We
were in a dilemma because of last moment cancelation of Chadar Trek, not sure
what to do for rest of the days. Couple of friends in our group went back to
Bangalore. Lot of debate was happening and finally our Singh Sab (well known as
Mestru) contacted one of his friends, Jayo who runs ‘Mitra Tours & Travels’
(they organise trekking across Leh). Jayo suggested about trekking around Stok,
We happily agreed to follow his plans.
Stok,
a village with a population of about 1500 people, located 15 km away from Leh. In Shanti Stupa there is a direction board
written as ‘Stok – the home to the royal family of Ladakh’ (First time when I
visited Leh I have not noticed that board). We planned to stay for 3 days at
Stok. Jayo Bhai only arranged for accommodation for us.
We
stayed in a home stay run by Jayo Brother in Law, they charged 800/- per day
(because of off-season). After seeing the hospitality & the place we felt
it’s too less J
First
day at Stok, it was time to explore the village & get accustomed to high
altitude. Jayo told us that he will join us after lunch and take us to walk
around the village. So we had enough time to roam around and chill out.
After
finishing breakfast we just went out for a walk, we just went around 500 meters
from homestay and found some of kids playing on ice (Actually it was a frozen
river). We decided to walk on that frozen river instead on normal road. At one
point don’t know what exactly Sheethal was trying and he found a new way to
walk on ice (it’s not a walk... Slide on ice…J).
We
spend almost 2 hours sliding down at that place, it was filled with lot &
lot of fun… :P
After
having wonderful time out in sliding we came back to Home stay and finished our
lunch. By the time we finished our lunch Jayo joined us took us for a walk
around the village.
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| Our Gang near underconstration Budda Teample @ Stok |
Day
2: Started with surprise, overnight there was a heavy snowfall and when we
looked out entire place was filled with snow.
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| Just out side the home stay |
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| Other side of Home Stay |
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| Over night snow fall,,,!!! |
After
finishing breakfast we are set for the trekking. Packed some food for Lunch and
packed our self with warm cloths (temperature was around -10 degree Celsius).
Personally
I was very much excited for this trekking. This was my first trek on Snow J
When
we were waiting for Jayo he joined us with one more guy ‘Kaspin’ and informed
us that he will be leading us from front. And Speciality of that person who
leading us was, he was the youngest kid to complete that trekking and he was
just 13 Years old J
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| Kapsin & Jayo |
Jayo
gave some instructions before start; we were all set to go for one more
memorable trek J
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| All set to go... Our team with captain Kaspin |
We
started our trekking on time, Jayo told he will be joining us in some time
after finishing some important work and our chota captain will lead us.
No
words to explain the beauty of this place…!!!
It
was very difficult to walk on the frozen river (and it was fun too J)
 |
| Vinay helping Sanjay to get up :P |
Took
lot of time to cover the distance because of cold, high altitude & of photo
session :P
At
one point we felt very much difficult to walk only and kept all our cameras
inside and continued our trekking. Stopped for a lunch break and Jayo Bhai
prepared some tea for us in middle of the trekking… in that cold weather I
enjoyed every sip of hot tea.
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| Lunch time |
While
having lunch all of a sudden heavy snow fall started and even it was getting
very dark, so Jayo suggested to go back to home stay.
 |
| One last pic before packing all our cams |
Seriously
I enjoyed a lot; it was my first trekking on snow. Most importantly got a
chance experienced the Chadar trek J
By
the time we reached back it was around 7.00PM, ended day with awesome food,
playing cards and question & answer session from Sanjay :P.
Day
3: Jayo Bhai planned for one more trekking for us on Day – 3. It was not on
snow this time but he mentioned that from the peak of that mountain we can see
Leh City (Even he is not sure about the name of that mountain).
It
was a short trek but the path to that peak was bit scary too…!!! Spend some
time in photo session on the way to the peak.
 |
| Fresh faces posing for cam |
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| One more pic |
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| Up above the SKY |
It
was just half day trek and came back to home stay by lunch time. On our final
day of stay, our team Master Chef’s Mestru & Ashwini took over control of
Kitchen and prepared delicious food for us.
The
time spent on that evening was also most memorable moment of the trip. Singing
old songs with your best friends, really it’s a wonderful thing to do.
Day
4: It was time to vacate from that lovely place. Before leaving the place
captured the beauty of wonderful place in our cameras and took couple of pics
with Jayo’s family J
Some
of the pics of Home Stay…
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| Dining Hall/Main Hall |
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| Collection of vessels from almost 7 generations |
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| Final meal at wonderful place |
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| Our gang with Jayo's Family |
Special thanks to Jayo Bhai and his family, for providing accommodation and arranging every necessary things in short term J
Photo
courtesy – Vinay & Sheethal J,
in this post most of the pics were clicked by Vinay & Sheethal.
