Leh

Leh - Nubra - Pangong

• Only postpaid works in Leh. The internet and connectivity is good even in Nubra and Pangong.
• Take it easy on the first day. At 12000ft, the quick altitude change is challenging even to the healthy.
• Better to book a cab for the entire time of stay. Khardungla, Nubra and Pangong all need vehicle.
• May & June are the busiest seasons. We enjoyed the tranquillity of April. Frozen Pangong was a bonus.

We literally reached Leh in no time. I remember taking a call from my wife at Leh airport when she was thinking I am still at Delhi airport. Something so exotic is so accessible was a surprise. I generally prefer window seat and was thoroughly rewarded on our one hour flight to Leh with ice capped mountain view and amazing Himalayan landscape.

View of Leh from Shanti Stupa

We landed at Leh on an April morning thinking it would be freezing cold. It was pleasant thanks to clear sunny sky and absence of chilly wind. We were in our hotel rooms by 11. I suggested a day of rest given my history of AMS. We decided to go to the roof of our hotel where we were served tea and snacks. For lunch we settled in a nearby restaurant that was serving a fixed thali which was a mix of local vegetables. It was delicious.

We decided to chuck the resting plan and go for Leh Palace. A bus dropped us at the edge of central market and we walked from there. WE had to navigate through the narrow alleys to reach the gates. Leh Palace is majestic with multiple tiers to explore and a clear view of entire Leh. We reached the roof of palace and stayed there for a while enjoying the sun and view.

After that we explored the market below for souvenirs and someone suggested we should see the sunset from Shanti Stupa which was visible from the market. It took a half hour drive to reach there. We were on time although the evening weather was not as pleasant. We witnessed the sunset and quickly came back to the marketplace. There we gathered snacks and beer for our night party.

At the hotel we arranged for a cab for three days that will take us to Nubra, Pangong and back. The party was lively and went late till night. An IPL match was going on which acted as a filler. We were exhausted after a long and eventful first day in Leh. Tomorrow we had to start for Nubra after an early breakfast.