Thrillophilia Review: Aakash’s Journey Through Ladakh with His Second Family
It is funny how the most memorable trips often begin with the simplest conversations. Ours began on a random evening in a coffee shop. Over steaming cups of masala chai and endless laughter about work stress and missed deadlines, someone casually threw out the words, “Ladakh trip?” and suddenly, the room fell silent.
“Bro, are we really doing this?” Dhawal asked with raised eyebrows.
“I am booking the flights,” Saloni declared, already halfway through the travel app.
And just like that, we were in.
Fast forward to June 2025, when I, along with my chaotic and wonderful bunch of friends: Mahak, Saloni, Shivani, Dhawal, and Gitesh, touched down at Leh airport. The first thing that hit us was the thin air.
“Guys... why do my lungs feel like I am breathing through a straw?” Mahak gasped, half-laughing and half-panicking.
“Welcome to 11,500 feet above sea level,” I smiled, pretending to sound scientific.
The mountains around Leh stood tall as silent witnesses to our excited and out-of-breath arrival.
The Beauty of Leh
The first day was supposed to be for “resting and acclimatising,” but we were too restless to sit still. After some chai and a power nap at the hotel, we headed to Leh Palace, from the 17th century. From its windows, we could see the whitewashed homes and prayer flags moving with the breeze.
Our next stop was the serene Shanti Stupa, which glowed against the dusk sky. We stood in silence, as prayer wheels spun slowly and the sunset dipped the mountains in gold.
Later that evening, we wandered through Leh Market, bargaining (badly) for Tibetan jewellery and sipping on butter tea that only Gitesh seemed to genuinely enjoy.
As night fell, so did our exhaustion. Back at the hotel, we shared stories and snacks in one room. I realised that it was our shared escape from the noise of everyday life.
Chasing Legends in Sham Valley
The next morning, the real road trip vibes began. Our first stop was Sangam, where the muddy Zanskar river met the sparkling Indus. We sat there quietly and let the rivers tell their ancient stories.
Then, we visited Magnetic Hill, where our car mysteriously rolled uphill. Dhawal, of course, claimed it was “pure physics,” but Mahak was ready to call the Discovery Channel. Laughter echoed through the barren landscapes as we took turns trying to defy gravity.
We made a peaceful halt at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, where even the toughest among us sat in silent prayer. Something about that place wrapped you in calmness without even asking your permission.
Later, we visited the SECMOL campus, where the spirit of learning lived in solar panels, mud walls, and open skies. “This was in 3 Idiots,” Saloni screamed while channeling her inner Bollywood fan.
Our final stop was the Hall of Fame War Memorial. Standing there and reading the stories of soldiers who never returned home, our group turned quiet. The jokes faded, and respect filled the space instead.
Back at the hotel that night, we debated whether we should try white water rafting the next day or play it safe. In the end, sleep won.
Snow-Filled Deserts of Nubra Valley
On Day 3, the road to Nubra Valley through Khardung La Pass tested both our nerves and phone cameras. The Khardung La café gifted us with the most satisfying Maggi in the world.
Descending into Nubra felt like falling into another world. From snow to sand, Ladakh surprised us yet again. At Hunder Sand Dunes, we let loose. Camel rides and ATV spins filled the evening with pure joy.
We sat under a sky so full of stars at our Nubra campsite. As the wind whistled through our tents that night, Mahak whispered, “I wish we could freeze this moment forever.”
The Blue Colour of the Pangong Lake
The drive to Pangong Tso the next day was long but surreal. Streams crossed the roads, and wild horses grazed in vast valleys.
By the time we reached Pangong, the lake shimmered in impossible shades of blue and green, surrounded by tall brown hills and snowy peaks.
I stood there and watched the water change colours as clouds passed by. No words could describe the beauty that we saw there.
“3 Idiots' climax scene... but better,” Shivani said.
We walked along the pebbled shore while tossing stones and worries into the lake.
Our night at the Pangong campsite was cold enough to freeze our thoughts but warm with conversations inside our tents. With no network and only each other for company, we talked about dreams, heartbreaks, fears, and stupid college stories we had not shared before.
It felt like we rediscovered each other that night.
The Long Road Home
The next morning, we said a reluctant goodbye to Pangong and headed back to Leh via the majestic Chang La Pass. We stopped at the Chang La Baba Temple, where bells chimed softly against the wind.
We visited the famous Druk Padma Karpo School, where little kids ran through the corridors that once held Rancho and Virus from “3 Idiots.” Life imitates cinema in the best way.
Before heading to our hotel, we made a final stop at Thiksey Monastery, where giant Buddha statues watched over the valley below and reminded us that peace often comes in silence.
The excitement of arrival in Leh had given way to the ache of leaving. But in that ache, there was gratitude.
On the 6th day, we packed our bags with souvenirs and hearts heavy with memories. The drive to Leh airport felt too short. One last look at those tall peaks, and the plane carried us away from Ladakh.
Read More: Thrillophilia Ladakh Reviews