Julley Leh Ladakh: A Warm Welcome to the Dreamland

"Julley Leh Ladakh" translates to "Greetings Leh Ladakh," a warm welcome to this dreamlike destination. After a scenic three-day, two-night journey from Delhi via Manali and Keylong, we finally reached our destination: Leh. For those who haven't read the previous chapter, you can find it here: https://th.readme.me/p/5108.

After a grueling 14-hour drive from Keylong, covering over 300 kilometers, we were eager to sink into the comfort of our beds. The long journey left us yearning for a good night's sleep. Tomorrow, we will explore the wonders of Leh.

We woke up early and met all 12 members of our group. Two of them flew from Delhi to Leh to join us. Now it's time to have some fun!

Bickey, who works at the Padma Hotel, arranged our trip, including accommodation, transportation, and a driver. We compared several options before choosing the one that best suited our needs and preferences. Due to various factors mentioned earlier, finalizing the arrangements took some time. The costs also varied, adding to the confusion, especially when paying for the entire trip in rupees. Counting millions of rupees among three or four people was a nerve-wracking experience. We counted and recounted, fearing mistakes. The largest denomination, the 1,000 rupee note, resulted in a thick stack of bills. We were eager to pay and avoid the responsibility of carrying such a large sum of money, which was also quite heavy. However, it's important to note that even after we were confident in our count, we had the provider recount the money in front of us to ensure transparency for both parties.

Paid for 12 people to visit, 3 cars taking turns, popping in and out to take photos outside the car. :)

The video features amateur videography with a humorous touch. While the content may lack substance, the scenic views are a highlight. Stay tuned for more!

Today's itinerary takes us to Nubra Valley in search of camels in the desert. Before heading to Bickey, we briefed our three drivers on our itinerary. Only one of them spoke English fluently, while the other two only understood "Stop," "Photo," and "Tea Time." The four-hour drive was filled with scenic stops, punctuated by exclamations of "Wow," "Amazing," and "Beautiful."

Climbing the mountain steadily.

After a long drive, we arrived at the Khardung La pass, the highest motorable pass in the world. At 18,380 feet (5,359 meters) above sea level, it was once considered the highest pass in the world. However, recent data suggests that it is now the second highest, surpassed by the Mana La pass near the Tibetan border.

The area is crowded, and people are rushing to take pictures with the sign. Let's move to this side to avoid the crowd.

At this high altitude, it's quite cold. Before getting off the car, make sure to put on a warm jacket. This green Equinox jacket is versatile, offering protection from rain, wind, and sun, while also wicking away sweat and moisture. It even provides warmth, but I'm also wearing a fleece jacket underneath, just in case.

After a quick lunch of instant noodles, I tried a few local dishes but couldn't eat much. Needing energy, I raided my food supplies, choosing from a variety of options: shredded pork, dried pork, and chili pastes. I ordered fried rice, boiled eggs, stir-fried vegetables, and plain rice, followed by a noodle soup. My stomach was happy. Importantly, on this trip, I made sure not to miss out on dried bananas, a great source of energy. Whenever I found fresh bananas or other fruits, I bought them too. No more hunger pangs for me!

After a satisfying meal, we continued to enjoy the scenery.

We've been driving for a long time now, why haven't we reached the desert yet? We're supposed to ride camels there. Oh no, the driver has brought us to a hot spring. Is this in the itinerary? Or what? We've come a long way just to soak our feet in this hot spring. Haha, let's clarify with the driver urgently and then turn back to go to Hunder Sand Dunes at Diskit. We thought we saw a sign to turn left a long time ago, but we've come too far. It's not too late to turn around, but I'm afraid it will be dark and the camels will go home before we get there.

Stopped for gas at a breezy and spacious gas station. ^^

Returning to Diskit, I finally found it! A smooth desert. I looked around for a camel.

We have arrived at the Hunder Sand Dunes. Looking for camels for a camel ride. The price for a 15-minute ride is 200 rupees. I don't remember the price for a 30-minute ride. ^^

After purchasing tickets, we waited in line to be called. The camels walked in circles, and we felt sorry for them. They work hard, and there are many people riding them each day. We decided to ride for 15 minutes, just to experience riding a camel in the desert. As a team, we rode in a line, one after the other.

The child who cannot ride on the back of an adult must walk behind their mother.

The model's pose in the photo, with an upward angle, strains the neck.

Cool camera angles.

Observing the ways of others.

