High Passes, Thrills, and Chills: Swathi’s Adventurous Ladakh Trip with Her Squad!
When life gets mundane, there’s nothing like hitting the reset button with a good adventure. For me, Ladakh was that escape—a dream destination that I finally ticked off with two of my colleagues-turned-friends.
It all started as a casual “what if” over coffee, and before we knew it, we had booked a group tour package with Thrillophilia. And, what followed was a rollercoaster of laughter, adrenaline, and memories etched forever.
Here’s how our ultimate trip to Ladakh unfolded!
The Touchdown in Leh
Landing in Leh felt like stepping into another world. The sight of snow-draped peaks and the cool, crisp air instantly refreshed us, making us forget all about our long, weary journey.
We spent the first day acclimatising (a huge shoutout to Thrillophilia for their helpful travel tips) and exploring the vibrant Leh Market. We loaded up on souvenirs, from intricately woven shawls to small-cute keychains for friends back home. Not to forget, we also tried a lot of local dishes, Momos, Thukpas, Butter Tea- you name it, we had it on our table!
Stuffed and satisfied, we strolled back to our hotel with excitement for the adventures awaiting us!
Conquering Khardung La
Day two was all about adventure, and Khardung La didn’t disappoint!
At 18,380 feet, standing on one of the world’s highest motorable roads felt unreal. The drive up was a thrill—sharp turns, snowy peaks, and impromptu Bollywood jams in the car.
When we finally got to the top, it was freezing, however, the breathtaking views made every shiver worth it. Acting totally like tourists, we snapped pics with the iconic Khardung La signboard and then warmed ourselves up with steaming hot Maggi.
In my opinion, the highlight of our day was a spontaneous snowball fight that had us laughing so hard we could barely stand. What a day!
Of Sand Dunes & Camel Rides!
If you thought Ladakh was only about mountains, Nubra Valley will surprise you!
The drive to Nubra Valley via the Khardung La Pass was thrilling, to say the least. Navigating one of the world’s highest motorable roads was an adventure in itself. Arriving at Nubra, we were greeted by a unique sight—sand dunes in the middle of towering, snow-capped mountains.
We tried the famous double-humped camel rides, which was both hilarious and exhilarating. My camel, a mischievous animal, kept playfully bumping into my friends’ camels, giving us the perfect comic shots for Instagram. It felt surreal, almost like we were on a desert safari, but in the Himalayas!
Our day ended with a cosy bonfire at our campsite, where we shared stories, sang songs, and enjoyed a traditional Ladakhi meal of Skyu with butter tea. It was one of those moments I’ll treasure forever.
Pangong Lake: Oh! The Showstopper
I agree, I had seen it plenty of times in movies. But trust me, nothing prepares you for the real thing.
Pangong Lake is straight out of a postcard, with its ever-changing shades of blue. When we finally reached, the first glimpse of the lake left us speechless. The lake stretched endlessly against a backdrop of rugged mountains and the surface glimmered now and then as the sun's rays kissed it.
My friends and I spent hours walking along the lake, skipping stones, and just soaking in the serenity. We couldn’t resist recreating scenes from "3 Idiots" near the famous yellow scooter—it was too iconic to miss!
As the night fell, the lake transformed into a celestial wonderland. Wrapped up in blankets on the chilly ground, we gazed at the stars, finding constellations and sharing dreams.
A Cultural Retreat at Stok Village
Our final stop was Stok Village, a charming little hamlet nestled in the mountains. If you really wish to experience the authentic culture of Ladakh then this village is a must-visit for you!
Our tour started by visiting the Stok Monastery and the Stok Palace, where we learned about Ladakh’s royal history. The highlight of our day was when an old couple invited us to their house for lunch. They were extremely welcoming and served us piping hot Tingmos, a delicious steamed bread served with a spicy chutney.
We also had a wholesome tea session where they told us about their lifestyle and how the old guy used to be a local guide. He even told us about a few hidden spots which only a local can tell you about!
The hospitality of the villagers and the simplicity of their life left a deep impression on all of us. It was the perfect way to end our journey on a good note.
Why did Ladakh Steal My Heart?
I believe Ladakh is not just a destination. Instead, I would like to call it an emotion!
It’s a place that challenges you, humbles you, and leaves you in awe of nature’s grandeur. But what made it truly special for me was experiencing it with my closest friends.
Rarely does a trip tick all the boxes—adventure, culture, bonding, and food—but this one did. We laughed until our sides hurt, reflected on life under starlit skies, and created memories that will last a lifetime.
Ladakh, you were everything I dreamed of and more. Until we meet again!
Read more: Thrillophilia Ladakh Reviews