Leh !!

                                  

                                           LEH !!

Breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains, ranges with snow clad peaks, and melting snow moving between those mountains as streams! Who doesn’t get tempted to be in such a place? I really was! And the beauty of Leh attended my temptation very well this October.

Though the season for Leh is ideally between April to September, I touched this beautyland just when the season was about to get over. And I was charmed by the first snowfall. What else could have made my trip!

As we drove past the breathtaking views, the clouds made a beautiful umbrella above us until we entered the mountain ranges. And if you are lucky (I was!), you get to enjoy the snowfall as well.

As soon as we checked in, we desired to go on top of the mountains to discover a beautiful chorten called Shanti – Stupa which was a Buddhist white-domed Stupa on the hilltop. It was architected by a Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Namakura in 1991. Ever since, it has become a tourist attraction not only because of religious beliefs but also because of the panoramic views its location gives you.

After Shanti – Stupa, Leh Palace was another attractive destination, which was built in 1553 by the Buddhist kings of Ladakh. It was once the world’s highest building. Inspite of the sturdy walls and partially collapsed interior sections, the prayer room gave a sense of former grandeur. The dark corridors, hidden stairways and broken ladders weaved our way to stunning views from the rooftop. 

Dizzying heights, misty air and brutally cold temperature - Khardung la was all this. It is known as the highest motorable pass in the world. This is where we spotted many bikers hooting their spirits as if wanting to embrace every bit of this beauty. It is the gateway to the Nubra valley, which again is one of the most picturesque locations in Leh.

We encountered a lot of traffic and army convoys and the drive was quite bumpy but once we stepped down at Khardung la, it was worth the effort. It was one of the most beautiful places my eyes could ever wish to see.

Driving past military convoys gave me goose bumps, at the same time gave me a sense of security. It’s because of these people, that the populace of Leh can breath without any fear, eat without hiccups and sleep peacefully. To salute to such brave soldiers who died in Indo-Pak war, a museum, Hall of Fame is constructed. It also had a last post, which had a message from a father to his son who had died while evicting intruders in Kargil war.

Remember the climax of 3-idiots? What flashes in front of your eyes first? Kareena Kapoor? Amir Khan? Ermmm Lake? I am sure the beautiful lake! I always wished to see the lake not through my eyes, but through my soul. And Leh happened to be the answer to my wish. This lake is called Pangong Lake, which is situated at a height of around 14,000 ft. It extends from India to Tibet and approximately 60% of the lake lies in Tibet. Interestingly, the Line of Actual Control passes through this lake. Woo now that’s some piece of news.

Driving in the hills as the sun comes up was an experience to behold. The play of shadows over the hills, the sun sparkling up the ranges, and the drive to reach the lake, I would rank as one of the most beautiful drives in the country.

The most beautiful part of the Leh was that the landscape changes every few kilometers and we were welcomed by mesmerizing landscape and sky touching mountains, peacefully blanketed in the snow.

The barren landscape interrupted by small streams, hot and cold (chilled I’d say) barricaded by wild flowers on both sides was a sight to cherish. The journey was getting silent at alternate kilometers and the only noise that could reach our ears was the air, brushing against the mountains; the melting snow rushing down the hills and the screech of the tyres on the road. Sometimes the bullet rider’s engine would also reach our temples from a distance accompanied by a lot of cheering.

The path was sometimes a patch of mud and sometimes a running stream. Listening to the different notes of the rivers and streams when fused with many big and small waterfalls created a soul-healing music. The rocky mountains were painted green by the wild flowers and grass and of course not to mention, snow.

Every single view was so beautiful that it’s hard to explain in words. It was such an amazing experience that I am still surrounded by that picturesque beauty which arrested all my senses.

Next time you plan a trip, make sure Leh tops your list J