A trip to Mars & Moon – Part 2(Leh)
“My space is small. My life is big” – Graham Hill
On our rover, we have now landed on Mars. The first part of the expedition was all about learning to breath. As were we, our polluted lungs were also in awe of the fresh and low oxygen levels. Diamox tablets and Thupka, a Tibetian noodle soup came to our rescue providing us with with oxygen and warmth.
One last look back at the road we just traversed and survived… moving on!!!
A map and guide to tell the story of how we wandered in the wilderness with wonderment 🙂
The chinar trees and snow blocked roads finally gave way to cobalt blue skies, barren landscapes and glistening lakes. Monks everywhere, traders everywhere, smiling locals everywhere and passionate bikers everywhere – that is when you know you have reached Ladakh
The statue of Sengge Namgyal, a 17th-century Namgyal dynasty King of Ladakh, from 1616 to his death in 1642. A Buddhist, he was noted for his immense work in building monasteries, palaces and shrines in Ladakh and is known as the “Lion King”
You can’t miss the spirit of bikers while you are in Ladakh…
We luckily found this heaven of a place to stay in Leh, Mangyul House on Upper Tukcha Road. With so many options I was happy we choose this. The owner is a passionate biker and runs the establishment along with his wife. The happy couple and the staff are helpful with whatever question you have on mind. Their hospitality, warm food and the chats over bonfire left us with an out of this world experience. They also run a bike rental shop – we rented a bike and were on our way to explore Leh
We were told to take it easy on day 1 of our arrival in Leh, that is why we went only to Leh Palace, Tsemo Monastery, Shey Palace and Stakna Monastery 🙂 … I guess taking it easy is not in our dictionary.
View from Leh Palace, all I had to do was changes angles to capture the gorgeous panoramas 🙂
We have a bike at hand and a wandering mind, so we were off to carve out our own itinerary.
Tsemo Gompa or Tsemo Monastery, perched atop a mountain behind the Leh Palace was built in 15th century. The monastery offers unprecedented views of the surroundings country side, Indus river and Zanskar valley. We just sat atop trying to catch our breath – couldn’t decide – was it because of the view or the lack of oxygen!
View of the Shanti Stupa from Tsemo Gompa
You could stop just about anywhere and be treated to a special view in Ladakh.
You see the hamlet out there, I wonder how they get to their supplies, do they migrate to a warmer region during winters, what happens when snow melts down from the mountains around.
Talking to the cheerful natured locals over a tea and maggi I was so humbled. They took pride in telling stories of how they battle the cold winter and how they survive on little means as the major sources of their income is the short and warm summer tourist season.
Will I be able to live here…!!!
Living in shack with a view like that. I wonder – if I get a life like this, will I thank God for the peace around me or crib about the little means I have? Living in a place like this – will my perception of things change? Is life unnecessarily complicated with floor to clean, cars to insure, loans to pay and a stressful job to keep? Am I able to appreciate this only because I know I can go back to my pompous lifestyle? Will I ever have the courage to leave things behind and spend at least some months in a place like this or a shack like this? Pondering over such thoughts .. I moved on!!
Riding on we came across yet another wonder – Stakna Gompa which was off the road and looked so majestic. Exploring it was inevitable – for first I thought it was abandoned as there was not a person in sight. Actually there was no one but I dont think it was abandoned. Yet another breath taking climb and a gorgeous panorama with Indus river flowing calmly along.
The biking skills, I dont have but still showing off…..
The view from the top – I do want to be a Ladakhi in my next life just to embrace the calmness, the beauty and peace that comes with it. Even while living in such harsh conditions you will never find one frowning Ladakhi – they are always a cheerful and smiling lot 🙂
The Shey Palace below – yet again numerous steps- maybe some other time
Now its time to witness the valor of our Indian army who fought in such harsh climates. The Hall Of Fame – A museum built by the Indian Army in honor of the brave soldiers of India who sacrificed their lives defending their motherland in the Indo-Pak wars
Threatening with a sense of humor …they’ve got style 🙂
And so do we….
One last pic before I and my lungs collapse…
Happy Exploring , Julley!!!
ART PEACE 