When we hear the name "Ladakh", the first thing that comes to our mind is a rugged journey that's only for young adventurers. But in reality, this notion couldn't be further from the truth. The experience you have in Ladakh depends entirely on your well-being and how well you plan your trip with the necessary precautions, just like any other travel destination.
I recently embarked on my first Ladakh trip with my family on August 13, 2022. We first arrived in Leh, Ladakh, and I must say, it was an experience of a lifetime. To ensure a hassle-free journey, we decided to hire a travel agency, and it was a wise decision. However, before delving into the details of my journey, let's first get to know what Ladakh is all about.
Ladakh, the breathtaking region in Jammu and Kashmir, is a land of diverse landscapes and awe-inspiring beauty. From the rugged Kunlun mountains in the north to the stunning Great Himalayas in the south, Historically, Ladakh's borders have extended far beyond its current boundaries, encompassing parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Xinjiang.
The northernmost section of Ladakh, also known as the Trans-Himalaya, features the barren, yet captivating, cold desert regions of Aksai Chin and the Western Tibetan Plateau
Now let's continue my journey
Day 01: As for my journey, it began with our arrival at the Leh airport, situated at a height of 3505 meters/11567 ft. We were greeted by our representative who escorted us to our hotel. To ensure we acclimatized well to the high altitude, we spent the first-day taking complete rest at the hotel. The hotel itself was stunning, with a view of nature that took our breath away. The staff was extremely supportive, and the food was delicious. We even had the chance to try Ladakh tea, also known as gur gur chai. It was an incredibly comfortable stay.
Later in the evening, we visited the famous Shanti Stupa to witness the mesmerizing sunset. The stupa, situated on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, is known for its striking Buddhist white-domed structure. The panoramic view of Leh City from the top is just breathtaking, and we were able to see it in its entirety with a perfect 360-degree view. The stupa was well-maintained and clean, which added to its charm.
Next, we visited Leh Palace. Although there wasn't much to see inside the palace, but the ancient design was truly unique. The palace's exterior was a work of art and displayed an exquisite blend of Tibetan, Indian, and European architectural styles. Overall, it was an exciting start to our journey, and we were excited to see what other wonders Ladakh had in store for us.
Day 02: Leh – Sangam tour – Leh
After breakfast, we set off for a full-day excursion to the west side of Leh Town. Our first stop was the Spituk Monastery
Spituk Monastery is the second monastery I visited in Leh, after Shanti Stupa. Climbing up the few challenging stairs may seem daunting, especially for some aged people, but trust me, it's worth every step.
The panoramic view from the top is simply magnificent and peaceful, and the chanting of the monks adds to the serenity. Don't forget to check out the Kali Mata temple inside the monastery - it's simply awe-inspiring. After exploring this holy place, we headed towards the revered Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, taking in the scenic views along the way.
Gurudwara Patthar Sahib is a truly peaceful place with an interesting story behind it. According to popular belief, Guru Nanak defeated a demon who tried to crush him with a rock. Instead of hitting him, the boulder melted and took the form of Guru Nanak.
It's amazing to see the rock to this day and feel the powerful energy of this holy site. The gurudwara is clean, well-maintained, and offers delicious chai and langar, so take a few minutes to sit, relax and enjoy. Next, we visited Magnetic Hill and Sangam
Magnetic Hill & Sangam is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Leh. It's incredible to watch vehicles in neutral gear seemingly defy gravity and roll uphill. Although there isn't really a magnetic force at play, the hill creates an optical illusion that makes it look like the road is slanting upwards.
It is a great place to take photographs and enjoy the view and the picturesque surroundings made it a perfect spot for photography. In fact, I was so engrossed in taking pictures that I almost lost my phone! I realized it was missing while I was on my way to visit the Hall of Fame. I went back to the Magnetic Hill and searched the area where I had taken most of my pictures. Thankfully, I found it there, and it made for a funny story to share with my friends and family. After this, we drove back to visit the Hall of Fame, which is a must-visit place for history buffs and those interested in the Indian Army.
I highly recommend visiting the Hall of Fame in Leh. This place is a tribute to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Indo-Pak wars.
The way the soldiers narrated the detailed stories of the Kargil war and other conflicts gave me goosebumps. Their strong voices and emotions were so provoking that I learned a lot about the Indian army.
The light and sound show was truly mesmerizing and evoked a sense of patriotism within me. It was a great way to honor the bravery of the soldiers who repeatedly fought to keep people safe from the enemy and laid down their lives in the line of duty. Overall, I would say that this is the best place to visit in Leh and a must-see for everyone.
