Why I fall for Ladakh?

My cottage in Nubra

The Gurudwara

  Love what you do: What can be more exciting than knowing strangers along with their culture, family, food and lifestyle?Doesn’t it give you a new direction to think and live? I always believe, “One should go to the people and the places that set a spark in one's soul”. And as for my happiness, I was in the midst of Ladakhis. The people of Ladakh are simple, humble and hospitable. More importantly, they are hard-working. They are susceptible to the adverse climatic conditions and hence, lead their life in a peaceful manner. Out of all I met, Rizin Palmoh is someone whom I liked the most. I met her in my hotel garden. Her smile was so approachable that I instantly got attracted towards her. On being asked, she narrated her story as thus:   “Today being a Sunday, I work as a gardener. All other days of the week, I work in the handloom factory weaving mats and blankets. I treat each and every work equally, none of the them is superior or inferior. I come from a long distance but since I love my work I am always ready to go wherever I am supposed to. I am a divorcee and now I stay with my brother’s family. Being with my brother’s kids fills me with joy and they complete me.”  

Meet Rizin

  She had wanted to take me along the next day to the handloom factory but I couldn’t accompany her as I had other plans for my next day. However meeting her felt like an accomplishment and I got to know that Ladakhi women finds their happiness in whatever they do, no matter what. That’s a great message by the end of the day, isn't it?   Atithi Devo Bhava (Guests are God): The Ladakhis are arguably one of the best communities in the world which one can come across are the people of Ladakh. Even if they don't have any place to sit comfortably or have rich food to offer, still they will ensure that their guests should get the best. On my way to Nubra Valley, our vehicle stopped opposite to a meadow, a small nest was nestled in this beautiful stretch.My co-passengers got down and went ahead praising the beauty of immense surroundings, however my eyes got hooked onto the entrance of a small withered tent. I quietly walked towards it and found the presence of a family. A man, his sister and his wife were indulged in the processing of buttermilk or “Lassi” made of Yak’s milk. The moment the man saw me, his excited heart broke every foreign bond between us.  

The family

 

  The man welcomed me with his friendly gesture and asked to enter his little abode. He introduced his sister sitting outside, enjoying the warmth of the Sun while his wife was busy preparing fresh butter and buttermilk. The man was so kind that he even gave me a bowl filled with buttermilk to drink. It was savory, a bit tangy and of course, fresh and tasty. It is very healthy indeed! I had two bowls on his insistence however controlled myself for the third helping. He told me that they use to come from their village and milk the yaks. Once it's done, they use to leave them for grazing. Then they prepare buttermilk and butter till evening and leave before it gets too dark. He showed me the butter which was as soft as cotton and was so pure. I called my co-travelers too and everyone enjoyed the buttermilk.  

The Buttermilk

  Being offered, they refused to take any money but finally they were forced to take a minimal amount. I felt blessed to meet them and thankful for giving me this experience. It made me remember, “Gratitude is a twofold love-one coming to visit us and another running us to greet a welcome guest.   Surviving the culture: 150km North from Leh town situated the Nubra valley, famous for white sand dunes. Double Hump Camel Ride is available in Nubra valley. I found some small tents laid next to the road from which my ears were able to identify sounds of drumbeats and trumpet coming in.We stopped at one of those tents where beautiful ladies clad in their traditional attire welcomed us. We were soon asked to grab our chairs and within a few seconds, the show started. Beautiful women started showcasing their culture- singing their regional songs and tapping their toes on the creative beats of the drum. Time flew by as we enjoyed five back to back shows. The steps were simple yet unique. Once I exited, there was a lady who insisted me to drape their traditional dress. And here am I….   In the traditional dress

The Musicians

The cultural program

In their traditional dress

Double hump camel ride

  A Healthy Meal: Ladakh is a place of healthy food. Their food generally comprises of flour, meat and lots of vegetables.Their food is not spicy in nature. The chicken or veg dumplings (momos) are available in every small or big restaurants here. You can relish the dish on its every bite and to its last bite.  

Have a bite of chicken momo

The Tibetian Kitchen

  Ladakh basically observes low temperature throughout the year and hence its Thukpa is always in high demand. Thukpa, which I prefer to call as “soupy noodles”, is a dish that has the capacity to stuff your stomach for hours. One can either order veg-thukpa or chicken/mutton thukpa. The hot thukpa gives you the instant kick in that cold weather. Do stop by the Chang La Pass to have a hot bowl of Thukpa.  

Sweet of Ladakh-Khupekhara, available in small grocery shops

Mutton Thukpa

Mutton Timok

Apricot

  Timok is almost similar to Thukpa, however served with round balls of bread. It is a complete food, I must say. Since I ordered mutton timok, my bowl was filled with tiny numerous mutton pieces and noodles. Visit New Friends restaurant (in Leh Market) to have the best Timok in town.Their food is non- spicy and healthy. Come to this place to enjoy hot Momos, timok, thukpa, Mutton Shabagleb and lot more.  

Veg thukpa, comprises of mushrooms and veggies

  Mutton Shabagleb, a flat bread which resembles a thick pizza stuffed with minced mutton and chopped onions. To have a bite of Mutton Shabagleb, drop in to the Tibetan Kitchen in Leh Market.  

Mutton Shabagleb

The simple food-Rice,pulses,mustard leaves with carrots and curd

Onion Pakodas with Kahwah

 

Religious: The inhabitants of Ladakh are not only religious but also spiritual. They worship their Gods and Gurus and diligently follow them. One can see of the idols of their Gods and Goddesses in every palaces and Stupas that Ladakh has to offer. Ladakh celebrate yearly festivals too. Hemis festival is one of their biggest. To know more about Hemis festival, you can visit: Hemis link: http://www.bananivista.com/more/hemis-festival-the-kumbh-mela-of-himalayas/

 

Tibetan Jewelery

 

Truly, Ladakh has given me a memory for a lifetime. To offer yourself the best of your life, do make a trip to the land of Lamas-Ladakh. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”.