Riding to the top of the World : Leh - Ladakh Roshan Alexander

Riding solo across country in a motorcycle was always in my bucket list.
India is a vast country, the 7th largest in the world. To ride from the tip of the subcontinent to the edge of the Tibetan Plateau was no easy task. With roads ranging from some of the best you can get in the continent to complete off-road trials, with vast diverse cultures, so many different languages, extreme and harsh whether conditions, a ride of this magnitude can never be pre-planned.
Witnessed more than a few raised eyebrows whenever I discussed about my dream to someone. Most doubted that I might not be able to endure such a long and rough ride. They had their reasons, my lean physique and back injuries due to previous falls, topping their lists. Had to turn a blind eye on all those.
There were many obstacles to be cleared before setting out on my expedition.
Convincing mom and dad was the first one. But that turned out to be pretty easy in the end. They were in fact really happy in letting me go. They had their worries and anxieties. Still they were the first who believed that I can do this.
Being a guy with zero savings, getting financial for the trip was the next major hurdle. Another issue was getting leaves for such a long period. But all thanks to such generous help from both the Owner and my Manager in Owler ( company I am working in ), even those two issues were sorted out in quick time. They were more than happy to provide me with an advance salary and approving leaves to go chase my dream.
Getting the motorcycle ready was the next challenge. Honda service manager near to my place was really excited about the plan and extended all his help. He monitored the service himself in person and got the CBR ready for the long ride.
Once everything was cleared, it was all set to embark on my epic adventure. The ride started on 21st August, 2015 from my home in Kerala. In the next 24 days, the journey took me across 14 different states and a Union territory, travelling close to 7000 kms.
Most of the times, states were crossed at a rate of 1 per day. Kashmir is an exception where close to 10 days were spent, out of which 7 were in Ladakh.
The route travelled was :
Kerala - TamilNadu - Karnataka - Andhra - Telangana - Maharashtra - Madhya Pradesh - Rajasthan - Uttar Pradesh - Delhi - Punjab - Jammu and Kashmir - Himachal Pradesh - Chandigarh - Delhi
There can be a lot written about the odyssey. About the adventures faced, the people met, the stories heard, the roads traversed, places camped, foods tasted, the experiences acquired, dangers escaped from, the chances taken, the bliss of riding, the landscapes witnessed, the weathers battled, the history seen, hospitality offered, and lastly but mainly, about my changed outlooks towards life and about people.
Maybe I will restrain from writing and keep all those to myself for now.
The diversities of India is so enchanting, that you can see the cultures and landscape changing, literally in front of your eyes.
During the journey, the ride took me through :
- Roads from sea level ( Kanyakumari ) to the highest motorable road in the World ( Khardhung La )
- The rainy south, the cool atmosphere in mid-South, through the harsh and dusty climates of central India, through some hottest cities in the world, to the second coldest inhabited place on Earth ( Drass, Kashmir )
- Some best roads in India ( Yamuna Express Way ) to the most dangerous roads in the World ( Mighty Himalaya passes )
- Staying in Hotels, dhabas, home-stays and tents at places with temperatures from 46 degrees ( Nagpur ) to sub-zero temperatures ( -10 degrees at Sarchu )
- Heavy traffic cities of Bangalore, Delhi and Hyderabad to some the most most deserted highways on Earth ( between Leh-Manali )
- Oceans in the south, through greeneries of paddy fields, to the deserts of Central India, to the Mountains of North
Looking back, I feel this was one of the best things I have done in my entire life till now.
The wind blowing against face, the bike vibrating under weight, the noise filling up ears, the world dark through shades, the sun upon skin, the rebel in me howling - freedom from everything, that I believed tied me down.
This definitely is a journey to reminisce, an adventure to cherish, and an experience that will be enshrined in my heart forever.
If there is one decision that I took after this ride, it is to be back travelling as soon as I could, in the very next chance I get.
“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
― Ernest Hemingway

[@madhavpanda1046]

I literally got *goosebumps*, the best leh & ladakh trip I have ever seen so far. HatsOff.

