A Trip that Changed my Life

I believe ‘when the mountains beckon, just leave everything and go’.

Did you know? Travelling can change your life in many ways. It opens up new horizons, helps you step out of your comfort zone and most importantly makes you grow as an individual. I’m someone who travels at least five times a year. From weekend getaways to short international vacations, I try to squeeze in a few leisure trips amidst my busy work schedule. There’s something about travelling. It’s fun, liberating, fulfilling and changes your life for the better. If it’s a solo trip, you almost experience a life-changing magic.

Being an avid-traveller, there have been many holidays that have changed the way I see the world and the way the world sees me. However, this one trip to Leh-Ladakh transformed my life forever. Before visiting this “eden on earth”, I always considered myself a beach person. Little did I know this gem too could transpose me to another world and make me a mountain person! It literally had something for every kind of traveller – the nature enthusiast, the adventure-seeker and the travel-buff alike.

If you’re wondering what kind of traveller I am; well, I’m a nature lover! I can kick back and relax for hours amidst the most serene aesthetic. Watching a sunset in a chilly terrain with a piping hot cup of coffee is something that definitely excites me.

 So, are you ready to embark with me on this journey that changed my life?

How did it all start?

It all began when my friends and I wanted a desperate break from our mundane lifestyle. It was a drunk night that literally made us book tickets to Leh. We booked a package with a tour company that was for seven nights and eight days. Well, everything about the trip was breath-taking.

For those unaware, Leh is situated at an elevation of 3,500 metres above sea-level. It offers panoramic views of snow-shrouded mountains, a verdant expanse of green cover, and fantastic topography. In fact, before going to a higher altitude, you’re supposed to acclimatise for two days.

Each day of the holiday was a new experience and of course, a new learning!

Sightseeing at Leh

After we had acclimatised, we woke up fresh the next day. Our hotel served us a hot, yummy plate of chole-bhature for breakfast. Along with it, they gave us this particular drink we had never heard of before. It was called Kashmiri Kahwa. Well, where do I start? As the strong winds blew our face, this hot drink comforted us and made us feel refreshed. This herbal infusion literally went down our throats like water.

We set out to explore the hidden pockets of this scenic town. We saw the Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, the infamous Druk Padma Karpo School, the iconic place that was shown as Rancho’s School in the film 3 Idiots.

The Leh Palace was one place that gave me chills. From the pictures I had seen, it looked like a palace with a considerable part in ruins. However, once I went to the top floor, my whole perspective about the place changed. We were among the few people who got to witness the prayers going on in the royal temple inside the palace. The chanting gave me gooseflesh. It’s something I had never experienced before. Also, we caught the most spectacular view of the city from the Leh Palace. It was magical in every sense. In the words of Alexander McQueen ‘There is no better designer than nature’. Well, I have to agree!

While I thought Leh was known for its monasteries, I stumbled upon this peaceful Gurudwara amidst the Himalayas. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib situated on the Leh-Kargil road is 12,000 ft. above sea level. It’s well-maintained by the Indian army. We were served a wholesome langar by the Sikh community volunteers. It was nothing fancy but yet so flavourful. We could tell the meal was made with utmost love. I realised you don’t always need fancy plating or a gourmet fare to relish a meal. It’s best to enjoy the uncomplicated, simple pleasures of life.

Highlights from Nubra Valley

Day two was all about relaxing in our hotel.

On day three, we were headed to Nubra Valley for two nights. It’s a broad valley with lofty mountains on all its sides. Getting uninterrupted views of the Himalayan peaks and the fog-engulfed mountains was definitely a highlight. To reach Nubra, we had to cross over Khardung La pass, the highest motorable road in the world. Here’s where I had my first sight of snow. I can’t even begin to describe the experience. I behaved like a child and danced with joy. Everything around was literally a sight to sore eyes. We stayed in luxury tents at Nubra. Honestly, it was an experience of a lifetime.

Adventure at Pangong

After spending two days at Nubra, we started for Pangong Lake, the world’s highest saltwater lake. The water almost looks like it’s been dyed blue. It even changes colour as per the sun’s rays. It was so beautiful, I can’t even put it into words. I think I sat there for an hour just staring at the glistening waters. So many thoughts crossed my mind at that moment. It made me want to leave all the material things and move there for good. But I guess, the grass is always greener on the other side. During our Pangong stay, we went river-rafting at the Zanskar River where the water temperature was almost minus degrees. Other fun things we did included taking an ATV ride, and riding a double-hump camel.

Offering myriad flavours, this holiday was a life-altering experience for me.

If you too are looking to escape the humdrum city life, Leh-Ladakh should definitely be on your bucket-list. From enjoying the mouth-watering ‘pahadi’ food to admiring the incredible beauty of Mother Nature, this trip changed me as a person. I came back happier with a lot of memories and learnings.

Until next time!