Ladakh the Land of High Passes in the Himalayas
The 4th International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh from 21 Aug – 01 Sep 2015 (12D/11N)
At Nubra Valley sand dunes via Khardung La Pass (5,600m / 18,380ft), world highest motor-able road.
Ladakh road trip is all about crossing the various 'la' or mountain passes. Ladakh got its name from the mountain passes. “La” means Passes and “Dakh” means many, in short, Ladakh literally means land of many passes.
Day 1 (21.08.2015) – Kuala Lumpur flight to Delhi, India
At 6.25pm we were on board Malaysia Airlines MH.0190 for a 5,626km flight in 5 hours from KLIA to Delhi Terminal 3 arriving at 9.28pm. The Singaporeans arrived earlier at 8.05pm and they had to wait for the Malaysians. At the arrival hall, we were duly met by the Singaporeans and importantly our Indian travel agent representative Mr. Ravi HP.07834832767 who then took us by bus to Ibis Hotel which was 2km from the airport. Sleeping at Ibis Hotel, Delhi
In the bus, Prof. Datuk Seri Dr. Victor Wee briefed us on the Ladakh Adventure programs. 
Sleeping at Ibis Hotel, Delhi, India
Day 2 (22.08.2015) Delhi flight to Leh, Ladakh (3,524m / 11,562ft)
The morning call was at 3am and be at the lobby at 3.30am for breakfast. At 4am the bus took us to the airport terminal one for flight to Leh, Ladakh. We flew north at 6.40am by GoAir G8-203 flight in 1h 15min from Delhi to Leh Kusho Bakula Rimpochey Airport. Even though we had a rough landing, we really enjoyed the mountain view from the aircraft. If travel by road it would take two days (1,266km in 26 hours).
The mountain view from Delhi flight to Leh, Ladakh (3,524m / 11,562ft).
The mountain valley view from Delhi flight to Leh, Ladakh, India.
The mountain valley view from Delhi flight to Leh, Ladakh, India.
The mountain valley view from Delhi flight to Leh, Ladakh, India.
The river view from Delhi flight to Leh, Ladakh, India.
The air-flight from Delhi to Leh, Ladakh, India
At the Leh airport, we were well received by representatives from MIMC
welcoming us with drums, banners and Ladakhi children with traditional
costumes shouting “jullay jullay” i.e. greetings from Ladakh. We were
then driven in Toyota Innova to Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) our host in Leh.
We
had breakfast at 9am in MIMC ShangriLa Restaurant and then checked into
our rooms for a good rest till lunch at 1pm. We then walked around to
explore MIMC and took lots of pictures of the apples and apricots fruit
garden and the surrounding scenic landscape. Here I met Bhante
Karunanand Thero Tel: +919890437445 email: vipasanaest@gmail.com.
At 2.30pm the bus took us to the Nagarjuna Auditorium at Choglamsar Town for a special talk on “Empowerment of the women of Ladakh”. As delegates from Malaysia and Singapore, we were well received by Nagasena Thupstan Lundup the secretary at Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) at the auditorium. It was a very good talk by the panel of speakers from India, America, United Kingdom, Sweden, Taiwan and Malaysia.
The Honourable chief guest was HRH Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk the royal princess of the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan. Special guest was HRH Gyalmo Diskit Wangmo (Rani Parvati Devi) the Royal Palace Stok, Ladakh.
We came back at 6.30pm for dinner at 7pm. After dinner we had our puja and meditation lead by Datuk Wee before calling it a night at 9.30pm.
The Leh weather was nice: day temperature was at about 20° C and night was about 10° C.
Sleeping at Global Family Home in Leh, Ladakh. At 2.30pm the bus took us to the Nagarjuna Auditorium at Choglamsar Town for a special talk on “Empowerment of the women of Ladakh”. As delegates from Malaysia and Singapore, we were well received by Nagasena Thupstan Lundup the secretary at Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) at the auditorium. It was a very good talk by the panel of speakers from India, America, United Kingdom, Sweden, Taiwan and Malaysia.
The Honourable chief guest was HRH Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk the royal princess of the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan. Special guest was HRH Gyalmo Diskit Wangmo (Rani Parvati Devi) the Royal Palace Stok, Ladakh.
We came back at 6.30pm for dinner at 7pm. After dinner we had our puja and meditation lead by Datuk Wee before calling it a night at 9.30pm.
The Leh weather was nice: day temperature was at about 20° C and night was about 10° C.
At Leh Kusho Bakula Rimpochey Airport, we were well received by representatives from MIMC welcoming us with drums, banners and Ladakhi children with traditional costumes shouting “jullay jullay” i.e. greetings from Ladakh.
