Part 5 - Our time in Leh, Ladakh
Hotel Jorchung was like a home where guests were treated like family members. When they realized that we didn't have lunch, they prepared a simple meal for us so that we could eat and rest during the day.
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We sat down with them and planned the itinerary for the duration of our stay there. Agreed that we will just go to Hardangli and back and take taxi to the rest of the places. We had to cancel our plans to go to Turtuk due to bad weather causing landslides on the way, so we drove to Hardungla and back.
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The next morning it was time to show our bikes some love and we were advised to visit Mohan in Leh who would show us all the love our ride needed. Then, after a mandatory inspection and refueling, they are washed, thoroughly cleaned and ready for further travel.
When we finished meeting Mohan, the taxi driver called us and told us that he would come to the hotel to pick us up soon. So, we left and soon got into an SUV and went to the monastery of Hemis and Tiksai.
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Wikipedia link: Hemis Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery (gompa) of the Drukpa lineage located in Hemis, Ladakh, India. The monastery of Hemis existed until the 11th century. Associated with this monastery was Naropa, disciple of Yogi Tilopa and teacher of Marpa's translator. Biography of Naropa found in the monastery of Hemis, translated by A. Grünwedel. Located 45 km from Leh, the monastery was restored in 1672 by King Senj Namgyal of Ladakh. In early June, the annual Hemis festival is held here in honor of Padmasambhava.
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Tiksai Gompa or Tiksai Monastery is associated with the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is situated on a hill about 19 km east of Leh in Ladakh. Lhasa, well known for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Tibet, is the largest gompa in central Ladakh and notably has a separate building for female hermits that has recently been the source of significant construction and reconstruction. It was founded in the mid-15th century .
The monastery is located at an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,800 ft) in the Indus Valley. It is a twelve-storied complex, containing many objects of Buddhist art, such as stupas, statues, thangkas, murals and swords. One of its main attractions is the Maitreya Temple, which
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In memory of the 14th Dalai Lama's visit to this monastery in 1970; It has a statue of Maitreya, 15 meters (49 ft) high, the largest in Ladakh, which occupies two floors of the building.
Had lunch at a restaurant at the foot of Tiksai Monastery.
We are back, blessed and ready for the long drive to Pangong Tso, a large salt lake that stretches straight into China. The atmosphere was heavenly. Perfect place to sit and reflect.
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Wikipedia link: Pangong Tso, Tibetan for "long, narrow, enchanted lake", also called Pangong Lake, is an endorheic lake in the Himalayas at an altitude of about 4,350 meters (14,270 ft). It is 134 km (83 mi) long and stretches from India to Tibet. About 60% of the lake's length is in Tibet. The lake is 5 km (3.1 mi) wide at its widest point. Total area is 604 km2. In winter, the lake freezes completely despite its salt water. It is not part of the Indus basin and is geographically a separate landlocked river basin.
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Along the way, we crossed the Changla Pass (Changla is a high mountain pass in Ladakh, India. It is the third highest road in the world. Chang La on the way from Leh to Pangong Lake. The name literally means "Pass." "South" or "Go South." )
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The next morning was reserved for our trek to Hardungla Pass. We drove back and forth, but to be honest, not fun.
Here is a short slow motion video of our journey from South Pullu to Hardungla followed by a photo of us at the finish line.
Here is a short slow motion video of our journey from South Pullu to Hardungla followed by a photo of us at the finish line.
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Wikipedia Link: The Hardungla Pass in the Ladakh Range lies north of Leh and is the gateway to the Shek and Nubra valleys. In the middle of the last valley is the Siachen Glacier. Built in 1976, it opened to public transport in 1988 and has since hosted numerous expeditions by car, motorbike and mountain bike. The pass, managed by the Border Roads Agency, is of strategic importance to India as it is used to transport goods across the Siachen Glacier.
Khardung La has an elevation of 5,359 meters (17,582 ft). Local signposts on the peak and dozens of T-shirt shops in Leh incorrectly state that it is about 5,602 meters (18,379 ft) high and is the highest vehicular pass in the world.
For me it was like a trip to Ladakh. On his return, Aditya bought a t-shirt from the only shop in Dakshina Pullu and unfortunately forgot his bag with all his valuables. He realized the damage only after reaching the hotel and the hotel staff knew about it and assured us not to worry as they are sure we will get him back. A taxi was hired and Aditya took her to the store and collected her bag safely. The owner of the shop did not agree to accept any satisfaction, so Aditya bought tea for everyone present! An act of hope for humanity in a desert region.
In the evening we visited the beautifully preserved Shanti Stupa..jpg)
Wikipedia link: Shanti Stupa is a white-domed Buddhist stupa (chorten) on a hilltop in Chanspet, Leh district, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, northern India. It was built in 1991 by the Japanese Buddhist monk Giomio Nakamura as part of the Peace Pagoda Mission. At the base of the Shanti Stupa are relics of the Buddha preserved by the 14th Dalai Lama. The stupa has become a tourist attraction not only because of its religious significance, but also because of its location, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
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The perfect end to our stay in Leh. The next morning, after several photoshoots with Mr. Sonam, the friendly owner of Jorchung Hotel, he took us to Sarchu.
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