"Day 5 in Leh City: Acclimatizing to Altitude and Exploring the Vibrant Market"

 2nd August 2023

"Welcome to Day 5. We trust you've been relishing our journey thus far, as we've made our way to Leh. Today, our agenda holds a lighter load in terms of activities. The morning saw the addition of another companion to our group, now forming a quartet. Together, we're set to embark on the next leg of our expedition, exploring the nooks and crannies in and around Leh."

It was our first morning in Ladakh, or more precisely, in Leh city. Although we had arrived the previous day, by the time we settled in, darkness had already fallen, offering only a fleeting glimpse of our surroundings. This region welcomes early sunlight. At 6 o'clock in the morning, the sunlight resembled what one might expect at 8 o'clock in the morning in Mumbai or the central parts of India. It was an exceptionally bright and sunny morning. Looking outside, the sunlight felt more like 10 o'clock in the morning. Our bodies might have adjusted to the local time, but our eyes struggled to adapt to such intense brightness. We playfully mused about the seemingly smaller eyes of the local residents, speculating that it might be due to the perpetual sunlight. Even after spending seven days there, we were still not entirely comfortable facing the light with our naked eyes.

We indulged in a leisurely morning at the hotel, heeding the advice to acclimatize gradually to the lower oxygen levels. The addition of our fourth partner completed our team, ready to embark on various adventures and explore the region. Our dreams had taken us to Leh, but our aspirations reached beyond merely arriving. We longed to traverse high passes, navigate challenging roads while surrounded by ever-changing natural beauty, and venture into off-road terrains. But all of this required acclimatization, and thus, spending 24 to 48 hours in Leh was crucial. Some of us even took preventative measures by taking medication for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), ensuring a smoother journey over the next few days.

The highlight of Day 5 was centered around rest. We did venture into the market during the afternoon and evening. The market buzzed with buyers, enthusiasts, and travelers, a mix of both domestic and foreign tourists. While we engaged in some obligatory shopping, the real gems of the market were the dry fruits, especially the Afghan raisins, and the assorted qualities of walnuts and almonds. Dried fruits like berries, pineapples, and mangoes were equally tempting, with the added advantage of a shelf life of up to six months when stored in cold conditions. Saffron and cinnamon were also among the market's offerings. The quality of woolen products was commendable, although they would primarily be useful in extreme winters. The Tibetan refugee camps in certain pockets of the market offered unique items, spanning from art and fashion to everyday products. The market is budget-friendly, allowing you to purchase mementos of the region. However, some items might find better alternatives at Thikse Monastery near Leh.

While strolling through the market, we indulged in cheesecake paired with fresh apricot juice—a delightful combination indeed. This treat is readily available in several outlets in the main market. There weren't many culinary delights beyond this for foodies. The region's authentic cuisine is somewhat limited due to the predominantly Punjabi, Himachali, or Nepali workforce. Although some dishes might bear names reminiscent of Ladakh's originals, our experience indicated a resemblance to Himachali fare in terms of taste and preparation. While some dishes might share names, the flavors are what we associate with Himachal Pradesh.

Day 5 was characterized by rest and minimal activity. We didn't embark on any rides; instead, we covered about 6 to 7 km on foot. Yet, the altitude and low oxygen levels posed a significant challenge, even with preventive medication. Our hotel's location meant constant exposure to airplane activities, as Leh's airport serves as a base for the airforce and army. Fighter planes took off and landed with thunderous roars, making sleep elusive. Fortunately, the subsequent night was more peaceful, devoid of such activities, allowing us a better night's rest.

Day 5 revolved around the art of resting. 

Stay tuned for Day 6, promising an itinerary full of visits to multiple places, a bit of riding, and even some exhilarating moments.