19th January 2024, 18:23
| #1 |
| BHPian  Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Kolkata
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| Uncharted Destinations - Zanskar, Aryan Valley & Gurez Valley Essaying on an unforgettable road trip through the breathtaking geographies of Northern India, we found ourselves traversing countless mountain passes that seems to stretch endlessly into the horizon. Each turn in the road revealed a new vista, each more awe-inspiring than the last. The journey led us through pristine, traditional villages nestled amidst these rugged peaks and into valleys that seemed to have been plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. Yet, no matter how vividly we describe the scenery, words can hardly capture the profound beauty that surrounds us. What truly enchanted us, was not just the incredible geography but the pure-hearted people we experienced along the way. Their warmness and hospitality were as boundless as the mountains themselves, leaving an unforgettable mark on our hearts. This trip was an odyssey that took us from the dusty and thirsty landscape of Zanskar to the lush, green embrace of untouched Kashmir, a journey that spanned landscapes as diverse as the stories carved into the very rocks of the Aryan valley. As we ventured further into this enchanting region, we couldn't help but be lured deeper into its enigmas, craving to explore more with each passing day. Choice of Vehicle On the chosen terrain we had both the choice open - Bolero SLX M2DICR ( Lazy Turtle ) and THAR LX Diesel Manual ( My Brother’s Snow Leopard). Considering the space, comfort, and reliability the Bolero is always a better choice over THAR. However, THAR has its reasons for being on the road and these are -
We
 Unleashing the beast within  Seeking blessings beneath the towering Gumbok Rangan  Zanskar's rough edges hold hidden beauty  No peak too high, no road too tough  A moment of awe at Drang-Drung Glacier  Discovering inner tranquility  When happiness meets curiosity  Masterwork of the Natural World. Itinerary:
Last edited by PointZero : 26th January 2024 at 10:09. |
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20th January 2024, 20:17
| #2 |
| BHPian Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Kolkata
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Thanked: 3,397 Times
| Re: Uncharted Destinations - Zanskar, Aryan Valley & Gurez Valley DAY 01: Kolkata - Varanasi, UP Embarking on our road trip from Kolkata to Zanskar Valley, my sister's Toyota Yaris and our newly acquired THAR, fondly named as "Snow Leopard," were our travel companions as we headed towards Delhi. The initial stretch of our journey led us from Kolkata to Varanasi. The journey unfolded smoothly on excellent roads until we reached Jharkhand. However, beyond that point, we encountered challenges due to defective road conditions and numerous diversions. Our respite came at Hotel Dakshit Inn, where we had a relaxing dinner before gearing up for the next day's drive, anticipating a promising road ahead to cover a significant distance.  The only snap for the day DAY 02: Varanasi - Chandigarh Before reaching Panipath, we bid farewell to my sister, Souren (brother-in-law), and the Yaris at Rai. Initially, the plan was to drive all the way to Manali after having an early dinner at a good spot in Haryana. However, there was a change of heart occurred upon our arrival in Chandigarh. We decided it would be wiser to take a night halt, looking forward to the promise of a new adventure and the scenic beauty awaiting us in Manali the next day. The prospect of escaping the scorching 40+ degree Celsius temperature and spending some time outside the air-conditioned environment doubled the excitement in our minds for the upcoming journey.  Before we start from Varanasi     Random snaps somewhere at Hariyana during dinner DAY 03: Chandigarh - Manali - Atal Tunnel - Sissu - Jispa, HP The journey from Chandigarh to Zispa unfolded along a route that featured recently opened tunnels on the way to Manali. Each tunnel was adorned with splendid paintings portraying the rich tapestry of Indian culture and paying tribute to the Indian Armed Forces at their entry and exit points. Today's travel marked the outset of our exploration into the enchanting Zanskar Valley, characterized by smooth and delightful roads. Our progress faced brief interruptions due to minor traffic jams near Mandi and Sundernagar, momentarily dampening our spirits. Mindful of the remote areas ahead, we made a stop at an ATM to withdraw cash, anticipating the scarcity of ATMs along the long stretch that lay ahead. With our pockets replenished, we continued towards the Atal tunnel, marveling at the beautiful landscapes on the way.  