Ladakh: In & Around.

Day 3 on the tour!

We started to a place named Magnetic hill, about 45 kms from Leh, a drive on the famous Kargil road. The roads made our journey comfortable and a true pleasure, hats off to BRO (Border Roads Organization). Photography being my most enjoyable hobby, I couldn't sit still as every site along the way was worth a picture!

Magnetic Hill: When we reached the spot, our driver (also the guide!) showed us, what this magnetic hill actually was.  At one point, the vehicle in neutral has to go back because of the slope, instead due to the magnetic pull; the vehicle goes forward, interesting! ‘Isn't it!?’ And, with this theory to go by, the hill got its name ‘Magnetic Hill’.

Sangam: Next spot on the way. It is the confluence of rivers Sindhu and Zanskar. We can see the clear waters of Sindhu flowing into dark and heavy flow of Zanskar. The rivers are surrounded by plain mud hills. The blue sky, brown hills, white and cream of rivers was indeed a pleasure to watch out for.

On the way back, we visited Pathar-Sahib Gurudhwara and Spituk Monastery. Divine and nice places with so much history attached.

Shanti Stupa: Back in Leh city, we visited the Stupa, built in the year 1991. I can say it is as young as me! ;) It stands tall in mid of giant peaks. Calm, silence or add up any other synonym that means peace, to compliment this place. I could become a saint in that peace of an environment, had I stayed any longer. I couldn't climb fully though, I was already tired. But then, this place is true to what it means- Shanthi- Peace.

Food! Talking about food is inevitable in a travelogue. Here, we had been to a Tibetan restaurant. When the order came and waiter placed the dishes on the table, it was total randomness as to what had we ordered and what we received. Chopsuey, by which I expected more like Chinese Noodles, was more like sticks we had to break, and something mom ordered was indeed noodles in water!
Hence, the next day, we stuck to no trial and ordered normal north Indian- dal aur roti.

The very thought of Ladakh drives me back to all the memories and images slide through. It was an experience to remember for a lifetime.