When I used to view the photographs posted by my friends who had been to LEH or in fact PANGONG I used to envy them & the love for such a scenic beauty used to grow every time I used to see those pictures and used to wonder if this place is so beautiful in the picture , how amazing it will be to feel it in real !
One day my friend called me and asked if I would like to join her for a trip to Leh. For once , I took it as a joke and said oh yes let's go now ! ... Later realized she was serious .. She suggested that we go there for 2 days .. Though it seemed very short trip to me but still I thought better go there even if it is a short trip..
After asking other folks and reading blogs we found that when we go to such a high altitude we need a day at least to acclimatize ourselves which is even more necessary when one goes there by air. Checking out availability dates we finalized it as a four day trip where in we planned to visit Nubra valley , Sham valley and Pangong lake.
Two weeks before trip date we realized we should pre book Hotel and after talking to one of the travel agent we booked Hotel and Scorpio in advance.
Also , we sent our ID proofs to the agent in advance so that Permits can be created in advance.
And the 3 IDIOTS headed for LEH !!!
Also , we sent our ID proofs to the agent in advance so that Permits can be created in advance.
And the 3 IDIOTS headed for LEH !!!
Day 1
Reached Leh ,took rest until 5 in evening after which we went to see Shanti Stupa , Leh Palace and visited Leh market.
We did not feel any breathing problem in general (none of the three). However when we were walking uphill , we felt breathless like while climbing stairs.
Reached Leh ,took rest until 5 in evening after which we went to see Shanti Stupa , Leh Palace and visited Leh market.
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| Our partner in Journey :) |
We did not feel any breathing problem in general (none of the three). However when we were walking uphill , we felt breathless like while climbing stairs.
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| View from Shanti Stupa |
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| Shanti Stupa , Leh |
Day 2
After resting for a day , we were all energized to get started for the journey and we left around 9 in the morning for Nubra valley via Khardungla
Based on our experience, I will suggest to eat light food before leaving as the way to Nubra is curvaceous and make sure you carry the relevant medicine to avoid Vertigo or motion sickness. ALso carry water bottles and some candies along.
Based on our experience, I will suggest to eat light food before leaving as the way to Nubra is curvaceous and make sure you carry the relevant medicine to avoid Vertigo or motion sickness. ALso carry water bottles and some candies along.
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| Khardung-La |
Khardung-la is topmost motorable peak and it is not advised to stay there for longer than 15 minutes keeping altitude and oxygen level in mind.
On the way, we also visited a Monastery near Deskit village.
On the way, we also visited a Monastery near Deskit village.
Crossed beautiful valleys and river ....
Later, in the afternoon after crossing beautiful valley and river view , we reached Nubra valley , had lunch in our Hotel and rested for some time . In the evening ,we went for Double humped camel safari.
Day 3
Capturing the view again ,we headed back to Leh and before we could reach Khardung-la , snow was all there on the road and military people were busy clearing it - Hats off !
Saw snow fall during the way back and this was the first time I actually saw snowfall !!!!
Due to snow and convoy , we were there at Khardung-la for 2.5 hours - yes that is the same place where we were supposed to stay for not more than 15 minutes ..
Due to snow and convoy , we were there at Khardung-la for 2.5 hours - yes that is the same place where we were supposed to stay for not more than 15 minutes ..
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| Snow laden Khardung-la |
We reached back Leh at around 4 in the evening and after having our favorite quick lunch - 2 minute Maggi :P , we left for Sham Valley which was not curvaceous at all :)
On the way to valley , we saw Magnetic Hill - refer to Wikipedia for its magic :P - Car appears to be moving uphill(against gravity) by itself even when in neutral.
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| Magical Magnetic Hill ;) |
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| Confluence of Indus and Zanskar river |
On day 4 , all of us were ready and excited to see the most beautiful lake Pangong , same lake where scenes of 3 idiots were shot.
Moment we reached the permit point we got to know that due to snowfall and that day being 2nd October , no one is being permitted to go to Pangong.
Waited there in a hope that they will clear snow but in the end were disappointed to know that we can't go there.
We had our flights booked for next day morning and were coming back to our Hotel in Leh all quiet and sad that we would not be able to see Pangong TSO.
But one of us was adamant to see it and with such low network connectivity and by calling our friends in Delhi , we got out flights cancelled and booked another flight for day after in a hope that next day we will be allowed to go and see Pangong.
Day 5 - Awestruck by the Pangong TSO
That night we kept calling Police station to ask if it snowed that last night. We were hoping that it did not snow. Until 12 it did not snow and then we slept.
After all the efforts and risk of postponing our travel paid off , we could see the beauty. Time flew like anything at Pangong. All in all , it was worth the risk !!
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| 3 Idiots in charismatic Leh |
really nice........... wnts to visit there sooon :)
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ReplyDeleteThanks Richa , seems I should start writing often then ;)
ReplyDeleteReading this is even more interesting than listening to it was!!
ReplyDeleteGreat!!
Yes, keep writing more. Its always great to bring up your creative talent!
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing the nice pic.
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I'am glad to read the whole content of this blog and am very excited,Thank you for sharing good topic.
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