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

Nubra Valley- Simple Mathematic. How to Travel for FREE !??!?? and gain extra cash ( Part 3 )

What will you say to this scenery?

I only have one word for this God's creation!

WOW!

if I have to give a price tag to this scenery, I will definitely give priceless!

Let say, I tagged it as RM 5000?

Will you pay RM 5000 if you will to savour this scenery for that particular day?

I definitely will! I think for you to go to New Zealand or Europe to have this kind of scenery, it worths that amount of money!

Simple Mathematic:

1. My cost for Leh ( flight, accommodation, transport, visa etc)= RM 5000

2. Pangong Tso scenery worth= RM 5000 (how much do you tag this scenery, if you will to see this ?)

3. Nubra valley scenery worth = RM 5000

Therefore, if I do simple maths:

Cost (1)- Values in return (2+3)= RM 5000- ( RM 5000 + RM 5000)

= - RM 5000

Means....

the trip is totally free!!!! because I paid RM 5000, but I got a value for more than RM 5000!

( that is why the trip is FREE!!! )

HAHA!!!

of course, this vacation means more than just numbers!

It depends on how you perceive the vacation, the trip etc...

Just some introduction for those who never been to Nubra valley:

Nubra (Tibetan : ལྡུམ་ར; Wylie : ldum ra; English : Nubra) is a tri-armed valley located to the north east of Ladakh valley. Diskit the capital of Nubra is about 150 km north from Leh town, the capital of Ladakh district, India. Local scholars say that its original name was Ldumra (the valley of flowers). The Shyok River meets the Nubra or Siachan River to form a large valley that separates the Ladakh and Karakoram Ranges. The Shyok river is a tributary of the Indus river. The average altitude of the valley is about 10,000 ft. i.e. 3048 metres above the sea level. The common way to access this valley is to travel over the Khardung La pass from Leh town. 

For more photos, CLicK!

panoramio

picfair

Pangong Tso, How to Travel for FREE !??!?? and gain extra cash ( Part 2 )

How much do you think visiting this place worth?

I gave it more than RM 5000!  ( if plus the scenery along the journey , I bet it worths more than RM5000) 

Have you watched the 3 idiots movie?
If you have, you must be familiar with this photo and this scenic Pangong Tso.
I bet you also touched by the movie many times as well!
In fact, I watched this movie more than once!

A few minutes into watching the movie, I laugh out so loud. Then there were parts when it touched me a bit, then laughed again.  The movie brought me in a roller coaster of emotions. That's why I watched the second time with my wife again!

Like a well-crafted speech, 3 Idiots challenged our minds, touched our hearts, and definitely tickled our funny bones. What a masterpiece. More than the entertainment, 3 Idiots taught me profound lessons on some of the most important aspects of life.

 On Friendship

Rancho, the lead star, considers a friend as a man’s greatest bosom.There were a couple of scenes in the movie where he put his friends’ needs before his needs. Like a true friend, he would go out of his way to help his friends and his friends’ families, even if this could endanger his life. Despite his super bubbly nature, he touched his friends in a very deep way, it made Farhan and Raju cry. And I bet if you watched the movie, it made you cry too.

On Life

Follow excellence and success will chase you. 

Make your passion your profession.

Study with all your heart, not just for grades. 

Study to be accomplished, not affluent. 

These were some of Rancho’s favorite lines, which he lived by. Rancho always tops the exams. When asked by his friend Farhan how come he always excels,  Rancho’s answer was simple. “I love engineering. It’s my passion.” He further said, Follow your talent. Quit Engineering. Marry photography. This was because Farhan was so good at Wildlife Photography, yet, he’s taking up Engineering because it was his parents’ dream for him to become an Engineer.

Raju then asked Rancho how come he (Raju) doesn’t excel even if he studies hard.Rancho said, Cause you’re a coward. Scared of  the future. With such fear of tomorrow, how’ll you live today? How’ll you focus in your studies? Go live your life. 

Have you make your passion .... YOUR profession?  

