Leh - a surreal experience

Leh was the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh and is now in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Honestly, in my opinion this area should be a separate state or union territory. Leh is at an altitude of 3524 meters and has one of the highest civilian airports in the world.

Views from the aircraft on the way to Leh and on landing. I was so excited as it was on my bucket list and having flown to the airport so often, I was curious to get out and explore.

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The terrain as depicted on the IFE

The dominant religion is Buddhism and one finds quite a few gompas and stupas dotting the countryside. The gompas have many beautiful frescos and I do wish they would preserve it better.

The famous Thiksey monastry

 

Prayer wheels need to be rotated clockwise

Colourful prayer flags

 The beautiful views from the monastry. Very peaceful and calming.

The countryside is quite dramatic with the majestic Himalayan range, sacred rivers, green patches, snow capped peaks, brown deserts and vivid blue skies with white clouds.

Our first view of Pangong Lake

 Pangong Lake is 5 hours away from Leh. To get there, one has to drive across treacherous mountain terrain and the third highest motorable pass, Changla Pass, at 5300 meters. The mountain road passes over Solang valley and the road is narrow and steep. Any mistake on the part of the driver and we would have been hurtling down the side of the mountain! Frightening, yet thrilling. However the Border Signs posted by the BRO kept our minds occupied and the scenic views took our breath away. At that altitude, we were lucky to have any breath left.  :) The weather was awesome and we drove through snow capped mountains.

Smita and I at Pangong Lake

2/3rds of the Lake lies in China. In winter it freezes over even though it is saline.

The treacherous road to get to Pangong.

This reminds me of Peru and the Incas' terraced rice fields.

We passed a volcanic mountain that had magnetic properties..........................

This really works!

One of the most dramatic sights is the Sangam, confluence of the rivers Indus and Zanskar. Pity we did not have time to river raft on the Zanskar. Must do it the next time........................

We also visited the Shanti Stupa which was built by the Japanese and the Leh Palace which was built in the same style and at the same time as the Potala Palace in Tibet.

Ladakh is one of the most beautiful places on earth and a "must visit". The nest time I intend driving to Leh and spending a longer time there.

Border Road Signs in Ladakh

The Border Roads Organisation is responsible for the primary task of road construction and infrastructure development in the border areas. They have also assisted the Armed Forces during all wars and acts of external aggressions but also the civil administration during natural calamities. They are recognised as the major contributor in socio-economic development of remote border areas of the Nation.

During my recent trip to Ladakh, I got to fully experience the work and effort put in by this esteemed organisation and my respect for them has grown manifold.
“Let us not forget that roads in this difficult terrain have been built not only with mere cement and concrete, but also with the blood of men of the Border Roads Organisation of India. Many lost their lives for the cause of duty on the project. To these men, who always play with danger and laugh at death, duty comes first. These fallen heroes came from all parts of Mother India, to contribute their mite to the defence of their mother land and prosperity of their neighbours”..
From an Article ‘Highways to Adventure’
published in ‘THE MIRROR’ Magazine, Jul 1975
The Genesis

Here are some of the gems of wisdom along the treacherous road to Pangong Lake.

Some more gems include:

"Darling I Like You, But Not So Soon"

"Whiskey Is Risky, Rum Is Bomb"

"Don't Be A Gama In The Land Of Lama"
 
"Better be Mr. Late than a late Mr."
 
“If you are married, divorce speed”