Ladakh - a road to ‘re-discovery’
Vineet Rajan is an avid traveller and Co-founder of ScoutMyTrip, an all inclusive experiential subscription based trip planner. Through this platform, the traveller can experience local food suggestions, local activities to experience amongst other things, all of which is generally missed out while planning a trip. Vineet had previously co-founded IndiBlogger, the largest blogging network of Indian bloggers in the world. He is an avid biker and road tripper. ScoutMyTrip won the National Entrepreneurship Award 2019 conferred by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship – Govt. of India. He takes us on a trip through Ladakh and why a trip to this mountainous Trans-Himalayan region has been about self realisation to him
Corporate Citizen: Which is your favourite holiday destination?
It would be Ladakh. I’ve been there three times, and each time there has been a different experience. While most people might go for the scenic value, I personally go there to discover something new about myself. It’s always been a road to ‘re-discovery’.
CC: When did you visit last?
I was there in June 2019 with two other cars. I was leading the convoy with 12 people and a kid.
CC: What do you like about the place?
For me, Ladakh has been about self realisation. And that comes from driving or riding here, which is a challenge in its own way. You meet people, experience new cuisines, and learn so much about the way of life of the locals. Ladakh as a region, is not quick to reach by road. I wouldn’t call it tough but it has its challenges due to the height and oxygen levels and something a road tripper would like to do. It’s always part of a bucket list. So, the first thing I like about the place would be the drive.
Second, Ladakh gives every Indian a very firsthand view of how the Indian Army protects its borders. There are numerous war memorials of which three are very significant Kargil War Memoral, Zozi La War Memorial, Hall of Fame and Rezang La War Memorial. It is a very moving experience for every Indian to know about how much sacrifice the brave soldiers make for the country.
Lastly, the cold. I love winters. I grew up in north India most of my childhood and I’ve seen harsh winters. Living in Mumbai, I miss the cold and winters. Ladakh gives me the right amount of cold for the year to bring out the woollens and enjoy the chilly air.
CC: Tell us the highlights of the destination, what do you recommend to see and do?
In Ladakh, I would recommend three places for people to not miss.
Turtuk: Turtuk is a less known hamlet, flanked by Nubra on one side and Baltistan on the other and lies along the shores of Shyok River. This little settlement with just over 4000 people is the last northern most village prior to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Turtuk was part of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir up until 1971, and it was finally made part of India. Turtuk is a must visit place when in Ladakh because no other place can inculcate appreciation of stillness in time and beauty of living. To truly understand how harsh living conditions can shape the most humane people, this is on top of the list.
Tso Moriri: Tso Moriri lake in the Changthang region of Ladakh is one of the most beautiful, calm, and sacred (for Ladakhis) high altitude lakes in India. While most travellers head to Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri is a haven for bird lovers and fairly less crowded. It is the largest high altitude lake in India that is entirely in Indian territory.
Hanle: Hanle is one of the most beautiful, enchanting, calm and soul stirring places in India. It has a lovely monastery offering some great aerial views of the whole village that is a home of about 1000 people. Hanle also houses an Indian Astronomical Observatory, which is one of the world’s highest observatories in the world at a staggering height of 4500 metres. It is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru and currently, it is the second highest optical observatory in the world, with an installed telescope of about 2.01 metres (6.5 feet) diameter. Please keep in mind that this is a very sensitive area
"For me, Ladakh has been about self realisation. And that comes from driving or riding here, which is a challenge in its own way"
Vineet RanjanCC: Restaurants you like to visit?
The Grand Wazwan They serve very authentic Kashmiri Wazwan. It’s an experience to dine here. La Piazzetta I wouldn’t go by the name. Yes, they have pizzas too, but the local cuisine is very good and they open till late and have music too.
CC: Which are the good hotels to stay in there? Your favourite?
While I am not a luxury traveller, I recommend travellers to spend a bit more for a stay in Leh because most of Ladakh the stays are in tents and this can offer some comfort to recharge tired bones. My favourite ones are, Hotel Royal Palace; Ladakh Residency; Hotel Ladakh Palace and The Grand Dragon.
CC: Three tips for fellow travellers?
1. Carry a medical kit. Also, carry a small bottle of mustard oil, which can be used for nose. It’s very dry and dusty and this keeps the nose from bleeding, which is a common issue. A lot of locals employ this technique.
2: Drink lots of water, and don’t cover both ears and nose at the same for long durations.
3: It is easy to be tempted with tour packages that claim that you can complete your Ladakh visit in five days or sometimes even four days. These are traps, because the human body needs at least two days at high altitudes to adjust to lesser oxygen levels. So, one should plan for at least 7-8 days when flying into Leh with two days only for the acclimatisation process.
CC: According to you, how can that destination be improved?
There can be more restroom cubicles or hygienic toilets made available throughout. In fact, a higher amount of environment fee can also be charged towards the upkeep of the place.
CC: What can other destinations learn from that place?
Despite all the tourists pouring in season after season, Ladakh still remains clean, not overcrowded and the people are ready to welcome you again. They are warm and friendly.
CC: Any interesting episode of your holiday you can share?
This was in the recent trip in June 2019. There were two instances, which I would like to highlight. One of the members started facing acute mountain sickness (AMS); and I had to drive through the night to ensure he is admitted in the Leh hospital to save his life. He survived the ordeal, but it was one I will never forget.
The second, was when we were stuck in the snow at Baralacha La (a pass on the way to Manali from Leh) for 20 hours. In spite of great discomfort, everyone was cordial and we maintained peace and sanity. We pulled through from here as a team and that is what made us stronger.
CC: What kind of a traveller are you planner or impulsive?
I am a planner. I don’t step out on a trip without planning ever. In fact, that is one of the reasons why I started ScoutMyTrip.com. The entire startup is built around planning a trip; where we connect travellers to local experts, we call Scouts who converse and make solid trip itineraries with all the details. The response has been very encouraging, and we’ve now grown to 150 scouts all over India, Nepal and Bhutan. Since we believe in planning so much, we have also offered a free service through our mobile app where travelers can chat with the in house advisors to figure places and destinations.
CC: What tops your mind when you travel?
Food! There have been many instances where I would have travelled for food alone.