Discovering the Raw Beauty of the Mountains: Stuti’s Leh-Ladakh Trip with Thrillophilia
There’s something magical about the moment one steps into a new world, and Leh Ladakh is one such place that feels nothing short of extraordinary.
Stuti, a software engineer from New Delhi, had always been fascinated by places that offer a sense of calm amidst nature’s raw beauty. She had never travelled with Thrillophilia before, so when she and her mother decided to take a trip to Leh Ladakh, they entrusted Thrillophilia to organise a seamless adventure for them.
And they must say, Thrillophilia did a spectacular job!
A Warm Welcome in Leh
As they landed in Leh, Stuti’s heart raced with anticipation and excitement. The moment they stepped outside, the crisp mountain air and the snow-capped peaks surrounding the valley left them speechless.
The first day was focused on acclimatising to the high altitude, which is crucial in Ladakh due to its elevation. After a hearty meal at the hotel, they spent the rest of the day chilling and exploring the Leh market along with some other travellers from the Thrillophilia batch.
Waking up in Leh the next morning, the first sight that greeted them was the imposing mountains bathed in soft sunlight. They then set out to explore Sham Valley, a beautiful place nestled along the Srinagar-Leh highway.
Their first stop was the Hall of Fame, a museum built to honour the brave soldiers who fought in the Indo-Pak War. As they walked by the exhibits, Stuti felt an overwhelming sense of awe and pride for the sacrifices made by their soldiers. The immersive displays at the museum gave them a glimpse into the region’s turbulent past.
One of the highlights of the day was the visit to Magnetic Hill, a mysterious place where the natural landscape creates an optical illusion of vehicles moving uphill even when they are turned off. It was an incredible experience to witness this phenomenon in person, making this destination even more intriguing for Stuti.
They also went to the Indus Sangam Viewpoint where the mighty Indus and Zanskar rivers meet. The confluence of the two rivers was a sight to behold, with their distinct colours flowing together in harmony.
Embracing the Beauty
The third day of their trip was thrilling and filled with adventure. They headed to Nubra Valley, with the drive taking them through Khardung-La Pass,the highest motorable road in the world at 18,000 feet. As they ascended, the views grew more spectacular, with snow-covered mountains stretching as far as the eye could see.
As they descended into Nubra Valley, the landscape transformed dramatically. From cold, barren desert-like terrain, they entered a valley dotted with sand dunes, encircled by mountains.
It felt like they had been transported to an entirely different world. Nubra Valley is famous for its Bactrian camels, and they couldn’t resist the opportunity to take a ride on these majestic creatures. The double-humped camels, once part of the ancient Silk Route, added a touch of history to their experience.
Their day ended with camping under a sky full of stars. The cool evening breeze, a warm bonfire, and the twinkling stars above created a magical atmosphere that would remain etched in their memory forever. Being able to spend such a beautiful moment with her mother was the best thing that could have happened on this trip.
The Majestic Pangong Lake
They journeyed to one of the most iconic destinations in Ladakh – Pangong Lake. After an early breakfast, they left Nubra Valley and headed towards the lake, a place immortalised in Bollywood films like 3 Idiots and Jab Tak Hai Jaan.
As they approached Pangong Tso, Stuti was struck by its sheer beauty. The lake, with its ever-changing hues of blue, green, and red, looked like something out of a fairytale. Surrounded by rugged mountains on all sides, Pangong Lake’s vastness was both stunning and awe-inspiring.
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Their stay for the night was located near the lake, and falling asleep to the sound of the wind whistling through the valley was a surreal experience. A bit of fear, and a bit of magic, made the night quite memorable for both of them.
Wrapping Up an Epic Journey
On their final day in Ladakh, they were greeted with a spectacular sunrise over Pangong Lake. After breakfast, they made their way back to Leh, with a quick stop at Chang-La Pass. The pass was covered in snow, and they took a brief moment to sip tea at the Chang-La Cafe.
On the way back, they also stopped at the Druk Padma School, famous for its role in the movie 3 Idiots. It was fascinating for them to visit the actual location where such an iconic scene was filmed. They concluded the day with a visit to Thiksey Monastery, a beautiful and intricately designed monastery offering panoramic views of the Indus Valley.
Looking back, Stuti’s journey to Leh Ladakh was nothing short of extraordinary. Thrillophilia organised a well-planned itinerary that allowed them to experience the region’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and thrilling adventures without feeling rushed.
Despite it being their first time travelling with Thrillophilia, Stuti was truly impressed by their attention to detail, and she can’t wait to plan her next adventure with them.
Read More: Thrillophilia Leh Ladakh Sightseeing Reviews