 kilometers away.
01:26Sarchu, the final checkpost of Ladakh, acts as a gateway between the rugged terrains of
01:31Ladakh and the lush landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.
01:47Leaving Sarchu, the riders begin their ascent towards Baralachala, one of the highest mountain
01:53passes between Sarchu and Manali.
02:13At an altitude of 16,040 feet, Baralachala offers stunning panoramic views of snow-clad
02:36peaks and pristine landscapes.
02:44Positioned at the intersection of the Zanskar, the Great Himalaya and Pir Panjal ranges,
02:50the pass is also significant for being a confluence point for three important rivers, the Bhaga
02:57River, the Yunam River and the Sarabchu.
03:27After crossing Pagal Nala, a notable water crossing and navigating challenging patches
03:45of black ice, the riders reach Suraj Dal, a stunning high-altitude lake, Suraj Dal offers
03:57a unique and serene experience for travellers.
04:25Next the riders reach Zing Zing Bar, contrary to its name, it's not a bar, rather a BRO
04:32camp with some dhabas and shops where the riders make a pit stop and chat for a while.
04:47Further along, the 101 regulars crossed Darja, a significant checkpoint on their route.
05:10Darja is a gateway for trekkers heading towards Padum in Zanskar.
05:27Crossing the Darja Bridge, the longest bridge in Himachal Pradesh, they follow the Bhaga
05:32River, enjoying the lush green landscapes as they head towards Jispa, a picturesque
05:38village nestled along the river bank.
05:57From Jispa, they make their way to Keelung, passing through Gemur Khar Banjara, a small
06:03village on the banks of river Bhaga.
06:21Leaving Tandi, they begin their ascent towards Rohtang La, one of the most renowned passes
06:27in the region.
06:28However, to save time, the 101 regulars skip Rohtang Pass and opt for the tunnel situated
06:34beneath it in the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.
06:41This 9km tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in the world at an altitude above 10,000 feet,
06:47stands as a testament to modern engineering and has considerably improved the accessibility
06:53in the region.
06:55It connects Manali to Lahore's Piti Valley, ensuring year-round connectivity which was
07:00previously cut off for about six months due to heavy snowfall.
07:06As the riders set course to return and rejoin their respective current duties, one lone
07:11rider volunteered to represent the rest of the course to lay wreath and pay homage at
07:17war memorials at Post 9 near Turduk and Siachen Base Camp, the highest battlefield in the
07:23world.
07:25In the true spirit of jointmanship, the lone Air Force rider in the group went on to these
07:30places.
07:34From the high altitude to the serene valleys, the 101 regulars arrive in Manali and stayed
07:40at a serene and breathtaking location, providing a much-needed respite from their long journey.
07:47In this peaceful setting, the riders take the opportunity to reminisce about their time
07:52at the IMA.
07:54They share fond memories of the camaraderie and the bonds forged during their service,
08:00reconnecting and finding solace in each other's company, cherishing the shared experiences
08:06and the strength they drew from their time together.