Leh - A Lifetime Experience!

We had been avoiding a trip to North Eastern region of India due to my fear of higher altitudes and cold weather. We thought of visiting Gangtok/Darjeeling/Sikkim for our honeymoon in 2011. But finally we decided beaches over high mountains.

However, last year we thought that Leh – Ladakh shall be a unique experience, and if we don’t make it now, it won’t be possible ever. I gained my courage and agreed. We did good research and found makemytrip packages more economical than booking everything ourselves. We got different opinions, view-points, and suggestions about this place but all in positive. We were determined to explore this heaven on earth. We waited for the lifetime experience.

Leh is frequently visited by tourists between May and September. Our trip was planned around mid of August 2013. We boarded our early morning flight for Leh from Delhi and within 15 mins of our flight we could see the spectacular views of snow clad mountains playing hide and seek through clouds. Leh is located at the height of 11,000 feet above mean sea level which is the typical flying altitude of domestic flights. It felt we landed on a piece of land floating over a cloud surrounded by dark grey mountains.

Leh in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir is under Indian Army control and developed by Border Road Organization (BRO) due to its proximity to China on the eastern side. As soon as we checked out of Leh Airport, we were welcomed by fresh air and the serene surrounding, and by our dedicated chauffer cum guide Mr. Dorjee appointed by makemytrip. I should mention here that our trip wouldn’t have been as smooth and comfortable as it was without Mahindra Xylo and Dorjee.

We had a fixed itinerary of 7 days. First day we were advised to take rest without any physical activity in order to acclimatize ourselves to the higher altitude (due to low oxygen and pressure). Next day it rained a bit and we went to nearby places within Leh viz. Thiksey Monastry and Shey Palace. The palace is located on hillock overlooking beautiful Shey village and the reflection of the palace can be seen in adjacent pond. On the way back to our hotel, we had enchanting view of different landscapes, the pleasant and smiling ladakhis. We also visited Sindhu Ghat wherein the ‘Sindhu festival’ is conducted as a symbolic salutation to the courageous soldiers who endangered their lives to save ours. We dipped our feet in the ice cold water of Sindhu / Indus river to experience the serenity of this historic river. Besides, we also visited Shanti Stupa, White Lotus School (famously known as Rancho School where 3 Idiots movie was shot) and the Grand Palace.

Next day was more adventurous as we were going to pass through the World’s highest motorable Road, Khandung La Pass which is located at the height of 18,308 feet above sea level to reach Nubra Valley.  The temperature dropped considerably at such height with snow cladded mountain peaks all around. We sipped hot herbal tea and had hot soupy Maggi noodles throughout the way to fight the chilling weather. Some parts of the roads were under construction but were well managed by BRO and Army men were seen everywhere in camps. Along the way, we could see bikers, herd of Yaks, beautify ponies, cows, and a mix landscape of green-yellow & gray muddy patches and yes not to forget the Ladakhi people greeting ‘Juley’ – meaning “Hello” in local language. As we approached Nubra valley, we were followed by ‘Shyok’ river - meaning “Sorrow” which flows from Leh to Pakistan. Nubra is famous for sand dunes (cold desert) and ‘Bactrian’ double hump camel. After taking ride on the clumsy camel we went to the camp for an overnight stay. The overnight stay at the camp without electricity and between valleys with Shyok river flowing by the side was an experience in itself.

Next day was sightseeing around Leh, where we went for river rafting to ‘Sangam’ – the Confluence of Zanskar & Sindhu rivers and just before leaving the raft, we took a dip in the icy cold water which was divine experience in the middle of the river. While coming back, we visited Magnetic Hill (can anyone ever imagine the movement of a vehicle up a steep mountain with its engines off?). We also visited Gurudwara Patthar Sahib which was also managed by Army and had hot hearty langar cooked & served by Armymen. Just before reaching Leh, we visited Spituk Monastery (Kali Mata Temple) and Ladakh Hall of fame (managed by Indian Army).

The next day we left for excursion to Pangong Lake which is on the Indo-China border. From Leh, one has to cross the Chang La Pass which is again 17,509 feet to reach the breathtakingly beautiful Pangong Lake - made more famous by the movie "3 Idiots" movie. We were greeted by snow fall and fog - my first ever experience! The lake, 60% of which lies in China, is striking amid the surrounding barren hills. One can count at least seven different shades of blue in the water! 

On the last day of our trip, we strolled around the Leh market “Main Bazaar’ where we could see foreigners, market flooded with Tibetians selling wares, souvenir, fresh veggies, small café serving German, Italian cuisine etc. One has to try momos, thupka, yummy yak cheese pizzas (which beats famous restaurants in our cities) to complete the experience of Leh.

 In all, Leh is place where we experienced different weather and landscapes at one place on earth. You can enjoy every little moment and enjoy your holiday in the true sense of the word. It's an experience of Lifetime!