Hello again....

This round comes with a review that I think is one of the most difficult to review.

---- Kashmir - Leh Road Trip: What to Review When Everyone Has Already Been There? -----

Due to the overwhelming number of stunning Kashmir Leh Ladakh review threads on Pantip, ...

...making it difficult to determine the overall direction of the review, given the wealth of detailed information and stunning visuals.

...Let me give you a straightforward review, without any embellishment...

...This is for those who want to go but have limited time and budget, so they can choose what to cut, what to keep, and what to go for...

This trip, we traveled with 12 people and were subject to a curfew in Srinagar, which required a slight change of plans (or not) 55+.

The trip took place from August 11th to 21st, 2016, following the route Bangkok - Delhi - Srinagar - Leh - Delhi - Bangkok.

Short clip before the review.

Watch the video

Camera

• I used a Canon 5D Mark II with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens and a circular polarizing filter (CPL).

Footage from GoPro Hero-4 Silver

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Link to Pantip Topic

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Thank you for following and thank you Pantip for the space to share beautiful worlds. Day 1 (Aug. 11, 2016): Start the journey.

Departed Bangkok on Jet Airways with 11 companions.

The flight departs at 20:10 and arrives in Delhi around 23:15 (Indian Standard Time), with a flight duration of approximately 4.30 hours.

Stay at a hotel in Delhi.

...Before the trip began, there was news that a curfew had been declared in Srinagar, Kashmir... What should we do now...?

According to the agency, travel to Srinagar is possible, but internal tours may not be available. Therefore, a backup plan has been prepared.

The plan for tomorrow is to travel from Delhi to Srinagar (SXR)... and then see what happens next in the curfew situation.

As planned.

The journey will cover Bangkok - Delhi - Srinagar - Gulmarg - Dal Lake - Sonamarg - Kargil - Lamayuru - Leh - Pangong Lake - Hemis, Thiksey, Shey, Archi, Likir, Leh Palace, Leh market - Delhi - Bangkok.

Actual travel map after encountering curfew

Bangkok - Delhi - Srinagar - Sonamarg - Kargil - Lamayuru - Leh - Nubra Valley - Leh - Pangong Lake - Hemis, Thiksey, Shey, Alchi, Likir, Leh Palace, Leh market - Delhi - Bangkok

Change to Nubra Valley instead.

Map for Google Maps Day 2 (Aug. 12, 2016): Proceed to Srinagar curfew.

It's like a test of courage or something. There's a curfew, you can't go out, but you still want to go. 55+

The flight to Srinagar arrives at approximately 11:45, with a flight time of approximately 1.30 hours.

The airport was eerily quiet, resembling a non-working day. Only those who had just landed were present, a stark contrast to the airport's usual bustling atmosphere.

After retrieving the luggage, tourists were immediately called to register.

The exterior of the passenger terminal was also quiet. The tour guides rushed us onto the bus, and we were still confused... We passed various roads, which were in the usual condition.

Curfew....only soldiers control all the way and checkpoints are intermittent....

...directly to the accommodation...waiting with the hope that there might be a chance to let us go out for a bit....

Ultimately, I had to wait until evening, following the rules... Thankfully, the hotel was excellent, with fast Wi-Fi and delicious food. My fellow travelers jokingly gave the trip an unofficial name... (I think they were being sarcastic, haha!)

However, a group of Indians managed to sneak into Dal Lake, which is only 3 km away from us. Locals, huh...

...When in Rome, do as the Romans do....or risk a red mark on your forehead....give in....

…Cashmere is well-fed, sleeps soundly, and has fast Wi-Fi… <<< True, imagine not having Wi-Fi, it would be a disaster…

Today's photo, one shot...on the hotel rooftop... (I was a little scared while taking it, wondering if I would get a red mark on my forehead...oh well...)

What's next? Tomorrow...ask the guide.

