Where Dreams Meet Reality: Ajmal's Thrillophilia Review of a Trip to Ladakh
As a couple, we've always been fond of traveling to adventurous places, and Ladakh had been on our list for a while. While watching '3 Idiots' on the TV one fine weekend, my wife asked, "How about we finally visit Ladakh? Let's tick it off our list!”
“You just stole words out of my mouth! I can't wait to see Pangong Tso!” I responded.
“We should definitely try riding Bactrian camels in Nubra Valley,” my wife added with excitement.
And then we spent the rest of the evening planning, browsing through itineraries and all the must-see spots.
With all the details mapped out, our anticipation for the trip grew multifold. “This trip is going to be an adventure for a lifetime,” I said, thinking about the stunning landscapes.
We both smiled, realizing that our adventure in Ladakh was about to become a reality.
Sunsets, Streets, and Scenic Wonders
Well, just to put it out there among all travel enthusiasts - the way Ladakh greets you in the region with its landscapes, there's no better feeling than that.
Huge snow-covered mountains, twisty mountain passes, and clear skies throughout - it's just nature all around you, showing off the best of herself.
On our first day trip, we went to see the iconic Leh Palace. To me, it felt as if the palace had stayed frozen in time since its construction 450 years ago. Our guide for the trip told us that it's considered one of the most important heritage sites in the region.
So, we took a stroll along its ancient halls and looked at several objects that it once used to house as a royal residence. But that wasn't all that there was to it. As we stepped outside on the palace’s terraces, we got a chance to admire the stunning bird’s-eye view of the city.
I turned to my partner and said, “Can you believe we’re here? This is like something out of a dream!”
Later that day, we also visited the Shanti Stupa - it was one of those places that can even silence the loudest thoughts in your mind. At the summit, the views of the sun setting over the mountains painted the sky in shades of yellow and orange. As we stood there, we thought about how fortunate we were to be able to live our dreams.
“This is exactly what I imagined Ladakh would be like - absolutely breathtaking”, my wife remarked.
Our day ended with a walk across the busy streets of Leh Market, where local vendors showcased their handicrafts. The vibrant colours, lively chatter, and delicious aromas of authentic Thupka and Momos filled the air, and we were in bliss.
Maggi at 18,000 Feet
Nubra Valley was a place that I'd been looking forward to since the day we booked our flights. We drove via Khardungla Pass, listed among the highest motorable roads on the planet.
While navigating through the loopy roads on the mountain, every time our car made a turn, we'd tilt side by side. It was fun, and we were laughing our way through the challenging twists and turns of the passes. Then we reached the Khardung La café after some time, where we enjoyed a hot plate of Maggi with tea.
"I'm loving it here so much that you'd have to practically drag me out of Ladakh," my wife said.
"Stop stealing words from my mouth already!" I said, and we both burst into laughter.
As soon as we reached Nubra Valley, we were welcomed by vast landscapes that stretched as far as our eyes could see. The cold desert, with rolling dunes and Bactrian camels walking around, felt otherwordly.
After checking into our campsite, we decided to go for a walk in the surrounding region to admire the natural beauty. Once we had taken in the views, it was time for something fun - riding a Bactrian camel. In all honestly, I was only up for it because my wife suggested it, but it turned out to be one of the best experiences we had during the trip. Watching the sun go down behind the majestic peaks, as the camels took us around the deserted region, was a sight to remember.
The next day, our journey led us to the famous Pangong Tso Lake, a place I had long dreamt of visiting. The road to the lake was nothing short of an artwork itself - with scenic views of small villages and crystal-clear streams. When we finally reached it, the sight of the lake took our breath away…
The turquoise waters of the lake, with their ever-changing shades, reflected the clear sky and surrounding mountains…and our jaws froze in awe for sometime.
No matter how hard we tried, capturing the beauty of the lake on a smartphone camera, just didn't do justice to its charm.
From Rugged Roads to Royal History
A trip to Ladakh just can't be considered complete without an excursion to Stok Village. The scenic drive through rugged landscapes took us to this peaceful spot, where we got a chance to immerse ourselves in authentic Ladakhi culture and beautiful apricot gardens. We also enjoyed trying several types of delicious food items at a local shop.
My wife said, “This is the best food I’ve ever had on a trip!”
I nodded in agreement.
We also visited the ancient Stok Palace, which according to the locals stood symbolic of the region's royal past. I fell in love with the classic architecture of the Palace and wondered about the luxurious life the rulers led back in the day.
On our last morning, as we packed our bags, we took one last look at the stunning mountains. The serenity of Ladakh had seeped into our souls, leaving us with a lifelong appreciation for its culture and beauty.
Read More: Thrillophilia Ladakh Reviews