Highs, Lows And A Zillion Memories: Ravindra’s Dramatic Family Trip to Ladakh
Their trip to Ladakh and Srinagar was meant to be just another family vacation. Little did they know, this 12-day journey would turn into one of the most memorable experiences of their lives.
Picture a happy family of 12, all set to conquer the rugged terrains of Ladakh, with kids and elderly relatives - everyone excited to take on the adventures this trip was about to offer.
After all, what could possibly go wrong, right?
But, as it turned out, everything that could have gone wrong, did - but that’s what made this trip truly unforgettable.
The Chaos Begins in Srinagar
Their adventure started in Srinagar, the serene gateway to the Ladakh trip. But drama began early. The plan was simple: drive from Srinagar to Kargil, cross the famous Zoji La pass, and then onward to Leh. But nature had other plans. Due to unexpected avalanches, Zoji La was completely shut down.
They were stuck in Srinagar for an extra four days.
“What now?” asked one cousin, already imagining the entire trip being ruined.
Everyone thought this was the first hiccup of many, but thanks to Jigmy, their on-ground support, the trip actually began to take a turn for the better.
Instead of sulking about being trapped, the family embraced their extended stay. And Jigmy made sure they had the best time.
With Zoji La closed, the itinerary had to be modified. They ventured into places they hadn’t even considered visiting: Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, and some impromptu paragliding adventures.
Paragliding was a first for most of them, and it quickly became the unexpected highlight of the Srinagar leg. One aunt, who had always been afraid of heights, screamed mid-air, “I’m flying! I’m flying!” It was both hilarious and heartwarming. Her fear melted into pure joy, and by the end of it, she was already planning her next paragliding adventure.
The Plot Twist
After four extra days, Zoji La was still closed. “We have to fly to Leh,” said Jigmy, as casually as if he were suggesting a simple detour. The thought of flying over the Himalayas sounded thrilling and terrifying at the same time. But the view was breathtaking!
As they descended into Leh, the first glimpse of the barren landscape dotted with monasteries and stupas took everyone’s breath away. Despite having just three days left in Ladakh, they knew they were about to experience something special.
Mission Possible?
Originally, they had five days planned for Ladakh, but with the delay, they had to do it all in three. Most people would have been stressed, but not this family - thanks to Jigmy and the amazing local team.
Their first stop was Nubra Valley, known for its white sand dunes and the iconic double-humped Bactrian camels. Riding a camel in the middle of a cold desert was something hard to explain.
As the camel slowly moved through the dunes, all Ravindra could think was, "Am I in the Middle East or the Himalayas?" The contrast of barren mountains and soft white sand was something that had to be seen to be believed.
In the evening, they set up camp under a star-filled sky, and the kids had their first camping experience. There were more giggles and stories than sleep. Watching the stars with the family, away from city lights, was one of those moments that makes you pause and appreciate the world’s natural beauty.
The Spectacles
Day two took them to the famous Pangong Lake, made even more popular after the Bollywood movie 3 Idiots was shot there. It was one of those rare places even more beautiful in real life than in pictures. The lake changed colours throughout the day, from deep blue to a shade of turquoise that almost looked unreal.
Of course, their drama-filled trip couldn’t end without a few mishaps. Upon reaching Pangong, they realised they had forgotten their jackets back at the hotel in Leh.
Standing by the lake, with the biting wind reminding them of their mistake, an uncle declared, “Well, guess we’ll just huddle together for warmth!” And that’s exactly what they did. Wrapped in shawls and blankets they luckily had, they managed to not only survive but enjoy every minute of it.
Their final day in Ladakh was the grand finale - a drive up to Khardung La, the world’s highest motorable road. At 18,380 feet, they felt on top of the world. The drive itself was not for the faint-hearted, with narrow roads and steep drops. But upon reaching the top, the feeling of accomplishment hit hard.
One cousin said, “This is it, guys. This is what makes all the chaos and mishaps worth it.” And he was right. Standing there, looking out at the endless range of snow-capped peaks, it felt like everything had fallen into place.
Final Reflections
In the end, it wasn’t the itinerary or the list of places they ticked off that made the trip unforgettable. It was the unexpected moments - the avalanches that changed their plans, the impromptu paragliding adventure, the starry night in Nubra, and the chaos of forgetting jackets at Pangong.
It was also the people, like Rohith, Nitin, and their saviour Jigmy from Thrillophilia, who made the trip feel like an extended family was watching over them. Despite small mishaps - like missing a few phone numbers or the occasional mix-up - the care and effort put into ensuring they had the best time were remarkable.
To anyone planning a trip to Ladakh, their advice is simple: embrace the chaos. Don’t stick too tightly to the plan, because the best moments happen when things don’t go as planned.
Ladakh is magical, not just for its scenery but for the experiences it throws at you, unplanned and unexpected. Thrillophilia comes highly recommended - they truly know how to turn a journey into an adventure.
As one uncle aptly put it on their last night in Leh, “If everything went perfectly, we wouldn’t have half as many stories to tell.” And that, dear readers, is what makes a family trip to Ladakh memorable.
Read More: Thrillophilia Ladakh Sightseeing Reviews