Photo Gallery - Leh (Day 6 - 9 )

CAT Vasu enjoying a serene and beautiful morning at Nubra Valley - The Valley of Flowers


Even the wild flowers were to be found in abundance

An Indian Hotelier, A Greek Philosopher, two Israelis discussing Nubra Valley at the crack of dawn at a camping site

CATS enjoying the “railey” in the valley, courtesy Himank (BRO). The restricted area for the civilians begins beyond the bridge

Buddhist Stupas at Hundar – no one could explain the true significance of these Stupas which could be seen all across Ladakh in different sizes

Ancient Buddhist scriptures and prayers engraved on stones scattered all over around the Gompa (Buddhist temple) at Hundar


CAT Supreet trying her hands on the prayer drums albeit a little scared of offending the old Ladakhi lady guarding the place

Magnificent statue of a Buddha incarnation inside the 600 year old Gompa at Hundar. The folk lore says that the future Lama incarnates including the one’s yet to come were painted on the walls centuries ago

Another of the inspiring milestones from Himank BRO

Yet another one of the bright quotes from Himank (BRO)

Trust me it says ‘Mandir’ and not a dwelling of “Mainder” Singh (or even Maninder Singh or Mahinder Singh for that matter!!)


Something to add to your principles of life, courtesy reminder by Himank(BRO)

Biblical commandment for all those who would take their beautiful neighbours out on a drive


CATS posing in the blistering hot sands of Zanskar desert

Does this view leave you speechless?

An exercise into translation. TCP 200 mtr AGE – Transit Check Point 200 meters ahead (read AGE in Hindi !!)


Krazzy 4 leaving envoirnment friendly pug marks of their visit behind in a Glacier at Khardung-la

A shower and a nap later CATS magnetized to the road sign at Magnetic Hill

Cars actually move uphill whilst in neutral, tested twice over by sceptical CATS

‘Sukh Aasan’ ceremony being performed at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib

The impression of Guru Nanak dev ji’s body on the rock thrown by the monster to kill him whilst he was praying for the goodwill of humanity. The legend has it that rock melted like wax upon touching the Guru, leaving the foot and body impressions visible in the picture


Way points to Pangong Tso lake

The puddle of water which was referred to as The Pangong Tso Lake by CAT Paramjeet and VAT Vasu just to tease CAT Supreet , who was thoroughly disappointed at the view of the so called wonder of Leh

The view which alleviated the mood of CAT Supreet; the first glimpse of the 140kms long Pangong Tso lake at a height of over 14,000ft. All was forgotten and forgiven :-)

CAT Vasu reflecting upon the beautiful reflections offered by the crystal clear clouds in the crystal blue waters underneath


Mesmerising views providing a moment of tranquillity who perhaps indulged in a spot of finding answers of life enveloped in the sheer beauty that surrounded them

CATS caught on camera by CAT Paramjeet whilst enjoying being caressed by the tiny ripples at the lake

CAT Vasu and CAT Supreet chilling in the freezing waters of the lake


For the record, Pangong Tso is a protected wetland which serves as breeding grounds for so many migratory birds. A lone family spotted by the CATS on their way back

Chang-La (17800 ft), fourth highest motor able road in the world, where complimentary tea is served by The Army at the Changla baba Temple


CATTY conference to discuss the future course of journey

CATS with a Lama in the land of Gama on way to rafting at Chilling

All strapped up and ready to get wet

CAT Ashish was the only one to be swallowed by the waves at the double coaster. You can see a little of CAT Ashish still visible in water

Hall of Fame – a museum paying tribute to our brave defence personnel who have been fighting to guard our borders in the most hostile weather conditions


The most poignant moment of our trip. We felt humbled and proud of being an Indian at the same time. Jai Hind


…If I die in the battle zone, put me in a box and send me home,

pin my medals on my chest, tell my mom I did my best ….


