Discovering Ladakh's Majestic Beauty: An interview with our seasoned Mongolian explorer
Our seasoned Mongolia explorer, Lishan (check out another featured interview I had with her about her four trips to Mongolia here!) recently went on an expedition to Ladakh with Beyond Expeditions. When we saw how she returned to Singapore with such excitement and fondness for the land she visited, it was clear we had to interview her and discover the hidden treasures of this enchanting destination through her eyes. From savouring noodle soup cooked with medicinal roots, to experiencing the harmonious bond between Ladakhis and nature, Lishan's tale unfolds with insights that will captivate your heart.
Let's explore how nature embraces this land and cultural marvels intertwine, inviting you to a realm of snow-capped peaks, serene monasteries, and heartfelt hospitality.
And who knows?
Maybe Ladakh will be your next big adventure.
Note: This article is written slightly different from the previous interview features. This time, the big bolded words are not all questions, but characteristics about Lishan’s experience in Ladakh that will help you better understand what you are really signing up for, when you embark on your own Ladakh adventure with Beyond Expeditions.
A Gateway to Nature's Embrace.
As we delve into the heart of Ladakh through Lishan's eyes, a vivid tapestry of snow-capped mountains, meandering rivers, and vibrant flora and fauna emerges. "It's like being embraced by Mother Nature herself," Lishan muses, her voice painting a picture of Ladakh's natural splendor. Nestled in the Western Himalayas, Ladakh boasts a captivating allure that transcends seasons.
“Even during the peak of summer (July), July is supposedly the peak of summer, but there's still a lot of snow-capped mountains, rivers, beautiful flora and fauna…” As the conversation unfolds, Lishan's voice resonates with awe as she describes Ladakh's breathtaking landscapes. It’s as though in Ladakh, nature becomes this living, breathing entity, embracing the region in its gentle grasp.
“Oh, also… so one thing my guide asked me, ‘How come you never sleep during the car rides?” Because every day, we will travel from homestay to homestay, a certain scenic region to a certain scenic region. And she notices that I never, ever sleep in the car. So I told her that in Singapore, we don't have such beautiful views and scenery.
So I want to take every single precious moment here with my eyes open, to just absorb and enjoy and admire all these beautiful landscapes. You're just constantly surrounded by mountains, all sorts of landforms like rivers, streams, lakes and valleys and trees and villages… It is just breathtaking.”
I wish you could have seen the look on her face as she shared this with me; you’ll immediately be able to tell how precious this experience was for her.
Ladakh's Character? Magnanimous.
“Lishan, how would you describe Ladakh as a person?”
"Magnanimous," Lishan replies firmly. “In Ladakh, there’s this energy of Mother Nature that seems to protect and nurture the people, endowing them with abundant resources.” Lishan describes how the fields teem with barley, a symbol of self-sufficiency and the deep-rooted connection between the land and its inhabitants. “Ladakh also has a lot of fruit and vegetables. So this August and September, like right now (at the time of our interview), all the apricots, apples, grapes, are starting to ripen, and then we were also picking peas in the village! And yes there's all this barley growing in the fields.”
“That must have been quite a sight.”
Lishan gently smiled in response.
“It is extremely beautiful. I feel being there to experience it yourself is all the more magical, because you get to meet the farmers who are harvesting these plants for their own consumption and also to sell in the markets.”
As Lishan recounts her encounters with farmers diligently tending to their fields, one can almost feel the harmonious connection between humans and the earth in Ladakh. It's a tale of sustenance, of a community that thrives in harmony with the land that cradles it.
“Oh, you were mentioning how you really love the food that you got to eat.
Food that nourishes the soul.
Could you share more about some of your favourite meals when you were in Ladakh?”
It seems like Lishan entered a mesmerising realm of flavors and traditions in Ladakh. Ladakh's dishes, predominantly vegetarian, open the door for her to understand their culture through food.
“I have this one favourite meal. On the first day out from the city, it was raining, and i got to have this traditional dish called ‘tukpa’ at the homestay. It's actually just noodle soup. But I love it so much because they add in fresh medicinal roots from the garden.”
Lishan continued to share about how most meals are vegetarian in Ladakh, which she really appreciated. I got a glimpse of the essence of Ladakh's cuisine, where there seems to be a harmonious relationship between land and plate.
Connecting through Hospitality, A Glimpse into Ladakhi Life.
As we continued our conversation, it also became clear to me that during her time in Ladakh, Lishan was constantly embraced by the warmth of local hospitality. Guesthouses and homestays become windows into genuine interactions with families who open their homes to visitors. Lishan's genuine admiration for the way of life – observing meals being prepared, witnessing the dedication to farming, and engaging with locals – opens up a journey beyond typical tourism, a journey of connecting with a different culture.
the art of contentment and gratitude.
