Which is the land of high passes?


Navigating the Enigmatic Land of High Passes in Leh Ladakh

2021 is the time for me to travel again. So i decided to start my solo journey from Delhi to Leh in mid-January and booked my flight with Air India. Knowing the harsh realities and the unpredictable weather conditions from news and other sources. My heart still wanted to feel a -30 degree chill from my spine till my brain freezes. This time my bucket list was the Chadar trek. I took all the precautions and proper measures before leaving which includes my Covid test report as well. And yes it was negative. Without delay, my flight landed at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. As i stepped out the weather drastically dropped to -15 degrees, I felt as i was walking inside an open refrigerator and yes, the view was jaw-dropping. 

 


 

 A friendly woof and a wagging tail

As i was roaming through the ancient main market in Leh, a colorful infusion to the local culture. The lane with Tibetan handicrafts, flags, dried apricots, pashmina shawls, authentic Ladakhi jewellery gives a very traditional vibe. I walked further in the by lanes and sat on the bench to click some photos. And i guess dog has a way of finding people who care for them. I was lucky and privileged enough to be chosen by the friendly fur kid. I named him Hatchi. A very instant connection i felt with Hatchi, his wagging tail, wet nose filled me with love.

 

 




Hatchi accompanying local vegetable seller



Hatchi sun bathing

 

 

Hope and Love

 

 

Om Mani Padme Hum

The calmness and the silence under these bright magical flags gives a different vibration to my senses. The blue, white, red, green, yellow represents the sky, air, fire, water, earth. They together signify balance. I sat and relaxed just to ignite my sense. Yes, I felt centred and grounded. I was in peace.


 

Peaceful day !





               Puppies waiting for treats

 

Waiting for his turn
 

 

Sunshine Poppy

 

    Love in the eyes

 

The same evening while i was lazily chilling with fellow travelers in the Hostel. I heard different and insane stories about how the same dog you cuddle become wild at night... strange. I was advised not to roam alone at night near the main market. You will be attacked by the dogs in search of food. They might even kill you. Due to the harsh winters in Leh, hotels and restaurants remain close which leads to the scarcity of food and resulting in difficulty for dogs to survive making them hunters. Basic Survival instinct. It's -20 degree tonight and while lying near bukhari, a traditional tandoor placed in the center of the room to keep the house warm. I wonder how these innocent creatures spend a whole night outside in the frozen weather without food. I was missing Hatchi.

 

 

 

Location: Ladakh

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