The dictionary meaning of Unzymotic is listed as fabulous which is why I decided to use this word for my alphabet U post, for what I am about to list out here is nothing less than that.
You know how they say, it’s not the destination but the journey that matters? I have taken this literally to the heart and that’s why my preferred mode of travel is a road trip.
Why might you ask.
Well, on a road trip I have the liberty to stop at any interesting sight on the road. If I hadn’t, would have seen the Emus? (Did you read about it?)
Or wandered off in the desert on a whim to see the camel fair? (This takes you to that post)
One such road trip that was truly Unzymotic is September 2012 when two of us headed to Ladakh from Srinagar by road – our pit stops were epic and the sights we encountered would blow away the mind. (Read about our terrible toilet tale here)
Our first one was at the infamous Zozila pass which is the first point of crossing over from Srinagar into Ladakh region. The pass is said to be treacherous as the road is narrow, broken and the sides are mighty steep. One side of the car is always on the edge. Yeah we went through that with my friend chanting Quranic verses 😉 The cloud cover had ensured we had next to zero visibility, which didn’t faze out our experienced driver who revelled in mirth at our shrieks and gasps.
We soon landed at Drass which is the second coldest inhabited place in the world – now isn’t that some sobriquet? Our driver enquired if we wanted to make a stop at the martyr’s post but both of us were on a trip high and didn’t want to mull in sadness or get into a debate to decry war and it atrocities – nah! we wanted to move right on.
As soon as we crossed out of the Drass city, we spotted a big fat stream, gurgling with unabashed joy as it skipped over boulders and pebbles alike. We decided to halt for a picnic snack (we had just devoured a brunch of butter chicken and naan at Sonamarg – must be something in the mountain air 😉 )
Picnic was just an excuse for an impromptu photo-op, much to the chagrin of our chaperone (Yasmin’s mom’s trusted man Friday) who watched aghast as we both frolicked in the water, over the boulders to find that perfect spot!!!!
Sated, we continued onwards to Kargil which was our night halt. We did try to take in the views via a walk on the streets but that turned out to be a BAAAD idea. We were literally bumped into by men at all odd angles, the town was stinky in parts and too much letchy stares sorta stuff went on. Ended up hurriedly going back to our hotel room (the best in town) with its cockroach coloured walls with a pattern to match (not kidding that was the laminate on the walls), a carpet that looked never washed (we kept wondering if something will crawl out of it any moment now) and a toilet – less said the better. We both decided to turn off the lights and get up by 4-5 am to make an early start. Yeah we were not a bit enamoured by Kargil. But the sight of it from above the road, next morning is something that I will cherish for years to come.
Next morning was also Yasmin’s bday and we celebrated it with a steaming cup of mountain tea at a quaint spot on the road where a large Buddha was carved onto the rock face and a charming old lady with a million wrinkles on her face was turning the bells with reverence. Her smile lit up her eyes and she seemed so much at peace.
A few kilometers down the road, blasting was taking place and we ended up sitting in a jam by a really blue river and just enjoyed the breeze which was teasing the clouds that scurried this way and that on the azure canvas above. We noticed a crowd at a spot and headed there to realise its a temple – it was resplendent with the ubiquitous prayer flags and all the colours of happiness and joy.
Once we got moving, we continued to enjoy the vistas of the changing landscapes where the mountains turned into shades of purple to red to rust to mustard yellow with a turn of the curve.
Our driver informed us we were heading for the magnetic hill. We were ecstatic as we had been looking forward to it. Magnetic hill is said to have some sort of magnetic force which allows for cars to roll forward due to its magnetic pull. Its said airplanes are not allowed to fly over it as it could interfere with the controls and systems.
Well! to cut a long story short – there was no magnetism in the road at all! And later we found out that this is not the magnetic hill – it’s located in another part of Ladakh and not just before Leh.
Anyho! We set about experiencing cheap thrills by lying down in the middle of this long stretch of road and taking pics on the timer (yes the driver and man friday were both scandalized to bits). But the long winding road begged for it to be done.
Icing on the cake was the rainbow that appeared on the horizon. It seemed the perfect sign for our trip to be unzymotic and fun!!!
“Once you have travelled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.”
– Pat Conroy –
Didnt I say road trips are fabulous!?! What do you think? Unzymotic or not?
Fact File:
- Leh is the capital city of Ladakh and is approachable by road via Srinagar on one side and Manali on the other.
- Ladakh forms the third part of the state of Jammu & Kashmir.
- This region is famous for its lakes and landscapes and a favourite with adventure seekers and photo enthusiasts alike.
Vistas of V lie ahead…..
For the uninitiated, AtoZ challenge is a blogging challenge wherein one has to write on every alphabet from A to Z and post on all days of April, except Sundays. Usually its better to devise a theme as it makes it easy to write the posts. Plus readers have a reason to stay hooked too.
