📍 Where is Mulbekh Village Located? Tucked away in the heart of western Ladakh, Mulbekh Village is one of those rare roadside gems that travelers often pass without realizing its profound cultural significance. Located strategically along the Leh–Kargil highway (NH1D), Mulbekh is about 190 kilometers from Leh and roughly 45 kilometers east of Kargil. It marks a fascinating transition zone where Tibetan Buddhist culture mingles with the Muslim-influenced heritage of Kargil, offering a vivid tapestry of beliefs, art, and landscapes in a single location. Surrounded by jagged peaks, rock cliffs, and chortens wrapped in prayer flags, Mulbekh is easily accessible by road. Whether you’re traveling from Leh toward Zanskar or […]
Where the Wind Whispers Salt — First Glimpses of Tso Kar The wind arrives before the lake. It scrapes the hollows of the basin like a dull chisel, reshaping the silence into something brittle and sharp. I first saw Tso Kar Lake not as water but as a reflection — a pale gleam in the corner of my eye, shimmering on the horizon of Ladakh’s Changthang Plateau. In the high-altitude light, everything flattens. Distance becomes illusion. What appears close is hours away, and what looks barren is teeming with secrets. Locals call it the White Lake, though it is rarely white and less often a lake. Its shallows have dried […]
Introduction – Why Visit Lingshed? Tucked away in the rugged heart of the Zanskar Mountains, the village of Lingshed remains one of Ladakh’s most remote and culturally preserved destinations. For those in search of an authentic Himalayan experience, far removed from crowded trails and modern noise, Lingshed offers a rare glimpse into the soul of a region shaped by isolation, spirituality, and tradition. Reaching it isn’t easy — and that’s exactly why it’s so rewarding. Situated at an altitude of around 3,900 meters, Lingshed is part of the ancient trans-Himalayan corridor that once connected the remote valleys of Zanskar with the Indus Valley. Despite its isolation, this high-altitude Ladakhi village […]
~The Road to Alchi — Dust, Distance, and the Indus There is a bend in the road west of Leh where the wind sharpens, and the Indus glints like a blade left in the sun. It is there the air begins to change. Not in temperature, but in stillness. A silence that presses into the bones, that grows louder as you descend from asphalt into memory. The road to Alchi Monastery is not long. But it is old. There are no signboards that tell you about frescoes. No souvenir shops beckoning tourists to buy blessings in brass. Only the cliffs, the poplar groves, and the river. The monastery lies low, […]
Why Thiksey Monastery is Worth Waking Up For As the sky over Ladakh begins to blush with the first light of day, a hush falls over the Indus Valley. The mountains, silent and ancient, witness a ritual that has been repeated for centuries. Thiksey Monastery, perched on a hilltop like a whitewashed sentinel, comes alive with the soft murmur of morning chants. There is no rush here. Just rhythm. And a sense of timelessness that clings to the cold air like incense. Thiksey Monastery is not just a place to see — it is a place to *feel*. A place where time slows, where every breath of mountain air carries […]
📍 Where is Drass? Understanding Ladakh’s Hidden Gem Nestled deep in the western Himalayas, Drass is a remote mountain town located in the Kargil district of Ladakh, India’s northernmost union territory. Often overlooked by travelers en route to Leh or Srinagar, Drass remains one of the last unspoiled frontiers of the region — a destination as wild as it is welcoming. Positioned at an altitude of approximately 3,300 meters (10,800 feet), Drass is a high-altitude settlement that commands attention for its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. Known to many as the “Gateway to Ladakh”, Drass lies on the Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH1D), about 60 kilometers west […]
Where the Trail Begins: Into the Heart of Zanskar There is a place where the world narrows into silence, and the mountains speak not with sound, but with wind. In the remote folds of northern India, nestled deep within Ladakh, lies Zanskar – a valley not just forgotten by time, but seemingly untouched by it. It is here, on these ancient herding trails, that every summer a quiet spectacle unfolds: the seasonal migration of goats across the Zanskar Valley, guided by generations of herders who move like ghosts across the high-altitude passes. To walk with them is to walk into a story that is older than maps, older than borders. […]
✈️ Ladakh Travel Update – May 14, 2025: Flights Resumed & Region Safe for Travel As of May 14, 2025, the security situation in Ladakh has stabilized following recent tensions between India and Pakistan. A ceasefire has been declared by both nations, and peace has been restored in the region. The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) confirms that travel across India, including Ladakh, remains safe and stable. 🛫 Flight Operations Flight operations to and from Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) have resumed. IndiGo has announced the resumption of flights to and from Srinagar, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, and Rajkot starting May 14, 2025. Travelers are advised to check with […]
Ladakh Travel & Security Update – May 12, 2025, 2:00 PM IST ✈️ Flight Operations in Ladakh As of May 12, 2025, civilian flights have officially resumed at Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) after a week-long suspension due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The Airports Authority of India has confirmed that all 32 previously suspended airports, including Leh, are now fully operational for commercial services. Travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines for updated schedules, as some minor delays or rescheduling may still occur. 🏔️ Current Situation in Ladakh The security situation in Ladakh has stabilized significantly following the bilateral ceasefire. Local authorities have lifted prior […]
Ladakh Travel & Security Update – May 11, 2025, 2:30 PM IST ✈️ Flight Operations in Ladakh As of May 11, 2025, all civilian flights to and from Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) remain suspended due to ongoing security concerns. The Indian government has extended the closure of 24 airports near the Pakistan border until May 15, 2025, citing drone and missile threats. This disruption has affected numerous flight routes, both domestic and international. Travelers are advised to monitor their airline’s official announcements and stay alert for any last-minute changes. 🏔️ Current Situation in Ladakh The security situation in Ladakh remains tense. With all flights suspended, many tourists are […]