L-R: Seow Key Me, Khow Kooi Heok and Ching Bee Geok with the Ladakhi ladies carrying flowers to welcome us at the Leh airport.
Ladakhi ladies in traditional dress carrying flowers to welcome us at the Leh airport.
Ching Neng Bin with the Ladakhi ladies carrying gifts and flowers to welcome us at the Leh airport.
Panoramic view of the Leh town on the way to MIMC with the Himalayas Mountain as the backdrop.
The entrance road to Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) in Leh, Ladakh, India.
Ching Bee Geok smiling on arrival at Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) in Leh.
We were registered as delegates to this 4th International festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh 2015.
The beautiful Ladakhi in traditional dress Yogar and Lokpa at MIMC Leh, Ladakh, India.
At the entrance road, eager Ladakhi children rush out to welcome us with silken scarf and children performed their dances in colourful traditional costumes in the sound of drums. Children shouting “jullay jullay” i.e. greetings from Ladakh.
L-R: Prof. Datuk Seri Dr. Victor Wee, Sudatta Eng Kong Kian and Lye Yu Choong leading the Malaysian and Singaporean delegates to MIMC Leh.
Ladakhi children rush out to welcome us with silken scarf at the MIMC Leh entrance road.
The little nun from Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) in Leh.
Sleeping at Global Family Home - It is one of the best places in Leh to experience the peace and tranquility. As Leh is becoming any other world city, Global Family Home is hassle free place to explore oneself. All the spiritual inclined person gather here to share their experience. There are also verities of spiritual activities which one can opt for like meditation, yoga, short trekking etc.
L-R: Ruby Song, Elaine Low, Ching Neng Bin, Lina Tan and Simon Looi at MIMC Leh, Ladakh, India.
Organising chairman, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, founder President of MIMC, is seen welcoming guest.
From airport to MIMC Leh, Ladakh, India.
Taking our Ladakhi breakfast at MIMC Leh, Ladakh, India.
Taking our Ladakhi breakfast at MIMC Leh - Dal.
Taking our Ladakhi breakfast at MIMC Leh - Bhatura.
We also had oats and porridge and of course Masala Tea at MIMC Leh, Ladakh, India.
L-R: Poh Wee Fah, Dr. Tan Ho Soon, Jerry Ong and Khaw Eng Aun at MIMC Leh, Ladakh, India.
L-R: Teo Chiang Wee, Datuk Seri Victor Wee and Simon Looi at MIMC Leh, Ladakh, India.
After breakfast at MIMC Leh, we all gathered at the car park to mingle with the local communities who also entertained us with music and dance.
After breakfast at MIMC Leh, we gathered at the car park for the local to entertain us with music and dance.
Ching Neng Bin with the Ladakhi children in MIMC Leh, Ladakh, India.
Poh Wee Fah with the Ladakhi children in MIMC Leh, Ladakh, India.
Ching Neng Bin and Mike Khaw Eng Aun took the opportunity to play the Ladakhe traditional drums, while Ruby Song joined in to dance which blend well with Ching's drumming beat.
Ruby Song joined in to dance with Ching's drumming beat.
Sleeping at Global Family Home in Leh, Ladakh.
This is Global Family Home Block "A".
This is Global Family Home Block "B".
In the courtyard of MIMC Leh, there is a flower garden full of apple and apricot trees.
In the courtyard of MIMC Leh, there is a flower garden full of apple and apricot trees.
In the courtyard of MIMC Leh, there is a flower garden full of apple and apricot trees.
In the courtyard of MIMC Leh, there is a flower garden full of apple and apricot trees.
It is free to eat as many apples as you like in the courtyard of MIMC Leh, Ladakh.
It is free to eat as many apples as you like in the courtyard of MIMC Leh, Ladakh.
It is free to eat as many apples as you like in the courtyard of MIMC Leh, Ladakh.
It is free to eat as many sweet apricots as you like in the courtyard of MIMC Leh, Ladakh.
It is free to eat as many sweet apricots as you like in the courtyard of MIMC Leh, Ladakh.
These are Poplar trees at MIMC Leh, that can grow to heights exceeding 150 feet.
The lake view at MIMC Leh, Ladakh.
Ching Neng Bin met Bhante Karunanand Thero Tel: +919890437445 email: vipasanaest@gmail.com.
The breathtaking view of the surrounding scenic landscape from MIMC Leh, Ladakh.
The breathtaking view of the surrounding scenic landscape from MIMC Leh, Ladakh.
The breathtaking view of the surrounding scenic landscape from MIMC Leh, Ladakh.
The breathtaking view of the surrounding scenic landscape from MIMC Leh, Ladakh.
