Chuli Mentok - From Dust to Bloom in Ladakh

Beauty of Ladakh lies in the eyes of the beholder;

It all depends on the choice of season one wishes to go, yet Ladakh has never failed to mesmerize anyone whatever the season maybe, for it is so unequaled that every season opens up a different chapter of spellbinding beauty leaving people incredibly awestruck and wanting more and more – green valleys, vibrant windflowers and clear blue skies in spring-summer; crisp air, colorful foliage and frozen sceneries in autumn-winter!

The endlessness of the cold mountain desert, with few pockets of civilization and lean vegetation has managed to captivate and draw a torrent of visitors into its picture-book landscapes notwithstanding high altitude, varying terrain, harsh climate and sparse facilities; owing to only one blazing factor- the people of Ladakh. Although not a very thickly populated territory, the overflowing warmth, gracious hospitality and Tibetan-influenced lifestyle of these people are enough to melt down the frigid strata of atmosphere bearing down on the region.

Apart from familiar monasteries, valleys, rivers and lakes that paint Ladakh in the most contrasting and coruscating kaleidoscope of colors; hearing about ‘apricot blossoms’ was a first in my life, and I was surprised beyond measure that in a dusty geography such as Ladakh, there could be ‘blossoms’ to dream up the place blushing in roseate tones, when still winters wrap up to give way to balmy springs.

Sure thing, I knew the region is famous for cultivation of some fruits, however little did I know that apricot trees noticeably grown in plenitude in certain places of Ladakh, (like Saspol, Lhardo, Pinchimik, Garkhone) would burst open a dense coat of pink-white flowers on all its branches, so much so that the chuli mentok (apricot flower) festival, fondly honoring the blossoms as the crowning glory of spring, is celebrated every year; by way of popularizing Ladakhi art, culture & tradition through dance, music, food, games and shopping.

As a matter of fact, several Ladakhi homes grow and harvest their own apricots; and Raktsey Karpo, one of the sweetest varieties is found right here.

I made an impromptu decision to visit Ladakh during April this year and it absolutely turned out to be the very best month to be present there.

Just like any other spring blossoms, apricot blossoms too are rejoiced as the harbinger of new beginnings and new rays of hope in everyone’s lives. I could literally feel every ounce of this sentimental belief once inside “Ule Ethnic Resort”, ironically the most well known resort, in the lesser known Uleytokpo village, in Sham Valley, in western Ladakh.

Concealed within a gorgeous and breathtaking mountain-grid, the apricot-tree laden resort was a treat to all the 5 senses: sublime sight of floret bunches, gentle rhythmic zephyrs, faintly fragrant blossoms in the air, cool breezy feels on the skin, and sweet-tarty taste of apricot jams & juices I got to relish while dining.

This spot seemed to be a class apart from the rest of the overly touristic zones of Ladakh. I wonder why so less people knew about it, but I also know that it won’t be too long before it gets over-run by excited trippers.

The resort is optimally positioned with an amazingly azure Indus river flowing right behind the property. Can it get anymore blissful than watching the blooms, against the backdrop of Indus, while sipping from a cup of evening tea or morning coffee, through the wide glass windows of my room?

An entrancing environment with heavenly vistas can only get several-fold better with a fine sprinkle of blossoms. The whole resort comes alive and animated when light winds often shake off the petals from slightly swaying branches – looks paradisiacal!

Night time at the resort is a different aura of magic altogether - the lamps of the well- lit resort render a gleaming glow to the apricot blossoms!

It is apparent that within a few months the resort would change its scene from flowering to fruiting, when orange-colored apricots begin to replace the blooms. Sure, then there would be no way to resist plucking them and tasting them as raw and fresh, soon after being produced on the trees. It is also commonly practiced to sun-dry the fruits and consume them as dry apricots.

This was one journey to remember and one not to fade away so easily, as per choosing the best stay to revel in the full glory of chuli mentok, and to get pampered in the best of a season for a floral retreat in Ladakh.

Nature is undoubtedly the best artist! And is there any place better than Ladakh wherein to witness the stellar strokes of Her paintbrush and Her phenomenal palatte of colours?