Readme before you journey
A Perfect Trip
Leh Ladakh: The Little Tibet of the Himalayas, a Dream Destination
Since I started traveling, I would like to say that this trip is The perfect trip.
From the sea level of 3,500 meters, climbing 1 step is as tiring as 3 steps, but it is worth it.
The location is one part, what I encountered is another part, but what makes everything happy is
"Good travel companions".
In reality, what makes it perfect is the entire trip.
What's missing in Delhi...
Ah, 'ship' it is (funny, huh..)
The chaos began as soon as we landed in Delhi.
Because the last time I was in India, I didn't feel like I was being cheated that much.
That's because we had a fellow traveler who was familiar with Indian people.
She could speak Hindi, knew how to deal with them, and knew how to subdue them. The guests were so afraid of her that we were comfortable. Everything seemed to go smoothly.
But this time, the woman wasn't as hard-core as the others, so she got the full treatment.
Falling in love with someone in Leh...
The journey continues with a flight to Leh Ladakh, a city that will undoubtedly captivate you. The warmth and hospitality of the Ladakhi people, especially after experiencing the diverse facets of India, feels like a heavenly blessing. They treat you like family, genuine friends with no ulterior motives. The day is spent on a road trip with friends and a driver, surrounded by breathtaking roads, towering mountains, and a sky within reach. We sing, reflect, and feel the genuine care, even with language barriers. The vastness of nature envelops us, creating a sense of awe and wonder. (The Leh road trip is truly vast, with endless stretches of brown mountains, occasionally punctuated by patches of green.)
On horseback in the pine forests of Kashmir...
From Leh, we opted for a road trip to Kashmir, as the scenic views along the way were too precious to miss by flying. This might sound like a return to the "cunning" ways of people, but it ended up captivating us nonetheless. The horses, the pine forests, the small and large trees, and the evening boat rides all played a part. If Leh is the dust, the brown mountains, and the warmth of the lovely people, Kashmir is the tall pines and the green valleys, where nature makes you forget the cunningness of people. We loved the untethered horseback riding, where we galloped through the valleys for the first time without any prior lessons. The vibrant nature and the serene evening boat rides on the Nagin Lake with three good friends made this the most perfect trip for us.
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Plan: Days in Leh
The plan is to take a road trip around Leh for two days, visiting Nubra Valley where we can ride camels and camp overnight. We will then visit Pangong Lake, a color-changing lake that stretches from India to Tibet, for one day. Finally, we will take a road trip to Kashmir for three days, which may not be enough time to explore the region fully.
Leh is located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, which borders three major countries: India, Pakistan, and Tibet (and indirectly China to the north). The state has been a subject of territorial disputes between India and Pakistan, and its borders remain undefined. However, it is currently administered as part of India, although the local population expresses varying degrees of discontent. The current border on Google Maps is fragmented, reflecting the contested nature of the region. Jammu & Kashmir is divided into three regions: Ladakh (capital: Leh), predominantly Buddhist; Kashmir (capital: Srinagar), predominantly Muslim; and Jammu (capital: Jammu), predominantly Hindu. We visited Ladakh and Kashmir, and observed that Kashmiris appear more Indian and cunning compared to Ladakhis. Despite their physical similarities, Kashmiris have thicker hair, more prominent eyebrows (often connected), longer eyelashes, and beautiful eyes. Ladakhis, on the other hand, are more simple and live a slower pace of life, reminiscent of a rural village where everyone knows each other and is looked after by the elders.
First love!
The flight from New Delhi was uneventful, as I was still feeling tired and exhausted from the previous night's misadventure and lack of sleep. I didn't bother to look out the window during the flight, so I missed any scenic views. As the plane landed, I waited for the other passengers to disembark before slowly gathering my belongings. I didn't expect much, assuming it would be just another ordinary airport. However, as I stepped out of the airplane door, I was greeted by a breathtaking sight. Mountains surrounded us on all sides, forming layers against a clear blue sky. My friend and I exclaimed in surprise and spontaneously hugged each other. It was a truly unexpected and delightful surprise.
A city of clouds within reach.
The Himalayas surround us on all sides, and the clouds seem close enough to touch. The reflection of the clouds on the mountains is incredibly clear.
The sky is crystal clear and so beautiful that we exclaimed, "Wow, it's so beautiful that even if someone who isn't good at taking pictures took a picture, it would still come out beautiful!"
(However, that wasn't entirely true. When we looked at the pictures later, we realized there were still a lot of bad ones. We were just exaggerating a bit.)
But the pictures from our friend's film camera turned out amazing. The lighting is absolutely stunning.
Okay, first things first, we need to find a place to stay and rent a car, since we didn't book anything in advance. We'll have to find them on the spot. We can rent a van from the airport to take us into the city and help us find a cheap and decent hotel. We can also find a car rental agency to take us to different places in the city and to farther destinations according to our plan.
Tour of Leh
In summary, we used a local tour guide named "Sakkat Ma" who was incredibly friendly and helpful. He even drove us around to help us find a place to stay.
The method he used was to jump out of the car and climb over the wall. He then asked, "Is there a room available?" It was very cute.
