Leh-Ladakh Tourism is a dream trip for many travellers like Alka. Ladakh is popularly called the ‘Land of High Passes’. In recent news, we’ve read that fully vaccinated travellers can travel to Ladakh without RT-PCR tests. It’s your time to visit Ladakh. Read Alka’s story to know why.
Beginnings are Beautiful
‘To travel is to take a journey into yourself.’
Traveling to Ladakh is like traveling 20 years back into time, to an age where remoteness seems so beautiful, people are kinder and love is alive. The excitement peaks as there’s almost no connectivity and yes, that’s just the beginning.
Day 1 began with a morning flight from Delhi to Leh. Upon reaching Leh, a local bus guided Alka to the shopping destination, Leh Market. Being a solo traveller, budget came first. So, she stayed and enjoyed meals at a budget friendly guest house nearby.
Stay – Junaid Guest House Old Leh market
800 ₹ /night
Dinner = ₹ 150 per meal
Apart from these, she went around and enquired about the bike rent, taxi tariff, etc.
She was glad to meet a group of bikers with whom she continued the rest of her journey.
They rented Royal Enfield 500 CC Bike from J.K. travelers for ₹ 7500 for 4 days.
Travel Tips:
1. Carry postpaid sim cards, preferably Airtel and Jio. Other networks don’t work.
2. Carrying a driving license is mandatory if you’re planning to buy a sim in Leh Ladakh.
3. Cut your nails while going to the Riverside. If you fall and scratch yourself, it hurts a lot.
4. Talk to the locals. Get acquainted.
Kargil-Drass: An ode to our martyrs and scenic beauty of the location
Although Alka was a bit sceptical about traveling to Kargil due to a recent cloud burst, she’s glad that she finally made it and visited mesmerizing locations such as Magnet Hill, Sangam and Alchi Monastery on day 2. Taking a bath at the Sangam river felt so pure. She headed back to the same guest house on the second night. The group of bikers she had teamed up with was so much fun to be with that she cherishes the bond till date.
Khardungla, Nubra and Diksit and Camping under the Stars
Khardungla Pass, Nubra Valley and Diksit are stunning. Ladakh is truly the ‘Land of High Passes’ and it offers a lot in terms of food, scenic views and adventure.
Day 3 turned into a magical reality as Alka camped in a tent which costed her 700 ₹ per night. She stayed in Hunder and meals costed ₹ 150 per meal.
Fun Camel Rides and the Majestic Pangong Tso
Day 4 brought along exploration. It started off with a double hump camel ride in Hunder. An ultimate experience led her to Shyok. It is advised to experienced bikers safe to bike to. Otherwise, four wheelers work fine. Alka reached Pangong Tso to witness stars twinkling. It felt like a shiny blanket in the gorgeous night sky.
Stay at a homestay. Walk in, talk to the owners and book your stay. You may get a discount or a free meal, you never know!
Back to Leh and Off to Delhi
Changla Pass is one of the best passes here, in this region. On Day 5, Alka covered it and set to board a flight from Leh airport. On Day 6, she took a morning flight to Delhi. Finally, she had experienced this once-in-a-lifetime experience which she wouldn’t forget sooner or later.
Some cherished moments from the trip include speaking to the locals and visiting quaint cafés to watch kids singing melodiously.
Must-eat Food: Momos, Thukpa, Chhutagi
Best time to visit: When your heart feels like it.
You may choose to use any online air ticket booking apps like IRCTC to book flight tickets.
Are you ready to go on this off-road journey and lead yourself to self-discovery?
Road Map:
Route : Delhi – Leh – Kargil – Drass – Khardung La – Nubra – Diskit – Hunder – Shyok – Pangong Tso – Chang a Pass – Leh – Delhi
