The ride from Shirdi to Ahmedabad

The ride from Shirdi to Ahmedabad

With the evening aarti accomplished it was time to head towards Ahmedabad. i was lucky enough to get a bus run by shrinath travels as soon as i stepped outside. From Shirdi the departure was at 7.30 in the evening, nashik coming at 9.30, dhule at 10.30. The halt for meals was at Sakhri at 11.35. This was followed by another halt probably at karzana at shree shiv shakti hotel for tea at 5.40 in the morning. It was vijay singh who was dishing out tea for commuters. And here one can find slew of dogs tied to poles with an intent to secure the surroundings.

Vadodara came at 6 amidst impression of a city that has petit library and students reporting to school as early as 6.30. Broad roads and big gardens dot the landscape. Nadiad came at 7.30 (madhav bagh in nadiad). Few kms away the declaration comes: "you are on national expressway 1". At 7.50 another hoarding said: "welcome to ahmedabad district". Go past mesho river at 7.52 and the bus is in paldi at 8.10. From paldi took a local bus to lal darwaza.

Before reaching the city on the left side a road direction showed Udaipur to be 254 and Delhi 919 km.


Impressions of Ahmedabad

The stay in the city was of one night and two days, coming amidst visits to Gopi food outlet, star pan centre for STD and a cyber cafe on relief road. The lal darwaza and roundabout seem to suggest a commotion that one associates with old areas and this place has a different beat. Here one can find ample display of fruits including apples and a bargaining that can be to your satisfaction. Hail the city and hail the affection.

As i reached Manmad on way to Sai's abode

As i reached Manmad

 

As i reached Manmad just after 10 on a Saturday night, the options before me were split between taking a shared taxi to Sai's abode or wait for a train that would drop me at Kopargaon. The indecisive  phase lasting close to an hour finally led me to settle for a shared taxi ride, coming at 80rs for one passenger. I was amidst a family hailing from Maharashtra and yet  having never secured an opportunity to visit the Sai's abode. The toy machine the vehicle looked to be given the light wrapping it had from all sides, the ride lasted over 90 minutes interspersed with rotational thunder that erupted from cell songs that were being played out. The volume was purely erratic and a fair sense that was hard to locate.

 

It was well after 1 at night i reached Sai's abode in Shirdi, coming face to face with another eruption on lodge fare front which had surpassed all expectations with the minimum starting at 600rs and flexibly upward bound to reach 2500. This was true of those lodges which hovered in the range of 500 to 600rs at the most. Given a public holiday the surge in tariff was still unreasonable and here the absence of monitoring had led to this upheaval of sorts. The tariff that was being quoted actively by some was as clear as :  if i wish to stay from 1.30 to 6 in the morning better settle for 1000 and any stretch lasting to 2 in the afternoon 2500rs was the reigning beat.  An old association with a lodge that was being built in 2009 march-april secured me the lower tariff advantage.

 

With sleep high on my mind, i skipped the morning aarti. Entry to the temple was around nine amidst a rush that was normal by any standards on a  public holiday. Having seen the surging numbers quite often in the past, the sighting did not dilute my confidence and majority of those who made the crowd. It was at a waiting hall , probably three or four, which is the last one before one takes the descent by stairs that we could reach by 11. And from here the wait continued well past the 12 pm aarti followed by clearing of the hall for the swift movement of the crowd behind.  

 

With afternoon aarti prayers said in the hall - this waiting hall has a renewed synergy during the aarti period- the sighting of Sai and the spell came well after 1.30. As always made it a point to approach the right side of the Lord (from his sitting posture it is on the left) and yet could not rest my palm on the platform on which he rests. There was a temporary glass panel that had been put to ensure fast movement of the crowd. The Sai of that day looked to be a bit tired. Perhaps the observation may be not absolutely accurate but the Lord to me looked to be a little tense. Went past the Lord with the belief that the palm resting on the wall outside the aarti hall would be equally effective.

 

The evening aarti was accomplished in the vicinity of the window which is in the samadhi mandir. Post aarti left for Ahmedabad and reached the city the next morning.

 

When in Sai's abode

 

- try to take meals from prasadalaya and a word of praise for the swift handling should be recorded.

- try to approach the lord from the right side and make an early exit as huge numbers are following you.

- try to visit meditation hall in the vicinity of reservation centre.

 

Changes seen this time

 

- all pictures that adorned the walls inside the waiting halls have been done away with including the one that you came across after descending stairs.

-  a new ST bus stand coming up in Shirdi

- the man selling papers seems to have reported sick; the actual paper centre has shifted outside the bus stand.

- new structures are coming up opposite the samadhi mandir probably leading to relocation of water park. What some believe is that in the first place the water park should not have been there given the scarcity of water and power in the area.

- soda water shop opposite the prasadalaya and one should try that

- a slip road that takes you to prasadalaya.

 

As i left the place, the area had scanty rainfall and till yesterday not much change had been seen. All small vendors need to be encouraged and hope they are able to tide over their problems. Small vendors selling guava, kishmish, sai's pictures and other gifts are the heart and soul of Ahmednagar and as long as they are in a functioning mode the sai adherents would have a smooth float.

Lord Venkateshwara bless us all

Lord Venkateshwara bless us all.

Leh is still fresh in my mind and sending postcards that have a renewed shine

Having sent postcards(the ride from New Delhi to Manmad)

Having sent postcards (the ride from New Delhi to Manmad)

Having sent postcards, normally available in post offices, to those with more than a semblance of  purity in their heart, it is time to get back to the ride i took from New Delhi station which has in its parking space ample number of bikes.  The stay in the national capital lasted three weeks, coming at a time when rains on occasions had shown the temerity to shine. About six days ago i left the national capital glow to board a train that was going to Manmard and the adjoining plain.

Popularly known in the popular establishment of railways as Amritsar Dadar Express, the train left at 8.55 in the evening with a degree of stress. Stress emanating as one family objected to those occupying the reserved berths and once asked to do so, the fisticuffs had to naturally burst. Things were managed and those in the plain outfit that is worn on temporary routes could do little as they were outnumbered by those who have the plain outfits as 24X7 shoot. Men from Palwal objected to the way the family head told them to vacate, leading to a period where he came across repeatedly the shouting brigade. Had it not been for an old lady,  things could have gone the way as desired by those willing to be haughty.  Amidst this rancour and few drops of rain, the train and its ride was dutifully recorded:  Kosikalan coming at 11, gwalior at 3.15,  bina at 9, mandi bamore 9.20, ganj basoda 9.45 and vidisha 10.20. In Vidisha as the platform made a declaration of free thanda jal, there was an ad that went like:  "Ignited minds. For sure success join us . Free demo class for 4 days". As those in the coach deliberated and tried to dissect who amongst them were ignited and those who were yet to be knighted, bhopal came at 11, leaving at 11.20 followed by a squeaky clean Habibganj 15 minutes later. Here the tea handed out from a machine on a platform was desirable enough to seek a second cuppa but the movement of the train brought me back amidst those who were least willing to give a thought or two on rain ka adda.