So, if you haven't watched 3 Idiots,  I strongly recommend you to watch it! I guaranteed it will make your day! 

Click here for more photos

Also here for others photos

How to Travel for FREE !??!?? and gain extra cash ( Part 1 )

3 Idiots 

 

Just came back from a wonderful trip!
& the Most important is....
The TRIP was totally FREE!
Not just FREE! In fact, I gained extra money from the trip!
The most important question is...
HOW to make the trip totally free of charge!!!

( just bear with me through the whole journey of this trip as I revealed the secrets of the entire journey)

 

Photo 1: bird eye view of Leh.

 

Photo 2: Orange flowers welcomed us to Leh

 

Photo 3: Buddish prayer wheels 

(A prayer wheel is a cylindrical wheel on a spindle made from metal, wood, stone, leather or coarse cotton. Traditionally, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum written in Sanskrit on the outside of the wheel. At the core of the cylinder is a "Life Tree" often made of wood or metal with certain mantras written on or wrapped around it. Many thousands of mantras are then wrapped around this life tree. According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition based on the lineage texts regarding prayer wheels, spinning such a wheel will have much the same meritorious effect as orally reciting the prayers.) 

Photo 4: Souvenirs from Tibetian Market 

 

Photo 5: 3 Idiots

Have you watched 3 Idiots? ( what is 3 Idiots?)

This movie was about friendship of 3 peoples , Farhan, Raju and Rancho!

Farhan (Madhavan) and Raju (Sharman) who on getting a clue on the whereabouts of their college friend, Rancho (Aamir), start a quest to find him. Rancho in his college days was an exceptional, but curious kid, who questions the way education has been taught. His two best friends Farhan and Raju follow his ideals half-heartedly, only to come under the bad books of the dean Viru Sahastrabudhhe (Boman Irani). To everyone’s amazement, amidst his crankiness and naughty college mischief, Rancho always comes first in his exams. His exemplary friendship, love and naughtiness make him a hero amongst his friends and also to the daughter of Viru Sahastrabudhhe, Pia (Kareena Kapoor). Rancho helps his friends to achieve what they dream of, but disappears mysteriously after getting his degree. Why does Rancho run away? What’s behind the mystery? Will Pia get Rancho? Will the two idiots find the third? Find out in Youtube or Daily motion if you are lucky! if Not, Go to the nearest video shop and get a copy of this VCD? DVD?

The movie is a joyful ride from start to finish with the pace tilting downwards only in the middle of the second half. Few good twists and the non-linear style of storytelling help the proceedings in a big way too. But Rajkumar Hirani borrows most of his jokes from the net and also does go filmy in a few scenes like the Sharman interview sequence or Aamir crying for every little thing that his friend does, or the scene where Mona Singh is having a baby and the scene after that. But scenes like the speech by Omi for teacher’s day, or the first time Rancho visits Raju’s house or Mona singh’s marriage, helps in bringing down the entire theatre with laughter. Every single person behind the camera has enjoyed what they have done and that shows clearly in the final product.

Initially, getting to believe Madhavan or Aamir as college students might be quite tough, but as the screenplay moves, we just start enjoying the movie and their acting. Aamir Khan is spectacular as Rancho and age aside, we can’t think of a better Rancho after seeing the movie. Madhavan might not be looking as a college student but he brings a new dimension to his acting repertoire - a brilliant act. Sharman shows his excellence in a role which seems to be written for him. Kareena looks cute and does her role with equal cuteness. Boman Irani is brilliant, but what’s new in it? Mona Singh is good in a small part. The actor enacting the role Omi is easily the find of the season; he is exceptional in almost all his scenes and is a riot to watch. It’s been quite a while since we saw the entire theatre clapping, laughing aloud and whistling with you.

if you wish to have a great weekend this week, why not find this movie and watch it! I had a copy...

can always borrow from me!!!! hahaha

Not to forget, some of the scenes were taken around Leh, Ladakh which is a wonderful place that I will further elaborate later! 

Enjoy the movie!

(click here for the movie , hope it still there when you clicked)

to be continued...