After watching lots of images and videos of Ladakh on social media, I decided to take a trip there. It was a 5 day/4 nights trip which included Leh, Nubra Valley and the beautifully surreal Pangong Lake. I took a flight from Delhi to Leh which was one of the most sensational flights in the world. On a clear day from one side of the airplane can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft is the Nun Kun massif (so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it).
I arrived at Leh Kushok Bakula airport from where I headed to my hotel. One day rest is needed for acclimatisation once you reach Ladakh due to the high altitude. No exercise, no running, no stress is recommended to maintain the heart rate. So, just chill, eat, sleep repeat :)
Next day, we got ready and left for Nubra Valley. The road journey from Leh to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (The Highest Motorable Road In The World) at 5,602 m / 18,390 ft, around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Saser massif. Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldumra or the valley of flowers. It is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. The average altitude of the valley is 10,000 Ft. above sea level. Upon arrival in Nubra we checked in at our hotel in Hunder for Overnight stay.
The way to Nubra Valley was in its self very beautiful. We crossed Diskit which is famous for 515 years old Buddhist Monastery, lying magnificently situated on a hilltop, facing the entire Valley. Below is the video showing my Nubra hotel and a dessert with an alluring lake and view.
In Hunder, there were bacterian camels with two humps.
Next day,
I left the Nubra valley for Leh. But on the way I drove a motorcycle on the sand dunes against the cold wind which was an adventurous activity. The guide even made my bike jump over a sand dune.
Meals at hillstation:
Once I came back to Leh, I visited Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa and local market.
Next day was all for the surreal Pangong Lake. See the beauty below:
Coming across these colourful flags made me curious and following are the facts I got to know:
- These are Tibetan prayer flag made out of rectangular cloth
- They are used to bless the surrounding areas
- Send out positive energy and well- being to all living in that area
- Each colour has its own meaning:
white for air
red for fire
yellow for earth
blue for sky
green for nature
This famous blue brackish Lake of Pangong is 5/6 Kms wide and over 133 Kms long with half of it running the other side of the "INDO CHINA BORDER". One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. After the success of 3 Idiots, this beautiful natural location has attracted more tourists from all over the world. After spending some time at Pangong I drove back to Leh in the late afternoon.
Few Tips:
- Wear layers
- Eat high altitude medicine everyday (prescribed by a doctor)
- Always be prepared with water bottle and woollens
- Don't sleep in the car while driving up the hill because slows down the heart rate
- Drink 3-4 litres of water/day
- Don't stop at higher altitudes for long and if you feel uneasy then sit in the car and the driver will help you with oxygen tank.
Have a nice day!
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