A Hanumangarh resident who had boarded the bus early in the morning to reach New Delhi to take this train rush, the visit to areas adjoining manmad was his second. There were two other jewellery developed entities who seem to relish nothing served in the train that had no pantry. Sonani of Sinnar elaborated on the general ticket he and his accomplice were travelling on and how he proceeded towards a "seating pact" that kept away others from babbling. Occasionally windows had to be brought down given that after four in the morning there was sighting of rains at different intervals.  

Obaidullahganj came at 12.20 pm, bandai at 1.10 (efforts should be made to help the old man underneath the stairs), banapura at 2.25 and Khirkiya at 3.25. Etched on the wall here : golden academy  * spoken english * personality development * calligraphy handwriting.
Surgaon bajari came at 4.05 ( the train does not stop here but it is fairly clean), khandwa at 4.30 (the man at the A H Wheeler stall was politely positioned to send positive bytes), burhanpur at 5.40 and Bhusaval at 7 pm. The halt at Bhusaval was energetic enough to energise me to engage in new rounds of conversation for which few had any hesitation. Soon after Jalgaon came followed by Chalisgaon - bada pau is great here- nandgaon and finally manmad at 10. 


For a fare as fortified as 486, the ride from New Delhi to Manmad had little moments of risk. The train ride was good as it brought the functioning of railways and all those who have the occasional craze to focus and also the areas where it needs to keep a vigil on some who take  undue advantage of those with a general ticket rose.

When i visited Upshi  i could hardly sight anyone making an effort to take vitamin C. Normally found in fruits and vegetables, there were no stores in the vicinity that had this supplement label. During my stay in Leh-Ladakh region, the visit to Leh happenned on three different occasion. The first beginning with a ride from Manali on board a bus where most seem to be in a level of stress. When the bus halted at the border check post, some disappeared for a while to find out about those who had the will and power to be their host. Well few showed the urgency to host them; and after check post formalities were over all they could lay their sight to was on a govt. bus which had shown the will to kick the dust and head for Leh rest.    

We were still occupants of tempo traveller and waiting for the appropriate moment for some inside the four lifted wheel to shed their outfit that made them come across as a gambler. As for the driver he was careful in driving and at no point showed his prowess on bribing. It was past six in the evening and after the  bus had left for Leh we too decided to join the fray. 
During the second visit, halted at  padma namtso restaurant and took tea that would not make me bend. 
The board at Upshi showed: Thiksey 31, Leh 49, Kargil 273, Srinagar 481, Chumathang 88, Loma 153, Hanle 201 kms and here there were no quitters.


A mani prayer wheel next to the border checkpost showed the desire of many to move it in the clockwise direction and become dually wise. The third and the last visit was while on the way from Leh to Manali and in the developing night there was least illumination that one could sight. Perhaps Upshi could see a turnaround in power fortune and by then most would be willing to belt out a praise tune.

The stay in Shimla

The stay in Shimla

The stay in Shimla was for three days. Starting on a Monday night and winding up on a Wednesday with sky yet to be dotted with kites. As for Monday musings nothing could be put on board except checking in the lodge where above the reception desk there seem to a be a watch. One Jagannath Gupta along with others  were eager to help me and show direction from the bus stand and after a debate i decided to go with porters for whom carrying luggage was not much of a hesitation.
Tuesday began with an attempt to clear the bowel and in that energetic push the quantity inhaled led to a different and unexpected toll. Despite this unusual turn of event, i did not miss the opportunity to scan the shops and make a noting about their boss-turned-spouse.
Beginning with Indian coffee House , ICW Co op Society ltd Delhi. Next to the menu board suggestion book is available at cash counter. No smoking area. Smoking here is an offence. And here among those present were some debating the strengths of check dams and water that normally comes in tanks.

In the Mall the sighting went like this
 - HP State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd
- Selected items 50 per cent off
- Natural bakers
- Gift Palace
- 7 colours
- Shehzadi
- Quick passport photo service 1 hr
- Tibetan Refugee Handloom Shop
- HDFC mutual fund
- C Fook Chong Co designer chinese shoes
- New Lite business centre
  We *fax * photostat * type* bind *laminate * cyclostyle  STD ISD PCO on P & T approved rates
- Tata Sky
- Rama & Company Est. 1819 Stationers & Gift items
- Ta-Tung & Co Chinese shoe maker
- Indian bank
- J &K bank
- whiteways dry cleaners
- Dim Sum Chinese Fast Food
- Wake & bake
- Ladies jeans 250 only, gents shirts 250 only
- Photo palace
- Reliance mobile store
- Asia Book House books, stationery, greeting cards
- Bank of India
- Minerva book house
- Krishna traders
- Nikkon - blackberry
- Pacific chemist
- Kashmir Goods Emporium

In the Mall from where a rope barricade begins close to a stationary fire brigade 
- City point
- City travels
- Travel Himdarshan
- Himachal Express
Quite close to this is the bust of Lal Bahadur Shastri.

During the stay in the city had the opportunity to visit Jakhu temple.More than two kms from the ridge, the shared taxi option is there. Only one plies and there is a rush to get in successfully. At the Jakhu hill, the Jakhu temple had two new additions. First the small temple opposite Hanuman temple has a  grandeur structure to its credit; second the all new tall statue of Lord Hanuman which is visible from the Mall.
The rush inside the temple was manageable and the priests were cooperative enough to look after devotees. The return journey was accomplished on foot and up and down trek is possible if one is comfortable with mokeys around.

On the day i left Shimla searched frantically for a green lodge where i stayed in April 2010. Was able to place the previous day, the next day it looked to be quite arduous.     

Shimla to Delhi
Left Shimla old bus stand at 10.05 in the morning. The bus stand has counter 1 to 7. Opposite Counter no 6 the shop is manned by an old man who is helpful enough to part with water despite rampant scarcity. Here at the bus stand efforts should be made to provide water to the taps placed there. Pens in silver and gold colour come for rs5.

As the bus left it went past indian railways wood bank officers guest house.  From a local bus hopped on to a ISBT bus. Left Shimla ISBT bus stand at 11.18. Reached Shoghi at 11.45, Kandaghat at 12.09, Solan at 1.03, Himachal border ends at 3 and reach Pinjore  at 3.12. In Raskiya Bagh area nursery , Pinjore, it has a road reminiscent of Puri.
Reach Chandigarh bus stand sec. 17 at 3.45. Left at 4.25.  At the Cold drinks & Snacks Shoppe the young boy hailing from Shimla at the desk is very polite.This Sec. 17 bus stand is fairly neat and tidy.
At 5.30 reach Jhagah.  Going past Baba Nau Jhagah Peer Sayeed Ibrahim.  Quarter to six go past ambala railway station. Though there are diversions on the way, they end after herbal park (probably ghauraunda).

At 8.20 reach Delhi which in the first ten days had rains barely. As rains make some appearance, there is every likelihood that it won't be of the scale that Mcleodganj and Leh can sense. Even if it comes close to that most would be willing to bat.

