Reviving the Lost Self: Swathi’s ‘Comeback’ trip to Ladakh with Thrillophilia
Sitting at her work desk late in the evening in the office, Swathi felt overwhelmed. Life was getting out of control and she wanted to take a break from everything. From the nagging of the boss to the hectic pressure of assignments and projects, she wanted to leave it all behind and go on a trip to Ladakh.
Three of her colleagues had also joined her in the venture, and immediately after their confirmation, she reached out to Thrillophilia to curate an itinerary. She had already done her research and knew what kind of a trip she wanted.
Thrillophilia was happy to plan a trip just how she desired. Happy and hopeful, the deal was sealed sooner than she expected.
Cheers to adventure
The first thing they planned for their trip was river rafting in the Sangam- the confluence of Zanskar and Indus Rivers. Since it was the month of September, the surroundings were adorned with patches of conifers and pastures. They had a thrilling experience, rafting from Phey to Sangam with Grade II rapids.
All drenched and wet, with a fast-beating heart, they all came out of the boat with a rejuvenated face. Swathi looked fresh, making it evident how much she needed this adventure. It truly brought her lost self back.
Throughout the rest of the trip, her colleagues confirmed, they had never seen her this happy. Having fun, socializing, and frolicking all day long.
This ENHANCED their trip.
Attracted to the pleasant vibe that she was giving out, she had made quite a few friends in a matter of just two days. She was keen on meeting the locals and interacting with them in every eatery they went to. Even in their homestay, she would go to the kitchen to talk to the members and staff. While touring the markets, she would spend more time asking questions about one thing than actually purchasing it.
Owing to such interactions with the natives of Leh, they received an invitation to a local house.
Reaching there, they found their kitchen to be a small heaven for cooks- they had a small fireplace and a mantelpiece, with decorated caskets and drawers. The table was carved from fine wood and the collection of utensils was made of brass, copper, and other metals.
After a hearty meal, they were also served with authentic Ladakhi Phirni which impressed Swathi’s sweet tooth so much that she did not shy away from having another bowl.
Their trip was going well, but they did not know that it was gonna get better as they moved further.
Cherishing a new-found self
Travelling around the surreal landscapes of Leh Ladakh pleased their souls. They visited many monasteries, admiring their stunning buildings and the aesthetic surroundings decorated with prayer flags. The deep valleys and towering mountains added to the scenery, enhancing its essence twofold.
They also visited the Leh Viewpoint Frame to click some memorable pictures. And to add to this, they also had the chance to witness a beautiful sunrise. They all sat on the viewpoint, holding their breath for the moment of awakening.
The sky was blue at first. Then the first rays of the sun started illuminating the sky- it was still behind the mountains so the rays went diagonal, keeping the village of Leh in the shadows. Slow and steady, the sun started to rise, and the light started to uncover the blanket of darkness, revealing the vibrant colours of the landscapes.
It was a mesmerising sight, turning their cores with delight! And, it was at that moment, Swathi felt a wave of calm wash over her, cooling her spine and mind. It cleared her mind, and she knew how she wanted to lead her life.
She started to feel the control of her life coming back to her. There were voices in her head that encouraged her to push herself and do something epic in life. It was determined- she would not fall back and gasp for breath, but she would lift herself and make a run for her dreams.
Just like she did in Ladakh, on this trip.
Liberating the wings
On the way to Nubra, they heard a lot of local stories from their driver named Sonam. He was telling the group of travellers about the snow leopard sighting that still rang a bell of fear and awe in him. He also told them about the scary storms that made them feel as if the gods were unleashing their wrath on their homeland.
With all these stories and imagination, they reached Nubra Valley which took their mind off to a different plane altogether. The cold desert landscapes and the double-humpback camel rides again instilled a sense of adventure in them.
Their cottage stay in Nubra was top-notch, with the caretaker Jimmy attending to all their requests with a warm smile. In Swathi’s words, “ I want to specially mention about Mr. Jimmy (apologies for not remembering his full name, he asked us to call him Jimmy) at cottage Pangong Tso who was an amazing host with a cheerful personality!”
When they went to the stunning Pangong Lake, the water shone like an ocean of blue sapphires and diamonds, with crystal clear skies filling them up with wonder.
The marvels of Ladakh were etched in their minds like the national anthem- soothing and exciting at the same time.
Thanksgiving…
Swathi was very pleased with Mahika, the contact person from Thrillophilia for this trip. She was constantly in contact with her, clearing doubts, taking updates about everything, and making sure that they had a comfortable and smooth experience.
All her efforts had fetched ripe and sweet fruits.
To Swathi’s amusement, she also went the extra mile to arrange for an extra day of stay in Leh as her friends wished to spend a leisurely day at this beautiful village. It was a great help, Mahika had a big role to play in making her feel alive again, but she had no clue of it until Swathi wrote a review.
Touched, Mahika had called her up one day to thank her for her words. To this, she replied-
“You have done so much for us, and this trip has helped me come back to my best self. How could I not thank the person who made it possible?”
Read More: Thrillophilia Ladakh Sightseeing Reviews