Life begins at the end of your comfort zone, like my first solo trip to Ladakh #LadakhTakeover

Day 1: White-domed Shanti Stupa (built in 1991 and part of the Peace Pagoda mission). First place I visited in Leh with a group of strangers. Such a beaut!

The view of the Leh city from Shanti Stupa, the cool breeze just blows your mind.

Day 2: Early morning visit to Hall of Fame (war memorial constructed by the Indian Army to commemorate the sacrifice of soldiers during Indo-Pak wars).

"Touch the sky with glory" This is the same spot where the world's largest “Khadi national flag" has been installed on October 2, 2021 measuring 225 x 150 feet and weighing 1000 kg. Moment of pride!

The Spituk Gonpa (also called Spe-Thub, one of the prominent Ge-Lug-Pa monastery built in 11th century).

The hike to this revered Kali Mata Temple climbing stairs makes you breathless, but worth the view from top.

The revered Gurudwara Patthar Sahib (Constructed by the Lamas of Leh in 1517 to honour the visit of Guru Nanak Dev ji venerated as Guru Gompka Maharaj and Nanak Lama).

Witness the magic of this Magnetic Hill (famously known as the Gravity Hill that defies the law of gravity). Watch vehicles on neutral gear slowly move uphill. Wow!!

Driving through a picturesque landscape, witness Nimmu the beautiful valley that marks the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers.

Day 3: Early morning at Khardung La Pass (famously known as the gateway to the Nubra and Shyok Valleys, it is the highest motorable road in the world at around 18380 feet).

Can’t express the fear & joy of hopping on for my first camel safari (on these Bactrian double-humped camels) at Hunder Sand Dunes (known as "The Desert in the Sky").

Local Ladakhis doing a traditional Tibetan dance performance.

Day 4: Started morning with visit to Diskit Monastery (founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo in the 14th century).

Watching the magnificent 32 meter statue of Maitreya Buddha near Diskit Monastery facing down the Shyok River is a real treat to the eyes.

View of the Nubra Valley from the statue (popularly known as Dumra or valley of flowers where the Shyok River meets the Nubra River between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges).

Day 5: Early morning visit to Shey Palace (watch this giant copper with gilded gold statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha 12 metres tall covering three floors of the monastery).

The ‘3 Idiots’ fame Druk Padma Karpo or Druk White Lotus School (Popularly known as ‘3 Idiots’ or ‘Rancho’s School’, a Buddhist cultural school named after great scholar Mipham Pema Karpo).

Had to click this! The Rancho Wall!

Yet another high altitude Chang La Pass (en route to Pangong Tso Lake at 17688 feet).

Springs and the narrow rivers en route Pangong Tso Lake were so refreshing (Excited to see the lake, I was somehow singing "Yeh Haseen Vadiyan Yeh Khula Aasman" throughout in my mind).

Meet my cute chubby friend the Marmot (a large ground squirrel seen here in summers only as in winters they hibernate underground).

Meet another young grazing friend (I'm really not sure which breed it is).

I wish I could freeze this moment of goose-bumps when I first saw this lake from far and then the joy of experiencing it in real by sunset.

Day 6 Woke up early morning to this amazing view from my tented camp. Its so beautiful!!

Stacked Stones on the shores of Pangong Lake (believed to be a way to worship, or a gesture to ask for a wish or good fortune).

Happiness = Pangong Tso lake (Located at 13862 feet, 34 kms long).

Witness 50 shades of blue!! Truly a reflection of the sky on this pristine lake.

Ohhh this breathtaking panoramic view!!

Day 7: Back in Leh city shopping at local Tibetan market. Don't forget to try momos. Beautiful journey & memories to be treasured!