Julley!

Julley (जुले ) is not just a word. It’s a magical word. Not a single word, it's a complete sentence, or a story. And sometime, it is more than a sentence. Julley is a mesmerizing word that gets your work done anywhere in Ladakh. It brings you respect, helps you find way, gets you tasty food, brings you closer to local people, makes new Ladakhi friends, gets you helping hands and many more.

Julley (or Joolay) is a common word in Ladakh (and tribal areas of Himachal including Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur and parts of Kullu) which means Namaste, hello, hi. Meaning of Julley has changed over the time. Now some people use Julley to bid good bye also. The local people, mostly Buddhists, of Ladakh and Himachal wish each other with words like Julley and Tashi Delek (or Tashi Dile). The Julley word has grown so famous among the military people in Ladakh that they also have started to wish people by saying Julley every time they start conversation. If somebody says you Julley, just reply: “Julley” with smile on face and a little hunched shoulders to express your respect to the person.

Julley has now also become famous among the outsiders. It all started with tourism boom in Ladakh and local people here started wishing travellers with Julley. Now, whenever you visit Ladakh, you will hear Julley a lot of times a day. Julley refers to respect. If you want to start conversation with Ladakhi man or woman, just say Julley with smile on your face, and see the magic happening itself. The person will himself/herself show his/her interest in you, with faith and respect.
You are driving a jeep (or bike) and you have some technical problem. You want help. Just say Julley to occupants of that area and they will put all possible efforts to help you. You forgot your way back hotel, you don’t know from where to take diversion to Pangong Lake, you are searching for a dhaba, you are looking for a medical store, you want to know about the local culture of a village, your phone is not working and want local person to allow you to use his cellphone or want a lift in a car, Julley makes it possible for you. But remember; don’t feel like buttering, deceiving or getting your work done selfishly by riding on the shoulders of Julley. Julley is a respect. So earn it, spread it and make it your smile and your ornament. Respect local culture, respect Julley.
Julley!

Leh: Fantastic Accommodation! Oriental Hotel

This was the place I stayed during my visit to Leh, Ladakh. I would give it a thumb up for its hospitality! What is good about this hotel?

1. they settled all my trip in Leh! ( providing service to get all the permit done, look for good driver with good driving skills on the wavy mountain road)
2. Good discount ! ( INR 2600 for a double room with 1 extra bed)
3. They provided good advice before each and every of our trip, also advised us how to prevent acute mountain sickness
4. they cooked for us even though the breakfast time not reached yet as we need to rush for our trip
5. the owners are friendly, honest! 
6. good library with all sort of books! 
7. just next to Chanti Stupa
8. Room 405, 406 with good mountain view! ( can see the morning ray! )
9. opened 24/ 7

Oriental Hotel & Guest House has been in business since 1987 and has been able to operate successfully since then, creating reputation for themselves. Quite like a genial hostess, epitomizing the facets of an exquisite art; Oriental Hotel naturally wears the veil of being one of the best and affordable accommodations in Leh, Ladakh.The quintessence of Luxury, this is for those who are looking for some class-apart accommodation options. Spacious rooms -beautifully appointed, finely luxurious and infused with the unmatched Ladakhi Style and Hospitality. Beautiful interiors merging effortlessly with the ambience, this is a perfect setting to rejuvenate in the heart of Ladakh...

Another sister concern of Oriental Group, this company focuses on arranging Treks & Tours for our guests. With professional trekkers and local people on board, we are one of the leading tour operators in Ladakh. Be it a family vacation or awe-aspiring adventure sport activities, we can arrange it all for you...

Facilities:

COMMUNICATION

With broadband and Wi-Fi connectivity in the premises, you can access internet all day long. We also have in-house STD/ISD telephone and Fax services for your convenience.

CENTRAL HEATING

Since warmth is something that you require utmost when in Ladakh, we have heated rooms with Building C being centrally heated.

CUISINE

Food is one of the main elements which travelers look forward to and hence we make sure to allow you savor Ladhaki, Chinese, Western and Indian cuisines on your plate.

LAUNDRY

We offer special laundry services at your door step which includes ironing on daily basis. We also have dry-cleaning facility for special garments.

SOLAR WATER HEATING

Water supply is never an issues at Oriental as all rooms have attached bathrooms with twenty four hour running hot water powered by solar water heating.

LIBRARY

Indulge in reading with our informal but a wide-ranging library having books and magazines in many languages besides travel guidebooks on Ladakh.

Oriental Hotel Link

Travel to Leh, Free & Easy

The barren beauty of Ladakh with snow capped peaks and clean azure sky have attracted the intrepid traveler since the region was opened to tourists in the 1970s. Since then, Ladakh has become a favorite haunt for trekking and mountaineering enthusiasts. The rugged terrain and the majestic mountains around, make an exotic cocktail for an adventure sport lover. But before you decide to fly away to the land of Buddhist monasteries and brave people, it is imperative to understand that you need at least a week to enjoy your tour to Ladakh. Since, acclimatization it self needs at least a few days in Ladakh.

