Hundur Sand Dunes
Day 5
13-8-08
Nubra Valley
Another peaceful morning away from our dusty and crowded Gurgaon. After a good night's sleep on the comfortable bed, waking up early morning to see the sunrise and have some fresh air was a different experience altogether. (We do have such cold mornings in Gurgaon also, but its not pollution free!)
Taking out the camera, I started exploring the big garden with many apple and apricot trees with its ripe fruits.
While enjoying the fruits and walking in the backyard garden, I was surprised to see someone there! The hotel people had a double-humped camel in their back yard. Later I came to know that it was a tamed one for the 'little guests' to have a small ride.
By the time I finished my morning walk, others were getting ready one by one.
Today's plan was to visit the sand dunes in Hundur, go on camel safari, if time permits, visit the Deskit (Diskit) monastery. After a nice breakfast of 'Ladakhi stuffed Kulcha', bread and home made jam and omlette we started the day's journey at 9:00 AM. Before leaving our kind host packed us lunch.
Hundur sand dunes is 7 km from Diskit. We reached at the sand dunes at 10:30. After parking our car we got out and were excited about camel ride. However when we heard the charges we were shocked! They wanted 500 for a half an hour safari. Since there were just 7 or 8 camels they knew we didnt have other options. But then we also didnt bother. Its just a camel with an extra hump! Its ridiculous to pay 500 for that extra hump! However, Varun badly wanted to burden the camels so he struck up a deal with one of the 'hoont waala' for a 15 min ride for 250/- We decided to explore the dunes and take snaps while waiting for him.
Soon the shops started to close and we were also feeling tired. We went back, had the dinner, and after pleading every one to get ready as early as possible, crashed on our beds. Tomorrow was the day I waited the most! Pangong Tso (Lake) at last!
13-8-08
Nubra Valley
Another peaceful morning away from our dusty and crowded Gurgaon. After a good night's sleep on the comfortable bed, waking up early morning to see the sunrise and have some fresh air was a different experience altogether. (We do have such cold mornings in Gurgaon also, but its not pollution free!)
Taking out the camera, I started exploring the big garden with many apple and apricot trees with its ripe fruits.
While enjoying the fruits and walking in the backyard garden, I was surprised to see someone there! The hotel people had a double-humped camel in their back yard. Later I came to know that it was a tamed one for the 'little guests' to have a small ride.
By the time I finished my morning walk, others were getting ready one by one.
Today's plan was to visit the sand dunes in Hundur, go on camel safari, if time permits, visit the Deskit (Diskit) monastery. After a nice breakfast of 'Ladakhi stuffed Kulcha', bread and home made jam and omlette we started the day's journey at 9:00 AM. Before leaving our kind host packed us lunch.
Hundur sand dunes is 7 km from Diskit. We reached at the sand dunes at 10:30. After parking our car we got out and were excited about camel ride. However when we heard the charges we were shocked! They wanted 500 for a half an hour safari. Since there were just 7 or 8 camels they knew we didnt have other options. But then we also didnt bother. Its just a camel with an extra hump! Its ridiculous to pay 500 for that extra hump! However, Varun badly wanted to burden the camels so he struck up a deal with one of the 'hoont waala' for a 15 min ride for 250/- We decided to explore the dunes and take snaps while waiting for him.
Around 1 PM we started our return to Leh skipping the Diskit gonpa. (eough of the monasteries!) When we reached Khardung la, the climate changed all of a sudden and it started to hail. Since the visibility was also getting poor, we hurried downwards quickly. It was almost 8 PM when we reached Leh.
Once in Leh, we decided to explore the Leh market and while our host was busy preparing mutton curry, roti, rice and mix-veg, we went for some shopping. we wanted to buy some "Free Tibet", "I have been to Khardung la", and Ladakh T-shirts, After checking out 3 or 4 shops, we ordered them for 200-250 depending on the embroidery designs. We were supposed to collect them the next day evening.
Soon the shops started to close and we were also feeling tired. We went back, had the dinner, and after pleading every one to get ready as early as possible, crashed on our beds. Tomorrow was the day I waited the most! Pangong Tso (Lake) at last!
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