Trip to Leh: Day 3

Today marks the first day of our out-of-town trip, starting with a visit to a high-altitude location near the city. We'll keep it close to home for now, allowing our bodies to acclimate to the altitude.

Our first stop is a spiritual one, embarking on a tour of three sacred monasteries. We begin with the farthest, Lamayuru Monastery, located 125 kilometers from Leh.

Along the way, we'll witness the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, a breathtaking natural spectacle.

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We waited at the village until it was dark before another car arrived, so we reluctantly skipped the plan and didn't go to the remaining two temples.

I guess it's been a long time since we went to the temple, so we planned to visit three temples at once... Our religious trip ended up breaking the car, hahaha.

We took a dark car into the city and arrived at the hotel. We then separated to pack our belongings into small bags.

To prepare for our trip out of town the next day.

Join me to the LEH # Day 4

Today's plan is to take a long drive to Tso Moriri Lake. Since the car broke down yesterday, we changed the driver.

His name is Mutup, so we agreed to call him "Brother Mutup"… because it's easy to remember the pronunciation.

Brother Mutup is not only a good driver, but he also speaks English well.

So he can be a driver, guide, and interpreter all in one.

On the way to the lake, Brother Mutup took us to Shey Monastery and Thikse Monastery near the city first.

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The first stop is Shey Monstery.

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In the late morning, we packed our belongings and enjoyed breakfast at our accommodation.

We prepared to depart from Tso Moriri and return to Leh city.

Before leaving, we asked our driver to stop for another round of photos, making the most of our long journey.

The entire Moriri Lake was ours, with no other tourist groups around.

We had a blast taking photos, and for once, we weren't obsessed with the camera!

It was past 10:30 am, and even though the sun was shining brightly, some parts of Lake Moriori, especially near the shore, were still frozen. Without hesitation, Pig Too grabbed a piece of ice and struck a pose for the camera.

Leh Trip: Day 6

The next morning, our trusty driver, "Pig Smasher," picked us up from the hotel. Today's destination: Nubra Valley.

As we left Leh, the road began to climb, winding higher and higher into the mountains. Soon, Pig Smasher was back in his element, showcasing his skills as the "King of the Road."

Despite the narrow roads and sheer cliffs, Pig Smasher fearlessly shifted gears and pressed the accelerator, overtaking every vehicle in his path. Even a military truck packed with armed Indian soldiers couldn't deter him.

Undeterred by the size of the military vehicle and the narrow mountain road, Pig Smasher blared his horn until the truck yielded, pulling over to let us pass.

Behind the wheel, Pig Smasher is a force to be reckoned with. This is one area where he refuses to yield to anyone.

After driving for a while, we started to see snow-capped mountains. The already cool air became even colder, sending shivers down our spines.

Our first stop was Khardungla La Pass, the highest motorable road in the world.

At an altitude of 5,600 meters, the pass is perpetually snow-capped.

I had only ever touched snow at Dream World before, but today I was lucky enough to experience the real thing.

The temperature at the peak was -15 degrees Celsius, and it was even snowing lightly.

The weather was extreme, with temperatures so low that our lips trembled and our hands swelled. Soon, our hands became numb and we could no longer press the camera shutter.

Unable to bear the cold any longer, we retreated to the car and told our driver to head towards Nubra.

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After passing Khardungla La Pass, we encountered a vast, snow-covered valley.

Everywhere we looked, snow blanketed the mountain peaks.

The roadside scenery resembled a brownie sprinkled with icing sugar. Even inside the car, we shivered as we drove past.

Opening the window to take photos sent a wave of icy cold through us, threatening to freeze us solid.

The tiny specks we saw were passenger vehicles traveling on the road. Compared to the mountains, the cars looked like mere toys.

Each day in Leh, the roadside views offered a unique and breathtaking spectacle.

I came across a rest stop with a frozen stream view behind it.

Even the view behind the bathroom is this amazing, Leh is just something else. :P

Finally, the "Pig Smashing the Lion" truck has brought us through the snow zone.

We are now entering the brown rock mountain zone. The weather is still cold, but not unbearably so.

The journey is still long, and we have slept through many stretches. We stop to rest and take photos along the way.

As we entered the Sand Dunes desert area, our guide, Brother Moo Toob, took us for a camel ride.

Some camels were not in a good mood and would lash out at strangers.