The Leh Leverage

The Leh Leverage

The oft-repeated interaction with Leh for a commoner residing further away has been the newspaper repeated setting that conveys air surcharge to Leh and other distant territories. Papers emerging from national capital  carry weather report in as ritual fashion as the air surcharge for terrains not easily accessible by roads. It equally holds true for north-east region. As for papers emerging from centres other than national capital, say somewhere in East India, the Leh air surcharge positioning may be near absent.

With a stay spread over seven days, the Ladakh-Leh region proactively spelt its strengths and sensations. With a near absence of a public transport inside the city, taxis are frequently put to use by tourists from other countries, for domestic tourists, the next best option is to trek. Probably Autos never existed in the past and have no chance of being put to life in future as well. Well the pollution and provocation emanating from this mode of transport may be one of the factors. With city streets spared from autos and buses- buses are operational till the bus stand- the common sight is of most using the pedestrian space. And those not willing to exercise this advantage, the personal transport is as active as in any city. The taxi toast is the common sight that tourists from abroad raise and this has led to as upheaval of sorts as far as tariff goes. For a simple ride from a taxi stand that is adjacent to a shop selling its ware with a declaration "More Junk upstairs" to a point where a shared transport can be accessed for Nubra Valley, the tariff hovers between 70 and 100 rs (the distance is less than two and a half kms).

Frequent sighting is of mineral water of different brands. If possible, one should settle for "Snowdrop" procured from Baramullah. Sold for 15rs, this Baramullah product is 5rs less from other brands.  One should insist for Snowdrop even if some provision stores show reluctance to part with.  

There are three Tibetan Refugee Market in and around Leh. They are Tibetan Refugee market, Nimalung Old Road, Tibetan Refugee Market, Changspa Road and Tibetan Refugee Handicraft Market, Fort Road, near J&K Bank. The three Tibetan markets need to be provided all support it deserves, beginning with sale of bus tickets for short and long routes. Passengers who can't go all the way to the bus stand for booking tickets, they can do the same from counters once opened here with the benefit of getting some discount. Some among these Tibetan markets like the one located on Changspa Road don't see enough numbers the entire day and here some innovations are required. Besides tickets for different modes of transport, a stall serving as a ready reckoner on Tibetan culture and history would too prove fruitful for traffic to pull in.       

For those having fascination for radio cassettes, there aren't many stores that belt out this strength. Karma Video Production for one should be tried. Located near Imperial Bakery, this store could prove handy for those looking for Tibetan and Ladakhi music options. Quite adjacent to this is a store with a rich repertoire of  Ladakhi movies like " Skal- wa" and "Tokshal".  

A visit to Tourist Post Office is advisable if postcards have to be procured. Functioning from a structure inaugurated on Sept 5, 2011, the post office boasts of range of services like speed post, registered post and philatelic material. 

TV-viewing is hardly visible in Leh-Ladakh and that fairly reflects on their desire to live and listen with their strengths.  Paper positioning is also not that strong and some among the residents fuelled with the desire to gain access to news switch to All India Radio. On cell as well the news-gathering exercise is least to say. 

Changspa bridge with a span of 8.0 m could be visited and some moments spent there could be exciting.   

Crossroad restaurant, located in Changspa Road, can easily be accessed and the meals taken here won't leave you in a tale of botheration. Probably it was rice bowl tibetan rest't i frequented for black tea.   
In Hotel Lingzi, Thakur Singh manning the front desk was helpful for the change he arranged for me and adjacent to this hotel the Ladakh Arts Tibetan & Ladakh handicrafts  has a bounty collection of prayer wheels. Priced reasonably, the prayer wheels are a must possession if one has visited Leh.    


There are multiple mini buses which ply between Leh and Manali. Perhaps some of them begin as early as 12.30 am. So a clarity on the mini buses timings and those who wish to leave early could be displayed. Besides mini buses the attempt should be to increase the frequency of govt. buses which for the moment is just one. 


In Super market, tea from city cafe has a flavour of your liking. Stores that define the super market are:

- City Cafe Make your own better, Shop No. 16
- The original palace
- Paljor Phuntsok handicraft centre
- Norbu Horpo Fancy collections
- Fashion Fiesta
- F2 tours & travels
- Himalayan Fancy
- Discover Ladakh

Wazwan planet too serves the tea of your choice and the Broad View lodge next to mahabodhi yoga meditation centre was my first point of stay. The room was large enough to accommodate at least seven beds and amidst this spacious segment three days were spent during which meagre was spent on laundry rent.  
As i secured a postcard from Leh-Ladakh after 14 days of it being posted, the gulf between posting and possessing to preserve showed the rough terrain posts are subjected to and all of them employ the road network. This time round Himis Monastery and Tsomoriri lake could not be visited. Hope to catch on the next time.

Leh was invigorating and spiritually awakening. The Ladakh-Leh beat suggested lodges are in plenty and if you have won the confidence of the residents then one is assured of happiness inventory. People residing there suggested that from May to September the visit is possible, beyond that the roads lose their shine and are preserved for 7-month lull.     
  

The government bus from Dharamsala was handy enough

The government bus from Dharamsala was handy enough

The government bus from Dharamsala proved to be handy enough to undertake the short and yet urgent journey to Mcleodganj. It was perhaps six different bus journeys from Manali split with halts at Kullu, Mandi, Baijnath, Palampur and Dharamsala that led to accessing D'sala late in the evening. Here in D'sala  the option of taking a shared taxi could not be exercised as they cease to operate after 6.30 in the evening due to falling and not traceable traffic.  The stay in Mcleodganj was for two days  As against a seven to eight -day stay in Tapi Road, this time round the reducing options took me to Tashi Khangsar Travel Lodge in Bhagsu road. From lodge after lodge the persuasive efforts to part with a room for two days failed to cut much ice, with most expressing  the non availability due to new flood of tourists in the town.

The stay provided me the opportunity to visit Pancake Hut, Tsongkha restaurant and a visit to a Tibetan Stall storing Tibetan Dress. The Buddhist Temple was another high point with a good understanding with Doreje, working in the Temple Kitchen. The two occasions i visited the Buddhist temple i was amidst a prayer session followed with serving of refreshments. I was told that this temple ritual is special with monks and other followers congregating from different directions. A temple official told me the food/tea itinerary that is followed the entire day. Tea, bread at 7 in the morning followed by mithai, namkeen at 9 , elaborate spread of rice, dal and vegetables at 11.30 and rounding this again with special tea affection displayed at 1, 3 and 5 pm. Monday was the day i left Mcleodganj with no certainty on when i would be able to visit the sacred centre again. What i missed was the Tibetan dress that i had procured at some point and having lost the attempt to secure another one was not successful given the markets that remain largely closed on Mondays.
 

