Conquering Heights and Capturing Memories: Sangita’s Magical Trip to Ladakh
Sangita had always dreamt of travelling to Ladakh, the land of high passes, ever since she first saw pictures of its amazing landscapes.
So, when she and her friend booked their trip to Ladakh with Thrillophilia, she was buzzing with excitement. The thought of exploring one of the most rugged and breathtaking places on earth filled her with energy and thrill.
Embracing the Heights
From the moment they landed in Leh, both the girls saw that Ladakh’s charm had begun to unveil itself.
The town of Leh, with its monasteries on hilltops and colourful markets, set the perfect tone for the adventure ahead. Sangita could feel the thin mountain air hitting her face as they acclimatised to the altitude, taking it slow on the first day.
They spend the evening exploring the Leh Market, where Sangita picked up some traditional Ladakhi souvenirs, prayer flags, and local handicrafts items - for her friends and family back home in Maharashtra.
The warmth of the people and the simple life in Leh started to touch her.
Their real journey began the next day as they set off towards Khardungla, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. As they ascended the steep and winding roads, the landscapes kept changing, each more magnificent than the last.
When they finally reached the top, standing at 17,582 feet, Sangita couldn’t believe she was there - literally on top of the world. The cold air filled her lungs as she looked at the panoramic view of the snow-covered peaks surrounding them.
The joy and sense of accomplishment were evident on her face as she posed for pictures, capturing the moment forever.
The Golden Moments in Nubra
Another highlight of their trip was the Nubra Valley, a place that Sangita had heard much about but never imagined would be so beautiful.
Upon their visit, the valley greeted them with its lush greenery - a stark contrast to the barren mountains they had seen so far in the trip.
Sangita and her friend giggled like schoolchildren as they mounted the camels and embarked on a bumpy yet fun ride across the sand dunes at Hunder. The setting sun casted a golden hue over the landscape, making it a perfect instagrammable moment for them!
On the way to Nubra, they also visited the Diskit Monastery, which stood majestically on a hilltop overlooking the valley. As Sangita walked through the ancient corridors of the monastery, the chants of the monks filled the air, creating a spiritual atmosphere.
Right below the monastery, stood a giant, 108-feet statue of Maitreya Buddha. This gold and red coloured statue seemed to bless the land and its people. This entire experience left Sangita feeling peaceful and connected to something much greater than herself.
But the trip’s magic didn’t end there.
Living a Stargazer’s Dream
The famed Pangong Lake was a place that had been on Sangita’s bucket list for as long as she could remember.
On the day they were driving to Pangong, Sangita kept thinking about how many times she had dreamed of visiting this place, feeling like it was always calling her.
When they finally arrived at the lake, what they saw was beyond imagination. They spent the entire day by the lake, watching it change colours as the sun moved across the sky.
From deep blue to turquoise and even shades of green, the lake seemed to have a life of its own.
That night, they camped by the lake, and Sangita experienced something she had only read about in books—star-gazing under the clear sky.
The sky was a blanket of stars, so bright and close that it felt like she could reach out and touch them. The silence of the night, interrupted only by the gentle lapping of the lake’s waters, was so therapeutic.
The following morning, they continued their journey to Hanle, a remote village famous for its observatory and clear night skies. In Hanle, she experienced another night of star-gazing, this time at one of the highest observatories in the world.
The vastness of the universe, visible through the telescopes, left Sangita awestruck - yet again!
Their adventure didn’t stop there. Sangita and her friend also made it to Umling La, currently the highest motorable road in the world. The harsh winds, the biting cold, and the challenging drive all added to the thrill of their journey.
Some bonds made…
Throughout their journey, Sangita and her friend were part of a group, which added to the experience. The bond they shared with fellow travellers and the stories exchanged around the campfires, created memories that they would cherish forever.
She loved the sense of community that developed as they went through the challenges of the high-altitude terrain together, celebrating each milestone along the way. It was moments like these that made the trip so special—simple joys in the midst of such grandeur.
As their trip came to an end, Sangita couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. She was grateful for the incredible experiences, the sights, and the deep sense of peace that Ladakh had given her.
Most importantly she was thankful to Thrillophilia. In her words, “From start to finish, every detail of my trip was well- planned, making this one of the best travel experiences I've ever had. The itinerary was well-crafted, offering a perfect balance of sightseeing, activities, and relaxation.”
As she boarded the flight back home, Sangita looked out at the mountains one last time, silently promising herself that she would return.
Read More: Thrillophilia Ladakh Sightseeing Reviews