On we go to the highest pass of the world

11 Aug After much anticipation and well rested, we were going for a more adventurous trip out today. We were off to Nubra valley, by the highest motor pass in the world (6000 +meters) to get to the most touted, heavenly place in Ladakh--Nubra Valley!.

Just to make sure that everyone was physically and psychologically prepared, we made sure that those who suffers from altitude sickness have taken their dosage of the Tibetan herbal; Hong Jing Tian. To be double ensured we also stopped by town to procure a tank of oxygen in case anyone should need it along the way.

With many magnificent landscape along the way we all arrived to the peak safely with no discomfort at all.

 The mountain range that takes a different view every minute as our cars passed

 The two brave souls cycling in front of our cars doing really an uphill task. Admirable stamina indeed 

 Another unexpected valley amidst the mountains

What a feeling to see this! 

Not everyday that we can be here!!

 After 7 hours of travelling we at long last arrived at Samstanling Monastery

Though the monastery was supposed to be closed to visitors during lunchtime but they were compassionate enough to let us in and join in a short puja

 

We went for lunch after that and on to Diskit Monastery and the famous 32m high, outdoor Maitreya Buddha straight after. 

Can see Diskit Monastery on top of the hill from where we had our lunch

 Diskit Monastery from the side

 Maitreya Buddha from the restaurant where we had lunch

 Maitreya Buddha from the front door of Diskit Monastery

 Here we are! In front of the future Buddha in full regal

We  then moved on to the camel safari before sunset. This region being part of the silk road has a patch where it is very desert like with sand dunes and golden soft sand that runs for miles. We managed to get to the double hump camel camp before they close and some members had a good time riding the camels and walking through the desert patch.

The setting sun shinning against the sand is a beautiful sight

These camels are waiting for takers to ride them

So our brave ones got on to one camel each and ready to go

Off they go to the desert

 

After all the fun and thrill we went to the nearby camel camp and stayed for the night in a very exotic homey chalet with all the modern amenities. It has been a long day!!

The path leading to our individual cabine in the chalet complex

 

After dinner, before we retreat for the night, Gen Yeshi again gave us another bonus by bringing us to one of the oldest stupas around this region, where many ancient pictures were engraved on the walls. Though mostly in ruins it was huge in size. We had to walk round it with our torch lights and passing through river streams and stone slabs pathway. It was quite an adventure to do it in pitch dark and not knowing what is coming in front.