We will have to leave Srinagar at 3 am tomorrow...yes, you heard that right, 3 am...when tourists are allowed to rush out of here....

...The tranquility of Dal Lake, where you can relax and enjoy the scenic views of the mountains and the sunset, has vanished...

...Where did the famous Gulmarg...the cool green...the snowy peaks...disappear to...

Is there anything else I can help you with?

...Exhausted...Day 3(Aug.13, 2016) : Foreigners fled to....Sonamarg.....

At 3 a.m., a covert operation was underway to smuggle undocumented immigrants out of the country. The operation was carried out discreetly, without any prior notice.

The group waited in the darkness for another vehicle to arrive. It was very dark, and there were 12 tourists in their group. While they were waiting, a group of people approached from the darkness. It was unclear who these people were, but there seemed to be more of them than the tourists, including the driver and guide.

I couldn't help but wonder what would happen. Looking around, I was as confused as everyone else. They kept walking to the front of the car, then the back, then disappearing into the woods... but they all went together... haha. At least that's reassuring... they're just as confused as I am...

…leaving the foreigner sitting in the car…"silence" blinking eyes wondering what they were doing….55+

Nearly half an hour... another car came to join the queue... oh, so that's why we're waiting for more cars... great. We, the foreigners, are packed in like sardines... without any sauce.

Now, let's race! Fast 8 is like escaping from someone who is following us...

Sonamarg

We arrived at almost 8 am.

Take the view and eat it...

Time to walk...from the Sonamarg breakfast hotel...

"They asked if I wanted a car. I declined."

Sonamarg in summary....

It should be beautiful, but it's more like Srinagar. If you want to go, it's better to wait until Srinagar lifts the curfew. Otherwise, you'll waste your time traveling. Zojila Pass - another road that is said to be the most dangerous in the world... but I don't think so.

The reason why it might not be safe is because they are expanding the road. It might have been safe before, but if you consider the rainy or cold season, it would be much more dangerous.

The roadside scenery is beautiful and worth a visit.

Arriving in Kargil, we will spend the night here. Tomorrow, we will continue our journey to Leh, entering a new world.

After traveling from Kargil, we continued towards Leh. After driving for a while, we reached the point where we would enter Leh. There were flags and Buddha statues, as if we had entered another world. The difference was clear, and the landscape became more arid.

Along the way, there are hardly any trees...

---

Lamayuru

---

Oooooww, Moon (Moodland)

Our next destination was Lamayuru, also known as Moonland. This name likely originates from the lunar-like landscape of the surrounding area.

Upon entering the Leh district, most restaurants tend to be vegetarian. In Lamayuru, there is a vegetarian restaurant that I did not expect to be so delicious. It is located right before the entrance to the monastery... I apologize, I don't remember the name.

Straight to Leh... very straight...

Day 5 (Aug. 15, 2016): Visiting Leh

Today's program will take us to explore the monasteries around Leh....

Begin with....

Alchi

An ancient monastery... I couldn't take many pictures, and photography was forbidden inside. However, it was beautiful and had a mystical atmosphere...

Followed by ---- Likir ----

Both Alchi and Likir are not very large monasteries, but their age and grandeur made them worth a visit.

Take the same route and get off at the same stop as before.

Leh Market: What to buy? Check out other threads for recommendations.

The day ended simply, like a day of rest for the body....

Continuing to Nubra Valley tomorrow...

---Let's continue the review---

Day 6 (August 16, 2016): Nubra Valley....

Nubra was not originally on the plan due to the long distance and limited time. However, after removing Dal Lake and Gulmarg from the itinerary, Nubra became the new destination.

The journey to Nubra Valley passes through Khardung La, a high mountain pass with an elevation of 5,359 meters. For more details, please refer to Wikipedia.

Khardung La

At this altitude, some people may experience mild symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue, but these are not usually severe as we do not stay here for long before descending to a lower altitude.

We have arrived at Nubra Valley.

