Breaking the Norm: Dipti’s Ladakh Trip with Thrillophilia
"Ladakh? Alone? Are you sure?"
I had lost count of how many times I heard that before my trip. It came from friends, relatives, colleagues - even the guy at the grocery store. Ladakh, for some reason, was always imagined as a place for groups of bikers, squads of thrill seekers, or honeymooners.
But why should travel always need company? Why couldn’t I take on this Himalayan adventure on my own?
So, on 9th July 2023, armed with backpacks, boundless excitement, and a shared love for adventure, I took off for Leh - alone, excited, and ready for whatever adventure lay ahead.
The First Breath of the Mountains
As our flight descended into Leh, I pressed my face against the window, stunned. Pointed brown mountains stretched endlessly, their peaks dusted with snow, glowing in the early morning light. It ABSOLUTELY did not feel real.
The moment I stepped out of the airport, the fresh and cool air hit my face. Thin, pure, and unlike anything I had ever breathed before. But within an hour, I realised why everyone warned about altitude sickness - even climbing a few stairs left me breathless!
"No heroics today, madam. Just rest, drink water, and enjoy the view," our guide, Sonam Ji, advised with a laugh. He was right. That first day, I did nothing but sip ginger tea, watch the fluttering prayer flags, and soak in the magic of Leh.
Riding Through the Valley of Dreams
By the second day, I was ready to explore. Sham Valley was our first stop - a land of golden fields, turquoise rivers, and monasteries on the cliffs looked like something out of a dream.
The highlight? The legendary Magnetic Hill.
"Now, leave the car in neutral and watch," Sonam ji smiled.
To our amazement, our SUV started moving uphill on its own. A trick of gravity? Or just Ladakh’s way of proving that here, the impossible was possible?
But what truly stayed with me was Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a serene and soulful place where the Sikh legend of Guru Nanak and a demon came to life. As I sat there, sipping the langar chai, I realised how Ladakh was full of stories, faith, and a deep connection to something greater.
After exploring, I came back to our hotel and prepared for the next day, as something big was to come.
Conquering the Mighty Khardung-La
As soon as the sun hit the mountains, I was all set for the journey to Nubra Valley via Khardung-La, the highest motorable road in the world.
18,380 feet. Just saying it made my heart race.
As we drove higher, the landscapes changed from rocky terrain to snow-covered peaks. The air became thinner, and the cold seeped into my bones. But when we finally reached the top, the feeling was indescribable.
Colourful prayer flags fluttered in the wind. Snow glistened under the sun. And the world stretched out beneath like a canvas painted with every shade of nature.
"You did it, Dipti!" I cheered.
I celebrated with the only thing available at that altitude - a steaming cup of Maggi. And let me tell you, nothing in the world tastes better than Maggi at Khardung-La!
The descent into Nubra Valley felt like entering another world - sand dunes, rivers, and double-humped Bactrian camels. I rode one at Hunder, laughing like a kid as it walked through the cold desert.
"Bikers have their Royal Enfields. I have my camel," I joked. And honestly? I would not have traded the experience for anything.
Pangong Lake Stole Our Hearts
The next morning, I left for Pangong Lake, the crown jewel of Ladakh. Though the road was challenging, with steep climbs, sharp turns, and dramatic weather shifts, that first glimpse of the endless blue lake made me forget every single hardship.
Pangong was not just a tourist destination. It was a feeling.
The water changed colours every hour - deep blue, turquoise, emerald, and at times, almost golden. I stood there, speechless, letting the wind whip through my jacket.
"No camera can do justice to this," I whispered.
That night, in my simple tent by the lake, I lay awake, watching the sky explode with stars. No city lights. No noise. Just the sound of the wind and the most breathtaking Milky Way above us.
It was something my soul had been searching for.
The Final Chapter
Our last day in Ladakh took us to Stok Village, a small yet charming place that gave me a glimpse into the lives of the locals.
I met a Ladakhi grandmother, who invited me into her traditional home and served butter tea. She spoke in Ladakhi, I replied in Hindi, and yet, somehow, we understood each other perfectly.
"You are brave," she said, patting my hand. "Women should see the world too. It makes them stronger."
That moment stayed with me.
Ladakh had shown me adventure, beauty, and thrill. But it had also given me a newfound confidence - a belief that I could go anywhere, experience anything, and write my own story.
Later, as we drove to the airport, I felt a transformation. This trip took me out of my comfort zone, tested my limits, and gave me memories that no screen, no social media post, and no travel blog could ever capture fully.
And to everyone who wondered if a solo traveller could take on Ladakh?
Yes. I did. And I would do it all over again.
Read More: Thrillophilia Ladakh Sightseeing Reviews