From the moment I set foot in Leh, a historic town in the Ladakh region of India, It was as if the mountains whispered their ancient secrets, welcoming me to embark on this adventure like no other. Eager to heed their call, I allowed myself exploring the town for a few days and had their local cuisine, alongwith taking necessary time to acclimate to the high altitude before setting off towards kargil.
As I gazed upon the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, nestled in the small village of Manganji, just 25 kilometers away from Kargil, my curiosity was piqued. Entering to this holy place, the worshippers graciously guided me. As I sat, one of them began to narrate the miraculous origins of the Gurudwara. According to legend, Guru Nanak, the revered founder of the Sikh religion, had been passing through the area when a local demon, angered by the Guru's peaceful teachings, hurled a massive boulder at him. Astonishingly, the rock softened upon touching the Guru's body, leaving him unharmed. Inspired by the incident, Guru Nanak chose to stay in the area, spreading his message of love and compassion. The Gurudwara Pathar Sahib remains a testament to the power of faith and the triumph of good over evil,. It was truly awe-inspiring to be standing in a place where such a remarkable event had taken place.
The next stop was Zanskar, a tributary of the Indus River that flows through a dramatic gorge known as the Zanskar Gorge. Fascinated by its beauty, I delved deeper into my research, I came across a tale that traced its origins back to the ancient Padma Purana.
According to Padma Purana, which recounts the 'legend of the Zanskar River's creation' by the divine powers of Lord Vishnu. It is said that a demon named Jalodbhava had captured the holy waters of the river, preventing them from flowing freely. To release the waters, Lord Vishnu took the form of a fierce warrior, Vajrabhairava, and battled the demon for several days. Finally, with a swift blow of his thunderbolt, Vajrabhairava struck the demon on his head, shattering his body into many pieces. The force of the blow caused the holy waters to burst forth from the earth, creating the mighty Zanskar River.
From Leh, I traveled to Khardungla, which is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas towered over the barren desert landscape. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of the landscape spread out before me. When my shoe could not keep up a good grip to the melting snow I stay back and decided to chat with the guides who were enjoying their tea.
What comes next while conversing, they narrated that there was a mythical creature, Snow Leopard that lives in the mountains surrounding Khardungla, who protects the mountains and the wildlife, and they consider it to be a sacred animal.
After descending from Khardung La, I made my way through the Nubra Valley, a place of stunning natural beauty and cultural significance. The valley is home to the ancient Diskit Monastery, which dates back to the 14th century and is known for its giant statue of Maitreya Buddha. I also had the chance to visit the nearby Hunder sand dunes, a unique experience with the youngest band of little rock stars that I'll never forget. I stayed in a well equipped camp.
At night, during bonfire, I couldn't help but notice the guy who was handling the flaming wood with his bare hands, seemingly unaffected by the heat. When I asked him about it, he simply smiled and said that he was used to it. He had been working in the harsh mountain conditions for years and had developed a resilience to the cold and the heat. Further, he told me that he and his tribe stay in the camp for half of the year, earning their livelihood by catering to tourists and travellers who visit here. And when the winter months approach and the cold becomes too severe, they return to the town of Leh for a few months before returning to the camp again.
One of the most interesting stories I heard was about the “origin of the Nubra Valley”. The valley was created by a giant who dug the land with his bare hands to create a new home for himself. The giant then invited other creatures to come and live in the valley, which is why the region is known for its diverse flora and fauna. Even though it's hard to believe but Indeed, it’s a tale!
In the morning, the winding road ahead promised new adventures and experiences. I was on my way to Pangong Tso, and I was eager to see what stories and legends awaited me there. The journey was a bit challenging due to the steep inclines and narrow roads, but the breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys made it all worth it.
Finally, I arrived at Pangong Tso, the lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, which reflect the surrounding mountains and create a breathtakingly beautiful view. While staying in a cabin, I enjoyed the mesmerizing view and the epic tales that keep me warm and filled my heart with wonder.
In the enchanted realm of Pangong Tso, a legendary creature once roamed the mountains. The 'dragon horse' was said to possess mystical powers that allowed it to control the weather, bringing forth rain and snow as needed to nourish the land. But one fateful day, a group of hunters, blinded by greed and envy, slew the dragon horse, unleashing a great drought upon the land. Realizing their folly, the people of the region erected a shrine in honor of the dragon horse, and through their prayers and offerings, the magic of the dragon horse was gradually restored, bringing back the rain and snow to the land. And so, the dragon horse became a symbol of hope and renewal, reminding the people of the power of magic and the importance of protecting the natural world.
Another local legend from the region is the 'story of the Yeti', a creature that is said to dwell among the high peaks, a massive, shaggy creature with a visage both fearsome and familiar. Some believe the Yeti to be a guardian of the mountains and all who call them home, while others tremble at the mere thought of encountering it.
The magic of the Yeti has captured the imagination of adventurers and seekers for generations, and none more so than the intrepid mountaineer, Eric Shipton. In 1951, Shipton discovered a set of human-like footprints on the Menlung Glacier in Nepal, sparking a renewed fascination with the elusive creature. Though the authenticity of the footprints has been called into question by skeptics, the legend of the Yeti endures, a testament to the enduring power of magic and myth.
Reflecting on my journey through Ladakh's legends and landscapes, I am struck by the deep connection that the people of this region have with the natural world. Through their stories and legends, they have created a rich tapestry of cultural heritage that reflects their love and respect for the land and its beauty. As I leave Pangong Tso behind and make my way back to Leh through chang La, I carry with me the memories of this incredible journey and the stories that I heard along the way. Indeed the weather was freezing cold, but the lively tales from the timeless origin kept my heart warm and enliven my spirit.
You have snapped beautiful pictures!
❤️