Mcleodganj to Shimla
   
Left Mcleodganj at 10.46 in the morning, with the board showing Shimla 278 kms away. From Dharamsala the bus departed at 12 followed by Gaggal at 12.25. Reached Kangra bus stand at 12.45. Better known for  24 hrs parantha house, the Kangra stand has more than 20 bus platforms.  The ride from Kangra to Jwalamukhi lasted seventy five minutes with the latter coming at 2.15. Few kms from here Nadaun area begins and soon after you come across Tillu Cricket stadium. From Nadaun, Hamirpur is shown to be 28kms. On way came across a board "photostat, exam result printout here. "
Further on way is Manpaul, Deosidh, Sukrala bridge with no sighting of water. Reached Hamirpur at 3.15. Here the man selling apple drink among other daily necessities from a store behind our bus seem to be in a disturbed frame of mind. Perhaps not content with the salary or ownership comfort not diluting his concerns. A change in the outlook towards life could bring him cheers.

Reached Mair at 4.30 followed by road breaking out for 100-odd metres with Ghumarwin coming at 5.10. In Ghumarwin, there is vaishno dhaba and no problem dhaba. And between them is a fruit vendor whose bananas are the sweetest. Reached Bilaspur bus stand  at 5.55 - some effort needs to be made for its upkeep-  and left the same at 6.25. Reached Brahmapukhar at 7 and from here shimla is shown to be 71 kms. Reached Namhol at 7.25.  For meals the halt is at Jagdamba rest't. At 9.05 the board shows Shimla 33 and Kalpa 276. In fact from 9 onwards the fog begins and when shimla is between 33 and 20 kms, there is a dense fog with interruptions. When Shimla is 20kms, the fog is dense and continuos. Finally reached Shimla bus stand at 10.25.
The road from Mcleodganj to shimla is fairly smooth with fewer irritations. And if halts are not taken into account, the ride between two places can be completed under eight hours. A smooth road with a smooth coat.

The Leh Advantage

Reports in a section of press on national capital autos

According to a report appearing in a section of press in the National Capital, largely defined by Delhi and its daily infrastructure battle, those running autos and those wishing to run them in future have expressed their desire to revise the auto fare. Autowallahs and those possessing the qualities to become one are unified in their demand that autos are true inheritors of progression and any attempt to lessen their sensation would truly find due coverage apart from those agitating against corruption.

Autos are the true illustrators as far as inflationary tendencies are concerned. And they don't wish to miss this opportunity to seek a hike when the multiple jump they secured from 10 to 19 last time was not something as bright. They seek a revision, starting from 30rs sensation and each travel leaving them richer by at least three digit assimilation. Autos are a potential voting block and here if their demands are not met they can reset the authorities clock. Hail the autos of National Capital and subject yourself to their babble.

If author of auto hike has not been enough, free mobiles for those with a tag of BPL suggests the eventual triumph of IPL and the accompanying turf. BPL families had this long running grouse that they could not keep themselves updated with IPL score and eventually had to seek their employers mobiles which never lost roar. 

Having reached Manali from Leh

 Having reached Manali from Leh

Having reached Manali from Leh, the thought that i should have settled for a government bus kept coming to me. The govt bus from either side (manali to leh or leh to manali) take approximately the same time with the fare standing at 670rs. Though they may not be driving at breakneck speed but they are cautious and don't halt unnecessarily for long at different points. One should be careful enough to take the ticket as experience suggests that some of those who board the bus with bicycles which they find as a source of stress don't take receipt for either as they take the conductor as a figure who is no less than their restored brother.  

Coming to Manali and its meteoric rise, the last time i stayed here in a lodge everywhere and everything seem to be in a state of watch. The lodge was comfortable with the one mopping the floor was someone who did not happen to be a hotel gem. Out and out outsider, the queries from him the second day were on the occupations that some did not find as sensations. Repeatedly banging on the door and repeatedly screaming was his forte and even expressing his displeasure seem to suggest he had a tooth ache. Left the hotel room eight hours before the mini bus was to depart and here this time i made it a point to stay in a lodge where few could barge. As for the previous hotelwallah residing near state electricity board, the man was a disciplined soul and i suggested to him that the man who had come to receive me at the bus stand  would be lucky for him and he should always keep him in good humour. This hotelwallah has had the opportunity to visit Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. Though he may have had compulsions but the food in the hotel was a bit on a higher side.

This time round in Manali to figure out the buses that would take me to Dharamsala Mcleodganj, the information coming from Enquiry counter was the morning bus is at 8.18 in the morning. When i reached the Manali bus terminal the next day, the renewed information suggested that morning 8.18 bus had been discontinued. Better to take a bus on which posts were to be loaded. Instead of waiting for that i took a private one for Kullu at 8.11. Going past HP Power Corporation Ltd and Sambhota Tibetan school. Before reaching Patli Kuhal, apples could be sighted in plenty. After securing jaggery left Kullu at 10.14 in a  government bus for Mandi. Bhuntar - apples galore here too - came at 10.50 and from here Mandi was 58 km. Sanj hydroelectric project comes on the way.
Kullu to Mandi is 65kms and one prominent landmark on the way is OUT  Tunnel, 3.25 km long.
Left Mandi  at 12.54, going past Dungru, Kunnu, Padhra and Gummu. Between Padhra and Gummu elephant-sighting is possible. On NH 154 about 10 kms from  jogindersingh bus stand i sight  N S Himalayan Sen Secondary School bus. 
On way at 1350 height is a paragliding site followed by Edg railway station, perhaps the first in the entire stretch.  Late afternoon gives the chance to visit Baijnath temple which has entrance from two sides.  

Baijnath Paiprola railway station too comes on the way  with palampur coming at 5.30 and Mcleodganj at 9.30.
The Total distance from manali to mcleodganj is 242 kms(appx):  manali to kullu 35, kullu to mandi 65, mandi to palampur 97 and  palampur to mcleodganj 40+.

Left Leh for Manali at 2.16 am

Left Leh for Manali at 2.16 am


After a stay of over seven days, coming with a two-day halt at Disket and innumerable rounds to Gonpa Soma, it was time to leave Leh.. Made inquiries about flights originating from Leh. Fairly expensive as the one heading towards Jammu came for 8000rs plus. Finally settled for tempo traveller ride. With a power cut that seem to suggest a perennial issue, around 11.30 in the night i decided to head towards the tempo traveller stand. It is the ATM structure and its roundabout that serves as the halting point.

Hours spent there showed the prowess of stray dogs who assembled and dispersed every five minutes. Three South Koreans too came to tempo traveller stand to take the mini bus. The waiting period saw them study the behaviour of dogs and boast of having studied and probably reared them. Their behaviour suggested they were more in comfort zone when they invited dogs to their side and the moment the dogs dispersed they looked for ways to incite them. Amidst this just before one in the night the first tempo traveller came. And in a space of one hour not less than 10 mini buses left Leh.     

