Ladakh is always been my first choice. Yes, over the international trips too. Three idiots movie is the only reason to introduce me to this region of India. I have always been fascinated with the mountains, starry skies and raw nature. Its like an another planet for me on planet Earth.
As everyone juggles in-between education -career - job - earnings I also did the same keeping my priorities on the place I was living my life. But then this Ladakh factor was always on my mind. I did 3 attempts to visit Ladakh but couldn't made it. This particular thing always made me sad. I used to die every single time when I saw any picture of Ladakh.
But then I believed on one saying that, People don't take trips, trips take people. And told myself, Come on, chin up girl, this is not the time. It hasn't called you.
And one fine day Ladakh did call me... I took my first Leh trip in 2018. I still remember the amount of excitement I had. We dropped down to the Srinagar and started moving towards Ladakh. The journey was amazing.
The entire journey showed me the different colours of the nature. Sonmarg and Gulmarag has its own beauty. If you move forward from there, you will enter Drass- Kargil region. Drass is worlds 2nd highest inhabited place & Kargil war memorial is a must visiting.
There are more places to visit in this region which can be club with your regular Itinerary.
I would like to show you Leh - Ladakh through my eyes -
People of this region have increased the beauty of the place. People are so welcoming here. Warmth of their love can be felt by their gestures. In this selfish world you will get to meet The Real people here. In India we say "Atithi Devo Bhav" but, these Ladakhi people mean it. People are beautiful as their entire region is. There are few old tribes still rooted and have slicked to their culture. like Aryans, Balti, beda etc. Several mosques constructed in this region have wood-finish and decorations of Mughal origin which can also be seen in few villages.
Places to visit -
Alchi Monastery -
Alchi Monastery is considered as one of the oldest Buddhist learning centers in Northern India. Alchi is one of those hamlets and is believed to be the oldest one. The preserved artwork along with wood carving and the amazing huge ancient statues of Buddha are the best.
Pathar Sahib Gurudwara -
People generally skip a visit to this worth visiting place. The place is Devoted to Guru Nanak Ji, the founder of Sikh Religion. Many pictures inside the Gurudwara tells mythological stories. You can find the impression of a meditating Guru Nanak ji in a the boulder & demon’s foot that was formed when it angrily kicked the stone. The Gurudwara is maintained by Indian Army. You will get very hygienic and tasty food at Langar. Do not miss Kadak elaichi chai served in Gurudwara.
Note- Photography is allowed in Gurudwara
Small Lanes of Turtuk -
Turtuk is a last village on Indo - Pakistan border & tiny hamlet of India. The narrow lanes of the village are mesmerizing. Lanes along with the water streams will follow you all around the village. It has very cozy restaurants with amazingly tasty food. You will find apricot trees at almost every step. The old wooden carvings on the doors itself tells their story. Do not forget to visit couple of museums here. It will give you a glimpse of Batali culture.
Indo - Pak (Turtuk) Border -
The army has opened the border for civilian in 2018 (i guess)from where LOC of Pakistan is just 2.5 km away. The first regiment was posted in Turtuk was Maratha regiment.
You have to submit your original Adhar card & Inner line permit copy to the check post. From border you could see few posts of Pakistan army with their flags. Officers there, gives you a small brief about the border, war etc.
Note- Before visiting border, confirm with locals if its open for civilians. (Last year when I visited it was not open for civilians due to Pulwama attack)
Traditional Dance at Hundar-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUGRxn81VF0
(link - copied)
Travelers conveniently ignore or forget to watch the Ladakh traditional Dance. The venue is in the premises of sand dunes. The ladies performs in Traditional Ladakhi attires. It's a very different experience for us to know their culture. You will definitely enjoy this. And trust me, you will admire the beauty of pahadi women.
Shyok - Pangong Route -
There are two different ways to reach Pangong Tso. One is Leh to Pangong and another one is from Nubra via Shyok river. To save on your days you can use 2nd option. The road is almost buttery (recent visit was in Sep 19) with few rough patches. The shyok river will follow you almost all the time. Some rocky patch , buttery roads, plain ground accompanied by Shyok river with yellow flowers around, will give you out of the world feeling. If you are choosing this route, please leave early. Else you may find many water crossings on the road. As, sun will hit up and ice from the mountains will start melting. Few kilometer before Durbuk road is lil tricky (to ride) it has deep valley one side. Rider should be alert while riding. I highly recommend this route to visit Pangong Tso.
Man / Merak Village -
When we reach & get a glimpse of Pangong, people go mad and rush for photos. Off course anyone and everyone will. But then How would you like to click photos when there are other people in your frame? As we know, Pangong has been spread at 130 km long, then why do you really need to rush in the crowed?
So hold your horses and travel little further to Man or Merak village for stay. Road conditions there are not good though but place is worth visiting.
There will be hardly people and you can click the photographs & spend quality time with Pangong Tso as much as you can.
Note- Do not get trapped to click a photo at 3 Idiots point. Its waste of time with lots of people around. Drive lil further to get a best view of the lake.
Chumatang -
Imagine, what if, you find Hot water spring in Ladakh's freezing cold weather?
On the bank of Indus, there are small bodies of boiling water, which have high content of sulphur. Sometimes, you can spot the steam from a distance. How about the idea of a dip into the hot water? Mark my words, you would consider yourself Lucky to do so in freezy cold.
You will cross this small village when you are driving to Tso Moriri Lake from Pangon Tso.
Karzok -
Karzok is a pretty popular place nowadays because of Tso Morriri lake. Tso Moriri lake in is one of the most beautiful, calm and sacred high altitude lakes. It is entirely in Territory of Indian Army. Tso Moriri attracts a range of wildlife, including migratory birds, marmots and rarely found the Tibetan wolves.
SECMOL School in Phy Village-
Please dont spoil your mood and waste your time visiting Druck White Lotus School. The school of Phunsuk Wangdu in 3 Idiots movie, where you are not even allowed to enter in the premises. So if you consider yourself wise enough to utilize your time then visit the original school of Phunsuk Wangdu (Mr. Sonam Wangchuk). 'SECMOL School' at Phy village. It's hardly 15 Km from Leh Airport. SECMOL is the place where Mr. Sonam Wanchuk sir has done extra ordinary work. Students there will take you for a small tour of the school and explain the magic Mr. Wangchuk has created using local resources to give a fight against global warming.
Do you know what is the education criteria for the admission here? 10th Fail.. Yes. You read it correctly. Do meet THUKJAY DOLMA a Teacher of traditional songs. She's got amazing voice.
What I always like about travelling is you leave part of your soul back there, and it will keep calling you back. This time Hanley & Panamic is on my bucket list.
So friends, this is all about the offbeat places. Plan your trip to these untouched destinations.