Journey to the Land of High Passes: Ladakh
The
most memorable and life-changing trip that one could never forget in his life is a trip to the land of high passes -
Ladakh. The deep connection down to the landscapes, history, culture,
patriotism, ancient architecture, and what not in the list. There is no other
place in the world that is blessed with so many things within one state. None
could match the love what the Kashmiris and the Ladakhis share with the
tourists. The journey to Jammu and Kashmir is an unforgettable experience in
one's life, with a successful trek over the mountains and exploring the flora
and fauna. It is a wholesome lifetime
experience gaining to the memory full of
adventure and enthusiasm.
Let's explore some of
the magnificent and important locations in the region of Ladakh-
KARGIL
Kargil
is one of the largest districts in Jammu
and Kashmir. Kargil is located in the Ladakh region of J&K in northern
India. The route to Kargil starts from Srinagar via Sonmarg, crossing long
stretched routes, passing through the mountains. These routes are surrounded by
tall barren mountains with snow-clad peaks and at some portions patches of
greenery covering few layers upon the mountains.
There
are chain of mighty Himalayan mountain
ranges, and one of the deadliest roads on earth. The routes roll on the National Highway 1, through the
Dras region which is known to be the coldest place on earth, and here one needs to halt at the Zero point - Zoji
la on the way to Kargil, to enjoy the cool weather along with some
snacks and tea. The place almost freezes at this junction and it is necessary to carry woolen wear.
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| Zoji la |
The
bike life starts engaging in rides on this high mountain chain, people are so
lively, energetic, fearlessly enthralled with their rides on these dangerous,
deadliest, rocky barren mountains, however,
it's definitely exploring the most beautiful experience. It creates great
enthusiasm in them to kill the fear out of their heart, ride in the fresh air
and to live in freedom. The sharp edges by the mountainside,
peeping through those edges wondering as to where’s the land deep down there.
The experiences are absolutely thrilling as well as enchanting to the sense of
every traveller.
On
the way to the Kargil city, one must pay a visit
to the martial land 'The Kargil War Memorial'. ‘The Kargil
War’ is an epic event created in the history of India. Every traveller must pay a tribute to the great heroes
for their bravery for saving our motherland. One is extremely a blessed soul to visit this land of martyrdom at least once in their lifetime.
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| Kargil War Memorial |
On leaving
the 'Kargil War Memorial', there falls a stretch of a river swiftly flowing in
the opposite direction, The Neelum river or the Neel river. This river meets the Line of Control
(LOC) and goes straight to the neighboring
country- Pakistan.
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| Neel river |
At a certain point, the Neel river joins along with another
river tributary, which is a super fast flowing, a little muddy, non-calm,
speedy river named as the Suru river. The loquacious River Suru is one of the tributaries of the mighty River Indus.
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| Suru river |
There are houses built of
mud and rocks along the hillsides in the Kargil City. The main market
in Kargil looks captivated and
deserted, the shops are located adjacently at the long stretched route along
the mountain on one side and the Suru river at the other side.
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| Kargil Main Market |
One
need to maintain a low-fat food for every meal, because Dras which
is one of the main towns in Kargil, also
the coldest inhabitant in India and the second coldest
in the world, therefore the food habits are very obvious to be maintained low-calories, keeping in view the heart and pulse
rate, heart pump, blood flow, frozen nerves or nerve-wracking. So people here
usually prefer on boiled or steamed foods. When
it comes to food, momos are the best option in the mountains. The travelers are
advised not to eat heavy meals during the journey along the rocky and curvy
mountain path, faced with lofty bumps on the roads which often become the
reason for nausea in the trips. It becomes a heavenly experience in Dras, where the temperature freezes below 6°C. Sometimes people
feel their palms getting numb, however, the hotels provide room warmer, with a cozy atmosphere and travellers get a sound sleep at night to start their next day.
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| Kargil City |
LADAKH
In Ladakh most of the
place names end with a ‘La’, that’s why ‘La’dakh is
known as ‘The Land of Passes’. ‘LA’ means 'Pass'
by the people of Leh-Ladakh, such as Zojila, Namikala, Fotula, Khardungla,
Changla and much more.
It
is necessary to start the journey from
Kargil to Leh early in the morning to cover the long distanced route. Also, make sure to stop at each and every location falling on the way. Especially the ‘Mulbek’
from the Chamba Monastery, where a huge sculpture of Buddha is carved along the
rocks with the mountain height.
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| Mulbek |
The car swiftly drives
upward, towards the highest passes heading to the ‘Namika la’ top, which is nearly 12200 feet above the sea level,
the views give an astonishing vista to the traveler's lens, the place is
bewildering to the sense and one can have
some marvelous photo sessions. There is also an immovable bike displayed for
the traveler’s fantasy and enjoyment.
 |
| Namika la |
The car accelerates to the
high mountain, driving to the wafts of cool and soothing breeze. The marvelous ‘Fotula’ Top arrives next, which is at an altitude of
approx 13500 feet high, it is known to be the highest point on the Srinagar-Leh
road which falls on the National Highway 1. The place is very breezy, the
colorful flags are eye-catching and magnificent
mountains steels the show as usual.
