Since morning there has been an excitement in the air. It is the Ladakh Marathon today and how could we not be excited about it, especially when our fellow traveler is participating in the event. We were up very early today to witness the beginning of the run in its full glory. Since our accommodation was right next to Shanti Stupa, which was the flag off area for the run today, we couldn't be more thrilled.
There was a lot of hustle and bustle since early morning, thanks to all participants gathered in Shanti Stupa. To witness such energy in motion, especially when its held in the high altitude area, you really got to be lucky especially if you aren't a participant yourself. Sharp 6 am, the Marathon (42 kms) challenge participants began their run and it truly was high energy and spirit in action. This was shortly followed by half marathon (21 kms) that was equally high in energy. However, the Ladakh run for fun (7 kms) which is open to everyone ranging from students to elders, armed forces and families stationed at Leh and tourists who happen to be in Leh during the marathon time, beat the others. This had the highest energy of all and saw different kind of participants. What moved me most was the girl on the wheels, whose resolute brought so much inexplicable joy to me. Hers was the happiest face that day that's etched in my memory.
With such an energized beginning for the day, what more could you ask for. We walked into the market area for a light breakfast followed by some inquiries for further travel and shopping. By lunch time, we also visited the Ladakh tourism office and gathered additional details. We got to know that Ladakh Food Festival will be held from Sep 23, 2015 to Sep 24, 2015. Well, we will be missing it for sure for by 24th we would be very much in Delhi carrying on with our routine lives. I came across the Monastic Festival Calendar that is posted here for reference. It may come in use for many planning their travels for the next couple of years. I have been told that the Hemis festival amongst all others is grandoise.
Rest of the day we had decided to be spent in Hall of Fame. So down the road from the tourism office we took a shared ride to another market area, from where again we took another shared ride to Hall of Fame. It was almost three when we reached and I had goose bumps all over as we entered the place.
In the Hall of Fame you pass through several rooms demarcated as viewing galleries where you will see photos, arms, provisions, research materials, food supplies and clothes used by our troops around Ladakh. I was mesmerized by the photos especially of our men negotiating the glacial streams, ice caves and living in such high altitude tough weather conditions. We also saw a movie showcasing the strengths, victories, challenges faced by our men around J&K during the wars and other attacks. Kudos to you brave men who stand tall day in and day out.
Post our Hall of Fame visit, we were back in the market. Our eyes caught the attention of the below funny nameboard.This one below said same same but different. Well that is the name of the shop and it had curios that came in all sizes and shapes which were of course all different.
Right opposite this shop was a small hotel which was also renting bikes. It had a collection of vintage bikes as well and this one in red was a stunning hot beauty. We walked up and down this alley and purchased ourselves some fruits, clothes, shawls and lamps as gifts.
This day went way better than expected with us enjoying a wonderful pizza in Ladakh at La Piazzetta. The ambiance and food here is beyond compare. After relishing our dinner we walked our way back to our accommodation. It was a good hike with the only nuisance being that of stray dogs around the corner of Shanti Stupa. These dogs are known for their notorious chases and bites of which we were forewarned. After the first day here, we began carrying sticks for our own safety.
Some useful tips:
1. Best way to explore Leh is by foot. Well the other alternative is to take the shared rides along with locals and fellow tourists.
2. Explore all avenues in the markets for every nook and corner has something on offer for the needy.
3. Food is never a problem here as you find everything right from Dosa to Pizza, so don't worry that you may end up eating only Noodles.
4. Locals are very friendly and offer you suggestions about the happenings around the town so do engage in small talk with the folks you meet on your way.
5. Home stays, hotels and other accommodations are available to suit every type of budget.
6. You will find ATMs in the main markets but some days they just run out of money so be prepared to have enough at the start of your day
No comments:
Post a Comment