‘Hey! Are you the girl who loves to travel?’, a person asked. ‘Yes, that’s me’, I said.
Long before I knew, I had been pronounced as a certain wanderer. A girl who just takes off randomly.
At times I think, is it so unthinkable and random that people I speak to give those reactions. Answer is, may be a yes or may be no… I am everything like you or any other person. I have a routine life, a corporate job, a fairly large family, responsibilities, aspirations, targets and deadlines. Then why is it, that I dare to wander?
I have been to several places. Few real offbeat places and few others tourist destinations. Of all the places that I have been, if there is one that I love and aspire to go every year is — Nubra valley and Pangong tso (will cover pangong in a separate blog). Enough and more has been spoken and written about these places already, internet is flooded with information on them. So I believe you must already be hands full. The one thing that no one can deny is.. that, this is one such destination which can make even the most boring person come to life!
We were a group of thirteen cousins, who planned a trip of eleven days to a place which is a pilgrimage to people who love to travel — the ultimate Leh and Ladakh! Uh-uh… I know your reaction. Are you wondering, how on earth do they manage these things!! Well, perhaps we were just crazy enough to get lucky :) Of all the places we visited and the amazing things we did, the beautiful Nubra valley was one.
I instantly fell in love with this place!
Once prosperous with local trading of spices, wool, opium.. the Nubra valley now lives a quieter life post the neighbouring nations decided to close all ties. Now the people in this valley are gradually getting adjusted to tourist mongers like us. About 3000m above the sea level, this valley was originally known as Ldumra which means the ‘valley of flowers’. Enveloped by the himalayan mountain ranges by all sides, Nubra valley and the Shyok valleys are known for their breath taking views! It has mesmerizing sand dunes, is colorfully plateaued with crisscrossed rivers. This is one such magical landscaping which has the spell to inspire your soul…
We reached there by around 4pm. Ours being a large group along with a kid, it was merry time! Loads and loads of laughter, pictures and admiration covered the evening. Nubra is also known for the famous Bactrian camels (camels with two humps), so you can enjoy a rather fun camel ride admiring the valley. I remember one funny incident when a baby camel that one of my cousin rode, repeatedly and scarily swayed away from the caravan and the herder had a tough time controlling him.. perhaps the little camel fell in love with my cousin!
Besides the valley in itself, the road journey to Nubra is also an integral part of the attraction. We had to pass the famous Khardung La Pass to reach Nubra from Leh. At a height of 5602m above the sea level, the Khardung La pass is a major tourist spot for being known as the highest motorable pass in the world. Evidently so, the sign board at Khardung La could easily be one of the most photographed spot for selfies and group pictures. I had my share too!
Filled with monasteries and tiny settlements or villages, the drive from Leh to Nubra was a treat to our eyes. Lovely water streams, multi-coloured rocks, snow clad mountains, patches of green work, yaks and horses.. all made it look like a different world altogether. A part of us wanting to carry this back home.
If you are not really into fitness or may have a bit of breathing trouble, ensure you keep yourself adequately hydrated. We managed our trip along with a kid below 10 years, so I don’t really agree with the danger alarms set against visiting these places. Infact, I am of the opinion that there is nothing to worry. If one is mindful of all precautionary elements and is wise enough, this is easily doable. There are many tips on acclimatizing your body to the higher altitudes as you go upwards. I suggest you take it slower, spending some time in Leh before proceeding to Nubra or Pangong.
AMS (acute mountain sickness) is the term which explains the sudden feeling of discomfort that you will feel as you proceed further. Treatment is enough water, good sleep and rest. Diamox is what is widely prescribed for such travels and you are advised to keep an oxygen cylinder handy. Tip — by all means, check with your local or family doctor before you set off.
Well as fate would have it, of my group of thirteen, I was the one who actually got under weather! :) On our way to Nubra, I got a bit uncomfortable and was admitted to the local hospital for quick dose of oxygen. An hour of oxygen into my system, I was back in shape like how! Point here being, the locals and your guides are accustomed to the tourist’s needs and there are enough facilities available. Well researched and thorough preparations will work for anyone. What is life without risks anyways! Push yourself just an inch, when life lets you.
We booked a very pretty resort at the Nubra valley for a night over. It had tent shaped rooms aligned in a row and had a beautiful stream of clear water flowing opposite to the rooms. The resort was made to fit our requirements and we got comfortable in no time. With some local food and drinks, a much wanted bonfire, some singing and dancing.. it was a perfect finish a rather eventful and picturesque day!
The temperature during the day was between 12 to 18 degrees and night used to be around 5 to 8 degrees and that is is real cold for an average Indian. We were frozen too but it was a thoroughly welcoming change. There are other sight seeing places at Nubra like the village Tangyar, the pass Wari La, Buddhist monasteries, museums and parks. Diskit Gompa or Diskit monastery is one of the main Monasteries. Up until then, I always thought a Gompa is referred to the people living in these up-northern regions!! Till I got corrected.. a Gompa is an inaccurate slang for monasteries at these places. When it comes to food, hot and spicy thukpas when you are freezing is like medicine to your tummy. I was always a fan of Thukpa, but in Nubra my love for Thukpa rose to newer heights. There are many other delicious local dishes that you can savour.
At night, as I lay on the banks of the stream.. I stared at the clear sky and stars above, listening to the music of the flowing water and thinking about this breathtaking natural beauty. I wondered about the lives of these people with absolute limited means and yet living a content and peaceful lives.
Perhaps, it is this! It is this.. for which I dare to wander. The fact that such travels calls to question the very essence of your existence.
Till next time.. just travel!
Cheers!
Sandy
