Posts Tagged ‘monastery’

Ladakh Chronicles, part 5 – Nubra Valley

April 5th, 2009

Desert on the top of the word

9^th July
After a nice rest for two nights and a day, we didn’t find it difficult getting up early. In fact, we were ready and on our way by 7:30 in the morning. After all, we all had a reason to be excited… Nubra Valley. We were going to be in huge valley spanning across many mountains and all this at 10000 ft. But there was one more edge to the excitement… The amazing Khardungla pass. Yes, THE Khardungla pass, world’s highest moterable pass. Being able to drive at 18,380 ft above sea level is an amazing feat by itself. Have to praise the hands who built these roads. Before reaching Khardungla you pass this rock formation along the road, which locals call “Gateway of Khardungla”.

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Tags: Bactrian camels, camel riding, desert, Diskit, Gateway of Khardungla, gompa, highest motorable pass, hot springs, Hunder, Hunder fort, Khardung, Khardungla, Ladakh, Leh, monastery, Nubra valley, Panamik, Shyok river, Shyok valley, Snow Leopard resort, sulfur mountain, two-humped camels
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Ladakh Chronicles, part 7 – Monasteries

April 5th, 2009

An abode of peace, monks and ancient haritage

13^th July
We woke up to a beautiful morning, as weather had returned to a normal state. Though there were quite few rain clouds in sight, sky was mostly clear, sunny and there was a familiar warmth in the air. This was a beautiful day… and we were going to visit some beautiful places. Plan was to leave early and visit three major monasteries around Leh, return back by late afternoon; so everyone can visit Leh market for shopping as the girls were leaving the next day.

Prateek had to finish some work, and make arrangements for travelling back to Mumbai as some urgent matter required him back home. He wasn’t going to join us for Tso moriri camp as previously decided. In fact, many plans were made and changed in last 24 hours. Earlier, Nupoor and Neerja weren’t booked for Tso-moriri and Rafting trips. After some brainwashing from us Neerja decided to extend her trip for Tso-moriri and Rafting; Nupoor couldn’t do so as she had to resume back on work. So Neerja canceled her tickets and re-booked accordingly. But afterwards again changed her plans as she had to return home due to family reasons. Prateek declared that he wouldn’t be accompanying us as he had to return to Mumbai as some urgent matter required his presence. Neerja couldn’t get booking for next morning’s flight, so she decided to leave by road in night with Prateek and catch relevant flight from Delhi next evening while Nupoor was leaving early in the morning. Had to say we all were bit disappointed, as in one night our group was getting reduced to half. Well, to look at it practically… not much was changed on paper (except Prateek, whose departure came unexpected), as this was how it was going to be previously. But then we all had so much fun in past few days, it did seem like a big change happening. When you warm up to certain group, changes like these do make impact on one’s experience.

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Tags: Chamkhang, clerestory, congregation hall, dancers, deities, Dhayni Buddha, Dukhang, Dukhang Chemo, festival, flash photography, gompa, Gonkhang, Guru Rimpoche, Hemis, Ladakh, Leh, Leh Palace, lotus, Maitreya Buddha, monastery, monks, prayer chamber, Sakyamuni Buddha, sculptures, Shey palace, Soma Gompa, Thikse, Tsechu, Tsongkhapa, yab-yum, Yamantaka
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