Ladakh is by itself a mystical paradise in its unique natural existence over decades. The vastness of the cold deserts, in the beauty of dry, razor-sharp and unrefined mountains with peaks at thrilling altitudes, mesmerizing azure blue waters of the stand still salt lakes, in the life line rivers like Indus, Shyok forming vast green valleys, people who survive extremities of weather, the communities continuing the perseverance of traditional and strong culture…. and in many of the facets which is not be describe-able in words.
This journey was a challenge to myself. The land where the earth meets the tranquility of the sky challenged me again and again to face the tests of rigorous strength and fitness nurturing the strange cryptic in its air that touches the immortal soul profoundly.
Buddhism strongholds the atmosphere of Ladakh, the prayer flags sway in the wind to transmit the hopes and pulsations all throughout the beautiful valleys where one can soak up in the supreme calmness and peace on earth.
Ladakh is an adobe to one of the world’s unique and endangered species like snow leopard, black necked cranes and variety of avian fauna that passes during migration.Situated at a very high altitude and spread across a vast mountainous terrain measuring 60,000 sq. feet, oxygen levels are extremely low; a day in hand is always recommended to regularize our lung and oxygen intake with the altitude. Summer is season to visit Ladakh, the night are still appreciably cold. Praise of landscape, wildlife attractions, people and culture of Ladakh has reached to all corners of the world and hence Ladakh is most sought after destination for adventure sports enthusiasts, trekkers, bikers and photographers. We flew from Bangalore to reach Leh via Delhi cutting down a big chunk of our travel time and accommodate some more time for the eventful Ladakh. During the travel, we enjoyed amazing aerial view of the extended Himalayan range spread across the horizon, covered with snow and reached Leh at 10:30 am.
After reaching Leh, we checked into one of the budget hotels & followed by a breakfast and a solid 6 hours sleep till evening for acclimatization. Acclimatization is utmost necessary at high altitude places.In the evening we walked around the Samkar and Shanti Stupa and enjoyed a panoramic view of Leh town from Shanti Stupa.
Ladakh along with all snow caped regions of India serve us with variety of teas, the famous being Masala Tea, Namak Chai and Butter/ghee Tea. We embraced ourselves with tea and noodles at Shanti stupa cafeteria while watching the sunset and a movement of life in the busy valley.
The relaxed day was called off with early bedtime calling. The next morning we had planned a busy day. We rented out motorbikes and topped them with fuel before we started our footprint tour. Shey Palace, the 15th century summer palace and monastery of Leh’s Royal family; the 800 year old gompa at Thiksey built on a hilltop and modelled on the famous Potala Palace in Lhasa and later the Hemis Monastery hidden in a gorge, the largest and wealthiest gompa in Ladakh was visited. After a short break, we visited Stok Palace Museum. By evening, we were done, thanks to local habitats, which are extremely helpful and great in directing tourist through shortest routes. We retired the evening making small talks and hanging around our hotel.
After Breakfast, we drove to Nubra Valley via Khardungla (Highest Motorable road in the World, 18,380 ft). We reached Deskit by Afternoon and explored Deskit monastery, Hunder Villages and camel Safari in Sand Dunes between Deskit and Hunder Village.
We had joined a group of 14 trekkers on our way and spent the night camping with them, in the valley.The next day, after our breakfast, we visited a few Monasteries and spent time with our photographic skills. By afternoon, we started our drive back to Leh…leaving Nubra – The Valley of flowers. On our way back, we crossed Khardungla Pass at 18280 feet altitude, we stopped for a quick grab at the Rinchen cafeteria, the highest cafeteria of the world. We were in our highest spirits, riding the world’s highest motorable road. We reached Leh around 8pm marking one of the best days of our life.
The very hectic Nubra Valley and Kardung La was followed by a easy day with visit to Alchi, on the banks of Indus River. The Dharma Wheel monastery of Alchi is a very auspicious and peaceful place on the whole. The walls are engraved with beautiful paintings of different Madalas and they have deep tantric interpretations. This is one of the oldest shrines in Ladakh and dates back to 1024AD. En route, we visited the Likir Monestery, famous for its gigantic statue of Maitreya Buddha and its numerous old Tankhas. We then went to view the union of the Indus and Zanskar rivers followed by the Magnetic Hill & Military Hall of Fame.The next day was the beautiful day of the azure blue Pangong Lake. After crossing the infamous Changla Pass at an altitude of 17500 ft , we saw the lake to the east of Leh.
Pangong is a huge lake in the Himalayas spreading out across and area of about 140 kms in length and 3-10 kms in width of azure blue crystal clear water. This is again the photographer’s paradise. We halted that night in a camp with our new trekker friend group besides the Pangong Lake. The beauty of the lake over bounds during the evening and it’s a moment to cherish.
Next day, after our breakfast at the camp, we drove through the wildlife of Changthang, the cold desert wildlife sanctuary all the way back to Leh. Evening was around the leh Market, café, local food and shopping memento from the paradise.
Next day, with memories of the beautiful trip and love of new friends from the trekker camp and the local people, we packed our bags and checked out for Bangalore via Delhi.
