If you want to discover India and all of the adventures waiting for you there, this article will certainly help you.
Let’s just dive in and get to the six tips.
1) Seek Adventure Wherever You Go to discover India
As adventurers, you should always seek out something different, something unique, something special on your trips that will make it memorable.
This summer we had the chance to visit India. Not a good idea to go to India during the summer at the end of May, by the way.
It was a sweltering 110+ degrees Fahrenheit when we were there. However, this led to an awesome discovery for us.
Searching for a break from the hot weather of New Delhi, we learnt about Ladakh. A region within the Jammu and Kashmir state that is located at an elevation 11,500 feet above sea level and an average temperature of 60 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit in May/June.
What’s even better is that the city of Leh in the region of Ladakh was only a one hour flight from New Delhi.
2) Be Safe. Check Travel Advisories
Before embarking to any new regions in the world (especially ones that you’re not familiar with), it’s always good to check for travel advisories. Though adventurous, you always want to make sure you’re safe on your travels.
We learnt that although the rest of Jammu & Kashmir was under a “do not visit” travel advisory, Ladakh was excluded and was deemed safe for travelers. We were giddy with excitement as we planned the rest of our trip to Leh.
3) Challenge Yourself to Try Something New
Always challenge yourself to try something new on every trip you make, especially if you want to really discover India. It doesn’t have to be extreme. It could be trying a new dish or taking a new mode of transportation or say a word in a different language. It could be anything that you have not done before.
We’ve never camped at high altitude before, and when we learnt about Pangong Tso (located at 14,270ft above sea level) and that you can camp overnight at the lake, we knew it was the challenge we wanted to take on for this trip.
This salt water endorheic lake extends from India to Tibet. Only one third of the lake lies in India, the rest in Tibet. The ride there in our jeep from the city of Leh was an adventure in itself.
Imagine driving on a winding, one-lane, sometimes paved, sometimes unpaved, rocky, dirt road that hugged stony mountainsides while sharing the one-lane path with two-way traffic consisting of army trucks, cargo trucks, jeeps, cars, bikes, pedestrians and construction workers filling in holes on the road.
The 5-hour drive to the lake was one of the most bumpy rides I’ve ever had in my life, but it was well worth it because the view, the overnight camp and the overall experience was absolutely unforgettable.
4) Experience What the Place is Known For
Find out the reasons a city/region is known for and make a point to experience at least one of them.
Leh is famous for monasteries. There are hundreds of them located within varying distances from the city.
When we were there we visited a handful of them and our favorite was Thiksey Monastery. It’s perched atop a hill at 11,800ft and spans 12 stories across the side of a hill. It offers a stunning view as you get close to it, and it houses a temple, many ancient religious artifacts and a two-story Buddha of the future, Maitreya.
Monasteries are a must visit while in Leh!
5) Get Recommendations From Locals or People Who Have Been There Before.
Talk to locals when you’re at your destination or friends and family who have been to the region you’re visiting. Are there any insider tips? Advice? Recommendations?
Skip some of the less recommended places and learn from locals, your trusted circle of friends and family.
Another great source for travel information is, of course, travel blogs.
We had a friend who has been to Leh before and he recommended a stop at Khardung La. Previously thought to be at 18,380ft (updated info suggests it’s 17,582 ft), it is among the highest motorable passes in the world.
The drive there is only about one and one half hours as compared to the five hour drive to Pangong Tso.
Here, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views and mesmerizing scenery.
6) Socialize with the Locals
If you truly want to discover India in an authentic way you should always mingle and try to communicate with the locals whenever you’re traveling. Often, it’s these local interactions that enrich your travel experience. You learn of stories unique to the culture in that region as well as insider tips and advice. People are always happy to share if you’re willing to ask and listen.
We kept hearing the word “Juleh” (also spelt Juley, Jule or Julay and pronounced “joo-lay“) uttered to us since arriving in Leh. Curious, we asked the manager at our inn what the word means.
“Juleh is a magic word”, says the manager. “You can say juleh when you want to say hello, goodbye, thank you, how are you, nice to meet you and you’re welcome”.
We uttered “Juleh” to everyone we met and the locals appreciated that we made an effort. We had great conversations with some who spoke English and had “magical moments” exchanged between those that didn’t through smiles, laughs, nods and a simple utterance of the word “Juleh”.
Jeremy and Shirlene have been traveling together as a couple since the year 2000. Their passion and love for travel and adventure have brought them to over 30 countries and counting. They love sharing their travel adventures, tips, advice and photography from around the world with an aim to inform and inspire others.
Jeremy and Shirlene’s blog is full of high quality content and beautiful photos that are not only engaging but also inspiring.
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