Somewhere near Manali Passing through the Atal tunnel, an engineering marvel that left us in awe, we reached the charming village of Sissu in Himachal Pradesh. With hunger pangs setting in, we sought out a suitable eatery and stumbled upon a picturesque spot next to the glistening Chenab River, perfect for a photoshoot with our Snow Leopard as the backdrop. Eager to capture the memories, we indulged in a photo session before settling down for lunch, already at 4:00 PM.   On the way to Jispa     Further we resumed our journey, occasionally pausing to capture the scenic views. As the kilometers rolled by, our next essential stop was the petrol pump, knowing that there wouldn't be another until we reached Padum. Ensuring we had sufficient fuel for the remote stretches ahead, we filled the tank and two jerry cans with 20 liters each. However, after passing Keylong, a faint smell of diesel inside the car raised concern. We soon found out that one of the jerry cans was leaking due to a loose cap. Swiftly responding, we stopped near an SSB camp before Jispa to address the issue. After cleaning up the spillage and tightening the cap properly, we realized it was an oversight on my part.  Trying to clean the diesel smell  Despite the minor delay, we arrived in Jispa in the evening, checking into a campsite tent. The cold mountain air indicated the altitude we were at. Our tent, equipped with two beds and a sofa bed, came with an attached bathroom, offering comfort amidst nature. However, a comical surprise awaited us as we discovered a centipede (Tentul Bicha in Bengali) on the sofa-cum-bed, leading to some good-natured adjustments among the three of us in the available beds.  Our stay for the day Thus far, our eventful journey had been filled with scenic vistas, delectable meals, minor hiccups, and plenty of laughter, creating memories that would remain etched in our minds forever. Eagerly anticipating the forthcoming adventure in the high-altitude semi-desert Zanskar Valley, we couldn't help but feel grateful for the precious experiences encountered on the road so far. To be continued ... Last edited by PointZero : 26th January 2024 at 10:27. |
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20th January 2024, 20:43
| #3 |
| BHPian Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Kolkata
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| Re: Uncharted Destinations - Zanskar, Aryan Valley & Gurez Valley DAY 04: Jispa - Darcha - Deepak Taal - Suraj Taal - Baralacha La - Jispa, HP The commencement of our Zanskar Valley Expedition filled us with palpable excitement as we rose at the crack of dawn, prepared for the adventure unfolding ahead. The refreshing morning, coupled with a restful night's sleep, brought us together in the campsite's dining hall to energize ourselves for the day. Saying our goodbyes to Jispa, our starting point, we embarked on Snow Leopard, our trusted companion for this exhilarating journey.     Random at the camp side   Between Jispa and Darcha However, fate had different plans for our initial steps. Shortly after leaving Jispa, the allure of the valley views proved irresistible, prompting an impromptu stop to capture mesmerizing snapshots and create a timelapse video. Continuing our route, we encountered the remarkable Darcha bridge, the longest on the strategic Manali-Leh highway. At the Darcha check post, where we had to register our vehicle details, an unexpected obstacle arose - we were informed that we couldn't proceed toward our intended destination, Shinku La to Purne, due to oncoming traffic from Shinku La towards Darcha. Accepting the situation, we decided to embark on an alternative adventure for the day - conquering the Baralacha La mountain pass.   Darcha With renewed enthusiasm, our focus shifted to Baralacha La, passing by the scenic Deepak Taal along the way. While Debashish chose to remain in the car, Tanmoy and I couldn't resist exploring the beauty of Deepak Taal, captivated by its mesmerizing blue waters. A charming local dhaba beckoned, where we indulged in tea and snacks, replenishing ourselves for the journey ahead. Continuing on our route, we soon reached Suraj Taal, nestled just below Baralacha La. Opting to save this spot for a return visit, we pushed forward, navigating minor traffic congestion before finally arriving at the majestic Baralacha La, situated at an impressive altitude of 4850 meters and surrounded by pristine snow-covered mountains.  Deepak Taal       Random Snaps on the way to Baralacha La Excited to immortalize those exhilarating memories, we indulged in numerous photographs with our reliable Beast, encapsulating the essence of the moment. Filled with a sense of awe, we began our journey back towards Jispa, revisiting Suraj Taal to once again capture its frozen beauty. As the afternoon unfolded, we found ourselves back in Jispa, keen on securing better accommodation than our camping experience from the previous night.  Suraj Taal Upon careful consideration of our choices, we chanced upon a fitting hotel that provided roomy accommodation instead of tent. The view from our window presented the expanse of the Jispa Valley, enhancing the allure of our stay. Following a refreshing bath, we took a moment to relax and unwind, still marveling at the incredible adventures of the day. Carrying the day's experiences etched in our minds, we leisurely walked back to our hotel, prepared to wind down for the night and eagerly anticipating the next phase of our journey – the traversal of the revered Shinku La and the entry into the mystical Zanskar Valley. To be continued... Last edited by PointZero : 24th January 2024 at 12:44. |