Day 03: Leh -Nubra Valley Via Khardungla Pas
We embarked on a thrilling drive to Nubra Valley over the Khardung la, which is the highest motorable road in the world, situated at an elevation of 18380ft. However, due to the altitude, people may experience low oxygen levels, leading to breathing difficulties, headaches, and dizziness. It's recommended to stay at the pass for only 20 minutes, given the high altitude.
Before driving to Khardung la, we were scared due to rumors about the lack of oxygen levels at such a height. Even the doctor recommended taking Diamox to help the body breathe faster. However, when we arrived, we didn't feel any discomfort, perhaps because we had taken adequate precautions.
The view from the top was breathtaking, and being there on Independence Day made it even more special, as we felt full of patriotic vibes.
The pass offers an amazing view of the Indus Valley and the seemingly endless peaks. After exploring the pass, we drove towards the down Hunder, passing through an area of rolling sand dunes.
At Hunder sand dunes, you can witness the majestic Karakoram mountain ranges, the Shyok River, and the desert all in one picture, making it a must-see location. There are many activities available such as double-hump camel rides and ATV rides, but we decided not to ride the camels as they appeared unwell. Despite the heavy and cold wind, we were still able to capture breathtaking photos and selfies, thanks to the picturesque view. After the Hunder sand dunes, we headed to Diskit monastery and Maitreya Buddha Statue.
Diskit Monastery is the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra Valley, situated above the valley. It is also known as the Disket or Disket Gompa. The Buddha monument guards the valley and its inhabitants. The top of the monastery offers a panoramic view of the valley with its distinctive Tibetan architecture, making it a must-see attraction for everyone visiting the valley.
The enormous Maitreya Buddha statue located at the monastery provides a 360-degree panorama of the valley. Spending the entire day admiring the valley and the Shyok river is worth it. After entering the Diskit Monastery, there are two sections. On one side, there is a massive Maitreya Buddha statue, which represents peace and protection. The other section is the staircase leading to the historic temple and monastery.
Climbing the steps is an experience in itself, pausing at each level to admire the beautiful vista as well as the monastery's historic chambers and walls. Visitors can enjoy the huge drums, lit oil lamps, meditation halls, posters, wall art, and the tranquil ambiance of the monastery. It is a peaceful place to visit, and one can spend a few hours there in solitude.
Day 04: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Shayok
After having breakfast at our hotel, we embarked on our journey toward our next destination, Pangong Lake via Shayok. This route is not only a shortcut but also incredibly beautiful as it follows the Shyok River and climbs up a mountain before descending into Shayok village. The village, surrounded by barren mountains, was a breathtaking sight to behold.
Due to heavy rainfall, our arrival at Pangong Lake was delayed. The roads were difficult to navigate, and it took us an hour to locate our camp. The cold and freezing winds made our night quite challenging. The only available options were camps and cottages that offered limited facilities.
Spending the night in Lake was a little scary, to be honest. The cold and windy conditions made it difficult to get a good night's sleep. Despite the challenges we faced, the natural beauty of Lake made the journey worthwhile.
Day 05: Pangong lake – leh (Via Changla Pass)
In the early morning, as I gazed upon the crystal clear waters of Pangong Lake, I was completely mesmerized by its beauty. The scenery was truly a painting that come to life, and I felt as if I was in heaven. The journey to get there was definitely worth it, as we saw a variety of beautiful birds and mammoth species.
It was challenging to traverse the terrain, but the view was breathtaking, to say the least. The colors of the sky, lake, and mountains were indescribable, and it was difficult to look away.
After spending some time at Lake, we visited the Rancho School, which was based on the popular movie, 3 Idiots. We took some pictures and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings before driving back to the Leh market. Overall, the trip was a memorable experience, and I will cherish these moments forever.
Leh market is also called the heart of Leh It's a complete local market and the most colorful area in Leh, where you can acquire anything you can think of- from groceries to clothes, jewelry to local street cuisine.
The Leh Market is a vivid and colorful depiction of Leh culture. that provides you with a taste of life in Leh. Most food is non-vegetarian, with a few vegetarian options. And the items which they sell are really expensive but overall it is a nice tourist attraction
Day 06: Leh departure
After breakfast, we checked out from the hotel for our return journey with sweet memories of Leh Ladakh. It was an incredible experience where I saw snow for the first time and met amazing people.
Thank you, Ladakh, for giving us unforgettable and sweet memories. It's hard to put into words how much this trip meant to us. We explored stunning landscapes, tasted delicious local cuisine, and made memories that will last a lifetime.
At the end of it all, I just want to say, "Take vacations, and go to as many places as you can. You can always make money, but you can't always make memories."
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