Ladakh Escape: Mountains, Moonland and Magical Blue.
Updated: 1 day ago
Some places leave you with photographs. Others leave you with memories that are difficult to put into words. Ladakh, for me, was both.
My journey began with an unexpected detour. I had planned to visit in September 2025, but heavy rains and bad weather led to two consecutive flight cancellations. Disappointed, I returned to Bangalore.
But I wasn't giving up on Ladakh. I rescheduled my trip for a few weeks later, and this time, I finally made it!
It was a reminder that travelling to the mountains sometimes requires a little patience — and room in your plans for the unexpected.
A little tip if you're planning Ladakh: Flights to Leh can be disrupted by mountain weather. Keep some flexibility in your travel dates, particularly if you have onward connections. A buffer day or two can save you a lot of stress.
Leh: A welcome I can't quite put into words.
The moment I landed in Leh, my heart felt full. Mountains surrounded the airstrip, the air felt pure, and my joy was quite simply out of bounds! It's difficult to explain that feeling to someone who hasn't experienced it.
Instead of staying in the city, I headed to Nimmu House, a restored 100-year-old heritage estate, a little away from the bustle of Leh. Nimmu House was just lovely. As you enter, there's a cattle shed with cows, and the old house has low ceilings, little nooks and corners, and beautiful details that give it so much character. My room was a tent tucked in the backyard.
Lunch that afternoon was set in an outdoor restaurant, trees all around, the afternoon sun filtering through, and a tiny stream flowing alongside. A warm beet soup on that chilly afternoon, followed by a delicious meal — it was the perfect start to my trip. Later, I joined a yoga session in the house's old family hall, a space traditionally used for prayer and meditation. It was the kind of arrival I would recommend to anyone who doesn't want to rush straight into sightseeing.
A thought for your itinerary: Consider beginning your Ladakh trip with time to rest and acclimatise in Leh. The altitude is significant, and allowing your body to adjust is important before planning strenuous activities.
Small discoveries along the way.
Over the following days, I moved between different stays, each offering a different perspective on Ladakh.
At The Indus River Camp, my room overlooked the river, with mountains filling the background. It looked like a painting. I spent the evening wandering through Leh market, shopping for pashmina shawls and stopping at a café to watch the world go by. It was a simple evening, but one I enjoyed.
Another day took me towards Lamayuru, often called Moon Land for its unusual, rugged terrain. The drive itself was an experience, with mountains rising above the river valley. The monastery, perched high above the village, offered beautiful views and I could see the strange, crater-like landscape that gives Moon Land its name.
But one of my most memorable stops that day was at the Likir village, where I visited the Likir Pottery & Farmstay. The hosts welcomed me with a home-cooked meal of rice, dal and greens (grown in their garden). Afterwards, I tried my hand at pottery and learnt about the traditional techniques passed down through generations.
I found myself fascinated by the connection between the craft and the land — even the clay was distinctive to the region. It's experiences like these that make me believe a journey is as much about the people and traditions you encounter as the landscapes you travel through.
Worth considering: If you enjoy local culture and hands-on experiences, leave space in your itinerary for village visits, workshops and home-cooked meals.
The road to Pangong.
Pangong Lake was the part of my trip I had been looking forward to most.
The drive from Leh was extraordinary. Rugged mountains, snow-capped peaks in the distance, open plains, monasteries, prayer flags, beds of autumn-coloured vegetation and stretches of landscape that seemed to change around every bend. I even spotted wildlife along the way. I stopped often for photographs, although none quite captured what I was seeing. Crossing Chang La, one of the high mountain passes on the route, was an experience in itself. And then came Pangong.
On a map, the lake had looked relatively small. Standing beside it was another matter entirely. The water stretched into the distance, shifting shades of blue beneath the sunlight and mountain shadows. Around it, the bare mountains created a stark contrast that made the whole scene feel almost unreal.
The cold was biting, but I didn't want to leave. I stayed overnight at a hotel overlooking the lake. Later, when the skies cleared, I got lucky enough to see the Milky Way. Imagine that — standing beneath a sky like that, with so little around you. Of course, the night wasn't entirely magical - the altitude and low oxygen levels left me restless and made sleeping difficult that night. That experience was a reminder that the most spectacular places can also be physically demanding.
Before planning an overnight stay: Pangong’s high altitude and cold temperatures can be challenging, so plan your acclimatisation carefully and seek medical advice about altitude risks before travelling. Don't treat an overnight stay as a must-do if your body isn't adjusting well.
A morning I'll carry with me.
One of my favourite experiences came the following morning, when I set out on a half-day trek with Lotus, my local guide. We followed a mountain path, crossing streams along the way.
The water was so cold that it felt like icicles piercing my skin every time I stepped in. But we kept going and the effort was worth it. At the end, the landscape opened into a beautiful expanse of mountains and valleys, with nothing around us but nature.
The hotel had arranged a breakfast picnic for us, after which we spent a little time meditating. It was a lovely way to pause, take in the surroundings and let the experience sink in. I remember feeling grateful and humbled just being there. It was one of the most beautiful moments of the trip.
A quiet end to a beautiful journey
That evening, I took a walk near the river and settled into a cane chair on the riverbed. There was a fire pit nearby, and I remember thinking how perfect a bonfire would have been. The skies were clear, the stars were out, and everything felt peaceful. It's a sight you rarely get to enjoy in a big city, and I sat there taking it all in.
It was a lovely way to end my Ladakh trip.
ESCAPE EDITS • TRAVEL NOTES
Planning your Ladakh escape?
A few recommendations from our journey.
Escape Edits suggested itinerary:6 nights | A relaxed Ladakh journey
For a different experience, head from Leh to Nubra Valley, via the famous Khardung La (Pass), and spend time exploring sand dunes in Hunder, ancient monasteries and natural hot springs. Adjust the route and pace to suit your travel dates, acclimatisation needs and road conditions. | Escape Edits Hotel picks:
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