It is suspected that they had been ridden all day and were tired, but the owner did not bother to replace the batteries.

Therefore, it is best not to bother these camels.

However, most of the camels are tame and friendly, with calm expressions. You can touch and ride them without any problems (free to touch, but you have to pay before riding).

But if you want to elevate your relationship from customer to friend, you will need to use high-level diplomatic negotiation skills. Because if we are close enough to the camels,

when we take a selfie, the camels will smile sweetly at the camera for us. : )

The camel caravan is ready to set off... Everyone else is riding camels, but to get the perfect shot, I have to run after them. Running on the soft sand is exhausting! Dodging camel dung while taking photos is a unique kind of fun that can only be found in Leh.

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In the beginning, I was still energetic and could keep up with the runners to take photos. However, as time went on, I gradually fell behind because I was exhausted from eating rice porridge.

In the later stages, I was completely drained of energy. I had to switch to using a telephoto lens to take photos instead. - -"

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This photo is super far away. I wanted to capture the mountain scenery, so I had to press the camera down to get the camels low in the frame.

My face was almost touching the sand while taking the photo. Thankfully, there was camel dung in the sand (which smells just as bad as camel urine).

So I had to stop myself... Otherwise, I would have just rolled around in the sand to get the shot.

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Both humans and animals get tired and can't run anymore. I'll take a long shot instead. - -"

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After riding the camels, we spent some time taking photos in the Sand Dunes.

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As dusk approached, our guide, Brother Moo, ushered us onto a vehicle and took us to visit Diskit Monastery.

As the sun began to set, the temperature of the air started to drop.

On the way to the hotel in Nubra Valley, we discussed our travel plans for the next day with our driver, Mr. Moo-Tub.

Originally, we planned to spend one more night in Leh before heading to Pangong Lake. However, we decided to change our plan and drive directly from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake.

There was a sign indicating a shortcut to Pangong Lake, which would save us about four hours of driving time.

We asked Mr. Moo-Tub if the road conditions on the new route were good, and he enthusiastically replied, "This plan is very good!"

We also inquired about the possibility of moving our accommodation booking in Pangong Lake one day earlier. Mr. Moo-Tub assured us that it was "no problem" and that the accommodation at Pangong Lake had a beautiful view.

He concluded by saying, "Don't worry about anything. Come with me, and I will take care of everything!"

We agreed on a meeting time for the next day, and Mr. Moo-Tub went home to sleep as it was his hometown.

During dinner at the hotel, we discussed our food and clothing situation. We had brought limited supplies, assuming we would only be outside Leh for one night in Nubra Valley. However, with the change in plans, we would need to spend an extra night outside the city.

We decided that since we had already survived the -10 degrees Celsius temperature at Tso Moriri Lake, we could handle the lower temperature at Pangong Lake. We stuck to our original plan and headed straight for Pangong.

After dinner, we looked up at the sky, which was filled with stars. It was strange because it was the first day we had seen a cloudy sky all day. However, at night, the Milky Way was clearly visible.

The air in Nubra Valley was bearable as it was almost the lowest altitude in the Leh region. The temperature was not too cold, so we took some pictures of the stars before going to bed.

Leh Day 7: A Warm Farewell

Waking up to a breakfast of rice and fried eggs, supplemented by our own provisions, was enough to fuel us for the day. Meat is scarce in Leh, a fact we were reminded of by the young son of our host, who, at around nine years old, was already diligently helping his father serve the eggs.

His charm won over the group, who showered him with snacks and toys they had brought along. As we departed, there were waves, goodbyes, and a final group photo to capture the memory. Our model for the morning was "Big" Mo, the owner of the guesthouse, whose motto is "Big guy, kind heart, loves animals, Leh Ladakh."

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As we continued our journey, Pig smashed the show skills again. On the way, he greeted people all the way.

In conclusion, he greeted almost the whole village. Judging from his popularity,

It is estimated that Pig Smash will be the mayor of the sub-district and drive as a hobby.

Out of the village, Pig Smash started to enter Max speed mode again.

To follow the shortcut to Pangong Lake ... We sat and shook our heads all the way.

If there is a beautiful spot, tell Pig Smash to stop and take pictures all the way.

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We arrived at Pangong just as the sun was setting, but we couldn't find our accommodation. We drove around for a long time asking for directions, and finally found the place.

The accommodation was located on a hill, quite far from the lake. We thought that if we walked down to the lake and then had to walk back up, we would be exhausted.