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Your words really mean a lot to me. :-)

[@ahmadabbas5217]

kamaal haii bhaii 14 minute me pura India ghuma diya,,,, hats off brother... just hats off,,,,

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thanks so much brother :-)

[@kambojb9056]

Indian culture, Geography, Nature and roads in just 14 minutes... Great effort... every moment is Superb ... Hats off

[@HenryThomas1610]

this is so motivating.!! I have try color CBR 250 and i am going to Leh (alone) next month just because i watched this video. Good job.. I can feel how you have felt.

[@antony04772218433]

All the best

[@abhinavraj1001]

Lil Henry all the best bro.. 🙂 I wanted to ride too.. perhaps Oneday..

[@LifeOnThrottle]

All the best wishes buddy. Ride safe

[@Geo-fm1to]

It's been five years since you uploaded the video of your journey to india's other end and memories of that are still fresh in my mind. Came back to see the video again.❤️❤️❤️

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Time files. Hard to accept that it is already 5 years. Thankyou for the love and appreciation brother 🙂

[@Geo-fm1to]

@@LifeOnThrottle 😍😍😍

[@sagarkonnur1]

amazing video proud to be a cbr 250 rider now !!! will try it myself in future loved it cant imagine the thrill and enjoyment u must have had !! amazing !!!!

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thankyou brother

[@atulpathare2313]

From last 2 years whenever i felt tired i watch this video, this is the best Medicine for me, hat's off yo you🙌 I knw now you rarely upload videos , When i first time saw this video na after that u didn't uploaded any video i really felt bad, i am literally worried that you are alive or not, And after that miracle happened you uploaded your dubai sky diving video that time in comment section i told you glad to see uh bro✌ Yeh mere lyf ki ab tak ki best video's mei sabse top pe hai, The best views and rich visuals with heroism of music mind-blowing 🎩

[@LifeOnThrottle]

I could see how much you liked this video from the effort you took to type this long review. Thank you so much for the love and encouragement. Currently I am going through some tough times personally. Hopefully will be back to travelling and uploading more videos once things gets settled. And thanks again bro

[@iRishabh91]

one of the best vlog i ever watched. enjoyed every bit of it without skipping a second.. hats off to u

[@balsara675]

agree

[@shivanshrawat1560]

The best Moto Vlog i hv evr seen.....

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thankyou so much for the nice words. :-)

[@shivanshrawat1560]

My Pleasure Buddy!!!

[@ashwanikumar4610]

You made me fall me in more deep love towards nature and diversity of our country. The best LEH -LADAKH trip video anyone ever watched. You lit a fire in me to travel alone big brother. Literally, I am speechless . Hope I can meet you some day. I can't define my feelings in words after watching this video. 😎😉😇 I randomly watched this video and now feeling blessed that I did.

[@ashwanikumar4610]

*I can't

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thanks so much for the love buddy. And all the best wishes for your rides. Ride safe

[@jairam.r]

god!! what a video!! Brother,it was worth each sec watching the video!So happy to see the KL reg at the vast planes of North! hats off bro.. amazing trip and amazing video.. thanks for this amazing video !

[@nishantgulia9755]

the part in which the little kid sees the camera and run towards it......its just gr8 lots of positive vibes. gr8 work man keep it up

[@aftabpasha5625]

Nostalgia! Just watched this after returning from my Ladakh trip.. video is so good

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thankyou Aftab

[@IncrediblyBeautifulEarth2024]

Really beautiful, great background score..great camera work...inspiring video..hope u get more such journey..... THE JOURNEY MATTERS.....

[@DurgaDevi-md3hq]

Good luck Brother Tc 🙋‍♀️👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👌🏻

[@rajafindsu]

First of all the images and editings made are more than awesome,no words to say,and secondly very inspiring for each and every bike freaks to travel all they way from K2K ...just amazing,thanks for the video and this inspired me a lot too..Waiting to hit these places with my Angel..;)

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thanks for the motivating words man. Like I always say to everyone : I would be one of the weakest guys you will come across. If I can do this, anyone can. :-)

[@siddharthdua836]

bro .. that got me goose bumps .. thanks

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thanks so much for the motivation man :-)

[@surajkumarparida128]

I loved the video. Amazing riding !!! and you have captured all the moment so beautiful. Bravo. thanks man for putting it on KZbin.

