Love. Leh. Ladakh.

For our first long weekend of the school year, we traveled with four other families to the state of Jammu and Kashmir in northern India. We visited the region of Ladakh which is close to Tibet. From the minute we arrived, we did not want to leave this place. The area is nothing short of spectacular - the scenery, the people, the clean air, the starry skies, the laid back pace of life influenced by Tibetan and Buddhist cultures. Quite simply, we felt lucky to experience Ladakh and our three days there are among our most cherished experiences in over four years in India. 

On approach to the airport in Leh (just an hour and fifteen minute hop from Delhi), it looked as though we were about to land on the moon; few trees at this elevation of 11,000 feet and the dry, dusty mountains surrounded the speck of a town below.

The part of the trip we were most looking forward to was the mandatory day of rest to acclimatize. Here is our yurt - quite cozy!

We mostly rested on that first day and drank plenty of liquids - water and masala chai - but there was plenty of time for couple of short walks to check out the area around our hotel. After two hectic months in Delhi, we were itching to stretch our legs and breathe in mountain air.

On the second day, we visited two monasteries and had lunch (best momos ever) in town.

Feeling pretty good on the third day, ventured out for a hike in the hills just beyond that green patch across the valley:

The hearty group - twenty strong - ranging in age from ten months to forty-something:

This rock says, "If u can cross the river u don't need to climb the pass".

Sure, we could have crossed the river, but we climbed the pass anyway.

Up. We. Go.

The four "old farts" who made it to the top:

Later that evening, sunset photo op before a very early morning flight back to Delhi:

The longer we live here, the longer the list grows of places we want to see. Ladakh is one destination to see more than once - a true escape from the city with its rejuvenating tranquility and rewarding views. Hoping to find our way back there in the spring.

Should you wish to see more photos of our trip, the link is here.