An adventure you didn’t know you needed!
If the Himalayas aren’t on your bucket list, it’s time for a serious rethink! This is the first of three blog posts dedicated to our adventure in the Indian Himalayas, and trust me – it’s some where you didn’t know you needed to go.
Let’s kick things off with a little geography lesson (because honestly, i had to look up where it was at first too). Most people immediately think of Mount Everest in Nepal when they hear “Himalayas,” but this legendary mountain range stretches across Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. India actually claims the largest portion, and that’s where our journey took us – into the rugged, awe-inspiring landscapes of Ladakh.
Now, if you’re picturing pristine, snow-capped peaks straight out of a postcard, think again. The Himalayas are raw, rugged, and untamed. Jagged peaks, endless rock and shale, glaciers, dust, and boulders everywhere – it’s a dramatic, almost otherworldly terrain. If there’s one word to describe it, it’s EPIC. Standing amidst these giant mountains, you can’t help but feel tiny, a stark reminder of nature’s immense power.
Leh, Ladakh: aka The Top of the World
Leh might look like a small town, but with a district population of over 130,000, it’s anything but sleepy. The journey there is part of the adventure – flying from Delhi, you’ll watch as lush green landscapes transform into barren, towering mountains that seem to reach up to meet the plane. At over 3,500m above sea level, the landing is unique – there’s barely any descent, a “u” turn through some mountains and into one of the highest airports in the world.
Altitude sickness? Oh yeah, it’s real. The best strategy? Hydrate and rest for the first 24-48 hours. Jase acclimated in a day; I needed two. But once you adjust, the magic of Leh starts to unfold.
First Impressions: Dust, Donkeys & Damn Good Food
Leh feels like a place time forgot – in the best way possible. Unpaved roads (at least when we went), free-roaming donkeys, an army of street dogs and cats, and dust swirling in the crisp, clean air. Days are warm, nights are cool, and the water is so pure you can drink it straight from the creek (which, let’s be honest, is a game-changer in India!).
Despite its remote vibe, Leh has everything you need – cozy cafes, a handful of supermarkets, and plenty of shops selling hiking gear (in case you forgot something). Even butcher shops. Just not how you and I knwo butcher shops to be, they’re tiny wooden sheds with meat hanging in the open air. Refrigeration? Probably not. But hey, we ate it, and we survived!
Electricity is hit or miss, with frequent blackouts and the hum of generators filling the air. Internet? Let’s just say it’s a nice excuse to unplug for a while. Although that may have changed since we were there.
Our Stay: A Tent on the Roof & The Best Dumplings Ever
Our accommodation? A charming little guesthouse with just eight rooms, nestled among trees and a small creek. The receptionist/housekeeper slept in a tent on the roof – true Indian guesthouse style!
Food in Leh was a highlight. While you could get classic Indian dishes, the real stars were the Nepalese/Tibetan specialties. Chicken momos (dumplings) became our staple – seriously, we ate them with every meal. And the homemade ginger tea? Not just delicious but also great for acclimatization (and preventing nausea at high altitudes).
Khardung La: The Ride of a Lifetime
One of the most famous attractions? Khardung La, once claimed to be the highest motorable pass in the world. Whether or not that’s still true, one thing is certain – the drive up is NOT for the faint of heart. Narrow roads barely wide enough for two vehicles, massive army trucks squeezing past, and sheer 100m cliff drops on one side. Let’s just say, you don’t want to look down!
At the top, you’ll find a tiny shop serving Maggi Masala noodles and chai tea for $2 (at time of our visit). Trust us, those instant noodles taste like gourmet cuisine at 5,359m altitude.
We decided to take it up a notch – literally – by hiring Royal Enfield bikes to ride up Khardung La. With six of us, we got three bikes, including the Royal Enfield Himalayan (which, thankfully, was actually suited for these rocky roads). The traffic was crazy, the roads unpredictable, and at one point, we even dodged a falling rock (seriously).
Army Presence & Border Tensions
Leh is close to both the Pakistan and China borders, making it a heavily militarized zone. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) maintains the roads, constantly repairing damage from landslides and flooding from the daily melting ice. We saw firsthand how entire chunks of road had been washed away. The army is everywhere, but they’re friendly, and as long as you respect the rules (no photos of army bases!), there’s nothing to worry about.
A Spiritual Escape
Beyond the adventure, Leh is deeply spiritual. With ancient monasteries, Buddhist temples, yoga schools, and meditation retreats, it’s the perfect place to disconnect from the chaos of modern life and reconnect with yourself. There’s a peaceful energy here that’s hard to describe – you just have to experience it.
Final Thoughts: Should You Go to Leh?
If you’re looking for a raw, unforgettable adventure – YES. Leh is like stepping into another world, where life slows down, worries fade, and you’re left with nothing but awe-inspiring landscapes and incredible people.
Stay tuned for our next two posts – one about Jase’s insane 222km race and another about our other adventures in Leh.
Follow our journey on Instagram: @thereardonfamily and let’s keep exploring together!