CAT Ashish looking at model of the daunting terrain from Himachal to Leh which we had travelled in last so many days

Saying Good Bye to Leh, the hotel which had been home to us for 5 days

- to be continued... Haji CAT Supreet

Photo Gallery - Leh (Day 10 - 13 )

Last halt before leaving Leh for Kashmir Valley – a scene overlooking the Indus

How could CATS miss a family on the move, lock stock and barrel; a gas cylinder in this case!


And another one… Don't miss the gas cylinder here too... INDIAN :-)

CAT Ashish and our driver clearing the road blocks for the mighty CATS to cross


Kargil market where we stopped for first taste of Kashmiri food and replenish our candy bar


CAT Ashish and CAT Vasu exploring the local restaurant’s kitchen… quite literally !!

CATTY mobile bin - an innovation to keep up with our no litter policy even in the car!

At no stage of 13 days of our motoring expedition did we throw our rubbish inappropriately, much to the amazement of the localites. In fact, even our driver became conscious of ensuring that all rubbish was disposed off at designated dust bins only. Three “MEOWS” to CATS…

meow – meow - meow.. :-)

A mosque in the picturesque surroundings of Kargil

Kashmiri beauties shying away from the CATS at Drass

The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep...


The most secure stay for the night for CATS in Sonamarg; a police station, courtesy J&K Police.. and no, we are not crying... just rolling in laughter if you look carefully :-)

The police post where we stayed the night might have been courtesy J&K Police, however, as CAT Ashish said disbelievingly, ‘Yaar, kalank to lag gaya na ke ek raat thane mein kaati thee!!’


A beautifulwooden bridge probably “angrezon ke zamane se” on our way out from Sonamarg


CRPF party patrolling Srinagar in the wee hours, where CATS were taken aback by seeing more of police personnel than the civilians on the streets


The far end of the Dal lake, which looks very uninspiring and ‘dull’

Rozgaar ki khoj mein…. “Fatima Bee” travelling to work in the back of a tempo in Srinagar


The Kashmir Valley slowly waking up... Bache school bus ki intezaar mein…


Time of the life when Mian Ji should have been home, playing with his grand children, wonder what brings him every morning to mend shoes at this age as well...


“Bus-anti” all decked up and ready for the day …

And CAT Vasu is ready to crash in our cottage at Pehalgam after travelling without a wash for nearly 36 hours

A beautiful spot on our way to Chandanwari, the first transit camp for Amarnath Yatra starting from Pehalgam


The two ‘sadhus’ high on Shiv parsad, shooed away CAT Vasu who had innocuously approached them with a tub of fresh Apricots…. Jai Jai Shiv Shankar ..


Wonder what the mule is high on … ;)

An amusement park just outside Pehalgam.. CAT Supreet wondering if she should be taking off for the skies or swimming in the stream...

CAT Vasu amusing the other CATS with his ‘Cat walk’ across the stream

Krazzy 4 on their crazy ponies on a joy ride to Baisaran meadows


Baisaran, a beautiful lush green meadow surrounded by Pine trees from all sides…. a unforgettable view indeed

Krazzy 4 leaving their heavenly abode in Pehalgam

Krazzy 4 enjoying their breakfast of a local delicacy “mattar pakoras” at a local dhaba on their way back to Srinagar from Pehalgam


CATS enjoying a ride in Dal lake in the traditional “Shikara”

Nishaat bagh across the Dal lake reminded CATS of the Moghul gardens at Pinjore, which ironically was also designed by the same architect


CAT Vasu trying to fight pigeons for their feed in the court yard of the famous mosque of Hazrat Bal in Srinagar… the view made CAT Supreet nostalgic about the Trafalgar Square


The last halt for the Krazzy 4 – the misty and picturesque Patni Top

The day CATS threw caution to the winds, Krazzy 4 decided to eat anything and everything on their way back to Chandigarh. Enjoying paneer pakoras and bante walla soda at road side dhaba near Nandini tunnel near Jammu


Another treat on the way back to Chandigarh, the famous 'dal ke khatte laddoo' at Lakhanpur, an amazing place where the whole street is lined with the kiosks selling nothing else but for these Khatte laddoo!

- Haji CAT Supreet