Left Leh at 2.16, with Karu coming at 2.53 and Upshi at 3.09. Here the border post where formalities are completed was pitch dark with fewer sighting of lights. Except for the place where passports are deposited and collected the surrounding could hardly compete to be declared a border check post. For those wishing to use toilet, there are none whatsoever. The area needs a little facelift.
Left Upshi  at 3.40 and few kms later the rough road becomes visible. Between 3.50 and 5.05 in the morning there is a little spell of plain road. From 5.05 onwards one is amidst the dust drenched plain road. The descent begins at 6.40 and the vehicles for a while are no longer on a bumpy ride.

At 7am Pang was accessed (purchased cap from here last time).Here too as in Sarchu the meals are upwardly priced. Those who have wilted under pressure leads to a wait of over one hour. Highly unjustified given the long stretch that we need to cover. When Sarchu ( some spell it serchu) is 58 kms away, the smooth road option begins, and as sarchu is 34 kms the first 15 of that ride reminds one of the journey from Upshi to Rumtse: roads split wide open.  

At 9.24 there is a faceoff between a truck and three tempo travellers; truck retreats and this is a regular feature where those plying trucks are hearty enough to give way and even bring their vehicle to a standstill for other vehicles to pass. As for the man driving the tempo traveller we were in, he was willing to pick up fight at any place. At one juncture one truckwallah took some time to give a pass. What this eventually led to was this tempo traveller driver once having overtook, stopped and got out of the vehicle to get into an argumentative spell. Perhaps he was girding up for more such fights during the entire course of the journey. At 9.48 the smooth ride again begins, with sighting of  twin twin bridge (weak) at 10.14. Finally Sarchu comes at 10. 30 where again the passport formalities have to be complied.

At 12 pm we are at Geeta dhaba and mirroring the strong sentiment the food served is great and equally honest is the lady hostess. My best wishes to Geeta Dhaba and those running it. Hope those trying this route should be kind enough to take meals from here. As for the tea served at geeta dhaba, black tea, mint tea and milk tea among others. 10kms from here the ascent begins and soon after we are in Darcha. Keylong came at 3, Tandi 3.15 and the road between keylong & tandi is rough to say the least.

At 5.30 pm Rohtang Pass is sighted and from here compared to 10 days ago the road is fairly smooth till manali. Before entering the innards, there is a message "Hum seedhe hai, hamein barbad na karein."


At 7 pm manali comes. As for the ride, there are three places where passport-depositing exercise is underway. THe third and the last one is fairly long. Probably it is after Tandi. These three places are Upshi, Sarchu and the one after Tandi. In all not less than 120 minutes are taken away. And this halt, coming with a special one near Tandi, is a bit annoying. What is more annoying is the driver's tendency to prolong the halt even after passports have been returned.       

Etched on a t- shirt in Leh

Etched on a t-shirt in Leh

Etched on a T - shirt which i came across near Changspa in Leh

highest motorable road

Khardungla 5602m                
leh 3506m
tanglangla 5360m
more plain 4703m
lachalangla 5065m
zingzing bar 3854m
tandi 2573m
khoksar 3140m



Upshi 3384m
rumste 4325m
debring 4500m
 pong (some spell it pang) 4630m

Serchu ( some spell it sarchu) 4253
baralachai 4892m
keylong 3350m
rohtang 3890m
manali 2050m

This information sketched out on a t -shirt is handy enough for those taking the manali-leh road. It apprises the destinations and at what height they are perched. If possible one should secure this fabric illustrating the adventure thrill in Leh-Ladakh and beyond.

As for changspa road, two structures that engages most of us are:
- Moravian Mission School leh-ladakh, established 1877, branches matho khalatse and dzomsa. Affiliated to CBSE, New Delhi. This school is huge and probably only one with a big compound.
- The good-for-all shop environment friendly products here. This shop is run by one Sonam Dorze, who is an avid photographer. The pictures clicked are also on sale in the shop. The shop has two branches; one opposite the taxi stand and another inside changspa road. 

As for zik zik guest house, the internet rates are comparatively less; 50rs for an hour. the first time i went to access, the connection was not there. Hope the next time round i am successful.

Lord Govinda gives solutions in times of crisis. Chant Govinda's name 

Ride to Thiksay Monastery

Ride to Thiksay Monastery

A public transport ride to Thiksay monastery came with a halt at Choglamsar. From Choglamsar it was another 30 minutes before one could reach Thiksay. The signboard " Welcome to Thiksay Gompa Thiksay" greets you. There are 492 steps to ascend (+/- 15 steps). And the descend involves 502 steps at least.

Inside Thiksay Monastery it was Prayer Time around 3 in the afternoon, with monks from as little as 10 to those over 60 all dedicated to the prayer rituals. As one proceeds inside from left are

- Sangye Serzangtimet
Medicine Buddha,  renowned glorious king of excellent signs.
- Sangye Rinchen Dana
Medicine Buddha. king of melodious sound brilliant radiant skill. Adorned with jewels.

- Sangye Tsanleg Yongtapal
Medicine Buddha. Stainless excellent gold great jewel who accomplishes all vows. 

- Sharipu
- Shakyamuni Buddha

- Mongalpu
  Sangye Nya Nyan Mat Chokpal La Na Mo 
  Medicine Buddha Supreme Glory. Free from sorrow

- Sangye Nyon Khen Galpo 
   Medicine Buddha Delightful King of clear knowing

- Sangye Chostak Gatso
- Sangye Manpe Galpo

On right side of entrance to gold coated Lord Buddha are
- Guhyasamaja: Belonging to Vajra family of highest Yoga Tantra. Develops qualities which transmute anger.

- Cakrasamvara : Belongs to the mother tantra of the highest yoga. Subdues the power of ego through          transmutation of passion.
- Vajrabhaivava: the most wrathful form of Manjusri. His anger is so great that it may consume even            himself. He is the nature of emptiness expressed in the form of extreme rage.

After the prayer hall as you descend 2-3 steps to enter there is the statue of gold coated Lord Buddha flanked by three idols on left and one idol on right. Idol of Shakyamuni Buddha .
On left Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) Tsong Khapa Founder of Gelugpa order of Tibetan Buddhism
On right Manjusri Wisdom Buddha




Entrance to the Prayer Hall has four cardinal directions lokpalas 
On entrance to the prayer hall is written the guardians of the four cardinal directions lokpalas

The four cardinal kings reside in the four places in the four directions of Mount Meru.
Yulkhor Sung, who is white in colour & resides in the East, plays a guitar because he rules over the realm that lies on melodious music.
Phah-Skespo is blue in colour &  resides in the South with a drawn sound that shows him as defender of faith.
Chanme-Zang,  red in colour resides in the West, carrying a stupa in his right hand and holding a snake in his left hand.
Nathos-Ses who is yellow im colour resides in the North with a mongoose in his left hand which keeps pouring gems out of his mouth and has a victory banner in his right hand causing showers of wealth to fall merely by shaking it.
It is said that the kings generated their altruistic minds & performed religous services for the Buddha determined to reside in the four directions of Mount Meru for the sake of protecting and preserving the Buddhadharma by taking the form of heavenly protectors.