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thanks for the words man :-)

[@nikhillonandkar2047]

Wow... truly awesome!! Looking forward for more such videos from you. Thanks

[@iknowthis99]

polichoooottaaaaa ,really liked it,how does bike coupe with.music was going well the videos,good one man really.

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thanks da

[@_rubbertramp_]

i am myself a big fan of riding and travelling solo. what you have achieved is something truly inspiring and genuinely commendable.

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thanks mate. And ride safe

[@TrainSome]

u r truly an inspirer....god bless u with more journeys and joy

[@arunalukka]

That was the best raw Indian travelogue I can find on the KZbin, Hats off.

[@sujithsukumaran]

Nice movie about your solo ride. This truly is an inspiration. This video stands out from the thousands of leh-ladakh videos out there. A perfect trip, a perfect movie, and a perfect experience to share. :)

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thanks so much for the words man :-)

[@harishsalvi3833]

awsm man I seen ur video without frwrd its awsm to see and hw you manage its really life's most best chapter

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thanyou

[@manmachine6203]

guys please share this awesome video on fb,twitter,snapchat,whatsapp and wherever possible, never seen such courage by a single person.....Hats off to you man!!!!! love...peace!!!!!

[@beniaminosartori8966]

Bellissimo emozionante impegnativo, bellissima INDIA .....

[@mithu901]

wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.... amazing views

[@CrazyRider95]

awesome man!! very inspirational!!

[@kamleshmisra722]

Something of this kind is really incredibly amazing 😍😍😍😍❤❤❤. An epic one!!! Completely in love with the theme. Keep it up bruh!!

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thank you so much for the appreciation. It means a lot

[@yogeshavl]

Great man and salute.... It recalls my ride from Delhi in 2014.

[@fudgekiller]

man seriously this is just epic damn beautiful... just beautiful

[@RS-it9rj]

This video must be played on Discovery one day,, Or a part of Incredible INDIA..

[@SidharthPk]

Probably the best ever video I've ever seen in this genre. You nailed it. The short descriptions, stills, music, and everything. Great love from an aspiring solo rider.

[@RS-it9rj]

Really Amazing Brother.....I watched this video without blinking My eyes , so i may not miss any thing.... all the pics, videos everything was just perfect.......

[@progpalace]

Fuck man. Congrats on this fantastic milestone. I'm sure you're now driven to do something more. I normally travel alone (non-biker), but this video has inspired me so much to travel more. More importantly, it has inspired me to just plan, get going and accomplish dreams. Cheers man and I will wait to hear more of your adventures :)

[@LifeOnThrottle]

+ProgPalace So happy to be an inspiration. :-) . Sure, you will hear more soon.

[@UmeshKumar-hf5pk]

Dude this video is so so wonderful that I can't hold on my emotions. You gave your viewers a glimpse of the beautiful diversified India in less than 15 mins. Crystal clear images, enthralling background score, amazing editing, mind-blowing narration, over all a classic documentary. Hats off👏👏👏👏

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thankyou so much for the wonderful review brother. Wishing you a lot of happy and safe miles

[@KoushikkumarReddy]

Wow... Congratulations bro... Beautiful Video tacking and making..

[@omkarsawant6602]

Riding solo not easy. Hats off for the dedication & will-power. :)

[@AnandaPriyadharshan]

Hats OFF mate! All the best in life from Sri lanka

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Ananda Priyadharshan Thanks for the love. From India 🙂

[@RakshitBhagatkar]

I am watching this one for the 50th time, perhaps I should take it offline. You have inspired me to start my own channel. Maybe check it sometime. Looking forward to new videos since a year now.

[@rangu105]

Same here bro..watched nearly 50 times...

[@nihalmuniah]

RAKSHIT I BHAGATKAR OMG.. your content is top notch. Awesome quality bro

[@RakshitBhagatkar]

Nihal Muniah​ : Thank you Nihal, it really means a lot. Going out for one day shoot. Hope it comes out good. :)

[@RakshitBhagatkar]

Manichandra Rangu : It is exactly how it should be done, if you know what I mean. ;)

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thanks so much for the lobe brother. Will be back soon

[@akhilalex9579]

I jus dont have words! Its just each rider could say we would travel till roads end! Its not about the video or the editing i can imagine wat u would have seen through ur eyes ! Proud!!!

