Whether or not Tubelight did well in the first two days of its launch, we were sure that the Salman Khan starrer would catch up by a good margin well into its first week. What it also did was give millions of Indians (who have never been to Jammu & Kashmir) the dream to visit an exotic, fairy-tale destination in the mountains. Ladakh has been put on the world’s map once again, and we did not waste a moment to turn to the breathtaking location.
Ladakh is no virgin territory for Bollywood. From Dil Se and Lakshya, to 3 Idiots, Jab Tak Hain Jaan, and now Tubelight, it has provided a great backdrop to many successful movies. This fascination for the Himalayan terrain has only made it popular with Indian holidayers and tourism has increased exponentially over the past decade. Where should you go? Here’s a cue.
Zanskar Valley
Zanskar Valley is one of the most desolate places in the region situated in a remote corner of Ladakh. The tributaries of the Zanskar River provides for seasonal river rafting opportunities, but otherwise it is one of the coldest, continually inhabited places in the world.
Khardungla Pass
Khardungla Pass is a gateway to the Nubra and Shyok valleys. It is one of the most visited places for adventure junkies and the highest motorable road in the world. What’s interesting is that this Pass is the only way to deliver supplies to the Siachen Glacier and is maintained by the Border Roads Organisation.
Nubra Valley
In the north-eastern part of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is a tri-armed valley with sand dunes. This valley is home to a number of gorgeous lakes, like the Pangong Tso Lake, Tsomoriri Lake, Tso kar Lake, and Yarab Tso Lake. Pangong Tso lake is the same lake where Kareena Kapoor Khan had confessed her love for Aamir Khan in the movie 3 idiots.
Tso Moriri Lake
Tso Moriri is the largest high-altitude lake in India and is fed by snow water. Two major streams pour into the lake, one from the north and another from the south-west. Along the Yarab Tso Lake lies the Sumur village.
Monasteries
There are a few monasteries in Ladakh where you can lodge for the night in the company of monks. The Lamauru, Thiksey or Hemis Monastery are some of the biggest monasteries in Ladakh, and have proper arrangements for travellers. Get a closer look at the minimalist life led by the Lamas and their disciplined routine.
Turtuk Village
The Turtuk Village is one of the lesser-explored villages of Ladakh near the Indo-Pakistan border. This village is one of the many small fragments of the Silk Route and completely unspoiled by commercial tourism. – By Rajashree Mouli Roy