Binny’s Ladakh Chronicles: Where Family Fun Meets Majestic Landscapes
Family vacations are like treasure chests, each trip adding a unique jewel to the collection and this time, Ladakh became our sparkling gem.
It all started with a casual chat when my cousin exclaimed, “Why always beaches or cities? Let’s go somewhere extraordinary!” And just like that, our family of seven— my parents, uncle, aunt, cousin, and I— found ourselves packing for the stunning landscapes of Ladakh.
Thanks to Thrillophilia’s seamless planning, everything was sorted, from cosy stays to our driver, Dorje, who seemed more like a guardian angel.
The flight to Leh was an adventure in itself, with snow-dusted peaks greeting us from above. As we landed, we immediately felt the crisp air bringing in a thrill of anticipation. My uncle joked, “If the views are this good at the airport, imagine the rest!”
And I must confess, he wasn’t wrong!
The Perfect Start
Leh’s charm was magnetic. On our first day, we decided to keep it light to acclimatise. Walking through the bustling Leh Market, we were captivated by rows of shops selling colourful prayer flags, intricately carved Buddhist artifacts, and warm woolen shawls. My aunt couldn’t resist buying a yak wool scarf while my cousin haggled over a miniature prayer wheel.
Our lunch was at a cosy café where we tried authentic Ladakhi dishes. Thukpa, a hearty noodle soup, became my dad’s favorite. My mom, who is a tea enthusiast, couldn’t stop raving about the butter tea. “It’s salty, but it grows on you,” she laughed. We also visited Leh Palace, a quiet reminder of Ladakh’s royal past, and Shanti Stupa, where the panoramic view of the city at sunset left us in awe.
One of the trip highlights was chatting with the locals. At a small stall, a woman selling apricot jam shared stories about how the fruit is central to Ladakhi culture. My cousin, quite fascinated by the local culture, even remarked that who needs a guidebook when we have such amazing people to learn from.
The Serene Beauty of Sham Valley
The next day was all about exploring Sham Valley. The journey through its winding roads was like a slideshow of nature’s wonders— verdant fields, rugged mountains, and rivers gleaming under the sun.
Our first stop was the Magnetic Hill, where we experienced the fascinating optical illusion of the vehicle moving uphill on its own. My dad quipped, “Guess we don’t need fuel here!”
We also visited the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a place of calm and reverence, followed by the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. Watching the two rivers merge in contrasting colours was mesmerising. We ended the day at Alchi Monastery, where centuries-old murals seemed to whisper stories of Ladakh’s spiritual heritage.
Dinner back in Leh was at a rooftop restaurant where we tried Momos, Tingmo (steamed bread), and Skyu (a traditional pasta dish).
My uncle amusingly declared, “This is comfort food at its peak—literally!”
Adventures in Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley was the highlight of our trip, a two-day escapade filled with excitement and awe.
Crossing Khardung La Pass was an adventure in itself, with its narrow roads and snow-clad peaks. Dorje handed my uncle and aunt oxygen cylinders to ensure they were comfortable, and it worked like magic.
On our way, we even stopped at the Rinchen Café, and enjoyed piping hot Maggi and chai— the best meal ever at 17,000 feet!
Our first stop in Nubra was Diskit Monastery, where the giant Maitreya Buddha statue stood tall against a backdrop of mountains. Later, we hit the Hunder Sand Dunes for some adrenaline-pumping ATV rides. My cousin screamed, “Faster, faster!” while I struggled to keep up. The double-humped Bactrian camels were a delight to watch, and riding them added an extra dash of adventure.
The second day took us to Pangong Lake via Shyok River and quaint Ladakhi villages. The journey was full of breathtaking views of valleys and rivers, but nothing prepared us for Pangong’s beauty. Its surreal blue water, surrounded by barren mountains, looked like a dream. We sat by the lake, soaking in the tranquility and skipping stones into the water like kids.
The day ended with camping under a sky full of stars— a first for most of us. Sitting by the bonfire, sharing stories, and laughing till our sides hurt, my mom said, “This is the kind of memory you tell your grandchildren about.”
A Trip That Stays With You
On our last day in Ladakh, we found ourselves gathered on the hotel terrace, watching the sun dip behind the mountains. It was our way of saying goodbye— not just to Ladakh, but to the magical week we spent together.
My cousin raised his cup of butter tea and declared, “To Ladakh— the only place that could get us all to agree on something for once!” We laughed, but there was an undertone of emotion we couldn’t ignore. My mom said, “I think we’re leaving as a closer family than we came,” and we all nodded in agreement.
Ladakh had given us countless moments of joy, adventure, and reflection. As we packed up and prepared to leave, my dad tried to cheer everybody up by saying, “This isn’t goodbye, it’s see you again.” And with that, we carried Ladakh not just in our bags, but in our hearts.
Read More: Thrillophilia Ladakh Reviews