3-4 mths of research for planning a budgeted trip to Ladakh. This wouldn't have been possible without the help of a friend and owner of Skyriders Adventure. One can contact him on this number for any trip to the Himalayan range, Atul Jaiswal-9855085962. I will also like to add-on the cost reduced as we were 9 people.
The journey started from Chandigarh. Mumbai to Chandigarh flight in the evening, touched down at 6.30 pm . As booked 3 mths prior it costed us Rs 6000. The same evening 10.30 pm HSRTC bus to Manali. Costing somewhere around Rs 800-900. The best mode of transport via roadways from Chandigarh.
One of the longest drive in the whole 15 days. The excitement to reach The Moon Land was too high yet a slight fear lingered in the mind as we had to cross 3 passes in one day. Will we be able to keep up with nature or not was a question. Starting from Zingzing Bar then Barlacha-La pass considered to be one of the dangerous pass on the way. Close to the pass is Suraj tal (lake). It falls before Sarchu. The panoramic view what starts at Jispa stays with one till Leh. Once you take a break at Sarchu to digest the view and the climatic change for your body.Next two high passes awaits Namkila and Lachalang -La pass. After this one reaches Pang. A tea time halt. Then the last pass one needs to pass through is Tanglang-La pass to reach Leh. The highest pass and second motor able in the world on the way. In Leh, we were put up in #Zaltak Homestay. Where we could relish on the farm food. Strategically placed, close to Leh market 10 mins walk. The cost is Rs 1200 per room. For booking please contact Mr Atul Jaiswal -9855085962
We had reached late, driving for almost 10-12 hrs. Two days was reserved for sight-seeing in Leh. One can unwind, explore the town, breathe into the beauty of the mighty barren mountains.
Exploring Hall of fame, Shanti stupa, Thiksey Monastery, Alchi Choskor Monastery, Likir Monastery,Leh Royal Palace, and local Tibetan market since two days. Evening was leisure.
We started of for Hunder, early morning. Stupas on the way, gompas overlooking the deserted landscape, prayer wheels in corners whole way had its beauty on its own. Khardungla pass the world's highest road we were passing by on route. Playing in snow their is the highlight. The diskit monastery close to hunder gives a wide view of the entire oasis in the middle of desert. White sand dunes followed by mountains then the blue sky and clouds above is like picture coming alive. We were put up in #Habib guest house. Mr Abdul the owner of the place is a true gem. The cost was Rs 500 per person. One of the largest properties their. He is also expanding by building lounge kind of area and make shift tent. Contact: 01980-221039, 9469736543.
Turtuk-The last village, a tourist can access. The village is divided into two divisions yeol and farol. Yeol being the entry to the village and farol the upper area.A paradise on its own. Words are less to describe it. A self sustained village. We stayed in Bagdour homestay. The cost is Rs 500 per person (dinner and bkfst). Our host,Karim Bhai that's what I address him now, a bond developed in a matter of few hrs. A person who helped us see Karakorum range, k2 and a small trek on the barren mountain to reach a waterfall, the stream from which the whole turtuk drinks water. He is the only person I will recommend for a tour to know the nerves of Turtuk. Number mentioned for contacting the angel, Karim Bhai-9469541085.
Next day halt in leh before heading to pangong. Chill and relaxing day. Explored the cafes there. We were booked at the same place i.e Zaltak Homestay.
But reaching spangmik was like refilling your tank. The beauty of the landscape with vivid colors is what makes one believe heaven is here itself. We stayed in a homestay 0.5 km away from the lake. A cosy small house. The cost was 600 per person (dinner + bkfst). The contact can be obtained from our guide come chauffer Sonam ji.
Next day left for leh. This day was reserved for rest and conditioning our body. Stay was again Zaltak Homestay our temporary residence.
Leaving for Kargil and finally telling leh adiós was a bit difficult. Though driving on NH1 had its own excitement. Kargil has importance because of the war. It turned out to be pretty crowded area. Drass is much better and recommended where the war memorial is built. We stayed in Hotel Green Land(Kargil). The cost was Rs 900 per person (dinner + bkfst)
The last leg of the journey was to head to Sonmarg. And without a blink NH1 was smooth road with magnificent view. A view you can't close your eyes on. Sonmarg is a quaint town. It looked right out from a movie scene. We had booked ourselves in international youth hostel. Its close to the Thajwas Glacier. But due to Amarnath Yatra were shifted to Apple tree resort i.e yatri niwas in a dormitory. Must say it was well kept and clean. The person to get in touch for IYH is Mr. Mohammed Yusuf. Extremely soft spoken and can guide you well. The cost was Rs 350 per person.
The next morning we had to leave around 4 to avoid the curfew in Srinagar and reach the airport to catch flight back to Mumbai. The journey had its ups and downs. Landed up being bruised but made memories and met few ppl to last a lifetime. *ONE REQUEST TO EVERY TRAVELER OR TOURIST IS THAT PLEASE PRESERVE MOTHER NATURE, AVOID USE OF PLASTIC OR TAKING IT TO THE BEAUTIFUL PARADISE. BIT BY BIT CONTRIBUTING WILL HELP A LOT TO PRESERVE "LADAKH"
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Early morning, eyes get a glimpse of the beautiful Beas river is an indication we have reached closer to Manali. The river flowing parallel to road washes away all the body ache of the previous day's journey. This halt is beneficial to acclimatize to the surrounding. We stayed in Vashisht village.About 2km north of Manali on the hillside above the Beas River, it is a slightly quieter and more compact version of Old Manali and a popular travelers’ hang-out. Their is a hot spring in the ancient Vashisht temple. Divided into separate sections for men and women, they attract a decidedly mixed crowd. To add to the fun is Jogini waterfall. It is an hour walk from the village. We trekked cutting through the pine forest, only to be blown by the water flowing from the rocky mountain. Chilling ice-cold water, treat for nature lovers. Our stay was in #Hotel Valley View. One of the best properties around. The cost is Rs 1200 per room.
The start from Manali crossing Rohtang Pass and the changing landscape from green to barren mountains but having a life on its own started here. The riverside village is a halt for many tourist. We were lucky to stay with #Nomadic Camps. A beautiful camp with white tents and the sound of river flowing has a soothing effect. The camps are eco-friendly. Setting up bonfire, starry sky and having food around it set the entire mood for the night. The cost is Rs 2500 per room (triple sharing).
Today morning was the waterfall trek and then left for hunder after the arduous trek but satisfying and peaceful. A bit change in plans as during that time dalai lama was suppose to visit and wanted to avoid the traffic.
The journey to pangong started early morning at 6. Assuming we shall reach in 6 hrs. But the roads were the worst in the whole of 10 days n took out the whole energy from the body.