The Ladakh of my memories

It's been several years since I have been to Ladakh, but it still feels like yesterday. Even though I have travelled to many other places after Ladakh, I could somehow never get this place out of my mind. Such is the charisma of this destination. 

Ladakh is a heaven on earth and a blessing for all of us. It is truly a dreamy getaway that has been bestowed with such natural beauty. With the breathtaking views, rich heritage, and wonderful people, everything here becomes unique. It is home to a cold desert, some of the world's highest motorable passes, and numerous monasteries and lakes. 

Visiting the Khardung-La Pass, Nubra Valley, the Sangam - the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, Magnetic Hill, and Pangong Lake, made me realize how magical nature actually is and how much we owe to it. Other sights like the Future Buddha at Diskit, Hemis Monastery, Shey Palace, Shanti Stupa and Patthar Sahib Gurudwara made me believe that preserving our rich heritage is important and faith can be very powerful. 

Visiting the Hall of Fame War Museum fills you with utmost pride. You get to know the history and the passion with which the Armed Forces strive to defend our motherland. They endure so many hardships and have to endure very harsh weather conditions at times, but their morale is never down. This visit definitely makes the respect for our national heroes go higher.  

As they say, "While travelling to Ladakh be a traveller, not a tourist". On my journey, I learnt that you cannot expect a state-of-the-art luxurious treatment, but you can expect to meet warm and lovely people who are proud of their heritage yet humble. The food in Ladakh has a Tibetan influence. So, you can treat yourself to a delicious treat of Thukpa, Momos, Butter Tea etc. Along with that, the fresh apricots and nuts that are easily available in the markets are an added bonus. 

Ladakh is known for its vibrant culture, which is a blend of Tibetan and Indian influences. The region is home to many colourful festivals such as Losar (Tibetan New Year) and Hemis Festival, which are a treat to witness. Due to its high altitude and clear skies, Ladakh is one of the best places for stargazing. The view of the night sky, filled with millions of stars, is simply mesmerizing. 

Don't expect only the tarmac roads, instead expect the occasionally bumpy roads that take you to breathtaking landscapes, something you have only seen in your imagination or pictures. The roads in Ladakh are "Border Roads" since they are closer to our national borders and a majority of these main roads here are managed by the BRO (Border Road Organization, a division of the Indian Army). So when you travel on these roads, you may often come across some quirky signboards which are funny yet informative.  

Ladakh offers several adventure activities such as trekking, river rafting, and mountain biking. The rugged terrain and stunning landscapes make it a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. It is a paradise for photographers, with its stunning landscapes, colourful prayer flags, and picturesque monasteries. Every corner of Ladakh offers a perfect shot for photography enthusiasts. 

Don't expect good network connections to your cellular networks, but expect a deeper connection with yourself. What makes Ladakh a magical experience is not just the superficial beauty, but also the local people. The local communities in Ladakh have a deep respect for nature. They practice sustainable living and are actively involved in environmental conservation efforts. 

On this journey, I got to meet some of the most amazing people. They are very hospitable, respectful and most importantly they are full of life. They have so many stories to tell that even a single tour is not enough to listen to them.  

To those who get to experience the magic of Ladakh every year, I am happy yet a little envious of you. To those who have yet to experience it, I am hopeful for you.