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| Fotula |
The ‘Lamayuru Monastery’, is one of the oldest and largest Gompas (Monastery) in Ladakh from the 11th century. The wheels have the mantras ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ written on it. It is believed that when someone spins those wheels, it reduces the stress out
of their mind and give peace from within.
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| Lamayuru Monastery |
The place Lamayuru
is often known as the ‘Moonland Hill’. Ladakh has the most living
areas for the monks at Gompa, and Lamayuru is one of the gems of all the
monasteries in India.
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| Moonland Hill |
Passing
through the Khaltsi Gompa, and the Likir route comes to the most mesmerizing and adventurous spot
where tourists enjoy some road shows- The ‘Magnetic Hill’, which is
famous for its motorbike sports adventure, where
the vehicle moves with the speed of the magnetic or gravity force.
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| Magnetic Hill |
Ladakh
is most often also known as the ‘little Tibet of India’, has a fantastic
landscape with the Himalayan chains all around. While driving on the NH1
connecting Srinagar and Leh we get to witness the unbelievable Confluence
of Indus and Zanskar rivers at the Nimmu Village. Both the
rivers meet distinctly and can be easily recognizable. The darker is the Indus
river to the left and the lighter toned shining blue river is the Zanskar
approaching from the right direction. The
colors are more prominent during Spring, but in the month of July, it looks
muddy. A 14 km stretch of Indus river in the upstream direction ending at this
confluence is popular for rafting. The Indus originates in the Chang Thang cold
desert and the Zanskar river originates in the Zanskar ranges. Both these
Himalayan rivers join at a scenic view in Ladakh at this confluence.
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| Confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers |
As
of now the maintenance of these roadways and its surroundings were under the ‘Vijayak
Project’ of Border Roads Organisation, but as we enter the Leh city from
the airport onwards it comes under the ‘Himank Project’.
NUBRA
The
cab and the driver changes from this location to the rest of the journey, as
the cabs that are plated with a manufacturing label of Srinagar is not
validated to travel in Ladakh. The hotels usually pack the breakfast meals for
most of the travellers to eat while on
the go, as they are unable to grab the meal in less time, also to cover the
long distances. This is great in terms of hospitality as they understand the
needs of the travelers. The travellers need
to pay separately for the 'Pass Permit forms' for the entry to Nubra and
Pangong because both these places are non-accessible and are under the military
sections. We
get to see the most incredible view of Leh from above the Ladakh Mountain Ranges.
Driving towards the world’s Highest Motorable Pass, which is the gateway to the
Shyok and Nubra Valley. On
reaching the ‘Khardungla’
pass, there is a huge crowd of people walking over a blanket of ice. When you
are traveling from Khardung la, the Sun is at its peak, you may come across Sun
burns, but the icy cold temperature will numb you. The view spellbinds and the
ride accomplishes giving an immense happiness of being able to see the topmost motorable part of India as well as the
world. It is very important to carry sun protective moisturizing lotion/cream.
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| Khardungla |
Passing
through the Khardung Valley, Siachen Stallions, Khalsar, the Shyok Valley,
around in the afternoon reaches the Diskit Monastery, where you get
to witness the 32 meters tall statue of the Majestic Maitreya Crowned
Buddha. A camera can never do justice to this place, one needs to be physically present to witness the true vision of this horizon of the earth.
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| Diskit Monastery |
Heading
to the Hunder Village in Nubra
Valley, where its a wondrous meeting of the mountains, water, blue sky,
clouds, the two-humped camel called a Bactrian, white sand dunes
and the white desert.
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| White Sand Dunes |
A few more kilometers from this valley will take you to
the Pakistan Border. This valley is very close to the Siachen, and the Nubra
river actually originates from the Siachen glaciers.
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| Nubra Valley |
This is the Shyok river which means the ‘river of sorrows’, one cannot very easily distinguish between the desert
and the riverbed in that valley, because the muddy sand has been mixed along
with the river water, so both look similar, sometimes it's even the ripples of
the water and the dunes which look the
same. Only at times when it is very windy, the water flows can be seen moving
faster.
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| Shyok Valley |
PANGONG TSO
The
morning sceneries allow a clear blue sky
above and bright green fields on the land. The distance from Nubra to Pangong
lake is supposed to be the longest after the Srinagar-Leh stretch, where it
takes at least 7-8 hours drive to reach
the enchanting location. The route to Pangong is quite painful as most portions
of the roads are non-concrete, dusty, stony path, raw, rocky, gravel road.
There are many monasteries in Ladakh that falls on
the way from Nubra to Pangong. ‘Chemday Monastery’ on the hillside.
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| Chemday Monastery |
The
zig-zag or Z-shaped pattern road on the mountain near Zingral.
‘Changla’, is also known to be one of the
highest motorable passes. There is a temple at the middle of the pass
named ‘Changla Baba Dev Sthal’ and the prayer flags give a lesson to
remember, as a mark of accomplishment and in reference to the Buddhist Monks
prayer flags are put up at every location in Leh-Ladakh, with the hope that the
wind will carry the mantras written on the prayer flags out to everyone and
promote peace, love, compassion, strength, and wisdom. On the contrary to this
belief, faded colors are considered as auspicious, which signifies that the
prayers were successfully carried by the wind and it spread goodwill into all
the pervading space and also to the people.
