Gongspa Salazad!!

 So it was Leh this time…..as in the last travel, it was with and a wonderful guide and a group of enchanting ladies ….some known others not….actually I had been loaded with work since I landed back from what u can call ‘’Heaven’’ on earth….that’s what I would like to call Leh….. but some of my cousins and friends have been pestering me to pen down something about this trip…..and here we go….

As I called it Heaven on earth I would like to tell u all that, surprisingly, when I shared the pics with others, some said its lovely and some said it looked dry and repeating kind topography…but I would say that the road trip we took on that terrain had been the best I ever had….i think we all have a notion that green appeals the eyes and it’s the best….I can bet that the snow laden barren brown mountains with blue sky in the background and turquoise water bodies in between can be calming and soothing not only to eyes but to the soul as well!!
My trip to Ladakh had been much awaited one. Finally, in the first week of May, I got the chance to travel there; a journey that has given me memories worth a lifetime, a trip that has permanently inscribed astonishing sights of this entrancing place in my mind!
We had taken a flight to Leh from Delhi. Bike ride would have been the best, but only if u know to ride it, riding pillion would not be a good idea I feel. When you’re about to land in Leh, the very first glimpse of the snow laden paradise brings a twinkle to your eyes! The mountains greet a shivering u with their hushed white faces. Just envisage looking down on a silent, placid, greenish blue lake, beautiful, isn’t it? There's nothing more charming than nature's handiwork in that place.
On the first day kindly stay indoors and acclimatize to the altitudes or else u r very likely to get sick even though u have had medicines for easing the breath. I hadn’t taken any as I felt I should try the capacity of my lungs and luckily they didn’t betray me!! The O2 levels are less at that kind of heights mind u….You may feel ok and would be curious to explore….but better to put a harness on ur mind and body…. We diverted our minds to the wonderful Thukpa and Dumplings that not only delighted the taste buds, but also convinced me that exploring can wait for another day; but not a lazy nap!
The following days were packed tightly with the places to visit…let me just rewind them for u in a condensed version…
The road trips presented Leh in its true shining colors. It's a world of rocky valleys, snow-covered mountains, endless hills, barren lands, clean and curvy roads and lovely people….You can hear ‘’Julley’’ whenever u pass a native. The markets are colorful, lively and crowded. The food was simple and tasty….do try the hot and yummy butter tea and the traditional meals available at Ladakhi house.
The next day we headed to the centuries old monasteries of the mystical Lamas that have still maintained their charm. Then we had the experience of camping in the windy and cold Nubra valley where u see sand dunes and the camels crossing them.
The following day came the 11 hrs drive (up and down) to the most talked about attraction of Ladakh, that is the Pangong Lake which undeniably is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places on this planet. I believe that only there you can view these many shades of blue! Standing there mesmerized in the beauty of the turquoise waters, we can see crossways the mountains of an even more isolated and stunning land, the Tibet. A part of this gorgeous lake lies in China!!
The last day of the trip took us to the confluence of the Indus and the Zanskar rivers. One can clearly differentiate between the two waters from a distance. One is greenish, the Indus, and the other is bluish. When there are rapids and more flow of water in the coming months rafting can be done. We didn’t, as the waters were calm and low. Then the rare phenomenon of Magnetic Hill leaves everyone astonished. And if you’re tired covering a few places on this route, you can halt at Gurudwara Pathar Saheb, where you will be served with hot tea and snacks. Trust me, this one cup of tea is enough to rejuvenate your senses for the hilly ride. We also visited the Hall of Fame on the same day.
At the end of the day we had mixed feelings as the trip came to an end…I would miss my trip companions and the wonderful place always…and the feeling of finally reaching the long awaited, dream land gave goosebumps.
Before winding up, I have to tell about the wonderful ladies I met there, with whom I ventured on the week-long trip….Just like last time I met majority of them as strangers and we parted as soulmates. We shared stories about our lives, relationships, political views and what not…let me tell u a secret…. pouring our heart out to new people is very easy and enthralling….there are least chances of being ridiculed and judged….
Finally, there is much more to see, to feel, much to cherish and much to bring back from Leh. I have got loads of memories, companionship, experiences and so will you…