The place was unusually quiet, and the door was closed tightly.

So we asked a local person to help us. After talking for a while, the local person told us that the hotel was closed because the owner had died.

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We were shocked! Where were we going to sleep?

Most of the hotels in Pangong are closed during the winter because there are no tourists.

We were angry with our friend who had booked the accommodation for us. He had told us that there was no problem and that the view was very beautiful.

He said that he had already booked the accommodation for us. What did he mean?

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Our friend told us not to worry, that he would find us a new place to stay. He quickly turned the car around and drove down the hill to the lakeside.

We found a hotel that was still open, and our friend went inside to negotiate with the owner.

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At first, the owner seemed reluctant to take us in, as it was almost time for them to close for the winter. They may not have had enough food to feed all nine of us for dinner and breakfast.

But our friend must have convinced them, because they finally agreed to let us stay. We were saved for another night.

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Although we had lost our original accommodation, our friend had managed to turn the situation around.

After checking into our new accommodation, we had dinner.

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Although Pangong is not as cold as Tso Moriri, it is still very cold compared to other places in Leh.

And the wind was blowing constantly. We had to eat dinner in a room with a wood-burning heater.

After dinner, we went outside to look at the stars. They were even more spectacular than at Nubra.

But we could only take photos for a short while before we had to give up because we were too cold. We went back to our rooms to get some rest. : P

Join me on the journey to LEH - Day 8

Waking up early to capture the beauty of Pangong Lake, the crisp morning air a stark reminder of the high altitude. Despite the chill, the determination to make the most of this incredible experience pushes me forward.

Having traveled so far, I am committed to savoring every moment, ensuring this journey is truly worthwhile.

After finishing the photoshoot, we went back to the guesthouse for lunch. The owner made an incredibly delicious omelet. It was fluffy and crispy, just like the ones we have in Thailand. We ate it with naan bread and some spicy chili dip, and it was even better than we expected. I went into the kitchen to help out, and I was impressed by the owner's versatility. He's truly a jack-of-all-trades.

After lunch, I wanted to wash my hair because it was getting itchy from being unwashed for so long. However, there was only one bathroom for the six women in our group, so I knew there would be a long wait. No one else wanted to shower because it was cold, so they just washed their faces and brushed their teeth. I didn't want to wait, so I bravely took some water from a large tank outside, even though it was freezing cold and had ice crystals in it. I used it to wash my face and hair.

The moment I poured the water on my head, I knew I was in trouble. My head felt like it had been hit with a hammer, and the pain was excruciating. As soon as the dizziness subsided, I quickly washed my hair and rinsed out the shampoo. The more water I poured on my head, the worse the pain became. I think it was because I was outside and it was so cold.

While I was drying my hair, I felt something warm on my nose. I wiped it away and realized it was blood. I had a nosebleed! At that moment, I regretted my impulsiveness. I thought I might die there. I quickly wiped the blood and went inside to sit by the fire to warm up. I checked my nose, and the bleeding had stopped. I was so relieved! I survived. So, if you ever visit this place, please don't be as reckless as I was.

After packing our things, we left the guesthouse. Mr. Moo continued taking photos of Pangong Lake from other locations. The color of the water in Pangong Lake is amazing. When the sunlight hits it, it reflects different shades of blue and green. The water is also incredibly clear. If you want to see something even clearer, I suggest walking on glass! :P

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The group of tourists were taking photos, and there were no other tourists around, just us.

Brother Moo probably saw that they wouldn't stop, so he had to wave them over to get in the car to continue the journey.

As soon as we left the lake and returned to Leh, Brother Moo stopped the car and pointed out a herd of mountain deer on the other side.

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So Brother Moo had to show off his skills again... he shouted "Hooowwww!"

The result was that the whole herd of deer turned their heads towards us, allowing us to take pictures. When we were done taking pictures,

he shouted again... "Haaawwww!" and the herd of deer galloped up the mountain.

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Damn... how amazing is this brother? He can call the deer and chase them away too.

It's like he has the magic spell of Phra Sang... he can call fish and call meat. His skills are really amazing.

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Heading out of Pangong and back to the city... Brother Moo has new skills to show off continuously.

Calling the deer wasn't enough, right? Meet the spell to call people.

That is, on the way back to the city, whoever wants to hitch a ride, whether they are children, young people, or old people, come on! Brother Moo will pick them all up.