Father
"Our host, whom we affectionately call "Papa," is a charmingly cunning individual. I'll elaborate on his sly nature later. Papa's wife, the voluptuous "Piyama," and his real name is "Suntil" (we remember it as "Sunsil"). We call him Papa because of his kindness and generosity. He charges us 700 baht per room, which includes a large bed. After we moved in, Papa served us hot Kashmiri tea. He then advised us to "sleep" for 4-5 hours to avoid altitude sickness, as we were sleep-deprived due to issues with our guests in Delhi, forcing us to sleep fitfully at the airport.
The Cunning Man's Name
The Leh people have names like Pema, Sakdham, Santi, and Tundup, which are difficult to remember.
They have their own ways of remembering, such as Sunsilk.
ps. I can't remember the name of the accommodation, it was more like a house where people could stay in rooms.
Image of a person standing in front of a building
A.
Image of a person standing in front of a building
This is the view from outside the bedroom window.
Van Tour
After a good night's rest, we set off on our journey. We hired a tour with an agent to drive us around the various sights around the city. Our driver for the day was named "Lotus". He was a quiet and easygoing person who turned out to be playful, teasing, and funny.
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Lotus with extract
Obtain permits for Nubra and Pangong in advance
As we did not obtain permits to enter Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake from Thailand, we had to apply for them upon arrival. However, due to a holiday, the permit process was delayed, forcing us to postpone our plans to visit Kashmir. Consequently, we ended up spending five days in Leh. Since we had already traveled so far, we decided to make the most of our time and explore the region thoroughly. We recommend obtaining permits in advance to avoid any disruptions to your travel plans.
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Mountains and Companions
I love the feeling of being far away from the crowds, especially when I'm traveling. It's so peaceful to be surrounded by nature, with nothing but mountains and sky as far as the eye can see. It's a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Image of a man and a woman standing in front of a waterfall.
Day 1
Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo, Shanti Stupa
3 Stops, Numb Lips Guaranteed!
Lips So Numb, You Can't Feel a Thing!
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This mask not only protects against the massive amount of dust, but it also prevents people from seeing your snot dripping out unconsciously. Sob...
Because I was afraid of altitude sickness, I took two diamox pills before taking a nap.
(diamox = a drug that helps with dizziness, drowsiness, and weakness when going to high altitudes)
I thought to myself, "Hehe, I'm definitely going to have fun sightseeing. I won't get altitude sickness." But the truth is, I ate too much, and the numbness came.
Actually, the side effect is numbness in the hands and feet, but mine was numbness in the face and mouth. What?
And I was so numb that I didn't even know when my snot was dripping out. It was dripping like Bo-chan in the Shin-chan story.
So I want to warn you that you don't really need to take it. Just make sure you get enough rest and don't be stubborn or naughty like me.
It's really not fun to be numb. If you're going to take it, I recommend just one pill. T-T
**Leh Palace**
In Leh, there are various places to visit, with a few offering stunning views. However, most of the sights are quite similar. If you have free time, you can explore the city on foot. Personally, I enjoyed the street near Shey Palace, as the trees lining the road create a charming atmosphere.
After a good night's rest, we set off to Leh Palace, an ancient fortress inspired by Tibetan architecture. While many tourists enjoy trekking to the palace, we opted for a more leisurely ride. From the top, we were treated to a breathtaking view of the city below, surrounded by earthen hills that resembled miniature paper houses on a termite mound. As one Google Maps reviewer aptly noted, "Old palace so you don't find anything inside," and we couldn't agree more. Due to its age, the interior is devoid of any significant features. So, soak in the stunning vista instead.
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Namgyal Tsemo (Semu)
Semu is the second place of the day, located very close to the first. You can even walk up to it. I remember that Aey (one of our friends) refused to come up here because she was afraid of heights. At Semu, there is a shrine room for worship and a temple adorned with flags. However, many places are very similar to each other. Semu offers a slightly longer walk than the others. But I really like the atmosphere when we look down at the city below together.
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Peace Pagoda
The sacred pagoda, where there are shops selling snacks and tea. Most people come to walk around the pagoda and pray. Today, I got here last, just as the light faded.
Image of a person standing in front of a building.
The first day ended with Indian-style Italian food.
Did I read that right? We're actually eating Italian food at Il Forno, but with an Indian twist? The pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven, giving them a rustic, smoky flavor. They also offer delicious Indian dishes, including the must-try Chicken Butter, which we fell in love with on our last trip to India. And of course, we had to try the local Kingfisher beer, which was a first for us. After dinner, we hurried home because as night falls, the lights go out, making it difficult to find our way back (we got lost in the dark once before!).
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Day 1
We ordered too much food and couldn't finish it all, so we asked them to pack it up for us to take home. This is what we got back. They put it in a plastic bag or something and stapled it shut… Should we dare to eat it? Haha.
Day 2
Stok Palace, Thikse Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Shey Palace.
Hello Day 2, my mouth is no longer numb.
