Heartbeats of the Himalayas: Manjistha's Thrillophilia Review of a Leh Ladakh Trip
In the land of Leh, every step is a journey into the soul.
On their trip to Leh, Manjistha Roy, and her friends had no idea about the adventures that awaited them in the rugged, breathtaking terrains of Ladakh. Located deep in the Himalayas, Leh is a place that offers stunning views and memorable experiences at every turn. But for this group? It was more than just a trip. It was a journey that would etch itself into their lives, altering them in ways they hadn’t anticipated.
From the very beginning, they could feel the excitement building. Everything went off without a hitch, letting them fully enjoy every moment of the trip, completely carefree.
Glimpses of Leh and Marvels of Sham Valley
Upon their arrival in Leh, the barren yet sensational landscapes took their breath away. The stillness, the towering mountains, the vastness of it all—Manjistha couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace wash over her.
“It felt like time just stopped, and you could breathe in the calm,” she recalled.
On their first day, they explored the local marketplace and visited several vibrant stalls that sold everything from jewelry, and handicrafts, to Pashmina shawls. They couldn’t help but buy several woolen items from the vendors - for each other, and for their families back home. Later, they visited the historic Leh Palace, which is located above the city and is known for offering panoramic views.
They had heard several stories about how vehicles tend to move uphill on their own, but watching it up close was something incredible. “How could a car roll on an incline?” Manjistha couldn’t help but wonder if there were more magical tricks that Leh was holding up its sleeve.
Leh has a history of never making people wait for too long, and just like that, it was time for them to witness the beauty of Indus-Zanskar Sangam. Indus flowing from one end, Zanskar from another - becoming one just like two lovers would. Speaking of blending, visiting the Shanti Stupa was another unique experience for them, as they got a chance to immerse themselves in the peaceful ambiance.
They also made a stop at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, which symbolizes interfaith unity and is visited by Sikhs, Buddhists, and Hindus. The local community members at the Gurudwara also treated them to a hearty meal.
“The people here have a way of making you feel right at home,” Manjistha recalled. “It’s the kindness that stays with you.”
A Journey Through Nature's Masterpieces
They began their Nubra Valley adventure by heading for a thrilling drive across Khardung La Pass - one of the highest motorable passes on the planet. As they navigated the narrow roads flanked by snow-covered mountains, they could feel their hearts pounding at every turn.
"I’ll never forget that moment," Manjistha grinned, her voice warm with nostalgia. "It made us feel like we had truly arrived in Ladakh.
And Nubra Valley—well, that was something else entirely.
A cold desert, vast and endless, surrounded by mountains that seemed to touch the sky. The kind of place that leaves you in awe, wondering if it’s even real. Riding double-humped Bactrian camels across the surreal white sand dunes at Hunder, they felt transported to another world.
"It was like we were in a dream," she laughed, eyes sparkling. A dream they knew they would carry with them forever.
Pangong Tso was one stop that they had been looking forward to visiting for a long time, and it lived up to everything they had imagined. As they wandered through the serene Shyok village, they were mesmerized by the striking beauty of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the ever-changing sky.
And then it was time for them to witness the showstopper - The Pangong Tso. They were fascinated at the sight of the highest saltwater lake on the planet. It dazzled under the sunrays, reflecting a variety of colors at a distance - Green, Blue, and sometimes even Red!
Coming Back Home
On the final leg of their journey, they enjoyed a ride along the legendary Chang La Pass - listed among the highest motorable passes in the world. Despite the challenging terrain and altitude, the scenic views all around were worth every effort. Their guide also took them to the century-old Chang La Baba Temple, where they offered prayers to both Guru Nanak and Changla Baba.
Manjistha remarked, “Every moment here feels so incredible. I just can’t imagine how challenging it must be for those who live here!”
Their concluding visits of the trip offered a lovely combination of calm and nostalgia. They first visited Thiksey Monastery, where they got a chance to admire the 50-foot tall statue of Maitreya Buddha looking over the serene landscape. The sacred ambiance could make anybody forget about the challenging terrains in the region. As they interacted with the resident monks, they realized the vastness of nature and how humans are a part of it.
Their mood then shifted dramatically at Druk Padma Karpo School, which is where the movie '3 Idiots' was filmed. It was such a ambiance, that made them revisit so many playful memories from the movie.
Manjistha burst into laughter, eyes sparkling with delight, “We couldn’t help it! We reenacted scenes from the movie right there—too much fun to resist!”
As the trip came to an end, Manjistha and her friends were in awe of how much they had explored in just six days. Every moment felt like a new adventure, and each place they visited left its mark. Traveling is the most powerful way of self-healing, and for Manjistha, this journey was an experience of discovery, of both the world and themselves.
As they boarded their flight back home, they knew one thing for sure—they would return to Leh. For them, Ladakh’s raw beauty and peaceful charm made it a place they could never fully experience in just one trip.
Read More: Thrillophilia Leh Ladakh Sightseeing Reviews