A Vacation That Took an Unexpected Turn - Razi’s Ultimate Friends Trip with Thrillophilia
This is the story of three friends taking the trip of their lifetime, three friends making their wanderlust dream come true.
Can you guess the destination?
Let's try with some clues...
It has a desert area but remains cold throughout the year.
No?
Okay, it has the world’s highest saltwater lake.
…come on! No idea still?
(final one guys) Jab Tak Hai Jaan and 3 idiots were shot here.
Now you know for sure!
So, Razi and his two friends went to Ladakh during May, the best time to visit the place. And this is how their adventure unfolded…
When Ladakh opened a new portal of the world for Mumbaikars!
During their college days, most people were thinking of going to Goa and throwing their bachelorettes there, while these three people were tuning their fitness levels to go for a trek to Ladakh.
Unfortunately, the pressure of being software engineers did not allow them a 10-day long leave to undertake a trek, so instead, they decided to go for a nice trip.
Little did they know that this trip would turn out to be a life-changing experience for all three of them until they met their driver and guide- Mr Shaksham.
They first started from Leh sightseeing on the first day. Strolling around the market while clicking photographs and examining handicrafts, the three of them were just getting a hint of their culture when they came across a pretty restaurant named Don Ley.
Going inside, they met an elderly woman who immediately vibed with them. Over dinner, she narrated stories of her own life in Ladakh, she was a local born and brought up there. She also revealed that she had never been outside this state.
Awed, the three friends wanted to learn more about the place and her life. So, she began with the legends of Ladakh. Till 10 at night, all of them were engrossed in the tales of paranormal activities, spiritual experiences, and local superstitions which the locals never disregarded.
It was a unique experience for Razi and his friends. Coming from Mumbai, seldom did they get such an opportunity to see the other side of the world. And to see it in Ladakh, was a whole another experience for them.
Sometimes crossing lines ain’t that bad
The group of friends had immense fun, touring around the Shanti Stupa and Magnetic Hill. More than surprised, they were excited. They were waiting for the day when they would go to Nubra and the Pangong Lake. But that day was not far…
However, there were certain places that were essential to cover before heading off to the Nubra Valley-
The confluence of Zanskar and Indus in Sham Valley was one such point of attraction. The serene ambience of the place was nothing short of soul-stirring. They sat there for a long time after going around all the monasteries and the Rancho school as well. But they wanted to go down to the banks of the river confluence.
Going beyond the ordinary, Mr Shaksham, who had already bonded with them in a day, asked them to follow him down the slopes to get to the banks. Being a local, he knew the route.
He told the group of friends, “Generally we don't take this path as it is a bit challenging for tourists. Its fine for us though, it is our home”
To this, Razi said, “So, it won't be a problem right?”
“No, absolutely not. We are happy to take people around, apart from the conventional itineraries, they don't really tell you much about Ladakh.”
Walking down, we saw a broken sign board that said “slippery road ahead. Tread cautiously”
And you know what they did?
They went ahead anyway.
Journey from Camelback rides to Volini
The most awaited part of their journey had arrived, and Mr. Shaksham had warned them all about the possibility of hurting their backs on the bactrian camel rides.
But who remembers warnings when they are having fun!
After taking a long ride in the cold deserts of the Nubra Valley and opting for a quad bike riding experience as well, they retired to their camp stay in Hunder.
The next morning started with groans and moans due to pain, and the cottage staff. They arranged for volini sprays and hot bags for Razi and his friends. Resting a bit, they headed off to the climax of their journey- to Pangong Tso.
If there was a moment from the trip that they could not define in words, it was this one-
They got out of the car at Pangong Lake. Seeing ahead, they realised that it was impossible to cover the entire stretch of the lake banks by walking, so they rented the yellow scooter and went to a certain point.
It was the peak of afternoon and the shadow of the sun was glistening on the lake waters. They had dragged Mr. Shaksham along with them as well, it was as if he had become a part of the group. They were dining together, exploring together, and even gossiping together!
As the colour of the lake changed from green to red, they realised it was time for sunset. So, they waited patiently, saw the red of the water deepen and deepen, until it was time to leave.
Back to the beginning, but with a different vision
Crossing Chang-la was an achievement for them.
Returning back to Leh, they had gone to have their last dinner in Ladakh at that same restaurant. While ama served the meals that she prepared for them specially, they showed her the pictures. She was very happy, smiling and nodding…but her eyes were sparkling.
After dinner, they sat down to spend some more time with her, and then she revealed that she had a son who used to take her places. She also said that she missed her son, now that he got busy in Mumbai.
They were shocked to hear Mumbai.
With a promise to reach out to him and convey Amma’s thoughts to her son, they exchanged their numbers and headed back to their respective lives…
The trip was over, but the memories from the trip were sure to stay with them forever.
Read More: Ladakh Sightseeing Reviews