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The first one was a "little child", which was very shocking. He was walking alone on the side of the road in the Pangong valley.

And the child was very small, about 4-5 years old. We were wondering what he was doing walking there.

Brother Moo stopped to talk and then turned to ask us if it was okay... he asked if we could give the child a ride to the village ahead.

We said yes and let him in. The thing is, we thought the pick-up and drop-off points were close.

But in reality, it was quite far for such a small child.

If no car had passed by, he would have had to walk. There was probably no other choice for him.

He had to help with work and share the family burden from a young age... Before getting off the car, we gave him another big handful of snacks.

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We were still feeling touched by that child when we entered the residential area and there was a checkpoint.

A young man waved for a ride next. He said he was going to Leh. Brother Moo said, "Get in!"

Hey, isn't that too far for a ride, brother? From Pangong to Leh?

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But it was too late. Brother Moo had arranged it. The young man who had hitched a ride was now sitting next to us, smiling. Hahaha.

Brother Moo drove on, taking us all the way back to Leh city.

On the way back from Pangong Lake, we took the Chang La Pass, which is 5,360 meters high.

It is the third highest road in the world, and the top is covered in snow.

Because we almost froze to death at Khardung La Pass,

this time we were fully prepared with winter clothes.

When we arrived at Chang La Pass, we rushed down to take pictures.

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We knew that if we were slow, we would definitely freeze again. At first, we thought we could handle it, but after a while, we couldn't.

Our hands started to swell and tingle, and we couldn't press the camera shutter button.

Then our noses started running, and our feet went numb again.

In the end, we had to admit defeat and flee the cold.

Brother Moo, wearing only a sweater, stood unshakably beside the car, waiting for the cold.

To wait for all members to be present before driving us up the mountain again.

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Before reaching Leh, we came across a temple along the way. The name of the temple is unknown.

The view of the temple built on the mountain was spectacular. We asked our driver to stop so we could take some pictures.

Two Ladakhi aunties suddenly appeared from the village.

They walked up to the main road and saw our parked car. They started talking to Brother Moo Thub for a while.

As if by magic, the two Ladakhi aunties joined us in the car and started laughing hysterically.

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So, our car has become a public bus now, huh? Haha!

My gang members joked that Brother Moo Thub might be taking on an Uber driver job in Leh.

He kept sending signals about the car's location and the route it would take.

So that people from the villages could come out and wait... and Brother Moo Thub, being the kind-hearted person he is, picked everyone up. Haha!

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I understand, though. I myself once got lost in Leh with a large group.

We had to hitchhike, and the locals picked us up even though we couldn't understand each other.

But they were kind enough to drive us around until we found our group... I was so reckless that I almost got into trouble again. - -"

It must be a common thing here in Leh, as the distances between towns are vast.

If you're driving and see someone hitchhiking, please pick them up if you can. : )

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And finally, we reached Leh city after spending several days outside.

The first thing all nine of us Thai brothers and sisters did was rush to a restaurant because we were starving after three days outside the city.

We all ordered like crazy, determined to eat until we dropped.

But it seems the Indian government knew what we were up to, so they capped food prices in Leh.

Even though we ate until we were stuffed, the cost per person was only around 150-200 baht/meal. The cost of living is so low here.

P.S. Cut to a different restaurant for dinner. Today we discovered a new place called Summer Harvest.

The food is Chinese-style and delicious. We couldn't stop eating, but the cost per person was still only 150 baht. : P

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Join me to the LEH # Day 9

Today was a day to make up for the time we lost when the car broke down on the first day. So we asked Brother Moo Thub to take us to Magnetic Hill and two other monasteries: Likir Monastery and Alchi Monastery.

The first stop was Magnetic Hill, where we took some fun photos as usual.

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The picture shows Likir Monastery. On the way back, we met an uncle who asked for a ride again.

As usual, Brother Moo Toob waved for him to get on. Haha.

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The Alchi Monastery is an ancient temple with murals inside the main hall.

Photography is prohibited inside, so visitors can only admire the artwork with their own eyes.

Therefore, I was unable to take any pictures inside. Instead, I took some photos behind the temple and in the surrounding village, which also offered beautiful scenery.

Today is the last day with Pig Smasher

Today is the last day we'll see Pig Smasher. The longer we're together, the funnier Pig Smasher gets. His jokes are getting sharper and sharper, but today he's being sentimental. He said, "Big photo for the last day."