[@jennasurya]

wow... what a memory... just splendid..should be a MOVIE MADE ON THIS TRIP... INDIA NEED SUCH STORIES...ALL THE BEST :)

[@salmanshaik4230]

Amazing video bro,music is tooo gud,may i knw how many days u took to go n come back,how many stops u had for sleep,and total cost?

[@LifeOnThrottle]

It took me 25 days. And cost around 1 lakh, including the flight back from delhi and bike parcelling

[@pushkarnegi3534]

Life On Throttle does it become too tiring to return back riding. As i have seen many people do this ?

[@LifeOnThrottle]

More than tiring, it was that the route was same and I was running out of leaves

[@pushkarnegi3534]

Life On Throttle that's a genuine reason sir. So one can choose a different way to return, like from other states to make it more interesting, right ?

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Yes you can for sure. Provided you have enough time.

[@432yssony]

Roshan please edit this video again eg pls add your voice in entire video with your experience. this will make it more interesting

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Would do my best for that in upcoming videos

[@cannotthinkofoneatth]

I think it's best this way.. I enjoyed the video so much more than having to keep half my attention on what was being told.. without music or voice over is like, you are enjoying it at your own pace.. gives a sense of calmness to the whole video than the hurried, meandering, adrenaline laden commentaries

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thankyou. And that was exactly what I was trying to do, by removing anything that makes me the centre of attention and adding just the views

[@TheWingRider46]

👍 Today i watched this video again 6th time Mast yaar Jab bhi dekhta hu dil khush ho jata h

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thanks so much 🙂 Made my day

[@ranapal4324]

one of the best vedio .I have seen. as BULL RIDER myself I can really feel the courage required for a solo ride

[@cannotthinkofoneatth]

I watched it again.. like end to end.. and I rarely watch the same video twice!

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thankyou so much for the love my friend 🙂

[@lol-om6bm]

Just watching 11:46 is epic. I can only imagine how exhilarating it is being there.

[@skandats]

This is really one of the best videos I have come across. I have been to Ladakh and took ton of pictures and videos, but was never able to make any compilation like this. I know the time and patience required for creating something like this. I think you had the ride of your life! Awesome video and keep riding. Try to plan for Bhutan sometime, its wonderful place as well.

[@akashakinwar]

Hatssssssssssssssss OFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF.......Great Documentry.....Thrilling experience for viewers also.....Cheeeers

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thankyou

[@educationisthekeytosuccess233]

The best video I have ever seen in KZbin on a ladakh ride. watched it many times, and downloaded too

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thank you so much. Feeling happy to know that you liked it. Ride safe 🙂

[@ricky288]

Wow! This is what I call breathtaking. Congratulations on your ride.

[@abhi4ublr]

Salute to Indian Army who keep our borders safe and to Boarder Road Organisation who keeps the roads in good condition in such harsh conditions.

[@deepeshgaikwad8820]

One of the best travel video i have seen.... Too good

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thank you so much for the words 🙂

[@AnkitSingh-zl8kw]

One of the best Vlog featuring a road trip in India, specially Ladakh region and truly inspiring. Got goosebumps while watching this video. Cheers Man. Excellent work.

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thanks so much buddy. Gives so much motivation

[@prathish3804]

Saw this video more than 20 times... Still not yet bored... 😱

[@dipanjoynaskar4064]

it's one of the best moto vlogs... I have ever seen....hatsoff bro.....awesome

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thanks for the motivation buddy :-)

[@kaustavkar932]

Thanks for sharing.... Awesome videography

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thankyou 🙂

[@praneetlikhite4495]

Hats Off man seriously you rock for doing all of India on a bike I salute you.

[@mohdtariquekhn5528]

ooosam yaar I saw ths video 7 times best best video all time

[@sagargondela]

This video will be the guide to the travellers...Hats off man.....

[@vijayamrithraj9234]

Congratulations.. A Big Salute to You.

[@TheCommonManOnWheels]

RESPECT..what else I can say after this mesmerizing video..!!

[@LetsTravelwithM]

Hats off man you are motivation for all riders

[@anubhav1singh]

Now that's what a real rider mean !! you nailed it man. .....

