BY KRISHNA KHUNTI
Head of Culture & Marketing, Creativeland Asia
Julay (hello) from Leh! It’s like catching a glimpse of heaven - that’s all one can compare it to. I had heard many raving reviews, saying you have to see it to believe it, so given the first opportunity, off I went to Ladakh.
I caught a flight from Delhi to Leh; the transitory journey from heat, humidity and noise to cool, freshness and serenity, not forgetting the altitude sickness that was yet to come as I had ascended 3505 metres above sea level. Through the most beautiful clouds I’d ever seen, the foundations had already been laid for some magnificent memorable moments.
I landed in Leh at 7.25 am, in the heart of some seriously awe-inspiring mountainous terrain, bearing a strong resemblance to how I would have imagined Mars, but with the most intense blue sky. (The following 22 days left me humbled, numbed and anxious about the beauty that exists on this planet we call Earth).
In a very complex predicament that may not be immediately evident to the untrained eye, Ladakh has so many variables at play at any given time. Due to its geographical location, it remained untouched by the many wars and invasions that India has faced over the years, and although classified as a part of Jammu & Kashmir, it remains far removed from the disputes. However, as it lies on the border, there is a very strong and disconcerting Army presence which is evident from the minute you land in Leh. The people of the land are mostly Tibetan descendants, with eyes which emanate love and a depth that can stir the soul. It’s a rarity to hear Buddhist chants simultaneously with the call for prayer (Azaan), as the two dominating religions harmoniously echo across the valley.
Trekking aside, the most adventurous sports I participated in were climbing up the steep steps of monasteries and manoeuvring myself down some very narrow winding footpaths in the dark. I took great pleasure indulging in locally famous momos and surprisingly the best pizza I’ve ever had. Spending the day loitering around the streets, I sat in cafes and small eateries, enjoying the stunning view and the myriad stars that grace the sky at night. For many a day, Leh itself was enough to keep me happily engaged. But venture out to more remote parts of Ladakh I did. Tsmo Riri Lake, which sat with its glistening, translucent aquamarine waters, is an approximately five-hour drive away from Leh city, untouched by modern-day developments, still sustaining a simplistic way of life. The place itself was enchanting enough to make one smile on the inside and out, yet the ride back via the Manali highway simply took my breath away. Weaving our way through some uncharted terrain, literally up into the clouds, the feeling of having landed up in heaven itself was overwhelming and overriding of all other thoughts and sensations. I was completely speechless.
If all of this wasn’t enough, I attended a four-day music festival which took place in Leh; the first of its kind, where there were performances from some extremely talented artistes from around the globe, set against the most magnificent panoramic backdrop. More than enough to ensure that the audience was captivated - mind, body and soul.
Stunning dawns, picture perfect sunsets, the most illuminating full moon and the most beautiful constellations I’ve ever seen; life in the first gear had never felt so great. Magic is all I can call it, and the spell has been cast: “Hey look up! Did you see that shooting star? Make a wish and it might just come true.” Ladakh is the kind of place I’ve dreamt of, the only difference being that this dream is real.
Feedback: krishna.khunti@creativelandasia.com
