If somewhere there is a paradise, then here it is. Yes, I am talking about Leh Ladakh- picturesque city. Wherever you go in Ladakh, you find yourself close to the nature, since it has different terrain of Mountain, Waterfall, River, Forest, Desert – all in one place. You must visit this wonderful place, once in a life. Earlier, very few travelers used to visit Ladakh, until 3 Idiots movie released. Since then, people started searching for the Lake shown in 3 idiots movie. Ever since, Ladakh has become the part of everyone’s travel bucket list.
First time, I had visited Ladakh in 2017. Ladakh has totally changed in last five years. Roads are better than earlier, accommodation is available in many spots now. You don’t need to carry stove, food etc. as restaurant is available during the halts but do carry air pump, oxygen cylinder, who knows when one would need the same.
We made this plan at the very last moment.

We had started our journey on 4th June, 2022 in the morning at 7:00 am. Our first halt was at 11 PM at Srinagar. There was traffic jam in Ramban, Jammu due to construction work for tunnel and railway line. I thought we would visit Aharbal waterfall, but could not.

Next day, 5th June, we explored the Gulmarg Valley in the morning and left for Dal lake in the afternoon.

We had visited Chasme shahi before the shikara ride at Dal lake. There was only one way to reach, we wasted much time in finding the best route to reach Dal lake. At last, we had to park our car outside the shop at our own risk. We paid Rs. 1000 for Shikara Ride and eye-witnessed the mesmerizing sunset through shikara. There are many water sports, you can enjoy that it.

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Next day on 6th June, we headed to Kargil. We left by 7 am and reached Kargil at 6pm. on the way we had explored Sonmarg Valley, Zero Point, Zozila Pass, Drass War Memorial and river side. Sonmarg is just another Gulmarg – scenic view of snow covered peaks. There are many glaciers. I think there is Amarnath base camp nearby. Zozila pass can be counted as one of the most dangerous pass. There are hairpin bends. Now the tunnel is being constructed at Zozila Pass which will reduce the journey to just 2 hrs. i think, it would be the longest tunnel in the Country. River was our companion throughout the journey.

Drass war memorial known as Kargil War Memorial is a must visit place. It is a memorial for martyrs of Kargil war. A short movie on Kargil war is also shown. Please note, Capri, short and slipper are not allowed there. we had reached at Kargil in the evening. Hence, we had tea and snacks, there itself. Later, we explored the Hotel Kargil. It was amazing and we all had a very good experience. There were varieties in Dinner & Breakfast and it was delicious too. Their hospitality is outstanding.

Next day, 7th June, we set off for Leh. We had started our journey later at 8 am and reached Leh at 5.30 PM. On this Route, we had to pass through two high passes i.e. Nameekla & Fotula. Fotula is Highest pass between Srinagar and Leh. Road condition is excellent. You will rarely find greenery in this route.

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You can also visit Lamayuru Monastery known as “Moonland of Ladakh” because Moonlike landscapes are carved into the Greater Himalayas in this region of Ladakh. A small village in Ladakh, Lamayuru is an ideal place to take a break in the journey from Kargil to Leh.

Homestay and restaurant are available throughout the route. Magnetic Point is also on this route. Its just 40kms far away from main Leh City. Thereafter, you can visit Pather Sahib Gurdwara Sahib, please do google the history of it. It is also 35kms away from main Leh City. Shades and texture of mountains ranges on this route are mesmerizing.

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We had reached Leh in the evening and visited Shanti Stupa. I recommend you to visit there in the morning instead of evening as mostly tourists visit in evening and you will stuck in traffic jam.

Thereafter, we had started our search for stay and found Homestay ‘Lhardak House’ at Leh City. From there, you can reach mall road by walking in 10 mins. Homestay is just like home. Cheap and best. It is very clean. Owner is very kind and helpful. After the small conversation with owner, we went to Mall road and bought t-shirt. it is better than Manali Mall road. we returned after having dinner there.

