Ashwini and Vinayak-the Most Energetic Couple of Our Leh Trip!
“I like being near the top of a mountain. One can’t get lost here.”
– These words of Wisława Szymborska best describe the free spirit and adventurous soul of our today's traveler.
Ashwini, a government employee, is always on the lookout for a break from his daily grind. She travels in order to meet new people and learn new things from their stories. Embracing new experiences and learning about other cultures is part of her lifelong desire to better understand and appreciate mother nature. She and her husband, Vinayak, had already visited Kerala and the Andaman Islands, but now it was time for her to take the trip of a lifetime.
The adventurous couple was eager to embark on a bike ride from Manali to Leh, one of India's most challenging and rewarding routes. The pair, who had booked their vacation through Thrillophilia, for a trip in June, found that everything about this place was lovable, from the people to their culture, to the dramatically changing environment and the climate in the mountains.
Exploring the Natural Landscapes
The couple was optimistic about their trip because they had done a few previous hikes and were familiar with the terrain. Even though getting stuck in a traffic jam in Manali wasn't the ideal way to begin their journey, they soon found themselves in the midst of nature's splendour. Stunning views of lush green mountains and cascading waterfalls from melting glaciers were all around them as they made their way to Jispa.
Jispa was a welcome respite from the exhausting bike ride through the majestic mountains. The first bonfire at this location ensured that they had time to reminisce about their rides and look forward to the upcoming adventure.
Ashwini and Vinayak were ready to set off for Sarchu the next day after a restful night's sleep. Baralacha La, the gateway to the Jispa-Sarchu route, was greeted by a blanket of white snow on both sides of the road. In order to combat the freezing weather, they drank some hot soup at the camp that night.
The Unique Backdrop of Ladakh
There were about 250 kilometers of mountainous terrain to go on the third day of their adventure. Ashwini described the stretch from Pang to Leh as the "most exciting route," as she was awestruck by the dramatic landscape change. The huge Tanglang La greeted them with chilly temperatures, but they kept their spirits up as they clicked images of the adorably lovely place. Their long but fascinating excursion that day necessitated an overnight warm stay at a hotel in Leh.
Leh was the focus of our fourth day, with less time spent traveling. They were able to get a better sense of the people and their unique way of life through the local sightseeing. While on this journey, they visited Sangam and Pathar Sahib Gurudwara and felt a sense of peace. Taking a ride across the well-known Magnetic Hill, where they could see majestic views for miles into the distance, was a memorable part of their day. Both of them indulged in a wonderful dinner at the hotel, which was the perfect way to end their thrilling day.
The next morning, the pair woke up early to begin their ascent of Khardung La. Tourists flocked to the stretch of road, which was jam-packed with military vehicles, to take pictures next to the famous big yellow milestones.
As they made their way to Nubra, they stopped at the well-known Diskit Monastery, a cultural hotspot dedicated to preserving Buddhism's rich heritage. By the time they arrived at Hunder, the snowy landscape had completely transformed into a dry, sandy desert. They were awed by the desert's chill during their one-night stay at the camp in Hunder.
The next day, the couple traveled to Ladakh's famed Pangong Tso Lake, known for its brilliant blue hues against a backdrop of towering mountains. They rode through the villages of Agham and Shyok on their way to Pangong Tso, where they had the chance to learn about the culture and daily life of locals living in the mountains.
One of the most breathtaking sights they'd ever seen was Pangong Tso from their tent; it was so serene that they couldn't get enough of it! With each shift in the angle of the sun, the water at Pangong Tso took on a new hue. In addition to the beautiful lake, the campgrounds located right next to the lake have been a popular tourist destination for many years.
Across the lake, Ashwini and Vinayak camped the night. Their final night in the wilderness was a chilling one, but they cherished every moment of it. Following a night away, they returned to Leh and had a full day of sight-seeing, shopping, and sampling local cuisine.
On this trip, the couple experienced a roller coaster of emotions as they lived each moment to the fullest.
Ashwini was enthralled by the ever-changing landscape throughout the trip, which she will remember throughout her life. In addition to taking in the sights and sounds of their most-anticipated destination, they also recommend traveling with people who are adventurous and have a strong sense of thrill.
Few Words by the Adventurous Couple
When they reflect on their journey, they see that they were the most energetic of all, and that there was never a dull moment along the way. Ashwini adds that we must conserve the environment at all costs, and people who trash and harm the beauty of such locations really shouldn't visit and spoil the experience for everyone else, because if we trash our surroundings, it could strike back at us, and it will hit us very hard.