Exploring Ladakh Together: Sneha's Thrillophilia Review of a Ladakh Trip
My partner and I had always been huge fans of Ladakh's breathtaking natural beauty. As soon as we found a break in our hectic schedules, we knew it was the perfect time to finally make our dream trip a reality. A friend recommended Thrillophilia’s exceptional tours, and the idea of exploring with a trusted guide who knew all the hidden gems really appealed to us.
After hearing the positive reviews, we decided to book a tour. The promise of a hassle-free, immersive experience with local insights made us confident that Thrillophilia was the ideal choice for our trip.
In a World of Wonders
As I arrived in Leh and looked around, it felt as if we had entered a completely different world. The sight of tall, snow-capped mountains surrounding a dry, yet stunning terrain was simply fantastic. After resting for a while, we set out to explore the city, and I was eager to see what Leh had in store for us.
Our first stop was the Leh Palace. Standing at the top of the hill, the view of the town below was breathtaking. The brown and orange buildings stood out in contrast against the bright blue sky. I couldn’t help but pause for a moment, taking in the stunning scenery. "This feels like a place where time just stands still," I whispered to Jagdish.
“You’re right,” he smiled, “It’s like we’re in another era, surrounded by centuries of history.”
Next, we made our way to the Shanti Stupa, where the scenic views took my breath away all over again. The stupa itself was magnificent, its white walls glowing under the sun. I stood there for a while, silently absorbing the beauty of the surroundings. It felt like the mountains were quietly speaking their ancient stories to me.
Afterwards, we visited the Leh Market, which was lined with colourful shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts. I found myself drawn into a small shop where an elderly lady was selling handwoven scarves. She smiled warmly and said, “You like... madam? Good for cold weather!”
I smile back, replying, “I’m sure it will be perfect for the cold nights ahead.”
She chuckled and added, "Very good...You take...you remember Leh!" I ended up buying a beautiful blue scarf, which felt like the perfect keepsake from my first day in Leh.
Magnetic Mysteries and Historic Heroes
The following day, we headed out for a trip to Sham Valley, curious to see more of the stunning landscapes. Our first stop was the meeting point of the Zanskar and Indus rivers, where the water from both rivers met. It was incredible to watch the rivers side by side, each with its own distinct colour.
Not long after, we visited Magnetic Hill, which was exactly as fascinating as it sounded. The illusion of vehicles rolling uphill on their own was strange, and I couldn’t help but stare in wonder. “How is this even possible?” Jagdish said, eyes wide with disbelief.
“I’m not sure,” I replied, “But it’s certainly one of the strangest things I’ve ever seen! It’s like we’re being tricked by the landscape!”
Our final stop of the day was the Hall of Fame War Memorial, which left me deeply moved. Walking through the exhibits and seeing the photos of soldiers who sacrificed so much made me feel incredibly grateful. As we left the memorial, Jagdish turned to me and said, “We are so lucky to be here, to witness this beauty and history.” I nodded, reflecting on the heritage of the region.
Khardung La to Pangong
Soon, it was time for us to explore Nubra Valley. The road was bumpy, but the stunning views kept us amazed throughout the drive. As we neared the top, I couldn’t believe we were standing at Khardung La Pass - the highest motorable pass in the world. "This is crazy! We’re so high up!" Jagdish remarked. Though the wind was so cold it bit at our faces - the sight was worth it.
Once we reached Nubra Valley, the landscape that unfolded before us was unlike anything we had seen before. The vast desert stretched endlessly, and watching the double-humped Bactrian camels walk across the sand was such a unique experience. "I never thought I’d see a desert this cold!" I said as we enjoyed a camel ride.
The next day, we journeyed to Turtuk, a village near the India-Pakistan border. As we entered the village, the scenery changed dramatically - lush green pastures and fruit orchards replaced the barren mountains.
“It’s surprising how much life there is here, given where it’s located.” I thought to myself.
Our final stop was Pangong Lake, which was everything I had hoped for and more. The lake shimmered in different shades of blue, and the colours seemed to change with the sunlight. "I can’t even describe how beautiful this is," I said, struggling to find the right words.
Jagdish, equally impressed by the view, said, “It feels like it’s been painted by nature itself.”
On the way back to Leh, we passed through Chang La Pass, visited Thiksey Monastery, and saw the Druk Padma Karpo School, which felt like another chapter in the adventure. Our time in Ladakh had been so much more than I could have ever expected. The beauty of Ladakh, its culture, and its people had left an imprint on my heart. "I’ll never forget this trip," I said to Jagdish, knowing this experience would stay with us forever.
Read More: Thrillophilia Ladakh Reviews