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21st January 2024, 10:37
| #4 |
| BHPian Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Kolkata
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| Re: Uncharted Destinations - Zanskar, Aryan Valley & Gurez Valley DAY 05: Jispa - Shinku La / Shingo La - Gonbo Rangjan - Purne, Zanskar/Ladakh The previous day had granted us ample opportunities to capture the vistas between Jispa and Darcha. Therefore, this time, we pressed on without pausing to photograph, eager to delve deeper into the wonders that awaited us. At the Darcha Check Post, we dutifully submitted our vehicle details before venturing towards Shinku La.         Random Snaps on the way to Shinku La As we mounted, the roads grew vertical, and occasional rough patches tested our resolve. However, the beauty surrounding us acted as an invigorating force, inspiring us to overcome every challenge that lay ahead. The snow walls flanking the road became a canvas for our snow leopard.         On the way to Shinku La Finally, at a staggering altitude of 16,580 ft, we reached Shinku La, the gateway to the enchanting Zanskar Valley from Manali. We resumed our journey transitioning into the off-road section of the trip.   At Shinku La To be continued ... Last edited by PointZero : 26th January 2024 at 10:32. |
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21st January 2024, 10:59
| #5 |
| BHPian Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Kolkata
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| Re: Uncharted Destinations - Zanskar, Aryan Valley & Gurez Valley Day 5 continued ... The road from Shinku La was no longer a smooth tarmac, but a muddy, watery route due to melting snow. However, this only heightened our sense of adventure as we ventured into the heart of Zanskar. Our next stop was Gumbok Rangan, the respected holy mountain of Zanskar. Locals believed it to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva, protecting and watching over the people of the region. We were enchanted by the spiritual aura that surrounded Gumbok Rangan. The mountain valley beside the flowing River Kurgiak was a sight to behold - a shelter of calmness with the Gumbok Rangan standing tall, almost touching heaven. With our car parked by the side of the river, we immersed ourselves in the beauty of Gumbok Rangan. Many travellers usually stayed overnight at Gumbok Rangan to capture the Milky Way in all its glory, but we planned to savour the moment and press on towards Purne. We finished our quick and simple yet satisfying lunch at the newly set up tents near the mountain. With Ganbo Rangjan bidding us farewell, a remote village in Zanskar beckoned with its rustic charm. With the absence of any tarmac road, the adventure intensified as we reached Kurgiak village - a charming settlement in the heart of Zanskar Valley. A stop at the village's police checkpoint allowed us to continue to Khi village, situated on the opposite bank of the Kurgiak River. Here, we found a serene spot beside the river for a break. Once again, the majesty of Gumbok Rangan remained in our sights, as if silently watching over us.  Kargyak village       Passing through the beautiful villages of Zanskar, including Thaple, and Dzangze, the journey led us to Purne. A remote village in Zanskar, Purne offered only two campsites; we opted to stay at the Dolma Campsite. Despite the chilling cold and dusty air that comes with being above the treeline, the madcaps embraced the experience. To be continued ... Last edited by PointZero : 26th January 2024 at 10:41. |
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21st January 2024, 11:08
| #6 |
