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Thursday, June 12, 2014

LADAKH DRIVING HOLIDAY (Manali to Leh) - 2014 By Roopa Sreedhar (9535278981)

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DRIVING HOLIDAY IN HP & LADAKH - 2014 By Roopa Sreedhar (9535278981)


Manali, Solang, Rohtang, Keylong, Jispa, Leh, Deskit, Nubra, Hunder, Turtuk, Pangong Tso,  Tso Morriri, Tso Kar, Hanley, Man, Merak, Nimmo

Participant Interest Form @ https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGlmWmxRWmlXMlM3QWx6WE9Ba3JKUUE6MA


25 September 2014: 5:30 pm @ Janpath, Delhi. The night journey to Manali in a semi sleeper Volvo. We hope to reach Manali by 10 am the next day. Here begins one of the most exotic journeys of India.




26-September-2014: 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. Time and weather permitting, we can also indulge in adventure sports in Solang Valley.


27-September-2014: 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 Jispa. WELCOME TO HIMALAYAS!


28-September-2014:
Our journey beckons a horde of lakes
reflecting millions of hues,
of greens, pinks 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.

29-Sep-2014: 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.


30-Sep-2014:
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.

https://plus.google.com/photos/110315309532625484332/albums/5399437544133205665
1-October-2014: From Pangong Tso, we move to 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.

https://plus.google.com/photos/110315309532625484332/albums/5385705755179265089?banner=pwa



2-October-2014: 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!

3-October-2014: 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 and be a part of the culture 2500 years old.
Half a day trip to view points around Leh, Magnetic hill, Spituk Monastery, Hall of Fame, Gurdwara PatharSahib, Zanskar Indus confluence.


4-October-2014: 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. Go beyond Hunder to the Beautiful valley of TURTUK.

  
5-October-2014: On the drive back to Leh, explore the Deskit Monastery.  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.
6-October-2014: 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 again. When Buddha beckons and Himalayas call, how can one resist? Am sure we will come back again and again and again.........
If you are interested in joining us do fill up the Participant Interest Form @
 
Best Regards,
Roopa Sreedhar
roopa.sreedhar@gmail.com
9535278981
9900216172
080-26796791
 
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