Everything About Ladakh | Pangong | HanLe | Khardung La | Nubra | Monastery | Travel Diary

Ladakh , HanLe and the regions beyond –

Nothing is better than exploring a place like a local. A trip to Ladakh and the regions beyond is not only an unforgettable one but also will gift you a box full of incredible experiences and lifetime memories.

My most Memorable Journey till date has been covered in this short video , its a mini documentary for all you need to know about Ladakh and my travel diary too :) ENJOY!!

My journey started with boarding a direct flight from Ahmedabad to New Delhi.

Thereafter, I had to hop on to the wheels on the bus to Manali to cover more 530 km.

You get the choice of your seat when you book on the RedBus, one of the largest online bus ticketing platform. A very comfortable bus with a friendly and knowledgeable driver. A quick breakfast on the way sure did satisfy the hunger pangs.

It is very important for you to reach Leh on time so that the weather is not an obstacle in your way, even if it gets bad. Hence, we did not wait in Manali and straightaway headed for Leh after having the brunch at the roadside.

Aloo paratha and a cuppa tea were amazing in the chilled weather.

The road trip from Manali to Leh indeed is the most celebrated highway road trip. Now I know why it is so? The journey was as beautiful as the destination.

You need to climb higher and higher to reach Leh via Rohtang Pass.

It is elevated at the height of around 13000 ft. Please be noted that the Pass is open from May to November. The bus drivers have to obtain a permit to cross the Pass. It is an initiative to control the pollution of the vehicles.

If you’re traveling in your own car, make sure it is fully decked up with fuel as there is only one pump after Manali, before you reach Leh. It is also advisable to take some packed food and water for your way.

Paragliding at Rohtang is a thrilling experience and the safest as well. It feels like you’re flying above the snow-covered bed. If it is not complete snowy then it is sun-kissed snow. Anytime and anywhere Maggie at Rohtang surely did steal the show.

Commendable how well constructed the roads are. The Rohtang tunnel is under construction which is likely to be completed by 2020. On your way to Leh, you will be crossing two canals, each different yet have water currents with great force.

Talking about weather, the mountain gods and the weather have a monopoly and complete control of weather in the Himalayas.

The higher you reach, the lesser is the air pressure. The route was all snowy. In the case of exigency and unfortunate circumstances, oxygen cylinders are available as well.

Staying in camps is not something you do often. Opt for staying in journey camp at Jispa. It is located along the Manali-Leh highway.

The camps offer you breathtaking views and beautiful surroundings. The campfire under the stars and amazing chilled weather go hand in hand when the nights are freezing. Sleeping between the mountains is an experience no one can define. You need to experience yourself to know how it feels like.

The camp has all the facilities, like hot water, heater, and blankets to make sure you stay warm.

Later, early morning we left for the much-awaited destination, Leh.

Getting up early in the morning in such bitter cold weather is a blessing in disguise.

On our way, we crossed the second highest motorable road in the world, Tanglang La, situated at the height of 17582 ft.

Crossing the wide terrains and mountains we reached Leh in the evening.

The way had many army regiments and army base that was operational.

The stay at the hotel was situated in the heart of Leh which offered a spectacular view of Leh Palace.

The entry into the Leh is awe-inspiring. You’ll find army camps on both sides along with military vehicles and amazing lakes around. After relaxing in the evening, the next day we had planned sightseeing in the itinerary.

First, we stopped by Zanskar River, a north-flowing tributary of Indus with an ancient story to recite. One river flows to India and the other river goes to Pakistan.

Second on the list was a War Memorial, also known as the Wall of Fame. It was built in the memory of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation. After visiting this place, my heart is filled with more respect towards the armed forces.

We were also lucky to have a chance to go for ATV ride at the Magnetic Hill and observe its exclusive illusion.

Its magical your car being pulled by the gravitational force. The visit was followed by the tummy-filling lunch. The restaurant and the food, both were amazing.

Next, on the agenda was the famous Leh palace. It is a former royal palace, constructed in the 17th century.

The rooftop of the palace will leave you stunning with the views of the snow clad mountains, it has to offer. The reason why tourists are attracted to this palace is very obvious.

The monastery of the palace is the most soulful place. We also did meditate therein the monastery. You may also consider waiting for the sunset as I did.

Sunrises and sunsets are always at the top in my list. Watching the sun going down is great. It was a day well spent.

The next day started early, visiting Nubra Valley, a trip back in time. The unexploited paradise awaits you there. To reach Nubra, you’ll be crossing the only gateway Khardung La, the highest motorable road.

The delightful hospitality overwhelmed me. The Wanderer’s café and Khardung La café is a must visit here.

I had a Maggie, samosa and a steamy hot cup of tea. It’s an inexplicable experience.

You encounter Chang La pass on the way as well.

A camel ride, ATV ride, and sandstorms awaited us at the Nubra.

DUST STORMS at Nubra Valley are very famous and their occurrence is everyday.

The night stay at the camp in Applewoods made our day come to an end.

The next morning was scheduled journey back to Leh via Dikshit Monastery bidding goodbye to the Nubra Valley.

When returning, the snowfall on the way mesmerized us.

The day in the Leh was at leisure. We explored some local markets and wandering around the place.

The next morning started with a journey towards Pangong Tso. It is also known as Pangong Lake.

The sparkling blue water lake extends from India to Tibet, with two-thirds of it lying in the Tibet. A unique characteristic of this lake is its changing colors, from green to light blue to azure to even grey, at times.

Choose your stay carefully at Pangong.

My room was very near to the lake and so was it visible from my camp even.

Be sure to pack your woolens as the temperature can drop to -14 degrees. The night amazed me with the views of stars, constellations and Milky Way, the galaxy. I couldn’t have asked for more.

One of the most amazing and stargazing nights I ever had.

The journey was to come to its end by heading towards Hanle which was yet unexplored. It is a small village and a home of the Indian Astronomical Observatory. It is the world’s highest observatories.

The place doesn’t have much to offer. However, you may visit the monastery to take a look at the architecture of the 17th century.

A box full of memories, new friends and experiences I never had before, was all that I carried with me back to Ahmedabad. It wasn’t the same me after visiting the Himalayas. Glad, I did.

Tips:

Camps and tents are clean and budget-friendly.

Don’t waste time staying more in Leh.

Pack loads of woolens.

Book with a trusted Organizing Company

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