Next day, 8th June, we woke up around 8 am, had breakfast at homestay. Thereafter, we got permission for Nubra valley and Pangong lake from cyber cafe. Permission is required to visit places in Ladkah region. It is Rs. 500 each person, one time payment for your whole journey. Just mention all the places you plan to visit. we have visited Leh palace, Thiksey Moneasty and Indus River point in Leh. There is Hall of Fame muesum too. you can also visit there.

we returned in the evening, had tea and snacks at homestay and enjoyed the sightseeing from balcony. In the night, we again visited Mall road and had dinner.

Next day, on 9th June, we had left for Nubra Valley which is known as White Sand Dunes. We had started our journey at 8 am and reached at Nubra at 5.30 pm. We were stuck in traffic jam at Khardung la pass due to heavy snow fall. we had Kawa and maggi at Khardung la check point and enjoyed the snow fall.

After the wait for 1.5 half hrs, road was opened for further travel. There was snow fall through out the khardung la pass approx. 10 kms. Everyone was enjoying the weather, clicking the images, making reels etc. After cross the khardung la pass, we had lunch at Khardung village, it is 35 kms approx far away from Khardunga la.

It was raining out there. There was cloud over the peaks. Roads are under construction. When we reached Nubra, first thing we did was, head up to Sand dunes. Unfortunately, it was raining there. We went back to our home stay -Skitsal Guest House. it is located apprx. 6-7 kms from Sand Dunes. Neat and clean room, Hospitality is good, food is also upto mark. After an hour, rains stopped and we again visited Sand Dunes and enjoyed the evening. Unfortunately sand was wet and texture of it had disappeared. We planned to visit again in morning. We returned to our home stay. Please note, there is no electricity in Nubra between 10 pm to 6am. We charged our phones, Camera etc. before 10pm.

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Next day, 10th June, we woke at 6 am, still there was no electricity. We waited for electricity for an hour Still there was no sign of electricity, we had our breakfast at 8 am and left for our next destination i.e. Pangong Lake. Before we headed up to Pangong Lake. We had visited Sand dunes again and clicked images for memories. You can see Double Humped Camel there. Once a upon time, they were used for trade through silk route. I hope you have heard about silk route trade which was from China to Afghanistan.

Visit Diskit Moneasty, there is huge Maitreya Budha Statue- The future Budha.

We needed to re-fuel our car, so we went to petrol pump. there were more than 100 bikers and approx. 30 four wheelers. After one and half hour, we finally got the fuel. Near about 1 pm, we left for Pangong lake from Nubra. You need to travel all the way back to Khalsar Village. The road will split near Khalsar. You must follow the road leading to Village Agham, rather than the upper path leading to Khardung La. For the most part, you’ll be accompanied by the Shyok River. Roads were in very bad shape till you reach Durbuk village.

We had lunch at Durbuk. At Durbuk, there is diversion for Leh and Pangong. You must follow the route for Pangong. it will be same route when you go from Pangong to Leh. After Durbuk, you will change the route for Leh on Left side. Continue driving till you reach Tangtse, and then it’s a straight shot to Pangong Lake. There is point known as ‘Jab tak hai Jaan Point’. Few scene of that movie were shot there.

We had reached at Pangong lake at 7PM. There is mobile connectivity issue at Pangong, so it is difficult to communicate or find your stay, so, it took us another half an hour to find our stay i.e. Peaceful cottage. It is situated at 3 idiot point. When we reached there, sun was already set. It was very cold there. Since, we were shivering, we pulled out our jacket. We had dinner and packed ourself in the bed.

In the morning, as sunrays hit our cottage, we felt the warmness. There is no need to take shower as the weather is very cold as well as shortage of water too.
Around 9 am, we had our breakfast. Thereafter, we explored the lake i.e one of the most beautiful lake in the world. That lake was divided into 70kms each in China and India in 1947 but at present we have only 20kms only. 3 idiot movies scooter, drum, bumpy seat are available there for photos. The first glance of this alluring lake and its blue waters is enough to leave a lasting impression on your mind.

