Ladakh felt out of this world

[Ira]

[OC]

I had been dreaming of Ladakh for ages, and since I'm moving out of India soon I finally took the plunge. I chose winter deliberately – no crowds, just the place as it is. I started from Manali, entered Zanskar and kept pushing to spots like Yoche and Zongkhul where there was literally nobody around. Upper Kumik stood out the most – a tiny village with hardly any tourists, and they were celebrating their once-a-year archery festival when I arrived. It's so isolated that people don't even lock their doors. That kind of trust and simplicity is rare these days. I spent hours just sitting, chatting with locals, trying to grasp how life works there, and it felt far more real than anything else on the trip.

I stayed in Purne and Padum for a while in a homestay with a local family, and that turned out to be the highlight. It didn't feel like a hotel stay; it felt like being invited into their life. Sharing meals, watching their day unfold without any rush or noise, you start noticing how simple everything is and yet how complete it feels. We drank straight from natural springs and it soon felt normal. Everything out there feels unreal – the roads, the mountains, the silence – as if you've stepped out of everyday life into something raw. The cold was brutal, breathing felt heavy and the roads weren't forgiving, but that's exactly why it was worth it; you earn every bit of what you see. Also, if you carry chocolates you instantly become every kid's favourite. Don't forget a postpaid SIM – prepaid won't work.

[Anupama]

The first picture looks absolutely magnificent.

[Mahesh]

Absolutely, that journey stuck with me. I rode my bike in Ladakh for the first time back in 2009 with some fellow travelers, and ever since it's held a special place in my heart. I've fallen in love with Zanskar too

[Aftab]

I really want to visit places like this this summer.

[Gopal]

Picture number 10 – do people actually live in those houses?

[Ritu]

What were the dates of the journey?

[Dev]

Can you share the outfit link from picture 5, please?