After coming out of entrance there is
- way to Lamokhang and  old library
- way to Gonkhang


As one descends few steps to ascend again there is a gold coated Maitri Buddha in another room. It is of the same size as that of Shey Palace with offerings of cash, incense sticks, fruits and biscuits in abundance.

There is Thiksay cultural and welfare society (entrance fees).
The visit to Thiksay Monastery coincided with a prayer time and time spent here could well disclose that it is one among three big monastries in the region. 
As one steps out and moves to the road on a board is mentioned water supply scheme Thiksay & Ranbirpur (lift scheme) suggesting the water options the area has to content with.

Leh and the listings

Leh and the listings  

The visit to Thiksay monastery, Shey Palace and Upshi  took me to a road that went past Sindhu Darshan Site and Riglam School Choglamsar. On the way there were prayers and renditions on preserving water and steps one need to take. In Leh a better part was spent in sketching details about lodges and the non existent litter in different roads. Roads were fairly clean and some among the residents engaged in laughter realm. 
  
In leh there was JIG-GYAS Guest House in upper tukcha road followed by sighting of  " for sale WB 01 N 9544 (bullet electra 1999) bike stationed on Changspa Road.

Search for lodges led me to
- In Zangsti Road Ti -sei guest house (500 rs) with an information :  put rs 5 in the box and take clean            filtered water
- malpak guest house (300-400 rs);  old man saying prayers.
- unique dry cleaners washing all types clothes
- internet high speed connection from satellite
- dental clinic Dr Norboo BDS MDS
- Ladakh Arts Tibetan & Ladakh handicrafts (for taking prayer wheel), near Hotel Lingzi
- internship file for B Ed course for distance education University of Kashmir Available here.
- Zal softy corner popcorn, mango shake, badam shake.
- Karma video production (for radio cassette on "Chants of Tibet")
- Ladakhi movies " Skal- wa", "Tokshal" (movies made in Leh)

Other attractions were

 - Tourist Post Office Philately Counter (Leh City Post Office inaugurated by Chief Postmaster General J-K circle on 5th Sept. 2011); Services available -speed post, registered post, philatelic material, pic post cards, stamps, PLI/RPLI, stamps, stationery items, std isd/pco, packing.

Going inside Gonpa Soma Leh, etched is the message
- "commit not one unwholesome deed., subdue your mind in its entirety.
   but gather a wealth of virtue. this is the teaching of Buddha"

Some sightings in main bazar came as
- La montessori tibetan rest't
- tibetan city corner rest't
- classmate book centre/ladakh news agency
- Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA)
- Tibetan Refugee market,  Nimalung old road.
- Tibetan Refugee market, Changspa Road
- Tibetan Refugee handicraft and jewellery market , Fort Road, near J&K Bank, Leh-Ladakh.
- Hard Yak embroidery ( for T-Shirt), Fort Road
- refill water (apricot juice ( all types of dry fruit and apricot oil)
eco friendly local products available here (in changspa road)
- moravian mission school leh-ladakh est 1877 branches matho khalatse, dzomsa 
- the good-for-all shop environment friendly products here
In Upper Changspa the board next to Changspa Bridge elaborates the name of lodges:
- Gomang Guest House(GH), Zeepata GH, Nurbo GH, Lamo GH , Samba GH, Solpon GH, Raiwa GH,  Zee GH,  Himalayan Retreat GH, Trigum GH, Tsetan GH. 


Occasionally i sighted one bike with number  ABB 6633


Changspa bridge
Operation Sadhbhavna
Changspa bridge inaugurated on Jan 2009 by Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. Span 8.0 m

On Changspa the shops and sentiments came as
- broadband internet
- shalom cafe
- heaven arts emporium
- laundry shop
- crossroad rest't 
- peace adventure tour & travels
- golden peak adventure
- Vista internet
- the gift emporium
- babylon rest't
- the Tibetan thanka art gallery
- wonderland rest't
- markha tour & travels
- ultimate Himalayan venture
- discover Ladakh
- offbeat adventure
- Indo-Himalayan trek & tours
- julley money exchange no commission
- zen garden rest't
- rice bowl tibetan rest't

- otsal rest't
- cyber cafe hi-speed internet
- otsal guest house
- asia guest house 
- Ishe padma provision store (the old man with specks at the counter seem to relish the conversation and    residents/tourists need to take daily necessities from his store)
- explore cyber cafe
- himalayan journeys
- larchang  guest house and rest't
- snowfall laundry

During the stay in Leh -Ladakh, the foremost message that came was this area is in acute shortage of water and power. Net connections stand at 90 rs an hour; some years ago it was as steep as 120 rs. 
Hope Alchi hydroelectric project, which is expected to commence next year, is able to tide over power crisis. As for conversations with a strong recall,  Karma video production (for radio cassette on "Chants of Tibet") was handy. Nowhere in Mcleodganj or Leh i could gain access to Radio Cassette on "Chants of Tibet". And here in Karma video production and the lady manning the store near Imperial Bakery was helpful. Equally cooperative was the Imperial Bakery boy. For taking the prayer wheel  Ladakh Arts Tibetan & Ladakh handicrafts, near Hotel Lingzi and the lady at the counter was courtesy personified.
Ishe padma provision store and the old man with specks at the counter who has a daughter nun in Mcleodganj should never be on a retreat. He deserves affection from all quarters.

Shanti Stupa in Leh

Shanti Stupa

The ascend to Shanti Stupa in Leh started at 1.18 in the afternoon and by 1.29 i was there upstairs. There are in all 551 steps to ascend and add to that another 20-odd from meditation hall to Shanti Stupa. As you step inside the meditation hall, built in 2011, the statue of Lord Buddha is as overwhelming as seen in other monastries and palaces. On the right side is etched NA MU MYO HO REN GE KYO.

as one further ascends there is Shanti Stupa with clockwise movement elucidating
- turning wheel of dharma
- mahapari nirvana
- birth

According to the officer stationed in meditation hall,  Shanti Stupa was built by Ven Gyomo Nakamura. The construction began in 1985, over in 91,  so Shanti Stupa has been effectively there for 21 years. The proceeds from sale of post cards and other souvenirs  displayed in meditation hall go in upkeep of Shanti Stupa including the salaries for the staff. Before taking the return trek i head to the shanti stupa cafe where black tea with tea bag comes for 30 rs and with tea leaves for 40 rs. Perhaps those running the cafe could well try the option of doing away with non veg preparations including the omelette as the place is too spiritual for non veg items to be served. As none of the tourists can stay beyond few minutes-turning- to- hours, the cafe offering can be plain and simple.   

 The descend started at  2.17  and by  2.24  i was down. The steps are not that big but considering 500 plus challenge one needs to take break at different points before completing the ascent.  

As you reach Ground, the gauge shifts to a board No Heavy Vehicles between 8.30am  and 9.30 pm. On another board etched "leave sooner,  drive slow,  live longer" followed by "plant tree save environment"
Passing on the ground was the drinking water tanker run by power grid corporation of india ltd.

