Retracing our steps at the end of
a gruelling, yet satisfying, two-week
journey, a stop at Lamayuru on the
way back to Leh proved rewarding.
The whole monastery was buzzing
with pilgrims from other villages ar-
riving to pay homage to the creation
of a mandala, a sacred coloured sand
painting which, once completed over
a few days, is consecrated and later
wiped out.
Young novices practiced traditional
dances on the monastery’s courtyard
while men and women in tradition-
al garb offered prayers at the main
chapel. A mini trek up the mountain
topped the experience providing
exceptional views of the surrounding
landscape and the monastery with its
many buildings.
Despite the remoteness, the
Zanskar Valley has connectivity
everywhere. This is contemporary
India, with a solid and vast network,
essential for riders, as sign posting is
practically non-existent.
The Zanskar Valley will challenge
your riding abilities, your endurance
and your forbearance. It will delight
you and frustrate you at the same
time. It will tire you physically but
will refresh your mind and soul. It
will test your ability to cope and will
leave you with a sense of achieve-
ment. You will come out of the Valley
feeling humble, but proud. Go on,
try it … MV
TRAVERSE 116
Maria and partner, Vikas, are regulars
to the Indian sub-continent. Their world
travellers that are at home in the Himalayas
as much as anywhere on Earth.
Maria has been travelling and writing for
over 30 years, and her newly found love of
motorcycles has become another means of
exploration.