Adieu to Ladakh
Days 7
15-8-08
Leh - Sarchu
Like all the good things in life, our wonderful trip to Ladakh was also coming to an end. We saw many things, we missed a few, we enjoyed the thrill, we went through pain... but in the end we've gained something that many of them back home could only dream of. We enjoyed a journey to one of the farthest corner of our Incredible India. We saw and tasted Ladakhi culture and their hospitality in its original form. But now it was time to return to our concrete jungle.
We started from our hotel after a nice breakfast (once again in the garden). Sanjay took the car to the service station for checking the condition of the vehicle. Once he was back we bid farewell to Leh and started our return journey.
Day 8
16-8-09
Serchu - Manali
The next morning we woke up early.. Tried to explore a bit of Serchu.We took the car and went back to this place to enjoy the beauty. (we couldn't stop here on our way to Leh and we didn't want to miss it today!)
After a light breakfast of Parata, eggs and coffee, we started to Manali around 9:30 AM.
Para-gliding near Rothang
A heavy traffic jam from Rothang caused by some idiotic drivers (those breed who never follow any traffic rules and who makes us wonder who the hell gave them their license). Not wanting to go peacefully in one line, these bugg--s take the right side that meant for the up coming vehicles. Anyways after moving a few mt they cannot go ahead because of the vehicles coming up in the opposite direction. But then it would have been too late to correct the mistake. If only they had come in a line not trying to take the other lane.. life would have been so smooth for all of us! But alas.. what to do??? Life and the drive is not so smooth at times! We lost more than 2 hrs in the jam and could reach Manali around 9:00 pm only.
Its not only the idiotic driver who is responsible.. The people who hire the car can also tell him to follow the rules!
Our journey was coming to an end with only 1 more night and day. We decided to celebrate the success of our trip in Manali. As soon as we reached Hotel Vasisht, we gave the orders and went to take a refreshing hot water bath. (we missed it since we left Leh) When the dinner was ready, we went to the bar, toasted for our success and enjoyed the wonderful dinner.
Day 9
17-8-08
Manali-Gurgaon
Again after a refreshing hot water bath and tea, we started our last day's journey at 8:30 am - back to the urban jungle! On the way, we stopped for breakfast and lunch and for buying some apple sherry from Kullu.
We reached Gurgaon around 1 or 2 AM. Throughout the last day's journey from Manali to Delhi we were busy recollecting all the interesting incidents and pulling each others legs! We even talked about pulling off another such trip, may be next year. (Though its just weekend trips, we did a couple of Rishikesh rafting trips till date!) We thanked Sanjay for his excellent driving skills and his support throughout the trip. We wished him luck and promised to call him whenever we are planning our next escapade.
By the time we reach Delhi, we all were very tired but were very happy! We had enjoyed the trip more than anything and even though we missed Pangong Lake this time, I was happy I was a part of this trip. I know we will make it someday or the other.
Today when we remember and talk about our Ladakh Trip, we realize one thing. Though it might sound as an over used cliché, for us it is the truth;
"Its the journey than the destination" that made the trip more memorable!
Jhuley...
15-8-08
Leh - Sarchu
"Flames to dust
Lovers to friends
Why do all good things come to an end.."
Like all the good things in life, our wonderful trip to Ladakh was also coming to an end. We saw many things, we missed a few, we enjoyed the thrill, we went through pain... but in the end we've gained something that many of them back home could only dream of. We enjoyed a journey to one of the farthest corner of our Incredible India. We saw and tasted Ladakhi culture and their hospitality in its original form. But now it was time to return to our concrete jungle.
We started from our hotel after a nice breakfast (once again in the garden). Sanjay took the car to the service station for checking the condition of the vehicle. Once he was back we bid farewell to Leh and started our return journey.
The Mountain Rabbit in deep thought...
At TanglangLa
More (Moray) Plains - the 42 km plateau
An Important Sign board.
Lunch at Pang Hotel
You can stay in these tents for Rs 100/- for a night per person.
It was around 9:30 pm when we reached Serchu. Luckily, the camp operators knew we will surely come and had the dinner prepared for us. It was very cold outside with a strong wind. After dinner, we wanted to hang around outside for some more time . However it was too cold to stand there for long. We didn't have any option other than to go inside our tents and try to sleep. Lying comfortably inside 2 or 3 quilts in a tent hearing the strong chilly wind outside.. I guess you need to experience it to know how good it feels...
Day 8
16-8-09
Serchu - Manali
The next morning we woke up early.. Tried to explore a bit of Serchu.We took the car and went back to this place to enjoy the beauty. (we couldn't stop here on our way to Leh and we didn't want to miss it today!)
After a light breakfast of Parata, eggs and coffee, we started to Manali around 9:30 AM.
At Tandi petrol pump, we ate the packed lunch from Blue Poppy
We reached Rothang Pass at 4:30 PM. We wanted to take a break at Rothang and take snaps. However the fog and drizzle made it impossible for any such activity. We decided to move ahead .. but not before taking at least a few snaps.
Para-gliding near Rothang
A heavy traffic jam from Rothang caused by some idiotic drivers (those breed who never follow any traffic rules and who makes us wonder who the hell gave them their license). Not wanting to go peacefully in one line, these bugg--s take the right side that meant for the up coming vehicles. Anyways after moving a few mt they cannot go ahead because of the vehicles coming up in the opposite direction. But then it would have been too late to correct the mistake. If only they had come in a line not trying to take the other lane.. life would have been so smooth for all of us! But alas.. what to do??? Life and the drive is not so smooth at times! We lost more than 2 hrs in the jam and could reach Manali around 9:00 pm only.
Its not only the idiotic driver who is responsible.. The people who hire the car can also tell him to follow the rules!
Our journey was coming to an end with only 1 more night and day. We decided to celebrate the success of our trip in Manali. As soon as we reached Hotel Vasisht, we gave the orders and went to take a refreshing hot water bath. (we missed it since we left Leh) When the dinner was ready, we went to the bar, toasted for our success and enjoyed the wonderful dinner.
Day 9
17-8-08
Manali-Gurgaon
Again after a refreshing hot water bath and tea, we started our last day's journey at 8:30 am - back to the urban jungle! On the way, we stopped for breakfast and lunch and for buying some apple sherry from Kullu.
We reached Gurgaon around 1 or 2 AM. Throughout the last day's journey from Manali to Delhi we were busy recollecting all the interesting incidents and pulling each others legs! We even talked about pulling off another such trip, may be next year. (Though its just weekend trips, we did a couple of Rishikesh rafting trips till date!) We thanked Sanjay for his excellent driving skills and his support throughout the trip. We wished him luck and promised to call him whenever we are planning our next escapade.
By the time we reach Delhi, we all were very tired but were very happy! We had enjoyed the trip more than anything and even though we missed Pangong Lake this time, I was happy I was a part of this trip. I know we will make it someday or the other.
Today when we remember and talk about our Ladakh Trip, we realize one thing. Though it might sound as an over used cliché, for us it is the truth;
"Its the journey than the destination" that made the trip more memorable!
Jhuley...
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