The backdrop of Diskit Gompa

The atmosphere is like in the drama "Fah Jarod Sai" :)

Translation:

Nine beautiful women embark on an adventure, defying age with their boundless energy.

Three young men, three ages, son, senior, and father, but their hearts are still young.

A hidden stream flows through the desert.

Today, I achieved my goal of riding a camel in the desert. I slept well. We are staying near the desert. The hotel is good, clean, has hot water, and has wifi. However, the wifi is down today. Oh well!

The next morning, we left our accommodation and headed to Pangong Tso Lake.

Translation:

Visit Diskit Gompa, which houses a large Buddha statue.

Play of light and shadow

Today, we need to hurry because the road from Diskit to Pangong Lake is not very good and takes a long time.

The clear sky is captivating. This photo is from our work where we attached a GoPro camera to the front of the car with a suction cup. It can withstand all road conditions (if you don't forget to take it off when parking for a long time, hehe).

Stopped by the roadside bathroom in the middle of nature, behind the rocks ^^

Tea time. The driver said so.

Tea maker :)

All three of our drivers were friendly and had pleasant faces. While communication in English was challenging, we were still able to understand each other.

This is a restroom along the way. Choose whether to enter this way or behind the rock. Choose what you are comfortable with. :)

Along the way, we encountered verdant rice fields dotted with flocks of sheep.

Mowing the young grass

Seeking greener pastures?

What's so funny? Haha.

Soon, we will be close together, the same color as the sky. So excited!

I want to move closer to you, I want to get to know you since I met you ... ♫ ♫ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♫

Let's get to know each other first.

Pangong Lake: A High-Altitude Oasis

Pangong Lake, approximately 125 kilometers from Leh, requires a permit for entry. Spanning 130 kilometers, the lake is divided, with 30% lying within India and 70% in China. Situated at an altitude of 4,300 meters above sea level, acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.

Despite being classified as a saltwater lake, Pangong's water is only mildly brackish, offering a unique taste experience.

Flowing yoga poses, testing the body's limits.

"Still, tell me to slow down, what is this? Jumping without thinking about the height we are at, right?"

Group photo of 12 people

Translation:

The wind is blowing, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh ♫ ♫ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♫ (This song came on just in time… so the girl is still waiting) It's like the wind is strong :)

After a long day of exploring under the sun, we were ready to settle in for the evening. However, upon arriving at our intended accommodation, the driver mistakenly took us to a different location with a similar-sounding name.

We opted for a tent called MARTSEMIK, which has an ensuite bathroom but no shower facilities. Given the frigid temperatures, the lack of showering facilities is a significant concern.

Our accommodation is conveniently located near the lake, allowing you to enjoy the sunset after a short walk.

Translation:

Swan is secretly copying other people's work and trying to pass it off as their own.

This keeps things cool.

This person really collects cold light (while waiting for the 3 bottles above to cool down, hehe)

I like it.

After enjoying the sunset and a cold beer, we returned for dinner. The meal consisted of vegetarian dishes, including vegetables and eggs. We also enjoyed instant noodles and chili paste, as usual.

As night fell, we set out in search of the Milky Way. Inspired by photos taken by others, we longed to capture its beauty ourselves. Despite the cold, we persevered, carrying our tripods and, for warmth, a bottle of liquor and some beers.

The attempt to imitate them, like having a beam of light shining into the sky, is all I could manage.

Sweet dreams tonight with this image. zzzz

Translation:

Waking up early, I went down to take pictures at the same spot in front of the accommodation again.

The gentle morning sun, a moment of pure bliss.

Photosynthesis basks in the sun.

The motorcyclist stopped to take a picture, so I asked him to be a prop.

A single young man, sometimes walking alone, on a journey to find true love.

Available everywhere.

Look...

Through the Lens (Behind the Camera)

Farewell, Pan-gong. I hope to return again someday.

Capture every moment of joy as if it were our last ♫ ♫ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♫ For the wait is always worth it when we finally meet.

Translation:

Not even halfway through this trip, and it's already been filled with joy, laughter, and fun. There's always something to make us smile and laugh. Happiness comes when we live in the present moment, appreciating the little things in life.

The following itinerary, Leh - Moriri Tso - Leh - Lamayuru - Leh, will be shorter. Please stay tuned for the next episode (there should be about 2 more episodes before I return to Thailand, hehe).

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Story by LingPle Mayuree: [email protected]

Photographed by: LingPle Mayuree, Ting Tawbud, and Tawich Ae Virangkur.

VDO Edited by: Nawapon Punpeng

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