Lunch at 1:00 pm at Shangri La Restaurant MIMC Leh in Ladakh.
This is Jerry Ong from Singapore. He donated US25k in 2014 to buy this school bus for Mahbodhi Branch School in Bodkharboo. We sincerely salute you dear Jerry Ong and would say Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
At 2.30pm Jerry Ong's bus took us to the Nagarjuna Auditorium at Choglamsar Town for a special talk on “Empowerment of the women of Ladakh”.
As delegates from Malaysia and Singapore, we were well received in the Nagarjuna Auditorium by Nagasena Thupstan Lundup, Secretary-General of the Mahabody International Meditation Center (MIMC).
The Nagarjuna Auditorium at Choglamsar Town in Leh, Ladakh.
Ladakhi ladies in traditional dress welcome us at the Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
Ladakhi ladies in traditional dress welcome us at the Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
Ladakhi ladies in traditional dress carrying flowers to welcome us at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
Angie Ho Siew Eng with Ladakhi ladies carrying gifts to welcome us at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
Ladakhi musicians to welcome us at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
Ladakhi ladies in traditional dress carrying flowers to welcome us at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
Ladakhi ladies in traditional dress carrying flowers to welcome us at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
A Ladakhi lady in traditional dress came to welcome us at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
Ladakhi ladies in traditional dress came to welcome us at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
Welcoming delegates to this 4th International festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh 2015.
Welcoming delegates to this 4th International festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh 2015.
Welcoming delegates to this 4th International festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh 2015.
Welcoming delegates to this 4th International festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh 2015.
Welcoming delegates to this 4th International festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh 2015.
MIMC to Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
Delegation of Ladakh's 4th International Buddhist Heritage at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.
Prof. Datuk Seri Dr. Victor Wee at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
L-R: Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, President, Divine Shakti Foundation, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand and Gyalmo Diskit Wangmo, Royal Palace Stok, Ladakh at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
L-R: Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati and HRH Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
The Honorable chief guest was HRH Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk the royal princess of the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, President, Divine Shakti Foundation, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
VVIP guest at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
VVIP guest at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
L-R: Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati and Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
L-R: Sarla Chewang, President Leh Mahila Mandal and Kiran Bali, Global Council Chairperson, United Religions Initiative, UK at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
The organising chairman Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, founder President of MIMC delivering his opening speech at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, President, Divine Shakti Foundation, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand delivering her speech at Nagarjuna Auditorium, Leh, Ladakh.
Delegation of Ladakh's 4th International Buddhist Heritage at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.
We were entertained by Ladakhi folk dances, music and songs at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.
We were entertained by Ladakhi folk dances, music and songs at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.
We were entertained by Ladakhi folk dances, music and songs at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.
We were entertained by Ladakhi folk dances, music and songs at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.
We were entertained by Ladakhi folk dances, music and songs at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.
We were entertained by Ladakhi folk dances, music and songs at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.
Ladakhi folk dances, music and songs at the Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.
Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh.
Ladakhi children at Nagarjuna Auditorium in Leh, Ladakh
We came back by Jerry Ong's bus at 6.30pm and dinner at 7pm. After dinner we had our puja and meditation lead by Datuk Wee before calling it a night at 9.30pm MIMC Leh.
Sleeping at Global Family Home in Leh, Ladakh.
