A Lehman’s Guide to Adventure!

BY NIRANJANA MITTAL

Travellers, if you’re looking to visit Leh Ladakh and Spiti Valley for the adventure of a lifetime, you’ve flipped to the right page. I had an unforgettable trip a few years ago to Leh, in the Ladakh region (colloquially referred to as Leh Ladakh); and I can attest that there truly is something for everyone, adrenaline junkies and zen masters alike. Spiti Valley, aptly named “the middle land,” is just a stone’s throw away from Leh, between India and Tibet, and is also another not-to-be-missed destination if you’re travelling to this part of the Motherland. To that end, we’ve put together a guide to share the best parts of these destinations, spanning activities, food, where to stay, and tips to make your trip as comfortable as possible. For the Bollywood lovers among us, we’ve also shared a list of great movies which were filmed in Ladakh itself – when you visit, see if you can spot any familiar sites!

HOW TO GET THERE

The easiest way to reach Ladakh from Thailand is to fly. IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara all provide flights to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh from Bangkok with a layover at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). However, this layover in Delhi is often overnight, so I would suggest finding accommodation for that duration so that you are well rested for the next morning’s journey to Leh. Once you arrive, you’ll notice there are many narrow, mountainous dirt roads which are difficult to navigate without practice, so hiring a driver and car is the best way to truly enjoy the scenery without worrying about anything else. For those prone to motion sickness, keep some medication such as Dramamine easily accessible, because it can feel like a rollercoaster ride at times! Once you’re at Ladakh, taking a road trip to Spiti Valley will be the most exciting way to get there, and it’ll also give you a chance to take in the one-of-a-kind scenery.

WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO VISIT:

Nestled on the bank of the Indus River with an altitude of 3,500 metres, Leh is known for its stunning natural beauty. Because of its varied geography, it also offers a range of outdoor activities that will satisfy any adrenaline junkie. Here is a list of activities that are sure to get your heart racing, as well as other places to visit that will help you fall in love with the beauty of this destination:

• Get a thrill out of white water rafting right on the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers. You will see exactly where they split, and their difference in colour, right from the water! The ideal time to do this is said to be between June and September.                                                                                                                                                                                                   

•Visit Pangong Lake for its breathtaking views and crystal clear waters. It is a good distance away from the main centre of Leh-Ladakh, but seeing this marvel is so worth it.

• Find immense peace at Thiksey Monastery. You will immediately feel a sense of relief and calm once you visit the property and the monks who are completely connected to their spirituality.

• For some special local souvenirs, visit the main Leh Market. There, you can buy lovely pashmina shawls, have a drink, eat a delicious meal, or walk around to window shop.

• If you love your bike rides, roaring up the mountain trails of Leh Ladakh is every motorcyclist’s dream! The panoramic scenery as you ride up is unlike anywhere else. Even in a car, opening the windows to feel the air is supremely refreshing.

THE QUINTESSENTIAL TASTES OF LADAKH

Like anywhere in India, Ladakh has its own culinary specialities. Most of this food will also be served fresh at your hotel or resort, but for the foodies among us, here is a list of must-try dishes and spots:

• You can’t leave Ladakh without trying their famous momos, and I would recommend heading to Chopsticks Noodle Bar for this famous dish.

• Make sure to try the Ladakh pakoras, served with soothing gur-gur chai (butter tea).

• Khambir (Ladakhi bread), hot off the tawah, is a must-try

• Try the classic Ladakh speciality, phirni, a Kashmiri dessert usually made with ground rice or rice flour cooked in milk, and often served in clay bowls.

• Ask for some sweet chuli (apricot jam) to accompany your meals.

• For maggi lovers, have it street-side between destinations during your road trip!

• If you’re visiting the Leh Market, make sure to visit The Tibetan Kitchen, a cute roadside restaurant which served some of the tastiest food I’ve ever tried.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Ladakh Sarai Resort is an oasis; a peaceful, retreat-style resort that has staff catering to your every need, ensuring that you will be well taken care of. Their restaurant’s menu is filled with delicious local delights, they boast a great selection of beautiful rooms, and the acres of property are gorgeous. It is also convenient to reach from the airport and the Leh Market. For more information, visit www.ladakhsarai.com

• If you’re looking for a sojourn by the lakefront, head to Pangong Retreat Camp. The camp is quiet and secluded, presenting 360-degree views of the lake. There is a wide range of rooms to pick from, and of course, the piping-hot local cuisine is simply delectable, served every day as a buffet in their restaurant. For more information, visit www.pangongretreat.com

• If you’re hoping to reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible while you travel, The Blue Mountain Hotel & Cafe in Spiti Valley is an entirely sustainable hotel. Priding themselves on emphasising the feeling of being at home, you’ll also be able to enjoy many nature-based activities around the property. For more information, visit bluemountainhotel.co.in/kaza

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR A COMFORTABLE TRIP:

• It is always recommended to plan a trip longer than a few days, so you can account for time to allow the body to adjust to altitude sickness. You may feel tired quicker, and feel the need to take deeper breaths. In extreme cases, some may also feel nausea and dizziness. The symptoms will be different for everyone, but it can take up to two days or even more to acclimatise to the drastic change in environment. A week long adventure is ideal!

• Always ensure you have extra oxygen available. Most (if not all) hotels will have plenty of oxygen tanks on the premises to use for free, or you can also choose to buy smaller, hand-held tanks from any pharmacy in case you need some when out exploring.

• It can also get very dry and dusty up there, so prepare lots of antihistamines for anyone with dust allergies. It will make your time much more enjoyable and manageable without constant sneeze attacks!                                                                           

• It is also important that you stay warm in general. Winds are strong, and the weather can be cool even in the summer months.

If you are covered up you’ll be much more comfortable and can avoid catching a cold.                                                                     

• Make sure to stop and take in all the beauty. If you just focus on remaining present, all other worries will melt away.

Get excited for all of the stunning views to come by re-watching these classics that were filmed in Ladakh and Spiti Valley!
• 3 Idiots (2009)
• Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012)
• Dil Se (1998)
• Highway (2014)