LEH, LADAKH TRIP
26.08.16 : We left early for Nubra Valley via Kardongla Pass. Khardung La Pass, located in
the Ladakh region of the Indian state of Jammu and
Kashmir. The Siachen Glacier lies part way up the latter valley. The elevation of Khardung La is 5,359 m
(17,582 ft), it is the world's
highest motorable pass. We passed through winding, narrow road but you have to
appreciate the drivers, whose traffic sense of helping each other and allowing
others first and no honking at all except at curves of mountain to inform that
they are approaching. There is 25kms of
bad road in between, which will kill your back, arse and neck.
We returned back to our Resort, where we relaxed with nice drinks and snacks in the garden. After we were charged up, we went and had nice buffet dinner. We then went and sat out in the open, where there was nice bonfire. The weather around was cold and we were all packed up with warm clothes, but manageable. It was around 10 to 12*C. Our bed was cosy with thick mattress and blankets.
26.08.16 : We left early for Nubra Valley via Kardongla Pass. Khardung La Pass, located in
the Ladakh region of the Indian state of Jammu and
Kashmir. The Siachen Glacier lies part way up the latter valley. The elevation of Khardung La is 5,359 m
(17,582 ft), it is the world's
highest motorable pass. We passed through winding, narrow road but you have to
appreciate the drivers, whose traffic sense of helping each other and allowing
others first and no honking at all except at curves of mountain to inform that
they are approaching. There is 25kms of
bad road in between, which will kill your back, arse and neck. 
Khardong La is
historically important as it lies on the major caravan route
from Leh to Kashgar in Central Asia
(old silk route, travelling by horses & donkeys). About 10,000 horses and
camels used to take the route annually, and a small population of Bactrian camels can still be seen at Hunder. We reached Organic Retreat Camp at Nubra
Valley. We had nice Tent accommodation with
self contained bathroom toilet.
After
refreshing ourselves with hot tea, we left Nubra Valley where we met the
Bactrian Camels (double humped camels). This
place had desert feeling with sand dunes and flat desert to travel, Both Philo and self took chance to ride the
camels, the guys did not want to try. They charged Rs. 350/- for half hour
drive but it is fun and worth it. On way back, we were invited to visit the
local cultural program, where we got to see the Ladaki ladies dancing with
colourful costumes and jewelry. Dances
like Shondol, (Dances of Takshosmas), Mentok (Festival of Flowers) Jabro
(Changthang Dance Zangskar Dance and the last dance was Modern dance, in the
end they invited us folks to join them in their dance to the song of “Bombay
sai aya mera dost”. We went out and
tried out their costumes which was colourful and fun and I assume we are
looking quite cute. Ofcourse our guys
were not willing to come near it.
We returned back to our Resort, where we relaxed with nice drinks and snacks in the garden. After we were charged up, we went and had nice buffet dinner. We then went and sat out in the open, where there was nice bonfire. The weather around was cold and we were all packed up with warm clothes, but manageable. It was around 10 to 12*C. Our bed was cosy with thick mattress and blankets.
