The Himalayan Dream - Ladakh

The snow-capped mountains, hairpin roads surrounded by the mighty Himalayas, steep curves, Maggie accompanied with a cup of tea, colorful monasteries, turquoise blue water, burning sun, white sand dunes, double humped camels, freezing wind, tall popular trees, camping and dipping in the Pangong Lake, the hustle and bustle of the Leh markets and influence of Tibetan culture will live in my memories for the lifetime

Leh

The road trip from Manali to Leh was a feast to my eyes and soul. The hairpin roads of Rohtang pass led to the steep curves of Keylong followed by the beautiful roads of Balarcha and Tanglang La pass left me spell bound. Never in my life have I been so close to the nature. The eateries on the way serve delicious Maggie, Aloo paratha, Thukpa, kaali dal – chawal, and of course tea.

Maggie on the way :)

After a spectacular journey of two days on the curvaceous roads of Himalayas brilliantly maintained by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) we reached Leh.

Julley!

Julley! That’s how Ladakhi people say hello. The little town of Leh has a great influence of Buddhism and it’s very different from the rest of India. The Ladakhi people are very warm and amiable as against the spine chilling cold of Ladakh.  

On the way to Nubra valley, we crossed the Khardungla pass; were proud to be at highest motorable road in the world. My heart was filled with gratitude for the brave military men we met en route to Nubra as they battle the extreme weather conditions every day for our security.

The Shyok River literally "the river of death" 

The turquoise blue water of the Shyok River makes the Nubra valley picturesque and ideal location for camping. We reached Nubra in the evening and headed for hot water spring bath which turned out to be an epic. The white sand dune at Nubra and the double humped camel ride was extraordinary.

The Pangong Lake

 The Pangong Lake was an experience of a lifetime; I fall short of words to describe its beauty. All I can say is that if life gives me another opportunity that’s the place I want to be. The different shades of blue, the picture perfect mountains, the fresh air and the calmness add to its serenity. Oh! What a beauty!

Undoubtedly, the road trip from Manali to Leh is the best achievement of my life till date. It has not only given me the most beautiful journey of my life but has taught me to be on the go in extreme weather conditions giving a new dimension to my own physical and mental endurance.

The group

I must thank my co-travelers for making the entire trip so memorable and a dear friend Aniket who drove at the speed of 160 km so that I don’t miss my flight to Delhi. I miss all the fun, the confusion, the bloopers, the anger, the fights, the night outs, the photo-shoots, my like-minded friend (Priyanka), the adventurer (Eswar), Mr. Cool (Shravan), the concept guy (Prasad), chutku (Karthik), Mehmoud and Anurag {lost in their own world (pun intended)} but most importantly the journey which was indeed of a lifetime…. I am yet to come out of the hangover called Ladakh “the land of high passes.