The day began with a breakfast prepared by a local husband-and-wife team (I can't recall the name). Their restaurant is conveniently located next to the tour agency. This morning's meal consisted of Narn and Honey Ginger, which is said to alleviate altitude sickness.
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Mountain Ranges and Debris
We have become accustomed to two things. Firstly, we are used to the dust. We have to wear a mask for two days after it comes out. Secondly, we are used to seeing large mountains, and no matter how many we see, we never get tired of them. No matter how many times we look at them, we never get tired of them. When we drive around to the other side, it's beautiful in a different way. We love mountains like this. They are sharp, clear, and sharp. They are so charming!
A.
Stok Palace (First stop of the day)
Surrounded by more trees than other areas, this location features a charming garden and a small stream in front, perfect for photo opportunities. Established over 180 years ago, the interior houses a collection of royal garments, crowns, and other valuables. While the exhibits may not be of particular interest, the scenic views are undoubtedly captivating.
Image of a person standing in front of a building
A.
Thikse Monastery
The place where I had trouble with the chocolate not hardening! It's another place I like because we can see it from far away while driving, and it's so beautiful. Looking at it, it's like an ant house, a tribal house, or something built on a hill, small houses built on top of each other. It's cute.
Seeing that they were selling chocolate, we were overcome with a craving for something sweet and decided to buy some. However, we forgot that the weather was scorching hot and that they didn't have a refrigerator like we do at home. There was no way it could have stayed solid. It was a complete mess, and we had to eat it in a rather awkward manner. Haha!
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Hemis Monastery
This place has the most llamas I've ever seen. There are bookstores and souvenir shops up here (but they're more expensive than in town). We stopped for lunch here, but I would recommend holding off if you can and eating in town instead. The food up here isn't that great. The sun and sky are as beautiful as ever today. Anyone who brought a film camera is sure to get some great photos (just be careful not to burn them).
Image of a person standing in front of a building.
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building.
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Shey Palace
The end of today
The view ahead is nothing special..
Turn around and look.
A.
Image of a person standing in front of a building
The World in Fairy Tales
We lingered here for a while, captivated by the view more than the temple itself.
The scenery was breathtaking, with a lake where ducks swam, leading to meadows and trees.
The Himalayas surrounded us, with horses grazing in the distance, like a scene from a childhood storybook.
The rows of pine trees swayed in the wind, as if we had stepped out of reality.
Since arriving here, cut off from people, the bustling city, wifi, and the internet,
and being with him, the trees, and the grandeur of nature, I feel closer to the essence of the world.
It's as if I've realized how I've been caught up in trivial matters.
The vast world is right before us.
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building
High above the palace
As we ascended the stairs, we encountered a group of women washing vegetables and preparing lunch. The temple itself was under renovation during our visit, offering limited attractions. However, a scenic viewpoint across the street provided breathtaking views.
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Find film to buy
After completing your mission to explore the sights of Leh, if you're short on time, you can actually condense your visit to a single full day, potentially covering 5 locations. This allows you to allocate more time for other destinations, especially if you have limited time.
If you return early today, you can stroll around the city. For those with film cameras, there are shops selling affordable film here. Take a look around!
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Image of a person standing in front of a building
Rooftop Dinner
When it comes to internet access, being here is more like being cut off from the outside world than going to India. Most accommodations do not offer Wi-Fi. So, how do you get online? "Internet cafes," of course. See the picture below? The shop where the person in the blue shirt and gray jacket is standing is an internet cafe. It's on the ground floor. We use internet cafes to connect with people back home and post amazing photos.
For dinner tonight, we ate at the rooftop across from the internet cafe. The soup was delicious, and the chicken butter was so good that I'm already drooling again just thinking about it.
Yak cheese
The smell is unbearable, the fishy smell is very strong. Be warned if you are thinking of ordering. This is from the Gesmo store.
The Leh city tour is over. The next part is a day-long road trip to find a place to visit.
This is where I will spend more time with the people around me and think more about myself.
Or sometimes I just stop thinking and enter a state of emptiness.
I don't think about anything in my head except the mountains and the road in front of me and the sky above.
Budget per Day
Shared Expenses (/4)
Guest house (3 nights, 2 rooms): 4,200 INR
Airport transfer to Leh city: 229 INR
Tour van (Day 1): 892 INR
Tour van (Day 2): 2,000 INR
Total: 7,321 INR / 4 = 1,830 INR/person
= 1,002 THB/person
Food (Together/4) Lunch cost includes driver
Il forno = 1,260 rps
roof top dinner = 827 INR
lunch at Hemis = 545 INR
Breakfast = 100 INR
=> 2,732/4 = 683 INR/person
= 374 THB /person
Entrance Fees (Per Person)
- Leh Palace: 100 INR
- Namgyal Tsemo: 30 INR
- Shey Palace: 20 INR
- Total: 150 INR
- Equivalent to: 82 THB/person
Personal expenses
Snacks and water: 95 INR
Postcard: 200 INR
Cap: 550 INR
Internet: 100 INR
Total: 945 INR
= 518 THB per person
Total for these 2 days
= 1,976 THB
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HappyJune
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 11:32 AM