As i set course on areas in Leh  there is norlakh tibetan restaurant and further down is Tibetan GOL market, the chaska maska & Dosa Home restaurant. Hotel Lingzi and the personnel manning the reception desk was kind enough to give the change. Nearby is bookworm store with books in English, French and German. On a board "drive up to 5602m khardungla and roll down on a mountain bike."

Disket and roundabout

Disket and roundabout


THe collection and somewhat visible conversation happens at the Disket bus stand. For taking the return journey to Leh i reached the bus stand a little before afternoon and what i could lay hands to was information on buses heading to different destinations.  From bus stand buses go to Nungsted (100km) and Tongsted (100km).  From Tongsted, a 12 km trek makes one reach Warshi, a village known for having one family. Among other buses, one goes  to Turtuk,  near Pak border, another to Panamik, 60 km from Disket.
Buses from Disket also head to Tegar, Sumur and Trit.

During the wait at the bus stand i came across a teacher, Lobzang,. who had been in the profession for 38 years, retiring in 2010. The last drawn salary was rs 37000 and  pension since then has been 18000. His purpose of visiting Disket every 2 to 3 months was to access the bank account.  
Cobbler Madanlal, who hailed from Rajasthan and been here for over a decade, suggested the cool surroundings and affable people made him keep his base here. Similar and a liking for Disket sentiment came from other quarters.

Main bazar Disket has
- ldurma ladakh
- Nubra fashion arcade,
- Potala rest't disket nubra,
- modern choice footwear,
- yadav general store and army contractor
- tsewang norboo home entertainment arcade ldurma
 -Norbu General Store

- Gyantse Rest't Tibetan Dish
- Grand Canyon Restr't
- D K Rest't
- Tamchos mobile repairing centre
- chimet namgial cloth house
- angchok hardware store
- Tanzin Fancy Shop
- Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution Store
- Zambala Guest House
- Stop Shoppee
- altaf hardware store
- nawang sherap fancy shop.


During the search for tea, there was a poster that suggested the likely emoluments for a beginner teacher.


Vacancy for the post of teacher AGS Bogdang


Edu'tnal Quali'cation       Pay (upto scale)
B. Ed/PG                             8640
Graduate                            7800
10+2                                    6240

Written test & interview will be held at AGS bogdang on 10th july 2012 at 1030 hours

Quite close to this job interview poster has been Khidmat centre National e-governance plan, Dept. of Information Technology, Ministry of  Communication & Information Technology

As one reaches a main bazar point where roads split in different directions, the signboard has:

- left side is T SAking Yak farm
- Straight road heading to Photay,  sdm office
- right side rest house, hospital

From Disket to Leh


Left Disket on a Monday at 2.10 in the afternoon, with the board suggesting Khalsar 22km away. Just 10 minutes later, the road and the repair it sought was underway. With wait for half an hour, Khalsar was accessed at  3.10, Khardang 3.56 (Khansgar rest't for snacks). Tea was fairly good.

North Pullu  came at 4.43 with a board suggesting  facilities available:  dining hall (cap available 70 pax), cuisiune - indian, chinese, lacao, ladakhi, european, continental, double bed with attached bath, rescur room, washroom, toilet, reception


Tsolding Buddha Park at 4.56 and whatever little remnants of snow one could turn the gauge to started at   5.15.  Khardungla at 5.42 South Pullu  at 6.28  and Leh  coming at 7.10 

Occupants in the shared vehicle were largely from Army background. Conversation suggested that i better stretch my stay in Leh and try to visit monastries with monumental significance. Some among them had an opportunity to visit National Capital and i wished them well including those who seem eager to engage me and yet i failed to read the sign. After all people in this part of the country can confidently converse with you if you are hearty enough to show your affable side.  If a shared transport in Disket could be arranged for visiting Disket Palace (New Gompa), then much of the arduous journey would be a thing of the past.
A signboard suggesting the timings, one in the morning and one in the evening, of the shared vehicle would be handy.

Disket was  handy enough to distribute happiness and Doreje whom i met in Hundar village was kind enough to suggest the way out after the shared taxi which i took from Leh  dumped me in Hundar with no word on how to go forward. This shared taxi man was all politeness personified. But once having reached Disket and beyond, he seem to be in a different frame of mind. Hope the influences who influenced him for the onward journey hope to take a rest.   

Visit to Shanti Stupa and the Thiksay Monastery in Leh-Ladakh

Visit to Disket Palace (New Gompa)- Truly World Class

 Visit to  Disket Palace (New Gompa)- Truly World Class  

From Real Siachen lodge, the ride to Disket Palace (New Gompa) is steep as well as secure. It took almost an hour to reach the Maitri Buddha statue.

According to Shastry, who graduated from Sanskrit University, Varanasi and is stationed in Disket, Maitiri Buddha also known as  Future Buddha has a height of 105 ft. The construction began in July 2005 and completed in 2010. Disket monastery purchased eight kg of gold from Japan and from head to waist it is coated with gold . The construction cost is believed to be Rs 3 cr (aprx.).
On the back side of the statue as one ascends stairs to get inside the temple on the left side is founder of yellow sect  (geapa) Sunkhapa Mayern.  In the middle is Lord Buddha and on the right is Founder of Dupa Nama

The paper pasted on the door has following inputs.

The feeder silk route and its impact on Disket Palace (New Gompa)

With the threat of brigands who used to prey on traders passing through the silk route in the valley more often than not strayed to rob villagers. The Disket king & his courtiers were not insulated to such threats, they always remained guarded. The two wooden gates which enclosed the palace and the royal houses were manned to the hilt especially. Outer gate which is now copmpletely removed has still a flat stone etched out on a chess board. Given a mouth this stone would let you relish the story of Mongol chieftain who dared to come to the temple and later ended up in his head and hand being chopped by the protector. Leaving nothing to chance as a huge watch tower has been erected and frequented by sentinels. Another side has a narrow gorge from which in the first place hardly anyone can climb up to the palace. Villagers which constituted like groomers. Soldiers, farmers, shepherds were fenced off on to the same craggy hill . The community was tightly knit in order to grapple with invariable threats.

After reading the inputs i told the officer that inputs need to be tied a bit. Still the officer was kind enough to hand out information and i stepped out.

Setting for Disket (Nubra Valley)

Setting for Nubra Valley


For Nubra Valley left Leh at 7.07 am on a Sunday. Small hutments are visible from starting point and road indicators show Ganglas 8 and Khardungla 39 kms. Another board shows Leh viewpoint altitude 13000 ft and a clear view of the city can be secured when12 kms away.
At 7.37  two trucks are found to be stationed with good luck sign on the rear side.
At 7.48 at South Pullu check post military police board reads "we respect those who respect law. " From here Khardungla is 14, North Pullu 29 and Khardung 48 kms.

