A Journey To The Lama's Land, Part - 4

A Journey To The Lama's Land,  Part - 4 

Now we are going to see the 'Hall of Fame', the memorial site of the army as a memorial to the Kargil war. Everyone liked this beautifully decorated exhibition house.

I like one thing very much in Ladakh. The people here have never confused their originality. History has shown that today's Ladakh lies within Jammu and Kashmir, but it was not. They are a completely independent nation. Maximum number of inhabitants are Buddhists, but beyond the identity of the religion they identify themselves as Ladakhi. In today's India, when they are standing in the place of division and fighting over fear of religion step by step, the people of this region  say very positively and clearly that  they are Ladakhis. We feel really proud after hearing this. They are the great Buddhist sect, who still carries that ancient Indian great culture in such a way today, so whoever I ask, whether it is Dawa Narbu who greeted me as Joy Sri Krishna, or Professor Javed Malik  he who completes his prayer three times a day with devotion, all said we are Ladakhi. Hail to the great India.

 

When there is such a big country, there must be a king and his house. This time our destination is Kings Palace or King's House. This house is about seven storeys high like a magnificent fort. Inside, it is impossible to say how many surprises await here, eagerly awaiting in every corner of each atrium. 

In the document room, I saw about 81 books wrapped in red cloath with absolute elegance. From the highest floor,we saw the Leh city and the lifeblood of the city, white snow-covered peak Stok Kangri. The views were so nice that we were literally speechless.

Despite the reluctance we came down slowly because one of the attractions of this city still has to go to visit the ‘Shanti  Stupa’ or the Peace Pagoda. 

This peace pagoda have been build over a very big land. Crowds of people were there. The place is especially crowded with photo hunting tourists. We also spent some time here. In the light of the last afternoon, I came back to the hotel in a strange daze, with a typical state of mind, to take all the essence of the enchanting incomparable city of Leh. On the soft body of Stok Kangri, the red stain of love has fallen from the setting sun.

Next day we get up early in the morning. Today we will go to Nubra Valley. On the way we have to cross Khardung La Pass, the highest road in the world. A hot steam of extreme excitement was rising inside all of us. My friend cum driver  Nazir  told me last night not to be late. The hotel owner Mr. Zum Malik, with his  smiling face, arranged a pile of snacks and suggested a full abdomen meal for all us. 

I have seldom seen a man as simple and good-hearted as this man. At one time he played ice hockey for the country, represented India team in many foreign countries. Hockey is his life. In the international arena he is a very well known person for his ice hockey. When it comes to the game, the eyes of this old man are filled with emotion. The only hope is that his younger son has also made a name for himself in the country in ice hockey. Selim Malik. Although Selim is still young but the humility, politeness and simplicity of the family has entered into him with the blood of the father. We will never forget the hospitality of this family. It was half past eight on the way out. Nazir is narrating the details of the alleys of Leh city while driving. I am lucky enough to have such a joyful and lively companion like Nazir. At the foot of the Stok Kangri Hill, there is a large expanding village called Kangri, about 22 km from the town of Leh, the home of Nazir . He is survived by two daughters and a one-year-old son, wife and parents. The eldest daughter is studying at Delhi Public School in Leh. Nazir could not stop when he started talking about his village. He has repeatedly said that his village is the greenest village in the region. He wanted to take me to his village, but due to lack of time it did not happen.

The car is running along the mountain road. On the way out, Selim put a large oxygen cylinder and a mask in the car and taught our team how to use it. However, Nazir is our only hope in this matter. After leaving the city of Leh, it was understood that the condition of the road was very bad. But we are fearless and started to move forward. The car stopped at the South Pullu police station. A small town surrounded by hills. Nazir went to write the name of all our team members with paper to show at police check post. The Inner line permit is required from Leh to go to this route, it is compulsory. Not only Nubra, but also to go to Pangong and Sumoririh and even for Halle from Sumoririh, one will have to take this permit. The hotel will make all the arrangements if the travel schedule is made accordingly in advance. On the way to these destination, show the permit at ITBP or Indo-Tibetan Border Police check post and then get the clearance.

To be continue............................................................................