Ladakh is one of the favourite destinations of travel enthusiasts, especially those who love bike rides to exotic locations. And if one is travelling with a few fun companions, the place should offer great memories too!
Sudheesh, a 28-year-old youngster from Ayyampilly in Ernakulam district of Kerala, has set out on such a trip. What makes Sudheesh’s journey special is his pillion rider-cum-travel buddy, his pet dog Snobel!
Sudheesh, who started his Ladakh trip from Edappally in Kerala, has already crossed the state borders. Shunning publicity, Sudheesh started the trip without any fanfare. He isn't keen on taking a shorter route to Ladakh either and hopes to visit as many new places en route to his destination.
When he was planning the Ladakh trip, Sudheesh knew he wanted someone to accompany him, and he had no doubts about who it should be. Snobel, a street dog belonging to a local breed, was gifted to Sudheesh three years ago by a relative and he had felt an instant connect to Snobel, apparently.
It was a time when reports were out on how many were trying to abandon their pets, attaching them to their vehicles to drag them far away. Sudheesh, who was saddened by such instances, started taking Snobel as a pillion rider whenever he went around the town. Snobel, too, apparently enjoyed such outings.
For their Ladakh journey, Sudheesh put together a customized bike seat for his pet. Though such seats are available in the market, Sudheesh says he felt that Snobel deserved a better seat during the long journey.
The rider, who works for a private firm, had been planning the trip for quite some time but things fell into place only recently, he says. He is riding a 100-cc bike he bought two years ago and is also carrying with him a stove and gas cylinder for cooking, and a camping tent. He rides during the daytime and camps at suitable spots, at night. Interestingly, the duo's go-to meal is the bread and omelette combo, as they both love it.
Apparently, Sudheesh isn't carrying much cash with him. Regardless, he is optimistic about reaching Ladakh with Snobel. Sudheesh’s wife Amrita and son Ridan, too, are confident that he will conquer the hurdles to reach his destination, with Snobel.