He's basically saying, "Let's take a lot of pictures today because it's our last day."

Whenever we take a group photo, we always call Pig Smasher over to join us.

When Pig Smasher said that, I felt a pang of sadness.

We're not sure if it's bad luck or good luck. If the car hadn't broken down on the first day, we wouldn't have switched drivers to Pig Smasher, and the trip wouldn't have been as funny.

As usual, Pig Smasher gave us excellent service until the very end. When the trip was halfway over, Pig Smasher took us to buy souvenirs in the middle of the city.

After shopping, Brother Moo Toob took the big group back to the hotel ... and told me that he would pick them up at the airport tomorrow morning.

As for me, I had to separate from the big group and stay on my own for another three or four days.

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Join me to the LEH # Day 10 & 11

Brother Moo Toob came to pick up the big group and send them to the airport early this morning.

It was time for us to say goodbye to Brother Moo Toob and the big group … As for me, I still wanted to have some fun on my own.

I went out to find a motorbike rental shop early in the morning, but they were all closed for the winter.

I was so happy to find a shop open in a corner, I thought I would have to ride a camel instead.

The rental fee for an automatic motorbike is not expensive, about 300 baht per day.

I filled up the tank with another 50 baht and rode around for almost the whole day, just wandering around because I didn't know the way.

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Actually, I wanted to drive a big bike like a Royal Enfield, which is cool.

But I've never driven a motorbike in Thailand, so I chose a Suzuki Switch automatic motorbike instead.

And the turbocharged engine of the little motorbike, plus the driver's heart, was very powerful.

I reached a maximum speed of 40 kilometers per hour on both days, which means I was driving so slowly that even a turtle could overtake me, hahaha.

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But it's good to drive slowly because I'm not used to the overtaking rhythm of Indian drivers.

It's like a two-lane road, but they like to overtake very closely and then squeeze into our lane.

I have to keep swerving to avoid falling off the road. The most amazing thing is that there is a clear median strip on the road.

I don't know where the driver came from, but he crossed the median strip and drove straight towards me.

It's amazing to drive a motorbike in India.

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As for the travel plan for these two days, it was very well planned … I used the principle of having a plan, which is no plan, hahaha !!!

I went out and wandered around … I went around the city and visited the places I had been to before. If I liked them, I wanted to go again.

Or maybe I went to some new places. There are colorful leaves everywhere, so I can stop by whenever I want.

I wandered around from morning till evening, I was tired but I had fun. I just drove slowly and enjoyed the scenery.

Whenever I saw something I liked, I stopped to take pictures. Sometimes I didn't know where I was.

So, for these two days, I'll just tell you with pictures: P

Join me on a trip to Leh!

Day 12:

After two full days of vanning, today's program is a relaxing stroll through the city.

We need to rest and prepare for tomorrow's battle with the true, original India in New Delhi.

Today, we'll take it easy, walk around the market, take some photos, and spread some rupees around the community.

There are both knock-off and authentic (probably) winter clothes at very affordable prices. It's tempting, but I'm trying to resist the urge to buy everything!

As for food, I'm trying to be careful and only try things that look well-packaged. I don't want to risk getting sick in Leh.

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**I am ready to translate your sentences from Thai to English. Please provide the sentences you want me to translate.**

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Visiting Leh? Don't forget to grab a bag of Lay's! Otherwise, they might say you haven't truly experienced Leh (just kidding!).

They have both West Indies and India's Magic Masala flavors. Just holding the bag, you can already smell the authentic spices, even before opening it. :P

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Another popular item in Leh, widely available, is the five-colored prayer flag.

They come in various sizes, from small to medium to large, depending on what you want to use them for.

It is believed that every time the wind blows the prayer flag, it is like reciting a prayer.

And the prayer will float with the wind, spreading good things in all directions. : )

Leh to Delhi: A Tale of Two Cities

Day 13 & 14: Farewell, Leh

Our last morning in Leh dawned, and after packing our bags, the cheerful staff at our guesthouse drove us to the airport. As we sat shivering, waiting for our flight, we reflected on the past ten days we had spent in this enchanting town.

Leh's charm lies in its friendly Ladakhi people and its incredibly affordable cost of living, especially considering the stunning scenery. Walking through the town felt like stepping onto the surface of the moon, which explains why we encountered so many fellow Thai travelers during our stay.

