Travel StoriesOn August 10th, it’s a new day. Woke up slightly later than usual this morning, a result of the fatigue from our journey. Despite that, we enjoyed a restful sleep due to our weariness. Besides, ensuring proper rest, consuming nutritious meals, and staying well-hydrated are essential for acclimating to this high altitude. Some of our garments and pants were due for a wash. However, in the chilly weather, drying them takes a considerable amount of time. Fortunately, the hotel staff came to our aid by arranging laundry services and collecting our clothing for washing. Such conveniences aren’t available everywhere, making it important to seize such opportunities when they arise.
Later in the day, during the evening hours, we set out to visit the renowned Hall of Fame in Leh. This attraction is conveniently situated not far from our hotel. Managed by the military, the Hall of Fame offers a comprehensive insight into Leh’s history, detailing various battles and showcasing an array of war artifacts. The exhibits are meticulously documented, featuring elaborate imagery and charts that enhance our understanding of the historical events. The information is presented in a manner that even those unfamiliar with Leh’s history can easily comprehend. We explored the exhibits at a leisurely pace, taking in all the details without rushing.
During our visit, we unexpectedly encountered the three individuals who had been of great assistance to us during the final days of our journey. At that time, we were unaware of their presence, but upon reviewing our videos later, we realized that they had been present with us. As we concluded our time at the Hall of Fame, we crossed paths with a group of around fifteen women from Kerala. They shared a tradition of embarking on such trips annually. Adjacent to the attraction, there’s an Army canteen where we also observed soldiers from Kerala. Witnessing the camaraderie among fellow Malayalees, when miles away from Kerala, was a heartwarming sight and a testament to the unity among them.
Our next destination was the renowned Shanti Stupa, another significant site in Leh. Situated not too far from the town itself, this location holds strong appeal for numerous tourists and devotees of Buddhist principles.
About Shanthi stupa
Perched atop a hill in Chanspa within the Leh district of Ladakh, northern India, the Shanti Stupa, also known as Chortan, stands as a striking testament to Buddhist architecture. Its prominent white dome graces the landscape and carries a rich history. This serene structure, constructed in 1991, was brought into existence by the hands of Gyomyo Nakamura, a Japanese Buddhist monk. Nestled within its walls are sacred relics of Buddha, with its consecration performed by none other than the 14th Dalai Lama himself. Beyond its spiritual significance, the stupa has garnered attention from tourists due to its strategic location, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding terrain.
Collaborative efforts between Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhists gave rise to the Shanti Stupa, an embodiment of an idea originating from Emperor Ashoka the Great and Buddhist thinker Nichidatsu Fujii. Its purpose transcends time, signifying a symbol of peace in the modern era.
The construction journey of the Shanti Stupa commenced in April 1983, guided under the watchful eye of Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura. Kushok Bakula, a prominent lama from Ladakh, lent his support from New Delhi, contributing his expertise as a member of the Government’s Commission on Minorities. A collaborative spirit was at the heart of this project, with Ladakhi Buddhists offering their voluntary labor and financial assistance from Japanese Buddhists and Indian supporters. The endeavor received a significant boost when then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi granted permission to build a road leading to the stupa’s site. Throughout the construction phase, the Indian Army extended its support, and the Jammu and Kashmir State Government provided essential construction materials. The foundation of the stupa was inaugurated in August 1985 by the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, infusing the project with a sense of spiritual significance and purpose.
A bustling crowd had gathered around the stupa, adding to its vibrant ambiance. Shanti Stupa, an ideal spot for leisurely evenings in Leh’s consistently cool climate, saw the ebb and flow of visitors as the daylight gradually dimmed. The atmosphere shifted as the sun sank, taking the fervor of the crowd with it. Today being a full moon day, the stupa took on an ethereal glow in the moonlight’s embrace. Witnessing the city of Leh aglow under the moon’s radiance from the elevated vantage point was a spectacle of unique allure.
Upon returning to our hotel, dinner beckoned. After indulging in a hearty meal, we ventured out again to explore the Ley Market. A ten-minute ascent from our lodging led us to this popular destination, frequented by every visitor to Leh. The market boasted an array of shops, each showcasing an assortment of items designed to captivate tourists’ attention. Our purpose was not to make purchases but to soak in the surroundings. Nevertheless, we acquired a small flag adorned with the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” to adorn our bike. Additionally, we picked up keychains and pictures of Leh featuring magnets.
Ley Market offered a pedestrian-friendly environment, free from the hustle of vehicular traffic. This arrangement was facilitated by the market’s accessibility through two sides, both of which were adorned with staircases in lieu of roads, effectively keeping vehicles at bay. The interior was marked by broad pathways and seating areas, catering to those seeking respite from their explorations. The market exuded a sense of cleanliness and order. As the day wound down and the shops gradually shuttered, we retraced our steps back to the hotel.
