DRIVING HOLIDAY IN LADAKH - 2010 By ROOPA SREEDHAR

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DRIVING HOLIDAY IN LADAKH - 2010 By Roopa Sreedhar (9886162404)

Participant Interest Form @ http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dEVXQjRFZ1ZRV3lwLU9SYVVMajkwb2c6MA#gid=0

28 August 2010: 5:30 pm @ Janpath, Delhi. The night journey to Manali in a semi sleeper. Simple Dinner awaits at Karnal. We hope to reach Manali by 10 am the next day. Here begins one of the most exotic journeys of India.




29-August-2010: We arrive at Manali by 10 am if there are no delays. After a sumptuous breakfast, we check in into the hotel booked for the day. A day tour of Manali takes us to the famous HADIMBA temple; allow us to stroll in the local markets and lose ourselves in the magic of this small hill town. We can capture in our memory the experience of eating local dish Shidu.


30-August-2010: After a much needed break at Manali, we leave very early in the morning towards Keylong/Sarchu. We cross the Rohtang Pass, visit Beas Kund, the origin of mighty river Beas. Driving on the edge of the cliffs that overlook the fierce Chandra river, we reach Keylong. Breathtaking views of snow caped mountains embrace us into the Baralacha La territory. We end the day in stark wilderness at Sarchu. WELCOME TO HIMALAYAS!


31-August-2010:
Our journey beckons a horde of lakes
reflecting millions of hues,
of greens and blues..... :)
Castles of Sands in Mystical Lands
22 bends take us up, take us down
from baralacha La to Nakee La
By evening we reach Leh.

1-Sep-2010: Leh festival introduces the history & culture of Ladakh. A day to rest and acclimatize, and make us fit for the drives ahead. Stroll in Leh, walk up the hill to the old palace, see the sunset, taste the YAK Cheese & Salt Tea. End the day with a sigh of contentment that only being in Himalayas can bring.

2-Sep-2010: Enthralling sights & view points around Leh, magnetic hill, Gurdwara PatharSahib, Zanskar Indus confluence, Monasteries perched on high cliffs. Barren mountains & desert like ambiance yet cold and comfortable, not to be found in any other part of the world.

3-Sep-2010: Tso Morriri or Chomo Riri is a lake named after Chomo & her buffalo. This is one of the most beautiful lakes in Himalayan Region. Route that traverses to this lake is equally exotic with meandering Indus keeping us company all the way. The ice cold Indus turns into a piping hot Jacuzzi at Chuma Thang, where the Hot Springs sprout from the earth.

4-Sep-2010: Back to Leh via the colorful Upshi route. Rivulets Transparent, Milky white, Azure Blue, Pink and Green; mountains standing tall in Magenta and Teal. Where did they come from? Never seen more color in nature than here. A sight not to miss!

5-Sep-2010: Give the bones a break and stay back in Leh. Experience the potpourri culture in the city. Visit a monastery, a palace or a museum & be a part of the culture 2500 years old..

6-Sep-2010: Imagine a lake 150 kms in length and 85 kms in breadth at its widest points. Bangalore to Mysore is only 136 kms :). Brackish waters and her own shoreline, Pangong is almost a sea in the hills. Camping next to this lake is one of the most beautiful experiences of the holiday. The sky is so clear that we can see the Milky way galaxy and zillions of stars shining down upon us.

7-Sep-2010: Back to Leh by Lunch gives us the whole evening to rest and get ready for the long journey ahead the next day.

8-Sep-2010: How does it feel to be on top most point that any normal human being can reach in India. That's Khardung La pass, the highest motor-able road in India at an altitude 17582 feet. On the other side of this pass are the sand dunes of Nubra Valley. Beyond a certain distance the area is forbidden to tourists. Double backed Bactrian camels native of Central Asian deserts (north of the Himalayas) are found in this valley.

9-Sep-2010: Its a hard drive back to Leh. The eve of the day we are to leave the embrace of Himalayas. Time to reflect upon the nature and our connection to our surroundings. We pass Khardung La again. The last supper at Leh awaits.

10-Sep-2010: Adios to all amigos! We get the best views of Himalayas from our flight window. A sigh of contentment of having been in paradise once. When Buddha beckons & Himalayas call, how can one resist? Am sure we will come back again & again & again.........

If you are interested in joining us do fill up the Participant Interest Form @ http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dEVXQjRFZ1ZRV3lwLU9SYVVMajkwb2c6MA#gid=0

Best Regards,
Roopa Sreedhar
roopa.sreedhar@tagindia.net

9886162404

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