[@abhishekmehra7549]

You stand one of the true inspiration for the bikers in the country..!!! Ride safe always..!!! :))

[@NishantParsekar]

You are the coolest guy.. Man.. its not an easy to set out for such a huge journey... you are a superman... salute.. man.. all the best for all the further journeys... *respect* *respect* *respect*

[@shubhadeepmaitra2617]

Beautiful! The BEST road trip video to date!

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thanks so much brother

[@chingapungayt1070]

Hats off Bhai!! The most beautiful video about Leh Ladakh Journey!!! Keep up the good work!!!

[@prandhanawade]

This is the best motorbike teaveling video i ever seen till now. camera, qoutes & journey really awesome..anyone can fill journeys thrill just by watching this ...really superb bro...god bless u keep it up..👌

[@SK-er3yb]

Amazing Video Brother... Congratulations... HatsOff :)

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thank you for the appreciation 🙂

[@mirmudassirali4719]

it's something out of the box, a very different way to summarise the journey! great job

[@RideOnThrottle]

it feels awsome to see the beauty of our country ...really inspiring video ...it is in my bucket list as well....

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Like I always say to everyone : I would be one of the weakest guys you will come across. If I can do this, anyone can. :-)

[@TalesOfTwoWheels]

lovely video ..two thumbs up, thanks for sharing!

[@RideAlongwithKTMRC390]

Great video!!! Nice photos and the song gels very well with the clip....Kudos to you brother!!!

[@shaikhasad3414]

amazing, best ever videos, bro, absolutely mindblowing ,u have guts buddy

[@ronysarkar4031]

awesome ... riding solo is the most toughest part of the journey in places depicted in this video... SALUTE MAN....

[@bonvoyageVinay]

Just wow.... Bro, you have my respect. Keep riding!!

[@mumbai40043]

Wow ! The Astounding Ride I've Ever Seen So Far, The Music With The Scenes Are Mesmerizing. Dude ! You've Got Some Skills. Keep Up The Adventure. Hats Off​ To You...👍👍👍👍

[@pratiksawant624]

no words to say bro.. my mind is blasted after seeing this.. you are seriously a Lion from heart..

[@pablobasstb]

this shows that you don't need a stupidly expensive bike to achieve big adventures. all you need is attitude and drive sensibly. life on top of a motorbike is just something else.... thanks for the video Bro!!

[@LifeOnThrottle]

+Pablo Ruiz henao Thanks so much for the nice words

[@amrutme]

one of the great videos I've ever seen. thanks for such a wonderful video.

[@aquibzargar7008]

nicely captured.. 5stars for the video

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thank you 😊

[@Oliver-pl5sk]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing your trip. I Enjoyed every second of your journey in the show. Kudos to you and CBR! 13:20 was magnificient, worth it.

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thanks for your words. They mean a lot. :-)

[@ZealRider]

This is the perfect video to know the value of traveling.. Hat's off you bro..

[@nandanmukhare2349]

Fabulous, Gorgeous, Marvelous India.. Our India.

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Truly said

[@TimbaRoocha]

Awesome! The editing of pics is like super duper !

[@capteins8909]

poorani yaadein taaza ho gayee hai dost...... nice job...

[@1angry5]

A truly "Epic" adventure. You made a visually stunning video. That is a ride of a lifetime. Well Done Sir..

[@BariyaABHI]

hats off to u life on throttle....bestest video and trip seen ever....

[@vishnu364]

Amazinggg!!!! hats off man!!!

[@shivthink]

One of the good video I watched, especially of travel in India.. Just awesome....

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thanks so much

[@lakinang109]

wow....very very nice views,amazing place. Would love to travel someday like you do.

[@gauravp303]

speechless man! amazingly done for doing it alone.... u r man of Steel..... Hats off!

[@LifeOnThrottle]

+Gaurav P Thanks man

[@kartikprakash8189]

Just Awesome bro...Superb video.. 👌👌

[@linsonjose3206]

such an inspring vedio...

[@dream2travel529]

one of the Best videos to see your Dream in Real.

[@sahilpa1149]

Mind blowing Fantastic

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thankyou 🙂

[@murtazatazz5963]

hatsoff to the amazing spirit and a daring soul you have achieved nirvana

[@LifeOnThrottle]

Thankyou for the words Murtaza