Click below to view:
Introduction to Ladakh India Adventure
Day 01 (21.08.2015) – Kuala Lumpur flight to Delhi, India
Day 02 (22.08.2015) – Delhi domestic flight to Leh, Ladakh (3,524m / 11,562ft)
Day 03 (23.08.2015) – Thicksay and Shey Monastery, Leh, Ladakh
Day 04 (24.08.2015) – Leh to Hemis Monastery (41.2km) Ladakh
Day 05 (25.08.2015) – Leh to Nubra Valley (136km) via KhardungLa Pass
Day 06 (26.08.2015) – Nubra Valley to visit Disket Monastery (14.5km)
Day 07 (27.08.2015) – Nubra Valley returned to Leh, Ladakh (136km)
Day 08 (28.08.2015) – Visit Devachan Campus, Leh, Ladakh
Day 09 (29.08.2015) – Leh to Tingmosgang (90km) Ladakh
Day 10 (30.08.2015) – Bodhkharbu on the way to Lamayuru Monastery
Day 11 (31.08.2015) – Basgo Monastery, Tekchen Chosling and Alchi Temple
Day 12 (01.09.2015) - Leh fly to Delhi to catch the night flight back to KL
Day 13 (02.09.2015) - Arrived KLIA at 6.55am
Day 01 (21.08.2015) – Kuala Lumpur flight to Delhi, India
Day 02 (22.08.2015) – Delhi domestic flight to Leh, Ladakh (3,524m / 11,562ft)
Day 03 (23.08.2015) – Thicksay and Shey Monastery, Leh, Ladakh
Day 04 (24.08.2015) – Leh to Hemis Monastery (41.2km) Ladakh
Day 05 (25.08.2015) – Leh to Nubra Valley (136km) via KhardungLa Pass
Day 06 (26.08.2015) – Nubra Valley to visit Disket Monastery (14.5km)
Day 07 (27.08.2015) – Nubra Valley returned to Leh, Ladakh (136km)
Day 08 (28.08.2015) – Visit Devachan Campus, Leh, Ladakh
Day 09 (29.08.2015) – Leh to Tingmosgang (90km) Ladakh
Day 10 (30.08.2015) – Bodhkharbu on the way to Lamayuru Monastery
Day 11 (31.08.2015) – Basgo Monastery, Tekchen Chosling and Alchi Temple
Day 12 (01.09.2015) - Leh fly to Delhi to catch the night flight back to KL
Day 13 (02.09.2015) - Arrived KLIA at 6.55am
Videos:
4th International festival of buddhist Heritage of Ladakh | 24 Aug 2015 (Part 1) 4th International festival of buddhist Heritage of Ladakh | 24 Aug 2015 (Part 2)
For further reading:
- Touching lives by Lee Keat Hin
- Angel of mercy by the late Tan Guat Gnoh
- Prayers for four Malaysians who died in Ladakh
- Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Ladakh
///
Bro. Ching, Sadhu!Sadhu!Sadhu! for putting the very nice story of the Ladakh trip.
ReplyDeleteBro. Yue Choong
Hi Ching,
ReplyDeleteThat was truely an awesome piece of work you did on your recent travel to Ladakh. I enjoyed reading your article and the beautiful photographs that adorned your article. It was armchair travelling of sorts for me. Looking forward in anticipation to the coming episodes. Thanks heaps.
Warmest regards,
Francis.
Thanks Ching, for the wonderful insight of your trip.
ReplyDeleteNeng Bin, I always enjoy your postings. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteHi Bro Ching
ReplyDeleteAppreciate the summary of those trips. Allan was very impressed and asking me to read the fantastic and excellently written, not forgetting the pictures taken banyak bagus 100%. Take care.. Sis. Siew Eng
Hi Ching,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the Ladakh India Adventure. Fantastic photos, see all the smiling faces. Very simple people with very rich cultures. Great, Like it. Thank You and Best Regards,
Lt.Cdr.(R)Teoh HS
Ladakh is a very nice country. Hope you enjoyed it. I stayed in Hemis Gompa in Leh in 1984 as I was receiving teaching from HH Drukchen Rinpoche and his father Bairo Tulku. My girlfriend then at that time was a student of Thukse (Dungse) Rinpoche of Darjeeling who is HH Drukchen Rinpoche's root guru. I have not kept up with the Kagyus for a long time as I became Nyingma and actually, to be more exact, Dzogchen tradition.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou are enjoying life.
Best regards,
Felicia
Bro Ching, awesome pictures! Thanks so much for sharing. Really brought back nice memories of my trip there a few years ago. I'm sure you had a great time there :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mr Ching, I enjoy reading your wonderful report.
ReplyDeleteDear Bro Ching,
ReplyDeleteWell done Bro for all your hard work and professional effort in compiling the pictures and videos. I would like to get your permission to use the pix for me to show my friends in effort to promote Ladakh as their next tour destination. A few of us would like to invite you for Yum Char whenever you are down here in Subang! Cheers from your dancer
Ruby Song
General Manager
ProsElixir Lab Sdn Bhd
A-05-10 Empire Tower
SS16/1 Subang Jaya
47500 Selangor
Malaysia
Tel +6012.6466.181
Thanks for sharing your travelogue!
ReplyDeleteHi Ching, thank you very much for sharing your trip to Ladakh. I went there with Datuk Charlie Chia of BGF in 2010. Your blog brings back fond memory of our visit.
ReplyDeleteLadakh has been a clandestine land for everyone. Once you visit this place, you get myriad of spots, amazing vistas, stunning lake and mesmeric hills. These places keep the flow of tourists in full swing throughout the year. You can also enjoy a Ladakh trip in India if you have a desire for adventure.
ReplyDeleteLadakh trip in India
Discover tranquility in the luxurious setting of one of the best Hotels & Resorts in Nubra Valley - Lchang Nang Retreat. Experience Ladakh through our Signature Experiences, Cuisine and Ladakhi Hospitality.
ReplyDelete