On the 11th, we embarked on our exploration of Leh’s attractions, setting out a bit earlier in the morning. The plan was to complete our sightseeing itinerary and then return for breakfast. Our initial destination was Sangam, the farthest point, and our intention was to explore other places while we coming back.
Sangam, where the rivers Indus and Sanskar converge, was our first stop. Situated 30 km from Leh town, this confluence presented a remarkable sight. Standing on the road above, one could witness the distinct merging of these two rivers. The crystal-clear waters of the Indus mingled with the turbid flow of the Sanskar, forming an intriguing contrast. This location also offered opportunities for adventure enthusiasts, with possibilities for activities like rafting. The confluence point resembled a junction where three waterways converged.
Following our visit to Sangam, we proceeded to the renowned Magnetic Hill in Leh. Positioned on the route from Sangam to Leh, the Magnetic Hill was located 26 km away from the town. As the name suggests, these hills are said to possess magnetic properties. An intriguing phenomenon could be experienced here: if a vehicle is stopped at a designated point on the road and the engine is turned off, the vehicle begins to move on its own. This curious occurrence is attributed to the mountains’ magnetic pull, seemingly defying the downward slope of the road. However, debates regarding the authenticity of this phenomenon exist. Some propose that the perceived descent is an optical illusion due to the surrounding environmental factors. We attempted this on our bike but were met with a lack of success; the bike refused to budge as we kept our feet on the road. After a brief wait, two individuals from Haryana arrived in a car. Like us, they were keen on experiencing this phenomenon. Together, we tested it with their car. Upon releasing the brakes, the car began to move autonomously along the road, even gaining some speed. It was an intriguing and memorable experience for all involved.
Subsequently, we proceeded to visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, also conveniently situated on our route back. This site was located 23 km from Leh town. In the year 1517 AD, the revered Guru Nanak undertook a journey to Leh. During this time, the local inhabitants informed him about a menacing demon that plagued the area. Responding to this, Guru Nanak engaged in meditation at the spot. The demon, observing the Guru’s meditation, hurled a massive rock from a nearby mountain. Remarkably, the portion of the rock that struck Guru Nanak turned incredibly soft and subsided inside in the shape of guru. The demon descended and kicked the rock. According to legend, upon witnessing Guru Nanak’s unperturbed meditation, the demon recognized his fault and humbly prostrated at the Guru’s feet.
The rock bearing the imprints of Guru Nanak and the demon’s footprints can still be seen within the confines of a modest gurdwara constructed at this site. Inside, an atmosphere of tranquility prevailed. Just as in the Golden Temple, a scripture was present here as well. The interior was adorned with a rich red carpet. This gurdwara was overseen by the military and boasted a spacious pantry. As we exited, we encountered a family who had arrived to explore the location on their bike. Additionally, we came into contact with two Keralites serving in the army.
Returning to our accommodations, we took the opportunity to rest. Our plans for the following day encompassed a journey to Kardungla Pass, followed by an excursion to Nubra Valley. In anticipation of this, we prepared our belongings. Later in the evening, we embarked on a trip to Shey Monastery, located 15 km from Leh.
Shey Monastery
Located on a hilltop in Shey, approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 mi) to the south of Leh in Ladakh, northern India, the Shey Monastery and the adjacent Shey Palace complex command admiration with their impressive architecture. Shey was once the summer capital of Ladakh, and its historical significance is palpable. Notably, it houses the colossal statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, which stands as the second largest Buddha statue in Ladakh.
Originating in the 10th century, the palace was first erected by Lhachen Palgyigon, then the King of Ladakh, when the region was known as Maryul. Presently, the palace exists in ruins, a testament to its storied past. Fast forward to the 16th century, the Mughal noble Mirza Haidar Dughlat claimed the palace as his residence during his conquest of Ladakh.
In 1655, under the guidance of Deldan Namgyal, the present Shey Palace and Monastery were constructed in memory of Deldan Namgyal’s late father, Sengge Namgyal. Positioned below the original palace, the monastery is renowned for its monumental copper statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, meticulously gilded with gold. The term “Sakya Muni” signifies that Buddha was the sage of the Sakya people, residing in the Himalayan valley’s Kapilvastu.
Reaching the Buddha statue necessitated a strenuous climb. Despite certain parts showing signs of decay, the palace retains its majestic allure. The meditation Buddha statue’s height rivals that of a two-story building.
As we descended from the palace, fatigue set in. Making a beeline for the market, we procured cans for storing petrol and sturdy ropes for securing them, then returned to our accommodations. After double-checking our belongings, we retired early for the night.
(To be continued…)
