India - Holy City of Amritsar 2013

Amritsar, was founded by the fourth Sikh Spiritual Master, Guru Raam Das, back in the 16th century. Today, Amritsar is an important centre of Sikhism. The holiest site in Amritsar had to be the Harmandir Sahib or more commonly known as the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple was first built in the 1500s and rebuilt many times over the centuries. The Golden Temple was constructed in the middle of a man made pond. ie Sarovar and was built lower than the surrounding area to represent humility. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Sikhs. Nevertheless, people from all walks of life, regardless of religion of creed, are welcome.

India. Ladakh, Pang to Kelong 9 Sept 2013

09 Sept 2013 08.03
Taking the Gata Loop...

India. Lardakh Region. Upshi Village to Taglang la Pass to Pang 2013

Upshi Village

India - Ladakh Region, Moon Landscape at Lamayuru to Nimmoo 2013

As we descend Fotu La Pass, we arrive at the small village of Lamayuru. We are about 120km west of Leh and driving on the Srinagar-Leh Highway / NH1D.
Our surroundings changed and as we enter an area with moon like landscape. This isIndia"s Moonland landscape is what makes the small village of Lamayuru so famous.

India Nimmoo to Leh 2013

Nimmoo to Leh

India - Ladakh Region, Fotula Pass 2013

We left Mulbekh village and continued our drive to Leh. Near Heniskot village, the landscape changed as we continued our climb to 4,100m to reach Fotu La Top, the highest point on the Srinagar-Leh Highway. We are now driving in the Himalayan Zanskar Range.

India - Ladakh Region, Kargil and Mulbekh Village 2013

We left Kargil War Memorial at 10am and continued our drive east on the Srinagar- Leh Highway. We have a distance of 282km to reach Leh but it would be a two day leisurely drive  to Leh. The stretch of road from Kargil to Leh has a lot of interesting sights and unique landscape to take in. We will also be passing through the two highest passes on the Srinagar- Leh Highway, namely the Namika La and the Fotu La. In this post, we will cover the stretch from Dras to the village of Mulbekh in Kargil.

India - Ladakh Region, Mulbekh Village and Namika La Pass 2013

Mulbekh is small quiet village along the Srinagar-Leh Highway and home to a couple of monasteries and a large ancient statue of Maitreya Buddha carved on the face of a rock. 

Approaching Mulbekh Village

India - Kargil War Memorial 2013

Last night, we stayed at the Indian Army Guests Mess having arrived after dark at the Kargil War Memorial. After our breakfast of potato pratha, omelette and tea, we had a look around the viewpoint before leaving the mess to visit Kargil War Memorial again. The surrounding Peaks were the locations of  a fierce fight  between neighbours India and Pakistan with India retaking the nine Mountain Peaks 

Looking out to the Line of Control separating the Indian and Pakistani controlled parts Jammu and

India - Picturesque Sind Valley to Zojila Pass 2013

We left Srinagar at noon, driving on the Srinagar-Leh Highway 140 km east to Dras. We drove leisurely to take in the views of the picturesque Sind Valley and the surrounding Himalayan mountain range to Sonamarg town. After Sonamarg, we continued to chase one snow capped mountain after another, all the while ascending 800m on the windy and narrow road of Zojila Pass to reach the highest point.

We arrive at Dras at 7.45 pm. We were unsure of where to stay the night and decided to continue driving eastward. Less than 10km away, we came across the Kargil War Memorial and decided to have a look around. As luck would have it, an army officer invited us to stay the night at the Indian Army Guest Mess

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Sind Valley

Sind Valley is a 65km stretch from Ganderbal to Zojila. In the narrow valley, the Srinagar Leh Highway hugs the River Sind. The lush greneeries and meadows of Sind Valley is surrounding by snow covered mountain peaks and countless glacier fed streams. The turquoise waters of the River Sind is mostly fed by the melting Machoi Glacier, located south of Zojila Pass.

India - Ladakh Region, from Zojila Pass to Dras 2013

The Region of Ladakh is one of three regions in the State of Jammu Kashmir in Northern India. Ladakh is the largest of the three and is the least inhabitated. Unlike the regions of Jammu and Kashmir where the population are predominantly Muslims, Ladakh has a large population of Tibetan Buddhist. Their culture, architecture and cuisine are very visible across Ladakh. Even the name Ladakh comes from the Tibetan word meaning "land of high passes".

From the highest point on Zojila Pass, we enter Dras Valley and it is a short 40km to Dras Town. Nevertheless, there's a change in the landscape and more amazing views to take in.

India - Srinagar City 2013

The City of Srinagar... the summer capital of Jammu Kashmir region, famous for the Dal Lake, houseboats and the shikaras. Before we have a look around the city, it's time for lunch ... 

Paper dosa, Rajma Pulao (red bean rice), mixed vegetable, aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower), pickles and mango juice.

India - From Amritsar to Srinagar 2013

We left Amritsar and headed for Jammu Kashmir region. We drove on NH54 passing through Gurdaspur and Pathankot before taking NH44 to enter the state of Jammu Kashmir.