DAY 5 – 17th August – Wednesday – Leh Local – Around 140 Kms
Route – Shey - Hemis - Thiksey - Hall of Fame - Leh Palace
So yesterday night we both had a discussion about the plan we made and we decided to spend one extra day in leh as we were not coming back to the city. So today we woke as usual at 10, we were not in mood for breakfast. We decided to visit the places first that we have on our mind and have some food there and than only.
We first went to Shey Palace, It was a very nice experience going and visiting such a historical place. Thje view from the top of the monastery was mind blowing. And the statue of Lord Buddha was stunning. I felt so peace inside the temple area that can’t be described or written. We spent some moments in peace there and after that started with capturing the scenery.
During information gathering on the place we got to know, there is a scared lake in front of Shey Palace. We bought few packets of biscuit from the shop nearby and fed the fishes in the holy lake. It was a very nice experience.
After Shey Palace we went to Hemis, Before entering the monastery we found few children along roadside for some sort of convenience. We asked if they want a lift, but looks like they were too shy to ask for that. Eventually they took lift from us and it was a fun ride. When we reached our common destination, we found we were friends, few pics with them.
When we reached monastery we found lunch time was going on and it will be open after 45 mins. So we utilized that time in capturing the beauty exploring the surroundings, networking with locals and it was fun time doing that. And the time fly by so quickly that we thought it’s only few minutes that we have reched here. By this time the gates of monastery were opened for public. We bought the tickets and went inside the monastery. It is one of the most beautiful and I’ll say biggest monastery I have seen with a very big compound and a very delightful temple area.
After visiting the temple and temple area we visited the museum. It was good to know the history traditions of monks, it was an insight for us on Buddhism.
After this we started our journey towards Thiksey. We reached Thiksey around 3:30. So we quickly had few pics and area exploration and we started our journey back to Leh city because we had Hall of Fame as well on the list. And we decided not to miss that.
We reached hall of fame just in time to see the museum and the beautiful valley, which is seen from the Hall of fame grounds. The museum specially was the most encouraging thing. I was surprised and amused by the collection of the artifacts we had there. And I am really proud of Indian Soldiers and I Bow in front of those who have sacrificed their lives for our mother country.
At the same time it was emotional thing for us by looking at the letter s and pics of soldiers fighting bravely in the battlefield.
When we went in the ground of Hall of Fame, just behing the main complex. It was marvellous site to see. Gives a complete 270 dgree view of mountains around the Leh valley. It is a picture perfect place to be in.
We still had some time left for the evening, so we decided to visit Leh palace. To see the culture and traditions of the Ladakhi people. The fort itself is made up of mud with a marvelous architecture.
We already decided the list of restaurants that we will be visiting throughout the trip. Today was the day for dinner at Tibetan Kitchen, Fort Road Leh. The food was ultimate in taste, quality and quantity. It compleytely filled our appetite for both stomach and souls. Overall we had a yummy dinner at Tibetan kitchen and Thanks to them.
This concludes our day 5, we went back to our hotel for another day in Leh.
To Be Continued ............