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| Re: Uncharted Destinations - Zanskar, Aryan Valley & Gurez Valley Day 5 continued ... After freshening up Tanmoy decided to explore the surroundings while me and Debashish decided to lay down on our beds. Lying in bed, we prepared ourselves for an adventurous trek to the ancient Phuktal Monastery the following day. Knowing the demands of the upcoming day, we rested, trying to overcome the mild symptoms of altitude sickness that some members experienced.  Village Marling ( Just before Purney)       Our stay for the day  Me and Dada in lazy mode As we lay in our shared dormitory, the exhilarating off-road drive and the splendor of Zanskar's villages were inscribed in our memories. Our expedition was far from over, and we eagerly awaited the new adventures that awaited us in this captivating land.     From Purney Little did we know that our encounter with Gumbok Rangan and the remarkable landscapes of Zanskar was only the beginning of a transformative journey that would connect us to the significance of nature and our inner selves, leaving us forever bound to the magic of the mountains and the spirit of exploration. to be continued ... Last edited by PointZero : 26th January 2024 at 10:48. |
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21st January 2024, 11:38
| #7 |
| BHPian Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Kolkata
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| Re: Uncharted Destinations - Zanskar, Aryan Valley & Gurez Valley DAY 06: Purne - Phuktal Monastery - Purne - Dorzong - Reru - Muney Gompa - Bardan Monastery - Padum, Zanskar/Ladakh Awakening in the picturesque village where the Kurgiak and Tsarap rivers converged, our anticipation for the day's exploration of the historic Phuktal Monastery was tempered by the onset of altitude sickness. Each step felt burdensome, leaving us, Debashish and I, dehydrated and breathless. Despite our heavy hearts, we decided to stay behind, allowing the symptoms to subside before attempting the trek again. Tanmoy, however, was undeterred and set out alone with his THAR. Embarking on the journey at 8:00 in the morning, Tanmoy navigated the lively trails that ran alongside the roaring Tsarap River. The landscape, both breathtaking and treacherous, demanded trekkers to summon their energy for the challenging journey. Phuktal Monastery, nestled in the Lungnak Valley, held profound significance in the Buddhist tradition, as its name suggested, being built into a mountain cave. The trek to the monastery featured narrow and steep trails, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience with multiple ups and downs and bridge crossings.              On the way to Phuktal The ancient architecture of Phuktal Monastery, a revered institution of Buddhism, captivated Tanmoy as he explored every corner and even discovered a volleyball ground within its premises. After the exhilarating trek, Tanmoy refueled at the newly built guest house with a warm bowl of Maggi and tea, surrounded by the serene ambiance. Meanwhile, in Purne, Debashish and I eagerly awaited Tanmoy's return, prepared to continue our journey to Padum.               Phuktal To be continued ... Last edited by PointZero : 26th January 2024 at 10:48. |
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21st January 2024, 14:44
| #8 |
| BHPian Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Kolkata
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| Re: Uncharted Destinations - Zanskar, Aryan Valley & Gurez Valley Day 6 continued ... The roads to Padum tested the capabilities of our vehicle, encountering sandy and rugged terrains. Despite the challenges, 22 kilometers before reaching Padum, we found a smooth tarmac, providing momentary relief from the off-roading adventure. Taking a break in a charming valley, we embraced the small moments of joy that nature offered. With renewed energy, we resumed our drive, passing by Reru, Muney Gompa, and Bardan Monastery before finally reaching our destination, Padum. Our journey through Zanskar was not just about reaching the destinations but also embracing the small moments of joy that nature offered.  Purne, before we start       Before hitting the tar road        Last stretch to reach Padum In Padum, we searched for a quiet stay away from the bustling market and found solace in the newly opened Shinkula Guest House. Though only one room was available, we happily adjusted to sharing the space, grateful for the owner's warm hospitality. As we settled in, we realized the need to reconnect with our families and friends since we had been out of network coverage for the past two days. We headed to the market to obtain a SIM card and made calls to reassure our loved ones about our well-being. Dinner at the guest house was an indulgent affair, with an array of delicious dishes presented in a well-decorated dining hall.     At Padum Stay After dinner, we retired for the night. Our agenda was to spend a day in Padum, exploring the quaint Zanskar villages.    Random snaps at Padum. from the hotel roof To be continued ... Last edited by PointZero : 26th January 2024 at 10:53. |
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21st January 2024, 15:24
| #9 |
| BHPian Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Kolkata
