We took an early flight from Delhi to Leh in the Indus Valley.
A group of 9 : 7 Australians, an English lady and an American fellow from San Fransisco.
Flying north we flew over the Great Himalayas and the Zanskar Ranges.
Our first view of Leh, a dusty town on a huge plain, surrounded by mountain ranges.It is a military town with many army bases, tight security at the airport, with constant surveillance on its threatening neighbours of Pakistan and China.
Our hotel is the Omasila on the main (dusty) road to the main bazaar.
Simple rooms with views of a pretty rose garden
Our first meeting with Nawang, our World Expeditions guide.
Due to the height of 3,500 m of Leh, we have 4 acclimatisation days, which we really needed. Just a brief walk along our road and climbing stairs to our rooms was a trial. We had to buy water (20 rupees = 40c) and recommended to drink at least 2 litres a day. Hot (30o +) and dry climate.
A sunset tour of the town.To Victory Fort with commanding views of Leh and surrounding towns.Victory Fort was built in the 17th century to celebrate Ladakh's independence from the invading armies of Baltistan and Kashmir.
Walking up (slowly) to the Fort
Old doors
Views to the town below - bit of a Biblical feel - crumbling brick homes on a huge plane.
View down to Leh Palace and the main bazaar and township
We called by the small Samkar Gompa monastery on our return. One of the monks from this monastery, Kushiro Bukula Rinpoche (1917-2003) became a statesman and politician, campaigning for improved education and rights for Ladakhis. His reincarnation is a boy from the Lukla region. He is now 9 and training in a monastery in Kerala, but will take up his duties in this region when he is around 20.
Dinner in the excellent hotel dining room.
M
1 comment:
I cannot wait to hear more of these stories!
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