Preethu's Thrillophilia review of his Ladakh adventure
The best part of friendship is the spontaneous travel plans that turn into unforgettable memories. Preethu, his wife, and their next-door couple have been inseparable since they were in college. Over time, the four of them became like family, always creating memories together. This time, their adventure took them to Leh Ladakh.
One movie night, while watching 3 Idiots, they randomly talked about going on an adventure trip to Ladakh. Without hesitation, everyone excitedly shouted, "Let’s do it!" From that moment to taking pictures at Pangong Lake, everything felt like a dream.
They booked a Leh Ladakh package through Thrillophilia, which was perfectly tailored to their wishes. They were really happy with the guides, the driver, and especially the accommodations. All they had to do was enjoy their time with their best friends.
From Relaxation to Rejuvenation
Preethu, his wife and their friends were pretty excited to explore Leh Ladakh together. After arriving in Leh, they were welcomed by a Thrillophilia representative who helped them with their transfer, and check-in and helped them acclimatise to the high altitude. They knew it was important to take things slow and give their bodies time to adjust to the climate.
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The next morning, they set out on an adventurous ride to Sham Valley, a beautiful area along the Srinagar-Leh highway. Their first stop was the Hall of Fame, where they paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Indo-Pak War. It sparked a patriotic feeling in everyone and they felt immense gratitude and pride for the martyred soldiers.
Then they visited Spituk Gompa, where they marvelled at ancient masks, weapons, and Buddhist paintings. It was quite a unique place, unlike what they had seen in monasteries and Tibetan places. For lunch, they enjoyed a delicious langar at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, learning about the history of the Gurudwara and its connection to the army. One of the highlights of the day was visiting Magnetic Hill, a place where vehicles appear to defy gravity. They also stopped at the Indus Sangam Viewpoint to witness the stunning confluence of the Zanskar and Indus Rivers. The confluence was visible so clearly that Preethu was amazed by the phenomenon and was impressed by nature’s beauty.
Their day ended with a visit to SECMOL, the real-life school featured in 3 Idiots, which was an unforgettable experience. They talked about the night they were watching the movie and being there experiencing it all. The four of them spent the day laughing, learning, and making memories.
Seeking Adventures
After a great time in Leh, the four of them headed on an exhilarating drive to Nubra Valley via the iconic Khardung-La Pass, the world’s second-highest motorable road! The drive in itself was quite adventurous and scenic, and they knew why Ladakh was so mesmerising while looking at the beautiful landscapes. At Khardung-La, they paused at a quaint cafe to take in the panoramic views that made them feel as though they were on top of the world.
As they descended, they were met by a dramatic shift in the terrain. The cold, rocky desert gave way to the enchanting Nubra Valley, with its vast stretches of autumn colours. The group marvelled at this unexpected oasis, a reminder of the region’s connection to the ancient Silk Route. They couldn’t resist the allure of a ride on the rare double-humped Bactrian camels, a thrilling experience that transported them back in time.
A visit to the Diskit Monastery added a touch of serenity with its towering Buddha statue overlooking the valley. As night fell, they gathered around a bonfire at their campsite, sharing laughter under a sky glittering with countless stars. They talked about life and their childhood adventures and stories. The day was a blend of adventure, while the night was a blend of nostalgia and bonding.
The Lake that Made the Trip Happen
It all started with the movie scene by the Pangong Lake and all four of them were actually headed to the exact spot. They eagerly set out to visit the breathtaking Pangong Lake on the Indo-China border. As they reached the high-altitude lake, they were captivated by its magical hues, shifting between shades of blue, green, and red.
The serene beauty of the lake, beautifully located in the midst of the rugged mountains and bordered by the Shyok River, left them in awe. The shimmering water, majestic peaks, and serene atmosphere made the experience unforgettable, leaving them spellbound by Ladakh's unparalleled beauty. They stayed there for a while clicking pictures and making reels. They just had to do it to honour the filmy freaks in them!
A Scenic Farewell!
Their final excursion took them to the majestic Chang-La Pass, one of the world’s highest mountain passes. The group marvelled at the snow-clad surroundings as they sipped warm beverages at the cosy Chang-La Café. They also visited the famous Changla Baba Temple, paying respects to the guardian spirit of travellers in this region. They also had a chance to meet a local and they asked about all the stories related to the iconic temple.
As they descended, the journey offered more treasures. They admired the architectural grandeur of the Thiksey Monastery, its intricate design and spiritual ambience offering a moment of reflection. They also stopped by the historic Shey Palace, the former summer retreat of Ladakh’s kings, which added a unique and historical touch to their trip.
With hearts full of awe and gratitude, the group cherished this final adventure, a perfect conclusion to their Leh Ladakh journey filled with stunning landscapes and cultural richness.
Read More: Thrillophilia Ladakh Reviews