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| Re: Uncharted Destinations - Zanskar, Aryan Valley & Gurez Valley DAY 07: Padum - Kumic - Stondae Gompa - Zangla - Lingshed - Murgum La - Padum, Zanskar/Ladakh The day unfolded with a destined off-road exploration, promising river crossings, rugged terrain, and lurid vistas. High spirits accompanied us as we embarked on an adventure through the rugged and untouched terrain of Raw Zanskar, ready to conquer rivers, traverse treacherous roads, and tackle steep inclines. Upon waking up, the majestic mountains outside our room's window welcomed us to another day of unforgettable experiences. As the day commenced, we enjoyed a cup of tea, its warmth complemented by the mesmerizing mountain view. Following a quick freshening up, we indulged in a breakfast featuring local Ladakhi bread. With our essentials packed securely, we hit the road with newfound enthusiasm for the day's adventure.    Ready to start from Padum The journey from Padum to Zangla unfolded on a surprisingly smooth road, allowing the Snow Leopard to glide effortlessly through the valley. A significant stop at Kumic village provided a sense of tranquility, with Zanskari homes and natural beauty leaving us awestruck. After absorbing the charm of Kumic village, we followed a rough, less-traveled road through the valley, challenging our Snow Leopard with enthusiasm. Merging back onto the main road, we passed through another village before turning towards Stondae Gompa, a cliff offering stunning views. While Debashish opted to stay in the car, Tanmoy and I explored the Gompa campus, capturing panoramic views. Our journey continued through Zangla village and led us to the abandoned Zangla Palace. Tanmoy's enthusiasm led to a climb up the palace steps, while I captured its magnificence from below.       Zangla Venturing towards Lingshed village, the tarmac road ended, and the true off-road adventure began. Challenges increased with steep climbs, narrow tracks, and rough terrain, testing our nerves and Snow Leopard's in 4x4. Fording a vigorous river and navigating hairpin turns to Lingshed, a remote village nestled among towering mountains, left us with a unique sense of solitude and charm. To be continued ... Last edited by PointZero : 26th January 2024 at 11:13. |
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21st January 2024, 15:30
| #10 |
| BHPian Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Kolkata
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| Re: Uncharted Destinations - Zanskar, Aryan Valley & Gurez Valley Day 7 continued ...     Approaching Lingshed    Lingshed from the helipad Refueling the vehicle from jerry can at Lingshed, we embarked on the path to Murgum La, the first pass on our route to the Srinagar-Leh highway from Padum, leaving unexplored Zanskar areas for future adventures.    While returning Padum Returning to Padum, we retraced our steps, arriving at the same tea stall where we had our lunch. The crystal-clear mountain water restored us, allowing us to savor the sunset while sipping hot tea. We capped off the day with a delightful dinner featuring Padum's authentic culinary creations, making it a perfect note to end on. To be continued ... Last edited by PointZero : 26th January 2024 at 11:15. |
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21st January 2024, 17:24
| #11 |
| BHPian Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Kolkata
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| Re: Uncharted Destinations - Zanskar, Aryan Valley & Gurez Valley DAY 08: Padum - Tungri - Phey - Hamiling - Drang Drung Glacier - Penzi La - Rangdum - Suru Valley - Sankoo - Minjee, Kargil/Ladakh As the sun painted the morning sky with shades of orange and pink, we welcomed Day 8 of our Zanskar expedition with eagerness. Today marked our last day in this rugged paradise, and with 15 days of adventure planned, there was still so much waiting to be explored. Our day began promptly, and decided to rely on the food supplies in our car and have breakfast on the road.  Me enjoying the freedom of cycling  its Zanskar, Its dusty Leaving Padum behind, the quaint village slowly fading in the rearview mirror, we directed our path toward Kargil. The route led us to a bridge that signified the usual way to Kargil. However, an intriguing diversion board to the left before the bridge caught our attention, suggesting an alternative path. Curious, we inquired with a local truck driver about the route options, and he confirmed that the bridge was the standard way to Kargil. Crossing the bridge, we meandered through the valley until we reached Tungri village, a tranquil oasis. A sign pointing towards a museum within the village intrigued us, and we decided to take the detour. Yet, the road soon led us astray, and despite our best efforts, we couldn't find the way to the museum. Disheartened but undeterred, we retraced our steps to the main route, and a helpful villager confirmed that the road we had just taken wouldn't lead us to Kargil due to closures caused by impassable water crossings. We needed to go back to the junction with the signboard indicating the left turn to Kargil, which we had previously overlooked. Following his guidance, we returned to the bridge we had initially bypassed and resumed our journey towards Kargil.        