One Life, One Ladakh!

The moment we landed at Leh (Ladakh) and stepped outside the airplane, a harsh chilling airwave hit us. Somehow withstanding the sudden change in temperature, we followed our co-passengers in clicking the fabulous scenery around the airport area and indulged in posing for selfies with mountains in the background. Several military camps and army units greeted us as we drove out of the airport. Armed and alert army men (jawans) were patrolling the area. On way to the hotel (Gawaling International), we passed the local market and numerous tiny shops which were yet to start their business for the day. It was 8:30 in the morning, and Leh was just waking up. Few local oldies well covered in woollens were lazing around the streets. Streaming in through narrow lanes and alleys, we reached the hotel which was surrounded by mountains far away (few of them being heavily snow-capped) on all sides. Loss of breath, decreased concentration and headache had affected us by that time. Day one was dedicated for acclimatizing to the severe weather conditions, and we hit the bed viewing the picturesque hills through the glass pane.  

Next day onwards, we treated ourselves to road trips, making our way through some of the outstanding landscapes and breath-taking backdrops. Whatever we witnessed was worth clicking, and at times, it did feel that, no matter how many snaps we take, our eyes and brain often form the most valuable camera as those visuals are going to be etched in our minds forever. Hemis Gonpa and Thiksey Gonpa were spiritually elusive. The soothing silence, monks in their robes and the blissful fragrance absolutely blended for the occasion. The Buddha idol in Thiksey released vibes that would attract anyone. Shey Palace stood tall all alone and could be identified from a distance. These were not architectural gems as such, but their simplicity and neatness overwhelmed us. The Pangong Lake simply attracted us with its pristine blue water and charming scenery around. We surrendered ourselves to the never ending beauty that nature offered us and could hardly separate ourselves from a state of assumed hypnotism.     

We drove up to the Changla Pass and Khardungla Pass through some of the heavily snow infested zones. Roads were covered in snow and it was milky white everywhere. We got a chance to stop by for a brief snowball fight with mates. Nubra Valley gave us a different flavour altogether with the presence of a desert within the mountain ranges. The double-humped camel ride was indeed a fun filled affair. On our way back to Leh from Nubra Valley, we were stuck at South Pullu for almost three hours due to a ministerial visit. Meanwhile, the Indian Army men treated us with juices, rooh afza, hot halwa and chana. They mingled with us within no time and served the stuff quite passionately. It was pretty much heart-touching, and we thanked them for this initiative as well as their overall efforts to make our lives safe and secure.

The magical Magnetic Hill defying the law of gravity and pulling vehicles towards it was interesting and unbelievable. The blue and muddy water of Sindhu and Zanskar rivers meeting at the Sangam (Indus River) was worth watching again and again. The Paththar Sahib Gurudwara was another example of modesty of the Indian Army, who constructed it, and has been maintaining it till date. Lastly, it was time to visit the market. The Tibetan market is famous for its woollen clothes and tourists like us do get a chance to bargain for things. Though a bit high priced, the woollens you get here are good enough to keep away the cold. Structures minutely carved out of copper and stone are also famous and abound.

                                                    

Ladakh may be famous for its high passes, but it is a variety in itself. It is an absolute conglomerate of cultures and religions, wherein Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists live together. Though Kargil and Dras are not that far, it is hard to believe that Ladakh could be prone to terrorism or communal violence at any point in time. Its easygoing attitude and happy-go-lucky people provide assurance. It is the home to monasteries (gonpas), stupas, stone artefacts, dry fruits and woollen stuff. Each and every curve of its hills and mountains produce differently marvellous views and one is never satisfied just by clicking and capturing them. They remain recorded in our minds forever and whenever we recall those moments and views, we are transported back to a land of tranquillity and peace.