A Rustic Journey to Terrains of North India

Himachal-Pradesh-Map

Much need solace from the impossible tangles of laden work and dreading heat. Arms thrown out as I trod myself in happiness, why? I am on an odyssey where mountain kissingly embraces the gushing clouds. My mission 20 days of tranquil in my joy ride the ford endeavor, reclaim the energetic me, food tasting and diversifying the noesis of this rustic land’s culture. The smell of early morning wet earth welcomes the monsoon, as I land in the queen of hills Shimla. Oversize dust colored phirans wearing men charm you with there innocence as you enter Shimla. The architectural building seemed like

Kinnaur

noe-gothic, the deodar forests draped in wet blanket and to all the shop spree lover hit the Mall Road. Yummy food like delicacies consisting rajama, mushroom do payaza of Baljee’s and hand baked pastries of Krishna bakery.

Heading to Kinnaur track are a bit drenched on NH22, but who’s complaining when Satluj is flowing mere 2km away from the road. From Karcham I took a heart stopping road that led me to Sangla valley, my night halt. I took more time to reach why, replete on the way had tantalised

Rajma Chawal

my taste bud. Halted for another day where I visited recong peo, kinner kalash and chitkul. Gorged on kinnauri rajama, salted meat and Chownen. Left early morning to Tabo monastery known as Chogs-hkhor, a one stop for your spiritual cleansing. Visited cave shrines, decorated stupas, extant paintings and ate at Green leaf café. Reached Kaza at night, halted for 2 days and visited ki, kibber monastery and the famous 500 year old mummy. I proceed to Keylong early morning, on the way I visited

Tabo Monastery

Baralacha, Chandar tal lake and Kunzum pass. Stayed at Keylong for the night. Cold wave were passing through, shivering and throbbing me slipped into my cosy bed. To be true i am exhausted, but a visit at tabo recleansed me.

Here is a list of delicacies found in the entire stretch, no matter where you go this will be same- a bowl of tomato soup, thukpa, dry meat, grilled trout, chicken, potatoes, noodels, rice, dal, pateer, chouck and bhagjery. Next on my list Leh the route

Leh

i took was Keylong-Darcha- Sarchu-Pang-Upshi-Leh. Petrol pump are scarce in this area after Kaza, so fill your tank and store cans too. Camped at sarchu for 2 days, the condition are harsh winds will blow head straight. Why, I stayed at Sarchu because it is the only place to stay en-route during the long journey. I stayed indoor, as I got hit by acute mountain sickness by the evening. Next day went to the pang where an army doctor got me back in shape. Reached Leh next evening, woke up late morning. My first task to spent

Sarchu

earned bucks on pashmina and cashmere shawls for loved ones. My spiritual drawn heart calling me to visit 17^th century Leh palace, this building offers a grand tradition of Tibetan architecture, climbed up to Shanti Stupa and encountered brokpa spinning/knitting and dancing.

Stayed for 2 days then headed to Zanskar, the route I am following

Kargil

Leh-Lamayuru-Kargil-Rangdum(Suru valley)-Padum(Zanskar valley). It took me three days to reach Zanskar, halts between for night was like a much wanted requisite. Zanskar, I got glued to this splendid place. This rugged buddhist valley’s isolation arduous my weeks long treck. Ice chokes the mountain passes and the valley sits under a silent blanket of snow during winters. I visited karsha, the biggest gompa then rolled up to the spectacular Zanskar Canyo were I enjoyed white-water rafting and kayaking. Had 2 days of pure fun, then left back to Kagil, next destination back home, Delhi. The route I am following Kargil-Drass-Sonamarg-Srinagar-Jammu-Chandigar-Delhi. It took me 5 days to reach home.

Women dancing at Padum

Zanskar