Bidding farewell to Leh, we boarded the plane, soaring above the majestic mountains and towards Delhi. If Leh was a feel-good family film, Delhi was a full-blown action thriller, a stark contrast that left us unprepared.

Delhi: A Whirlwind Adventure

With no travel plans, research, or even internet access (thanks to the lack of free Wi-Fi at the Delhi airport), we were left to our own devices. Our flight from Leh arrived around 11:00 am, and our return flight to Thailand wasn't until midnight. With half a day to kill, we decided to wing it.

After chatting with fellow Thai travelers we met on the plane and gathering information from airport counters, we settled on two destinations: Humayun's Tomb and Swaminarayan Akshardham.

Leaving our luggage at the airport counter, we consulted the city map to find the nearest Metro station. Both destinations were conveniently located near Metro lines, making it the ideal mode of transportation.

Metro Mayhem

Our half-day Delhi adventure began, and the next 12 hours were a rollercoaster of adrenaline-pumping experiences.

Our first impression of Delhi came courtesy of the Metro ticket, featuring a cartoon girl mascot dressed in a uniform resembling that of the Young Women's Christian Association. Her pose, aNamaste greeting with a sly smile, sent shivers down our spines, a subtle warning to be on our guard.

Humayun's Tomb and Swaminarayan Akshardham

Humayun's Tomb, a magnificent mausoleum, offered a glimpse into Mughal architecture and history. The intricate details and serene atmosphere provided a welcome respite from the chaotic city.

Swaminarayan Akshardham, a massive Hindu temple complex, was a visual feast. The intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and peaceful ambiance left us awestruck.

A City of Contrasts

Delhi, a city of stark contrasts, surprised us at every turn. From the friendly locals to the chaotic traffic, the bustling markets to the serene temples, it was an experience that challenged and captivated us in equal measure.

As we boarded our flight back to Thailand, we couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. We had conquered Delhi, albeit in a whirlwind fashion, and emerged with a newfound appreciation for this vibrant and complex city.

Upon arrival, the train cars appeared newer than expected, and the inbound route was relatively uncrowded.

Relaxing into the seat, I began to dismiss the concerns I had heard about the "indie" nature of the Indian Metro system. However, after a short while, I felt something sticky beneath me. Upon standing, I discovered a wad of chewing gum stuck to my pants.

It seemed the previous passenger had carelessly disposed of their gum by sticking it to the seat, leaving me to unknowingly become the victim of their sticky surprise. This unexpected encounter served as a reminder to always be vigilant, even in seemingly low-risk situations.

The Airport Express line, connecting the airport to downtown Delhi, was sparsely populated due to its dedicated purpose. Despite the reduced passenger volume, I still managed to fall victim to a "hazing" of sorts, encountering the discarded gum on the seat.

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Once you switch to a line that only serves the city, the real hell begins.

People are everywhere, walking around confused like bees swarming out of their hive.

There's no order to be found anywhere, and the sound of people yelling and complaining fills the air.

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The fun doubles if you run out of money on your Metro card and have to wait in line to top it up.

There is a line, but it moves very slowly because the men keep cutting in front of you.

What's a queue? I don't know, sir!

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In conclusion, if you're going into the city, you have to go with the flow. If you replay the scene in slow motion, you'll see a fierce battle for space.

"If the man tries to sneak into the line, your feet have to be fast. Don't leave any space between you and the person in front."

"If you can't sneak in, the man will use force to push you aside. You have to use your shoulder to counter him and keep him from getting closer."

"If force doesn't work, the man will switch to the classic tactic of diving into the line."

"We have to block his way with our arms and not let him get into the inner circle."

It's incredibly tiring to finally get your card topped up.

Tip: If you see a station with fewer people, check your balance and top up your card before you go any further.

That way, you won't have to fight with the men like this. -_-"

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After finally reaching the station I thought was closest, I had to take another step: an Auto Rickshaw, or Indian green and yellow three-wheeler, from the Metro to continue my journey.

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Because between the destination and the Metro, I had to rely on an Auto Rickshaw.

This is another thrilling experience in Delhi that I recommend trying.

It's like riding in a luxury limousine, with the windows open to feel the breeze and breathe in the pure ozone of the exhaust fumes during traffic jams… Ah, refreshing.