Thinking of travel from Malaysia to Leh?

Options: Flights

Kuala Lumpur --> New Delhi ( Malaysia airline, Malindo )    * I managed to get Malindo air at RM 1300 (2 ways)

New Delhi--> Leh ( Go air, Jet Airway, Air India )    * I managed to get Go Air at RM 800 ++ (2 ways)

I think this is one of the good option to go to Leh! Of course, if you don't like to linger in New Delhi, just get a flight straight out to New Delhi! Other option is flying into NEW DELHI and get a charted car/ taxi to Leh. The second options will cost you 2 days travel at least! 

Things to bring:

• Hat
• lipgloss/ vaseline
• sunblock
• sunglass
• jacket
• long sleeve shirt
• shawl/ mask ( mainly to cover your nose from the dust)
• GOOD camera! ( with tripod if you keen to take Mr Milky Way)

Something to take notes: 

• at time, internet connection can be quite bad in Leh, so, can opt for IDD at the shop which is not that expensive. Other options are activate your daily ROAMING with Maxis!
• Best time for tourist June to August! But, if you choose not to crowd with others, you can choose to travel in September! ( can get good deals with hotel and discount for certain tour)
• If you interested in mountain trekking, please come here earlier to acclimatise before you get AMS ( acute mountain syndrome )

Religion and Culture

This is perhaps what keeps going an ordinary Ladakhi in most inhospitable conditions. At a place where the mercury plummets below zero degrees Celsius in winters and the rainfall during the year is as scant as 50 mm, one needs to be little more than fit to lead a healthy life. Buddhism is the way of life in Ladakh, though there are people of other faiths in Ladakh who live in harmony with each other.

Life Style

Simplicity is the way of life in Ladakh, as the modernity has not touched the town as it has happened in other cities and towns of India. Cut-off from rest of the world, Ladakh is barren yet beautiful. Ladakh comes alive during the fairs and festivals as one can see Ladakhi people in their traditional dress. Ladakhis are the brave people who are industrious and cheerful. Perak, the headgear worn by traditional Ladakhi women is the striking feature of womenfolk of Ladakh. This is a common sight during the festivals. The other feature that is noticeable is the precious stones that adorn a woman's neck in Ladakh. 

Monasteries

Monasteries in Ladakh either belong to Mahayana or Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Hemis Monastery is one of the largest and most popular monasteries in Ladakh Travel. The monastery is quiet popular among tourists and most travelers visit the monastery during Ladakh Travel. The Hemis is center of action during the annual Hemis festival that takes place in June-July. The festival is held to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. This is the best time to see the cultural side of Ladakh. During the festival, locals from remote corners of Ladakh converge on the Hemis monastery. 

Social Structure

Ladakhis follow a patriarchal society where the elder son inherits all the property. He is the one who shoulders the responsibility of the family. But when it comes to younger son or sons, the Ladakhi society permits him to become a lama if he wants. He can also remain in the family. Lamas are devoted to God and remain detach from world affairs. There are about 500 Lamas in Ladakh. Even Hemis Monastery can accommodate up to 150 Lamas.

Buddhism

Buddhism is the dominant religion in Ladakh and one can find its stamp all over in Ladakh. Be it monasteries, music or simple of way of life, Buddhism is essence of Ladakh. One can find 'tangkhas', masks, musical instruments and precious items in the Gompas in Ladakh. A huge painting of the Buddha inside the Hemis Monastery is the biggest draw. Thiksey and Shey monasteries are the classic architectural wonder in the region. No matter which part of Ladakh you travel, the smiling Buddha and His followers greet you in smile. 

click here for more AMAZING photos

Gran Melia, Jakarta

Thanks for giving me this chance to visit Jakarta!

Shocked with the experience that...

It Took me 4.5 hours to reach Jakarta town from Airport! (32 KM apart!)

Nevertheless...

The Hotel Is awesome! 

Sofitel L'Appart Rooftop Lounge

Rooftop Lounge is one of the Bangkok Specialty...

You can't Miss it if you are here!

there are so many great rooftop cafe here!

with Stunning Night View!

I chose Sofitel...

32 th Floor...

Not really High...

But good enough for breathtaking panaromic Night View! 

Siam Paragon

Traffic Jam in Bangkok ...

Is worse than...

KL...

Btw...

Siam Paragon...

Is one of the biggest and best Shopping Mall that you should not miss in Bangkok! 

Erawan Shrine

The Erawan Shrine is a Hindu Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand, that houses a statue of Phra Phrom,The Thai representation of Hindu creation god Brahma.A popular tourist attraction...but...Most of the people come here from all over the world to " make a wish"Hope to get a child...Hope to pass exam...Hope to get wealth...If you wish to make a wish...You are welcomed!

( mind you... The cost to buy the OVER PRICED flowers... etc is costly! )