En-route Tso Moriri, Ladakh, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.
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Which meant we had to put up in Sani, a village with no real hotels (or guest houses) and no drainage system (read toilets or bathrooms!). Next to this holy lake was a big camping ground, which was of no use to us, since we weren’t carrying any tents.
But who needs any commercial set ups when the locals are so warm and friendly?
A lone shopkeeper in Sani agreed to host us for the two days of the Sani festival. He charged us a pittance for a cozy room, unlimited supply of fresh, local food, impromptu cookery lessons and loads of entertaining conversations!
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Chatpal, Kashmir, India
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The Parkachik glacier is 1km away from the village of Parkachik.
Much of the snow had melted when we saw it in the month of July, but it sill made for an interesting look especially with the mighty Himalayas surrounding it.
This picture was taken from a truck in which we travelled from Parkachik to Zanskar.
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Since we were staying in the accommodation right inside the garden, we visited the Kokernag garden right at sunrise. An ideal time for birding, specially by the natural spring that flows through it.
Developed by the J&K Tourism department, it is the biggest garden in Kashmir. A hot-spot for Sunday family outings, it is choc-a-bloc with kids playing, couples romancing among the roses and the elderly resting under Chinars.
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We saw her on our way to Tso Moriri, near village Himya.
She was basking in the sun, readying for the harsh winters of Ladakh, creating beautiful patterns on a shawl she was weaving on a traditional wooden loom. Threads in reds, greens and yellow were getting interwoven at a dizzyingly fast pace. We wanted to ask her about her design process, but realised she would think we were fools asking such questions.
For, these skills, passed down generations are their inherent gifts!
By Sandeepa Chetan (www.sandeepachetan.com)
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They were cycling from Kargil to Padum, a 250km gravel road, in Zanskar valley. In Zanskar, they were going to volunteer as teachers in a school they had helped build earlier.
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17th November 2013
Waahe Guru Ji kaa Khalsa
Waahe Guru Ji ki Fateh
A Very Very Happy Gurpurab, Guru Nanak Jyanti to All
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More Golden Temple photos
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From Thiksey monastery to Leh in Ladakh
When you just turn back and see the doors heaven open?
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The last and the highest pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway. The roads are in an excellent condition and it is a pleasure to drive. Read more
We take you on a journey with us, read full story Passes we crossed
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Kyogar lake - A trailer before Tso Moriri
Our favorite Tso Moriri photo
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Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple is the most sacred place of worship for the Sikhs. Read more
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We met these Gujjar kids on our way to the Thajiwas Glacier in Sonmarg. Gujjars are a nomadic tribe of shepherds who move up to the greener pastures in the hills in the summer. Come winter, the move down to the plains with their entire households and flocks.
Due to this lifestyle, the kids usually miss out on conventional schooling. These kids had attended a nomadic school and as proof, they recited to us the alphabet, numbers and also some song and dance. They were happy to receive chocolates as their award.
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Lachung la or ( Lachulung La, Lāchālūng La, Lungalacha La). The second pass of the Leh-Manali route, it is a long meandering pass with its peak at 4891m.
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Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple is the most sacred place of worship for the Sikhs. Read more
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These barley fields separate the village Korzok, the base village for Tso Moriri from the lake itself.
The whites (of the houses) of Korzok, followed by the greens of barley fields leading to the stunning blues of Tso Moriri lake itself, sealed by the browns of the Greater Himalayas is the general colour palette of this landscape!
Look for our another favorite Tso Moriri photoYeah, that's the meal time view. It wont cost you a dime. Just a lifetime of being a monk!
However, just for this day, you get to savour it!
The monks had gathered for lunch by the time we reached the Phuktal monastery.
You are welcome join them. You go sit next to them, they ll give you a bowl and serve you the same food that the monks have for lunch. After some chanting, the lunch begins.
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The story behind this Rock Garden is very interesting and inspiring.
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A passageway along the gushing river makes for an exciting approach to this thrilling
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Rohtang pass. The undisputed monster of the Leh-Manali highway.
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Mighty, endless, vast, abundant, clear, beautiful and pure…it touches you and moves you like only Nature can. At Tso Moriri, all you can do is bow down and feel blessed for having witnessed it.
Mighty mountains, snow capped peaks, lush green fields and the deep blue water stretching to the horizon, Tso Moriri offers it all. Due to its long distance Tso Moriri from Leh, It is not frequented by too many tourists. Which means, when you visit Tso Moriri, you will most likely, have it all to yourself!
Look for our another favorite Tso Moriri photo
Happy Diwali!
Photograph taken last year on same day.