Part 7: An ode to land of Lamas

It was a hard day. Knowing that in 24 hours a cherished dream of ours will be coming to end, we were silent, confused and to some extent dismayed. Last few days we certainly had the time of our lives. We witnessed Mother Nature at her best. This road trip also made us realize that the level of our physical endurance is much more than expected.

I was wondering what would I actually miss about Ladakh? A place so quiet, so laid back that sometimes you wonder if there is any life in it. A place whose climate can be more than harsh to you in winters, so much so that in extreme cases even the locals flee to low lying cities like Jammu and Srinagar for some time. Is it by any chance comparable to a hot, happening metropolitan national capital? The voice in me said, NO.

What is unparalleled is the rustic charm of this cold desert, what is incomparable is the calm in the air. The warmth with which a Ladakhi chuckles at you saying, “Juley” (It’s the Ladakhi way of greeting which means “Be happy”) is immaculate. The lively Leh market will keep you engrossed for hours even if you quietly seat yourself in a corner while doing nothing. From the dry fruit store owner to a humble apricot seller, each and every person will make you feel deeply welcomed. So much so that you actually look forward to staying back.

The chilly airstream at Baralacha, the sleepless night at Sarchu, a sudden bout of HAS at Tanglangla, the incredibly refreshing spring water at Upshi, the rejuvenating Qahwas and Pink teas, the captivating white sands of Nubra valley, the mighty Khardongla and the enchanting Pangong Tso…. Aah !!! there is so much to miss and memor;ize.

I am thankful to Almighty for keeping us safe and together through hard times. And a huge round of applause for all nears and dears for keeping us in their prayers. However some names do need a special mention.

Hubby: A big shout out for my partner in crime.

My sister and my nephew : For being my secret keepers.

My medico friends: for all medical assistance in HAS management.

My hubby's biker friends: for the useful information regarding terrain and locales.

Chena Ram & Showkat Ali: our wonderful driver cum guides.

With a heavy heart and wonderful memories we bid goodbye to this wonderland of Lamas..

Long ago a family trip gave me the dream to explore. 10 years down the line, a drive through “the road less travelled” has again given me not one but many dreams…….. Let life give me another chance to live all of them one by one.