Ladakh with its unique ecosystem provides ample opportunities for adventure sport which are highlighted here.
The Indus River (Sindhu)
The Indus river literally flowed in and out of our lives during our stay at Ladakh. Our visit to Ladakh was just a month after the deadly terror attacks at Pahalgam. The military, political and diplomatic developments following this had caused the Indus river to come into focus and there was a certain connect that we felt with this mighty river that is the lifeline of Ladakh.
We first saw the river on our way from the Hemis monastery and we did have a photo session .
The Indus river with a monastery perched on a hill in the backdrop
Close to this point we had an opportunity to zipline across the Indus river. Some pictures from that wonderful experience…
Geared up to zipline…
Ziplining across the Indus river (click on video)
Sangam Point
This is the point of confluence of the Indus (Sindhu) and Zanskar rivers at Nimmu ; 35 kms from Leh on the Srinagar Leh highway. It is visible from a height from the road and after a short walk down some steps, we can reach the Sangam point.
The confluence looks stunning with the two rivers of different colors merging together. Both these rivers hold religious significance to the locals and a dip here is believed to rid one of his sins!!
The muddy Zanskar meets the clear Indus at the Sangam point (view from top)
At close quarters also, the two colors can be seen
A bridge across the river is seen from Sangam point…
The bridge across the Indus and the roads going parallel to it on either side
At the Sangam, we did river rafting on the Zanskar river. We were eight people in a raft with a guide . He instructed us initially and then guided us as we tried to manoeuvre the raft.
Few pictures from the rafting experience…
All set to go
The rafting expeience on the Zanskar
After the rafting experience, we had lunch where we got to savour some local Ladakhi dishes.
Ladakhi restaurant and our group at lunch
Thenthuk is a noodle soup where the noodles are flat and made of wheat flour . Mixed with vegetables or meat, it is a thick soup that is often a complete meal for the locals.
Thenthuk with momos, rice and dal
Post lunch we set off to the moon….yes ; our next destination was Lamayuru, where the landscape resembles the surface of the moon.
Lamayuru and the moonland
Known as the moonland of Ladakh, the rugged landscape and unique geographical formations make it an interesting spot. The views here reminded me of Bryce Canyon national park in the US but to a much smaller scale . The views during sunrise and sunset must be quiet captivating with changing angles of light.
How moonland was formed
This area was a lake some forty thousand years ago caused by damming of the Lamayuru river by a tectonic shift causing a landslide. Over the years the lake dried up leaving the sedimentary deposits which have been eroded by wind and water resulting in these gullies , ridges and hoodoos. This has given it the appearance of the moon surface.
The drive to Lamayuru itself was beautiful with cliffs overhanging the road on one side and the Indus river flowing down below on the other side.
The drive to Lamayuru ( click on video)
The general landscape at Lamayuru
The rugged landscape and unique geographical formations
Lamayuru is also home to a famous monastery.
By now we were quite tired and headed back to our hotel with memories of an adventurous day…
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