Leh'd Forever... :)

Julley!!! ( pronounced Ju-leyy)

You might be in midst of exploring some of the countless palaces or monasteries or trekking somewhere in the wilderness or enjoying a solitary walk in the lanes of some village, and suddenly you will find yourself being greeted by the musical sound of this traditional ladakhi welcome greeting by a perfect stranger, followed by an irresistible heart warming smile, which in an instant will have touched and won your heart and you will no longer feel like a stranger in some distant land. 

For 8 days, disconnected from the rest of the world 9 people wandered around the lanes of Srinagar and the valleys of Ladakh.The experience included trekking the valley's of Kashmir, exploring villages of Leh and in the the process discovering hidden gems of beauties, enjoying random encounters and conversations with locals and travelers, feeling stunned by the vast enormity and diversity of this treasure trove of landscapes.
 

 The land of Ladakh is situated in the shadow area of the Himalayan Mountains in the beautiful state of Jammu and Kashmir. Ladakh is fondly known as the cold desert. The main attractions of the Leh Ladakh tour are its snow kissed peaks and panoramic views which act as the captivating factor for myriad tourists each year.Leh which is the capital of Ladakh is located at an altitude of 11,500 feet above the level of the sea. The region is surrounded by the alpine desert and beautiful landscapes.The imposing bewitching beauty of the region certainly offers a feast for the eyes. The presence of the Himalayan Mountains in the backdrop which are snow capped truly makes the sight worth appreciating.The entire region of Leh and Ladakh is all about the breathtaking landscapes, presence of beautiful green oasis and a lot of places which have a scenic significance. The quaint hamlets and monasteries are a common phenomenon in this region. While strolling through the various locations in the region, one can find a perfect blend of flora and fauna.

We rarely spend long enough in any place on our travels. Without the luxury of  being able to take an indefinite trip, our itineraries inevitably involve plenty of compromise and the list of places in a country we’d like to visit has to be ruthlessly cut down to fit the limited time allowed. However much we have enjoyed our visit I know that when we’re planning that next trip, the very fact that we have been to a place before will be held massively against it.So no matter which place, it is the company of these 8 beings that I most eagerly look forward to. Apart from being surrounded by beautiful landscape it was those "inside" jokes, pathetic jokes, crackling one-liner's, the never ending teasing, the photography mania, the singing, the braying and not to miss "The dumb charade's" that made this trip an unforgettable experience! :)
 

Before I sign off, here are all the funny "BRO" (Border Road Organization) road signs that we came across throughout our journey :D :
-Peep Peep...Don't Sleep
-More you speed...More you skid
-Drive like hell...You will be there
-If Married...Divorce Speed
-Be soft on my curves
-Lower your gear...Curve is near
-Drive,don't fly
-Hurry makes worry
-Be Mr.Late that Late Mr.
-This is highway, not runway
-Fast won't last
-Alert today...Alive tomorrow
-All will wait...Better be late