The village - Remala   The road led us through awe-inspiring landscapes, each turn uncovering a new facet of natural beauty. Despite our excitement, hunger gnawed at us, prompting a well-deserved break to calm our tummies. Raiding our stock of chocolates, biscuits, buttermilk, almonds, and chips, we refueled for the journey ahead. Passing through villages like Phey and Hamiling, we embraced the scenic charm, interacting with the locals and sharing our treats with the children we encountered. The beauty of the valley, with its towering mountains and serene villages, compelled us to capture its essence in photographs, freezing the moments.      With each kilometer covered, the road presented a varied terrain: stretches of smooth tarmac, challenging water crossings, and bumpy patches that tested our resolve. Approaching Penzi La, the prospect of another mountain pass awaited us, filling us with a mix of expectation and joy. Drang-Drung Glacier, a prominent highlight of the day, loomed on the horizon. The climb was steep, the twists and turns demanding our utmost attention, until we reached a vantage point affording us a close-up view of the glacier's splendor. The chilly air hugged us as we stood before the glacier, its splendidness mirroring the images we had seen in pictures. Cameras in hand, we captured this beauty before descending towards Penzi La.    Drang-Drung Glacier To be continued ... Last edited by PointZero : 26th January 2024 at 11:19. |
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21st January 2024, 17:42
| #12 |
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| Re: Uncharted Destinations - Zanskar, Aryan Valley & Gurez Valley Day 8 continued ... The pass welcomed us with a serene mountain lake and awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks. Our encounter with a few Marmots added an element of wildlife wonder to the experience. Time seemed to stretch as we sat by the lake, fascinated by the peaks and the calmness of the moment. As the downhill led us towards Rangdum, the clock ticked past 3 PM, and although we longed to linger, we had miles to go before we slept. To be continued ... Last edited by PointZero : 26th January 2024 at 11:21. |
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21st January 2024, 17:51
| #13 |
| BHPian Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Kolkata
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| Re: Uncharted Destinations - Zanskar, Aryan Valley & Gurez Valley Day 8 continued ... Bidding farewell to Rungdum Monastery, we resumed our journey, the landscapes shifting beneath the changing light of the day. Enchanted by the decorations around Shapath Nallah, we took a moment to capture our Snow Leopard, discovering its name through a conversation with a shepherd. The greenery of Kashmir Valley began to unfurl before us, and we paused near Suru Valley to immerse ourselves in the panorama. By evening, we arrived at Panikhar Village, hopeful for accommodation but soon realizing that the stay options weren't suitable for us. Determined to make progress, we continued towards Kargil, knowing that Sankoo might hold the lodging we desired.    Rangdum ( The only food break for the day )          Sapath Nala  Suru Valley However, darkness descended upon us by the time we reached Sankoo. Our search for suitable accommodation led us to explore various options, including PWD guesthouses and hotels. As luck would have it, a conversation with a local villager introduced us to the prospect of a guesthouse in Minjee village, just 10 kilometers before Kargil. We went the extra mile and arrived at Rizu Guest House, welcomed by Shakina, our generous host. Her warmth and continuous communication reassured us, and we were offered a comfortable stay and food for the day. To be continued ... Last edited by PointZero : 26th January 2024 at 11:47. |
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23rd January 2024, 14:18
| #14 |
| BHPian Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Kolkata
