LADAKH: THE MONASTERY TRAIL After Leh, we venture onto the monastery trail. Thikse, Chemdey, Hemis, and Lamayuru: four Buddhist sanctuaries in Ladakh, the ones we dreamt of as children, now suddenly within reach. These unforgettable moments will be our last in India, marking the close of our nine-week journey in this vast country. Leh is beautiful, but it’s just a glimpse of Ladakh. After two days in the town, our eyes instinctively drift toward the horizon, the mountains calling us to continue the adventure deeper into the solitude they offer. We’ve mapped out four monasteries that fascinate us. The closest is just 15 kilometers away, a trip that could, in […]
Unraveling the Unknown Horizons: LADAKH, A JOURNEY FOR THE STRONG-HEARTED: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED! After many years of traveling through India, both personally and while organizing trips as a travel designer, I’ve come to realize something: India is not a place you simply choose to visit. It’s not a destination you mark on a map or pick from a glossy magazine. No, it’s quite the opposite. It is India that chooses you, that wraps itself around you, that invites you in. It’s not us who enter India; it’s India that enters us. And nowhere is this sensation stronger than in Ladakh. This land, nestled between the towering ranges of the Himalayas […]
Ladakh Bus Time Table Route Single K.M. Departure Time Total Fare Day Saboo 11 8:30 AM – Rs. 20 Daily Turtuk(Nubra) 214 6:00 AM Rs. 316 Every Saturday Charasa(Panamic ) 164 6:30 AM Rs. 282 Every Saturday Chushul 200 7:00 AM Rs. 394 Every Wednesday Chushul via Marak 212 7:00 AM Rs. 406 Every Sunday Pangong Lake 160 6:30 AM Rs. 270 Tue. Thu. Sun. Tangtse 118 6:30 AM Rs. 186 – Koyul 279 7:00 AM Rs. 473 Every Tuesday Mudh 192 9:00 AM Rs. 297 Every Wednesday Tsagha 233 9:00 AM Rs. 356 Every Friday Hanley 280 7:00 AM Rs. 492 Every Saturday Kungham 100 1:00 PM Rs. 136 […]
A Journey into the Heights: David Rose’s Himalayan Dream “Are we there yet, Dad?” This query, simple and filled with youthful impatience, echoed in my mind as I stood beneath the shadow of the Himalayas, now more than seventeen years since my last trek through these rugged lands. David Rose, once a passionate adventurer, yearned to revisit the Himalayas. Yet, as he planned a week-long expedition through the remote terrains of Ladakh, he wondered whether his city-loving teenage daughters could truly embrace the challenge ahead. The rain intensified as we stood on the brink of our adventure, the Jeep retreating down the valley, its exhaust fading into the distance. Before […]
A Frozen Highway to an Ancient Kingdom In the summer, the Zanskar River roars through the deep canyons of the Himalayas, a tumultuous force of nature. Yet, as winter descends, it transforms into a lifeline of ice, the sole passage out of this remote valley. For centuries, Zanskar has remained isolated, ensconced in the dramatic embrace of the Great Himalayan range. With altitudes averaging 3,600 meters and peaks soaring as high as 7,000 meters, this valley has been a world apart. The locals often say, “The land is so barren and the passes so high that only our fiercest enemies or our best friends would want to visit us.” The […]
Ladakhi Tea and Tales: Unveiling the Enigmatic Stories of the High Peaks “Tell me, mémé lé, about the tale of the wolf,” I implore the elderly man beside me, nestled in the warmth of the Ladakhi rebo—a traditional yak hair tent. My fingers cradle the comforting mug of butter tea, its rich flavor soothing the growl of my hungry stomach. He begins, “Ah, I recall a tale of a wolf and three goats. The first goat encounters the wolf, who inquires, ‘What adorns your head?’ ‘Horns,’ the goat replies. The wolf asks, ‘What cloaks your body?’ ‘Wool,’ she answers. And, ‘What covers your feet?’ ‘Hooves,’ comes the reply. Unconvinced, the […]
We had been on the trail for days, searching for the elusive snow leopard in the rugged landscape of Ladakh’s high mountains. The crisp wind carried the scent of adventure, but our patience was wearing thin. Every morning, we rose before dawn, hoping that today might be the day. So far, our efforts had yielded nothing but distant footprints and vague signs of wildlife. Our guide, Tchewang Norbu, remained ever hopeful, his eyes scanning the ridges for any sign of movement. The village of Ulley, nestled deep in India’s northernmost province, was our base. Known for its proximity to the snow leopard’s habitat, it offered one of the few chances […]
A Cup of Chai in the Hills I wake up in the stillness of dawn, the air crisp, with a hint of the Himalayas in the background. The soft hum of Tibetan prayers floats through the open window, carried by the morning breeze. My body refuses to move until Bhutti, my roommate, enters the room, her voice soft but insistent: “You want some tea, Emy?” The day begins like this. Always with tea. At the college, nestled in the foothills of Dharamsala, we live by the rhythm of chai. Mornings spill into afternoons, and afternoons into evenings, all punctuated by cups of milky, sweet tea. It’s not a choice; it’s […]
Discover the Hidden Gems: 9 Lakes in Ladakh Embarking on a journey to Ladakh is like stepping into a dreamscape, where every corner tells a story, and every vista leaves you in awe. Travel isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about the experiences that transform you and the tales that you bring back. For some, travel is a way to escape the routine and find peace in solitude. For others, it’s about seeking the thrill of adventure, chasing that rush of adrenaline that only the unknown can provide. Ladakh, with its stunning landscapes, offers both tranquility and adventure in abundance. From the moment you arrive, you’re embraced by a […]
Discover Ladakh’s Top 9 Must-Visit Cafés and Restaurants Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Ladakh, the culinary scene is flourishing with a delightful mix of local and international flavors. From breathtaking views to delectable dishes, these cafés and restaurants promise not just a meal, but a memorable experience. Dive into Ladakh’s vibrant food scene and discover where you should indulge next! Café Montagne: A French Touch with a Ladakhi Twist In the heart of Leh, Café Montagne offers a charming blend of French elegance and Ladakhi warmth. Settle on the cozy upper deck and feast your eyes on the stunning panorama of the Stok Mountain range and the bustling […]
