The morning after our wedding, while most newlyweds are still wrapped in blankets and bliss, we were boarding a flight bound for the Himalayas. By 7:30 a.m., our plane was dipping between dramatic mountain peaks, skimming over deep valleys, and finally touching down at Leh Airport—a landing unlike anything we’d ever experienced. The altitude hit us instantly, but so did the excitement. Our honeymoon had officially begun.
Ladakh Sarai: A Mountain Retreat
We were greeted at Ladakh Sarai with traditional white cotton shawls and scarves, offered as a symbol of blessing, purity, and marriage. It was a beautiful, humble gesture—and a perfect welcome to Ladakhi culture.
Our home for the trip was an eco Mongolian yurt perched on the mountainside, the kind of place that feels plucked straight from a dream. There were hammocks swaying in the cold breeze and a wooden swing overlooking the valley. It didn’t take us long to establish our favourite routine: curling up in those hammocks with mango lassis in hand—fresh, creamy, and ridiculously addictive.
Exploring Leh: Food, Culture, and Mountain Air
Leh is a place where monasteries cling to cliffs, prayer wheels line dusty paths, and the air itself feels sacred. We wandered through the town, stopping for bowls of Thukpa, a warm noodle soup that was both simple and perfect. And of course, momos—steamed or fried, we loved them all.
We visited Leh Palace, its ancient walls offering stories of kings, battles, and Himalayan life. Then came Shey Palace, once home to Ladakh’s royal family, where a serene 9-metre Buddha statue overlooks the valley with golden calm.
The next stop was Thiksey Monastery, perhaps the spiritual heart of our trip. Its 14-metre-high Buddha is breathtaking—majestic, peaceful, and unforgettable.
The Road to Pangong: An Adventure in Itself
No honeymoon story would be complete without a little drama.
The journey to Pangong Lake took us across the legendary Chang La Pass, sitting at a staggering 5,200 metres. The day before, landslides had closed the road, so what we found was a path carved through fresh snow—beautiful, daunting, and wild.
It was snowing hard. The road was narrow, and cars were literally getting stuck, wheels spinning helplessly on the icy surface. Groups of people were out in the storm, pushing vehicles through the snow, laughing and shouting encouragement.
We stopped for steaming chai at the top of the pass, our fingers freezing and our hearts buzzing from altitude and amazement. Reaching Pangong Lake felt like earning a medal—the crystal-blue water against the stark, snowy mountains was worth every slippery moment.
On the way back, we gave a lift to two high-school girls who were eager to practise their English. They chatted the whole drive, turning the journey into one of our sweetest memories.
Quiet Moments in Sabu Village
Toward the end of our trip, we visited Sabu Village, a peaceful spot with crisp air and views of farmland, poplar trees, and distant peaks. It was the sort of place where time slowed down—perfect for reflecting on the whirlwind of the previous days.
A Honeymoon We’ll Never Forget
Our honeymoon in Ladakh was everything we didn’t know we needed: adventure, serenity, culture, and the kind of natural beauty that leaves you speechless. From snowstorms at high passes to warm lassis in hammocks, from ancient monasteries to chance encounters, every moment felt extraordinary.
And as we left Leh, wrapped in our marriage shawls, we knew this mountain honeymoon had woven itself into the story of us—memories as vast and vibrant as the Himalayas themselves.
0 comments