At 7.52 the road rupture is followed by slush, pebbles and sighting of snow.  At 8: 17 rocks covered with thick blanket of snow and ascending peaks are all that make the sight.
Avalanche prone area drive carefully board repeatedly we come across. At 8.40 traffic control post is shown to be 200 mtrs away with no escape from snow capping. This is followed by Khardungla (18380 ft) coming at 8.47 and not to forget a truck bearing TKE 4650

When North Pullu is 14 kms away small cars and small roads can be sighted and when Khalsar is 56kms
the  descend begins. At 9.11 road gets even and at 9.36 snow begins to recede. Soon after comes Tsolding Buddha Park  At 9.47 north pullu comes and Disket (some spell it Diskit) from here is 66kms away. At 10.25 Khardang comes followed by meals at Khalsar rest't  The wait is for 1 hour and from here the road is fairly good and i reach  Disket at 1 in the afternoon. Since the man seating in the shared taxi has enough powers to not let  me deboard  i head towards Hundar. More of a camping site and lodges coming at a high rate i trek back to the main road from where the walk is not brisk but not uncomfortable either. It is at Cafe 125 best cafe on world's heightest motorable road that appears  as a comforting point.


Here in Cafe 125, the items on display are
balushai - 10, laddu- 10, samosa - 10, dal vada - 10, vada sambhar 12, jalebi 120 (kg), madpsa 20, uttapam and idli.
Siachen healers 403 field hospital is in the vicinity as the board on the road suggests.

When i reached Leh

 When i reached Leh

When i reached Leh the signboard near the bus stand conveyed the varying distances for different destinations. The first appropriate declaration was "Project Himank welcomes you to Leh"
Sumur- 117kms, Agham 119, Hunder 125, Penamic 150 and Disket (some spell it diskit)118.

On the first Friday of stay the Leh city saw visit by a head lama from the South to Chokhang Vihara Gonpa Soma, primarily meant to oversee the special prayers/teachings in the Ladakhi  Buddhist temple.The area around main bazar has been dotted with shops like:
-Tibetan and Zanskar arts
- Himalayan gems
- rizwan crafts
- Leh Pashmina shawl emporium
- New Tibetan kitchen

Near post office
- Ladakh art palace zanskar arts
- Tibetan arts & handicrafts
- Ladakh thanka centre
- Traditional Ladakh kitchen with pure veg organic food
- Evergreen arts emporium
-  cute arts & crafts
- shangloo heritage
- Lhasa art 100 per cent pashmina shawls, Kashmere shawls, Kanu shawls & silk pashm'a shawls,
  silk & scarves
- Wazwan planet
- Himalayan Pashmina Shawl
- Ladakh Pas'na shawl

Near Gonpa Soma are
- internet direct satellite connection
- pamposh shake corner
- norlakh tibetan restaurant : norlakh family welcomes you to our small family rest't



As you turn towards Changspa road, there is a poster of Norbulingka Institute, probably another chapter to the one existing near Dharamsala in Himachal. "Norbulingka institute is a centre for art and dedicated to the preservation of tibetan art and culture."
In and around Changspa are :

- mahabodhi yoga meditation centre
- mount himalaya tour & travels
- Gift art gallery Shanti Stupa road - changspa Leh-Ladakh
 - Himalayan bikers
- royal tibet - the world of T-shirt embroidery n more
- coffee cafe
 - sweet chilli restaurant
- bike for rent
- gift art india
- We organise trekking (join group)  jeep tour, nubra & pangong lake, rafting in zanskar, cultural trip (daily trip to monastries and villages), bike tours, safaris, expeditions, rafting, trekking and home stay
During a visit to a cafe i came across cookies of cylindrical and varying shape like butter cookies, muesli cookies, peanut c'kies, coconut c'kies, choco c'kies and almond ckies among others.


 Chandu market has among other attractions a slew of tea stalls. Tea stalls and others go by the name : 
-Lobzang Choglanga
- national tea stall
- tololing tea stall
- shalim tea stall
- nindum tea stall
- Iqrah tea stall
- mohammad toha run tea stall

A message etched on a wall near the place from where a share taxi for Nubra can be accessed : Ladakh students environmental action forum " a clean environment is good for everyone but we are far from none"

During one of the outings from Leh i headed to Shey Palace and the bus going past govt of rural developmental agency, ice hockey kink, welcome to model village serboo, reglam school (Choglamsar). Reached Shey after half an hour. Once Shey Palace had been explored, i headed towards Upshi through Karu. Lasting another half an hour the ride went past a helipad and Karu seem to be any small town with fewer collections. In Karu
-  modern tibetan restaurant 
- office of chaiman jai jawan jai kisan fruits and vegetables cooperative karu

From karu the signboard showed
 Stakna 10, Choglamsar 28 and Spangmik 119kms.
Going past military station karu i came across trishul parade ground, trishul officer mess.

From karu there are boards with pictures/declarations of
- red shell duck
- red billed chough
- himank unit run canteen.
- Ego village (is it Ego Village or igoo village as different letters spell the place)
- "we are on a highway not runway drive slowly"

In Upshi : we are in Shaurya Chakra RCC

Collections around Upshi came as follows
- padma namtso restaurant
- upshi fast meals veg non veg
- good morning - morning thunders like tea, coffee mentioned here

The board at Upshi showed
Thiksey 31, Leh 49, Kargil 273, Srinagar 481, Chumathang 88, Loma 153, Hanle 201 kms

A mani prayer wheel next to the border checking point is in Upshi and sitting next to which one can view the broad message on a mountain "pashmina goat farm upshi".

Visiting Shey Palace near Leh

Reaching Shey Palace

THe ride from Leh was accomplished in a public transport and in a span of half an hour i was in Shey Palace. Before completing the ride on the way there are declarations on the need to optimally use water in and around Leh-Ladakh.

 As one begins to ascend stairs to Shey Palace, there is a signboard that conveys the historical import of the structure.
"Shey palace  including shrine together with adjacent land (Shey Palace) (Lat 34* 10'N, Long 77*35'E) 15 kms to the south upstream from Leh. The royal palace and shrine built in the 16th century  enshrines the DU- KHANG with the copper gilded statue of Lord Buddha rising to a height of three storeyed. King Dendan Namgyal built the palace in and around AD 1650. The palace has the largest Namgyal Cherten (Victory Stupa) in Ladakh which is made of pure gold.


After ascending the stairs one should remove the shoes before stepping inside to view the Lord Buddha statue. Inside the Lord Buddha statue is strong enough to cast a magic spell. On the left side is Chakpa Maylen (religious protector) and on right is Paldan Lhamo, fierce form of Savasvati female Bodhisatava of wisdom.Perhaps the donation box does not engineer that much collection than the exercise of offering cash, fruits and incense sticks before the Lord in open that endures.  By and large the Shey Palace and the Lord Buddha inside is a master piece which should be viewed if one is in the vicinity of Leh. One can further visit upstairs and throw the gauge on the landscape.

After stepping out opposite to the palace is shil khar restaurant from where the rice and mixed vegetable option is sumptuous enough to secure a strong recall.
 Shey Palace was great and so were the surroundings.