Among the many insights Lishan shares, one stands out – the art of contentment and gratitude. In a world often driven by material desires, Ladakh offers a perspective shift.
“The rhythm of life in Ladakh greatly contrasts with Singapore’s. In Singapore, we see everyone on a journey to accumulating material and financial stability. In Ladakh, it’s all about living simply with the gifts of the land.”
Lishan shared about how people in Ladakh have access to a lot of natural resources, “… like land, and they can grow their own food. And they also have running rivers to supply water, and they live very closely with nature. So they rely more on the sunlight as their form of lighting rather than lots of the indoor electricity, and the air there is really cool so you also don't need air conditioning.”
Lishan paused, before continuing. “It’s like, once you're there… you realise that hey, actually, you can just live off the land. You can be very self-sufficient. And you don't actually need a lot materially to feel comfortable and at peace.”
"Taking this trip to Ladakh is a healing journey," Lishan reflects, emphasizing how disconnecting from technology and immersing oneself in Ladakh's pure beauty can recalibrate our perspectives and priorities. The simple yet profound way of life in Ladakh ignites a deeper appreciation for nature's wisdom and the art of true connection.
Lishan's words unravel the contrast between Singapore's fast-paced urban lifestyle and Ladakh's serene simplicity. The Ladakhis' ability to find satisfaction in what nature provides becomes a lesson in mindfulness and appreciation, a reminder that life's richness isn't measured in material possessions.
ladakh is where you’ll get Adventure, and Deepening Spirituality.
Adventure seekers and those yearning for a spiritual awakening can find solace in Ladakh's embrace. From breathtaking landscapes to monasteries steeped in history, the region opens doors to exploration and introspection. Lishan was all smiles as she enthusiastically shared about the richness of history and culture she encountered in Ladakh.
“One thing about Ladakh is that they have a lot of monasteries there. And they have a very strong and rich history and culture in Buddhism and Hinduism. So that, to me, the most amazing thing was that during the time I was there, the Dalai Lama happened to visit.”
Her words made me gasp in surprise. Lishan nodded, a sparkle entering her eyes as she continued to share.
“Dalai Lama was there at the same time as I was, and he was there to give talks… dharma talks. So dharma means to find your purpose in life, right? Like everyone has different strengths and talents and how we can harness these abilities to best serve ourselves and our community.” Lishan continued to reveal what she learnt from her Ladakh guide; that kids in Ladakh study a syllabus of moral, spiritual, and philosophical education. “There's quite a lot of emphasis on these topics for children growing up in Ladakh. In Singapore, we are very focused on traditional subjects and achieving grades, but for them, they place equal emphasis on the spiritual, moral and ethical aspects of education, and will also constantly bring their children to visiting all these natural sites. My tour guide was also telling me that she once brought her children there to explore the mountain region to learn about its geography!”
3 reasons why people should visit Ladakh
To end off the interview, I asked Lishan to name the three most compelling reasons to explore Ladakh's breathtaking vistas. Here’s what I summarised from what she had to say.
1. Spiritual Enrichment and Cultural Exploration:
Ladakh offers a unique opportunity to delve into spirituality and diverse cultures. Immersing oneself in ancient monasteries and interacting with local communities can bring us into a world of traditions, nurturing a deeper understanding of life's purpose.
2. Thrilling Adventures:
For adventurous souls, Ladakh offers a playground of exhilarating activities. From high-altitude ziplining to camel rides and river rafting, the region caters to those who seek an adrenaline rush amidst its majestic landscapes.
3. Nature's Tranquility and Digital Detox:
Ladakh's pristine beauty invites you to detox from the digital world and rediscover the serenity of nature. The breathtaking lakes, snow-capped peaks, and starlit skies inspire introspection and renewal… you will find yourself in a deep sense of contentment.
At the end of the interview, Lishan left us with a final thought:
"Ladakh isn't just a destination; it's a way of life, an embrace of nature, and a connection with oneself."
When I listened again to our recorded interview several days after, her words sunk in deeper. Indeed, it seems like Ladakh's allure lies not only in its stunning landscapes but also in its ability to awaken the spirit, rejuvenate the soul, and leave an indelible mark on those who answer its call. In the end, Lishan's journey isn't just about visiting a destination; it's an exploration of the heart, an awakening of the soul, and a celebration of the intricate dance between humans and their environment.
If her words have ignited a spark within you, if you sensed a flicker of wonder and yearning, then read more about our Ladakh expedition here.
We're excited to lead you into your own mesmerizing dance with Ladakh.
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: VALERIE
Valerie, a freelance writer with a quirky infatuation with steamed buns and slightly bizarre food combinations.
(“Try soft-boiled eggs and hot milo!”)
She wishes to keep writing stories that bypass typical food reviews and appreciation of scenery, stories that inspire readers to pursue curious conversations about the unique cultures and lifestyles of every country.