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| Changla |
While
passing through Changthang en route to
Pangong Tso, there is a wildlife habitat in plenty, especially the huge rodents
‘Marmots’, which are actually squirrels and locals call it ‘phea’. Marmots are found in abundance in this
region, there are thousands of holes in that area where the marmots keep going
on and off the ground.
After
a very long drive, the wait gets accomplished as soon as one gets to see the first view of
the world famous ‘Pangong Tso’. The lake looks astonishing, mesmerizing, the scenery takes the breath away.
The breeze drive to the senses numb as if flying high letting free in the air,
making you feel special in your heart to
the deepest extravaganza.
The
place is peaceful, away from the crowd, the hustle-bustle of the city life and
the honks of the vehicles. Nature is always at its best performance and every
observer becomes a silent spectator because the marvelous shots simply turn you
speechless. The cobalt blue sky, the pearly white clouds, the mighty Himalayas,
the grassland, and the desert land gives the lake camouflaging effect from
everywhere. The mystical breeze smoothly moving the clouds above and water below,
sunlight peeping through the cottony mass and the magnificent Himalayas
stealing the show from the background.
One
cannot miss out the spot with mischievous photography sessions at the famous shooting
location of Bollywood movie ‘3 Idiots’. The borderline mountain from
where our neighboring country China begins is almost visible.
The Pangong Camps stay is
completely a different experience altogether. One can capture the beautiful
flowers, mountains, lakes, and the tiny rock hills in the daylight. Then,
living the night under the clear sky with stars shining brightly, along with
some music gala and campfire till late
night. Slowly the 200 km long
saltwater lake changes its color into sparkling silver, as the stars make a
roof over it. The night turns colder and one can spend the night under the sky
full of stars, a graceful lake in front and the solitary mountains all around. The
sunrise as viewed from Pangong is exquisite as if thousands of golden sparks
are bursting into flames and radiating fiery colors throughout the sky and into
the glistening lake, it is purely a magical experience.
LEH CITY
The
hotel receptions greet every guest by an overwhelming white scarf wrapping
around their neck saying ‘Jullay’, which means 'Welcome' or 'Namaskar'
by the Lamas/Buddhists in Ladakh. The Leh
Main market looks crowded than the usual habitat in the region. It is one
of the highest markets of India.
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| Leh Main market |
The ‘Shanti Stupa’ is the
most sort out tourist attraction in Ladakh. It is a paradise for every
photographer’s lens and it gives an extra mile overview to the whole Leh
city. The place is very peaceful and serene that you feel your worries
paved a way out of yourself.
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| Shanti Stupa |
If one wants
to get a panoramic view of the entire Leh city, this place gives the superb
angles focusing the lens of every cameraman.
The hilltop location is spectacular, the place is intensely spiritual.
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| Leh City |
These are the structure or the Stupas built from the ancient time by the kings who ruled these places. These are white painted bodies where mantras/chants are written and it is said that people worship Gods by walking around the dome three times in a day.
The ‘Hall
of Fame’ is a museum where you get to see the complete historical,
geographical features of Ladakh, as well as the memory, sacrifice, achievements
of the Indian Army. As it is the most famous tourist spot, it is necessary to
have a cost for its maintenance and therefore tourists do not mind paying Rs.25 entry fee plus Rs.50 for photography in
the inner premises. The Hall of Fame and the Kargil War Memorial are important
for the tourists to visit so that we can understand how the Army is guarding
the nation to keep us safe from the enemies attack. You get to know all the
important information about Jammu and Kashmir under this roof, but to explore
these things physically it's mandatory to visit the places and note down the
unknown facts.
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| Hall of Fame |
The ‘Leh
Palace' is another important place in Leh. It is a piece of history,
beautiful architecture which holds the heritage of the royal family in Leh. The
place opens in the sunrise and closes during sunset. It is like an exciting adventure game as if playing hide and seek or a
computer game with every level that one climb up they win. The narrow wooden
staircases in the darkness, hunting to escape into the light. It is completely
a different experience inside the brilliantly constructed royal architecture of
the palace.
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| Leh Palace |
LEH AIRPORT
Continuing
with the hangover by capturing hundreds of shots even after the flight takes
off. One gets the most beautiful scenic panorama through the glass panes,
the endless chains of the Himalayan mountains, the ice-capped regions, thin
line beauty of the rivers that was visible from the dense white clouds. As if walking in the clouds
high above the earth. It's unbelievable,
most fun-filled, weird, marvellous, dangerous, adventurous, beautiful,
mind-blowing, and craziest travelling experience.
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Paromita Pramanick ©2018. All Rights Reserved.
Nunkuncamp Ladakh
ReplyDeleteCamping in Shargole
ReplyDeleteWow, this destination looks absolutely breathtaking! Adding it to my bucket list for sure. Read more The Ultimate Manali to Leh Bike Trip Guide
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