Wellbeing 92 July 2013 www.womanthismonth.com SOULFUL Sabbatical LIFESTYLE | travel Ladakh, India Its altitude, dry, hostile terrain and piercing winds will test your strength and determination all along the way as you journey towards the western edge of the Tibetan plateau. And then – Redemption. Find yourself in Ladakh, nestled in the mighty Himalayas, one of most astonishingly picturesque locations in the world. One of the highest and driest inhabited places, it is defined by rocky, barren cliffs and plateaus, interspersed by clear, indigo lakes. Ladakh is a favourite among adventure sports enthusiasts, landscape photographers and philosophers alike. Offering adrenaline pumping adventures like trekking, mountaineering and white water rafting, it also offers a sense of calm and tranquillity that’s only akin to this region. Most people have claimed their trips to Ladakh to be “a complete break from reality” with dramatic road journeys, serene and surreal lakes, the high mountain passes and the crisp, pure Himalayan air. Must Dos Try taking a road trip from Manali; it would take a few days to reach but with some of the most incredible views of the Himalayas, it’s worth every step of the way. Visit the Pangong Lake, situated at 17,580 feet in the Chang-La pass. Enjoy a cup of tea with the Indian army and watch the colours change in the lake as the day progresses. Spend time in a café in the Leh (capital of Ladakh), soaking in the local culture and exchanging notes with fellow travellers. by ANKITA MAMGAIN If fasting is not your way to go, you might still feel inspired by your Muslim friends to undergo a personal and spiritual detoxification during Ramadan. So break away from the familiar and embark on an ‘Eat Pray Love’ quest to rejuvenate and perhaps re-invent yourself as you escape the island’s summer wrath.
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