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| Re: Uncharted Destinations - Zanskar, Aryan Valley & Gurez Valley DAY 09: Minjee - Kargil - Hambuting La - Lalung - Batalik - Darchiks - Garkone - Dah - Hanuthang - Garkone, Batalik/Ladakh The day began with the soft golden rays of the sun gently creeping through the windows of our cozy accommodation in Minjee village. We equipped ourselves to delve into the historical wonders of the Indus Valley civilization. Our destination for the day was the enchanting Aryan Valley in Ladakh UT, a region steeped in cultural significance. This valley was home to four unique villages where the Aryan people resided: Darchiks, Garokone, Dah, and Hanuthang.  At Minjee  Somewhere at Kargil Awaking with excitement, we couldn't wait to set foot on this ancient land. With our bags packed and spirits skyrocketing, we hit the road. Our hosts had given us invaluable advice: take the right bridge after 6 kilometres and bypass Kargil to reach Batalik. Following their guidance, we journeyed on, our vehicle, cruising through the serene landscapes of this rugged terrain. As we bypassed Kargil city, we took a quick stop to refuel ourselves.  Kargil An hour into our journey, we decided to take a leisurely tea break. The luxury of time was on our side, allowing us to soak into the panoramas that surrounded us. Resuming our journey, we encountered a series of twists, turns, and gradual climbs that led us to our first notable destination of the day: Humbuting La. This mountain pass, standing tall at over 4,000 metres. Capturing the essence of our journey, we took snapshots of our sturdy companion against the backdrop of this majestic pass. The descent from the pass led us to Lalung village, an enchanting revenue that, when viewed from Humbuting La, resembled a scene from the ancient Mesopotamian civilization.  luxury of time After Lalung, our journey led us to Batalik, a place that retained its charm and allure. Pressing on , we eventually arrived at the entrance of the Aryan Valley, marked by the quaint village of Darchiks. However, predicting that we would be retracing our steps, we chose to postpone exploring Darchiks until the following day. We continued our expedition towards the day's designated destination: the Payu-Pa homestay in Garokone village.   Hambuting La    Lalung To be continued ... Last edited by PointZero : 26th January 2024 at 11:59. |
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23rd January 2024, 14:50
| #15 |
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| Re: Uncharted Destinations - Zanskar, Aryan Valley & Gurez Valley Day 9 continued ... After Lalung, our journey led us to Batalik. Pressing on, we eventually arrived at the entrance of the Aryan Valley, marked by the quaint village of Darchiks. However, predictimg that we would be retracing our steps, we chose to postpone exploring Darchiks until the following day. We continued our expedition towards destination: the Payu-Pa homestay in Garokone village. Embracing our spontaneous travel philosophy, we reached the homestay without a prior reservation. The warm welcome we received reassured us that our impromptu decision was a wise one. While the cuisine may not have met our expectations, the combination of our hunger and the picturesque setting made it a gratifying experience. Eager to extend our exploration, we undertook a ride, tracing the route alongside the notable Indus River. The tranquility of the surroundings beckoned us, and we spent hours sitting on the riverbank, immersing ourselves into the magnificence.  Nice Adda place under walnut and almond tree      Yes, we are in Aryan Valley          Actual Aryan Homes During this period, we confronted a friendly local who warmly invited us to an upcoming festival in Darchiks. The festival, dedicated to celebrating the shepherding culture, caught our interest, stimulating us to spend the evening there. Arriving in Darchiks as the sun began its descent, we parked our vehicle and ventured into the village. The festival grounds greeted us with vibrant colors, lively music, and the palpable energy of the gathered crowd.        Random As the evening unfolded, we immersed ourselves in the cultural spectacle, witnessing traditional dances and embracing the joyous atmosphere. The highlight of the night was the distribution of dried almonds and apricots, a symbolic gesture that added an authentic touch to the festivities. With the event coming to a close, we retraced our steps to the homestay, the clock striking 10, serving as a reminder that the night was already well underway.     Random snaps in evening festival The day's offering continued as our hosts revealed that the guests who had originally reserved the rooms were absent, granting us the opportunity to switch to a more comfortable room on a different floor.  The dining hall for the day Under the gentle glow of the moon and the soothing melody of the Indus River, we ascended to the rooftop. From this elevated perspective, the valley unfurled before us like a fairyland, its enchantment accentuated by the shimmering stars above. Engaging in heartfelt conversations, the three of us brothers absorbed the tranquillity of the night before eventually retiring to our beds. Last edited by PointZero : 26th January 2024 at 12:17. |
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