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Experience Ladakh: An Unforgettable Journey!

By Anusha

Ladakh is more than a name on every avid traveller's bucket-list of places to see. It's more than a tourist destination or one of the most beautiful places in the world. Ladakh is an experience and life changing one at that! A vast expanse of seemingly barren land that houses one too many secrets, posing a treasure hunt for the most passionate of travellers.

The best time to travel to Ladakh is between the months of May to September. So if you are ready to pack your bags, take a look at some of Ladak's less travelled roads, you simply shouldn't miss.

Flying High – Flight to Leh Airport

Flying High – Flight to Leh Airport

Ladakh is known to be a journey that is best experienced on the road. However for those flying to the Leh airport in Ladakh, the images from up in the sky can prove equally fascinating. Vast stretches of mountain peaks caressed intimately by clouds, drawing closer as you get ready to land. Then the surprise last minute circle around a rock projection during landing can take your breath away. A flight journey that is better experienced awake!

Photo Courtesy:Anusha Ramakrishnan

Stretch your Lungs – Kitchen Gardens

Stretch your Lungs – Kitchen Gardens

You are advised against physically exerting yourself in the first 24-48 hr so that your body can acclimatise to the low oxygen levels. However, if you are too excited to sit still then explore the many eco-stays in Leh. With many of them having their own kitchen garden, a walk can delight you with sights of fresh vegetables such as plump cabbages and brinjals. As you relish your food, you might take some time to realise, this could be one of the healthiest meals you have had in a long time!

Photo Courtesy:Satish Krishnamurthy

Get some Peace – Shanti Stupa

Get some Peace – Shanti Stupa

Among the many places to see in Ladakh is the Shanti Stupa, a short distance away from Leh town. The monastery built by monks from Japan have two approach routes. One for the vehicles and other a stairway of over 400 steep steps. Depending on your preference climb up or climb down the stairs for an exhilarating experience. The Stupa itself is a beautiful structure, with a colour scheme of white, blue, yellow and hints of red. The serene golden statue of Buddha gifts every visitor peace and happiness! Oh and on your climb down don't forget to stack your set of stones and make a wish, as per local belief.

Photo Courtesy:Anusha Ramakrishnan

Magnetic Hill

Magnetic Hill

Take a look at cars that seem to roll up the hill, defying gravity at the Magnetic Hill. This must-see place in Ladakh is also a popular occurrence world over and is only an optical illusion. Also called gravity hill, these places attract local myths and superstitious beliefs. And since such stories are vital to the Ladakh experience, ask locals for their account of the magnetic hills!

Photo Courtesy:Anusha Ramakrishnan

Towering Over - Chang La

Towering Over - Chang La

At 17,590 ft, Chang La is said to be the third highest motorable road in the world. But regardless of such tags, you must experience this peak in Ladakh for the sheer panoramic views, the climb up steep mountain paths and the chill air! Also visit the Tea point for free chai and friendly chat with the army personnel. If you have the time, listen to their story of Changla Baba, and the temple constructed for him.

Photo Courtesy:Anusha Ramakrishnan

Mesmerising Blue - Pangong Tso

Mesmerising Blue - Pangong Tso

In Tibetian meaning 'long, narrow and enchanted lake' this lake at an elevation of 14,270 ft and 134 km long, extending into Tibet is truly enchanting. The deep blue waters with their white lacey foam entice you to throw yourself in its embrace. That is until you learn how cold the water is! The white sands, vivid lake, barren mountains with scattered snow and greenery is so contrasting in its beauty, that your brain might go into overdrive.

Photo Courtesy:Anusha Ramakrishnan

On Top of the World - Khardung La

On Top of the World - Khardung La

Touted to be the world's highest motorable road at an elevation of 18,379 ft. The sub-zero temperatures here even during the month of September and low levels of oxygen, make this stop a memorable one. Take in the panoramic view, throw a few snowballs if you have that kind of courage and move on to the warmer climates of the valley. After visiting this point, you will appreciate the next stop even more!

Photo Courtesy:Anusha Ramakrishnan

Road Less Travelled - The Pebble Valley (Nubra)

Road Less Travelled - The Pebble Valley (Nubra)

The drive to Nubra Valley is where you will cross a long road, snaking off into the horizon, with a vast sea of pebbles on either side. If possible stop here and take a walk across the pebbles. Not only do they feel great under your feet but the various sizes, shades and exquisite smoothness will amaze you! Maybe you can carry home a few as keepsakes!

Photo Courtesy:Anusha Ramakrishnan

Land of Dreams - Nubra Valley

Land of Dreams - Nubra Valley

Nubra or the valley of flowers is like stepping into a painting that you have always admired but never considered to be real! The fields of flowers, greenery sparkling in the sunlight and apples begging you to pluck them will entice you into staying here longer than you intend to! If the home-stay permits, you can go ahead pluck your apple, wash it in a nearby stream and bite into milky softness of the fruit.

Photo Courtesy:Anusha Ramakrishnan

Silver Sands and Camel Rides – Hunder

Silver Sands and Camel Rides – Hunder

You sure expect mountains and streams, rivers and lakes, valleys and cliffs but the silver sand dunes of Hunder come as a surprise. The silken grains fall through your fingers with ease and dunes are so high that you can sink in them! Here is also where you will find Bactrian camels that are popular for having two humps. Take a ride or just a photo of their perennially smiling faces. Once you are done frolicking in the sand, drink from the mineral rich stream passing through. A rare experience that Ladakh provides where water that is not treated, gives you health benefits!

Photo Courtesy: Elroy Serrao
Surreal Sights – Phugtal Monastery

Surreal Sights – Phugtal Monastery

You might nearly miss the monastery as you scan the landscape. Built in a honeycomb structure around a natural cave, this astounding example of architecture also provides a view that few other monasteries can boast of! But visiting this place is not for the faint-hearted, as it is one of the few monasteries that are only accessible by foot. It is a day's walk from Dorzang away from Padum.

Photo Courtesy: Shakti

Visit Ladakh

Visit Ladakh

Best time to visit Ladakh: Summer months are ideal because of the pleasant temperatures.

How to reach Ladakh:
By Road: There are state buses from Kashmir and Manali to Ladakh. Private vehicles operate between Delhi to Ladakh as well.

By Air: If you choose to fly, the nearest airport is located in Leh. From Leh there are taxis operating to the various destinations around Ladakh.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawa (700 km from Ladakh).

Photo Courtesy:Anusha Ramakrishnan

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