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During the price negotiation, the men will start with a very high price and offer various additional packages, such as taking you shopping for free.

It's actually similar to the tactics of our Thai tuk-tuk drivers (who are just as annoying).

But the Indian tuk-tuk drivers are more decisive. When you start to walk away, they will quickly try to appease you and offer you anything you want.

They will promise to take you to your destination without stopping anywhere else. But once you get in the car and they've driven no more than two lampposts, they will offer you the same additional packages again, hoping to keep the victim around so they have a chance to sell more stuff.

"Do you want to go shopping, sir? I'll take you for free."

"Do you want to hire me to take you somewhere else? It's a long way around to the next Metro station."

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I kept insisting on my original destination. When we got close, the man saw that the customer was about to leave and that the customer was可怜的poor.

So he reduced the price of the platinum package from 250 rupees to 150 rupees.

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I still shook my head and said I would only get off here. The man offered a special price of 100 rupees, so I took it.

His salesmanship is commendable, but I didn't dare to continue with him.

I'd rather go back to the Metro and breathe in the mixed aroma of spices. If I had gone with the man, who knows where he would have taken me? With such a drastic price reduction, he must have been planning to get his money back somehow. -_-"

…

Finally, we arrived at Humayun's Tomb. The entrance fee for foreigners is 500 rupees (250 baht).

But wait! Thai passport holders get a special discount and only pay 30 rupees.

This is the same rate as Indian citizens. Seeing the 30 rupees price, I rushed to pay for the ticket and entered the tomb. Haha!

So, when traveling in India, if you encounter any entrance fees, be sure to read the information carefully before paying.

Because Thai passport holders can get significant discounts on entrance fees at many places.

..

..

The first place we visited in Delhi was Humayun's Tomb.

It is the tomb of the Mughal emperors, resembling a smaller version of the Taj Mahal.

It is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The complex is quite large, so we spent a considerable amount of time walking around.

**

**

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

After leaving Humayun's Tomb in the evening, we continued to the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple.

This Hindu temple is free to visit and is accessible by Metro. It's just a short walk from the station.

Swaminarayan Akshardham is the largest Hindu temple in the world. Although it was built recently, in 2005, it uses traditional construction techniques and no metal structures.

The exterior is made of red sandstone, while the interior of the temple is made of white marble, all hand-carved.

It is said that the temple was built with faith, and nearly ten thousand skilled artisans from all over the world were brought together to expedite construction. Working day and night, they were able to complete the temple in just five years, instead of the estimated forty.

If you plan to visit, it's recommended to go in the evening when there are fewer crowds. During the day, the wait to enter can be several hours long.

We arrived in the evening, about an hour before closing, and there was no wait to enter.

Unfortunately, although the temple is free to visit, security is very tight. No phones or cameras are allowed inside, and they must be stored in a designated area.

Therefore, we were unable to take any photos. However, we can assure you that the temple is truly magnificent and worth a visit.

We apologize for not being able to provide our own photos, but we have included an image from the official website (www.akshardham.com) found on Google.

Source: http://akshardham.com/download/photo-galleries/moods-of-akshardham/#&gid=1&pid=17

Source: http://akshardham.com/download/photo-galleries/moo...

After visiting the temple, it was already dark, so I took the Metro back to the airport.

Actually, I had more time to explore, as my flight wasn't until midnight. But I was exhausted.

So I decided to take the Metro straight to the airport.

It is recommended to allow ample time for your return trip to the airport.

During peak hours, the Metro can be extremely crowded, with waits of several trains before boarding due to overflowing carriages.

Additionally, security checks at both the Metro and the airport can result in long queues.

To avoid the stress of rushing to catch your flight, it is advisable to allocate sufficient time for your journey to the airport.

Upon arrival at the airport, you can relax and wait for your flight or explore the shops. Delhi Airport is extensive and offers a variety of dining and souvenir options to keep you occupied.

At midnight, you can finally board your flight home.

After settling into your seat, you can drift off to sleep, exhausted from your travels. You will awaken in Bangkok the following morning.

The total cost of this 14-day trip was approximately 25,000 baht.

This includes 16,000 baht for airfare and 9,000 baht for hotels, transportation, and food.

This concludes another epic 14-day adventure to Leh, India.

Until next time, wherever that may be... when funds and time permit, we shall meet again. : )

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# India # Leh Ladakh

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 Friday, October 4, 2024 3:23 PM

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