TOPGEAR.COM → JULY 2019 023
- Thiksey Monastery
- Alchi Monastery
- Stakna Monastery
- Shanti Stupa
- Stop over at eateries to have local food and
different kinds of tea. Be sure to hydrate yourself. Five
to six litres is a must. You will find out that Ladakh can
get very dry during the day. Always keep water handy.
Some restaurants that you must visit are:
- Alchi Kitchen
- II Forno
- The Tibetan Kitchen
- Some key visits other than Khardung
La are Tso Pangong and Nubra Valley.
These places are at a distance of 38 km
to 160 km from the Leh market. Visit
these separately. A stay at Tso Pangong
is a must for star gazing. The tents
there are good but not expensive. - Not many people know this but
Ladakh is also a rafting destination. It’s
not what pops into mind first when you think
of Ladakh but it is home to the Indus river and
the rapids are quite adventurous. The session is three
hours long and the water can get very cold. Also, if you
are into rafting or plan to do it more than once, invest
in a wet suit. - Respect Ladakh and its people. Don’t litter.
The people of Ladakh are very spirited, helpful and
generous. They’ll be more than happy to talk to you and
always thank them for their hospitality. - Make new friends. Talk to fellow travellers. You’ll
be amazed by how unique everyone’s story or journey
is. I met some individuals who rode from Bangalore to
Ladakh, and even van Italian family that drove all the
way from Mumbai.
Remember, there are places that one travels to and
then there is Ladakh. No matter how many times you
go there, this place will still manage to give you fresh
experiences each time, which explains the hype. The
next time you are planning a holiday, domestic or
international, please consider Ladakh. Trust me, it will
leave you wanting more.
etc. Try and get a hotel there. You will find many
options depending on your budget.
04) Do not stock up on too many winter clothes. If you
are travelling between June and August, the weather is
mostly hot and dry with occasional rain during the day.
It only gets cooler post 6 pm and stays that way till 5 am.
The rest of the day, a jacket and headgear should do.
05) I can’t emphasise this enough, rest on your first
day there. Do not step out. The first day will determine
how you will feel on the rest of the trip, so it’s
important that you take it easy. And keep
medicines handy.
06) I stayed in Ladakh for six
nights and seven days and had an
itinerary planned for each day.
It’s important to do that so you
don’t waste any time. You do not
need to make your bookings for
all activities in advance. Your hotel
will be more than happy to help. The
rates are more or less the same but
what you can do is try and get a good deal
if you book all activities from one company.
07) You don’t have to rent a big/expensive bike to
enjoy the view. Choose a bike depending on how long
you wish to ride every day. Consider factors such as
weight, climate, cost, fuel consumption, etc., while
choosing one. But take a bike. The landscape changes
at every turn. It’s magical. A car won’t do that much
justice to the sights that await you.
08) Always keep safety as your utmost priority. The
roads in Ladakh, on some patches, are quite rough and
whether you are riding alone or in a group, always wear
full gear and ride at a comfortable speed. Remember,
you are there to enjoy the landscape. Don’t over speed;
take your time.
09) On the first two days of riding, travel close and
leave early. That way, you will have more time to ride
and you will get back in time before it gets dark. Streets
are not well lit, hence try and finish your ride by 5 pm.
On one of the days, go and visit monasteries/temples.
Some must-visits are:
- Hemis Monastery