By DIVIJ PASRIJA

Known as the home of the world’s best passes, Ladakh is a unique and mind-blowing place nestled cozily between the famous Kunlun Mountain and the great Himalayan chain. With such demographics, the breathtaking scene can leave you spellbound.

The serenity and beauty of nature, especially its rugged terrains which make trekking in Ladakh a dream come true, would pull the ground beneath your feet, right from the moment you enter its territory. Nature spotting, cultural tours, photography, and plenty of adventure sports will keep you busy during your stay in Ladakh and Leh.

You Would Be Floored by the Scenes in Ladakh

If you love scenic rugged terrains, landscapes dotted with hamlets, lofty mountains, deep unforgiving gorges and valleys, Ladakh is the place to be. This is why tourists from across the globe flock to Ladakh every year. Trekking in Ladakh can be enjoyed the year round, except when the weather gods decide otherwise. The air is cool and crispy, humidity is almost non-existent, and the flora and fauna around keep you mesmerized while you trek or engage in other adventure sports. If you are an adventure enthusiast, the incomparable beauty of Leh and Ladakh beckons.

Spiritual Yet Adventurous

The pristine monasteries, the village hamlets and the warmth of the Ladakhi people I experienced while trekking in Ladakh made my trip one of the most memorable ones. The alpine forests surrounding the oldest monasteries in the world, such as the Shanti Stupa, made me wonder if I was there in another lifetime. While trekking through this cold desert of the north (as Ladakh is famous called), I came across an eight hundred year old Kali Mandir, which had plenty of fascinating masks on display.

Trekking Taught Me a Lot About the Ladakhi’s

My trip also got me introduced to the culture and traditions of the friendly Ladakhi’s around, some of them even escorted me to the monasteries and helped me spin the huge prayer wheels for my successful journey ahead. During my trip I also visited the famous Leh Palace, which is built in the Tibetan style. From this majestic palace I could see the length and breadth of Ladakh: the dotted landscapes; far-flung terrains; tiny images of people and vehicles moving around at a distance; a snake-like row of Buddhist monks travelling to and from praying and chanting, maybe.

Give Yourself a Break in Life

Trekking in Ladakh is a treat not only for those who seek adventure, but even for city people who need a sense of rejuvenation for their body, mind and soul. You get to see the remotest hummocks in all villages, which are pleasing and aesthetically divine. I also went biking at some places in Ladakh, where the terrains were not so rough. During my camping and trekking I travelled through Indus, Kargil, Padum, Zanskar and even the Shayok valleys.

Coming Back For More Next Time

The best thing about the Ladakh trekking experience apart from the fun and excitement was the visit of the colorful Gompas around. You would also love to go mountain biking on the Himalayas and check out the wildlife, or even relax and unwind witnessing the festivals of the state.

Packed with rugged, trekking-friendly terrains, amazing monasteries, hot piping food and cups of black tea, scenic beauty, adventure sports, meandering streams, frozen lakes, and fresh air and tranquility, Ladakh knows how to keep you hooked and make you come back for more!

Divij Pasrija is an adventurer, budding photographer and a digital marketing strategist. He has been to various trekking trails and to many offbeat destinations in India. He has been writing since he was 12. Currently, he writes only about travel for www.thrillophilia.com