Day around Hunder
A day with much less time spent in the car & less of a challenge on the roads.
Hunder is a place of rich history and culture as it was once a part of the ancient Silk Route that connected India, China, and Central Asia. Hunder has a long and fascinating history that dates back to centuries and it was one of the important stops on the Silk Route, a network of trade routes that linked India, China, and Central Asia, and facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. It was also a hub of commerce and culture, as it attracted traders, travelers, and pilgrims from different regions and religions. Hunder was also a part of the ancient kingdom of Ladakh, which was ruled by various dynasties and empires, such as the Tibetan, Mongol, Kashmiri, and Dogra. Hunder witnessed many wars and invasions, and also enjoyed many periods of peace and prosperity. It has a diverse and harmonious culture, as it reflects the influences of various religions and communities that have lived and visited here. Hunder is predominantly a Buddhist village, as most of the residents belong to the Tibetan Buddhist sect.
Our first stop for the day was the monastery at Diskit. which is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the Nubra Valley. The monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and houses a magnificent statue of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. The monastery also hosts various festivals and ceremonies, such as the Losar, the Tibetan New Year, and the Dosmoche, the festival of the scapegoat.
Very close by is our next stop - the Maitreya Buddha Statue. This is a stunning and impressive statue which is 32 meters high, and stands on a hill overlooking the Nubra Valley. The statue is made of clay, gold, and copper, and depicts Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha, sitting on a lotus throne with a smile on his face. The statue is a symbol of peace and harmony, and attracts many pilgrims and tourists.
Diskit Monastery, Diskit - Diskit Monastery - Wikipedia
We paid a quick visit to a new resort (same management) to look at the facilities & raid the apple orchid - with a bit of assistance from a willing tree climber. There were some very weary looking older motorbike riders arriving!
Then it was out to the Bactrian camels and a little camel riding chaos - we decided being a just being a spectator was a good idea. Bactrian camel - Wikipedia
These camels derive from Mongolia & were bought to the Nubra Valley during the golden silk route trade era. The camels only appear for the designated morning and afternoon ride times. The rides take place around the sand dunes and there is beautiful light as the sun sinks. There are a few food & tea outlets here as well & you can also test your archery skills.
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Our Rajasthanis
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