The A to Z Challenge is created by Arlee Bird of Tossing it Out
and co-hosted by
Alex J. Cavanaugh of Alex J. Cavanaugh
Jeremy Hawkins of Hollywood Nuts
Heather M. Gardner of The Waiting is the Hardest Part
Zalka Csenge Virág of The Multicolored Diary
John Holton of The Sound of One Hand Typing
J Lenni Dorner of Blog of J. Lenni Dorner
My journey so far in the #AtoZChallenge
What a gorgeous trip and that word – I just love it. Unbelievable photos.
Thanks so much Kalpanaa 🙂
I think you are gutsy to travel the length and breadth of this country the way you do. Your hotel room sounds quite terrible and you are brave to face the letchy leers…..I’m glad you are travelling so that I can share your journey without ever undergoing all the hardships you are going through. But I suppose as you say, the rainbows at the end are worth every bit!
Oh thanks you so much Sunita but trust me traveling in India is not the pain that everyone talks about. I have fond friendly people and even friendlier roads. I am glad you are loving my travel posts so much- its made my atoz worthwhile to read your comment today!! And yes the rainbows at the end, make up for every hardship!! 🙂
I have heard that Ladakh is out of this world so is definitely on my places to see. Don’t know if my nerves would stand a car journey there.
Oh Suzy it cetainly is and the best way to see it is via a road trip as it is pretty desolate and the terrain is such that its landcapes are best enjpyed that only. You can fly into the capital ciyt of Leh but after that its all by road as there are no other means of transportation.
Your title to the post is truly befitting Shalz! Btw, thanks to you I learnt a new word today 😉 I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your road trip with the picturesque description !!
thanks so much Radhika- now tha felt so good to hear 😉
Wow! You just rekindled my memories of our ladakh trip. Thanks a ton for sharing
A Peice Of My Life
Thanks so much. Yeah Ladakh is special in most peopl’s lives.
Such an amazing memoir with super awesome clicks❤ Enjoyed the read.
Thanks so much Roma 🙂
Learnt a new word today, thanks. Love the portrait of the old lady. Beautiful!
Nilanjana
Madly-in-Verse
Thanks Nilanjana 🙂
Simply put – you are miles more gutsy than me. The moment you described that broken road with the edges, I would have run the other way 😀
Ha ha I know what you mean; it was too much of an adventure when we actually hit that road but it was too late to turn back 😉
I have only one word for your post & description…..UNZYMOTIC!!!!!
Prasanna from Team Mocktailmommies
Oh thank you so much Prasanna!! 🙂
That is definitely ‘unzymotic’. I tried to decode the word with roots and affixes before reading your definition. It just didn’t work.
What gorgeous pictures!
Ha ha Jacqui – yeah this word is quite a mystery and seems to be a new world word! I couldnt find very many references to it either.
Thanks for liking my photography 🙂
I liked the choice of your word for U! And Leh has been on my mind for such a long time! And I’m sure your readers must be happy about this habit of yours to spot things on the way and make us all aware of the unusual places!
Cheers
Thanks GG -thats sucha sweet thing to say yaar!! I am feeling so good after reading this! 🙂
Oh! That first pic was breathtakingly beautiful!
And that lady with a million wrinkles! You feel like smiling just by looking at her, don’t you?
The only road trips I have been on remind me of traffic jams and scorching North Indian heat! 😛
Happy AtoZing!
Chicky @ http://www.mysteriouskaddu.com
I know what you mean Chocky- I just had to click her and she was ever so sweet in posing for me.
Ha ha I know the jams you are talking about. This one was pure bliss!!! 😉
What a truly beautiful and amazing set of photos! So colourful and so diverse – you are very fortunate to have seen and experienced it all.
Thanks so much Leanne for the kind words 🙂
Oh what gorgeous views! And that rainbow! Epic!! 🙂
Thanks so much Vanessa – it was pure good luck to sight it 🙂
What a fun trip! Looks like you girls had an amazing road trip. Going on a road trip tomorrow morning to Chikmangalur, hope it is unzymotic!
Thanks Namy – I hope your trip is a blast too!! 🙂
I like this word… Unzymotic. And your trip to Leh has been truly Unzymotic indeed. Great stories and great pics too!
Thanks so much Shilpa 🙂
Your travel posts are so real and fun-filled Shalz. The way you explore stands you out from others. Great Clicks and Bravo Steep turns, Shabby hotel and stares- You guys faced all with courage yet completed your journey.
Oh thank you Upasna thats such a warm compliment to hear; I only tell it as it was for me on the trip but happy to hear such lovely words on my writing! 🙂 cheers
the post is unzymotic too! love the word. and the pics, especially the one of the old lady and that unexpected little temple.. the colors are so bright…
MyUPost.
Thanks so much Vidya – this is a much loved and remembered trip for both of us and yes its truly unzymotic too…. 😉
Wow! I am jealous of all the gorgeous trips you’ve taken! This one is beyond what I will ever imagine doing it! May you take many many more such journeys, Shalini.
Oh Shalzz dont be J – your trips have been equally fab and envy inspiring and you know it too 😉