Srinagar-Leh Highway: The Most Scenic Road Trip in

Tripoto
17th Sep 2012
Photo of Srinagar-Leh Highway: The Most Scenic Road Trip in 1/11 by Shweta Modgil
Sonemarg
Photo of Srinagar-Leh Highway: The Most Scenic Road Trip in 2/11 by Shweta Modgil
Enroute from Kargil
Photo of Srinagar-Leh Highway: The Most Scenic Road Trip in 3/11 by Shweta Modgil
Rungdum
Photo of Srinagar-Leh Highway: The Most Scenic Road Trip in 4/11 by Shweta Modgil
Rungdum monastery
Photo of Srinagar-Leh Highway: The Most Scenic Road Trip in 5/11 by Shweta Modgil
Homestay at Rungdum
Photo of Srinagar-Leh Highway: The Most Scenic Road Trip in 6/11 by Shweta Modgil
Karsha Monastery, Padum
Photo of Srinagar-Leh Highway: The Most Scenic Road Trip in 7/11 by Shweta Modgil
Padum town
Photo of Srinagar-Leh Highway: The Most Scenic Road Trip in 8/11 by Shweta Modgil
Darang Drung glacier
Photo of Srinagar-Leh Highway: The Most Scenic Road Trip in 9/11 by Shweta Modgil
Darang Drung glacier
Photo of Srinagar-Leh Highway: The Most Scenic Road Trip in 10/11 by Shweta Modgil
Sonemarg
Photo of Srinagar-Leh Highway: The Most Scenic Road Trip in 11/11 by Shweta Modgil
Sonemarg

If I had to pick one road in India that I would travel again to treat my eyes and senses , it would undoubtedly with the National Highway 1D or popularly known as the Srinagar-Leh highway. Well almost because I decided to take a detour at Kargil towards Zanskar and what I saw made feel I was in paradise though with un-metalled roads.

The road from Srinagar to Zanskar takes you from the picturesque Dal Lake to the grass meadows of Sonemarg to the treacherous Zozila Pass to the infamous Kargil town to forlorn Rungdum-almost like a forgotten ancient township of yore. From there the road takes you through breathtaking Pensila Pass to the unbelievable Darang drung glacier and finally after passing by never ending grasslands, frozen peaks, barren mountains, glistening rivers, numerous dirt tracks, a myriad hues and contours of landscape, you have entered Zanskar-a land forgotten and lost in a time warp. If you can survive dirt tracks, landslides, and treacherous terrain, well pat yourself on making your way through heaven-though it is not exactly a glide.

The lifeline of Srinagar-the picturesque never ending Dal Lake which stretches on and on. Dotted with innumerable houseboats and floating shops, the Dal is like balm to a roving traveler spirit. Highly recommended is staying in one of the houseboats, and savoring Kashmiri hospitality.

Photo of Srinagar Houseboats, Dal Lake, Srinagar by Shweta Modgil
Photo of Srinagar Houseboats, Dal Lake, Srinagar by Shweta Modgil

Sonemarg valley is one of the most beautiful places on this highway. The drive from Srinagar to Sonemarg is itself a scenic one meandering through golden fields and towering hills. The meadows of Sonemarg are ever inviting for a trek or a pony ride through the gentle terrain.

Photo of Srinagar - Ladakh Highway, Sonamarg by Shweta Modgil
Photo of Srinagar - Ladakh Highway, Sonamarg by Shweta Modgil

Rangdum is a town lost in time warp. A town of merely a dozen houses or so with the Rangum Gompa dotting the landscape and being the focal point, this is one enigmatic place on the way to Padum. Surrounded by lofty mountains and sprawling grasslands, Rangdum is a place to feel one with nature and yourself. Everywhere you look, you will fall be enamored by its vastness, quietude, and solace.

Photo of Rangdum Gompa, Rangdum by Shweta Modgil
Photo of Rangdum Gompa, Rangdum by Shweta Modgil

Padum is the district capital of Zanskar-a sleepy hamlet which comes to life only for six months of the year when the snow has melted. It is base camp for trekking further in Zanskar region and sightseeing the numerous monasteries dotting it.

Photo of Padum by Shweta Modgil

Karsha monastery is the largest Gompa in Zanskar region.Perched high atop a mountain, the climb to the monastery is one which will leave you breathless. But once you have made it, equally breathtaking are the views from the monastery of the sprawling plains of Zanskar. If that's not enough, break humble bread with the monks and enlightenment wont be far long.

Photo of Karsha Gompa, Karsha by Shweta Modgil
Photo of Karsha Gompa, Karsha by Shweta Modgil