At 12 noon, we were returned to Leh city. Route is same till Durbuk.

Due to construction work, roads were in bad condition. In this enroute, we cross the Chang la pass which is 3rd highest pass followed by Umingla and Khardunga pass. Be extra careful, on the slippery roads. Snowfall can be seen here throughout the year. Don’t stay here more as it may cause High Altitude Sickness. A temple “Changla Baba Sthal” is there, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its half way from Leh city while going to Pangong. After crossing hurdles and beautiful way of mountains you will reach top of the World. If you want to go Manali then you can stay at Karu. Karu is the place where is the diversion for Leh and Manali. Our stay was already booked at Leh so we went to Leh city. around 7 pm we reached Leh city. On the way, we had snacks at Punjabi Dhaba. They charge more than local restaurant and foods quality is not good. We just reached our home stay and took some rest and went to Mall road for dinner. Enjoyed the last time there and wanted to feel every moment there.

Next day, 12th June, we had breakfast and around 9.30 am, we left for out next destination i.e. Sarchu and in this enroute, we were crossed three high passes i.e. Tanglang la, Lachlunga la and Nakeela. I think after the drive of 60-70kms from Leh, you will be on Plateau ‘More Plain’ . ‘More Plain’ is about 70km apprx. you will be cover distance by blink of eye. This one is most beautiful road through out the trip. smooth, wide and easy to drive.

Road turn into disaster just after the ‘More Plain’. In this route, you will find Gata Loops. Gata Loops is a series of 21 hairpin bends that leads to the Nakee La pass. People are not aware of the Ghost of Gata Loops. There is a ghost story related to this pass that you can read about at The Ghost of Gata Loops.

We reached Sarchu around 6.30 PM. Last time, when we stayed here, I had prayed to God bas aaj bacha lo next time nai aata me yaha :D. There is camp site. Valley is covered with high mountain peaks. Wind was hitting us hard. Somehow, we spent the night there and had dinner. There was kid who was vomiting continuously from last 4-5 hours and Army doctor recommended to take him back. We were worried about him. i think it could be due to high altitude sickness as his body couldn’t acclimatize, so don’t rush to reach the high altitude places. Just give some time to your body to adapt the weather condition.

Next Day around 6 am, we left from Sarchu and our destination was our Sweet home and we had to cover around 480kms. After the journey of half an hour, we had reached at Baralacha pass which is one of most beautiful passes through out the route. The weather is unpredictable here, within a minute black clouds cover the peaks and started snowing. Suraj Tal lake situated at Baralacha pass. Three mountains ranges meet i.e. Pir Panjal range, Zanskar range & The Great Himalayas. There was Black Ice on the Road. Be very cautious while driving on black ice.

After crossing the pass, we crossed the zing zing bar which is unpredictable and no idea when the water flow would increase. Last time we were stuck here for around 3 hrs. Thanks to BRO team who the made the temporary road for travelers otherwise we had to wait for 1 or 2 days. when you move ahead towards the Jispa, greenery on mountains will appear and Golden mountains range turn into the memory. if you start the journey early in the morning from Leh then you will easily reach the Jispa in the very same day. There are three tourist destination between Sarchu to Manali i.e. Jispa, Keylong and Sissu and all are easily accessible through Atal tunnel. I would recommend you tostay at serene beauty of Jispa or keylong rather than Manali. Well due to Atal Tunnel we don’t need to cross the Rohtang pass and we reached manali at 9.30. Tunnel and highway works is in full swing near Mandi hence, there was traffic jam. We reached Mandi around 1 pm and had lunch there. From Mandi to Kiratpur sahib, there is traffic jam and we were reached Chandigarh at 9.30pm. Our travel experience is superb. Ladakh is not the dream anymore but reality for us now. we felt every moment there. Thank you for your patience to read all.