Then, head straight to Diskit Monastery (Gompa).

View from Diskit Gompa...

Followed by... Hundar Sand Dune (Cold Desert)...

In reality, it is not a sand sea, but rather a large accumulation of river sand that resembles a desert. The surrounding area remains moist.

Nubra Summary

If you have time, it's worth a visit. If you're short on time, you can skip it. The only places to stop along the way are Khardung La, Diskit Monastery, and Hundar Sand Dune. However, it takes a whole day to get there and back, which can be tiring. Day 7 (Aug. 17, 2016): ...Return to Leh...

On the way back, stop by Khardung La ...

Goodbye...

Day 8 (August 18, 2016): "Anything is possible when you're refreshed… Pangong Lake"

The journey to Pangong Lake takes almost the entire day, passing through Chang La pass https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chang_La

Along the way

The Marmotte

Arrived... quickly... far away is also beautiful...

It was past four o'clock when we arrived, so we hurried to take photos as the light was fading quickly.

Day 9 (August 19, 2016): Pangong Lake

Photosynthesis in the early morning....

A complete set...to make you full....^^

On the way back... there was a male model...

---Hemis Monastery---

Hemis Monastery

On the way... It's not Hemis, right?

Another must-visit location, especially with a knowledgeable guide to provide in-depth explanations. The ambiance truly enhances the experience.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Upon entering this room, I was taken aback...55+ I was getting into it, but then I came across this, and it threw me off a little...

Hemis Monastery

Personally, I think it's a must-visit...just walking around is an immersive experience...Day 10(Aug. 20, 2016): Time flies...the trip is coming to an end. Thiksey / Shey Palace / Leh Palace / Shanti Stupa.

Unfortunately, luck was not on our side today. Due to the Dalai Lama's visit to Leh, most shops and temples were closed, as people went to pay their respects. We were left feeling disappointed.

Wheel of Life: A cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, encompassing realms of suffering and bliss.

**** Thiksey Monastery ***

A must-visit... is an ancient Tibetan-style monastery... beautiful, with stunning views... everything you could ask for.

---

Shey Palace

Is there anything else I can help you with?

This is another interesting place... It has a Monastery & Palace in the same location, which is very old and was once the capital of Ladakh... It's starting to sound interesting, isn't it?... >>>Read more https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shey_Monastery

In the distance, you can see Thiksey Monastery.

*** Shey Palace & Monastery Summary ***

Before visiting, take a moment to read about its history to enhance your experience. --- Leh Palace ---

Renowned as Leh Palace, a must-visit landmark... visible from the first day of arrival in Leh, but only visited on the last day...

Before entering the Palace, I looked up and was struck by the sight of Namgyal Tsemo... Look to the upper right! ^^

Leh from Leh Palace

Leh Palace Summary

A must-visit destination, offering stunning views of Leh city from above.

--- Shanti Stupa ---

View of Shanti Stupa from Leh Palace

Looking back at Leh Palace from Shanti Stupa, starting to get confused, right? 55+

The view from Shanti Stupa overlooking Namgyal Tsemo is breathtaking.

Summary of Shanti Stupa

You must go... but go in the evening to wait for the sunset... it will be very beautiful....

Is there anything else I can help you with?

To conclude this trip, let's take another look at this picture....

Day 11 (Aug. 21, 2016): Time to part ways...

On the last day of the trip, I sent my friends back to Delhi from Leh Airport and returned to Bangkok.

(Note: As of November 28, 2016, Srinagar (Kashmir) is still under curfew. Please check the news carefully before booking your tickets.)

However, I personally split off to join another friend for a separate 7-day trip.

Traveling from Leh - Manali - Delhi - Agra - Delhi - Bangkok

I would like to separate this thread into another one.

This concludes my trip report. Thank you to everyone who followed along, and to Pantip for providing a platform to share positive stories.

>> See you in the next post Leh - Manali - Agra.

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Leh - Manali - Agra >>>