Ladakh – Day 2
I do not believe in the concept of must see places, for every place casts its magic on me – be it an unknown or an offbeat location , a known city or a tourist destination. But Ladakh was an exception. 
It was a dream destination , something that had always seemed unattainable . It did not matter to me that I had not yet seen the Taj Mahal, but it irked me that I had not visited Ladakh. It was a destination that had given me sleepless nights. But when I woke up on a sunny morning in the capital town of this land of high passes, after spending a dizzy first night , it seemed like a dream still.
It was extremely hot and all the giddiness had vanished. We feasted on some aalu paratha with some garden vegetables freshly plucked from the garden and started our monastery trail.
In ladakh as in any where else, the dilemma is always the same. So many places to see and yet so little time. Earlier, I wanted to see almost everything possible and my eyes used to greedily devour every possible sight . But now, I decided to pick and choose. Its not so much about the choice of these sights , but its more to do about how much you want to soak in them.
If you just need a picture against every Buddha statue that was built in Ladakh, then you could cover as many places as you want. Also there is something called stamina when it comes to Ladakh. Even if you are acclimatised to the heights, most monasteries are atop hills and you need climb several steps to get there . They are breathtaking alright, but chances are with less oxygen, you would feel breathless climbing them.
Nevertheless, we started our day rather early. We skipped Leh and decided to do the monastery circuit outside the town.We planned on four monasteries, which in retrospect was quite a bit for a day. However, as they were rather close, we managed to spend quite some time at each place, absorbing the sights and sounds. We went to Stakna, followed by Hemis and then Thiksey and Shey before returning to Leh with a quick trip to Sindhu darshan..more on each of them in a while.
For more beautiful skies around the world, click here
Lakshmi, you’re making my India craving really really worse! Which is a compliment to your writing and photography, although it’s making me miserable…haha 🙂
I too agree..each place has its own charm….
First picture is amazing….:)
The pictures if blown up would perhaps come alive. Mindblowing pics especially the firs one. Which camera is this?
Lovely pictures! do post more photographs.
Oh my gosh.. The photographs are amazing… *sigh* wish I was near by.. and I could just go on a short break…
Such stark beauty…looking forward to the rest!
Wonderful! I long to go there myself. Such a beautiful place!
Wow! I never knew we have this kind of scenery not until I have dropped here… I wish this is just a car away …
Anything Davao
In This Side of Town
Some Things Are Free
Such beautiful snow covered mountains. I love the picture of them. Stunning beauty.
Amazing and gorgeous captures of an incredible place, Lakshmi! Thanks for sharing the beauty. Have a lovely evening, weekend!
Sylvia
amazing skies, & I agree with your philosophy on “must see places”
That is really beautiful. A brilliant scene.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
It is like a religious experience just to look at the mountains and sky that you posted today. Lovely, simply lovely images.
Joyce, IL, USA
Absolutely stunning place. I would love to be in this place one day.
From Delhi, Gwalior is about 300kms not very far.
the first photo looks like a walk in the clouds. reading your story makes me want to pack my bags and go where the road leads me. i love your post.
what a real amazing and incredible picture of nature.
Good Job Dear Friend.
To know more about Leh & ladakh with Trans India.
there isn’t a destination in nature and space, and like a compass we revolve around a place called destination.
excellent post! it inspires to visit the ladakh.
Really dream destination for travel.
Beautiful images and simply irresistible location..Thomas
Awesome! To repeat everyone’s thoughts – the photos are amazing and your word play adds so much more beauty to the place. I am definitely going there – soon, I hope!
Setting forth on to land unknown,
aversions grazed and curiosity grown;
……… fits best for Ladakh
Nice blog with the photos I like the sky specially.
Lovely! I presume the first photograph was shot from the flight?
Lovely pics… especially the first one 🙂
Ladakh looks absoultely lovely. Iv’e been wanting to cycle ther for ages but never got round to it. Maybe this summer…
Superb photographs… Mine is also a travel blog… plz do visit it…. Shall we xchange links
Looking at the pictures only makes me wonder why I haven’t yet visited Ladakh…
Super shots!
Pixellicious Photos
I’ve visited your website backpakker and Find the different type of comment and post.I like your Post.Its well deserved! keep up the good work!
I have visited your site and I would say that I enjoy reading the content of your site. Keep it up!
Beautiful shots Lakshmi.
wow, these shots are fantastic. what a gorgeous place!
Hi Lakshmi! Sorry for another long absence, but after a busy start of the year I decided to make a break during the Carnival week, anticipating new hard weeks ahead!!
So, you also have a must see… ;))
Wonderful place!!
Meanwhile, Blogtrotter 2 is at sea, waiting for you… Hope you enjoy and have a great week!!
Indeed a dream location. I have the same guilt as you now of not visiting Ladakh. 🙂
These pics are really nice. Indeed a dream location, I am definitely going there – soon, I hope so!
Thank you. I am going to Ladakh!
From where you are finding such a huge amount of time to travell???
I have read almost all topics in this blog..its just amazing…truly inspired by yoy and started my blog..clouds-end.blogspot.com
Keep going…waiting for the next one
the first photo esp, is breath taking 🙂
Hi Lakshmi! Happy Holi. Great Festival of Colours!!
Meanwhile, Blogtrotter 2 is still in Haiti, now at Malfini Beach. Hope you enjoy and have a great week!!
Wishing you a very happy Holi Lakshmi.
wow the pics are awesome!! 🙂
Beautiful. It seems Leh is getting connected by rail very soon. Ladakh will not elude us any more.
Missing you!!
There is nothing like a must see places but this is definitely on my list.
Leh Laddakh tour is really an exciting experiance.It seems that after a long time Leh will also connected by train. This will result a greate tourist attraction towards Leh and Laddakh. Greate Job done by Railway Minister.
This post inspire me and you are right each place has it’s own charm. You have great shot. The photos are all perfect.
This is a very interesting blog and so i like to visit your blog again and again. Keep it up.
Alan
http://holidaydestinationinindia.blogspot.com
Hi Lakshmi! Lucky girl, travelling again… ;))
Blogtrotter 2 waits you and your comments at the Cayman Islands. Enjoy and have a great weekend!!
This is a very interesting blog and so i like to visit your blog again and again. Keep it up.
Alan
http://holidaydestinationinindia.blogspot.com
Fantastic . just touch my souls. Yours line. I deleted YAYAVAR from my name. just watching my lovely country thru ur eyes your blog.
What a great place travelers from all over the world will love to visit this place.
Ladakh seems the most idyllic tourist spot in India. Great article & lovely pictures
awesome!
yep, every place has its own magic. wherever you go, you’ll always find something new. either unique or breathtaking. 😀
Laksmi you are great keep up the good work
There is no doubt about that every place have its own specifications & attractions. I have couple of places in mind to visit but unfortunately i can afford only a place to visit due to my travel budget. I am also getting some suitable information form Hank Freid about accommodation packages in order to make my travel budget friendly